Special Police Officer Waives Preliminary Hearing, Granted Release in Shooting

DC Superior Court Danya Dayson released a shooting suspect under 24-hour home confinement during a hearing on Nov. 6, after the defendant, a Special Police Officer, waived her right to a preliminary hearing.

Samura Brown, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and endangerment with a firearm for her alleged involvement in a shooting involving her ex-husband at the 4600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW, on Nov. 3. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, the incident stemmed from a dispute between the two. The victim reported that Brown allegedly went to retrieve a machete following the argument. After struggling for the machete and taking it from her, he allegedly saw Brown grab a handgun while fleeing from the scene. Soon after, he reportedly heard one round being shot from the apartment.

Brown’s attorney, Claudine Harrison, noted that she intended to waive her right to a preliminary hearing.

Harrison also requested Brown’s release pending future proceedings.

In light of the seriousness of the charges, the prosecutor asked for a continued hold. According to the prosecutor, there was strong evidence against Brown, including a report containing statements of her saying that she shot at the victim.

Harrison argued Brown is a mother of five, one of whom is an eight-month-old child being breast-fed. Furthermore, she was a Special police officer (SPO)and a small business owner for 10 years. According to Harrison, Brown also has family support from her parents, who were present at the hearing, and is “the type of person you can take a chance on.”

Harrison noted that the alleged shooting happened against Brown’s ex-husband, someone Brown had a complicated history with. According to Harrison, mul tiple civil protection orders (CPOs) were filed against each other, with one being filed against Brown’s ex-husband because he strangled one of their children.

Harrison suggeted that, for the sake of the argument, if the alleged charges were to be true, it could be understandable that a person in Brown’s position might feel the need to defend herself and her children against someone like her ex-husband.

Judge Dayson noted that despite Brown’s lack of criminal history and stable employment, the charges at hand were extremely concerning.

To ensure the safety of the victim, Judge Dayson ordered Brown to be held under 24-hour home confinement with electronic monitoring except for verified employment. Furthermore, a condition that Brown could not possess a firearm was imposed, whether that be communal or occupational. This could negatively impact Brown’s employment status, according to Harrison, as the firearm alleged to be used in the shooting was one that was provided to Brown by her job.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 8.

Teen Homicide Defendant Released On Home Confinement

DC Superior Court Michael Ryan released a homicide defendant to home confinement on Nov. 7.

Leroy Dixon, 17, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Dominique Dingle that occurred on May 20 on the 1000 block of Third Place, SE.

Dixon is charged as an adult under Title 16.

At the hearing, Dixon’s defense attorney Terrance Austin, requested that Judge Ryan consider releasing him from the DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) given Dixon’s relatively clean criminal record and current enrollment in a number of support programs.

Austin stated that Dixon had recently received his high school diploma and had graduated with a 3.7 grade point average. Dixon has also been receiving support from the Credible Messenger program, which provides youth committed to DYRS with professional mentorship for academic and social endeavors as well as mental health guidance.

The prosecution argued that Dixon was a danger to the community, given that Dixon has two other allegations of pointing a gun at individuals.

The prosecution moved to present two of Dixon’s music videos to Judge Ryan, both of which were published on YouTube. One video pre-dated the homicide, where Dixon appears to be rapping the lyrics “Catching a b and going on the run”. In the second video, which post-dated the homicide, Dixon can appear in the video with the lyrics, “Leave you on the scene I know that they are mad”.

The prosecution argued that Dixon’s lyrics from both videos, as well as his behavior could be indicative of his involvement in the incident.

“I understand that rap music can be viewed as distasteful or inappropriate to some but it is seriously wrong for the [prosecution] to argue that a 16-year-old’s lyrics are the basis for detaining him,” Austin said in his response to the prosecution.

Austin also noted that the prosecution had no evidence that the lyrics within the music videos were about the homicide, and rather argued that they held the potential to be about the homicide.

The prosecution also argued that Dixon’s age at the time of the crime makes him impulsive and act without thinking, potentially making him a flight-risk as well, to which the defense called this argument “nonsensical”.

The defense stated that Dixon often cared for his younger siblings, and had lost his three older brothers to gun violence. Austin added that he had navigated his feelings of grief alone. With that, the defense argued that his involvement in the crime was not a testament to his character.

“Leroy is so much more than that, and he has always, always, had dreams,” Austin said.

The defense told Judge Ryan that Dixon has ambitions to become a real estate appraiser, and is also eligible to receive support and guidance from the DC Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to prepare for longer term employment if released.

Judge Ryan told the defense that Dixon’s eligibility for RSA programming, as well as receiving his diploma, was significant, despite his concerns about Dixon’s behavior of “laying low” following the homicide.

Judge Ryan also stated that between now and the end of Dixon’s case, he believed that Dixon was deserving of receiving services within the community, and therefore released him to home confinement with GPS monitoring.

The prosecution requested that Dixon’s release contain a stay-away order from the Dingle family, as well as the area where the homicide occurred, which was unopposed by the defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 9.

Homicide Defendant Eager For Retrial With New Attorney

An individual convicted of first-degree murder, alaready on his second defense attorney, said he plans to request a new trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Nov. 7.

Deonte Patterson, 29, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstructing justice by influencing or delaying a witness or officer for the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Ali Jamil Al-Mahdi on Aug. 23, 2021, on the 1800 block of 9th Street, NW.

A jury found Patterson guilty of all three charges on March 27, and Patterson was originally set for sentencing in May. However, Patterson was appointed a new defense attorney, Destiny Fullwood-Singh before sentencing.

Judge Ryan noted that Patterson was given a new attorney following “many colorful claims of ineffective assistance of counsel” about his first attorney, Cheryl Stein.

At the hearing, Fullwood-Singh stated that she had already filed a motion to set a new trial date, and requested another hearing to discuss Patterson’s case before sentencing.

The prosecution argued that Patterson should be sentenced first, and that the defense’s argument for setting a new trial date was unclear. Judge Ryan, however, disagreed, and believed that the defense’s argument was clear and wished for both parties to provide arguments.

Parties are slated to convene April 24.

Hit-and-Run Metro Homicide Defendant Released with GPS Monitoring

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan released a homicide defendant with GPS monitoring on Nov. 7.

Jaelen McLendon, 32, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run incident that injured and later killed 25-year-old moped driver Alpha Kake at the intersection of 15th and L Streets NW on Aug. 31, 2024. Kake succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 1, 2024.

According to court documents, a Metropolitan Police Officer (MPD) officer patrolling downtown first attempted to pull McLendon over for driving his car without his headlights turned on. Instead, McLendon did not stop and began swerving around cars and driving into oncoming traffic, eventually leading to a chase.

Later, McLendon ran a red light at the intersection of 15th and L streets, allegedly struck Kake, and continued driving eastbound.

McLendon, a Metro bus driver, was arrested more than a year later on Nov. 5. At a hearing on Nov. 7, McLendon’s defense attorney, Kevin Roberston, alerted Judge Ryan that McLendon would be waiving his rights to a preliminary hearing, and requested his client be released from DC Jail.

Robertson argued that McLendon was not a flight risk, given that after the incident he continued to live and work in the District of Columbia to provide for his nine-year-old son and fiance. Robertson also told Judge Ryan that McLendon’s case was unique, given that it first began as a traffic violation that quickly escalated.

The prosecution argued that McLendon continued driving, and left Kake unconscious in the street, which indicated contempt for the law The prosecution also noted that McLendon avoided turning himself in to the authorities afterwards.

As a Metro bus driver, McLendon also has a Commercial Drivers License (CDL), which the prosecution argued made him a bigger danger to the community, given a car caused the fatality.

Judge Ryan said that he had read McLendon’s 40-page arrest warrant, as well as six letters from his friends and family, and understood the defense’s argument that this case contained many complexities.

He acknowledged the prosecution’s argument, but also noted McLendon’s clean record and character references suggested there would not be a repeat.

McLendon was therefore released with GPS monitoring, and Judge Ryan ordered that McLendon not use his CDL for the next 30 days.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 15.

Murder Victim’s Son Testifies as Stabbing Eyewitness

A homicide victim’s son testified in trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Nov. 4.

Tywan Morris, 30, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Danielle Stuckey on Oct. 17, 2021, on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Stuckey’s son was with his mother the day she was killed, and gave testimony about witnessing the stabbing.

On the day of his mother’s death, the witness was only 12 -years-old, living with his mother and two younger siblings. He had accompanied Stuckey to the Safeway, to get groceries for dinner, before walking over to the BP gas station across the street to talk with some of his mother’s friends.

The witness remembered his mother talking to someone near a gas pump and began to get agitated, because his mom, “saw a person she did not like”.

The witness continued, stating that the person his mother was talking to was known as ‘Chucky’, who he later identified as Morris.

The argument continued to escalate, with involvement from Morris’ prior codefendant Keyjuana Sinclair, 28. Sinclair was convicted and sentenced to 12 months of incarceration for her involvement in Stuckey’s death. According to Stuckey’s son, Sinclair was antagonizing his mother, “getting [his] mother heated more”.

The witness testified he saw Sinclair pull a knife out of her car, which he later described as a silver brass knuckles knife. Eventually, Sinclair gave Morris the knife, who then allegedly stabbed Stuckey.

“She was standing, then she fell,” the witness said, adding “she was stabbed”. Before the stabbing occurred, Stuckey’s son testified he took a blue cooler and hit the perpetrator on the back of the head with it, trying to defend his mother.

After running inside the store to call 911, the son came back outside and “saw [his] mother in a pool of blood”. Prosecutors played clips depicting the witness talking with Metropolitan Police Officers (MPD) once they arrived on scene. Despite the witness being understandably “extremely sad” when he was being questioned by police, the witness was able to provide a description of the suspect.

The witness described the perpetrator as a “Black male, with lots of tattoos, and kind of chunky”. He also described the car he saw Morris and Sinclair allegedly drive away in as a Green Nissan SUV with a rack on top of the car.

Defense attorney Steven Kiersh asked if Stuckey approached Morris first in their altercation, which the witness confirmed that she had.

Several officers and forensic experts also took the stand. Notably, the forensic pathologist who had done Stuckey’s autopsy testified that she had been stabbed once in the left thigh. The one-and-a-quarter inch wound had irregularities along the edges of the wound, which she explained meant the blade had likely been rotated or twisted. Photographs of the wound were shown to the jury to demonstrate the size and appearance of the wound.

During the autopsy, she investigated the wound path and found that the wound went through the skin and soft tissue and into the skeletal tissue. The weapon had struck the left femoral artery and femoral vein. The pathologist described that she found “transection of the femoral artery and femoral vein”, which would have caused Stuckey to bleed to death.

In cross-examining the doctor, Kiersh asked if Stuckey would have survived had she received faster medical treatment. The pathologist answered, “She could have survived if she hadn’t been stabbed at all.”

When Kiersh continued to push in the same line of questioning, she said that Stuckey would have bled out in “seconds to minutes” and could not confidently say if she would have survived.

The pathologist also testified that she had sent specimens to be tested by a toxicologist.

Of the total samples sent, the blood and vitreous humor taken during the autopsy were tested. Vitreous humor, the doctor explained, is the fluid taken from the eyes, which is tested to determine the level of alcohol in the body at the time of death. While blood is the best “snapshot of what’s going on the body at the time of death,” the eyes are protected from the bacteria that also produce ethanol during decomposition, unlike the blood. Ethanol is a volatile compound that is also found in drinkable alcohol.

He compared the concentration of alcohol in the blood and vitreous fluid to a roller coaster: when the concentration in the blood is higher, it is the first car arriving to the peak of a drop on a roller coaster. When the concentration in the vitreous humor is higher, it is the last car hitting the peak of the drop, when the rest of the body is already on its way down from the effects of alcohol.

The doctor testified that Stuckey’s level was found at .10 on a scale very similar to blood alcohol content (BAC). Though symptoms vary from person to person and he is unaware of Stuckey’s personal tolerance for alcohol, he said it was likely that she was experiencing depressive symptoms both cognitively and with coordination. These symptoms may have included loss of coordination and slurred speech.

Kiersh pointed out that she may have been agitated due to her alcohol level, pointing out that it was above the legal limit in DC, which is .08. The doctor agreed it was possible, but reminded the defense that he does not know Stuckey’s personal drinking history.

An MPD detective concluded testimony previously started on Nov. 4 by discussing crime scene photos taken on the day of the incident. The detective was shown pictures of the sidewalk where Stuckey was found, which was spattered with blood from the stabbing.

A forensic scientist testified to having taken pictures of the vehicle associated with the incident, and noted that there was blood found on the outside of the vehicle which was swabbed for DNA testing.

A forensic biology analyst testified that this sample had been tested and came back positive for blood according to a presumptive test, which is a test that gives an indication that the bodily fluid is present but cannot confirm that it is. It was sent for confirmatory testing alongside samples taken from some pieces of clothing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 6.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Neal E. Kravitz on Nov. 7.

Sapphire Johnson, 26, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property less than $1,000 for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on July 12 at an Airbnb on the 3600 block of 12th Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, Johnson allegedly confronted the victim outside the property, pointed a handgun at him, and fired, striking him in the right thigh. Surveillance footage and witness statements supported the information.

At the hearing, Johnson accepted a deal offered by prosecutors requiring her to plead guilty to aggravated assault and carrying a pistol without a license. In exchange, all remaining charges will be dismissed.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 48 months of imprisonment.

The plea agreement reflects the seriousness of the case, according to the prosecution, citing evidence that Johnson discharged a firearm during a confrontation that endangered multiple bystanders.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on Jan. 9, 2026.

Judge Questions Need for GPS Monitoring in Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Neal E. Kravitz questioned the need for continued electronic GPS monitoring during a status hearing on Nov. 7.

Donald Shields, 47, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Dominique Antonio Ratiff, 36, on the 1900 block of Massachusetts Avenue NW on Dec. 30, 2024.

According to court documents, officers found Ratliff lying in the roadway bleeding from his neck. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) later identified him and determined the cause of death was a single stab wound to the right side of his neck.

At the hearing, Bernadette Armand, Shields’ attorney, requested that Shields’ GPS ankle monitor be removed, arguing that he has been fully compliant with release conditions.

The prosecution opposed the request, citing the seriousness of the murder charge and asserting that monitoring should continue.

Judge Kravitz questioned whether GPS monitoring remained necessary, noting that Shields is not subject to a stay-away order, and instructed defense to file a written motion if they wish to pursue modification.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 6, 2026.

Gun-Related Homicides Double in October

October gun-related homicides doubled over September’s total.

According to D.C. Witness data, there were seven reported homicides and victims in October.

Of those seven, six were gun-related, an increase from the three gun-related homicides in September.

As of Nov. 12, of the seven homicides, one suspect has been identified by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Antone Whitaker, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Jerome Myles on the 1400 block of Clifton Street, NW, on Oct. 4. According to court documents, another individual is alleged to have been involved.

According to court documents, surveillance footage captured Myles being struck by a suspect with a pistol and later shows two suspects firing at him and then fleeing. MPD identified one suspect as Whitaker. The case is pending a preliminary hearing that is scheduled for Nov. 17.

MPD is also investigating the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Maurisha Singletary. The incident occurred on Oct. 5 in a residence on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to police documents, MPD officers found Singletary with a gunshot wound after being called to conduct a welfare check at the residence.

Additionally, MPD is also investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 3 on the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE, that led to the death of 17-year-old Jermaine Durbin.

One homicide came after a fight, according to the MPD. Police documents state that officers were called to respond to a fight on Oct. 16 on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE. When officers arrived at the scene they located 51-year-old Timothy Sistrunk suffering from stab wounds. He was later pronounced dead.

MPD is offering a reward for information on the unsolved cases.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to 21-Count Indictment

A shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to 21 indictment charges at a felony arraignment hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Nov. 6.

Daquan Baker, 27, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, aggravated assault while armed, three counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, three counts unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, three counts carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, three counts possession of an unregistered firearm, three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, and two counts of misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance.

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Jan. 25 on the 5300 block of B Street, SE. One individual sustained a gunshot wound during the incident.

Baker was arraigned on Nov. 6, and pleaded not guilty to all the charges filed against him. His defense attorney, Terrence Austin, requested that a trial date be set after the arraignment.

Austin also requested that all documents related to this case be turned over to the defense as they prepare for trial which is set to start in 2026.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 13.

Judge Grants Defense More Time for Mental Health Findings in 9-Year-Old Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted defense attorneys more time to respond to mental health findings in a nearly decade-old case on Nov. 7, despite the prosecutor’s objections and plans to retire soon.

Daryl Thompson, 36, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, obstructing justice and threat to kidnap or injure a person.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the Aug. 29, 2016 fatal shooting of Tyler Jerel McEachern, 23, and an attempted kidnapping of another victim on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace SE. He’s also charged for his alleged involvement in the July 30, 2016 fatal shooting of Edward Roberts, 29, and an assault on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW.

Defense attorneys Mani Golzari and Dana Page requested additional time to consult with experts and prepare an opposing motion related to the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) finding that Thompson was initially competent–a motion opposed by the prosecution. Golzari and Page proposed that the next hearing be scheduled for January 2026 to allow for adequate preparation.

To stand trial, a defendant must be mentally competent enough understand the charges against help and help his attorney.

The prosecution objected, noting that they plan to retire soon and emphasizing that the case has “been kicking around since 2016.”

The prosecutor argued that the issue at hand was limited in scope and could be resolved quickly, suggesting that a 30-day period would be sufficient to address the disagreement between the two parties. The prosecutor explained that both sides generally agree Thompson should receive inpatient treatment through DBH, but differ on whether he should be placed in single-cell housing.

“This is a narrow issue,” the prosecutor said, urging a more expedited timeline. Judge Park ultimately granted the defense’s request, setting the due date for the opposing motion in January 2026. However, the judge acknowledged the prosecution’s concerns, stating that the case “has been around for far too long,” recognizing its nearly nine-year duration.

Throughout the hearing, Thompson repeatedly voiced frustration over what he described as being denied “six minutes” to speak directly with the judge in a previous proceeding. At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Park permitted Thompson a brief opportunity to speak, reminding him that his attorneys could more effectively communicate his concerns to the court.

Thompson made several unrelated statements referencing his family, the First Amendment, and an alleged FBI investigation involving his father. He also mentioned “boot camp,” “desegregation,” and being “evicted from facilities.” At the end of his remarks, Thompson raised a sheet of paper he had held throughout the hearing, asking that it be entered into the record and requesting to be released.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 20, 2026.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Brentwood Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 44-year-old Tyrone Spencer, alleged to be involved in the homicide of Francois Adkins, 36, which occurred on Sept. 1 on the 2300 block of 14th Street, NE. Spencer has been charged with First-Degree Murder while Armed (Premeditated).

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Northeast Weapons Offenses

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 40-year-old Dominic Lewis Hansberry in connection with a weapons offense in Northeast. On Sept. 26, officers responded to gunshots in the 500 block of 60th Street, NE, where a victim reported that Hansberry allegedly shot at him, striking his vehicle but leaving him uninjured. Hansberry has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Unregistered Firearm, and Unregistered Ammunition, and the firearm used has been recovered.

Document: MPD Makes Second Arrest in 2023 Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an update regarding a 2023 homicide case with the arrest of a second suspect. On July 30, 2023, Donald B. Childs, 46, was fatally shot in Northwest, DC. Previously, Iesha Marks, 29, was charged with First-Degree Murder While Armed. On Nov. 12, Daniel Bangura, 21, was also charged with First-Degree Murder While Armed for his alleged involvement in Childs’ death.

Video Details Undercover Purchase in Carjacking, Conspiracy Trial

An undercover police officer described the purchase of what the prosecution says is a stolen car before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz in carjacking, conspiracy trial on Nov. 13.

Taj Giles, 20, Irshaad Ellis-Bey, 20, Byron Gillum, 20, Jaelen Jordan, 20, Warren Montgomery, 20, Isaiah Flowers, 20, and 21-year-old Jahkai Goff are charged with armed robbery, armed carjacking, armed robbery of a senior citizen, armed carjacking of a senior citizen, four counts of firearm possession during a crime of violence, two counts of unauthorized vehicle use, trafficking in stolen property, and conspiracy.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a Feb. 27, 2023 armed carjacking at the intersection of 20th Street and Sunderland Place, NW, and an April 27, 2023 armed carjacking at the intersection of 8th Street and K Street.

Giles, Ellis-Bey, Gillum, Jordan, Flowers, and Goff are additionally charged with armed robbery, armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unauthorized vehicle use during a crime of violence, unauthorized vehicle use, and receiving stolen property for their alleged involvement for an armed carjacking of a senior citizen at the 600 block of Butternut Street, NE on May 16, 2023.

An undercover officer who bought cars suspected of being carjacked testified to three interactions he had with Jordan. The officer allegedly met with Jordan to purchase vehicles twice and had called him once to confirm one of the transactions which were captured on video, including a clip of Jordan showing off a stolen vehicle.

In a clip from a later date, the officer is heard calling Jordan, to confirm a second purchase. The officer can be heard saying “here you go” to Jordan, and handing him the money for a Porsche which the officer turned over for evidence processing.

When cross-examined by Brian McDaniels, Jordan’s attorney, the officer admitted he did not have any training, but learned from on-the-job experience.

McDaniels also asked about the relationship between the officer and Jordan–the officer initially claimed he did not have to establish a relationship, as an undercover agent would for a longer operation. However, he did say that the two established a level of trust where Jordan referred to him as “uncle” and he referred to Jordan as “nephew” during transactions. He also stated that while he knew Jordan was young, he did not know that he was a teenager at the time.

When asked how the officer originally met Jordan, the issue was discussed among Judge Kravitz, McDaniels, and Jordan in private, and the judge said, “I don’t think anyone else has a right to hear this right now.”

McDaniels and the prosecutors both said they would need time to explain the matter fully.

In a brief motions discussion before the trial, the parties discussed the admissibility of videos and images taken from police body-worn cameras during the arrests of the defendants.

The prosecution wanted to introduce several images and videos taken from body camera footage to the jury, but Ellis-Bey’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, objected, claiming that many of the images, including shots that showed the defendants in handcuffs, were prejudicial and “unnecessary.”

The prosecution argued that the jury needed to see the “full stature” of the defendants at the time of their arrest, which made the images more relevant than prejudicial. Judge Kravitz disagreed and told the prosecution to edit police officers out of any images and excluded a still shot of Ellis-Bey in handcuffs, so they wouldn’t unduly bias the jury.

In addition, the prosecution also planned to show a video of officers recovering a firearm Flowers allegedly discarded while fleeing officers. Judge Kravtiz called the video “problematic” and prejudicial, stating that the jury may misunderstand Flowers’ running away as “consciousness of guilt.” He said that he didn’t want the jury to think Flowers was running because of his alleged involvement in the carjackings, when it is possible it was because he had an unregistered firearm.

Gretchen Franklin, counsel for Flowers, brought up a court order keeping his family from visiting Flowers in jail. Saperstein, said she had received a similar order for Ellis-Bey. Judge Kravitz said he had not given that court order.

The matter has yet to be resolved among the parties.

Trial is set to reconvene on Nov. 14 to handle several outstanding issues.

Judge Grants Shooting Defendant’s ‘No Room For Error’ Release

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro granted an assault defendant’s release under strict conditions on Nov. 5.

Dacquan Judd, 20, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Oct. 17, 2025. The incident occurred on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE and no injuries were reported.

Judd’s attorney, Erin Griffard, requested his release given his lack of criminal record and steady work history at the DC Central Kitchen. Griffard described the alleged incident as an “aberration” and “out of character,” adding that Judd is committed to compliance with supervision and mental health treatment.

She shared that Judd is open to stay-away orders and any conditions the court imposed. Letters of support from friends and family were also shared with Judge Di Toro.

The prosecution did not object to the defense’s arguments.

Citing Judd’s strong community ties, lack of criminal history, and employment as mitigating factors in his release, Judge Di Toro approved Judd’s release. Judd will be released on home confinement, but will be permitted to work at night, must undergo mental health treatment, and comply with stay-away orders from both the victim and the Southeast quadrant of Washington, DC.

Though she granted Judd’s release, Judge Di Toro re-emphasized the gravity of the charge, stating there is “no room for error upon his release.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 20.

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