Possible Release for Compliant Murder Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan decided Sept. 26 that if a murder defendant continues complying with the conditions of release, he could be released from home confinement before his indictment.

Karim Ibrahim, 21, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Javonni Coleman. The incident occurred on Jan. 16 on the 2400 block of S Street, SE.

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley reported that Ibrahim has been in compliance with his home confinement condition. Ibrahim was placed in home confinement on Sept. 11.

Judge Raffinan decided to continue monitoring the defendant, and set a date to reconvene in January to see if Ibrahim continues to stay in compliance.

The defendant may be released from home confinement by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, who is slated to hear the case in January.

However, if the defendant doesn’t continue to comply, Judge Raffinan told him that he would be placed in jail.

The prosecution had no objection to the decision, but stated that the mother of the victim disagreed with releasing the defendant from home confinement.

At Ibrahim’s last hearing, a fight broke out between the victim’s family and the defendant’s family. At the hearing today, neither family was present.

The next status hearing was scheduled for Jan. 17.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A stabbing defendant rejected a plea offer for assault causing bodily injury in front of DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Sept. 26.

Melinda Brown, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, for her alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that left one person injured. The incident occurred on Aug. 4 on the 4000 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

At the hearing Brown’s attorney Adam Harris said Brown intended to reject the plea offer and wanted to continue proceedings awaiting the indictment.

Harris also requested that Brown not be required to report in person for drug testing due to her living far from the location. Judge Pipe refused since records allegedly show she has failed to appear for drug testing twice and tested positive for amphetamines.

According to court documents, Brown intervened in a domestic dispute between two people she knew in their apartment. Brown allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in the leg after they engaged in a domestic squabble.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 19.

Shooting Case in Maryland Delays DC Homicide Trial

A shooting case in Prince George’s County Maryland has delayed a homicide case in DC. The defense and prosecution were hesitant to predict their trial date will stay on track in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Sep. 25.

Gerald Thomas, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted kidnapping while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that resulted in the death of Dasha Cleary, 20, on Jan. 27, 2022, on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. The incident left four others injured.

According to court documents, 11 individuals attended a party at a Days Inn hotel. When Thomas arrived, he allegedly fired multiple rounds into the room, striking his girlfriend, three other individuals, and killing Cleary.

At the hearing, Dominique Winters, Thomas’ defense attorney, waived his presence, citing his detention in Prince George’s County in connection to an unrelated matter. Thomas is the primary suspect in two separate shootings that took place in Bowie, MD, on Nov. 15. No one was injured.

According to Winters, she has had trouble getting into contact with Thomas’ attorney in the Maryland matter to go over a global plea offer provided by the prosecution which could resolve all cases. She has spoken to Thomas himself and predicts that he will likely not accept the deal.

The prosecution also shared that they have had similar struggles getting into contact with the prosecution in PG County, and they have not received much information.

Both parties are uncertain if the trial date in Maryland will affect the DC trial, which is scheduled to begin May 19, 2025. Maryland has already pushed back their date several months, from August to October.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 13.

Judge Grants Rehab For Murder Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted a homicide defendant’s request to attend a 28 day residential drug rehabilitation program as part of his release conditions on Sept. 25.

Dwayne Fountain, 44, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business with a prior felony conviction, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in the homicide of 47-year-old Marcus Carey that occurred on May 4, 2023, on the 3500 block of Hayes Street, NE.

During the status hearing, defense attorney Jason Tulley stated that Fountain had been compliant with his drug tests, most recently getting a negative result on Sept. 19. Tulley said Fountain has been on house arrest for 14 months, and requested that the defendant attend a rehabilitation program for 28 days.

Judge Epstein, covering for DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, modified Fountain’s release conditions to allow the defendant to start rehabilitation on Sept. 26. Prosecution agreed, but requested that Fountain wear a GPS monitor.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 18.

Judge Issues Warrant After Defendant Fails to Appear

A bench warrant for arrest was filed for a stabbing defendant due to his failure to appear in court Sept. 24 He was found non-compliant with conditions of his release by DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.

Billy Williams, 68, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and panhandling.

These charges are in connection to a stabbing on Dec. 7, 2023 at Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, NW Virginia Avenue, NW at approximately 12:30pm. He was released on Jan. 9, 2024 on his own recognizance.

Williams was the object of a bench warrant on Jan. 16, 2024 with charges of failure to appear for a felony arraignment hearing and assault with a dangerous weapon. On July 12, 2024 his release status was downgraded to wearing an ankle monitoring device, weekly urinalysis and attending group therapy..

During the Sept. 24 hearing, defense attorney Henry Escoto arrived late without Williams, after Williams failed to attend the hearing. Judge Di Toro said Williams has been non-compliant in drug testing and has not kept his overnight curfew.

A second bench order was issued against Williams during the hearing for the previous charges of failure to appear for pretrial show cause hearing, and assault with a dangerous weapon (knife), and an added charge of assault with a significant bodily injury.

Williams was scheduled for a motion hearing on Oct. 10.

DC Jail Stabbing Suspect Pleads Not Guilty to Three Charges

A stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges during an arraignment on Sept. 25, before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Bernard Eddy, 24, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying dangerous weapon, felony, and unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution for allegedly stabbing a fellow inmate on March 29, 2023 at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) on the 1900 block of E Street, SE.

During the hearing, Julie Swaney, Eddy’s defense attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 22.

Carjacking Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A defendant involved in a carjacking accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Sept. 25.

Michael Hines, 36, was charged with unarmed carjacking and robbery while armed for his involvement in an armed carjacking on the 900 block of Brentwood Road, NE on March 27. One individual sustained injuries from a headlock.

According to court documents, the victim was at a gas station when Hines arrived and entered her car. She tried to stop Hines from leaving with the car, but he put her in a headlock and took her phone. The victim was able to free herself and Hines left the scene after he was unable to start the car.

In the hearing, Adam Harris, Hines’ attorney, alerted the court of Hine’s acceptance of a plea deal extended by prosecutors.

The deal, according to Harris, required Hines to plead guilty to attempted carjacking, assault with intent to commit a robbery, and two counts of robbery, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 16 for sentencing.

Shooting Defendant Faces Noncompliance Reports

A shooting defendant appeared before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Sept. 25 to address multiple reports of noncompliance with his release terms.

Juaval Huff, 29, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1300 block of Okie Street, NE, on April 22. One person sustained an injury.

According to court documents, ShotSpotter detected two gunshots and reported the sounds to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Once on scene, MPD officers located a person who was lying on the ground, suffering from a large bruise.

Allegedly, Huff pistol-whipped one victim causing the bruise and shot twice at another individual, but missed.

During the hearing, Huff’s parole officer filed a report of noncompliance, claiming Huff failed to attend drug-testing appointments or check in with him, and was arrested for other offenses in Maryland.

Huff’s defense attorney, Gregg Baron, said Huff wishes to negotiate another plea deal, since the previous one expired.

Judge Pipe allowed Huff to remain on release as parties continue to negotiate.

Parties are set to return on Oct. 16.

Stabbing Defendant to Serve 15 Days of Incarceration Instead of 730 Days

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced a stabbing defendant to two years of incarceration, with all but 15 days suspended, on Sept. 24.

On June 4, Vanetta Callaway, 39, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing incident that injured one individual on Nov. 24, 2023, on the 4500 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, Callaway and her baby dad’s new wife got into an argument that ended with Callaway cutting the woman’s face and body.

During the hearing, Judge Christian sentenced Callaway to 730 days of incarceration, with all but 15 days suspended. As part of her sentence, Callaway is required to participate in anger management classes, drug testing and treatment, and three years of probation.

No further dates were set.

Defendant Accepts Plea in Shooting, Strangulation

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal reducing his charges during a status hearing, and DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian accepted the agreement on Sept. 25.

Mico Dutch, 25, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense, and strangulation. Dutch injured his mother at their home after an argument turned violent on July 16, 2024. A vehicle was damaged during the incident, and no injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Dutch threatened to shoot his mother and then continued to assault and strangle her. The defendant shot multiple rounds into his mother’s vehicle, later fleeing and tossing the gun.

During the hearing, defense attorney Santia McLaurin alerted Judge Christian that Dutch planned to accept an Alford plea, which means the defendant maintains their innocence yet the prosecution’s evidence against them would likely result in a guilty verdict being brought to a trial.

Dutch pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and strangulation, in exchange for a dismissal of the other charge.

Under oath, Dutch explained he doesn’t remember portions of the incident as he has a history of blackouts and some attention deficit problems.

The maximum sentencing detailed in the plea for assault with a dangerous weapon conviction is up to 10 years and/or a $25,000 fine, and for strangulation, it is up to 5 years and/or a $12,500 fine.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 3.

Judge Postpones Carjacking Sentencing

On Sept. 25, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow delayed a carjacking defendant’s sentencing after his defense attorney requested additional time to review the pre-sentencing recommendation report.

On July 17, Guilbert Rojas Villarroel, 40, pleaded guilty to robbery threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and first-degree theft, for his involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred Sept. 9, 2023 on the 2100 block of K Street, NW. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, a driver was picking up an Uber Eats order when the defendant took over the driver’s seat with the owner’s brother in the passenger seat. Then, the defendant allegedly made threats to kill the car owner’s brother if he were to try and contact emergency services or the authorities.

Villarroels’ attorney, Chris Mutimer, made the postponement request.

Parties set to reconvene on Nov. 13.

Closing Arguments in Shooting Over Loud Music

Parties in a shooting incident delivered closing statements on Sept. 24 before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Calvon Brown, 31, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on March 22 on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. One individual sustained injuries.

During their closing arguments, the prosecution claimed that Brown lured the victim into the alley and shot him because he was playing rap artist Tupac’s music loudly over a speaker.

The prosecuting attorney emphasized that the victim had been consistent in his identification of Brown as the person who shot him. The prosecution reviewed camera footage of the incident, and stated that Brown “went out of his way to confront [the victim].”

However, defense attorney Tammy Thom claimed that the prosecution has no credible evidence to prove Brown guilty. She argued that the victim has not been properly investigated as the prime suspect of this case, stating he could have shot the gun himself and blamed Brown.

According to Thom, the victim continued to lie about multiple aspects of the incident, including not being armed. Thom argued that a 911 call placed by an eyewitness—which identified the victim walking away from the alley allegedly with a gun in one hand and a speaker in the other—differed from the victim’s own testimony that he was not armed during the incident.

“No one saw [Brown] with a gun,” Thom stated, adding that “The only person seen with a gun is [the victim].”

Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Judge Admits Prior Bad Actions As Evidence in Shooting Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a prosecutor’s request to introduce a shooting defendant’s prior bad acts through the victim’s testimony on Sept. 24.

Jamal Coleman, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed, for his alleged involvement in a May 4, 2023 drive-by shooting that occurred on the 4600 block of Polk Street, NE.

According to the parties, Coleman acted as the driver of the vehicle when an occupant’s shot and injured one person.

At the hearing, the prosecution’s motion for reconsideration to admit prior bad acts evidence through the victim’s testimony, which was filed on Sept. 23, was granted.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller and Carrie Weletz insisted the motion doubles down on conspiracy charges and prejudicial information, as the defendant was not the alleged shooter and Coleman had no knowledge that the shooting would occur.

Judge Brandt disagreed, and told them they would have a chance to question the victim themselves.

Judge Brandt argued that the legal theory that allows the motion to be granted is based on Coleman’s alleged aiding and abetting of the shooter. Aiding and abetting allows an individual who may have not specifically acted in an incident to be charged with the same charges as the perpetrator due to their knowledge and encouragement of the incident.

Due to issues with the lead prosecutor, the trial, which was slated to begin Sept. 24, was delayed by a day.

Parties will reconvene Sept. 25.

Jury Delivers Guilty Verdict for Shooter Claiming Self-Defense

A jury convicted a shooting defendant of nine out of 11 charges, following a multi-week long trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sept. 24.

Adrian Lee, 49, was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a shooting incident that left an individual injured on April 18, 2023, on the 700 block of Gresham Place, NW.

During the trial, prosecutors and Lee’s defense team, Albert Amissah and Destiny Fullwood-Singh, argued Lee acted in self-defense following a confrontation after a car accident.

However, the prosecution said Lee disregarded the victim’s and his wife’s safety, and used unnecessary force after a dispute over Lee’s expired insurance card. Prosecutors deemed the shooting unprovoked.

The jury, which started deliberations on Sept. 23, convicted Lee of all charges, except assault with intent to kill and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec 13.

Prosecution Extends Deadline for Shooting Defendant’s Plea Offer

The prosecution placed a plea offer on the record and extended the deadline when a shooting defendant must make his decision before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Sept. 25.

Mekhi Wilkins, 19, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Aug. 20 at the 200 block of 37th Place, SE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, a police officer was flagged down for help by a woman who said a passenger in her vehicle’s left ankle was grazed by a bullet.

Wilkins is also charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Jan. 20 at the 1100 block of Holbrook Terrace, NE. No injuries were reported.

At the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court that they had provided the defense more time.

This offer would require Wilkins to plead guilty to aggravated assault and possession of a firearm. In exchange, the prosecution would agree to dismiss Wilkins’ other pending case.

The defense originally had a deadline of Sept. 25 but are now required to make a decision about the plea offer by Oct. 4.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 4.

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