Shooting Defendant’s Competency Challenged, Co-Defendant Wants Severance

A shooting defendant’s attorney alerted DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Sept. 13 that the he intends to contest a mental competency finding.

Christopher Hinton, 20, and Kevin Harrison, 23, are charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, for their alleged involvement in a shooting on June 26, 2023 on 2100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. No injuries were reported.

According to police documents, officers watched the defendants flee the scene and were arrested. Hinton was allegedly carrying a concealed firearm while Harrison attempted to throw a gun under a vehicle. Both were unregistered firearms with large amounts of ammunition.

Harrison’s attorney, Patrick Nowak, requested the court vacate the trial date in light of Harrison’s mental health exam results. Although a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) revealed that Harrison is competent to stand trial, Nowak alerted the court he disagreed and would be seek an his own expert to for an evaluation.

Andrew Ain, Hinton’s attorney, requested the co-defendants be severed in order to guarantee that the contested behavioral findings didn’t affect Hinton’s trial date.

Harrison’s release conditions were also adjusted to accommodate a sentence from a new case so he would be allowed to participate in community service while on home confinement and GPS monitoring.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene to further discuss severance on Sept. 27.

Document: MPD Investigating Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced it is investigating a fatal shooting in the Northeast district of Washington D.C.

The incident occurred on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at approximately 8:25 a.m., when officers were called to the 400 block of 50th Street, Northeast. There, the officers found an unconscious adult male victim in the alley of the location, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite attempts by the DC Fire and EMS teams who were called to the scene, the male was pronounced dead.

The MPD emphasized that the victim has not been identified yet.

In case of any knowledge related to this incident, the MPD has urged people to call the police at (202) 727 – 9099 or text a tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. As part of stimulus for information that can lead to the perpetrator of the crime, the MPD offers a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Document: MPD Investigating Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an ongoing investigation into a homicide that occurred in Northeast on September 14, 2024.

On the mentioned date, at roughly 5:08 a.m., MPD officers responded to reports of an injured man in the 2200 block of Adams Place, Northeast. Upon arrival, they found an unconscious adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of the DC Fire and EMS unit who attended the scene, the man showed no signs of life and was subsequently pronounced dead.

The victim was later identified as 44-year-old Erik Mewborn, a resident of Northeast, DC.

For anyone with information on this fatal incident, the MPD has urged them to take no action but to report it to the police at (202) 727-9099 or text their tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. MPD currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who can provide information that results in the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects responsible for a homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the investigation into a homicide in Southeast Washington DC, involving the shooting of an adult male resident.

On Sunday, September 15, 2024, at around 2:43 A.M., the MPD responded to a reported shooting at a place of residence on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue in Southeast DC. Upon arrival, officers found an unconscious adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim, who displayed no visible signs of life, was pronounced dead at the scene by responders from the DC Fire and EMS. The man was later identified as 36-year-old David Washington, a resident of Southeast DC.

The MPD has called upon any individuals with knowledge relevant to this incident to refrain from intervening directly. Instead, they are urged to contact the MPD at (202) 727-9099 or to submit a tip by texting the department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the party or parties responsible for any homicide within the District of Columbia.

Document: MPD Makes Second Arrest in Fatal Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a second arrest connected to a fatal shooting in Northeast Washington, D.C.

The incident took place on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 12:30 a.m., with Sixth District offices responding to the 4500 block of Sheriff Road in Northeast. The officers found an adult male, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The victim has been identified as 38-year-old Ricky Canty, from Temple Hills, Maryland.

The MPD announced that the first arrest related to this incident was made on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, acting on a D.C. Superior Court arrest warrant, arrested an 18-year-old male from Northeast, DC for First Degree Murder While Armed -Felony Murder. At the time of the offence, he was still a juvenile but is being charged as an adult.

On Friday, September 13, 2024, a second arrest was carried out under a DC Superior Court warrant. Members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 18-year-old Lawrence Bradshaw, Jr. of Southeast, DC. He was taken to the Homicide Branch and was charged with First Degree Murder while Armed -Felony Murder.

Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that they are currently investigating a fatal shooting in Southeast. The event occurred on Thursday, September 12, 2024, around 3:10 a.m., when officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 300 block of Parkland Place, Southeast.

Upon their arrival, the officers found an unconscious male adult victim. The man was pronounced dead at the scene by DC Fire and EMS, upon finding no signs of life. The decedent has been identified as 32-year-old Alphonzo Glascoe of Southeast, DC.

The MPD seeks assistance from anyone with knowledge about the incident, urging them to call police at (202) 727-9099 or text them on the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. Notably, the MPD offers a reward of up to $25,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for a homicide in the District of Columbia.

Drug Screen Ordered for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ordered that a defendant be screened for a drug treatment program at the DC Jail’s medium-security Central Treatment Facility (CTF) during a hearing on Sept. 13.

Aron Williams, 33, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing that occurred on Feb. 24, on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE. Williams’ partner sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident.

Williams’s lawyer, Hannah Claudio, alerted the court that Williams was in a drug treatment program prior to his arrest and would like to participate in one while in jail.

There has been a delay getting Williams into a program because he has not been able to meet with his case manager.

Judge O’Keefe stated he would instruct the Department of Corrections (DOC) screen Williams prior to being admitted into a program.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 13.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that an arrest has been made in relation to a recent homicide in Northeast.

On Monday, September 2, 2024, MPD received calls around 1:19 a.m. reporting the sound of gunshots in the 2800 block of 7th Street, Northeast. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found a man with gunshot wounds, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim has been identified as Townsend Reginald Sowell, a 46-year-old resident of Northeast.

An arrest was made on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested 32-year-old Bryant Nelson of Temple Hills, Maryland. Nelson was transported to the Homicide Branch and, following a DC Superior Court arrest warrant, has been charged with first-degree murder while armed (Premeditated).

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an ongoing investigation into a homicide that occurred in Southeast Washington. The incident happened on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at around 10:06 a.m, in the 3700 block of Alabama Avenue, Southeast. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers located an adult male inside a residence who had sustained gunshot wounds. The victim, identified as 20-year-old Korey Glasker of Southeast, DC, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The MPD is encouraging anyone with information about the incident to contact the police, either by calling (202) 727-9099 or texting their tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The Department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible for the homicide.

Felony Arraignment for One of Two Homicide Co-Defendants Delayed

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan arraigned a homicide defendant on Sept. 13, and delayed another’s arraignment due to miscommunication.

Amarii Fontanelle, 21, and Jahi Rapp, 21, are charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shootings of 19-year-olds Reginald Cooper Jr. and Davonte Berkley on the 1300th Block of Congress St SE, on Oct. 17, 2022.

Rapp is also charged with accessory after the fact to Fontanelle’s crimes in that he allegedly relieved, comforted and assisted Fontanelle knowing that he had committed the crime. According to the prosecution, Rapp also assisted Fontanelle with fleeing the scene which hindered and prevented the apprehension, trial and punishment of Fontanelle.

During the hearing, Kevin Mosley, Fontanelle’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Judge Raffinan ordered Fontanelle, who had been released in this matter on Aug. 23 and transferred to Prince George’s (PG) County detention, to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) to get his GPS monitor installed. According to Mosley, Fontanelle was released from PG County’s custody on Sept. 12.

Due to a miscommunication, Rapp did not appear before the court. His attorney, Ferguson Evans, requested he be permitted to attend the hearing remotely, which was denied due to it being an arraignment hearing.

The prosecution requested a bench warrant be issued, which was quickly denied by Judge Raffinan, who argued he had been in compliance with all release conditions.

She granted Ferguson’s request for a continuance to allow Rapp to be present for the arraignment.

Parties for the Rapp matter will reconvene Sept. 16, and Fontanelle will reappear on Oct. 9.

Judge Denies Bench Warrant for Stabbing Defendant With Mental Health Issues

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a prosecutor’s request for a bench warrant against a stabbing defendant who failed to appear in court on Sept. 12.

Sharae Hicks, 51, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on July 29 on the 1400 block of 12th Street, NW. One person was injured.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Hicks and the victim were drinking at an apartment when the problem started. The victim told MPD officers that Hicks assaulted him without provocation. However, Hicks told officers that she fought back after the victim began to touch her face.

Hicks, who has been on release since Aug. 2, failed to appear at the Sept. 12 hearing, prompting a prosecutor to request a bench warrant for her arrest, citing multiple notices of non-compliance from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

However, Alvin H. Thomas, Hick’s attorney, revealed that she missed court because she’s hospitalized for mental health issues.

A representative from PSA stated the GPS monitor, which was installed on Hicks at the time of her release, pinpointed her location at a hospital.

Given the situation Judge Pipe decided to allow the treatment to continue and denied the bench warrant motion.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 19.

GPS Evidence Leads to Probable Cause in a Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ruled the prosecution had sufficient evidence to move a shooting case forward during a preliminary hearing on Sept. 10.

Mekhi Wilkins, 19, 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 that happened on Aug. 20 on the 200 block of 37th Place, SE. One individual sustained a graze wound during the incident.

According to court documents, a vehicle drove up to a police car to tell the officer that a female passenger was shot in the left ankle as she was getting out the car with her child.

During the hearing, prosecutors called an Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who testified the agency’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) captured the suspect vehicle, which was identified as a black SUV by the eyewitness, and registered to Wilkins, at Wilkins’ residence. The RTCC officers of its location.

The detective testified that Wilkins was on release for another case at the time of the shooting, and the court-ordered GPS monitor he was wearing put him at the crime scene during the shooting. The prosecution requested Judge Raymond find probable cause due to the GPS monitor pinging Wilkins’ location at the crime scene.

Madhuri Swarna, Wilkins’ attorney, questioned if MPD located anyone at the scene that could identify Wilkins as the shooter. The detective said no.

Swarna disagreed, stating that although the GPS monitor showed him in the vicinity of the scene, it does not prove he is the shooter. According to Swarna, the shooter was seen wearing a very common outfit, and no one was able to identify the individual by name.

Judge Raymond found probable cause, citing the GPS monitor as evidence Wilkins was at the location and the suspect SUV’s being recovered from his residence.

Swarna asked that Wilkins be released to home confinement so that he could continue his education and career as a rapper. She added he is preparing to be a father.

However, the prosecution argued he poses a threat to the community, and requested he be released.

Judge Raymond agreed with the prosecution, and ordered Wilkins remain detained.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 25.

Probable Cause Ruling Delayed for Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan delayed a probable cause ruling for a homicide defendant on Sept. 12.

Jaylen Suggs, 18, is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Ricky Canty. The incident occurred on April 25 on the 4500 block of Sheriff Road, NE.

Suggs, who was a juvenile at the time of the incident, is charged as an adult under Title 16.

According to court documents, Suggs is alleged to have participated in a shootout that took place outside of the Deanwood Deli. Witnesses claim that four armed suspects wearing gloves and masks exited a reportedly stolen vehicle, and approached multiple witnesses in what is assumed to be an attempted robbery. Shortly after, shots are fired, leading to Canty’s death.

The prosecution displayed surveillance footage from the incident and the lead detective on the case identified the suspect as Suggs, allegedly getting out of the suspect vehicle and running through an alley after the shooting had taken place. The other suspects have yet to be identified.

According to an investigator, a phone that was registered to Suggs was recovered from the suspect vehicle at the scene. Texts and images found on his phone place Suggs inside of the business from where the car was stole on March 19.

Suggs’ defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, argued that if this case were car theft then “maybe that information would be relevant,” but insisted the prosecution failed to provide evidence that proves Suggs was involved in a shooting, or in Canty’s death.

Gardner claimed that the only reason the prosecution believes Suggs was in the suspect vehicle at the scene of the crime is because of his phone and the small stature of the individual seen in the vehicle.

As for the lead detective identifying the defendant by his height, Gardner claims, “There’s nothing more nonsensical I’ve heard in my life.” Gardner insisted there are a million people who are the same height as the defendant, standing at five feet and five inches tall.

Gardner added that it is common for vehicles stolen by young people in the city to be passed around, and claimed dozens of kids could have been in and out of that car. The lead detective agreed it is possible.

The prosecutor referenced images found on the defendant’s phone that allegedly show Suggs with guns consistent with those described by witnesses, as well as specific ammunition found at the scene that likely matches that used in that particular gun.

Given all that and Sugg’s phone ostensibly found in the suspect vehicle, the prosecution argued that there is, “absolutely probable cause to believe felony murder occurred.”

Gardner responded that the prosecution referenced burglary and car theft but in this specific case the defendant is only charged with homicide, and the evidence they provided is not sufficient for a homicide case. The defense claims that the only reason Suggs is charged is because the investigation has been going on for almost four months and the detectives are going with the best person they could find.

“The [prosecution] is asking the court to make bold and wild assumptions,” says Gardner.

Parties will reconvene Sept. 12 for the judge’s rulings.

Homicide Co-Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

One of two homicide co-defendants waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a crime scene based on two search warrants before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan a Sept. 12 hearing.

Rafeal Stevens, 39, and Jermall Johnson, 40, are charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, attempted robbery – felony murder, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2700 block of 7th Street, NE.

According to court documents, two individuals, later identified as Johnson and Stevens, are seen on surveillance footage approaching the Umoh while armed. An attempted robbery unfolded, resulting in Umoh’s death.

Stevens, represented by Jason Tulley, waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence recovered by the prosecution on biological material collected including three shell casings and items from Umoh.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, does not anticipate independently testing DNA evidence and predicts Johnson will also waive his rights when parties return to court on Oct. 18.

The prosecution was ordered to turn over any additional evidence, and the defense is to file any objections by Sept. 20.

Parties are set to return on Oct. 18.

Expert Witness Links Bullet to Shooting Defendant’s Gun

A firearm expert witness in a non-fatal shooting trial testified that spent casings at the scene closely matched the markings of a defendant’s gun in DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s court room on Sept. 12.

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 grievous injuries to her penis and groin during the incident which may have resulted from a sex transaction gone wrong.

The firearm’s analyst testified that he examined a spent bullet, a spent casing from the crime scene, and the firearm recovered from Tyree upon his arrest.

According to the witness, the bullet and the casing were the same caliber as Tyree’s gun and the markings on the bullet indicated it was more than likely fired by Tyree’s gun. He said the markings on the casing were inconclusive, so he could not determine if it also came from Tyree’s gun.

Under cross examination, the witness said his conclusion were based on his expert judgment and not a computer program or vetted technology. He also said that he is paid by the prosecution. On redirect, the expert testified he’s not paid to give a specific conclusion nor does a fee affect his judgement.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki also cross examined an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified on Wednesday about arresting Tyree.

Kopecki asked the officer if he saw Tyree talking to another individual prior to making contact , and the officer said he thought he had but was not sure. She also asked him if they did any drug tests on the substances they collected at the scene that the officer said smelled like PCP. The officer said they did not test the substances because MPD does not test drugs in their liquid form.

Parties are set to reconvene Sept. 16.

Search