Judge Denies Assault Acquittal in Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow denied a defendant’s motion for judgment of acquittal on Oct. 9 for an assault with a dangerous weapon charge, but allowed the parties to continue to argue about a charge of obstruction.

Warnell Reams, 57, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 5 on the 200 block of Vine Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries to his left arm and abdomen.

According to court documents, a suspect met the victim to get drugs. He returned sometime later to the scene because he believed he was not given all the drugs he paid for. After an argument, the suspect allegedly stabbed the victim twice in his left arm and once in the left side of his abdomen.

Michelle Lockard, Reams’ attorney, asked for an acquittal stating that the prosecution had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Reams is guilty.

Judge Pasichow believed that a reasonable person could conclude guilt for the first count of assault with a dangerous weapon, but not for the charge of obstruction of justice. She explained that during prison calls, during which prosecutors claimed Reams attempted to coerce a witness, did not indicate the defendant initiated coercion, or trying to protect of a second person.

She told parties they could continue making arguments for the obstruction charge on Oct. 10.

During the trial, the prosecution called the manager of the property where the incident occurred.

She revealed she received a phone call from one of the tenants explaining the incident. She testified she called the police and they asked her to pull video footage for their investigation.

The prosecution showed video footage of a person identified as the victim walking to the third floor of the building, and entering the apartment of the person who made the call. The footage depicts the victim going to the fourth floor to another apartment. As he leaves, a building resident follows him to the garage where there is some commotion, but it’s not completely visible.

Lockard asked the property manager about the officer’s requesting the video footage. According to her, the officers asked her to pull video footage from specific times and she did not review any footage from different time periods.

One of the officers testified he met the victim at a Metro station.

After following the victim to the hospital, the victim informed the officer that the suspect was a man named ‘Skinny’ whose first name is Wendell or Warnell.

A second officer testified about the photo array he created for detectives to use in the investigation.

Lockard crossed the officer and revealed that the photo array document was not signed by the detective who used it, and there were missing fields in the document.

Prosecutors also called on another officer that responded to the scene, and displayed his body worn camera (BWC) footage.

The footage depicted the officers going downstairs and the neighbor pointed out the individual who had previously exited the elevator as Wendell. The officers stopped him but quickly released him afterwards. According to the officer, the individual had a blood stain and was seen with an injury to his left ankle.

A fourth police officer was called to the stand to testify.

The officer was dispatched to the incident and observed Reams, who matched the description of the person of interest, leave the apartment complex. The officer stopped Reams and asked him a couple of questions before he began to run away. The officers detained him after some time and arrested him for assault with a dangerous weapon and theft.

During the last officer’s testimony, the prosecution brought up audio from prisoner calls between Warnell Reams and an unknown individual. The audio played a person saying, “Tell him not to come,” and, “He ain’t going to come,” which the officer identified as Reams.

During cross examination, Lockard revealed that when the officers stopped Reams, he did not have any weapons on his person.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 10.

Officer Testifies Suspect is Carjacker

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who observed a carjacking as it was happening identified the defendant as the perpetrator before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe’s courtroom on Oct. 9.

Daquan Jackson, 28, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident on March 3 on the 1000 block of H Street, NE.

According to court documents, Jackson and another individual were riding scooters, when Jackson allegedly attempted to remove the victim from the scooter. Officers pulled over the suspect “in an attempt to stop what appeared to be an active carjacking.”

Prosecutors called on the victim, who testified through an interpreter that he was delivering a DoorDash order on his scooter when he was jumped. He testified he was scared, as he only understood the vulgarities being yelled at him. According to the victim, the carjackers approached him from the right and forced him off the scooter.

Sara Kopecki, Jackson’s attorney, wanted to question the victim about his immigration status, claiming he’s in the United States illegally. However, Judge Pipe denied the request to question him, stating it was biased and irrelevant to the case.

An officer, who was present at the scene when the incident occurred, testified that two individuals were riding a scooter near him, when one got off and began to carjack the victim. The officer’s body-worn camera footage was shown to the jury, which depicted the officer quickly getting out of the car and running towards what appeared to be Jackson trying to grab onto the scooter.

The officer testified that Jackson was “somewhat” compliant when arrested and that he had claimed “that’s my bike…it was stolen.” The officer supposedly responded by questioning his decision to carjack it back.

The officer stated that the carjacking was identified as a robbery, since Jackson had his hands on the vehicle, in a grip, while it was still on. He argued that since Jackson had possession and control over the vehicle, it was also a carjacking.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Oct. 10.

Carjacking Suspect Gets Drug Screening

A carjacking defendant’s preliminary hearing was delayed on Oct. 10, as he requested a drug evaluation and treatment before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann.

Tony White, 53, is charged with unarmed carjacking, simple assault, and leaving after colliding with property damage, for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on Sept. 20 on the 2300 block of 18th Street, NE.

According to court documents, White allegedly stole a vehicle and caused a collision. During arrest, the defendant allegedly punched a police officer.

During the hearing, defense attorney Craig Ricard requested the preliminary hearing be continued, and Judge Hermmann order White go through a drug screening for potential drug treatment.

The prosecution did not object, and Judge Herrmann granted the request.

The parties will reconvene on Oct. 18.

Armed Carjacking Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

A carjacking defendant waived her right to a preliminary hearing, granted by DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann in an Oct. 10 hearing.

She’ri Mykalie Bell, 20, is charged with armed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for her alleged involvement in a carjacking incident on May 5 on the 100 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, a suspect, identified as Bell, and the victim had agreed to meet for a FaceBook Marketplace transaction, in which Bell had shown interest in purchasing the victim’s vehicle. During the incident, Bell allegedly drove away in the victim’s vehicle, without paying for it.

Defense attorney Peter Cooper, standing-in for defense attorney Thomas Lester, alerted Judge Hermmann of Bell’s desire to waive her preliminary hearing rights.

Cooper did not request that Bell be released, stating that Bell should have the benefit of her attorney, who has the best knowledge of the incident, to make the arguments for release.

The prosecution argued that given the details of the case, Bell poses a threat to the community. She added that DNA evidence links the defendant to the stolen car and the gun in the case, most likely tying Bell to the incident.

Judge Herrmann ruled in favor of the prosecution. She stated that there are no conditions under which she can release Bell without reasonably ensuring the safety of the community.

The prosecution alerted Judge Hermmann that parties are in plea negotiations.

The parties will reconvene on Nov. 20.

Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Oct. 10.

Trevon Devore, 24, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Daqual Covington on May 17, 2021, on the unit block of O Street, SW.

During the hearing, Devore’s attorney, Veronice Holt, alerted the court of his intent to accept a deal extended by prosecutors. The deal required Devore to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, in connection to this incident, and carrying a pistol without a license, in connection to a 2020 incident in which he was found to be illegally carrying a weapon.

Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges, and not seek a sentence longer than 12 years of incarceration.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Devore, while walking with a group of individuals, shot Covington in the back and killed him. The prosecutor argued Devore acted with the intent to injure or kill Covington, and with disregard for his life.

A sentencing hearing was scheduled for Dec. 13.

Judge Sentences Metro Station Shooting Defendant to 24 Months

DC Superior Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to 24 months, with a year of probation, and three years of supervised release in an Oct. 10 hearing.

On Aug. 7, Desean Delaney, 31, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, for his involvement in a shooting which occurred on April 8, at the NoMA-Gallaudet Metro Station on the 200 block of Florida Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Delaney took out his handgun after a physical altercation with the victim, which ended with the gun being discharged. The victim and defendant both ended up on the track of the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro Station, and the defendant left the station, as the victim was assisted off the tracks.

During sentencing, the prosecution asked for a 24 month sentence with 12 months of supervised probation. They argued this was the necessary sentence by showing the surveillance footage of the incident, indicating the seriousness of the crime, and argued the defendant should be held accountable for his actions.

Elliot Queen, Delaney’s attorney, requested an 18 month sentence, arguing that the defendant in court and in the surveillance footage are two different people, but acknowledged that this was a very dangerous offense which Delaney admits.

Judge Hertzfeld sided with the prosecution, and sentenced Delaney to 24 months, with 14 months suspended, with three years of supervised release, and one year of probation. Additionally, she ordered a mental health screening for Delaney’s’ anger management issues, and a substance abuse assessment based on past drug abuses.

No further dates were set in this case.

Court Appointed Conflict Lawyer Released from Armed Carjacking Case

A conflict lawyer appointed to investigate a potential conflict between the defendant and his court appointed lawyer was released from the case before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Oct. 9.

Raymond Davese, 38, is charged with unarmed carjacking and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking incident on the 200 block of Tingey Street, SE that occurred on June 7. One individual sustained injuries to the right side of the neck.

According to court documents, the victim was parking a customer’s vehicle as she was working valet. After parking and exiting the vehicle, the suspect immediately put the victim in a headlock and deployed an electrical shock on the right side of her neck. The victim fell limp and the suspect took all her belongings before fleeing the scene in the client’s vehicle.

Defense attorney Peter Cooper, appointed as a conflict lawyer, notified the court of a potential conflict between Davese and his attorney, Michael Madden. After discussing the matter with Davese, Cooper identified the issue stemming from previous representation.

Judge Pasichow emphasized the defendant did not have the ability to discard court appointed attorneys until he found one he liked, unless he was willing to pay for his own attorney.

Madden explained that the conflict had to do with a prior trial in which the defendant acted as a witness against Madden’s then-client.

Following a private conversation with Judge Pasichow, the conflict was resolved, and she ruled there was no need for Cooper.

Parties alerted Judge Pasichow they are in plea negotiations.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 31.

Jury Acquits 57-Year-Old Stabbing Defendant

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow’s courtroom found a defendant not guilty on two counts on Oct. 11.

Warnell Reams, 57, was acquitted of assault with a dangerous weapon and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 5 on the 200 block of Vine Street, NW. One person sustained injuries.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution attempted to prove that Reams allegedly met the victim to buy narcotics.

The prosecutor said Reams allegedly returned to the scene sometime later because he was under the impression that he was missing drugs he bought.

After an argument, Reams allegedly stabbed the victim twice in his left arm and once in the left side of his abdomen.

The prosecution argued that the victim was actually acting in self-defense, but was disputed by Michelle Lockard, Reams’ attorney, who argued he had just enough time to turn around to see the victim was swinging a knife at him, and they engaged in a physical altercation that, according to Reams, led the victim to cut himself by mistake and land on the knife.

No further dates were set.

Judge Denies Requests to Toughen Release Terms for Homicide Suspects

The prosecution argued for stricter release conditions for two homicide defendants but DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied the requests on Oct. 9.

Jahi Rapp, 21, and Amarii Fontanelle, 21, are charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree 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. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-olds Reginald Cooper Jr. and Davonte Berkley and injury of another individual in an apartment building on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE on Oct. 17, 2022.

At the hearing, the prosecution offered a motion for Rapp, who is released on GPS monitoring, to be ordered to be in home confinement.

Jesse Winograd, Rapp’s defense attorney, argued that since Rapp was fully compliant with his current release conditions and has a stable job working in a warehouse for UPS there is no need to “step down” to home confinement.

The prosecution modified their request, asking Judge Raffinan to order Rapp provide proof of his employment to his case manager and check in by phone weekly. The prosecution also asked for a curfew to be instituted.

Winograd once again argued against this request saying a curfew was an “unnecessary imposition” given Rapp’s compliance.

Judge Raffinan denied the request for curfew but modified Rapp’s release conditions to require him to provide proof of employment to his case manager and check in by phone weekly. Rapp was also issued four new stay-away orders, one being from his co-defendant.

Fontanelle had reportedly violated his home confinement and one of his stay-away orders at the end of September. Both the prosecution and Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) requested for Fontanelle to be removed from the electronic monitoring program but for his release to be revoked.

Kevin Mosley, Fontanelle’s defense attorney, informed the court that Fontanelle may have been struggling to comply with home confinement because he is staying with his aunt whose boyfriend dislikes him and forces him out of the premises.

Judge Raffinan denied the request to revoke Fontanelle’s release “today” and asked for PSA to provide a more detailed report on how many times Fontanelle left his home and which specific stay-away orders he violated. A status hearing to discuss the report and Fontanelle’s compliance was scheduled for Oct. 17. Fontanelle was also issued a stay-away order from his co-defendant.

All parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 3.

Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Released With Stay Away Order

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing, and DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted the suspect’s request for his release on Oct. 9.

Demetry Ferguson, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the shooting of a victim on Sept. 8 on the 4400 block of E Street, NW.

According to court documents, the victim is Ferguson’s baby’s mother’s new boyfriend.

Defense attorney Steven Kiersh waived Ferguson’s right to a preliminary hearing, and alerted Judge Epstein the parties are in plea negotiations.

Kiersh requested Ferguson be released from jail with GPS monitoring, arguing he has strong familial support and lacks a criminal history.

Due to the nature of the events, the prosecutor disagreed. She explained that the defendant allegedly fled the initial incident and was found three weeks later allegedly with enough marijuana to distribute, which is a felony.

The prosecution added that the shooting occurred in front of Ferguson’s three-month-old daughter, and added that two pre-teen children were also present in the home. The prosecutor insisted that, had the children been close to the victim, they could have been harmed.

Kiersh insisted the drugs are not relevant to this case, and should not play a role in Judge Epstein’s decision. He suggested the court issue a stay-away order, preventing Ferguson from going near the house where the incident occurred and away from the victim himself.

Judge Epstein granted the request, and ordered Ferguson to be released with GPS monitoring. He also issued stay-away orders, and a curfew between the hours of 10 p. m. and 6 a. m.

The parties are set to reconvene on June 20, 2025.

‘Who is He to Take a Life?’ Asks Victim’s Sister During Sentencing

A homicide defendant was sentenced to 15 years by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein in an Oct. 9 hearing.

On May 3, Tyree Sanders, 24, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michael McKinney. The incident occurred on Sept. 17, 2023, on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 12-to-17 years of incarceration.

According to court documents, the shooting stemmed from internet beef between Sanders and McKinney.

During the hearing, McKinney’s aunt stated, “his life was taken too soon,” adding that, “His children will grow up without a father.” According to McKinney’s aunt, there are now seven children without a father and a heartbroken mother.

“There’s not a minute that goes by that I don’t think of him,” McKinney’s youngest sister continued, explaining she “breaks down and cries everyday.”

McKinney’s older sister recounted, “Michael went out of his way to help others,” questioning to the judge, “who is he [Sanders] to take a life?”

“He ruined everything for me and my family… Michael McKinney deserves justice,” the sister insisted.

“Mikey was a blessing… he is a memory for us all,” expressed the victim’s oldest sister.

Prosecutors presented Judge Epstein with footage of the incident, stating that McKinney should receive the highest sentence the sentencing range allows.

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley sympathized with the family, explaining how the defendant lost his father at 13, was exposed to abuse and violence at a young age, and was placed in the foster care system.

According to Mosley, Sanders feels remorseful for his actions, going as far as writing and rewriting an apology letter to the family on the day of his arrest.

“I hope one day I will forgive myself,” Sanders told Judge Epstein.

The judge sentenced Sanders to 15 years in prison, and five years in supervised release. The defendant will be required to seek grief counseling and mental health services whilst serving his time.

No further dates were set.

Witness Changes Testimony in A Homicide

A witness testified that a co-defendant in a homicide case is not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo, after admitting to lying in previous testimony in a hearing on Oct. 8.

Eugene Burns, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the Nov. 14, 2015, fatal shooting of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.

Burns was convicted of these charges in 2017, but the DC Court of Appeals overturned the verdict in 2020. The court ruled that investigators had searched beyond what was legally allowed.

Burns and Tyre Allen, 24, are also charged with conspiracy, obstructing justice by influencing or delaying a witness or officer, and obstruction of justice for their alleged attempts to persuade a witness to redact testimony from Burns’ first trial.

The prosecution called Allen’s brother to the stand to continue his testimony. He previously identified himself as also Burns’ cousin.

Brandon Burrel, Allen’s attorney, asked whether Allen bribed, coerced, or intimidated him, to which the brother replied no. He stated, “his verdict should be not guilty,” referring to Allen.

“You lied about your testimony, isn’t that right?”, Rosemary Szanyi, Burns’ attorney, asked the witness. She revealed that his initial testimony in 2020 was a lie and he agreed. After being shown an affidavit created in 2020 he said, “the affidavit is not the truth… the truth is the trial in 2017, and now.”

According to the witness, he signed the affidavit in the presence of the detective, a notary, and Burns’ defense attorney. “Those are not my statements, but I signed the affidavit,” he said, adding that he only had about 30 seconds to read through the document.

During his testimony, he confessed that the initial $25,000 reward for information about the case motivated him to contact law enforcement, saying, “I only cared about the money.” He explained his circumstances of jumping from house-to-house and being unemployed with a newborn.

In his direct, he recounted a conversation with Burns, where he relayed that Allen had been taken into custody for failing to appear for a grand jury. “All you got to do is stick to your story” about who was responsible, Burns told Allen’s brother, emphasizing his right to remain silent.

Burrell also questioned the witness about his mental health condition. Burell asked about auditory hallucinations that doctors noted down, but the witness clarified that he only heard his own thoughts and consciousness during the events surrounding Osuchukwu’s death. He asserted that doctors exaggerated his conditions.

The prosecution also called a special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

The FBI special agent worked on the cellular analysis team (CAST). His knowledge in historical cell phone records helped explain Burns’ phone calls right before the shooting on Nov. 14, 2015.

Burns’ phone data and calls were consistent with a route towards the scene of the crime, according to the agent.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 9.

Document: MPD Investigating a Fatal Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the homicide of 39-year-old Delonte Smith that took place on Oct. 8 on the 900 block of 7th Street, NE. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, who was pronounced dead on the scene.

Judge Leaves ‘Competent’ Shooting Suspect in Mental Hospital

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt reviewed a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and ruled that a defendant with serious mental issues must remain hospitalized at St. Elizabeths despite being deemed mentally competent to stand trial in a hearing on Oct. 9.

Christopher Wise, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful entry, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 12 on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE. The incident left one person injured.

During the hearing on Oct. 9, his attorney Janai Reed told the court that although Wise was found competent, she is contesting the finding and wants to hire an outside expert to re-evaluate him.

The prosecution requested that he be moved back to the DC Jail due to DBH needing more room at the hospital for treatment.

Judge Brandt rejected the argument because Wise has a documented history of mental disorders, and although currently competent, he was only stabilized by drug treatment available at the hospital, not the jai

Parties will re-evaluate at his next hearing on Nov. 11.

Document: MPD Investigating a Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Taquan Turner, which occurred on Oct. 7 on the 100 block of T Street, NE. Upon responding to the shooting report, officers discovered Turner suffering from gunshot wounds who was pronounced dead at the scene.

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