‘Uncooperative’ Shooting Defendant Fails to Appear in Court

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur delayed a case following a shooting defendant’s refusal to leave his cell at the DC Jail on Sept. 12.

Desmond Barr, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Feb. 6, 2023 on the unit block of M Street, NE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Barr and 25-year-old Shatia Penn, allegedly approached two victims sitting in a vehicle. An argument ensued and Penn is alleged to have asked one victim to exit the vehicle so they could fight. In response, the other victim began to drive away and Penn is alleged to have shot at the vehicle.

Penn and Barr were arraigned on seperate charges and both pleaded not guilty and asserted their constitutional rights, emphasizing a speedy trial.

Judge Arthur said Barr was “uncooperative” and refused to leave the jail to appear in court. The judge also denied defense attorney Lola Ziadie’s request for a nominal bond because the defendant picked up another charge while on release, which led to his detainment at the jail.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 19.

Judge Finds Probable After Murder Victim Stabbed 15 Times

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide matter on Sept. 11.

Adrian Morgan, 64, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly killing 42-year-old Tiffany Parker on the 3800 block of South Capitol Street, SE.

According to court documents, Morgan told police Parker had pulled out a knife on him after an argument about money. Morgan was able to take the knife away and proceeded to stab Parker allegedly in self-defense.

During the hearing, the lead detective for the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about an interview with Morgan. In the conversation, according to the detective, Morgan admitted to being under the influence during the incident and stated he did not remember much of the event.

The detective also testified about the findings from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), who found that the victim sustained 15 stab wounds and ruled her death a homicide.

According to the detective, officers located an unwrapped and unrolled condom in Morgan’s apartment when they responded to the scene and collected evidence. The prosecution argues that the incident occurred because of a sexual transaction that went wrong.

Elizabeth Weller, Morgan’s attorney, argued that the detective had seen a few knicks and cuts on Morgan’s hands which indicated he was defending himself from the victim, but the detective did not remember seeing the injuries.

Following the detective’s testimony, Weller argued Morgan acted in self-defense, and argued if he is facing charges it should be voluntary manslaughter.

However, the prosecution reiterated the stabbing stemmed from an argument regarding sexual favors, which could incentivize Morgan to tell a different story.

“It is too early to rely on a self-serving statement of someone who was intoxicated,” Judge O’Keefe stated, arguing that the self-defense claim can be made at a later time.

While Weller argued for Morgan’s release to home confinement with a GPS tracking device, the prosecution listed a lengthy criminal history. Judge O’Keefe denied bail because of Morgan’s “significant violent history,” and the nature and circumstances of the incident.

Judge O’Keefe recommended the Department of Corrections (DoC) place Morgan at the medium security Central Treatment Facility (CTF) due to his age.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 4.

‘Disheartened’Judge Re-Sentences Probation Violator in Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced a shooting defendant to an additional seven-and-a-half years of imprisonment due to multiple probation violations on Sept. 12.

On Jan. 29, 2021, Jordan Therman, 26, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident between two groups that occurred on May 2, 2019, at a gas station on the 4700 block of South Capitol Street, SE.

On April 6, 2021, Therman was sentenced to 30 months, with six months suspended, for aggravated assault and 60 months, with 12 months suspended, for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Therman was also sentenced to a 30 month probation period.

During the Sept. 12 hearing, the prosecution requested Therman be sentenced to the previously imposed term with credit for time served. They argued his inability to comply with probation conditions required the sentence be served in full.

Addressing the court, Therman expressed a desire to start his own business but revealed that he is currently homeless and struggling with mental health issues. He admitted his struggles led him down a path he now regrets, stating he “wish[es] it didn’t happen” and that he is seeking help.

Judge O’Keefe, referencing Therman’s statements from his original sentencing, expressed disappointment at seeing him back in court after previously claiming he had “learned a lot” from the case. The judge noted that he was “disheartened” by Therman’s return under such circumstances.

He was ordered to serve 30 months for the aggravated assault charge and 60 months for the possession charge, with the sentences running concurrently.

No further dates were set.

During Trial Officer Says Shooting Victim Screamed in ‘Pain and Agony’

A responding officer recalled the victim’s suffering to a jury on Sept. 11, before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

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 severe injuries during the incident.

The prosecution called the first officer to respond to the scene on the day of the incident and his body cam footage was shown to the jury.

According to the officer, when he arrived at the apartment building the door was locked but he stated that he “could hear someone inside screaming in pain and agony.”

Once inside, the officer testified, he saw the victim sitting on the steps screaming and grabbing her groin area. He noted seeing a lot of blood around the pelvic area and heard the victim say “I got shot in the dick.”

The footage also showed the victim describing her assailant as a short light-skinned male with dreads dressed in a black jacket and that he had a silver pocket gun.

The victim also indicated that the incident took place above her on the stairs. During cross-examination, the victim said while she was screaming and in extreme pain she was able to give information to the police.

The prosecution called a forensic scientist from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), who testified he took photographs and recovered evidence from the crime scene on the day of the shooting.

He testified that he saw drops of blood in the hallway, blood on the stairs, a clear liquid on the floor, a cigarette dipped in a substance on the floor, and a cartridge on the floor.

After collecting evidence at the scene, the witness went to the hospital to see the victim and observed a small circular hole around her groin as well as holes and blood on the victim’s underpants and pants. Pictures of the attack’s aftermath were shown to the jury as well a bullet collected at the scene.

The officer that arrested Tyree on Dec. 30, 2023 testified he attempted to run away on the 5200 block of Sheriff Road, NE..

The officer said a firearm, two empty vials, one vial suspected to be PCP, and two cigarettes dipped in a substance were allegedly recovered from Tyree. Body cam footage of the arrest was shown to the court and the officer noted that Tyree was resistant and that all items had to be recovered forcefully.

The trial will continue on Sept. 12.

Bullet-Riddled Target is Evidence in Shooting Case, Suspect Held

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found there was enough evidence for the prosecution to proceed with appears to be a targeted shooting during a preliminary hearing on Sept 11.

Demarco Hayes, 18, is 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 his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on July 24 at the intersection of 18th Street and Marion Barry Avenue, SE. One individual sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the location and were advised that an individual driving a Hyundai Sonata was shot in the neck.

Prosecutors called on a detective from MPD who assisted the lead detective in the investigation.

Footage obtained from the Anacostia Library and shown in court depicted a blue Saturn speeding up to the victim’s car, blocking the intersection, someone inside shooting at the victim, and driving off. The prosecutor says the victim remains in critical condition.

According to the detective, the blue Saturn was registered to Hayes, and led to his arrest.

The detective testified she was present when Hayes’ residence was searched, when he was arrested, and discussed photos taken from Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), which shows the suspect vehicle at the scene.

According to the detective, the evidence seized from Hayes’ residence consisted of a 9mm firearm, two shooting targets with bullet holes labeled “Marco”, eight white round pills wrapped in cellophane, and 125 grams of green plant material. According to the detective, the casings recovered at the scene were likely 9mm casings.

Hayes’ attorney, Mani Golzari, cross-examined the MPD detective and insisted that sections of the affidavit, which was written by the lead detective, were inaccurate.

Golzari disagreed with the affidavit stating Hayes had his vehicle spray-painted after the shooting, claiming that there is footage of a witness telling MPD someone else was responsible

Golzari also argued it is difficult to substantiate that Hayes’ Saturn is the one depicted in the footage of the incident, since multiple people in the neighborhood own similar vehicles.

Judge Okun ruled that probable cause exists to go forward with the prosecution, given the evidence obtained from the search of Hayes’ residence.

Golzari requested Hayes be released, arguing he does not pose a threat to the community and the court can impose release conditions that ensure he will return as required. Golzari requested Hayes be given the chance to continue school, and seek mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Judge Okun denied the request, stating that although the defendant has a lot going for him, the nature and circumstances of the offense proves he poses a danger to the community.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 10.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Stabbing Case, Defendant Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a stabbing incident witnessed by police during a Sept. 10 hearing.

Alexis Gray, 34, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on Sept. 5 on the 800 block of Chesapeake Street, SE. Two individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, the victims, who were Gray’s ex-husband and his new girlfriend, identified the assailant as Gray to police officers who responded to the scene.

During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, who testified he allegedly saw Gray stab the woman when he responded to the scene. He also told Judge Raymond that Gray confessed to stabbing both of the victims at the scene.

Edward Gain, Gray’s attorney, agreed there was sufficient evidence for probable cause.

Judge Raymond ruled that the evidence, Gray’s confession, and the detective’s testimony proved that Gray was the perpetrator in the incident.

Gain requested that Gray be released as she awaits further proceedings. According to Gain, Gray has multiple children, whom she wants to continue to parent.

The prosecution objected to the request, citing the nature and circumstances of the offense.

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ruled in favor of the prosecution and ordered Gray remain detained.

Parties are set to return for a status hearing on Sept. 25.

Carjacking Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

A carjacking defendant waived his rights to a preliminary hearing on Sept. 10, before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond.

Antoine Lee Johnson, 34, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on July 22 on the 3300 block of 6th Street, SE.

According to court documents, the victim reported to police that the suspect, who was later identified as Johnson, put a gun to the victim’s head and forced him to leave the scene. The victim’s vehicle was located moments later, and Johnson was arrested.

During the hearing, Anthony Smith, Johnson’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing. Smith further argued that Johnson’s mental health played a role in his actions.

Smith requested Johnson be released with GPS monitoring as he awaits further proceedings, stating Johnson would be willing to seek mental health assessments and treatment as necessary.

However, the prosecution objected to the request, citing the nature and circumstances of the incident.

Judge Raymond agreed with the prosecution, and denied Smith’s request for Johnson’s release.

The parties are slated to continue plea negotiations.

Parties are set to return on Sept. 30.

Judge Allows Stabbing Defendant to Complete Probation, Despite Non-Compliance

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park allowed a stabbing defendant to complete probation on Sept. 12, despite multiple non-compliance reports.

On Sept. 8, 2022, Chantel Thomas, 28, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing on the 5000 block of Queens Stroll Place, SE, that occurred on March 21, 2021.

On Feb. 8, 2023, she was sentenced to 15 months, with 12 months suspended. Judge Park also sentenced her to 18 months of probation, with three years of supervised release.

During the hearing, Judge Park noted Thomas was arrested for non-compliance in late August.

Charles Haskill, Thomas’ attorney, argued Thomas had been fully compliant with all of her probation requirements before her re-arrest. However, a report from her probation officer stated she had tested positive for alcohol , failed to show up for further testing, and failed to pay court-ordered fees.

All parties agreed an admonition was sufficient, and requested she continue on probation.

Judge Park reminded Thomas that she only had a few weeks left on probation and ordered her to comply with the conditions.

No further dates were set.

Judge Orders Competency Screen for Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan issued an order to undertake a mental competency evaluation to for a shooting defendant on Sept. 10.

Daveon Robinson, 17, is charged with conspiracy, four counts of assault with intent to murder while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on Jan. 2, 2023, on the 2200 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Two individuals sustained injuries.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller requested a mental health screening of the defendant, to which the prosecution had no objection.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept 19 for a mental observation hearing.

Document: UPDATE MPD Investigating Fatal Crash in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an ongoing investigation into a fatal crash in Northeast. The preliminary findings show that the incident occurred on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, around 6:41 p.m., when the operator of a 2012 Infiniti FX35, moving at a high rate of speed on Eastern Avenue, Northeast, failed to obey a red traffic light signal at the intersection of Bunker Hill Road.

The vehicle then collided with a 2022 Hyundai Tucson that was correctly crossing the intersection following a green light. After the initial impact, the Infiniti lost control, crossed the double yellow lines, and hit a 2024 Fengyuan Rossi scooter carrying two females. The force of the collision ejected the two females from the scooter and sent the Infiniti into a nearby tree where it came to a final stop in a field.

DC Fire and EMS personnel at the scene quickly responded, taking the driver of the Infiniti and one of the females from the scooter to a local hospital for necessary care. The second woman on the scooter was tragically pronounced dead at the scene by the attending personnel.

The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Maryori Daniela Sanchez-Marchan of Riverdale, MD. MPD is urging anyone who has any information regarding this incident to contact them at (202) 727- 9099 or text their tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced their ongoing investigation into a fatal shooting incident that took place in Southeast.

On the evening of Sept. 10, 2024, at precisely 7:03 pm, officers from the Sixth District responded to a reported shooting at the 4500 block of Benning Road, Southeast. Upon arrival, the officers discovered an adult male victim of the shooting.

Despite the immediate transportation of the victim to a local hospital by DC Fire and EMS personnel, and all the lifesaving measures taken, the victim unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The victim has been recognized as 33-year-old Jonathan Jackson, a Southeast resident.

The MPD encourages anyone with information relevant to the incident to refrain from action but to contact the police by calling (202) 727-9099 or by texting information to the Department’s Text Tip Line at 50411. The MPD offers a reward up to $25,000 for any information that facilitates the arrest and indictment of any individual or group responsible for a violent crime committed in the District of Columbia.

Eyewitness Says Murder Victim and Shooter Were ‘Hostile’ Hours Before A Shooting

One eyewitness told a jury in DC Superior Judge Marisa Demeo’s courtroom that a murder defendant and victim had a “hostile” interaction hours before the shooting, during a hearing on Sept. 11.

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

Prosecutors called on another eyewitness, who testified she watched the murder happen. She confirmed that Mattocks was a regular at the store where he was shopping the day of the crime. She also claimed that although Mattocks and the shooter encountered each other earlier in the day, there was no indication that things would escalate to the extreme, including threats.

According to the eyewitness, she and Mattocks were exiting the store together when he was shot. The shooter was outside to the right of the front door, armed, waiting for Mattocks to walk outside. The eyewitness then ran, and could not identify the shooter because of a ski mask the person was wearing throughout the entire day.

Prosecutors also called on the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who testified he responded to the crime scene and collected surveillance footage which clearly shows events that led up to the crime and more broadly the actual crime occurring, although the camera view is not directly pointed towards where the crime had occurred.

The officer testified evidence from Anderson’s Lyft ride and surveillance footage that shows him leaving his apartment complex and arriving at the crime scene at the same time footage from the scene first reveals his presence.

A scientist from the Department of Forensic Scientist (DFS) testified they responded to a firearm retrieval in July of 2022. According to the scientist, the firearm’s serial number had been scratched off in one of the two locations where it is visible on the gun.

Trial will continue on Sept. 16.

Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea agreement extended by prosecutors on Sept. 9, before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

James Williams, 41, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing on Aug. 7, on the 1300 block of Missouri Avenue, NW. One individual sustained injuries to his backside.

According to court documents, the stabbing stemmed from a physical fight between Williams and the victim, before Williams stabbed the person twice on the back.

At the hearing, Susan Ellis, Williams’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment.

Parties slated to reconvene on Oct. 31 for sentencing.

Judge Sentences Stabbing Defendant to Four Years

DC Superior Judge Jason Park sentenced a stabbing defendant to four years on Sept. 9, citing the severity of the victim’s wounds and his extensive history of theft and robberies

James Campbell, 43, was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for stabbing an individual multiple times on July 19, 2023, near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Warder Street, NW.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested Judge Park sentence the defendant to 40 months for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, as well as 20 months for assault with significant bodily injury, citing the nature and circumstances of the incident.

The prosecutor explained their request was based on the fact that the defendant lied to police about what happened, his lack of remorse, and antisocial behaviors.

Campbell claimed the prosecution did not litigate his case correctly, and requested a lighter sentence than the prosecution asked.

Judge Park sentenced Campbell to 48 months for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, and 24 months for the assault with significant bodily injury. The sentences will run concurrent to one another, and Campbell will be required to serve three years of supervised release.

No further dates were set.

Hearing Rescheduled Due To Defendant’s Physical, Mental Health Issues

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan rescheduled a homicide defendant’s hearing due to health problem on Sept. 11.

Khalid Claggett, 40, is charged with first- degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Isaac Aull Jr, 30. The incident occurred on June 11, 2021 on the 1600 block of Franklin Street, NE.

According to court documents, Aull sustained fatal injuries to the neck, torso and leg, resulting in his death.

During the hearing, Judge Raffinan alerted the parties that US Marshals stated Claggett had not shown up to the courthouse due to a medical issue.

Defense attorney Howard McEachern stated that the defendant’s post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) evaluation and report would be available in December.

Pending doctor’s confirmation of meeting with the defendant, parties are scheduled to reconvene on Dec. 9 for a status hearing.

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