Jury Acquits Shooting Defendant on All Charges

A jury delivered a not-guilty verdict on all 11 charges in a mass shooting case that resulted in one death and three injuries before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 30.

Juan Peterson, 34, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of accessory after the fact while armed, and second-degree cruelty to children.

The charges related to Peterson’s alleged involvement in a May 15, 2021 mass shooting, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, that killed 28-year-old Lester Howard, and injured three other individuals.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution argued that Peterson was driving his car down Minnesota Avenue and stopped short of a red light. The shooter ran up to the passenger side of the vehicle, reached in to grab Peterson’s firearm, and opened fire on the sidewalk, killing Howard and injuring three other victims. The shooter then returned to the car, got in, and Peterson drove away.

According to Peterson, during his testimony, he had no knowledge or intention in the shooting and believed that he was going to make a drug deal with the individual he stopped to meet with. The shooter grabbed Peterson’s gun from the passenger seat allegedly without his permission, and he drove away from the scene under duress, fearful he would be killed by the shooter unless he complied.

The jury acquitted Peterson following a day of deliberations. Judge Okun ordered Peterson be released from DC Jail following the verdict.

There are no further hearings scheduled.

‘I Hope You Conquer This,’ Says Judge in Sentencing For Drug-Induced Stabbing

A stabbing defendant was sentenced to 18 months by DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Nov. 1.

A’Quino Boyd, 36, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on the 1800 block of Benning Road, NE, on Aug. 11. One individual sustained a chest wound.

The prosecutor said this incident was premeditated by the defendant. Boyd and the victim had gotten into an altercation the night before, when Boyd loaned the victim five dollars.

The prosecution played a video of the incident, showing Boyd running up to the victim when his back was turned and stabbing him in the chest.

According to the prosecutor, the victim heard Boyd say, “You’re gone now.”

The prosecutor said the victim thought he had been stabbed in the heart because so much blood poured out of his chest. He required emergency surgery and extensive medical care.

The prosecutor asked for 20 months incarceration, saying the community cannot be safe unless Boyd is incarcerated.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki said, when she met with the defendant, he seemed visibly upset by his actions captured on surveillance video. Kopecki said Boyd was under the influence of PCP at the time of the incident and has a significant drug problem that needs to be addressed. She recommended Boyd participate in a drug abuse treatment program in prison.

“My client has a family who loves him, but [they] cannot deal with the drugs anymore,” Kopecki said.

Kopecki asked Judge Di Toro to sentence Boyd to 18 months. She said that was what Boyd thought his sentence should be.

“I apologize to the victim, and I take full responsibility for my actions,” Boyd told the court.

Judge Di Toro said the incident did not seem like an act of impulse but more like a premeditated event.

The judge agreed with Kopecki about the severe nature of Boyd’s drug abuse and said she recognized PCP played a significant role in the incident.

In addition to 18 months in prison, Judge Di Toro sentenced Boyd to three years of supervised release. Boyd is required to enroll in a drug program, receive a mental health assessment, participate in vocational job training, and obtain transitional housing upon his release.

“Mr. Boyd, I hope you conquer this,” Judge Di Toro said as she ended the hearing.

No further dates have been set.

Judge Won’t Exclude Medical Examiner’s Testimony in Murder Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a defendant’s request to exclude, or limit, the medical examiner’s testimony during trial in a Nov. 1 hearing.

Rafeal Stevens, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of Aniekobo Umoh, 50, on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2700 block of 7th Street, NE.

During the hearing, defense attorney Jason Tulley, explained a motion filed to exclude the testimony of the doctor that performed the autopsy for Umoh based on an alleged violation o Rule 16, requiring the prosecution to provide relevant evidence relevant to the defense. In this case, the report was said to be filed late and incomplete.

Meanwhile, body-worn camera footage shows a person identified as the victim stumbling and then collapsing. The prosecutor said the expert’s testimony will explain why this occurred and how it is related to the shooting, but not the cause of death.

Tulley argued the material is prejudicial and will wrongfully influence jury. Tulley further argued that the victim’s head injuries are not relevant because they were not the cause of death and no photos were taken to document the extent of the injuries.

The prosecution countered that initial report was filed on time and the amendment was filed after the new findings developed, referencing the head injuries.

Tulley argued the prosecution should have provided a “complete” report and not be able to submit documents whenever they want.

Judge Raffinan denied the motion stating the filing was not a rule 16 violation, and that sufficient notice by the prosecution was provided in that it contained the initial testimony about the autopsy and later added information as it came up.

Tulley also filed a motion to compel against a detective involved in the case. The motion would require that prosecution ask the detective if Umoh had been involved in drug transactions between 2021 and 2022. Judge Raffinan denied this motion.

The trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 4.

Judge Won’t Release Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann denied the release request of a shooting defendant on Nov. 1, claiming he committed an “extremely dangerous offense” that makes him a potential threat to the community.

Roland Brewer, 19, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and first-degree burglary for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on July 21. This incident occurred on the 500 block of 50th Place, NE and injured one individual.

During the hearing, Brewer’s defense attorney, Lauckland Nicholas, requested release with home confinement after Brewer waived his rights to a preliminary hearing.

The prosecution argued that because Brewer had a motive and two key witnesses and the victim were still out in the community and known to Brewer, their safety may be at risk if he was released.

In addition, one of the three suspects is not in custody and could be in contact with Brewer if he is not held. The prosecution recapitulated Brewer’s criminal record, including seven arrests in DC.

Judge Herrmann considered both arguments but deemed the offense too dangerous for Brewer’s release, and ordered him held.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 12.

Non-Fatal Stabbing Defendant Successfully Completes Sentence

A defendant completed the final requirement of his sentence for a probation show cause hearing, successfully resolving the case before DC Superior Court Judge Tanya Jones Bosier on Nov. 4.

William Staggs, 54, pleaded guilty on Oct. 10, 2023, to simple assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon for his involvement in a nonfatal stabbing in the 1100 block of Owen Place, NE, that injured one person.

Staggs paid $100, and $50 for each charge, to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund, the final requirement of his punishment.

The probation officer present at the hearing said that Staggs had completed all other obligations including the completion of anger management courses. The probation show cause was dismissed, and the case was closed.

Judge Jones Bosier said that she hopes she does not see Staggs again.

No other dates were set.

Defendant Sentenced to Three Years for Non-Fatal Drive-By Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced Angela Milhouse to three years in prison on Nov. 1 for a drive-by shooting after the defendant pleaded guilty to five out of eleven charges.

Milhouse, 59, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, destruction of property worth $1,000 or more, simple assault, carrying a pistol without a license outside her home or business, two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges stemmed from her involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on Oct. 6, 2023, on the 5000 block of Astor Place, SE. No one was injured.

Milhouse accepted a plea deal on Aug. 22 acknowledging assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon. In return, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges and cap their sentencing request at the midpoint of the sentencing guidelines.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 18-to-60 months of incarceration.

The prosecution showed the court surveillance video of the incident. During the drive-by shooting into a house, Milhouse first targeted an unintended victim. Then attempted to shoot her intended target,

“I take full responsibility for everything I did, Your honor,” Milhouse told the court. “God, please forgive me.”

She continued, “I thank God every night I didn’t hurt nobody,” Milhouse said, “It could’ve been so much worse, and it tears me apart.”

The prosecution said Milhouse described how there have been “long-standing issues not addressed” even without any criminal history. They requested 42 months of incarceration with 36 months suspended, and 36 months of supervised release.

Defense attorney Quo Mieko Judkins said Milhouse had a different upbringing than most and still suffers from trauma, even with strong family support now. Judkins suggested 36 months of incarceration with part of the sentence suspended so the defendant could get help for substance abuse and mental health, along with her chronic conditions and recent brain aneurysm.

“I can’t imagine what provoked this,” said Judge Hertzfeld. She said it is evident the defendant doesn’t know either, but she will have time to figure it out.

“You will never ever… hear my name in this court ever again,” promised the defendant before hearing the verdict.

Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Milhouse to 30 months for the charge of assault with a dangerous weapon, with six months suspended. That sentence will run concurrently with a sentence of 24 months for the charge of endangerment with a firearm. Both sentences carry with them 6 months of probation and 3 years of supervised release.

These sentences will run consecutively with the sentences for the three firearm charges, which run concurrently for 12 months.

In addition, Milhouse will have to register as a gun offender for two years after her release and pay $350 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

No further dates were set.

Carjacking Defendant Deemed Competent, Release Denied

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow deemed a carjacking defendant competent to stand trial, and denied his request for release on Nov. 4.

Xavier Ellis, 32, is charged with carjacking and kidnapping for his alleged involvement for an incident that occurred on the unit block of New York Avenue, NE, on Oct. 26, 2023.

According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Ellis, allegedly stole a vehicle in DC while its owner slept in the passenger seat, before driving to Maryland.

During the hearing, Ellis’ defense attorney, Susan Ellis reported the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found Ellis competent for trial, and all the parties agreed. His lawyer asked for the hearing to be continued in order to give her time to explain the plea offer.

Susan Ellis also requested Xavier be released as he awaits further procedure arguing that he does not pose a threat to the community.

The prosecution argued against release based on the severity of the crime, and a similar incident with his misdemeanor matter. Judge Pasichow agreed with the prosecution explaining no conditions could keep the community safe, denying the defense’s request for release.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 21.

‘We Ain’t Playing Anymore,’ Judge Says, Releasing Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian issued stern warnings to Richard Bates on Nov. 4 while giving him a second chance at home confinement pending trial.

Bates, 18, is charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 1600 block of Frankford Street, SE, on Sept. 13, 2023. One individual sustained injuries to the head from the incident.

Bates was originally granted pretrial home confinement on Sept. 19, 2023, six days after his arrest. Court documents list 23 notices of Bates’ failures to comply with the conditions of his release before Judge Christian ordered him returned to detention on Oct. 28.

Christen Romero Philips, Bates’ defense attorney, told the court that Bates’ first detention, in September of 2023, took place at the Youth Services Center (YSC) because Bates was then a minor. Bates has since turned 18, so his detention this past week was at the DC Jail.

“That has opened his eyes to the two paths open to him,” Philips said. She asked Judge Christian to give Bates a second chance at home confinement, arguing Philips now recognizes the importance of following release conditions.

Philips gave a letter written by Bates to Judge Christian, who read it privately.

“He seems more vigilant and more aware and awake, so this [jail] seems like a better place for him,” said Judge Christian.

“I don’t think it means it’s a better place for him,” Philips replied. “I think it means he has realized the gravity of every decision he makes.”

“I think it has to be impressed on the defendant that he has to comply,” the prosecutor said. “His attitude to pretrial compliance has been very nonchalant.”

Judge Christian told the prosecutor that Bates’ attitude had been changed by his brief experience of DC Jail.

He ordered Bates released but told him to stay inside his home at all times, attending school and court hearings virtually and reporting by telephone to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) each week.

Judge Christian asked Bates’ mother about the residence where Bates would be living, “Is this a house? Does it have a front door? Back door? Windows?”

He told Bates, “Stick your hand out the window, it’s back to jail.”

Philips asked if Bates could attend job interviews if he informed PSA of the time and location in advance.

“He needs to do it in writing. An employer has to provide confirmation of a job interview,” Judge Christian said.

Philips asked if Bates would need to leave the house to appear at PSA in person for drug testing.

Judge Christian said he was not ordering scheduled drug testing but would allow PSA to require Bates to appear for random testing.

“So don’t get any ideas. Don’t get creative,” Judge Christian told Bates. “If it comes into the house and goes into your body, night-night. You get what I’m saying?”

Judge Christian told Bates not to leave home without explicit court permission except in a true emergency, such as the house burning down around him.

“You see how thick this file is?” Judge Christian said, holding up a manila folder filled with documents. “No violations. We ain’t playing anymore.”

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for Nov. 25.

Homicide Defendant Faces in Court Ambush, Mental Evaluations Ordered

A homicide defendant was nearly ambushed in court by an unidentified individual as DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ordered a mental competency evaluation on Nov. 4.

Wyatt Swan, 48, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 53-year-old Teresa Francisco on Oct. 1 on the 900 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.

According to documents from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Swan and Francisco were in a romantic relationship.

During what was supposed to be a preliminary hearing, Todd Baldwin, Swan’s attorney, requested to delay the preliminary hearing in order to get mental evaluations for Swan’s current and prior mental health diagnoses.

Baldwin specified he is not seeking to evaluate his competency to stand trial. Judge O’Keefe granted the request.

Following Baldwin’s request, an unidentified man charged at Swan from the audience. US Marshals were able to stop the him and remove the would-be attacker from the courtroom.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 8.

‘I Felt the Pressure on Me,’ Says Carjacking Defendant Sentenced to Ten Years

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a carjacking defendant to 10 years in prison on Nov. 4.

On Aug. 30, Larry Fisher, 31, pleaded guilty to carjacking for his involvement in an incident that took place on Feb. 27 on the 1500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Fisher and another unidentified individual robbed a DoorDash driver while he was on his moped picking up an order from McDonald’s.

In CCTV footage played in open court, Fisher is seen striking the victim with a hard object—the prosecution alleges the object is a gun—and the other individual is seen pushing him off the moped. The other individual then got onto the bike and fled the scene, and Fisher is seen walking away on foot.

The pre-sentence report provided to the court recommended a sentencing range of 72-to-120 months based on the facts of the case, the defendant’s criminal history, and comparison to other cases of similar nature.

The prosecution asked for the top of the guidelines: a sentence of 120 months, with three years of supervised release. The prosecutor argued that this would be the defendant’s fourth felony conviction, and that he has shown a pattern of increased violence within his criminal history.

The victim appeared in court and spoke on his own behalf, stating that the incident led to a tough time for the victim, as the moped the defendant stole was critical to his job as a delivery driver. Without the moped, the victim couldn’t work, and because he had just gotten back from vacation, he was having financial difficulties.

Defense attorney John Sample stated that he saw Fisher show genuine remorse for his actions, and he acknowledges the fear and difficulty that he caused. He has taken accountability, and pleaded guilty to the offense.

Sample said that he can’t sidestep the criminal history of the defendant, but clearly Fisher is making an effort to get better.

The defendant’s biggest regret, according to Sample, is that he won’t be able to see his daughter. She is currently staying with his sister, which he thought was best for her.

Sample and Fisher also denied that the defendant was holding a gun during the offense. Fisher claims he was holding a speaker box, and Sample stated that the prosecution did not do any work to enhance the video to confirm whether the defendant was in fact, holding a gun during the offense.

Fisher apologized to the victim, stating that he knew what he had put him through financially. Fisher also discussed how his mother passed, and how he was alone and basically homeless at the time of the offense. Fisher claimed his actions were to help feed and take care of his daughter.

“I felt the pressure on me,” Fisher stated.

The victim, still present in the courtroom, took the opportunity to respond to the defendant, stating that after Fisher stole the scooter, the victim still had to make the payments for it, adding an additional financial burden.

Fisher responded saying that he understands where the victim is coming from, and that he’s been in that position before and knows what he put the victim through. Fisher acknowledged that he took his financial support, and he said he was, “truly sorry.”

Judge Hertzfeld questioned how it’s okay for Fisher to take that out on a person he doesn’t know.

Hertzfeld stated that Fisher disrupted the victim’s life, and that he is already benefiting from the plea deal, which lowered the charge against him from armed to unarmed carjacking.

Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Fisher to ten years, with three years supervised release.

No further dates have been set.

Seven Carjacking Co-Defendants Reject Plea Offers

Seven carjacking co-defendants rejected plea offers from the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Nov. 1.

Byron Gillum, Jaelen Jordan, Isaiah Flowers, Jahkai Goff, Warren Montgomery, Taj Giles, and Irshaad Ellis-Bey, all 19 years old, are charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery while armed.

Additionally, Jordan, Goff, Gillum, Ellis-Bey, Giles, and Flowers are charged with two more counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, two more counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking of a senior citizen, receiving stolen property of $1,000 or more, and robbery of a senior citizen while armed.

These charges stem from their alleged involvement in a series of carjackings and subsequent distribution of the carjacked vehicles between April and May of 2023.

According to court documents, the first verified carjacking occurred on April 27, 2023, on 8th Street and K Street, NE. Another incident occurred on May 16, 2023, in the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW.

Prior to those incidents, the alleged sale of carjacked vehicles by these individuals was under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). An undercover officer conducted a controlled buy of a carjacked vehicle and allegedly made contact with Jordan in March of 2023.

At the hearing, the prosecution read into the record four plea offers that were communicated to all of the co-defendants in January of 2024.

Goff, Gillum, Ellis-Bey, and Giles were all offered a sentence of 20-and-a-half-years to 31-and-a-half-years of incarceration if they pleaded guilty to armed carjacking, armed robbery, and trafficking in stolen property. In exchange, the prosecution would agree to waive all other charges and enhancements.

All four co-defendants rejected the plea offer.

Flowers was offered a sentence of 20-and-a-half-years to 31-and-a-half-years of incarceration if he pleaded guilty to armed carjacking, armed robbery, and trafficking in stolen property. In exchange, the prosecution would agree to waive all other charges but reserve the right to ask for a senior citizen enhancement at sentencing.

Flowers rejected the plea offer.

Montgomery was offered a sentence of 20-and-a-half-years to 31-and-a-half-years of incarceration if he pleaded guilty to armed carjacking, armed robbery, and trafficking in stolen property. In exchange, the prosecution would agree to waive all other charges but reserve the right to ask for a senior citizen enhancement at sentencing.

Montgomery rejected the plea offer.

Finally, Jordan was offered a sentence of 32-years-and-one-month to 45-years-and-a-half-years of incarceration if he pleaded guilty to two counts of armed carjacking, conspiracy, robbery, and trafficking in stolen property. In exchange, the prosecution would agree to waive all other charges and not indict on additional charges. The prosecution also reserved the right to ask for a senior citizen enhancement at sentencing.

Jordan rejected the plea offer.

Brian McDaniel, Jordan’s defense attorney, said Jordan was rejecting the offer because the low end of the prosecution’s recommended sentence was nearly twice the amount of time Jordan has been on Earth.

The prosecution told the court they have tested eight swabs from firearms and magazines for Goff’s DNA, and Goff was likely excluded from five of the swabs.

Donna Beasley, Goff’s defense attorney, said Goff was waiving his right to independent DNA testing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 4, 2025, in the cases of Montgomery and Giles, who are being tried separately.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 5, 2025, in the cases of Jordan, Goff, Gillum, Ellis-Bey, and Flowers.

‘I Grew Up Without My Dad, I Know How Difficult That Can Be,’ Says Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced a defendant who pleaded guilty to a shooting incident to 32 months incarceration, suspending all but 18 months during a hearing on Nov. 1.

On Aug. 23, David Blanks, 38, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on June 21, on the 1600 block of V Street, NE. No injuries were reported.

Blanks also had a prior domestic violence charge, but the case was dropped as part of the plea agreement for this incident. His wife was the victim in that case.

According to court documents, Blanks’ wife alerted officers that Blanks had fired a gun five-to-six times outside of their home while intoxicated in front of their shared children. During a search warrant, a handgun was found in the residence, with seven rounds of ammunition.

Blanks’ family was present in the courtroom, but Judge Di Toro asked for them to wait in a conference room, since there were young children in the group. Blanks’ wife stayed in the courtroom.

The prosecution asked for a sentence of 32 months incarceration, leaning toward the higher side of the guidelines. The prosecutor said that they cannot ignore the significance of the incident and the psychological and emotional harm the incident caused to the complainant.

The prosecution did acknowledge that the complainant in this case, Blanks’ wife, wrote a letter in support of the defendant.

Defense attorney Angela Ramsay stated that the defendant regrets what happened that day, and that this is, “not what he’s all about.” She stated that Blanks needs assistance with his alcohol use, and said that Blanks knew his actions were reckless.

Ramsay stated that Blanks is an “exemplary father,” and very involved in his children’s lives. She added he’s a hard worker and serves as the sole source of income for their family. According to Ramsay, he works as an electrician, and the defense submitted a letter from his employer in the pre-sentencing report.

“He has too much going for him to be sitting in jail,” Ramsay stated.

Ramsay also said that without Blanks’ income, his family is at risk of becoming homeless.

Blanks’ wife had a chance to speak on his behalf, and to shed light on the impact his incarceration has had on their family.

She said that Blanks is the, “greatest father I’ve ever known.” She told the court how without him, she and her family of five children have been struggling, not only financially, but in raising their kids. She stated Blanks is her only help, and that her children keep asking why their father isn’t home.

Blanks’ wife stated that she never saw herself as a victim, but rather felt responsible.

“I feel like I should be held accountable,” she explained. “If I wasn’t transporting him to get alcohol, then maybe there would’ve been a different outcome.”

“I took him from them,” she cried.

Judge Di Toro protested stating that she is not the one on trial; it is Blanks’ actions that led him here.

Blanks also spoke to the court. He apologized to his family, and took full responsibility for his actions. He said he realized how one mistake can take away your entire life.

Blanks also talked about his children, saying he teaches them sports, reads with them, and that they enjoy their life.

“I grew up without my dad, I know how difficult that can be,” Blanks stated.

Blanks also clarified that he never pointed the gun at any of his family. After being asked a question about his drug usage by Judge Di Toro, Blanks stated that he “doesn’t deal with that stuff anymore.”

To his wife, he said, “I want to apologize to you and the boys.”

Judge Di Toro expressed concern about the potential “escalating violence” that she already sees developing with Blanks and his family. Blanks’ pattern started with a domestic violence incident, and has now accelerated to waving around a gun in front of his family. Di Toro stated that it is not his partner’s responsibility, and she doesn’t want Blanks’ family to take responsibility for his actions.

“It is your responsibility,” she stated.

Judge Di Toro sentenced Blanks to 32 months incarceration, suspending 14 of those months. She assigned Blanks three years of supervised release, and suspended all but 18 months to complete probation.

Blanks is to enroll in a domestic violence intervention program assigned by Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), anger management, alcohol abuse treatment, and, at Blanks request, parenting classes.

No further dates have been set.

Prosecution Drops Shooting Defendant’s Charge Pre-Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld accepted the prosecution’s request to drop one of a defendant’s five pending counts during a hearing on Nov. 1.

Deon Jenkins, 46, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a dangerous weapon outside the home or business with a prior felony, possession of a destructive device, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a Sept. 29, 2023, non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 1800 block of M Street, NE.

According to court documents, Jenkins shot multiple times at a moving vehicle that was speeding toward him. The defendant fell to the ground and then fled while the vehicle crashed through a fence and into a nearby yard.

During the hearing, the prosecution made a motion to drop the unlawful possession of ammunition charge from the case. They provided no explanation.

The defense made no objection and Judge Hertzfeld ruled in favor of the prosecution.

The parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 4.

Shooting Defendant Needs Time to Deliberate Plea Offer

A shooting defendant told DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian he needed more time to discuss his plea agreement with his lawyer in a Nov. 1 hearing.

Reginald Williams, 64, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and endangerment with a firearm for allegedly firing in the courtyard of his apartment building on July 27 on the unit block of Banner Lane, NW.

According to court documents, Williams got into a physical altercation with an unknown man, left the scene, returned with a firearm and fired once. No one was injured in the incident. During a police search of Williams’ apartment on Aug. 29, three guns were found, two revolvers and one semi-automatic pistol.

During the hearing, Theodore Shaw, Williams’ attorney, informed the court of Williams’ acceptance of a plea offer. According to Shaw, the terms of the plea offer included pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and endangerment with a firearm, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Williams disagreed with the prosecution that the firearm used during the incident was a “semi-automatic” firearm, insisting he only ever used revolvers.

Judge Christian explained that the court wanted to make sure that he understood the plea agreement and he knew what information was in the plea, so he rescheduled the hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 26.

Defendant Sentenced to 36 Months for Bluetooth Speaker Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a stabbing defendant to 36 months of incarceration on Nov. 1 over an altercation that originated with a stolen Bluetooth speaker.

On July 25, Zoneil Williams, 51, pled guilty to assault with significant bodily injury for his involvement in a stabbing that took place on March 5 on the 4000 block of 4th Street, SE.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 18-to-36 months of incarceration.

According to the court’s discussion, the stabbing stemmed from Williams’ disabled condition and the victim’s friend allegedly stealing the defendant’s Bluetooth speaker. Williams took it out on the victim by stabbing him three times in the back and once in the armpit.

Williams claimed, “I let my emotions get the best of me” in his apology to the Judge. He explained that when he gets angry, he would call someone to calm him down but he recently lost his phone.

The prosecution argued for the highest end of the range, given the defendant’s extensive criminal history with twelve arrests and six convictions including incidents for possession of a firearm in a violent offense, robbery, assault, and domestic assault – “just plainly saying, he’s a dangerous person.”

Defense attorney Quo Mieko Judkins explained how most of those convictions were from the early 90s and how Williams suffers from mental disorders including bipolar and PTSD. Williams would like to enter programs such as anger management, mental health, and drug addiction in this “opportunity to go back on the right track,” Judkins explained.

Judge Hertzfeld stated “you’re close to maxing out your criminal history score” in explaining her judgment, “it’s lucky this person is not dead.”

She sentenced Williams to 36 months of incarceration with three years of supervised release. The defendant will also be required to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund and is recommended to enter a facility to receive mental health and drug treatments.

No further dates were set.

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