Shooting Defendant Claims Self-Defense in Trial

A shooting defendant claimed he acted in self-defense before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s courtroom on Sept. 19.

Jerry Tyree, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of liquid PCP, and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged role in a Nov. 29, 2023, shooting on the 5900 block of Foote Street, NE. A transgender woman sustained injuries to her penis and groin during the incident.

Sara Kopecki, Tyree’s defense attorney, called on the defendant to testify about his recollection of the incident.

Tyree testified that after leaving a liquor store near his home, he encountered an individual he believed to be a woman who flagged him down. According to Tyree, the two agreed to exchange money for a sexual act, after which they proceeded to the crime scene. Inside an apartment building, Tyree said, the individual performed oral sex while placing her hand in his pocket and taking approximately 80 dollars.

Tyree said that the individual produced a firearm when he demanded his money back. He testified that in fearing for his life, he attempted to disarm her, and in the struggle, the gun discharged. Tyree emphasized that he was not trying to fire the weapon but only meant to twist it out of her hand. He explained that after the gun went off, he took the firearm and fled.

During his testimony, Tyree became emotional when asked why he hadn’t reported the incident to the police. He spoke of his long-standing distrust of law enforcement, recounting a previous incident in which he was allegedly robbed and falsely imprisoned by police officers.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 23.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Sept. 19.

Darryl Myers, 51, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significantly bodily injury while armed, misdemeanor sex abuse, and simple assault, for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on June 7 at the Dupont Circle near the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and 20th Street, NW.. One person sustained four stab wounds to the neck, while another individual was allegedly groped.

According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Myers, approached a couple sitting at a park bench and began yelling slurs at them. Allegedly, he groped the woman, and, when the man tried to stop Myers, he allegedly stabbed him. Police detained him after someone matching his description was transported to the same emergency room as the stabbing victim.

At the hearing, Myers’ attorney, Alvin Thomas, announced that he intends to plead not guilty to all charges and requested a speedy jury trial.

The prosecution also alerted Judge O’Keefe they had extended a plea deal, which would require Myers to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Myers rejected the offer, and reasserted his constitutional rights.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 20.

Shooting Defendant’s Trial Postponed For Defense’s Ongoing Investigation

A shooting defendant’s attorney requested DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe delay trial, slated to begin in October, in order to continue investigating the case on Sept. 19.

Antonio Hawley, 21, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed , possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the murder of Aaron Wiggins, 26. The incident occurred on the 400 block of 13th Street, SE, on Oct. 6, 2021.

According to court documents, Wiggins sustained at least 12 gunshot wounds, injuring his body, including his elbow, arms, hands, legs, hips, and chest.

During the hearing, Julie Swaney, Hawley’s attorney, alerted Judge O’Keefe she was not prepared to go to trial, stating the defense is conducting its own investigation, which could end with a Winfield motion which provides information that may prove someone other than the defendant committed the crime.

Due to the defense’s ongoing investigation, Judge O’Keefe granted the request for a trial delay. A new trial date was scheduled for January 2026.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 20.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges in his arraignment hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Sept. 19.

Deonte Spicer, 37, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Tyvez Monroe, 27, on Dec. 26, 2023, on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were sent to the scene of the incident, where they found Monroe lying on a sidewalk by a bus stop. He was transported to George Washington University Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

During the hearing, his defense attorney, Marnitta King, announced that he intends to plead not guilty to all charges and invoked his right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 22.

‘He Was There Behind the Scenes,’ Judge Says in Sentencing Man to More Than 100 Years in Conspiracy, Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a defendant who provided the guns for a shooting to 108 years and six months in prison on Sept. 19.

Stephen Nelson, 22, was convicted on July 10 of conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, assault with the intent to kill while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of an unregistered firearm in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW. Another juvenile sustained injuries after suffering a gunshot wound to the leg.

Nelson was charged alongside Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, who were sentenced to 164 and 108 years of incarceration.

Judge Brandt said the jury found Nelson responsible for the shooting due to his role in providing the guns to Jackson, Freeman and the other co-conspirators. She said phone and text conversations showed he knew how the guns were being used.

“He was there behind the scenes,” Judge Brandt said.

Judge Brandt said that while Nelson did not pull the trigger, the jury found he was involved in the murder and conspiracy and she had to sentence him according to that. She laid out a sentence of 108 years and six months in prison.

“It would be unfair to give Mr. Nelson a different sentence than his colleagues,” Judge Brandt said.

Before the judge gave the sentence, Nelson turned to the victim’s family sitting in the gallery, and apologized.

“I’m sorry about your son,” Nelson said to the victim’s mother.

Prosecutors said Nelson has been in the criminal justice system his entire adult life and knows the consequences of his actions. They said Nelson was not an “unwitting participant,” but was the one supplying the guns and offering encouragement to the perpetrators of the shooting.

“The community should not have to take another chance on Mr. Nelson,” the prosecutor said.

Lisbeth Saperstein, one of Nelson’s attorneys, said Jackson and Freeman could have gotten the guns from another source if Nelson had not provided them. She asked the judge for a sentence that reflects his involvement in the crime, which did not involve actively shooting people.

Judge Brandt ordered Nelson to pay $2,200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund by Dec. 31, 2075.

Judge Brandt told Nelson that he has 30 days to file an appeal.

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.

Defense Asks for More Time Before Competency Reevaluation

A defense attorney requested a felony status conference postponement to allow more time to decide if the defendant needs a full mental competency screening in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Sept. 20.

Christopher Cary, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of one victim in the lower back on Feb. 29 at the 3600 block of 16th Street, NW.

Cary did not appear because he refused to allow US Marshals to transport him to court from the DC Jail. His appearance was waived by Janai Reed, his attorney.

Reed requested the felony status conference postponement because she needs to more time to speak to Cary and review the evidence obtained through discovery from the prosecution. Reed said that although Cary was found competent to stand trial in April, he was deemed incompetent in prior findings.

Reed informed the court that she wants more time to decide whether to file a motion to have Cary reevaluated for competency. She suggested a hearing “just to be safe” which Judge Pasichow denied.

Reed also mentioned that she is in contact with the prosecution about a potential plea offer but the terms were undisclosed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 11.

Parties Clash Over Witness Testimony in Mother and Son Murder Case

In a Sept. 20 motion hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective confirmed a suspect’s presence in surveillance footage.

Jaquell Jackson, 20, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and second-degree murder while armed.

Chakeatia Jackson, 39, Jaquell’s mother, is also charged with second-degree murder while armed. Jackson is not currently detained while Jaquell has been jailed.

The charges stem from the mother and son’s alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on the 1300 Block of Congress Street, SE, on Sept. 15, 2021, which resulted in the death of 37-year-old Tarshaqua Chappell.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective said Jaquell was identified from social media posts, surveillance footage and a witness who named Jaquell based on knowledge of his stature, clothing and build.

Defense attorney Brian McDaniel raised concerns about the identification due to grainy surveillance footage and that when the witness was questioned, the interview was not recorded, leaving what was said known only by the MPD detective and the witness.

Due to schedule conflicts and time restrictions, the hearing was continued to Oct. 9.

Victim Shouts ‘You Lose!’ to Defendant in Heated Testimony

A victim told a shooting defendant, “You lose!” during testimony before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian’s courtroom on Sept. 20.

Calvon Brown, 31, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, 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.

Prosecutors called on the victim of the shooting to continue his testimony during cross examination. Tammy Thom, Brown’s attorney, cross examined the victim.

During testimony, the victim claimed that he took a gun from Brown during the incident but discarded it in a nearby trash bin. Thom referenced a 911 call indicating the victim carried the gun away from the scene. The victim responded, “I am no liar,” leading to a heated exchange with the attorney.

Frustrated by Thom’s questioning the victim repeatedly shouted, “I am the victim!” After stepping down from the stand, he exclaimed, “You have to respect my fu***** word!” before addressing Brown directly, saying, “I am the victim. You lose!”

The prosecution called several witnesses to establish the context of the shooting and the investigation.

The lead detective testified that he obtained video footage of the interaction before the incident. He was able to post a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) for a suspect seen in the video. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer patrolling the area recognized the suspect as Calvon Brown.

Another MPD detective interviewed the victim to identify the shooter. She testified that the victim never mentioned the shooter’s wearing glasses or a head covering —both of which Brown was allegedly seen wearing on the day of the incident.

After the prosecution finished its case, Thom requested acquittal arguing that the victim, the sole witness, lacked credibility due to contradictions in his testimony and failure to accurately identify the shooter.

In response, the prosecution maintained that the victim was clear in identifying Brown as the shooter and he did not waver on that point throughout his testimony.

Judge Christian denied acquittal explaining that there was sufficient evidence for a jury to determine the defendant’s guilt.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 23.

‘I Took the Knife Out Myself,’ Stabbing Victim Tells Jury

A victim recalled his shock following a stabbing and told the jury he “took the knife out” himself, before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Sept. 19.

Amadelia Hernandez, 35, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing incident that occurred on March 29 on the 400 block of Emerson Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries from this incident.

In their opening statement, the prosecution said that on the night of the incident, the victim sustained a cut from a chef’s knife when Hernandez allegedly stabbed him.

According to the prosecution, some of the blood in the apartment where the incident occurred had been cleaned up before officers and medical services arrived.

Hernandez’s attorney, Damon Catacalos, argued that she acted in self-defense.

According to Catacalos, the victim is an alcoholic who acts aggressively when under the influence. He argued that is what happened on the night of the incident, as medical documents showed he had been under the influence at the time.

When the prosecution called the victim to testify, he recalled watching TikTok videos with his landlord on his cellular device and laughing at them. The victim said he was making a smoothie when he began to feel “heat” on his lower back.

The victim told the jury he realized he was stabbed when he pulled out the knife and threw it in the kitchen sink. He told the landlord to call 911, and the landlord identified the defendant as the one who allegedly stabbed the victim.

The victim testified while waiting for officers to arrive he watched the defendant and another tenant in the household clean up evidence.

During cross-examination, the defense asked the victim about his drinking problem. The victim said he spent approximately two weeks in rehab and hadn’t had anything to drink at the time of the incident.

The responding officer, in her testimony, described the victim’s demeanor as calm but shocked when he first talked to police and displayed his injury.

The defense asked about the night prior to the stabbing, when the victim allegedly waved a knife at the defendant’s belly and laughed. Although police were called, no arrests were made.

The victim denied the allegations.

Trial will resume on Sept. 23.

‘I Am Not a Violent Person,’ Says Shooting Defendant at Sentencing Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow sentenced a shooting defendant to 51 months of imprisonment with three years supervised release on Sept. 20.

Anthony Moten, 38, was convicted of aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in the non-fatal shooting of one victim in the stomach on April 12 at the 1600 block of 17th Street, SE.

At the hearing, the protection asked for Moten to be sentenced to 72 months, citing the seriousness of the offense. The prosecution raised concerns about Moten’s prior history of assaultive conduct and a prior misdemeanor for carrying a pistol without a license. They also noted that Moten has failed to comply with the terms of probation in the past.

The prosecution also shared a written statement from the victim who could not be present in court because the person is currently being held in jail facing felony charges.

“What he did still makes me scared to go outside with my daughter,” read the statement.

Camille Wagner, Moten’s attorney, said that Moten was acting in self defense and that the prosecution’s request for the highest range was not a just sentence. She said her client has a son who needs his father and that Moten is motivated to do better. Wagner asked for a 39 month sentence.

Moten also provided a statement and told the court that he wanted to let the victim’s family know he is sorry and he wants to make things right.

“I am not a violent person, I don’t believe in violence or harming people,” Moten said.

Before imposing the sentence, Judge Pasichow said when looking at Moten’s history, she began seeing patterns of assaultive conduct beginning 14-years-ago. She said she thought there must be something else going on because shooting is “a little bit” beyond what is tolerable.

Judge Pasichow noted that Moten had previously indicated that he was not involved with drugs but was positive for PCP at the time of his arrest. She said that Moten’s denial was a “patent lie” and that his disinterest in preventing another incident was unacceptable.

Judge Pasichow sentenced Moten to a 51 months in prison with three years of supervised release. He is required to pay 200 dollars to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund, register as a gun offender upon release, and complete an outpatient substance abuse program. Moten must also submit to regular drug and alcohol testing and seek as well as gain lawful employment.

No further dates were set.

Family of Hit-and-Run Victim Asks for Maximum Sentence

On Sept. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a man convicted of manslaughter to nine years with two years of probation for one count of involuntary manslaughter.

Eric Beasley, 33, was initially charged with first-degree murder, but pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a hit-and-run incident on the 2100 Block of Young Street, SE on Sept. 4, 2020, resulting in the death of 45-year-old David Farewell.

According to court documents agreed to a sentence ranging from six-to-nine years in prison.

The prosecution argued for the maximum sentence, saying the act was done with malice and, by reducing the sentence from first-degree murder to involuntary manslaughter, the justice system was doing a disservice to the grieving family.

In an impact statements Farewell’s family members said Beasley should be given life without parole. “His life is worth more than six-to-nine years your honor,” one family member said.

Defense Attorneys Madalyn Harvey and Patrick Nowak acknowledged the damage Beasley caused, but argued for a lesser sentence since prosecutor’s dropped the murder charge as part of the plea. Since then Beasley has been attending classes and is becoming more “thoughtful with age,” the defense said.

Beasley addressed the grieving family, saying he wished he could have done better instead of fleeing the scene.”

Considering the facts, Judge Raffinan sentenced Beasley to nine years, suspending one.n.

Beasley must also follow a specialized intervention plan including anger management, substance abuse and mental health evaluations.

Beasley’s sentence is set to run consecutively to any other pending confinement.

Murder Co-Defendant’s Request to Sever Denied

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan in a hearing on Sept. 20. denied Tony Morgan’s request to sever his case from his co- defendant Martinez Raynor prior to a trial on Nov. 12.

Tony Morgan, 29, and Martinez Raynor, 23, are charged with six counts of conspiracy, first degree-murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with the intent to kill while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a shooting incident on the 3500 Block of Wheeler Road, SE, on Oct. 20, 2018, which resulted in the death of 19-year-old Malik McCloud.

Defense Attorney’s Steven Kiersh and Megan Allburn presented arguments on the behalf of Morgan stating that the firearm evidence that was retrieved from the vehicle used at the crime scene does not provide a strong enough link to Morgan’s being involved.

That led to a motion for severance.

The prosecution disagreed, saying social media records allegedly show countless interactions between Morgan and Raynor.

In addition, the prosecution also showed evidence that the vehicle used at the crime scene was allegedly linked to Morgan, as well as his cell phone pinging near the crime scene and vehicle recovery scene.

Given the arguments Judge Raffinan found that there was not grounds for severance as the evidence against Morgan is not insignificant and that it does indicate a link between Morgan and the crime.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 24. A trial date was set for Nov. 12, 2024.

Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

On Sept. 18, a shooting defendant waived his right to have a preliminary hearing in DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond’s courtroom.

Rashid Shabazz, 25, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in multiple shootings on March 4 on the 200 and 300 block of 50th Street NE.

According to court documents, there were reports of three different shooting incidents during which officers got multiple calls describing the shooter, later identified as Shabazz, standing in the street, firing a gun and screaming. A few minutes after officers got the third call they located Shabazz who fit the suspect’s description.

During the hearing, Erin Scialpi, Shabazz’s defense attorney, alerted the court he planned to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

The defense requested for this case to be handled by DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow, since she is handling two other matters involving the defendant.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 20.

Victim Claims ‘I am Not a Liar!’ During Heated Shooting Trial Testimony

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian excused a shooting victim from testifying in court after refusing to answer questions on Sept. 19.

Prosecutors called on the victim of the shooting to continue his testimony.

The prosecution revealed the victim’s prior criminal history including a conviction in Maryland for third-degree burglary. He is currently incarcerated in the DC jail for allegedly kidnapping his own son.

During testimony, the victim explained that Brown prevented him from entering a store to buy marijuana supplies. He revealed that he told Brown, “I swear to God, I will f*** you up,” before the incident. He had previously testified that he always carried a hammer, just in case he needed to defend himself.

During cross examination, the victim stated he didn’t see any guns on the day of the incident, but defense attorney Tammy Thom referenced grand jury transcripts where he previously said he saw individuals carrying guns inside the store.

“I’m not a liar! I’m not a p***!” the victim said to the jury after being asked about the inconsistency. “If I knew he had a gun, I would take out my hammer,” he added.

The victim also testified to losing a speaker he had after the incident, but Thom presented video evidence apparently contradicting his claim.

“I say the truth! The truth and the truth and the truth!” the victim shouted into the microphone.

After further questioning, the victim said, “I’m not going to talk anymore. I win the case.” The jury was then excused from the courtroom.

Prior to trial, parties debated the admissibility of a screwdriver that was found in a clothes bag the victim’s girlfriend had.

Thom said it was crucial the jury know about the screwdriver since it suggested a predisposition. Judge Christian denied the request.

Following the outburst, the prosecution requested a pause in the victim’s testimony so he could consult his attorney, but the judge denied the request.

Thom then sought a mistrial, arguing the defense was not allowed to fully cross-examine the witness–that request was also denied. She subsequently asked that the victim’s testimony be excluded from the record.

Judge Christian instructed both parties to submit briefs before he makes a decision.

Court Denies Reconsideration of Release for Non- Fatal Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied a request for release on Sept. 20 for non-fatal stabbing defendant Chackell Anderson.

Anderson, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery, and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Sept. 3 on the 1900 block of 17th Street, SE. There were two victims, one who sustained stab wounds, and another who was assaulted.

Defense attorney Thomas Healy requested that Judge Park reconsider the defendant’s release conditions because the victim allegedly recanted some of the statements that were used to establish probable cause.

The victim also requested that the stay away order be lifted so that Anderson “could come home.” Healy requested that given that new pieces of information, the case be open for further investigation.

The prosecution argued against Anderson’s release and the judge decided to continue to hold Anderson at the DC Jail.

The prosecution is expected to use DNA evidence, however due to “some delays” results would not be available for two weeks.

Judge Park said he expects to receive updates about testing on Oct. 8.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Dec. 12 for trial.

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