Judge Denies Release for Defendant in Shooting Said to Be Gang-Related

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a motion of release for a shooting defendant on Oct. 16.

Daveon Robinson, 18, is charged with conspiracy, four counts of assault with intent to murder while armed and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a fatal-shooting resulting in the death of 16-year-old Justin Johnson. This incident occurred at the 2000 block of Savannah Terrace, SE on May 26, 2022.

Robinson, who was 15 at the time of the incident, is charged as an adult under Title 16.

Robinson’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, acknowledged that while probable cause has been established, Robinson himself is only accused of being directly involved in this crime, and not others that were allegedly committed by a gang to which the prosecution alleges he belongs. She also stated that since Robinson is innocent until proven guilty, he should be released on home confinement with education exception.

Prosecution opposed Robinson’s release, establishing an alleged relationship between Robinson and the Get Back Gang (GBG) located in the Henson Ridge neighborhood, otherwise known as the Z.

According to the prosecution, phone records place Robinson in several group chats in which people discussed purchasing guns and referencing an ongoing feud with a rival gang, the “Deuce Deuce Crew.”

Robinson’s social media also affiliates him with this gang, the prosecution argued, as well as several music videos posted on YouTube under the account “gbglilactive.”

Judge Raffinan found that although Robinson’s criminal history does not weigh in favor of detention, other factors such as the brutal nature and evidence of the crime heavily outweigh criminal history in favor of detention. Evidence includes surveillance videos, eyewitness accounts and social media posts.

Judge Raffinan denied the defense’s motion for release, Robinson will remain held.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 22.

Doorbell Camera Said to Link Suspect to Fatal Shooting

A homicide defendant waived his preliminary hearing rights on Oct. 16, before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

David Key, 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Devon Greenfield. The incident transpired on April 1 on the 300 block of 61st Street, NE.

According to court documents, doorbell footage taken from across the street depicts an individual, later identified as Key, and Greenfield in a verbal altercation. During the argument, the suspect produced a knife and stabbed Greenfield. According to the autopsy, Greenfield sustained seven stab wounds.

Howard McEachern, Key’s attorney, informed the court that Key had decided to waive his rights to a preliminary hearing right before it started. According to McEachern, the prosecution would be inclined to extend a plea offer as a result.

During the hearing, McEachern requested Key be released, arguing that there is no way to guarantee Key was the suspect, citing the lack of eyewitness testimony and the inconsistency in the suspect’s height description with Key.

The prosecution disagreed, deeming the crime violent and brutal, adding that if he’s released Key will continue to pose a threat to the community.

Additionally, the prosecution mentioned his past criminal convictions, citing two instances where he used a metal baseball bat to injure an individual.

Judge Okun found that the defense had failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove Key does not pose a danger to the community, and ordered he be detained. Judge Okun sided with the prosecution, stating their evidence is strong.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 13.

Judge Requests Full Mental Evaluation for Homicide, Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ordered a full mental competency evaluation for a suspect accused of both homicide and a stabbing defendant on Oct. 16.

On March 15, Raymond Avent, 24, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Rafiq Hawkins that occurred on March 23, 2019, on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

According to court documents, video footage showed three suspects exit a vehicle, point guns at Hawkins, and fire multiple rounds. The suspects re-entered the vehicle and fled the scene. Later, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers canvassing the scene found 34 shell casings at the scene.

Avent is also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution, and conspiracy, for his alleged involvement in a DC Jail stabbing on June 3, 2021 on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.

Through a plea deal, Avent’s stabbing case will be dismissed at sentencing.

On Aug. 29, a week before his sentencing hearing, Elizabeth Weller, Avent’s defense attorney, submitted a motion to withdraw his guilty plea, stating that “Avent apparently struggles with some cognitive limitations and reading and verbal comprehension.”

Judge Okun ordered a full mental competency exam for Avent. Parties cannot proceed with the case until the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) provides results.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 4.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Shooting After Officer’s Testimony

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann found probable cause in a shooting case on Oct. 15 after hearing testimony from the officer that detained the suspect.

Dupre Jones, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm with prior conviction, and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on Oct. 11 that occurred on the 4500 block of First Street, SW.

During the hearing, the prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who testified that he was notified of a shooting and dispatched to look for the suspect. While patrolling, he stopped and detained the defendant who matched the description the victim had given officers. While he stopped Jones, the officer allegedly found a firearm on his right ankle.

According to the officer, the victim told MPD that she and Jones were together and she asked Jones to leave because he was playing music loudly. Jones allegedly began to point the firearm at her before going outside and loitering. The victim went outside and asked him to leave again, but Jones allegedly fired a shot into the sky. A casing was later found at the scene.

During cross examination, Adgie O’Bryant, Jones’ attorney, revealed that there was no direct connection between the casing found on the scene and the firearm found on Jones’ body. The officer testified that the only correlation was the 9mm gun type. The officer also testified the victim did not sustain any injuries.

O’Bryant argued that the evidence did not meet probable cause for all charges, but more specifically the evidence did not meet the burden for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge. He argued that the officers did not see or hear from the victim that she had any injuries, so there was no assault.

Prosecution rebutted that Jones matched the description that the victim gave the officers. She also affirmed that the casing found on the scene corroborated the connection of firearms, even though the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) needed to further process Jones’ gun.

Additionally, the prosecution alerted the court of previous issues with compliance while on probation for another crime. According to the prosecution, Jones failed to comply with conditions weeks into probation. The prosecutor argued that he could not be released under any conditions to keep the community safe.

Judge Herrmann ruled that there was probable cause, informing the parties that the defendant pointing and waving his firearm at the victim was assault.

Judge Herrmann ordered Jones to stay in custody, arguing there are no conditions that can guarantee the community’s safety.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 1.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Detained as Dangerous

A stabbing defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Oct. 15, and DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann ordered that he remain detained awaiting further proceedings.

Jesus Peraza, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Sept. 15 on the 2100 block of New York Avenue, NE. One individual sustained injuries.

According to court documents, the victim informed officers that she was told to meet Peraza outside but refused to engage in a conflict. After a short time, Peraza allegedly entered her home leading to an a more intense argument and an altercation in which Peraza allegedly stabbed her.

During the hearing, Henry Escoto, Peraza’s attorney, alerted Judge Hermmann of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and requested that Pereza be released under electronic monitoring.

Escoto cited Peraza’s employment and need to support his family, his lack of criminal history, and a promise to comply with court-imposed conditions as reasons to release him under supervision.

The prosecution rebutted that the danger to the community was significant, revealing that Peraza had attacked the victim unprovoked, even after the victim tried to disengage the conflict.

Judge Hermmann affirmed that the evidence was, “concerning to the court,” and that, “the weight of the evidence is very strong.” She affirmed that there were no conditions that could be set to maintain the community and denied the release.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 28.

Judge Orders Stabbing Defendant Remain in Custody

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann ordered that a defendant stay in custody due to the violent nature of the stabbing, as he waived his rights to a preliminary hearing on Oct. 15.

Jeremiah Hall, 38, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Oct. 6 on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE. One individual sustained injuries to his chest and back.

According to court documents, the victim reported that he was outside when a suspect approached him, asking about the location of his “clippers”. Confused, the victim attempted to leave but was suddenly stabbed in his back by the suspect. He managed to escape but was attacked again by the same suspect at a nearby bus stop.

During the hearing, Jesse Winograd, Hall’s attorney, informed the court that Hall waived his rights to the preliminary hearing.

The prosecution argued that there were no proper conditions to release the defendant, highlighting the violent nature of the crime, Hall’s criminal history, and the victim’s hospitalization. She believed there was enough evidence to continue Hall’s detainment.

Winograd agreed to the characterization.

Judge Herrmann agreed with the prosecution, ruling that Hall will remain in custody.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 5.

Southeast Homicide Defendant Found Guilty on All Charges

A jury convicted a murder defendant of all charges following a multi-week trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 10.

Dennis Chase, 32, was convicted of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. The charges stemmed from his involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Anthony Orr on Dec. 7, 2020, in the 400 block of Xenia Street SE.

During the trial, the prosecution argued that Chase shot Orr in the head during a drug-fueled encounter in a parked car, dismissing Chase’s self-defense claim. The defense, led by attorney Megan Allburn, contended that Orr had threatened Chase’s life and that Chase acted out of self-preservation.

The jury, which began deliberations on Oct. 9, returned with guilty verdicts on all counts.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2025.

Mother Accepts Plea Deal in Daughter’s Fentanyl Death, Faces Up to 30 Years

A mother accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Oct. 15.

Sasha McCoy, 28, was originally charged with first-degree murder and first-degree cruelty to children following the death of her three-year-old daughter, Journey McCoy, on Oct. 18, 2022. The incident took place at their home on the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE.

According to the prosecution, McCoy placed her daughter down for a nap. After approximately an hour, she discovered her daughter was no longer breathing. McCoy rushed the child to the hospital, performing CPR, while a witness called 911 and drove them to the emergency room. Despite these efforts, Journey was pronounced dead at the hospital. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was fentanyl intoxication.

Camille Wagner, McCoy’s attorney, informed the court of McCoy’s intention to accept a deal that required her to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter. In exchange, the prosecution agreed not to seek indictment charges and dropped the original first-degree murder and first-degree cruelty to children charges.

Voluntary manslaughter carries a penalty of up to 30 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

Judge Brandt scheduled sentencing for Jan. 3, 2025.

Homicide Defendant Sentenced to 12 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a homicide defendant to 12 years on Oct. 15.

Javon Duckwilder, 27, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Juwan Smith on Oct. 23, 2021, on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to documents, the shooting stemmed from a verbal altercation between Smith and Duckwilder at a gas station, which escalated to Duckwilder shooting Smith.

On June 20, Duckwilder accepted an offer extended by prosecutors, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Parties agreed to a sentence of 12 years.

During the hearing, Duckwilder’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, requested that Duckwilder be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a defendant that committed a crime under the age of 25 to have their conviction sealed if sentencing requirements are met.

Winogard stated that although Duckwilder has a significant criminal record and this is a serious offense, he also has potential that was never realized and he faced struggles imposed by his difficult upbringing along with mental illness that was undiagnosed for most of his life.

Winogard stated that the YRA would allow Duckwilder to reach some of the potential that he’s never met. “He is going to re-enter society at some point and a sentence under the youth act allows him to contribute to society rather than be a detriment to it,” said Winogard.

Prosecution stated that the YRA would not be appropriate primarily because of Duckwilders lengthy criminal record that has been, “culminating in the worst possible crime a person can commit, which is homicide.” They also stated that Duckwilder has a pattern of non compliance with any term of supervision he has had.

Judge Epstein accepted the plea and imposed the 12 year sentence and rejected the defense’s request for the YRA. Judge Epstein advised Duckwilder to take advantage of the opportunities provided to him for rehabilitation while he is serving his sentence, including mental health services.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Request for Release

A shooting defendant’s request for release was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Oct. 15.

Anthony Gary, 27, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on the 3700 block of Jay St. NE, on March 22. One individual sustained multiple injuries during the incident.

In September, Gary’s defense attorney, Raymond Jones, submitted a motion requesting Gary’s release.

Judge Arthur denied this motion and explained that due to the nature and circumstances of the crime, he can’t be released.

Judge Arthur had previously convicted Gary on drug possession charges, which underscored his decision.

Jones mentioned letters from supporters which advocate for Gary’s release, with Judge Arthur’s replying that he did review them but still will be denying the motion.

Jones told Judge Arthur he provided the prosecution with a plea offer, which is still in the works.

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 6.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Guilty to Assault with Intent to Kill

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal offered by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Oct. 15.

Cristian Martinez, 19, was initially charged with assault with intent to kill for his involvement in a stabbing incident on March 13, where he assaulted the victim on the 1700 block of Lamont Street, NW, stating that he wanted to kill them.

During the hearing, Martinez’s attorney, Alvin Thomas Jr., notified the court that Martinez would plead guilty to one count of assault with intent to kill in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment. The plea deal caps Martinez’s maximum sentence at 15 years.

Judge Brandt scheduled sentencing for Dec. 16.

Document: MPD Makes Second Arrest in 2018 Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 28-year-old Darrion Blake, who is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder, for his alleged involvement in the homicide of 44-year-old Denard Orlando Hartwell, which took place on Aug. 18, 2018, in the 4400 block of Livingston Road, SE.

DOCUMENT: Second Arrest Made in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 21-year-old Donte Bennett, who is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that injured one individual on July 24 on the 1800 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE.

Earlier, on Aug. 28, another 21-year-old male from Southeast, DC was arrested and charged with the same crime.

Homicide Defendant Asks for Lifted Curfew

A homicide defendant requested a lift on his curfew, a requirement of his release conditions, on Oct. 17 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Samuel Mack, 57, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 35-year-old Erica Ward. The shooting occurred in an apartment on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE on Dec. 30, 2020.

Defense attorney Joseph Yarbough requested Mack’s curfew be shortened or lifted due to his job demand.

Yarbough argued that the defendant’s job as a handyman requires him to participate in tasks where and when they come in. He said Mack has been losing money due to the curfew restriction.

The prosecution requested a written motion in order to review and asked for time to discuss the request with the victim’s family.

During the hearing, Yarbough also requested to test DNA evidence.

Judge O’Keefe ordered the prosecution to hand over the evidence in order for the defense to do their own testing.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 27, 2025.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to seven charges before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Oct. 17.

Kevin Johnson, 40, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, endangerment with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on July 7 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, officers responded to the scene after hearing the sounds of three gunshots, and located three shell casings at the location. Johnson was arrested following the officers receiving an image of the suspect who was seen firing the gun matching his description.

During the hearing, William Howell, Johnson’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights.

Judge Salerno and the parties discussed a motion filed by Howell on Oct. 16 to delay the trial, which was previously scheduled for Oct. 24. In the motion, Howell stated the defense needs to seek expert witnesses in relation to forensic issues.

Judge Salerno questioned if it had anything to do with concerns for Johnson’s competency, but Howell and Judge Salerno discussed the issue under seal.

It is unclear if Judge Salerno granted the request for a continuance.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 24 for a status hearing.

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