In Spite of Probable Links to Murder Defendant, Suspect Waives DNA Testing

A homicide defendant waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence, despite it showing a strong likelihood that blood belonging to the defendant and the victim was found in multiple areas of the crime scene, before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 31.

Lavaughn Barnes, 33, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death and dismembering of Abdulio Arias-Lopez, 59, on Nov. 3, 2023, on the 1300 block of Kearny St NE.

According to court documents, Arias Lopez’s body was found in a mummified state and missing multiple extremities when it was discovered on Feb. 3, 2024 in the backyard of Barnes’ house.

The prosecution read from the DNA report and stated that DNA collected from at least ten locations in the basement of Barnes’ home were conclusively blood stains. Of those blood stains, all had strong inclusory evidence of belonging to either Arias-Lopez or Barnes, three reported evidence of including both.

Under counsel of Jason Tulley, Barnes’ attorney, Barnes waived his right to independent DNA testing.

Parties will reconvene on April 11.

Defendant Sentenced to 28 Months for Stabbing Daughter’s Boyfriend

A defendant was sentenced to 28 months for stabbing his daughter’s boyfriend on Oct. 31 by DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

On Sept. 9, James Williams, 41, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing on Aug. 7, on the 1300 block of Missouri Avenue, NW.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of ten-to-28 months of incarceration.

According to court documents, the stabbing stemmed from a verbal altercation between Williams and his daughter’s boyfriend, when Williams stabbed the victim twice in the ribcage from the back.

In William’s statement, he said that this was a family matter, adding “I am not happy for what I’ve done… I apologize your honor.”

The prosecution argued for the higher end of the sentence of 24-month incarceration due to the seriousness of the crime, stating that “the victim is lucky to be alive.”

They added that Williams’ old, yet long, criminal history of drug distribution, several unprosecuted arrests, and violation of prior probation pose a threat to the community.

Defense attorney Susan Ellis noted the prior probation violation was due to Williams’ father’s death, as well as the defendant’s being shot, and a bad ending for a serious relationship. Since then, the defendant has turned to family and God, and he is employed at a church, according to Ellis.

Ellis requested a short split sentence which would have included 10 months of incarceration followed by a longer probationary period where he would do community service with his home improvement skills.

She argued that this was the only violent crime that Williams had committed and that he took responsibility immediately. She noted how his mother and daughter have supported him throughout this process and he would like to go into anger management programs.

Judge Park reviewed conflicting narratives of self-defense in documents after the plea, concluding that the defendant was shifting blame onto the victim.

Judge Park said a short split sentence was not appropriate for the seriousness of the crime. He ruled for a total time of 28 months, with 14 months suspended, as well as 18 months probation with three years of supervised release.

Williams’ will probation conditions include substance abuse assessment, mental health screening, anger management classes, maintaining or seeking employment, and continuing the stay-away order from the victim.

No further dates were set.

Stabbing Suspect Denied Bed-to-Bed Drug Treatment

A stabbing defendant requested and was denied bed-to-bed treatment during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Oct. 31.

Chauncey Myers, 31, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on July 13 at the 1600 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Myers’ defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, requested he be transferred to a bed-to-bed mandatory, in-patient treatment program for underlying drug abuse issues.

Judge Di Toro denied this request based on a separate underlying drug case against Myers – the Judge stated they should wait to make that request once the drug case goes proceeds with a preliminary hearing. According to court records, the incident occurred on the same day as the stabbing offense.

Judge Di Toro reiterated that there were no conditions which would ensure the safety of the community if Myers is released.

Kopecki then requested a bond hearing, set to be held Nov. 18.

Carjacking Defendant Waives Right to Prelim, Denied Release

An attorney for a carjacking suspect decided not to argue for his client’s release after he waived a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Oct .30.

Jordan Grice, 17, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in three carjackings.

According to court documents, Grice was allegedly involved in a carjacking incident on Aug. 15 on the 300 block of T Street, NW. The records show a victim left a parked car parked overnight and upon returning in the morning it was gone.

Woods was also allegedly involved in a carjacking which occurred on Aug. 16 on the 1700 block of 10th Street, NW. According to court documents, the victim was parked on the street when a black SUV pulled up next to him and he was ordered to get out. The stolen vehicle was later found using a hidden Apple Air tag hidden inside.

Grice is also charged in connection to a carjacking incident that occurred on Aug. 17 on the 1100 block of 6th Street, NW. According to court documents, the victim’s car was parked in the street and he was sitting inside when a SUV pulled up. Then when two armed suspects approached him he fled.

During the hearing, defense counsel Craig Ricard presented a waiver of preliminary hearing on behalf of Grice. Ricard wavered about arguing for his client’s release but abandoned the idea.

The prosecution presented a report by the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), which they said proves Grice is a danger. Judge Herrmann agreed there were no conditions which could ensure the safety of the community upon his release, and he will continue to be held awaiting his next hearing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Nov. 14.

Judge Denies Carjacking Defendant’s Release Request

A carjacking defendant was denied release during a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Oct 30.

Eric Woods, 17, is charged with three counts of armed carjacking, three counts of robbery while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in multiple carjackings.

Woods was allegedly involved in a carjacking on May 8 at the intersection of 7th and A Streets, SE. According to court documents, the three victims were delivering newspapers when one stepped out of a vehicle and was approached by a suspect from behind with a black rifle. The suspect demanded the other two exit the vehicle and proceeded to drive away.

Woods was also allegedly involved in a carjacking on May 13 on the 2100 block of Suitland Terrace, SE. According to court documents, the victim reported that he was carjacked at gunpoint by two suspects. He had just exited his parked car when one of the suspects, armed with a gun, approached him and demanded his keys, phone, and other belongings.

Woods is also charged in connection to an Oct. 11 carjacking incident that occurred at North Capitol and O Streets, NW.

During the preliminary hearing, Seth Schrager, Woods’ attorney, asked for a continuance as he has not had enough time to talk with Woods prior to the hearing. Judge Herrmann granted the motion.

Schrager also asked for Woods’ release which was opposed by the prosecution. Ultimately the request was denied by Judge Herrmann, who stated Woods cannot be released until a preliminary hearing is held or a waiver for the hearing is filed.

The parties will reconvene on Nov 14.

Document: Arrest Made in a Northwest Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 26-year-old Tariq White, who is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Devon Sharp. The incident took place on May 18 on the 1200 block of V Street, NW.

Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered Sharp, who was pronounced dead at the hospital on May 20.

Judge Finds No Probable Cause in DC Jail Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a formal identification of two codefendants who were charged with a jail stabbing. The finding came during a hearing on Oct. 29.

Koran Gregory, 20, and Byron Matthews, 19, were charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for their alleged involvement in stabbing an inmate at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Sept. 12.

Gregory and Matthews have additional charges against them in other cases.

Gregory is currently facing charges for his alleged involvement in a fatal drive-by shooting that killed 10-year-old Arianna Davis on May 14, 2023 on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE.

Matthews is facing charges for his involvement in a mass shooting that occurred on April, 21, 2023 on the 500 block of LeBaum Street, SE and the 2900 block of 2nd Street, SE. Eight individuals sustained injuries.

Matthews took a plea deal for his involvement in the mass shooting in August which dropped counts against him from fifty down to three. Sentencing is pending for the case.

According to court documents, the jail stabbing victim had been transferred to the defendants’ residential unit. In just 15 minutes after arrival,, he was attacked by “three to four” individuals whom he could not identify. The victim was taken to the hospital to treat several injuries.

Ruling for probable cause was delayed to review all of the evidence that the prosecution provided — testimony from the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and surveillance footage from the day of the incident was provided on Oct. 29.

Before ruling, Judge Raffinan mentioned that the prosecution did provide sufficient evidence to prove that an incident occurred at the DC Jail on Sept. 12.

However, she added the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence proving Gregory and Matthews were the perpetrators. No formal identification process was conducted among witnesses or the victim.

Judge Raffinan found no probable cause for the charge of assault with the intent to kill while armed, dismissing the case. However, she informed the defendants the prosecution can pursue a grand jury indictment.

Defendants are not released due charges in other cases. No further dates were set.

Shooting Defendant’s Probation Revocation Delayed

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan delayed a defendant’s probation revocation on Oct. 30 following a pending conviction, in order for his new defense attorney to make arguments on his behalf.

On Nov. 30, 2020, Tyquell Fields, 29, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident on the 1300 block of Clay Terrace, NE, on March 18, 2020. The shooting left a victim suffering from minor injuries to his back.

According to court documents, Shot Spotter alerted the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to a potential shooting, and officers were dispatched to the location. MPD officers located the victim who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper back.

Video footage showed that two Black males got into a black Mercedes vehicle and drove off after the shooting. A “be on the lookout” (BOLO) was released, and an officer familiar with the incident scene and those who frequent the area recognized the suspect as Fields.

During the hearing, Fields’ defense attorney, Steven G. Polin, asked the Court for a continuance.

Polin stated Michael Bruckheim was the attorney representing Fields in a case in which he pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm despite being a convict. That caused the probation revocation in this matter and Polin wants to argue against the revocation.

According to Polin, Fields is expected to be sentenced in that on Dec. 13.

Parties are slated to convene on Dec. 17.

Judge Denies Codefendant’s Release in Murder, Metrobus Robbery Case

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a murder defendant’s request for release on Oct. 25, and delayed a ruling for one of his co-defendants after he refused to come to court.

Steven Metts, 19, Keondre Carroll, 21, and Jovontae Wallace, 19, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed and two counts of kidnapping while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 59-year-old Raymond Ballard on Jan. 23 on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

They are also charged in connection to an armed robbery on a Metrobus at the intersection of Galveston Street, SW, and South Capitol Street, SE, on Jan. 24.

Carroll also faces charges of carrying a pistol outside a home or business, assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device.

Metts also faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or place of business, possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device and an additional count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

During a hearing on Oct. 25, Metts’ request for release while awaiting trial was denied by Judge Raffinan.

Meanwhile, Wallace’s attorney, Megan Allburn, argued that Wallace should be released, stating he has no criminal history, a supportive family, and has no evidence against him that proves he was a shooter.

The prosecution disagreed, and argued that Wallace was involved in “particularly dangerous offenses and two days of offenses,” making him a danger to the community.

The prosecution also argued that Wallace has shown a willingness to tamper with evidence because he deleted his Instagram account, which featured evidence of his alleged involvement in the incident. According to the prosecution, there are two outstanding weapons linked to the incident, raising the issue of potential tampering if Wallace is released.

Judge Raffinan stated that the defense must rebut the presumption of dangerousness for Wallace to be released, and that while the weight of the evidence against Wallace is weaker than against Metts and Carroll–still the judge said, not enough to rebut the presumption of dangerousness

Judge Raffinan argued that Wallace is connected to the vehicle involved in the incident and to his co-defendants, citing an Instagram live video of Wallace with his co-defendants 40 minutes before the murder of Ballard.

Judge Raffinan also cited that guns were recovered during Wallace’s arrest, and there are pictures of Wallace with guns.

According to US Marshals who transport prisoners, Carroll refused to come to court.

His lawyer, Gemma Stevens, alerted the court that she would inquire why he refuses to come to court as he did on Oct. 25.

Judge Raffinan refrained from ruling on Carroll’s request for release and set a continued date for Carroll’s hearing on Nov. 26.

Judge Says Murder Suspect Can Suppress Some Police Interrogation

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo granted a murder defendant’s request to suppress specific parts of an interrogation on constitutional grounds during a hearing on Oct. 29.

Warren Tyson, 53, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon, and enticing a child for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Michael Johnson, 21, on Oct. 22, 2021, on the 4900 block of East Capitol Street, SE.

According to court documents, the stabbing followed an altercation about Tyson’s allegedly sending inappropriate material to a minor.

According to case records, Johnson sustained two stab wounds to the abdomen and cuts to his left arm, ultimately succumbing to his injuries.

During the hearing, a homicide detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified regarding his interview with Tyson. He testified that the interrogation was consensual, and the defendant was forthcoming.

Defense attorney Julie Swaney argued that the interrogation violated the defendant’s Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. In the interrogation footage, the defendant said he did not want to discuss text messages, in spite of the detective’s repeated inquiries.

Judge Demeo noted that Tyson selectively invoked his Fifth Amendment rights during questioning, often refusing to discuss the text messages. She affirmed that Tyson appeared mentally capable of understanding his rights, was responsive throughout the interview, and ruled to suppress parts of the interrogation transcript.

Information on a phone SIM card containing potential evidence has reportedly been missing since Oct. 25–another issue for the defense.

Judge Demeo granted the defense’s request for a jury instruction defining “beyond a reasonable doubt” and set additional instructions on provocation for further consideration pending review of the suppressed texts. Both parties agreed to comb through interview transcripts to clarify the extent of suppressed text messages.

The next hearing is set for Nov. 8.

Judge Postpones Trial So Defendant Can Test For DNA

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo granted a defendant’s request to delay his trial until May 2025 to test DNA evidence, during an Oct. 30 hearing.

Kevin Singletary, 32, 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 fatal shooting of 31-year-old Delonte Hazel on Sept. 10, 2021 on the 100 block of Kennedy Street, NW.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a report of gunshots. Hazel was found at the scene of the crime with a handgun allegedly in his waistband and wearing a ballistic vest. He sustained ten gunshot wounds to his head and neck.

During the hearing, Howard McEachern, Singletary’s attorney, informed the court of Singletary’s decision to have two items tested for DNA– a cartridge casing and a surgical mask.

McEachern requested the trial, which was scheduled to begin Jan. 13, be postponed so they could have enough time to study the results. The prosecution did not oppose the request.

Judge Demeo granted the continuance and rescheduled the trial to May 2025.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 13, 2025.

Defendant Charged with Shooting at Relative Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held a shooting defendant after a preliminary hearing on Oct. 29.

Delante Glascoe, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 900 block of Shepherd Street, NW, on Oct. 14. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, the victim called 911 and reported an individual, identified as Glascoe, was unwanted in the complainant’s house and was making threats by brandishing a firearm. The victim, who is allegedly Glascoe’s family member, told responding officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that Glascoe had shot at her in an alleyway, hours before they arrived.

During the hearing, the prosecution called an officer from MPD, who testified the victim identified Glascoe as the suspect on the scene.

The officer detained Glascoe after he didn’t comply with MPD orders. Furthermore, the witness testified that the caller said Glascoe used a brown handgun, and later he allegedly found a “ghost gun,” a gun with no serial number, consistent with the victim’s description in a door frame.

He stated a shell casing was recovered in an alley where Glascoe was allegedly standing when he shoot. at the victim.

Glascoe’s defense attorney, Camille Wagner, elicited the fact that, at the time of his arrest, Glascoe was not in possession of a firearm. Wagner also argued that the evidence the prosecution plans to use against Glascoe was recovered from different rooms in the apartment, none of which was Glascoe’s bedroom.

Wagner argued Judge Herrmann should consider the victim’s daughter’s change in stories, arguing that she told the 911 operator and responding officers contradictory statements.

According to Wagner, the victim’s daughter told the 911 operator that she was maimed with a firearm, but told officers she had never seen the gun on the day of the incident.

Wagner concluded by telling Judge Herrmann that they can’t have an assault with a dangerous weapon case without a weapon being recovered from the person.

Judge Herrmann found there is enough probable cause for the prosecution to take the charges to the grand jury.

After Judge Herrmann’s finding, Wagner asked the court to release Glascoe as he awaits further proceedings, insisting he is not a danger to the community.

She told the Court that Glascoe has four kids and is trying to take care of his extremely ill father. She added his father would prefer it if Glascoe could stay with him instead of going to jail.

Additionally, Wagner explained that Glascoe suffers from mental health issues and is in severe pain from a car crash that occurred years ago. She argued jail is not a place to be for anyone in such a condition.

The prosecution asked the court to find the presumption of dangerousness had not been rebutted, claiming Glascoe is a danger to society due to his prior convictions for firearms and attempting to distribute cocaine.

Judge Herrmann agreed with the prosecution, saying she cannot trust that Glascoe would not obtain a firearm if he were out on release. She held him without bond.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 6.

Judge Delays Probable Cause Ruling in DC Jail Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan delayed a probable cause ruling in a jail stabbing case following a hearing on Oct. 29.

Koran Gregory, 20, and Byron Matthews, 19, are being charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for their alleged involvement in stabbing an inmate at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Sept. 12.

Gregory and Matthews have additional charges against them for their alleged involvement in other cases.

Gregory is currently facing charges for his alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting that killed 10-year-old Arianna Davis on May 14, 2023 on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE.

Matthews is facing additional charges for his involvement in a mass shooting that occurred on April, 21, 2023 on the 500 block of LeBaum Street, SE and the 2900 block of 2nd Street, SE. Eight individuals sustained injuries.

Matthews had taken a plea deal for his involvement in the mass shooting in August which reduced his counts from fifty to three. Sentencing is pending for this case.

According to court documents, the stabbing victim had been transferred to the unit where the defendants were located on the day of the incident. In just 15 minutes of being there, he was attacked by “three to four” individuals who he could not identify. The victim was taken to the hospital to be treated for various body injuries from the assault.

Court documents also stated that surveillance footage depicted the defendants attacking the victim, before fleeing the scene after Department of Corrections (DoC) officers sprayed them with pepper spray.

During the hearing, the prosecution called the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) — who identified the defendants in court.

The MPD detective testified she was given a profile sheet by investigators — which included last names and photos of the inmates at the prison — which she used to try and identify those involved in the stabbing on the video footage. She said she was able to identify them through their complexion.

When asked how she found out who was involved, she said by speaking to three witnesses — all DOC employees — who gave her their testimony. The detective claimed they saw the incident, but didn’t immediately know where the individuals had gone after the incident but later put them in different rooms.

Molly Bunke, Matthews’ attorney, and Gregory’s attorney, Michael Bruckheim, insisted the prosecution failed to meet the standards for probable cause, claiming the prosecution did not have sufficient evidence that the suspects acted with the intent to kill the victim.

Bruckheim also argued that the prosecutors failed to recover any blood evidence or the victim’s medical records describing his injuries.

Bunke suggested the identification of the defendants seemed like it was a matching game based on their complexions on the video and profile photos. She stated that the prosecution has provided no evidence that Matthews is in the video, since the person in the video had a head scarf that masked his face.

Judge Raffinan said that the testimony of the detective, along with the video footage and injuries that were sustained were enough evidence to prove there was an intent to kill. However, the ruling on probable cause was delayed due to technical issues on reviewing video footage from the incident at the jail.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 31.

Carjacking Defendant Waives Right to Prelim Hearing

A carjacking defendant waived his preliminary hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Oct. 29, and parties alerted her they are in plea negotiations.

Donovan Adams, 30, is charged with robbery while armed, unarmed carjacking, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for an incident that transpired on Sept. 27. The carjacking took place on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and there were no injuries.

According to court documents, Adams was apprehended on the 3700 block of Minnesota Avenue the same day. In a search, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers allegedly found keys to a stolen Mercedes Benz vehicle and credit/debit cards belonging to the victim.

During the hearing, Alvin Thomas Jr., Adams’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to waive his preliminary hearing, and is participating in plea negotiations with the prosecution.

The prosecution meanwhile requested Adams be detained, arguing that he remains a danger to the community. According to the prosecution, Adams has two convictions stemming from gun crimes.

Judge Herrmann held the defendant, citing there were no conditions that could be set to ensure the safety of the community or that he would return to court.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 6.

Teen Defendant Pleads Guilty to Parking Garage Shooting

A teen defendant involved in a shooting pleaded guilty in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Oct. 30.

Owen Mendez, 19, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Dec. 17, 2023 at a parking garage on the 1600 block of L Street, NW. A vehicle was damaged by gunfire, but no individuals were injured.

According to the proffer of facts, Mendez got into an altercation with the complainant at the parking garage while he was with friends. After the complainant punched him, he walked away and grabbed a pistol from his car, firing one shot before the gun jammed.

The shot had hit and damaged a nearby vehicle, according to the prosecution. The owner of the vehicle reported the damage to the police and started the investigation.

During the hearing, Mendez pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to not seek an indictment.

Mendez’s age allows him to potentially receive a sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would allow seal his conviction if he successfully completes all sentencing requirements.

The prosecutor also requested increased reporting measures for Mendez until the sentencing date. A representative for the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and defense attorney Nabeel Kibria argued that Mendez has been compliant, and is already on GPS monitoring. After learning about Mendez’s compliance, the prosecution rescinded their request.

The sentencing date is scheduled for Jan. 16.

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