Judge Finds Probable Cause, Orders Detentions in Carjacking Case

On Oct. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann found probable cause during carjacking co-defendants’ preliminary hearing.

Terrell Edmondson, 18, and Taurian Anderson, 20, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in an incident that occurred at a gas station on the 5200 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE on Oct. 4.

According to court documents, the victim in the case reported two individuals getting out of a car at the gas station, approaching him with a gun and forcing him to turn over his keys and cell phone.

Prosecutors called an officer with the Capitol Police Department who testified that he engaged in a chase with a gold Infinity that had allegedly been stolen on Oct 4. He testified that he observed the car weaving in and out of traffic before it eventually crashed and two individuals stepped out of the car.

The witness said the two suspects ran in different directions and he pursued the one that was later identified as Anderson to the Anacostia river, where Anderson pointed a gun at his own head. He said at that point a crisis negotiation team was deployed and they apprehended Anderson.

The witness testified that no weapons were recovered on Edmondson upon arrest and the gun that Anderson was holding was found the next day in the river.

The witness testified that he did not participate in the interviews of the suspects, but heard from other officers that Edmondson said he was at the gas station during the carjacking and that he had received a call from Anderson earlier about purchasing a vehicle. The witness testified that Anderson said during his interview that he was in possession of a handgun while in the stolen vehicle.

Varsha Govindaraju, Edmondson’s attorney, asked the witness why the victim described the car the two suspects were in at the gas station as a black Audi in his statement when the car turned out to be a blue Mercedes? The witness said during the interview the victim had trouble recalling the make and model of the vehicle and an officer may have suggested it was an Audi because the victim said there was a circle on the logo.

According to the officer, there is no surveillance footage of the incident.

Marnitta King, Anderson’s attorney, and Govindaraju asked the judge not to find probable cause because of inconsistencies in the victim’s statements about the make and model of the car.

They also argued that the victim’s descriptions of the suspects did not match the defendants. Govindaraju said since there was a span of hours between the carjacking and the arrest, there is uncertainty about if the car changed hands during that time.

Judge Herrmann found probable cause for the carjacking due to the defendants’ statements to law enforcement allegedly saying they were at the scene of the carjacking. She ordered both to continue to be detained.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 18.

Judge Finds Probable Cause, Orders Detention in Stabbing Case

On Oct. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrmann found probable cause during a stabbing defendant’s preliminary hearing.

Ethan Cunningham, 20, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on July 10 at the Central Treatment Facility (CTF) on the 1900 block of E Street, SE. One individual was stabbed, and sustained an injury to the neck and lower back.

The incident occurred as Cunningham was detained and charged with three counts of felony murder while armed, burglary while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, kidnapping while armed, attempted robbery while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the death of 38-year-old James Curtis on May 10, 2022, on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE.

Prosecutors called an investigator with the DC Department of Corrections (DOC) as a witness, who testified that his superiors notified him of an altercation between two inmates at CTF on July 10.

The witness said he later reviewed surveillance footage of the incident, and prosecutors played the footage for the courtroom. The footage showed an individual, later identified as Cunningham, running up a set of stairs and appearing to make stabbing motions at another individual, who fell to the ground. The suspect was then detained by two officers on the scene.

The witness testified that there was no weapon found at the scene, but the victim was transported to a local hospital for stab wounds to the neck and back.

The witness also testified that a lieutenant with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) later told him that the suspect was identified as Cunningham by the officers who detained him.

Thomas Healy, Cunningham’s attorney, asked for the court not to find probable cause because no weapon was found so there is no way of knowing if the victim was actually stabbed. Healey also said there is no way to know the suspect in the video is Cunningham.

Judge Herrmann ruled that the video shows the suspect making stabbing motions and since the victim sustained stab wounds, there is probable cause that he was stabbed. She ordered the defendant be held with a cash bond of $100.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 29.

Judge Releases Carjacking Defendant After Finding Probable Cause

On Oct. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum determined probable cause agreed to releasing an armed carjacking defendant to home confinement with the exception of school.

Julan Byrd, 17, is charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on Sept. 1 on the 5500 block of Jay St. NE Washington with two other suspects.

Prosecutors called on a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who revealed there is video footage of three individuals, including who he identified as Byrd, before the crime occurred.

However, the detective testified there was no video of the car being taken and officers did not recover footage from the Pentagon parking lot where the car was found.

According to the detective, one of the three suspects threw a gun into a storm drain, but testified it was not clear which did so and there was no specific evidence that could specify the identity of a possible gunman.

There was no gun, bullets, or paraphernalia found on the defendant when arrested according to the detective, and the victim could not clearly identify the three suspects..

When arguing for probable cause, the prosecution said Byrd tossed the gun during a foot chase. In addition, the prosecution stated the victim’s key and lanyard reported stolen, was found on Byrd during his arrest.

Defense attorney Varsha Govindaraju said the prosecution lacked specific evidence in that it wasn’t clear who threw the gun based on witness testimony.

The court found that there was enough evidence to determine probable cause that Byrd was the perpetrator.

In regards to Byrd’s release, Govindaraju requested home confinement, emphasizing his strong ties to the community, dedication to completing his high school education, and lack of contact with the criminal justice system until now.

Prosecution argued that even despite all these factors he allegedly committed a serious offense and out of the three that were involved in the crime, “One was the ringleader, and it may well have been Mr. Byrd.”

The court found that “although he jumped off the deep end,” home confinement with the exception of attending school would be able to ensure the safety of the community and his return to court.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Oct. 8.

Defendant in Kidnapping, Carjacking Case Requests Independent DNA Testing

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur gave the defense time to perform independent DNA testing in a kidnapping and carjacking case on Oct. 8.

Winston Timoteo, 26, is charged with armed carjacking, kidnapping while armed, three counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with attempt to commit robbery while armed and first-degree theft for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 100 block of 6th Street, NE on Dec. 26, 2023.

According to court documents, Timoteo was pulled over for driving in the wrong direction on a one-way road. A carjacking victim later told police that an individual, later identified as Timoteo, had stolen his car. He also alleged that the defendant had a gun and that he allegedly fled on foot after being approached by an officer.

Timeteo’s attorney, Terrance Austin, told Judge Arthur they were asserting his right to independently test DNA evidence, and required more time to complete the testing, which Judge Arthur allowed.

Parties will return on Oct. 29.

Document: MPD Investigating a Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Eric Alexander that took place on Oct. 7, on the 1100 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.

Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, identified as Eric Alexander, who was pronounced dead on the scene.

Judge Reinstates Once Dismissed Charges Against Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur recanted his ruling on a motion for judgment of acquittal for a carjacking defendant on Oct. 7.

Jimmy Johnson, 44, and Gregory Patterson, 41, are charged with armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed for their alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on July 11, 2023.

Patterson is also charged with armed robbery in connection to the incident.

Johnson faces additional charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, stemming from his alleged possession of the items during his arrest on March 28 on the 4000 block of Ponds Street, NE.

On Oct. 3, Joseph McCoy, Johnson’s defense attorney, filed a motion to dismiss Johnson’s case, citing prosecutorial misconduct. In the motion, McCoy argued that the prosecution goaded, or coerced, the defense into the action by eliciting evidence previously deemed inadmissible from a detective.

McCoy argued that the victim specifically testified that Johnson was innocent because he was attempting to help him during the incident.

The defense claims prosecutors intentionally asked a question regarding inadmissible evidence so that the defense would file a motion for acquittal to set the stage for a retrial.

The prosecution objected to the motion, arguing that they carefully planned the questioning.

Judge Arthur granted the motion on Oct. 3, thus six of the nine charges against Johnson were dismissed.

However, the prosecution asked Judge Arthur to review the incident video. After which he recanted his ruling, thus reinstating the six charges.

During the Oct. 7 hearing, the parties delivered closing arguments, in which the prosecution showed the video of the incident to the jury and outlined the actions they claim Patterson and Johnson took to consummate each crime.

The prosecution elaborated by stating that Patterson was the first to throw a punch to the victim and showed Patterson allegedly getting into the victim’s car.

As for Johnson, they argued he punched the back of the victim’s head.

Alvin H. Thomas, Patterson’s attorney, argued that Patterson never wanted to rob the victim because he did not seize the opportunity when the victim was lying on the ground after being punched.

McCoy argued Johnson the prosecutor failed at doing their job, insisting that Johnson should have never been a suspect, and should not have to be on trial. He cited the testimony the victim gave under oath, in which he stated that Johnson helped him by breaking the fight between Patterson and the victim, as well as helping him to his car.

The prosecution argued that Patterson was the ring leader because two unknown individuals looked in his general direction, presumably for directions on what to do next. They said Johnson did “more than just help” because he punched the victim and waved on oncoming traffic.

The jury is currently in deliberations.

Document: MPD Investigating a Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Dominic Johnson that took place on Oct. 7, on the 4100 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered Mr. Johnson, who was pronounced dead on the scene from apparent gunshot wounds.

Document: Wanted Suspect Extradited and Charged in Fatal Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 48-year-old Wyatt Michelin Swan, who is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 53-year old Teresa Francisco. The incident took place on Oct. 1 on the 900 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.

Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered Francisco, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Fatal Arson

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 56-year-old Robert Simpson, who is charged with three counts of felony murder, arson, and felony threats, for his alleged involvement in an arson that took place on Oct. 6 on the 3400 block of 23rd Street, SE.

Upon responding to reports of a structure fire, officers discovered three victims, identified as 85-year-old Margaret McKinnon, 64-year-old Ronald McKinnon, and 34-year-old Jessica Cunningham, all of whom were pronounced dead.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 38-year-old Kevin Johnson, who is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 44-year-old Antonion Wood. The incident took place on Oct. 6 on the 1700 block of Lincoln Road, NE.

Upon responding to reports of a stabbing, officers discovered Woody, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Murder Suspect in Two Year Old’s Death Rejects Plea Offer

In front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, murder defendant Dasean Matthews, 25, rejected a plea offer in which he would receive a downgraded charge and concurrent sentences on Oct. 8.

Matthews is charged with first-degree murder with aggravating circumstances, and first-degree cruelty to children for the alleged fatal beating of Mars Jones, 2, on Oct. 13, 2022, on Atlantic Street, SW. Jones passed away from the injuries sustained on Oct. 18, 2022.

Monet Jones, 26, Matthews’ codefendant, is charged with second-degree cruelty to children, obstruction of justice, three counts of perjury, and tampering with physical evidence for her alleged involvement in the fatal beating of Jones.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge O’Keefe they had extended a plea offer that would require Matthews to plead guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree cruelty to children, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Matthews told Judge O’Keefe he was rejecting the deal.

Additionally, Sylvia Smith, Matthews’ attorney motioned for a trial delay, citing issues with an expert witness’ availability.

The child neuropathologist originally slated to testify “dropped the ball” according to Smith and would not be available for the current trial dates. Smith argued that Matthews’ case would be severely damaged without this expert witness’ testimony given the complexity of evidence.

The prosecution questioned whether the delay was more about finding an expert that would agree with the defense’s point of view.

Judge O’Keefe granted the continuance, setting a new trial date in February of 2026.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 2.

Judge Grants Other Carjacking Defendant’s Request for Release

A carjacking defendant’s request for release was granted by DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Oct. 8.

Darryl Butler, 19, and Julan Byrd, 17, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in a carjacking on Sept. 1 on the 5500 block of Jay Street, NE.

Byrd also faces a robbery while armed charge in connection to the incident. He is charged as an adult under Title 16.

Butler’s attorney, Wole Falodun, filed a motion for a bond review requesting Butler be released to home confinement and GPS monitoring, like Byrd. According to Falodun, Butler’s lack of a criminal record, and his desire to continue his studies, suggest he should be released to the community as he awaits further proceedings.

Byrd was granted release to home confinement and monitoring on Oct. 4. Judge Di Toro also granted Butler’s request to be in 24 hour home confinement with GPS monitoring.

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 13.

DNA Links Homicide Victim’s Blood in Rental Car to Defendant

An expert in DNA analysis testified that blood found in a rental car linked to a homicide defendant is very likely to belong to the victim during a jury trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 7.

Dennis Chase, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Anthony Orr. The incident occurred on Dec. 7, 2020, on the 400 block of Xenia Street, SE.

The prosecution called a forensic DNA analyst as a witness who testified about the results of the DNA tests on items recovered from the incident.

Swabs of blood recovered from a red Kia K5 rental car linked to Chase were tested and the swabs had an extremely high likelihood of belonging to Orr.

The DNA recovered from a water bottle found in the car was found to likely belong to Chase.

Further swabs from different areas of the car found that there’s a high likelihood that Chase was in contact with the driver’s side of the car and Orr was in contact with the passenger side of the car.

The prosecution also called the medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Orr.

She testified that Orr sustained a gunshot wound to the head and that the gun was a few inches to a foot from Orr’s head when it was fired.

She also found fractures to the teeth and scratches on the head and hands, which are consistent with terminal collapse or rapid heart failure.

The medical examiner confirmed that it was possible that the gunshot wound was consistent with someone in the driver’s seat shooting Orr, and that the injuries to the teeth and body could have been from being pushed out of a car.

Trial will resume on Oct. 8.

Relative Testifies Homicide Defendant Confessed to The Crime

A homicide defendant’s relative testified that he heard one suspect in the case confess that he shot the victim in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Oct. 4.

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.

According to the prosecution, Burns and Allen are cousins.

A witness, who testified he is Allen’s brother and Burns’ cousin, said he had spent time with Burns around the time of the incident, alleging that Burns told him he shot Osuchukwu less than a day after the killing.

The witness testified that Burns helped Osuchukwu deliver drugs, resulting in an argument because Osuchukwu did not “give him [Burns] his cut.”

A week before the shooting the witness said he spoke with Burns, asking Burns not to harm the victim and to talk to him before doing anything. The witness testified that Burns said he would speak with Osuchukwu.

The witness testified that, on Nov. 15, Burns told him he shot Osuchukwu after the victim charged at him. According to the witness, Burns also revealed that Osuchukwu had pleaded with him, saying, “Don’t do it!”

Describing Burns’ behavior after the shooting, the witness testified that Burns was “mentally messed up” in the days following, carrying a gun with him at all times.

The prosecution also called a detective who was with the homicide unit at the time of the incident.

The detective testified that on Nov. 19, he received an anonymous phone call on the department’s homicide line, during which a male voice alleged that Burns had shot Osuchukwu. The detective testified the phone call helped lead to Burns becoming a suspect.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 8.

Defendant Challenges Mental Incompetence Finding, Requests Outside Opinion

Michael Burke, 45, through his attorney Thomas Healy, told the court on Oct.7 he wants to challenge a finding of incompetency and hire outside experts to prove he is mentally competent to stand trial.

Burke, 45, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing during a street fight on the 1700 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE, on April 16.

According to court documents, the victim suffered a cut to the left side of his left jaw and was transported to the hospital with the blade still lodged inside his mouth.

Healy told DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park he finds Burke to be competent and engaged in helping with his case. Healy has contacted four experts to schedule a new evaluation.

The next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12.

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