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Convicted Murder Awaits Sentencing

A convicted murderer is awaiting sentencing after a jury found him guilty of manslaughter during August trial before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.  

Jason Lewis, 42, was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter, three counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake on the 1000 Block of Quincy Street, NE on Jan 7, 2023. 

The jury convicted Lewis of all the weapons charges. He was found guilty of the lesser offense of voluntary manslaughter instead of second-degree murder while armed.

Throughout the trial, Edward Ungvarsky, Lewis’ attorney, argued that Lewis was merely defending his family from a threat, and that hetried saving Blake by giving him CPR. Ungvarsky said Lewis did not intend to kill the boy.

The prosecution argued that Blake’s actions of breaking into a car did not justify a shooting, especially because of the fact that Blake was just a kid. 

Lewis’s sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 22.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in ‘Execution Style’ Shooting, Orders Defendant Detained 

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe rejected Oct. 28 a non-fatal shooting defendant’s request for release, despite his co-defendant being granted home confinement.

Donte Bennett, 26, and DeMarco Hayes, 21, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting where one victim sustained critical injuries at the intersection of the 1800 block of Marion Barry Avenue and 18th Street, SE on July 24.

Release was denied because Judge O’Keefe ruled that Bennett was a danger to the public since he allegedly “shot at someone, execution style.” 

Judge O’Keefe also found probable cause that Bennett was at the scene of the crime on Oct. 28, saying the gun that was found at his house matched the shell casings found at the scene of the crime. 

Even though Bennett’s co-defendant, Hayes, was released on home confinement under DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, Judge O’Keefe stated he did not know what was presented and, therefore, did not make the same ruling. He expressed that there was no way to confine Bennett to ensure he was not a danger to the victim or the community. 

During the hearing, the prosecution called on the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Surveillance footage, acquired from a nearby public library, shows the suspect leaving a car and discharging a firearm. An additional piece of footage identified the vehicle, with corroboration from Bennett’s family member, who later identified him through surveillance footage in connection with the incident.

According to the detective, who works in the Homicide Branch of MPD, homicide detectives investigated the incident as a homicide due to the victim’s critical injuries, which included a gunshot wound to the neck. The detective stated that doctors told MPD the victim may be paralyzed if he survives.  

During his testimony, the detective identified Bennett in the courtroom as one of the two suspects he submitted an arrest warrant for. During court, the witness adopted the affidavit as part of his testimony. 

However, defense attorney Steven Kiersh argued that the footage lacked the clarity necessary to confirm the suspect’s identity.

Kiersh highlighted the footage’s limitations, stating it did not offer a clear visual confirmation of the suspect’s face. The mere description of a “thin, young person with dreads” was argued to be insufficient grounds for identification.

The defense also requested bond, citing Bennett’s drug issues, suicidal concerns, and lack of a prior criminal record. According to Kiersh, Bennett experienced severe withdrawal symptoms while he was in jail.

Prosecutors objected to the request for release, citing the nature and circumstances of the incident. 

Judge O’Keefe presided over today’s hearing, standing in for Judge Okun.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 22.

Documents: MPD Investigating Quincy Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Hazma Jamil Mubah-Wrotten that took place on Oct. 25 on the 800 block of Quincy Street, NW. Upon responding to reports of gunshots, officers discovered Mubah-Wrotten, who was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in 50th Street Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 19-year-old Ronald Brewer, who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured one, and took place on July 21 on the 500 block of 50th Street, NE. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim who was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Judge Continues Shooting Defendant’s Probation Despite Noncompliance

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian allowed a non-fatal shooting defendant to remain on probation despite his noncompliance on Oct. 25.

Taheim Parker, 22, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful discharge of a firearm in exchange for a waiver of the indictment, stemming from a shooting that occurred on the 100 block of U Street, NE on May 20, 2021. No injuries were reported. 

According to court documents, Parker walked up to the front door of the victim’s house and demanded his jacket back. The victim closed the door, scared of the defendant from previous interactions, and told him she didn’t have his jacket. Parker allegedly proceeded to fire multiple shots outside the residence. When the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the scene, Parker had disappeared. 

The victim told MPD that she was previously in a romantic relationship with Parker and had recently ended it after a history of physical and verbal abuse, according to court documents.

During the hearing, a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) alerted the court that Parker was not compliant with all of his probation conditions, failing to complete his community service hours and court ordered programs.

Parker’s defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, asserted that Parker has been homeless and that his mother recently lost her home. He was however able to obtain a job as a security guard, and recently moved in with his girlfriend. Kopecki was insistent that he was getting his life together, and would be able to complete the conditions if given 6 months. 

Kopecki also stated that he lacks a mother figure in his life, and this could be a reason for his noncompliance. 

Judge Christian questioned why Parker needed a mother as a grown man, stating “Does he need a mother to wake him up in the morning?”

The prosecution remained concerned about the defendant’s lack of completed community service hours requested his probation be revoked. 

The judge stated that Parker either completed his probation conditions by Nov. 15 or he would immediately revoke his probation. 

Parker quickly agreed, promising to try his best. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 15. 

Shooting Defendant Doesn’t Appear in Court

During a probation hearing a shooting defendant failed to appear in court in front of DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Oct. 25. 

On Jan. 20, 2022, Johnathan Davis, 26, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business as part of an agreement with prosecutors in exchange for a waiver of the indictment. The charges stemmed from a nonfatal shooting at the Union Station Metro stop located on the block of 700 First Street, NE. Davis was sentenced to six months for each charge in 2022. 

According to court documents, the victim and Davis were exchanging an unknown amount of marijuana for money. The victim allegedly grabbed the marijuana and ran away, subsequently Davis opened fire on the victim. Davis then jumped over the fare gate and exited the station. 

During the hearing a Court Social Services officer (CSSO) stated that the agency filed a violation report of probation report because Davis was arrested by Virginia Metro Police and that there is a pending probation issue in Maryland. Meanwhile, during the proceeding, it also was mentioned that Davis needs a new lawyer.

Ultimately, the court granted the prosecution’s request to file a bench warrant against Davis. 

Parities are set to reconvene on Dec. 10 for a show cause hearing and ascertainment of counsel. 

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty, Receives Permission for Field Trips

Christopher Hinton pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license as part of a brokered agreement with the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Oct. 28. Judge Pipe modified Hinton’s release conditions to allow him to attend school field trips while on home confinement pending his sentencing.

Hinton, 20, was originally charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. The charges stemmed from his alleged involvement in a shooting on June 26, 2023, on the 2200 block of 10th Street, NW. No injuries were reported from the incident.

In exchange for Hinton’s guilty plea, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges arising from the facts of the case. They also agreed to limit their sentencing request to the minimum called for by the sentencing guidelines.

The charge of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business carries a sentence up to five years in prison or a fine up to $12,500 or both. It requires a three-year period of supervised release and a minimum payment of $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

The prosecutor asked Judge Pipe to return Hinton to jail from home confinement because the firearm he was allegedly carrying when police apprehended him could carry 50 rounds and had been discharged.

Judge Pipe denied the prosecution’s request for stepback but ordered Hinton to complete all treatment ordered by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) before sentencing. She said she would view his compliance as an indication whether he needed prison time at sentencing.

Andrew Ain, Hinton’s defense attorney, told the court Hinton’s school had asked for permission for him to attend field trips. In support of this request, Ain noted Hinton had fully complied with GPS monitoring conditions except for one incident of taking out the trash early in 2024.

Judge Pipe instructed Hinton to inform CSOSA about field trips 24 hours before they take place.

Hinton’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2025.

Shooting Defendant Released to Home Confinement

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun granted release for a shooting defendant on Oct. 25 after reconsideration of the original detention ruling, as defense raised new arguments. 

Demarco Hayes, 21, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1800 Block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE on July 7, one individual sustained injuries after the incident. 

According to court documents in the initial preliminary hearing the prosecution argued that in surveillance footage you can see five individuals exit a vehicle and approach the victim. The one individual in the front seat is identified as Hayes who runs towards the victim. The prosecution believes this video surveillance serves is undeniable evidence that Hayes did take part in the crime and that the group was looking to cause trouble. 

During the hearing, Hayes’ attorneys, Molly Bunke and Mani Golzari, showed a CCTV surveillance video to the court that showed the victim’s car pulled up to Hayes’ car on 18th Street. They argued that the prosecution’s case was incomplete on this reason and “paints a picture as if it’s the suspect’s car out there attempting to cause trouble”, when in fact the video footage seemed to show the complainant was instigating and intimidating Hayes.

The defense said Hayes suffers from drug use and sought help without anyone’s telling him to do so. Hayes did not have a criminal history into adulthood, said the defense, and argued he was extremely susceptible to criminal behavior because of his environment but has not succumbed.

According to Bunke, Hayes also has a large support system who appeared in court or on WebEx who want to help him get back into society and stay out of any more trouble. 

The prosecution argued for continuing detention because of the nature and seriousness of the crime, adding that the victim would still remain at risk. The prosecution also argued that Hayes was familiar with the use of a firearm due to target shooting target.

Judge Okun, granted Hayes’ release based on no history of violence and a new stronger release plan can ensure the safety of the community.

Hayes is to be released on home confinement and GPS monitoring. Hayes is also to report for an inpatient mental health assessment. A stay away order from the victim was also imposed. 

Judge Okun strongly reminded Hayes to abide by his release conditions because and he does not want to send him back to jail.

Parties to reconvene Nov. 22. 

Judge Allows Prosecutors to Use Instagram Evidence in Murder Trial 

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted two motions, including one that allows the prosecution to present Instagram evidence during a homicide trial, on Oct. 24. 

Tony Morgan, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and conspiracy, for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on the 3500 Block of Wheeler Road, SE, on Oct. 20, 2018, which resulted in the death of 19-year-old Malik McCloud.

During the hearing, the judge heard arguments regarding a motion from the defense to suppress evidence seized from Morgan’s Instagram account, a prosecution’s motion to admit evidence of prior bad acts, and a motion in line to preclude third-party perpetrator defense.

The only motion Morgan’s defense attorneys, Megan Allburn and Steven Kiersh, made was a motion to suppress evidence seized from Morgan’s Instagram account.

They posited the search warrant was too broad and it did not satisfy the Supreme Court’s rulings surrounding the Fourth Amendment. As to the latter reason, they argued the warrant conflicts with Burns v. United States, which held the warrant must “specify the particular items of evidence to be searched and seized from the phone and be strictly limited to the time period or other date . . .”

The prosecution requested Judge Raffinan deny the motion, asserting that they had probable cause and that the Supreme Court was referring to cellular devices as a whole, versus a single phone application.

Judge Raffinan agreed and denied the motion to suppress evidence, ergo the evidence is admitted into trial.

The second motion filed by the prosecution was to admit into court statements of conspiracy allegedly made by the original codefendant, and by Morgan. These social media statements were euphemisms such as “dog for gun” that were allegedly used by both defendants that alluded to the idea of illegal gun sales. It was up to the judge to determine whether or not these statements would corroborate circumstances, and that a conspiracy to commit this crime existed. 

The “theory of admissibility” was a big aspect of this conspiracy crime where it was believed that Morgan used euphemisms to assess firearms used in this case. 

According to the defense, these statements came from the original codefendant, and the whole case was not built around Morgan. Thus, they found no reason for this motion as these statements aren’t linked to the actual crime, and the prosecution is trying to build a world of evidence against his client. 

Judge Raffinan agreed that these statements were important, and could be used as evidence against Morgan if they aren’t outside the scope of what is being presented. 

The last motion that was filed was the government’s to admit prior bad acts into trial. 

In their motion, the prosecution had seven acts they wanted to admit: 1) “Defendant Raynor’s involvement in the drug trade; (2) Defendant Raynor’s and Defendant Morgan’s affiliation with “solid Gang” or “SG,”; (3) Defendant Raynor and Defendant Morgan’s access to the specific Glock 19 and Springfield XD 40 used in the homicide; (4) Defendant Raynor and Defendant Morgan’s access to firearms generally; (5) Defendant Raynor and Defendant Morgan’s use of euphemisms and street lingo to refer to firearms and firearms accessories; (6) the murder of Defendant Morgan’s brother, Robert Merritt on October 9, 2018; and (7) the February 4, 2020 jail stabbing of [stabbing victim] by Defendant Raynor and Defendant Morgan” (Government 2024).

According to the prosecution, the reasoning behind admitting these acts into evidence is that the vast majority of the seven tenets are direct evidence of the crimes that Morgan is charged with. 

Furthermore, tenet five is included because, according to the prosecution, they allegedly texted back and forth every day, and, leading up to the murder, they used codenames for firearms and their accessories. Their reasoning is to make it clear to the jury that they are, in fact, discussing guns.

Pertaining to tenants six and seven of the motion, the prosecution reserves those in the event Morgan testifies in his trial.

Allburn and Kiersh requested that the Court deny the motion in its entirety, citing the evidence yielded from the motion as prejudicial and speculative.

Judge Raffinan has not ruled on this motion.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 30.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty, Co-Defendant Held in PG County

A shooting defendant was supposed to be arraigned, but was not in court due to being detained pending a trial in Maryland, while his co-defendant pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Oct. 24. 

Jayvon Thomas, 21, and Lavar Hunter, 20, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempt to commit robbery, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Anwar Wingate, 24. The shooting took place on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW on Nov. 19, 2021.

According to court documents, surveillance footage showed Wingate in a “vulnerable” state, highly intoxicated and stumbling. Two individuals, later identified as Thomas and Hunter, allegedly planned to rob Wingate to steal his gun. 

Thomas and Wingate fought briefly and Hunter was allegedly the one to fatally shoot Wingate, according to court documents.

During the hearing, Thomas’ defense attorney, Sylvia Smith told Judge Raffinan that Thomas is being held in Prince George’s County, Maryland, awaiting a trial. According to Smith, his trial will not start until Nov. 26.

With that in mind, she asked that parties not reconvene until after his trial.

James King, Hunter’s attorney, announced Hunter’s intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial. 

Parties in Hunter’s matter will reconvene on Dec. 13.

Carjacking, Robbery Defendant Sentenced to 12 Years for Crime Spree 

A carjacking defendant who went on a crime spree was sentenced to 12 years incarceration with three years of supervised release before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Oct. 25. 

Montello Washington, 18, pleaded guilty on Aug. 16 to robbery while armed, unarmed carjacking, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in multiple robberies and carjackings from Aug. 6 to 16, 2023, in several locations.

According to court documents, the first offense occurred on Aug. 6, 2023, on the 1300 block of Tewkesbury Place, NW, when Washington and four others stole a car from a victim. 

The next offense occurred on Aug. 14, 2023, on the 2500 block of 13th Street, NW, according to court documents. Washington stole an empty car from a victim who later found it missing.

On Aug. 15, 2023, at the intersection of Piney Branch Road and Whittier Place, NW, Washington and three others robbed an individual. One of the perpetrators pointed a gun at the victim and stole his car, phone and wallet. 

Washington participated in three crimes on Aug. 16, 2023. He was involved in a shooting on the 1300 block of Tewkesbury Place, NW, where two shell casings were found. Later that day, he took part in an armed robbery and stole a victim’s credit card. He went on to commit an armed carjacking on the 1300 block of Missouri Avenue, NW. 

The final offense occurred between Aug. 15 and 16, 2023, on the 2700 block of Macomb Street, NW, during which Washington stole another victim’s car. 

At the hearing, the prosecution asked for a sentence of 17 years with three years of supervised release. They claimed Washington had been given multiple chances to succeed but had not taken them. 

The prosecution opposed sentencing Washington under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) which would effectively seal his sentence if he successfully completed the terms.

The prosecution’s reasoning was the number of victims and serious nature of the crimes. They said Washington had “terrorized” the DC community and received a huge benefit from the plea deal. Washington was originally charged with armed carjacking but pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking, which carries a significantly reduced mandatory minimum sentence. 

Over the defense’s objection, the prosecution read into the record a victim impact statement from a carjacking incident to which Washington did not plead guilty. The defense asked for the statement not to be read, but Judge Pipe agreed to hear it without letting it carry much weight in her sentencing decision. 

In the statement, the victim said he was a veteran who previously thought the enemy was outside the country, but now he is always on guard because “the enemy is everywhere I go.” 

“You are the enemy of every law-abiding citizen in this country,” the victim told the defendant in the statement. 

Thomas Key, one of Washington’s defense attorneys, said Washington should have been tried in juvenile court because he was 17 at the time of the incident. 

Key said Washington has been in protective custody since he was transferred to DC Jail from the Youth Services Center (YSC) when he turned 18. He said Washington should have been held at YSC until he was 21.

Key said Washington was exactly the kind of person the YRA was designed for and requested a sentence of three years. 

Aubrey Dillon, Washington’s second defense attorney, told the court that Washington was homeless and going through trauma at the time he committed the crimes. Dillion said, since Washington was not tried in juvenile court, he was deprived of restorative justice–an approach that involves understanding the crime’s impact and trying to repair the damage.

Washington addressed the court to express remorse for his crimes. 

“I’m certainly a different man and I have a different mindset,” Washington said. 

Judge Pipe sentenced Washington to 12 years of incarceration with three years of supervised release. Washington is also required to pay $400 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund and register as a gun offender. 

Judge Pipe said Washington’s conduct in these incidents was “egregious” after handing down his sentence. 

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.

Jury Finds Defendant Guilty After Tupac’s Music Shooting

Defendant Calvon Brown was found guilty on Sept. 26 in DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian’s courtroom of shooting and wounding another individual during an argument about music that turned into a physical struggle. 

Brown, 31, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly 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 outside a home or business. The charges stem from an incident on March 22 on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, that left one individual with injuries.

During the trial, the prosecution argued that Brown lured the victim into an alley and shot him because he was playing rap artist Tupac’s music at high volume over a speaker near his store during a business transaction.

Brown’s attorney, Tammy Thom, argued the victim’s testimony was not credible. Thom said a 911 call placed by an eyewitness described the victim’s walking away from the alley allegedly with a gun in one hand and a speaker in the other. This contradicted the victim’s own testimony that he was not armed during the incident. 

The jury ruled in favor of the prosecution’s theory and rendered Brown guilty.

Brown’s sentencing date is scheduled for Dec. 10. 

Stabbing Defendant’s Self-Defense Claim Delays Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun delayed a stabbing defendant’s sentencing on Oct. 25, after he said in a pre-sentencing report he acted in self-defense. 

On Aug. 28, Carlton Davis, 48, pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury for his involvement in the stabbing of a victim’s hand with a pair of scissors on July 13, 2024 at the 200 block of 35th Street, SE.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested Judge Okun impose 18 months incarceration, arguing that Davis is a danger to the community. The prosecution argued on the victim’s behalf, stating that the victim’s life was significantly impacted as he had to receive stitches in his hand, was burdened by medical costs, and that his young children were traumatized by witnessing the incident.

Davis had prior burglary convictions and had spent 15 years incarcerated. The prosecutor argued this proves he continues to pose a threat to the community.

Defense attorney Chidi Ogolo argued that Davis could be a productive citizen since he completed his GED and 18 months of college education courses and job training while incarcerated. Ogolo requested a sentence of 14 months of incarceration with six months suspended.

Meanwhile, Davis argued he acted in self-defense, stating that the victim had been acting aggressively at his back door, and he “started swinging uncontrollably,” which allegedly led Davis to grab the scissors and strike him. Davis told Judge Okun he is partially disabled due to being struck by a vehicle.

Davis said he victim is a good person but turns into someone else when he is drunk. Davis claims he “didn’t really mean to hurt [him]” and that he was using the scissors to defend himself, taking full responsibility for picking up the scissors.

Judge Okun asked the defense and prosecution to investigate further and for the defense to file a motion to withdraw a guilty plea if this is the case. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec 3. 

‘I Will Die in Prison,’ Says Homicide Defendant at Sentencing


DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun
sentenced a homicide defendant to 25 years of incarceration and five years of supervised release on Oct. 25, but was not given release conditions because of his age.

On Aug. 23, William Barrett, 69, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for the murder of 36-year-old Romaine Maddox. The incident occurred at the Ivy City Motel on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE on Feb. 23.

According to court documents, Barrett and Maddox were in a relationship. The two went to a motel to spend some time together on Maddox’s birthday when things turned violent. A physical altercation occurred which ultimately led to Barrett striking Maddox multiple times with a toilet seat cover which killed her. 

Barrett is not a first time offender, according to the prosecution. Prior to this crime he had been incarcerated twice for assaulting two other women–both incidents were violent, one resulting in arson. Those crimes occurred while Barrett was briefly on release after spending most of his adult life incarcerated, according to the prosecution. 

The prosecution in this case asked for 25 years of incarceration, citing the nature of the crime and Barrett’s extensive criminal history. They believe that if released Barrett will continue to commit crimes against women and his violent actions are a pattern.

Victim impact statements were given by Maddox’s family with one member stating “you deserve a life sentence.”

Defense attorney Russell Hairston urged Judge Okun to focus on Barrett’s acknowledgement of the crime and his age. Barrett is turning 70 this year and depending on the sentence will most likely die in prison, according to Hairston. 

He also requested Barrett get a mental health assessment and a transfer to a prison that houses the elderly in Boston.  

Barrett gave his condolences to the family, stating he cared for Maddox and that “it was not supposed to turn out this way.” He acknowledged his guilt and stated that his actions mean, “I will die in prison”. 

Judge Okun sentenced Barrett to 25 years of incarceration with five years of supervised release based on criminal history, citing this not being the “first time he has savagely attacked a woman” and the “horrific” nature of this crime. No conditions of release were given based on the age of the defendant. 

Judge Okun mentioned that age is usually a mitigating factor, but this case is unique in that Barret has gotten more dangerous as he has gotten older. Usually defendants get less violent as they age but Barret has “gone in the opposite direction”, according to Judge Okun.

Judge Okun told Barrett he will most likely die in prison and that he should make the most of the time he has left.

Document: Updated with Victim’s Name MPD Investigating Pennsylvania Avenue Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Antonio Kojesus Riley that took place on Oct 23 on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered two men with gunshot wounds, one of whom was identified as Mr. Riley, who was pronounced dead at the hospital.