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Stabbing Defendant Denied Release 

During a felony status conference on Oct. 21, an attempt to establish a stabbing defendant’s release conditions was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Daquan Session, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing a victim during a robbery on the 1300 block of 7th Street NW on April 29; the victim was later found on the 600 block of M street NW.

Defense attorney, Bryan T Bookhard, requested Judge Park impose GPS monitoring and a stay-away order from the victim, noting Session’s mother was present in the courtroom and he could stay with her.

The defense claimed there were inconsistencies in the arrest affidavit, including the robbery charge and allegations of an altercation.

According to the prosecution, the victim was found with stab wounds was hospitalized and evidence includes a bloody fabric material, thus making the allegations credible.

The prosecution objected to release conditions and argued Session should remain detained because of a previous domestic violence charge, and the fact a weapon was involved.

Judge Park found probable cause that Session committed a crime of violence with a weapon and no conditions ensure safety of the community in denying the suspect’s release.

The bond motion was denied and a jury trial date is set for Jan. 14.

Judge Deems Stabbing Defendant Too Dangerous For Release

D.C. Superior Court Judge Brandt deemed a stabbing defendant too dangerous to be released during his preliminary hearing on Oct. 10. 

James Callen III, 40, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on July 13. It is unclear where the incident occurred in the District.  

During the hearing, Alvin Thomas Jr., Callen’s attorney, alerted Judge Brandt of his intent to waive his right to the preliminary hearing. Thomas asked the court to consider releasing Callen to house arrest and GPS monitoring.

The prosecution expressed concern that Callen was not a “good candidate for release” and requested he remain held because of his criminal history, highlighting past assault, domestic violence, and contempt charges.

A victim attended the hearing remotely and expressed worry about the defendant being’s release while awaiting trial. The individual alleged that Callen “brutally attacked” and “tried to stab [them] to death.” 

The victim explained that this was not the first time Callen had harmed them and would not be the last if he was released. The victim went on to explain that Callen had been contacting them from jail and threatening to harm them and their loved ones if he was released. 

Prosecutors provided evidence of the injuries the victim endured during the assault. The photos showcased the victim’s stab wounds and blood stains at the scene, where prosecutors claimed they almost bled out.

Judge Brandt ruled that Callen would stay in custody awaiting trial. Judge Brandt explained that his history of violence and contempt of requirements showed that he could not be trusted to follow court directives. Releasing him on house arrest with GPS would put the victim in danger, Judge Brandt concluded.

Parties alerted Judge Brandt they’re in plea negotiations.

Parties are set to convene on Nov. 7.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Indictment Charges

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, on Oct. 18. 

Christopher Tyler, 46, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, first-degree burglary while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm on a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Nolan Edwards at the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE, on July 7, 2023. 

During the hearing, Frances D’Antuono, Tyler’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial. 

Parties agreed to a trial date in February of 2026. 

Parties will reconvene on March 15.

Shooting Co-Defendant Waives DNA Testing Right And Can Attend Halloween Festival

A shooting defendant waived his right to DNA testing and received permission from DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun to attend a Halloween festival and stay out one hour past his curfew on Oct. 18. 

Daquawn Lubin, 29, and Jonathan Young, 34, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals that occurred on the 4000 block of Benning Road, SE on July 24, 2023. 

At the hearing, Kevin O’Sullivan, Lubin’s defense attorney, alerted the court of Lubin’s intention to waive his right to DNA testing. 

The prosecution listed all of the physical evidence that they had tested for this case, including clothing items, cartridge casings, blood swabs, and buccal swabs for inside the mouth samples taken from both Lubin and Young. The results of the testing were provided to the defense but not placed on the record.  

O’Sullivan also addressed the court about a motion to review Lubin’s release conditions. The prosecution agreed to file a written response to the motion by Oct. 25. 

In the meantime, O’Sullivan said Lubin wanted to attend a Halloween festival with his four-year-old child on Oct. 19 but was concerned that he would not make it back to his residence in time for his 10 p. m. curfew. Judge Okun agreed to modify his curfew only for Oct. 19 so that Lubin would be required to return home an hour later at 11 p. m. 

Also at the hearing, Judge Okun addressed Cheryl Stein, Young’s defense attorney’s, motion to withdraw from the case. Judge Okun agreed and will appoint another attorney. This is the second court-appointed attorney for Young. . 

Judge Okun warned Young that he may not be able to request another new attorney after he is appointed a new one. 

“You don’t have an unlimited number of attorneys that I can appoint for you,” Okun said. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 8.

Document: MPD Investigating a Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Leonard Taylor Jr. that took place on Oct. 20, on the 1500 hundred block of 19th Street, SE. Upon responding to reports of a vehicle crash in the 1400 block of 18th Street, Southeast, officers discovered the victim with a gunshot wound inside a vehicle. He was later pronounced dead on the scene.

Mass Shooting Defendant Waives His Right to DNA Testing

A mass shooting defendant waived his right to independent DNA testing on evidence recovered in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 18.

William Johnson-Lee, 21, Erwin Dubose, 30, Kamar Queen, 27, and Damonta Thompson, 21, are four of six individuals charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, and assault with intent to kill, among other charges, for their involvement in the mass shooting that claimed the lives of 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Baxter, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner.  

The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and left three others suffering from injuries. 

Toyia Johnson, 52, and Mussay Rezene, 31, are charged with accessory after the fact and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the other defendants get rid of evidence and avoid getting caught in connection to the case. 

At the hearing, the prosecution told the court that they had completed two rounds of DNA testing, including cars and water bottles, that closely matched Rezene’s genetic profile. Johnson-Lee’s attorney, Peter Fayne, alerted the court that Johnson-Lee planned on waiving his right to independently test the DNA evidence recovered.

Also at the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court that Rezene still had an outstanding motion to sever his case from the rest of his co-defendants. Judge Okun was unwilling to set a status hearing date to address the matter pending a review of supplemental documents from the defense regarding the motion and the prosecution’s response. 

Judge Okun set a deadline of Nov. 4 for the defense to submit supplemental documents and a deadline of Nov. 18 for the prosecution to respond to the motion. 

All parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 7. 

Carjacking Defendant Detained After Rejecting Plea Deal

Probable cause was established for a carjacking defendant after he rejected a plea deal on Oct. 18 before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond.  

Tony White, also known as Alexander Sedrick, 53, is charged with unarmed carjacking, simple assault, and leaving after colliding with property damage, for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on Sept. 20 on the 2300 block of 18th Street, NE. 

During the hearing, the prosecution extended a deal in which the defendant would plead guilty to robbery and leaving after colliding with property damage, with the sentences served concurrently, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. 

Defense attorney Craig Ricard turned down the plea on his client’s behalf.

An officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who was at the scene testified she talked to an another officer who was already there and offered assistance after an accident. After the suspect’s claiming to the officer it was his friend’s car, the defendant fled the scene and the officer chased after him.  

Moments later, the officer received notice that the suspect and vehicle matched a lookout for a stolen vehicle from a car wash nearby. Police say White stole the vehicle and hit three vehicles before crashing into a pole himself. 

During the hearing, Ricard attempted to argue for a lesser charge of theft but Judge Raymond ruled that probable cause has been established based on the elements defining a carjacking. 

The defense also pushed for home confinement and drug treatment as an alternative to detention. However, Judge Raymond sided with the prosecution against this based on a list of prior convictions, multiple failure to appear notices, and the timeliness of this offense. 

The defendant was taken back into custody awaiting his next hearing on Nov. 7.

Document: MPD Seeking Suspect in a Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a shooting that took place on Oct. 18, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, an unidentified adult male, who was conscious, breathing, and suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in August Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 64-year-old George Queen, who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, related to a shooting incident that took place on Aug. 7 in the unit block of Forrester Street, SW. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the adult male victim who was suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Document: Suspect Wanted in Fatal Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they’re searching for 42-year-old Darvin Banks, who was allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old William Spriggs, that took place on May 22, on the 4800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Upon responding to reports of gunshots, officers discovered Spriggs, who was pronounced dead on scene.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to All Charges

Before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Oct. 18, a murder defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Cory Heard, 23, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that resulted in the death of 35-year-old Rodney Snead. The shooting occurred on Nov. 20, 2023 on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE. 

Heard’s attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty, and asserted all constitutional rights. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 13.

Parties Will File Severance Motions in Co-Defendant Shooting Case

Three shooting co-defendants alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe that they plan to file motions to sever their cases, during a hearing on Oct. 18. 

Purnell Jackson, 38, Charles Turner, 37, and Kharee Jackson, 31, are charged with conspiracy, eight counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unarmed carjacking, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, unlawful possession of ammunition, carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or place of business, second-degree burglary, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

They are charged for their alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting that left three people injured. This crime occurred on Aug. 24, 2022, on the unit block of Quincy Place, NE. 

Defense attorneys, Daniel Dorsey for Kharee Jackson, Rachel Cicurel for Charles Turner and Julie Swaney for Purnell Jackson stated they want to ensure against jury bias so each defendant will receive a fair trial based only on the evidence against each individual.

Parties were given a deadline to file discussed motions of severance on or before Jan. 6, 2025. 

Parties are set to reconvene Nov. 15.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspects in a Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating two suspects involved in a shooting in the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Quebec Place, NW. Officers on the scene located the victim, an adult female, who was subsequently transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for non-life-threatening gunshot injuries.

MPD Detective Denies Threatening Witness to Lie During Homicide Investigation

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified that he did not threaten a witness or ask a witness to lie during a homicide and conspiracy trial before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo  on Oct. 16.

Eugene Burns, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the Nov. 14, 2015, fatal shooting of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.

Burns was convicted of these charges in 2017, but the DC Court of Appeals overturned the verdict in 2020. The court ruled that investigators had searched beyond what was legally allowed.

Burns and Tyre Allen, 24, are also charged with conspiracy, obstructing justice by influencing or delaying a witness or officer, and obstruction of justice for their alleged attempts to persuade a witness to redact testimony from Burns’ first trial. 

The detective was the former lead detective in the 2015 murder of Osuchukwu before he retired in 2020.

The witness, who was allegedly threatened was Burns’ cousin and Allen’s brother. 

According to the detective, Allen’s brother originally contacted MPD through an anonymous phone call, saying he had evidence regarding his cousin’s involvement in Osuchukwu’s murder.

Following that call, the lead detective said he interviewed the witness on Nov. 20, 2015. The witness told the detective that Burns shot and killed Osuchukwu. 

The witness provided testimony regarding the claim at Burn’s first trial.

The prosecution presented evidence from 2020 when the witness recanted his testimony through a signed affidavit stating that he lied to the court and to the police. 

The affidavit was created by Burns’s former attorney, Ronald Resetarits, and alleged the witness lied because of potential reward money, fear of going to jail, and animosity for Burns. 

The affidavit further alleged that these fears stemmed from the detective’s threatening the witness and asking him to provide a fabricated story.

Allegations include the detective telling the witness that he knew Burns committed the murder but could not prove it, that the witness would receive $25,000 in reward money if he provided testimony that resulted in a conviction, and that he could face jail time as Burns was claiming he was the mastermind of the murder.

The detective said he had no knowledge of the affidavit and was not made aware of the witness’s recantation or allegations until the beginning of this trial in 2024. There was never a formal claim against the detective for any misconduct.

The detective denied the witness’s claims in their entirety.

Footage of the detective’s interview with the witness was shown to the jury and appeared to substantiate the detective’s assertions that the claims of misconduct were false.

Trial is set to resume on Oct. 17.