Document: Suspect Sought in a Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that they are seeking public assistance in locating a suspect connected to a homicide in Northeast DC.

The homicide incident occurred on Sept. 15, 2024, around 8:25 a.m., as MPD officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 400 block of 50th Street, NE. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found an unconscious male adult, later identified as 44-year old James Price with no fixed address, suffering from a gunshot wound in an alleyway. Despite efforts of DC Fire and EMS, Price was pronounced dead at the scene as his condition showed no signs consistent with life.

The MPD disclosed that the suspect in question was captured on surveillance cameras, and their images can be seen in photos and a video linked to in the press release.

Finally, the MPD urged anyone with information about the incident to call (202) 727-9099 or text a tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for any information leading to an arrest and conviction in the homicide case. The MPD stressed the importance of not taking personal action but instead reporting any knowledge about the case to the police.

Document: Suspect Charged in Chinatown Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a suspect has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon for a shooting incident that occurred in Chinatown. OnJuly 17, in an alley near the 600 block of H Street, NW, First District officers responded to a call for a shooting. An adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound was located and transferred to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The MPD revealed, from their detectives’ investigation, that the shooting was preceded by a dispute between the suspects and the victim in the alley.

On Sept. 14, 2024, 30-year-old Tyrice Sutton, of Northwest, DC, was apprehended by the Metro Transit Police Department. He was initially charged with Fugitive from Justice and a Parole Violation Warrant, but subsequent to MPD’s investigation, an additional charge of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was levied in relation to the July 17, 2024 shooting.

MPD disclosed that a second suspect was caught on a surveillance camera, with a photo included below in the release. The MPD expressed gratitude to the Metro Transit Police Department for their aid in this case and ongoing partnership.

The case remains under investigation, and the public is urged to help identify the remaining suspect or provide any additional knowledge of the incident. A reward of up to $10,000 is currently being offered by the MPD for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a violent crime committed in the District of Columbia.

Document: Updated MPD Investigating Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an ongoing investigation into a fatal shooting incident in Northeast DC.

The incident occurred on Sept. 15, at approximately 8:25 a.m. Officers responded to a shooting report in the 400 block of 50th Street, Northeast. On arrival, they found an unconscious adult male in the alley of the reported location, suffering from a gunshot wound.

The DC Fire and EMS also arrived on the scene, finding no signs of life on the victim. The man was pronounced dead thereafter.

The victim has been identified as 44-year-old James Price, who had no fixed address. The MPD urges anyone with knowledge of this incident to call police at (202) 727 – 9099 or text tip to MPD’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. A reward of up to $25,000 is offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the homicide.

Document: MPD Investigating Northwest Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that it is currently investigating a homicide in Northwest D.C.

On Sept. 16, at approximately 4:36 a.m., MPD officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 1700 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW. Upon their arrival, they discovered an unconscious adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Ifeanyi Maximus of Bladensburg, MD. DC Fire and EMS attended the scene and pronounced the man dead after they found no signs of life.

The MPD has urged anyone with knowledge of this incident to contact police at (202) 727-9099 or text tips to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. As part of their ongoing efforts, the MPD offers a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a homicide in the District of Columbia.

Document: MPD Seeking Suspects in Southeast Armed Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that it is seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects involved in an armed robbery in Southeast DC. The incident took place on Sept. 14, at approximately 3:41 p.m. on the 3100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. During the event, the suspects approached the victims and took their property. Before fleeing the area, one of suspects shot one of the victims.

The victim was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where they received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The suspects were caught on surveillance cameras, with their photos included within the announcement.

The MPD urges anyone with information regarding the suspects’ identities or the incident itself to contact police at (202) 727-9099 or text their tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The department currently offers a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for violent crimes in the District of Columbia.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Request for Release

A shooting defendant’s request for release was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur in a hearing on Sept. 18.

Keith Walker, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a March 7 shooting on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE, where an individual was shot in the ankle.

Walker, represented by defense attorney Tamara Jones, requested release on bond on Sept. 10, stating that prosecution’s decision to conduct DNA testing delayed the trial, which was previously scheduled to begin Aug. 20 and now is scheduled to begin Jan. 21. According to Jones, the delay is prejudicial to Walker’s case.

Judge Arthur denied the request for release, “to ensure the safety of the community.”

Prosecution expects to receive DNA test results at the end of October, after which defense will undertake its own DNA testing, which is predicted to take up to eight weeks.

Parties will reconvene on Jan. 3 for a trial readiness hearing.

Judge Modifies Carjacking, Shooting Defendant’s Release Conditions

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno modified a shooting defendant’s release conditions to allow him to participate in a work-study program on Sept. 18.

Elijah Hernandez, 19, is charged with unarmed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking turned shooting on June 21 on the 1300 block of 13th Street, NW.

According to court documents, officers responded to the scene, where they located the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his buttocks.

A witness told officers that the victim was pumping gas when two suspects, one of them later identified as Hernandez, according to court documents, approached the victim and jumped into the victim’s vehicle. The victim attempted to fight them off before being shot.

During the hearing, Hernandez’s attorney, Joseph Fay, requested his release conditions, which were implemented on Aug. 14 and required him to be on GPS monitoring and home confinement, be modified.

Fay told Judge Salerno that Hernandez wants to attend classes that will help with vocational training.

Judge Salerno granted the request, stating he does not want to interfere with someone’s work training. Hernandez’ case manager confirmed his involvement in the program and its time requirements.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 21.

Homicide and Conspiracy Retrial Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

A homicide and conspiracy defendant’s lawyers alerted DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo that their client was rejecting a plea deal during a hearing on Sept. 18.

Eugene Burns, 32, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in 2017 for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III, on Nov. 15, 2015, on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.

The conviction was overturned in 2020, when the DC Court of Appeals ruled that the search warrants for cell phones seized as evidence in the case were unconstitutional because they were overly broad.

In 2022, prosecutors updated the charges of first-degree murder, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence against Burns and added charges of conspiracy and two counts of obstructing justice.

Burns’ 24-year-old co-defendant, Tyre Allen, 24, was also charged with obstructing justice. The two allegedly attempted in 2020 to persuade and intimidate a witness into recanting testimony he gave against Burns in the original murder trial.

Burns previously requested an unwired plea deal because it would allow him to accept or reject a deal regardless of Allen’s decision to accept one.

According to Jocelyn Wisner, Burns’ attorney, the rejected deal required Burns to plead guilty to first-degree murder while armed, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy. Wisner told Judge Demeo Burns is ready to go to trial, which is slated to begin Sept. 23.

Wisner also raised an objection to newly submitted evidence by the prosecution. She disagreed with a firearm expert’s testimony, which was derived solely using images from Burns’ phone. According to Wisner, the images should be considered part of the unlawful search and should not be admissible.

However, the prosecution disagreed, arguing that the evidence is admissible because it stems from another search warrant that is legitimate. The prosecution also shared that they plan to reference further evidence that falls under the same rubric during trial.

Judge Demeo ordered the parties to write briefs outlining their stances on the evidence.

Parties are slated to reconvene for trial on Sept. 23.

Shooting Co-Defendants Accept Plea Deal

Two defendants involved in a robbery turned shooting accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Sept. 17.

Kurtis Hubbard, 23, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting on the 3200 block of 20th Street, NE which occurred on May 7, 2024. One individual sustained injuries.

Brian Richard, 21, was originally charged with assault with intent to commit robbery for his involvement in the incident.

According to court documents, Hubbard and Richard attempted to rob the victim, leading to a struggle, causing a firearm to discharge. The victim sustained injuries unrelated to the shooting.

During the hearing, Charles Haskell, Hubbard’s attorney, and Bryan Bookhard, Richard’s attorney, alerted the court of their intent to accept a plea deal extended by prosecutors.

The deal, according to Haskell, required Hubbard to plead guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Likewise, Richard’s agreement required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery and carrying a pistol without a license in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Jan. 8.

Homicide Defendant Asserts Right to Independent DNA Testing

A homicide defendant asserted his right to independent DNA testing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Sept. 18.

Deonte Patterson, 28, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstruction of justice. These charges stem from Patterson’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Ali Jamil Al-Mahadi, on Aug. 23, 2021 at the 1800 block of 9th Street, NW.

According to court documents, Patterson allegedly shot Al-Mahadi five times–in the left arm, chest, and torso. Al Mahadi was pronounced dead after all life-saving measures failed.

Patterson allegedly fled the scene in a car with his girlfriend and godbrother, according to court documents. The suspect vehicle was found later that day after a car accident in which all individuals survived but sustained injuries.

During the hearing, Cheryl Stein, Patterson’s attorney, alerted the court of Patterson’s intent to assert his right to independent DNA testing of evidence in the case.

Judge Raffinan set deadlines requiring the defense to submit the name of the lab and the expert conducting the testing by close of business on Sept. 18. The defense is also required to file the order for the independent DNA testing by close of business on Sept. 19.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 21, 2025.

Neighbor Identifies Defendant as Car Accident Shooter

A neighbor, who witnessed a shooting, identified the defendant as the alleged perpetrator in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sept. 17.

Adrian Lee, 49, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident on April 18, 2023, on the 700 block of Gresham Place, NW, that left one person injured.

During the hearing, Lee’s neighbor testified that he called 911 after seeing a man shoot another man outside his house while they were arguing. The witness said he recognized the alleged shooter as his neighbor, and identified Lee in court.

The witness said Lee was standing about ten feet away on the sidewalk from a man and a woman and they were in an argument. He said the man and woman were not being “visibly aggressive” and did not appear to brandish a weapon.

On cross examination, the witness said he did not know what the argument was about and did not know whether the man that was shot and the woman lived in the area. He testified that he had never seen Lee act violently in the past, deeming him “friendly.”

An officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified that he responded to the scene where the victim was suffering from a gunshot wound and that he did not appear to have any weapons.

“He appeared to be in a lot of pain,” the officer said.

The officer testified that the victim’s wife, who was on the scene, later sent the police a video of the victim exchanging insurance information with a man after they got into a car accident.

Prosecutors said in their opening statement on Sept. 16 that Lee shot the victim after they got into an argument following a the accident when Lee fled the scene. Destiny Fullwood-Singh, Lee’s attorney, insisted he acted in self-defense thinking Lee was armed.

An investigative analyst from the US Attorney’s Office testified that Lee’s cell phone data showed the user reserved a room at a Red Roof Inn from April 18 to April 19. She said she used geolocation data and Cashapp transactions to show the phone had traveled from Maryland to Florida from April 19 to April 20 and the phone moved around Florida from April 20 to May 30. Prosecutors allege that Lee fled the District after the incident.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 18.

Officer Says Gun Recovered From Suspect in Sex Worker Shooting

An officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) present at the time of a shooting defendant’s arrest, said he saw a gun recovered from the suspect which was sent for evidence processing. The testimony was presented in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Sept. 17.

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

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has claimed that the shooting may have resulted from a transaction gone wrong with a sex worker.

The prosecution called a witness from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), and asked them about the process of examining the evidence, during which the rounds and magazine were removed from the firearm, and all material was marked and packaged in an envelope.

The witness noted that they did not process the gun for DNA or fingerprints because possession of the weapon was not in question, considering it was taken from the defendant directly.

Under cross examination, defense attorney Sara Kopecki questioned the witness as to why the envelope containing the firearm in was cut open, but the witness didn’t know.

Parties are set to reconvene Sep. 17.

After Defendant’s Outburst Judge Denies Mistrial in Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a stabbing defendant’s motion for a mistrial following an outburst by the defendant before the jury on Sept. 17.

Tanade Warsame, 32, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on May 4 on the 600 block of I Street, NW. One person was injured.

Brandon Burrell, Warsame’s attorney, filed a motion for a mistrial following a rambling outburst by Warsame on the grounds it could prejudice the jury against his client.

During the episode, Warsame voiced his dissatisfaction with conditions at the DC Jail claiming there was drug dealing at the facility, and that he was mistreated by US Marshals at the courthouse.

Judge Pipe and Burrell warned Warsame to stop multiple times, but he continued and was initially ejected but returned in the presence of his attorney.

The prosecution objected to the motion for a mistrial, arguing they had done nothing to provoke Warsame’s tirade.

Judge Pipe agreed with the prosecution, and denied the motion.

Prior to Warsame’s outburst, the prosecutor argued that Warsame’s actions could not be considered self-defense because he was not in imminent danger, never asked for help from nearby officers, and fled the scene showing consciousness of guilt.

According to court documents, two officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were approached by the victim, who stated he was stabbed in a dispute over the sale of a 10 dollar hat.

An officer, who testified on Sept. 16, stated the victim did not specifically name the suspect, but provided a description. Warsame was arrested shortly after, and the victim identified him from a photo.

Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Self-Defense Claim Disputed in A Homicide over A Pair of Shoes

A murder defendant testified in trial and changed his narrative multiple times before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Sept. 16.

Darius Anderson, 23, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Israel Mattocks, 30 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE that occurred on June 15, 2022.

Wole Falodun, Anderson’s defense attorney, called the defendant to the stand to tell his side of the shooting.

In his testimony, Anderson revealed Mattocks asked Anderson to buy him a pair of shoes. Anderson agreed for $10, but did not follow through, according to his testimony. Mattocks became angry and followed Anderson and they argued. In the moment, Anderson testified, he saw a bulge on Mattocks’ waistband which he believed to be a firearm.

According to Anderson, he walked home after buying the shoes, but quickly returned to inquire about a new pair. Then he saw Mattocks come out, look at him with an aggressive expression, and reach for a something in his waistband, which prompted Anderson to shoot Mattocks because he was afraid for his life.

The prosecution argued that Anderson’s narrative changed from the last time he spoke.

During a prior interview with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Anderson police showed Anderson pictures of himself at the crime scene.

He reportedly laughed and said, “I just didn’t want to throw myself under the bus.” He also told police officers, according to the prosecution, that he waited outside the store to shoot Mattocks because he did not want any “innocent bystanders,” to be affected.

Falodun asked for an acquittal saying the prosecution did not have enough evidence to prove Anderson was the aggressor, and insisted he acted in self-defense. Judge Demeo denied the motion, explaining that a jury could reasonably find Anderson guilty with the evidence presented.

The prosecution argued that Anderson planned Mattock’s death. He walked home and decided to return to the scene, looking to shoot Mattocks. At the store, the prosecutor argued, Anderson peaked inside to check if Mattocks was there and positioned himself out of view while waiting outside.

“Nothing caused him to fear Mr. Mattocks,” the prosecution insisted. They showed video of Mattocks walking out of the store while holding a phone up to his right ear carrying bags. The prosecutor argued that Mattocks could have never reached for a gun, because his hands were full.

Falodun said the self-defense claim was based on Anderson’s real fear of death.

The prosecutor rebutted by focusing on Anderson’s credibility and how he had changed his narrative.

Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Shooting Defendant Sentenced to Five Years Claims He was An Intoxicated Version of Himself

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a shooting defendant to 60 months in prison with three years of probation on Sept. 17.

On June 12, Alonte Miller, 21, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the shooting of two individuals on April 20 on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE.

Parties agreed that due to his criminal history, the sentencing guidelines required Miller to be sentenced to a range of 18-to-60 months of incarceration.

The prosecution read a letter written by one of the victims, who attended the proceeding remotely.

In the letter, the victim told Judge Salerno she now suffers from sleep problems, migraines, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a loss of trust in the community, a loss of her routines, and hearing loss.

She added she hopes Miller loses his sense of life, the way she has since the incident.

The other victim said that the trauma was too much for her, and she left DC after the attack.

The prosecution asked Judge Salerno to impose the maximum sentencing time of 60 months incarcerated and three years of probation, citing the severity of the attack. The prosecution presented photos of the victim’s injuries behind her ear and a video of the attack.

Stephen LoGerfo, Miller’s attorney, requested he receive a probationary sentence that considered the five months he’s already been incarcerated.

The defense claimed that the attack was out of character for Miller, that he had blacked out and had no memory of the event.

According to LoGerfo, when Miller first saw the footage of the incident, he was visibly shocked by his actions. LoGerfo stated Miller’s history of substance abuse and alcoholism should considered a pressing matter and requested he be given a chance to seek treatment in the community.

LoGerfo wanted Miller sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a young defendant’s conviction if they successfully complete their sentencing requirements.

In a letter written and read by Miller to Judge Salerno, he argued the person on the surveillance footage wasn’t him, arguing that the individual was an intoxicated version of himself. He claimed he would have never committed the crime had he been sober.

He further argued that he believes he is not a danger to the community and, after being incarcerated for multiple months, recognizes what a privilege it is to be free in the community. He spoke of his goals for the future, including completing schooling and being committed to his family. He requested that he be given a chance to serve the sentence in the community.

Judge Salerno denied the request for a YRA sentence, stating that the offenses were too severe. He argued Miller’s involvement in the shooting occurred two months after his probation was over in another matter.

Miller will be required to register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.

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