A ‘Trove of Surveillance’ Turned Over Two Weeks From Murder Trial

The defense in a murder case alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan a “trove of surveillance” evidence was “disturbingly” turned over just two weeks prior to the trial on March 13.

James Lewis, 48, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a prohibited weapon, and three counts of contempt. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 30-year-old Brenea Franklin at the 1100 block of Bellevue Street, SE on Jan. 30, 2021. Franklin sustained a laceration to her neck.

Mani Golzari, Lewis’ attorney, said the prosecution recently turned over 80 hours of surveillance footage just two weeks before the start of the trial, putting the defense at an unfair advantage.

“There was a trove of surveillance that we didn’t know about,” Golzari said.

The evidence reportedly contained footage of the hours before and after the incident. A camera angle allegedly capturing Franklin walking into a liquor store, which Golzari described as vital to the investigation.

Previously, the defense requested the prosecution ensure they had provided all existing evidence. The prosecution confirmed they provided everything at the time, according to Golzari.

Golzari filed a motion to address the recent surveillance turnover and possible problems that could hinder the defense, because the material came in so late.

Immediately after, the prosecution reportedly revoked a plea agreement which Golzari claimed he did not have a chance to review with Lewis.

The prosecutor said the plea deal would have required Lewis to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and they would dismiss the remaining charges. They also would request a sentence in the bottom half of the guidelines.

Golzari characterized the sudden surveillance reveal and plea revocation as “disturbing.”

“I will not insult anyone’s intelligence in this courtroom,” Golzari stated, frustrated by his belief that the prosecution did not adequately resolve the apparent disadvantage placed on the defense. “I have now spent days trying to figure out what other evidence is lurking.”

Golzari asked, “Is there any other surveillance video the [prosecution] has that has not been turned over to the defense?”

The prosecution said they do not believe it is appropriate to “go tit-for-tat” with questions, then asked “has the defense ever watched [the footage]?”

According to the prosecution, they had sent only 10 additional hours of film and revoked the plea because the agreement was contingent that the defense would not file any further motions.

Judge Ryan ordered the parties to file motions articulating their positions to settle the dispute.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 19.

Hearing Rescheduled After Judge, Defense Disagree About Release Terms

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel disagreed with a defense attorney regarding a stabbing defendant’s alleged pre-trial release violations during a hearing on March 16.

Julius Miller, 56, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1900 block of Gale Street, NE on July 17, 2025.

According to court documents, the victim was walking towards a 7-Eleven when Miller reportedly came out and started an argument. During the exchange, Miller reportedly pulled out a small, folding knife and as the fight progressed allegedly stabbed the victim in his back and abdomen.

At the hearing, Judge Israel mentioned that upon release, Miller went “frolicking” around the city and didn’t get home until 7 p. m. Miller’s attorney, Bruce Cooper, argued that his client was not under home confinement at the time, but Judge Israel disagreed since she was under a different impression. She stated the parties needed to review the documentation of Miller’s release and reconvene.

Due to inclement weather, the hearing was rescheduled for March 17.

Defense Claims Prosecution May Have Mishandled Evidence

A murder defendant’s attorney criticized the prosecution’s handling of the evidence, heightening the risk of contamination, but DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan was skeptical of the claim in a hearing on March 13.

Andre Chillous, 19, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old David Bailey at the Lamond Recreational Center on the unit block of Tuckerman Street, NE, on Aug. 1, 2024. Another juvenile victim sustained injuries from the shooting but survived.

Chillous, who was 17 at the time of the incident, is charged as an adult under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for serious offenses.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court that the evidence tested by U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) likely contained no DNA connecting Chillous directly to the murder.

Madalyn Harvey, Chillous’ attorney, stated she still needs to view the evidence. Based on her experience in an unrelated case, presided over by the same prosecutor, Harvey accused the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and USAO of improperly handling evidence during viewings increasing the risk of contamination.

Harvey said in the other case, the prosecutor kept the evidence in paper bags which require “x-ray vision” to view the contents. She wanted to see what was in the bags without police and prosecutors present.

“[The defense] doesn’t get to choose how they get to view the evidence,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecution told the court the issue Harvey raised about the other case was resolved once she waived her client’s right to contamination. Harvey was then allowed to open the bags.

Judge Ryan said he didn’t see an issue but told the parties to return with more definitive information.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 15.

Judge Releases Shooting Defendant, Held on Other Gun Charges

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld released a defendant for his alleged involvement in a shooting, but he is being held on charges related to a separate incident on March 16.

Tyjuan Liggins, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Jan. 11 on the 1200 block of I Street, SE.

According to court documents, no injuries were reported but ShotSpotter technology detected 13 fired rounds.

Liggins’ attorney, Matthew Covert, requested his client’s release. Judge Hertzfeld said there was no basis to justify holding Liggins on the current charges, but Liggins remains held on unrelated gun possession charges.

The prosecution mentioned an outstanding global plea offer which would include charges from both cases. This offer is contingent on Liggins waiving his rights to a preliminary hearing, noted prosecutors.

Judge Hertzfeld agreed to set a later hearing for Covert to have time to discuss the offer with Liggins.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 7.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Fatally Shooting 7-Year-Old’s Mother

A defendant accepted a plea deal for a fatal shooting that killed a mother before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 16.

Dion Lee, 26, was initially charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Pamela Thomas on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE, on Feb. 9, 2022. Thomas sustained a gunshot wound to the head.

Rashod Dunbar, 26, is charged with accessory after the fact to assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the same homicide.

According to court documents, Thomas was in the rear passenger seat of the vehicle with her seven-year-old son on their way to a birthday party when a stray bullet struck Thomas in the back of the head.

During the hearing, Lee pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed as part of a plea agreement, which holds a maximum penalty of 70 years in prison.

The parties agreed to 19-to-21 years in prison as part of the agreement. Judge Park will accept or reject this recommendation during sentencing, and should he reject it, Lee may rescind his guilty plea.

After finding Lee understood he waived his rights including to a trial Judge Park accepted his guilty plea, pending his evaluation of the sentence agreement.

The prosecution stated if the case went to trial, they would be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Lee fired five rounds at a male target, one of which shot through the back window of a vehicle and struck Thomas.

Carrie Weletz, Dunbar’s attorney, requested Judge Park modify Dunbar’s release conditions because he has been compliant. According to court records, Dunbar was previously subject to GPS monitoring and a curfew, which the new conditions would remove.

Judge Park said he expects to grant Weletz’s request but wants to consult the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) before ruling. He said Dunbar had issues with drug testing in December 2023, so that condition will remain regardless.

Lee’s sentencing is scheduled for June 26. Parties for Dunbar are slated to reconvene on July 1.

Defense Claims Prosecutor ‘Slow Rolled’ Evidence in Homicide Case

A defense attorney expressed frustration that he has not received prosecution evidence in a timely fashion in a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 13.

Deangelo Goldston, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his father, 61-year-old Darryl Smith on Feb. 4, 2025 on the 1000 block of First Street, SE.

At the hearing, Goldston’s attorney, Kevin Mosley asked Judge Kravitz to inquire if the prosecutor provided him with all evidence they are required to share. Mosley described the evidence he received as “minimal” and said it was frustrating to discuss the case with Goldston’s without all of the information.

For example, Mosley said United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers were among the first to arrive on scene. However, Mosley received no documentation involving the USCP. The prosecutor said she provided Mosley with all body-worn camera footage from the USCP but, to her knowledge, there were no notes. At Judge Kravitz’s request, the prosecutor said she would look into whether there was paper documentation from the USCP.

According to Mosley, there were at least six Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives on scene but he received notes from only one. “It’s just not possible in homicide cases,” said Mosley.

Mosley asserted he had not dealt with anyone from the United Stated Attorney’s Office (USAO) who “slow rolled” the evidence like the prosecutor in the case. According to Mosley, the prosecutor had a history of sharing evidence late in Goldston’s case.

The prosecutor said Mosley was “mischaracterizing things” and “what [Mosley] said is not true.”

Judge Kravitz encouraged Mosley to file a motion that clarifies the exact evidence he believes he did not receive and parties will schedule a prompt motions hearing.

Judge Kravitz said he did not understand the “personality dynamic” between Mosley and the prosecutor but encouraged them to improve communication to avoid “unnecessary fights.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 26 unless Mosley files a motion before then.

Co-Defendants Plead Guilty to Shooting at Victim 15 times

Two co-defendants in a shooting case that left a victim in critical condition accepted plea deals before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 16.

Kenneth Johnson, 32, and Vance McIlwain, 34, were initially charged with conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and endangerment with a firearm in a public place. Johnson was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year.

The charges stemmed from their involvement in a shooting on the 700 block of Chesapeake Street, SE, on Nov. 8, 2024.

In court, Johnson and McIlwain accepted plea agreements that require Johnson to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and McIlwain to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all remaining charges in this case against both defendants and dismiss a pending criminal misdemeanor case against McIlwain.

Parties agreed to six years of imprisonment for Johnson and 10 years for McIlwain. Judge Park will accept or reject the agreement during sentencing, and should he reject them, the defendants may rescind their guilty pleas.

The prosecution stated if the case went to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Johnson provided McIlwain with a firearm. They said McIlwain then fired 15 shots at the victim, hitting them on the right ear, left arm, chest, and twice to the abdomen, causing serious injuries, before Mcllwain returned the firearm to Johnson.

The prosecution said these actions were voluntary and not in self-defense. They said Johnson knowingly conspired with McIlwain.

After finding Johnson and McIlwain understood their rights, Judge Park conditionally accepted their guilty pleas, pending his evaluation of the sentencing agreements.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 15.

‘All I Knew Was The Streets,’ Says Carjacker, Sentenced to 10 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a young armed carjacking defendant to a term below mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison on March 13.

Eric Woods, 18, pleaded guilty on June 30, 2025 to armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a carjacking that occurred at the intersection of Hanover Place and North Capitol Streets, NW on Oct. 11, 2024.

Woods was charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for certain serious offenses.

As part of the plea deal, prosecutors agreed not to pursue charges against Woods for ten other incidents.

Judge Salerno sentenced Woods to 10 years of imprisonment and five years supervised release for armed carjacking and five years in prison and three years supervised release for possession of a firearm. The sentences will run concurrently and Woods must register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.

The prosecution asked for 15 years of imprisonment for armed carjacking and seven years for possession of a firearm, to run concurrently. They said their request factored in the severity of the carjacking, because the firearm was an AR style rifle and the victim was a random individual. Woods also ran from the police during the incident, emphasized prosecutors.

Prosecutors argued against the use of the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a defendant, younger than 25 years-old at the time of the offense, to have their record sealed following a successful completion of their term and gives the judge sentencing flexibility.

Woods’ attorney, Gregg Baron, argued for a sentence of seven-and-a-half years in prison for armed carjacking and three years for possession of a firearm, to run concurrently. Baron argued strongly for the YRA, saying that Woods’ brain was not fully developed when he committed the offense. A short prison sentence would allow Woods’ to mature, argued Baron.

Baron stated that Woods’ pursued his high school studies while incarcerated, and has been in complete compliance with the rules at the Youth Services Center (YSC) at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

Woods’ apologized to the victim and explained his behavior was due to his upbringing. He stated he did not have a stable family and was not a “man” when he committed the carjacking.

“All I knew was the streets,” Woods stated.

“I know what kind of person I want to be.” Woods finished his statement, “I know I can do better.”

Judge Salerno stated that a lengthy period of imprisonment is needed for Woods because carjacking’s were a “regularity” for Woods.

Ultimately Judge Salerno did not sentence Woods under the YRA due to Woods’ extensive criminal history and a warrant for his arrest in Maryland. Judge Salerno also noted the firearm used in the incident was an AR military style rifle, holding up a photo of the firearm to show the court.

Judge Salerno sentenced Woods under a separate code that allows for a defendant who committed an offense when they were under 18-years-old to be sentenced under the mandatory minimum. In DC, the mandatory minimum for armed carjacking for adults is 15 years imprisonment.

No further dates were set.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Remains Jailed

A stabbing defendant waived his right to preliminary hearing of the evidence against him before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on March 16.

Trevon Randolph, 27, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 1800 block of Central Place, NE on Feb. 15.

During the hearing, Randolph’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, alerted the court that Randolph would be waiving his preliminary hearing.

Thomas requested that Randolph be released from custody and placed on GPS monitoring or home confinement. According to Thomas, Randolph had a “limited criminal history,” has been employed for six years, and has four children at home he takes care of.

The prosecutor argued that there was no combination of conditions of release that could ensure the safety of the community. They said that Randolph took part in a separate incident that involved a firearm with the victim in the past and was on release when the stabbing occurred.

The prosecutor also noted Randolph’s past domestic violence and firearm cases to support her request for Randolph’s detention.

Judge Herrmann ruled that Randolph will remain detained at the DC Jail.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 24.

Murder Defendant Sticks to Release Conditions

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan encouraged a murder defendant who’s released on home confinement to “keep up the good work” on March 13.

Martell West, 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Treyvon Wilson at the 2300 block of Good Hope Court, SE on Nov. 19, 2023. Wilson sustained a gunshot to his torso.

Judge Ryan found probable cause for the charge against West on Feb. 26 and released West to home confinement with the exception of verified court obligations.

At the hearing, Judge Ryan said that the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) alerted the court that West has been in total compliance with his conditions. “Sounds like West is doing everything I have asked him to do,” Judge Ryan said.

Judge Ryan encouraged West, “good job on your conditions of release. Keep up the good work.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 18.

Defense Gets More Time to Review Pre-Sentence Report in Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean rescheduled sentencing for a stabbing defendant to allow the defense attorney to review the pre-sentencing report in a hearing on March 13.

Anthony Nowlin, 31, pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that wounded a juvenile in the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station, located on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW, on Aug. 26, 2025. The victim’s fingers were cut in the incident.

According to Derrick Page, Nowlin’s attorney, the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) filed the pre-sentence report four days late, and did not notify him when it was done. The conclusions could influence the severity of the sentence for this offense which under the voluntary guidelines could be as much as ten years in prison.

As a result, Page asked for more time to meet with his client and discuss the findings.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on April 21.

Judge Sentences Stabbing Defendant to 9 Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced a stabbing defendant to nine years of imprisonment on March 13.

Brian Wilson, 34, pleaded guilty on Dec. 22, 2025 to aggravated assault knowingly grave risk while armed for his involvement in a stabbing on the 200 block of W Street, NW on Aug. 7, 2024. The victim sustained a stab wound to his leg.

According to court records, the victim did not have a pulse at multiple points while he was at the hospital and was rushed into emergency surgery.

Prosecutors started Wilson’s sentencing by raising a concern regarding a statement Wilson made during the pre-sentence report–namely, he told the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) that the stabbing “happened by accident.” Prosecutors said the remark did not align with Wilson’s acknowledgement of guilt when he accepted the plea deal.

“Wielding a knife on a victim and stabbing him is not an accident,” prosecutors asserted.

Wilson’s attorney, Carrie Weletz, countered that the accident Wilson referenced was the “joshing around” with the victim before the stabbing occurred.

Regardless, the prosecution requested Wilson serve 10 years. They emphasized Wilson’s criminal history and that he was on release for an unrelated shooting case when the stabbing occurred.

Wilson’s fiancée spoke on his behalf and said he was a very present father for their 10-year-old daughter, who would suffer the most from his lengthy imprisonment.

“Please have some leniency for his children,” asked Wilson’s fiancée.

Weletz highlighted that the victim and Wilson were friends and they were both under the influence at the time of the crime. According to Weletz, after the stabbing, the victim lived with Wilson for almost a year before Wilson was arrested in this case.

Wilson said that he “understands that [his] decision making affects not only him, but his family” and he is aware of his actions.

Judge McLean sentenced Wilson to nine years of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.

No further dates were set.

Judge Sentences Co-Defendants for ‘Street Justice’ Shooting that Killed Bystander

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz sentenced two co-defendants on March 13 for their involvement in the death of a bystander during a revenge shooting in a park.

Andrew Ellis, 23, and Marques Johnson, 43, pleaded guilty on Dec. 17, 2025 to second-degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of 56-year-old Leo Colter on Oct. 1, 2023 around 9:57 p. m. in McPherson Square Park on the 900 block of 15th Street, NW. Colter sustained a gunshot wound to his upper back.

As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to a sentence range of 15-to-18 years in prison for each defendant, accepted by Judge Kravitz at sentencing.

The prosecutor read a letter from Colter’s sister who said “[Colter] was kind and helpful to everyone he met.” According to his sister, Colter struggled with addition his entire life but worked hard to better himself. “Even though my brother was on the streets, he had a family who loved him, and we know he loved us,” she wrote.

“I want these men to be held accountable for what their actions have done to my family,” concluded Colter’s sister.

“This is literally the worst kind of homicide, a planned out homicide,” asserted the prosecutor and asked for both defendants to receive 18 years in prison for their “extremely reckless” behavior.

The prosecutor said Ellis and Johnson shot Colter as retaliation for the shooting of their friend the day before. According to court records, a friend or associate of the defendants was shot at the WaWa on the unit block of Thomas Circle, NW shortly before midnight on Sept. 30, 2023. The prosecutor claimed Ellis then retaliated with shots in front of the Shake Shack on the 1400 block of 14th Street, NW around 1:18 a. m.

The prosecutor played body-worn camera from responding officers to the 14th Street shooting and emphasized the crowded nature of the area and how “absolutely reckless this behavior was.”

According to the prosecutor, the same individual Ellis reportedly shot at on 14th Street was the intended target of the shooting in the park but “Colter just happened to be the one that was hit.” The intended victim told the prosecutor he felt horrible knowing Colter died when he was the target.

“The deliberate nature of this is pretty apparent,” concluded the prosecutor. She said Ellis and Johnson received an extreme benefit through the plea deal.

Ellis’ attorney, Carrie Weletz, said her client is an “eloquent, educated individual” who has the potential to accomplish great things when he applies himself. While incarcerated, Ellis earned his high school diploma and continued to take programs and obtain certificates at the DC Jail.

Weletz said the incident involved two rival groups and described Colter caught in the cross-fire as a “sad reality.” She maintained that Ellis did not plead guilty to the shooting on 14th Street.

Ellis said “sorry to the family for the victim who was hurt, I don’t believe he should have lost his life.”

Johnson’s attorney, Kevin Robertson, said his client knows it’s not right that Colter died. After becoming acquainted with Johnson, Robertson said he was shocked his client faced such serious charges.

Johnson apologized to Colter’s family and his own family for his “reckless actions.”

“I should’ve thought better,” said Johnson.

Weletz said the intended victim told prosecutors he wanted to recant his entire testimony from the grand jury and admitted to perjuring himself. Robertson also noted the retraction from prosecutors’ key witness in the case. Ellis and Johnson maintained their acceptances of responsibility despite a meaningful opportunity to withdraw their pleas, emphasized Weletz and Robertson.

Weletz and Robertson both requested 15 years of imprisonment for their clients.

Judge Kravitz agreed with the prosecutor that the evidence suggested premeditated murder although it appeared Colter was not the intended victim.

The “street justice” from Ellis and Johnson “can not be condoned or accepted in a city we like to think is a civilized place that values life and the ability to move around the city without being hit by stray bullets,” said Judge Kravitz.

Ellis’ minimal criminal record and positive work at the DC Jail was “encouraging,” said the judge.

Judge Kravitz described Johnson’s criminal history as significant and troubling, including convictions for armed robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon. As a result, Johnson merited a longer sentence than Ellis, said the judge.

Judge Kravitz sentenced Ellis to 15 years and Johnson to 16 years of imprisonment, both followed by five years of supervised release. Both will be required to register as a gun offender in DC upon their release.

No further dates were set.

Case Acquitted: Witness Admits Changing Murder Account in Obstruction Case

Editor’s Note: Aillayh Carter was acquitted of all charges by a jury on March 19, 2026.

A key eyewitness in a homicide case admitted to jurors that she lied under the direction of an obstruction of justice defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 16.

Aillayh Carter, 29, is charged with two counts of obstructing justice for allegedly trying to influence witnesses in a homicide case.

Carter’s case was severed on Feb. 20 from Robert Carpenter, 37, who is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with prior conviction. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Tremaine Nicholson at the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE on May 7, 2024.

Prosecutors called the woman Carter considers her godmother to testify, a key eyewitness to Nicholson’s murder. Prosecutors allege that Carter elicited false testimony from both the godmother and her husband.

Carter’s godmother explained that she met Carter through her husband, who worked with Carter. They quickly became good friends and she considered Carter her goddaughter after two weeks.

On the day of the shooting, Carter’s godmother said she visited Carter at her apartment with her husband about 10-to-20 minutes before Carpenter arrived from work. She claimed to hardly know or interact with Carpenter at the time, only referring to him as “son” since she didn’t know his name.

She also described Nicholson coming into the apartment, causing Carter to get upset. The godmother said she didn’t know Nicholson at the time, but deduced his relationship with Carter through her knowledge of Carter’s child, and because Nicholson repeatedly asked for his child upon arrival.

According to her godmother, Carter responded by continuously shouting “get the f*** out of my home.” This argument went on for around 20 minutes straight.

The godmother said she was in the kitchen, while they argued in the other room. After the argument there was a brief moment of silence then she heard a gunshot, but could not recall how many. She initially feared for her husband’s safety, but after confirming he was fine, she “got the hell up out of there,” without paying any attention to who else was present at the scene.

She testified that she did not see who fired the shot, and did not know if Carpenter was in the

room at the time of the shooting.

While running out of the apartment with her husband, the godmother observed Carter outside the apartment building on the phone. She claimed to have not heard Carter’s conversation, but assumed she was calling the police–but that wasn’t the case.

Prosecutors then questioned the godmother on her interactions with Carter following the shooting. She claimed that she did not speak with Carter about the shooting immediately after it occurred. However, another day, a short time later the godmother said Carter asked her to tell law enforcement that Robert Carter murdered Nicholson.

The godmother claimed to not remember what exactly she told law enforcement. Prosecutors presented her with her previous testimony from a prior hearing. She then said her memory was refreshed and she did in fact remember saying that Carter was responsible for the murder to law enforcement, and that it was under her direction.

Due to time constraints from inclement weather, Carter’s godmother’s direct examination was paused and will continue when parties resume the trial the following day.

Before her testimony, parties delivered their opening statements.

The prosecution told jurors that Nicholson was “unarmed, outnumbered, and shot in the back,” describing the fatal encounter that occurred in Carter’s apartment. The prosecution explained that although Carter did not commit the shooting, she obstructed justice by attempting to influence false testimony from witnesses, which interfered with law enforcement’s investigation.

Carter was not arrested for the murder at the scene, but despite that, the prosecution argued that she continued lying and contacted witnesses telling them to say that she was responsible for the killing.

Carter’s attorney, Julie Wilson, urged the jurors to approach the case carefully, warning them to not view the case through the lens of crime television shows.

“We all have watching crime shows in common,” but in television shows there is a clear right and wrong, said Wilson. “Real life is not an episode of ‘Law and Order,’” said Wilson, stating that cases are complicated and have to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Additionally, the prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who was the first to respond to the scene, to testify.

The officer testified that he was on patrol at the time of the incident when he received a call about shots fired. When he arrived, he explained that he saw “legs on the floor” immediately upon entering the apartment.

The prosecution showed the jury footage from the MPD officer’s body-worn camera. In the video, the officer called his partner so they could clear the apartment before requesting emergency services. Jurors were also shown a photo of Nicholson lying on the ground. The officer pointed out visible shell casing on the floor in this photograph.

During cross-examination, Carter’s other attorney, Gregory Copeland, confirmed with the officer that there was no one in the apartment besides him, his partner, and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

The prosecution called another MPD officer to the stand that arrived at the scene shortly after the initial officers and encountered a woman outside of the apartment building who was crying. The prosecution played the officer’s body-worn camera footage of her speaking with a woman who identified herself as Aillayh Carter.

During cross-examination, Copeland played additional footage from the officer’s body-worn camera. In the video, Carter told the officer that she asked Nicholson to leave her apartment but he did not. She also stated in the video that there were two other people inside the apartment but she told them to leave.

The prosecution replayed the video where Carter said there were two other people inside the apartment, but the officer explained that they were not present when she arrived.

Prosecutors also called an additional MPD Officer, along with the work supervisor of Carpenter, who was with Carpenter at the time of his arrest.

The officer testified that law enforcement apprehended Carpenter after an MPD Falcon helicopter located his pickup truck.

At the time, Carpenter was working as a park steward for a woods conservation organization. His supervisor at the time identified Carpenter and his pickup truck in front of the jury after being played surveillance footage of the front of the apartment building around the time of the shooting.

Parties are scheduled to resume Carter’s trial on March 17.

Judge Presses Prosecutors Over Late Disclosure in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz pressed prosecutors about a late disclosure involving a police witness during a motions hearing in a homicide case on March 12.

Jaime Macedo, 24, is charged with first-degree murder – felony murder while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Maxwell Emerson. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Alumni Lane, NE on July 5, 2023.

According to court documents, after the suspect followed Emerson for some time, a struggle ensued, and the suspect shot Emerson in the abdomen.

At the hearing, defense attorneys Rachel Cicurel and Jessica Willis raised concerns about a recently disclosed issue involving a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who had previously been identified as a potential witness. According to the defense, the officer had been the subject of a sustained internal investigation related to allegations that he starved and killed his dog and later lied to an animal rights investigator.

Cicurel said the investigation by an officer from an animal rights organization reported the witness had been found untruthful in March 2023.

Judge Kravitz questioned prosecutors about when the information became known.

Prosecutors stated that the issue only came to light recently after further inquiries into the officer’s background. They said earlier internal checks did not reveal the issue because records from the officer’s time as a police cadet were not included in the system that had initially been reviewed. Prosecutors also stated that they do not intend to call the officer as a witness at trial, although it’s unclear why.

Willis argued the late disclosure raised serious concerns about how evidence had been handled in the case and asked the court to release Macedo pending trial so the defense could investigate further.

“It’s a set of missteps, lack of judgment, competence, and perhaps bad faith,” Willis said, referring to the handling of evidence in the case. She argued that the situation was “egregious and unfair to Mr. Macedo.”

Willis asked the Judge to release Macedo on 24-hour home confinement with GPS monitoring, stating that he had no history of violent crimes prior to this case.

Judge Kravitz did not rule on the request and indicated the issue may require further filings from the parties.

The judge also addressed disputes over whether prosecutors may introduce several recorded jail calls involving Macedo.

Prosecutors sought to introduce a July 2023 call between Macedo and his girlfriend in which they allegedly discussed an AirPod and a ski mask recovered from the scene of the shooting. Defense attorneys argued the recording would reveal that Macedo was incarcerated and risk prejudicing the jury.

Judge Kravitz said the call appeared “unquestionably relevant,” but said the issue could depend on the defense’s theory of the case. He noted the concern might be reduced if the parties agreed to stipulate that the items were recovered at the scene of what the prosecution says is an armed robbery.

Parties also debated an Aug. 1, 2023 phone call between Macedo and his brother in which they discussed the case and potential plea negotiations. Prosecutors argued the conversation demonstrated consciousness of guilt.

During the call, Macedo reportedly told his brother that “if it goes to trial I’m gonna be f*****, I seen the camera footage”.

Prosecutors argued the statement showed Macedo was aware of the strength of the evidence against him and undermined a potential self-defense claim.

Willis countered that the call showed Macedo talking through the case with his brother and repeating legal advice imperfectly, arguing the prosecution was plucking isolated statements from a broader conversation about his fear of trial and prison.

Judge Kravitz expressed skepticism about the prosecution’s argument, stating that linking the call to a claim of self-defense was far-fetched. He ruled that the recording would not be admitted during the prosecution’s case-in-chief but said the issue could be revisited during trial.

The court also discussed text messages Macedo allegedly sent from a tablet in the DC Jail, including messages asking others to add money to his commissary account and referring to the nickname “JR.” Prosecutors argued the messages could help corroborate testimony identifying Macedo by that nickname.

Willis and Cicurel argued the messages could unfairly portray Macedo as desperate for money and asked the court to defer ruling on whether the texts could be shown to the jury. Judge Kravitz indicated the issue may be revisited during trial depending on how identification evidence is presented.

Judge Kravitz also noted that scheduling issues and unresolved pretrial disputes could affect the timing of the trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 18.

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