Judge Rules Graphic Video of Victim’s Murder Mostly Admissible in Trial

During a hearing on Oct. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled on motions regarding an upcoming murder trial including that graphic body-worn camera footage of the victim’s death is admissible.

Rafeal Stevens, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of Aniekobo Umoh, 50, on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2700 block of 7th Street, NE.

Stevens’ attorney, Jason Tulley, argued that body-worn camera footage from the incident features two portions that are traumatic and prejudicial for the jury because they are “gory” and show Umoh dying.

Judge Raffinan ruled the value of these videos to the case outweighs any prejudice. However, Judge Raffinan ruled the audio of these two portions is “unfairly prejudicial” and ordered the prosecution to redact the audio.

Jude Raffinan also heard arguments regarding a motion from the prosecution requesting the defense not argue self-defense during trial.

The defense stated they are not required to disclose if they are going to argue a theory of self-defense at this time, but held that it is possible they will argue self-defense at trial.

Judge Rafinnan withheld a ruling on the motion but stated that if the defense chooses to claim self-defense in their opening statement they must provide evidence supporting this claim to the court prior to opening statements.

A defense motion to limit discussion of Stevens’ prior convictions during trial was also discussed at this hearing. According to both parties, Stevens’ past convictions are relevant to the case because of the felon in possession charge.

Judge Raffinan ruled that a stipulation regarding Stevens’ prior felony would be read to the jury but the name and nature of the felony could not be discussed during trial. Additionally, Judge Raffinan added the jury would be provided an instruction on how to consider the prior conviction.

Judge Raffinan also heard arguments regarding a defense motion to compel information from the prosecution about Umoh’s being a government informant in relation to drug distribution.

The prosecution argued that is a rumor they are not required to investigate and the defense is not entitled to any further information. According to the prosecution, the rumor stems from a comment a family member made to a detective which was speculation and not supported by evidence.

The defense made their argument regarding this motion ex-parte.

Judge Raffinan ruled the prosecution must provide the defense with the name of the family member linked to the rumor. However, she needed additional time to make any further rulings.

Judge Raffinan also made a preliminary ruling on a motion filed by the prosecution to limit defense references to Umoh’s past criminal history involving drug charges during trial.

The defense alerted the court they would most likely not reference Umoh’s past criminal history, and Judge Raffinan ruled the defense may not reference Umoh’s criminal history. However, Judge Raffinan added that the defense can challenge this ruling if it becomes necessary during trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 1.

Security Guard Sentenced to 36 Months in Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a shooting defendant to 36 months on Oct. 28.

On Aug. 20, Kevin Snead, 41, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred at the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue, SE, on April 3. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Snead, who was working at Safeway as a security guard, discharged his firearm at a group of four individuals who he claimed had stolen goods from the store hours before the shooting. Leading up to the incident, the same group of four individuals were there and allegedly threatened Snead before they shot at him.

At the hearing, the prosecution asked Judge Arthur to impose a sentence of 48 months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release.

The prosecution acknowledged that Snead was a victim of a crime, however, he had a serious lapse in judgment, especially when innocent bystanders were close to being wounded.

According to the prosecutor, a bullet discharged by Snead struck a car’s windshield while the owner was inside. She saw someone standing in front of her car ducking for cover before she did the same. Seconds later, the prosecution told Judge Arthur, a bullet whizzed through her windshield and went over her head.

Snead’s defense attorney, Todd Baldwin, asked the Court to impose an 18 month sentence with probation to follow.He argued Snead, despite his lapse in judgment, is a stand-up citizen.

According to Baldwin, Snead is dedicated to his book club, is a gifted painter, a respectful, and gentle man. Furthermore, Baldwin told Judge Arthur Snead wants to reimburse the woman whose car he struck by paying for the loss of quality as well as mental health services.

In a statement to the Court, Snead told Judge Arthur that he was sorry for his actions and wished that he could take everything back. Furthermore, he told the Court he tries to be a good citizen, illustrating the fact that, when he catches people who steal from a store he is watching, he often pays for their goods.

Snead told Judge Arthur he acted in self-defense, stating he feared the group of kids would kill him or seriously injure him. He added he regrets becoming a man that everyone reads about on the news, and someone who furthers the stereotype that the District is dangerous.

“It all comes down to responsibility,” Judge Arthur told Snead after admonishing him for failing to do as he was trained and calling the police.

Judge Arthur sentenced Snead to 36 months of incarceration, with all but 18 suspended, two years of probation and two years of supervised release. Snead must register as a gun offender as a condition of probation.

There are no future events scheduled regarding the matter.

Document: MPD Investigating Northwest Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a carjacking that took place on Oct. 28 in the 1000 block of Euclid Street, NW. Upon responding to reports of the incident, officers discovered the victim who was pushed to the ground by suspects who then fled the scene with his moped.

Document: Arrest Made in Northeast Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department announced the arrest of 19-year-old Malachi Davarchi Mack, who is allegedly charged with second-degree murder while armed in a fatal shooting that took place on Oct. 7, in the 100 block of T Street, NE. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, identified as 29-year-old Taquan Turner, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Juvenile Kicked Murder Victim’s Head,’Like it Was A Soccer Ball,’ Prosecutor Says in Closing

During closing arguments in a trial of two-of-five juveniles accused of stomping an elderly, disabled man to death, the prosecutor said the crime was “a premeditated, deliberate attempt to end his life.”

The group of co-defendants, girls aged 12-to-15 at the time of the attack, are charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy and assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 64-year-old Reggie Brown.

The incident occurred late at night on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

During the proceeding before DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs on Oct. 29, the prosecutor reviewed evidence in the case including a 55-second cell phone video purportedly taken by one of the suspects showing them celebrating the beating.

“This is glee,” said the prosecutor.

“These are the girls that were all together in Mr. Brown’s homicide,” said the prosecutor as she argued for a first-degree murder and conspiracy conviction.

While the prosecution summarized “a mountain of video evidence” in the form of surveillance footage of the darkened alley off of Georgia Avenue where Brown’s, bloodied, lifeless body was found and gruesome autopsy pictures depicting holes in Brown’s skull, the core of the case against a 14-year-old defendant was four devastating blows to the victim’s head.

“You kicked his head like it was a soccer ball,” said the prosecutor, noting that the defendant lingered on a fence in the alley for some 20 seconds before allegedly jumping on Brown then landing the blows

“She was choosing. She was premeditating,” said the prosecutor. Regarding the other suspect who was 12-years-old at the time, the prosecutor said,”She wanted to make sure she hit him as much as possible,” pulling a hood off Brown’s head.

Brown was said to be five feet, five inches tall, weighing only 110 pounds and suffering from numerous medical issues.

“How scared Mr. Brown felt when he saw six people running after him,” said the prosecutor.

Surveillance video shows a man in a blue coat who committed the initial assault on Brown and encouraged the five girls to help in the beating. The individual has never been identified.

During the trial, which started in August, the prosecution introduced binders full of social media messages, in particular from Instagram accounts, suggesting that the juveniles were aware that they allegedly committed murder and conspired to get rid of incriminating evidence on a cell phone.

Earlier in the hearing, attorneys for the two defendants in the courtroom filed motions for a judgment of acquittal.

“None of the girls brought a weapon to the scene,” said Geofffrey Harris on behalf of his 13-year-old client. “We would turn every garden variety assault into an attempted murder,” if the court accepted the prosecution’s argument, said Harris. He said his client had no intention of killing anyone, even though the group was looking for a fight.

“They cannot prove there was a conspiracy to commit first and second-degree murder. They have to prove there was a specific intent to kill,” argued Charlotte Gilliland, attorney for the 14-year-old.

”The last four strong stomps. I can make that intent,” said Judge Briggs. “The court can make a finding of deliberation,” said the Judge in denying the acquittal motions.

In her closing for the 14-year-old accused of the stomping, co-counsel Victoria Clark argued it was a case of mistaken identity. She cited flaws in the photo ID of the suspects saying that a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective prompted a witness to identify her client.

Further, Clark claimed the detective didn’t initially identify himself as a police officer when he met the girl for what turned out to be a recorded interview.

“[The fourteen-year-old] was not there the night of the murder.” She questioned the lack of DNA evidence in the case. Clark further observed that a key witness for the prosecution, a 15-year-old juvenile, contradicted some of her statements, and was incentivized with a plea deal in return for her testimony.

“She had a motive to lie,” said Clark, who called the evidence “unreliable, untrustworthy and frankly unacceptable.”

“[The juvenile] was not given a deal for her testimony. “There’s no additional benefit,” said the prosecutor.

Judge Briggs said she would review the evidence and deliver her verdict from the bench on Nov. 18.

‘If I Didn’t Comply, He Would’ve Shot Me,’ Says Mass Shooting Defendant

A murder defendant, who was allegedly the getaway driver in a murder incident, claimed that he had no knowledge of the shooter’s intentions, stating “[I] thought I was about to buy some drugs,” during testimony in an Oct. 28 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Juan Peterson, 34, is charged with first degree murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree cruelty to children, and two counts of accessory after the fact while armed, all committed while on release, for his alleged role in a May 15, 2021 mass shooting on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Lester Howard, 28, was killed and three others were wounded in the incident.

Peterson testified that on the day of the incident, he believed he was going to purchase drugs from someone he had dealt with before stating that he “knew he had what I was looking for.”

Believing this person was not a threat, Peterson testified, he left his firearm on the passenger seat of his personal vehicle while reaching for cash to consummate the deal. Turning back around, Peterson found his acquaintance allegedly holding Peterson’s gun and wearing a face mask.

“I thought he was going to rob me,” Peterson claimed.

Peterson stated that the man ran away from his car out of his line of sight. He affirmed hearing three to four gunshots, but that he could not see the gun or shooter as they rang out. The “trigger man” then returned to the car, saying “open the door” followed by “go, go, go, drive.”

“if I didn’t comply… he would’ve shot me.” testified Peterson.

Peterson also testified that growing up in Northeast DC in a community nicknamed “Little Vietnam,” he was surrounded by drugs and guns, using and selling drugs himself as well as carrying his own firearm for personal protection nearly everyday.

In acknowledgement of his past convictions, Peterson described the process of drug deals and firearm trades, stating that it has to be quick and is often done through a handshake so that it “looks like a friendly gesture”. Furthermore, there is often little negotiation between parties, “you kinda know your clientele,” Peterson stated.

The prosecution asked Peterson about seeming inconsistencies in his testimony during cross examination– they produced text conversations revealing Peterson confirming purchases of multiple firearms at once despite Peterson’s claiming to only own one gun.

The prosecution also persisted in asking about Peterson’s failure to be forthcoming with police during the mass shooting investigation.

Peterson stated that he lied to detectives investigating the homicide, telling them he didn’t know anything about the shooting or potential suspects asserting during testimony. He claimed he “froze up … [and] panicked” when talking to police.

“I didn’t want to openly admit to buying drugs … I wanted to get out of there,” Peterson told his attorney, Daniel Kovler, when asked why he lied to authorities for so long.

Peterson’s trial will continue on Oct. 29.

Murder Defendant Guilty on All Charges

A jury found a murder defendant guilty on all charges in a Sept. 18 trial before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Darius Anderson, 23, was found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for the fatal shooting of Israel Mattocks, 30, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, on June 15, 2022. Anderson was also found guilty of a second count of carrying a pistol without a license for the handgun police found on him at the time of his arrest on July 11, 2022, on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE.

During trial, Anderson said he agreed to purchase a pair of shoes for Mattocks in exchange for $10 but failed to follow through. After Mattocks angrily confronted him. Anderson said he purchased the shoes and walked home.

Anderson later returned with a gun.

Anderson’s attorney, Wole Falodun, argued Anderson was acting in self-defense when he shot Mattocks. Falodun said Mattocks had a firearm in his waistband and Anderson feared for his life.

The prosecution argued that Mattocks posed no threat to Anderson as he exited the store because his hands were full of shopping bags and his phone. They said Anderson planned Mattocks’ death and lay in wait for him outside the store.

Anderson’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 20.

Murder Defendant ‘Tortured’ at DC Jail, Attorney Claims

A homicide defendant’s attorney requested DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein transfer his client from the DC Jail to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital on Oct. 25, claiming that the defendant is being “tortured” at the jail.

Asmerom Ghebrekidan, 53, is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the death of 41-year-old Fitsum Mamo and the assault of another individual on May 25, 2023, on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE.

During the hearing, Jason Tulley, Ghebrekidan’s attorney, described Ghebrekidan’s jail conditions to be similar to solitary confinement, stating that recently he has only been let out of his cell for one hour every day.

He noted that this is especially concerning when considering Ghebrekidan’s already poor mental state and language barrier, making it difficult to communicate with the few people he comes in contact with.

The defense requested that Ghebrekidan be moved back to St. Elizabeths Hospital, so he could be ready for his competency hearing. Counsel explained that honest results of the competency hearing heavily rely on Ghebrekidan’s transfer from jail as the physiological concerns pose grounds for inaccurate results.

“Even if he was left there, I still don’t think he could be considered competent enough to stand trial,” stated Tulley.

Judge Epstein requested another hearing to get information from the Department of Corrections, which the defense and prosecution agreed to.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 22.

‘This Court Saved My Life… Thank You,’ Says Stabbing Defendant

A stabbing defendant received his sentence before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Oct 25.

Raymond Watson, 45, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his involvement in the stabbing of a longtime friend with a pocket knife on Feb. 16 on the 2000 block of Q Street, SE.

On Aug. 9, he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested Judge Epstein impose the maximum sentence of five years with three years of supervised release, citing the nature and circumstances of the offense.

Defense attorney Micheal Bruckheim requested the judge sentence Watson to the lower end of the sentencing guidelines — two years in prison with three years of supervised release with credit for time served.

Bruckheim requested that Judge Epstein take into consideration Watson’s forthcoming, willingness to take responsibility, and desire for mental health, drug abuse, and anger management resources that would become available to him when he is released.

Judge Epstein acknowledged Watson’s humility, saying “the victim started the altercation and verbally threatened him, he [Watson] escalated the situation.”

Judge Epstein pointed out that even with this acknowledgement, he would still have to consider his criminal history and lack of compliance while on release.

Watson was sentenced to four years incarceration with three years of supervised release with the addition of intervention plans while on parole.

Watson expressed that “being locked up” helped him in regards to his drug addiction, which was not only hurting himself but also his family.

“This court saved my life…thank you,” replied Watson in his emotional statement to the court.

No further dates were set.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Release, Delays Ruling for Co-Defendants

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a murder defendant’s request for release on Oct. 25, and delayed the ruling for two of his co-defendants.

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

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

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

According to court Marshals, Carroll refused to come to court. His lawyer, Gemma Stevens, asked the court to refrain from ruling on his request for release until he is present. Judge Raffinan granted this request.

Metts’ lawyer, Kevin Irving, asked that Metts be released under home confinement with GPS monitoring, citing that he is a 19-year-old with no criminal history and has a supportive family he could stay with.

The prosecution countered Irving’s request, arguing the nature and circumstance of the crime favor detention as an innocent bystander was killed. The prosecution added that Metts’ family previously helped him evade police and there is strong evidence against Metts, including social media evidence and surveillance footage.

Judge Raffinan agreed with the prosecution that the nature and circumstance of the crime and weight of the evidence favor detention, citing that 24 shots were fired, an innocent bystander is dead, and surveillance footage and witnesses corroborate that Metts was one of the shooters.

Judge Rafinnan ruled that Metts will remain detained while awaiting trial.

Wallace’s lawyer, Megan Allburn, argued that Wallace be released under home confinement, citing that there is no evidence Wallace was a shooter.

Allburn stated that the prosecution is arguing that Wallace did not prevent the shooting but that not preventing a shooting is completely different from committing murder. She said the prosecution is treating the three co-defendants interchangeably.

Allburn referenced that Wallace has no criminal history, a supportive family, and a stable home to stay at while under confinement.

The prosecution responded to Allburn’s claims by arguing that Wallace’s support system did nothing to stop him from the alleged 28-day reign of terror he and his co-defendants were allegedly involved in.

According to the prosecution, one witness saw Wallace with a gun and it is possible Wallace was a shooter. The prosecution also argued that even if Wallace was not a shooter, he was the driver and part of the conspiracy.

Judge Raffinan requested more time to consider counsels’ arguments and to evaluate the weight of the evidence against Wallace.

She ruled that Wallace will remain held until she rules on his motion for release at his next hearing scheduled for Oct. 30.

Parties for Carroll, Wallace, and Mets are slated to reconvene on April 25.

Murder Defendant Says He Did Not Intend to Kill

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a murder and robbery defendant to 16-and-a-half years of incarceration with all but 14 years suspended, during a hearing on Oct. 25.

On Jan. 5, Jamari Payne, 23, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the shooting of 57-year-old Bacilio Villatoro on Sept. 22, 2022, on the 3000 block of Adams Street, NE.

As part of the plea agreement, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 10 to 22 years.

Payne also pleaded guilty to robbery for his involvement in an incident that took place two days prior on Sept. 20, 2022, on the 5300 block of Jay Street, NE.

During the hearing, the prosecution explained that Villatoro was at work as a tree trimmer on the day of the incident. According to the prosecution, Villatoro and his coworkers noticed Payne trying to steal from their truck. Following an interaction, Payne went to his car and retrieved a firearm.

None of the workers followed Payne and fled when they saw a gun. Payne fired four times and struck Villatoro in the back as he was fleeing, killing him, the prosecution said.

The prosecution played a video for the court that showed Payne kneeling on one knee and firing a gun with both hands into the alleyway where the truck was parked.

Villatoro’s two sons and other family members were present.

One of Villatoro’s sons said his father was always there for him and his family and urged them all to do good and not bad. He described his father as a hard worker who never got involved in anything bad. He concluded by asking for justice and the harshest possible sentence.

The man that owned the house Villatoro and his colleagues were working at on the day of the incident also addressed the court. He the incident as “terrifying” and said he struggles with knowing it could have been anyone who was struck that day.

He said Villatoro was a great help to the community and they would often talk about their families together, describing Villatoro as a man who wanted to provide for his family. He concluded by asking the court to keep the defendant out of the community, stating, “our community and our country deserve better.”

The prosecution then read a victim impact statement from the victim of the Sept. 20 robbery. According to the prosecution, Payne pulled a gun on the victim and stole his phone and wallet.

In the statement, the victim described being “paralyzed with fear” and said the “trauma marked and changed my life.” He wrote about developing anxiety, struggling to socialize and work, and feeling weak and vulnerable in public.

The prosecution addressed another robbery that occurred on Sept. 24, 2022, as part of consideration for sentencing. Payne admitted to this robbery but he charge is being dropped as part of the plea deal.

The prosecution played a video of this incident for the court, which occurred at night at a convenience store. The video shows Payne robbing two college students and pistol whipping one of them.

“I didn’t mean for someone to die – It wasn’t my intention,” Payne’s defense attorney, Jason Tulley quoted Payne.

He said everyone working with Payne believes he shows great remorse and the shooting is not who Payne is.

Tulley attributed Payne’s actions that day to his struggles with drug addiction and mental health and that these incidents are the “tragic” result of a “spiral.”

He said Payne was not conscious when he fired at Villatoro because his brain was “soaked in drugs.”

Tulley explained that Payne lived two separate lives with his mother and his father. Payne’s father “showed him the streets,” and Payne began using drugs and alcohol at twelve years old, according to Tulley.

Payne’s father suddenly passed in 2018, which profoundly impacting him. Tulley said Payne struggles with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but never got the help he needed.

Tulley referred to a statement from Payne’s grandmother where she described him as an excellent student and churchgoer who if “given a chance he could be a great asset to the community.”

He noted that Payne is bettering his life in jail by taking college classes and is a loving father to four children. Payne’s children and multiple family members were also present in court.

“I ended someone’s life and my own life that day,” Payne told Judge Raffinan, referencing the shooting of Villatoro. He added, “I hate myself for it” and described being haunted by the incident and crying himself to sleep.

“Drug addiction got the best of my mental health that day,” he said.

He stated that he cannot believe he took someone’s life and couldn’t believe it was him when shown videos of the incidents.

Judge Rafinnan apologized to Villatoro’s sons and everyone else impacted. She acknowledged that no sentence would make up for the loss and trauma experienced.

She claimed she would take into account all the victim impact statements and Payne’s struggles, including mental health disorders, drug addiction, the loss of his father, and exposure to community and family violence.

Judge Raffinan sentenced Payne to 16-and-a-half years with all but 14 years suspended for the murder of Villatoro and three years with all but two years suspended for the robbery. These sentences will run concurrently to each other as agreed to in the plea agreement.

There are no further dates set.

Mother and Son Duo Plead Guilty to Their Roles in A 37-Year-Old Woman’s Murder

A mother and son duo charged with murder accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors on Oct. 24, a week before their trial was scheduled to begin in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Jaquell Jackson, 21, and Chakeatia Jackson, 40, were originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Tar shaqua Chappell on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE, on Sept. 15, 2021.

Jaquell was also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the incident.

During the hearing, Errin Scialpi and Tammy Thom, Chakeatia’s attorneys, and Brian McDaniel, Jaquell’s attorney, alerted Judge Raffinan that the defendants would be accepting a plea deal.

Through the deal, Chakeatia was required to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, the prosecution dismissed all other charges.

Similarly, Jaquell’s deal required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon. In return, the prosecution dropped the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charge and agreed to a sentencing range of 12-to-15 years.

Additionally, prosecutors agreed to dismiss charges in connection to a jail stabbing.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Feb. 14.

Murder Defendants’ Cases Severed

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted a homicide defendant’s request to sever from their co-defendant on Oct. 25.

Tamera Brown, 28, and Robert Baskerville, 31, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Darron Holmes II, which occurred on April 16, 2022, on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

Brown also faces two counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person, assault with intent to kill while armed, and obstruction of justice. Baskerville also faces conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license.

During the hearing, Judge Epstein granted Brown’s motion to sever from Baskerville that argued that “there are no text messages between Ms. Brown and Mr. Baskerville showing a plan or scheme to assault or kill [Holmes].”

Baskerville “is therefore a potentially valuable exculpatory witness” for Brown, McDaniel said. The defense in Brown’s case plans to call Baskerville as a witness at the trial.

Judge Epstein granted the request, and scheduled a trial for Baskerville on Aug. 24, 2026, and one for Brown on Oct. 5, 2026.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Awaits Retrial

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo declared a mistrial in a defendant’s non-fatal shooting case on Aug. 20 for reasons that were not disclosed.

Andrew Parsons, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and a felony charge of carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on June 26, 2023, on the 800 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Parsons was involved in an argument with a person he knew and shot him several times in the legs. The victim’s injuries required surgery.

Following the mistrial, a new prosecutor took over the case.

A new jury trial is set for Nov. 4.

Judge Holds Carjacking Defendant Due to Noncompliance

DC Superior Judge Erik Christian ordered a carjacking defendant be detained on Oct. 28, following a report that stated he had been non-compliant with his release conditions.

Richard Bates, 17, is being charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence while armed. The charges stemmed from his alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 1600 block of Frankford Street, SE, which occurred on Sept. 13, 2023. One individual sustained injuries to the head.

Bates is charged as an adult under Title 16.

According to court documents, two suspects, one of which was later identified as Bates, pulled up to the victim’s car as he was retrieving items from the car. The two armed suspects exited a white sedan, with one suspect demanding all of the victims belongings. After complying, one suspect hit the victim in the head with a firearm, and both suspects drove away in the victims car and the white sedan.

During the hearing, the prosecution raised the issue of Bates being noncompliant for check-ins with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). A representative from PSA confirmed his noncompliance, saying Bates failed to show up to check-ins multiple times. The representative requested that his probation be revoked.

Bates’ defense attorney, Christen Romero Phillips, argued she was under the presumption that Bates had been attending those meetings. According to Phillips, a change in probation officers affected Bates and his checkin scheduling.

Judge Christian proceeded to agree with the prosecution and PSA, detaining Bates.

Parties are currently in plea negotiations and set to reconvene on Nov. 4

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