Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

A shooting defendant waived her rights to independently testing DNA evidence recovered from a crime scene in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Sept. 10.

Ni’jhae Curry, 33, was indicted for assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a prohibited weapon, for her alleged involvement in a shooting on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 900 block of Sycamore Drive, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Curry confessed to assaulting an individual and firing a gun at the victim, but missed. Curry stated she and the victim had a history of arguments that culminated in the shooting.

During the hearing, the prosecutor revealed that the prosecution had completed DNA analysis on recovered firearms including an AR-15 rifle and a Springfield Armory gun. They also tested a black iPhone with a blue case.

Jordan Love, Curry’s defense attorney, alerted the court of her intent to waive her right to DNA testing, acknowledging that DNA testing could either indicate her innocence or guilt.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 11.

Juvenile Homicide Defendant Won’t Go to Court, Trial Delayed

DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs told a juvenile suspect’s attorney to remind him that “it is not optional to come to court,” during a Sept. 6 hearing.

The 16-year-old boy is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of unregistered ammunition for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Avion Evans on April 4 at the Brookland Metro Station on the 800 block of Monroe Street, NE.

According to Judge Briggs, the boy refused to attend court in-person after the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) alerted him they didn’t have enough computers and staff to have him appear remotely.

Judge Briggs instructed William Howell and James Brockway, the boy’s attorneys, that if DYRS can’t provide resources for the child to attend court remotely, he must take part in person.

During the hearing, Judge Briggs also told parties she received notice that previously ordered evaluations of the juvenile couldn’t be completed until next week.

Due to the delays, the trial, which was slated to begin Sept. 17, was vacated.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 25.

Stabbing Defendant’s Release Revoked

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt revoked a stabbing defendant’s release following reports of multiple violations of court imposed conditions in a hearing on Sept. 10.

Dennis Bowler, 56, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on May 24 on the 3000 block of Rodman Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

During a Sept. 6 hearing, Judge Brandt issued a bench warrant due to Bowler’s failure to appear in court and a report from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) that stated he was accused of tampering with his GPS monitoring device.

During that hearing, the prosecution also alerted the court that a witness had told them they saw Bowler chasing the victim, for whom he has a stay away and no contact order, in an alleyway while stating the victim “deserved to get stabbed.”

On Sept. 9, Jason Clark, Bowler’s defense attorney, requested he be released back to the community, arguing that if he remains detained for a long period of time he will lose the housing he recently acquired.

However, the prosecution insisted his inability to comply with release conditions and the safety of the community demonstrate the need to detain him as he awaits further proceedings.

“This is quite unfortunate,” Judge Brandt told the parties, stating she had given Bowler a chance, despite the prosecution’s objection. “The court believed at the time, and still does now, that his drug dependence plays a role in his actions,” she added.

Due to his noncompliance, Judge Brandt ordered he be detained.

The prosecution requested Judge Brandt order mental health assessments for Bowler, stating that a neighbor alerted them of a conversation with Bowler, in which he raised multiple mental health concerns.

However, Clark stated he didn’t believe the assessments were necessary at this point, but will request them if he deems them necessary at a later time.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 7.

Psychiatrist Testifies Homicide Defendant Competent to Stand Trial

A psychiatrist, who was called to testify following a murder defendant’s attorney’s contesting the doctor’s findings, deemed the suspect competent to stand trial on Sept. 9, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Darryl Tompkins, 35, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license, obstruction of justice, and threat to kidnap or injure a person.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Edward Roberts Jr. and 23-year-old Tyler McEacheren. Roberts was shot and killed on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW, on July 30, 2016. McEachern was shot and killed on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE, Aug. 29, 2016.

A psychiatrist certified in adult, child and forensic psychiatry testified as an expert witness after conducting two competency evaluations on Tompkins. According to the psychiatrist, he conducted an interview with Tompkins in 2021, and one in 2023, which focused on health evaluations and reports from the DC Department of Corrections. The expert witness incorporated both evaluations into the testimony.

The doctor described the interview with Tompkins as a “pleasant, professional interaction.” During the interview, the witness deemed Tompkins competent, because he had a good factual understanding of the legal system and had the ability to rationally consider legal scenarios.

The prosecution argued that Tompkins is competent to stand trial because his beliefs regarding the trial and how his attorneys have handled his case are reality-based, not delusional, and he has a sufficient understanding of legal matters.

The defense, led by attorney Dana Page, focused on a competency evaluation from 2018, which found Tompkins mentally incompetent and led to a mental competency restoration. Despite the previous incompetentcy finding, the witness maintained Tompkins is currently competent, noting that Tompkins understood critical aspects of his case, such as the severity of the charges.

Due to time constraints, the doctor’s testimony was cut short.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 10.

Suspect Claims Sex worker Threatened Him With a Gun, Shooting Followed

Parties delivered opening statements for a shooting trial on Sept. 9 before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Jerry Tyree, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, unlawful possession of liquid PCP, and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on Nov. 29, 2023, on the 5900 block of Foote Street, NE.

During their opening statements, prosecutors claimed the shooting stemmed from Tyree’s soliciting sex from the victim. When things went awry after they smoked a cigarette laced with PCP and Tyree allegedly removed a condom the victim requested he wear, the prosecutor argued Tyree accused the victim of stealing his money before firing a shot.

The prosecutor claimed nearby surveillance footage depicted the incident but did not showthe shooter’s face. He argued a male figure is seen exiting the building and fleeing the scene.

However, Sara Kopecki, Tyree’s attorney, argued the shooting occurred during a struggle between the victim and Tyree due to the sex worker’s requesting additional money halfway through the act and brandishing a handgun to threaten Tyree.

According to Kopecki, the gun was fired during the struggle, injuring the individual. She claimed that Tyree panicked, grabbed the gun and fled the scene.

Prosecutors called a witness, who testified she was in the building when she overheard an argument and threatening comments from a male’s voice. As she approached her door, the witness testified she heard a gunshot.

The witness added she called 911 and ran to her kitchen window, where she saw a figure leaving the building. She located the victim in the hallway.

The trial will continue Sept. 10.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an ongoing investigation into a fatal traffic crash involving a pedestrian in Northeast.

On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, roughly around 9:52 p.m., a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, Northeast. The individual was crossing the road outside of a designated crosswalk when a stolen Hyundai Elantra, moving southbound on Minnesota Avenue, hit her and then escaped the scene.

The pedestrian was promptly taken to a local hospital with critical injuries. Following this, the Hyundai Elantra was recovered by MPD.

On Sunday, September 8, 2024, the pedestrian ultimately succumbed to her injuries and was declared deceased.

The victim was identified as 39-year-old Tiffany Amanda Pippen, who did not have a fixed residential address.

MPD is asking anyone with information about the incident to get in touch with police at (202) 727-9099 or send a tip to the department’s Text Tip Line at 50411. No action should be taken by the individuals.

Shooting Defendant Requests Release, Cites Prosecutorial Delays

A shooting defendant’s attorney requested DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur release his client in a hearing on Sept. 9, citing prosecutorial issues delaying a trial.

Keith Walker, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a March 7 shooting on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE, where an individual was shot in the ankle.

During the hearing, Walker’s attorney, Tamara Jones, requested his release on bond, arguing that the prosecution’s decision to conduct DNA testing delayed the trial, which was previously scheduled to begin Aug. 20. The lawyer asserted that Walker should not remain in custody due to the postponement.

Judge Arthur denied the request, stating that no material change in circumstances justified Walker’s release. He added the prosecution’s decision to conduct DNA testing was legitimate and not an attempt to delay the trial.

However, he gave the attorneys time to provide their arguments in writing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 18.

Probable Cause Found, Stabbing Defendant Denied Release

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a stabbing on Sept. 6.

Chackell Anderson, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery, and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Sept. 3 on the 1900 block of 17th Street, SE. One individual sustained stab wounds, and another was assaulted.

According to police reports, officers were flagged down by one of the victims holding the right side of his body attempting to control a puncture wound. They were directed to the home of Anderson’s ex-girlfriend who claimed he assaulted the two, punching her in the face and stabbing the other individual.

Prosecutors called on a responding officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified the victims said Anderson was their attacker.

Defense attorney Russell Hairston claimed there were multiple inconsistencies in the officer’s testimony as well as failing to sign the affidavit, and argued his “convoluted” information should not play as role in finding probable cause.

Judge Raymond disagreed stating the testimony was “quite clear,” and found that there was enough “clear and convincing evidence to establish probable cause.”

The defense then requested release, citing Anderson’s job with Green Energy, no contact with the criminal justice system since 2022, and his willingness to comply with any “stay aways” or conditions that the court would impose.

The prosecution replied that “2022 wasn’t that long ago.” She argued that his limited contact with the court was the result of being in jail for 16 months as he “couldn’t commit crimes while incarcerated,” while serving a sentence from another crime similar to the current charges.

The court agreed, stating “there are no combinations or conditions that would ensure the safety of the community,” and ruled that Anderson be detained.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Sept. 20.

Hearing Rescheduled Due to Defendant’s Illness

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond delayed a stabbing defendant’s preliminary hearing due to his illness and subsequent hospitalization on Sept. 9.

Ethan Cunningham, 20, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on July 10 at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. One individual was stabbed, and sustained an injury to the neck and lower back.

The defendant is also charged with three counts of felony murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed and other counts for his involvement in the death of 38-year-old James Curtis on May 10, 2022, on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE.

Thomas Healy, Cunningham’s attorney, stated he would visit hims in the hospital, and requested the Judge set a new hearing date.

Another hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17, but parties will reconvene earlier if the defendant’s condition improves.

Murder and Conspiracy Defendant Requests Plea Deal, Fights Disputed Evidence in Retrial

Accused of killing his best friend and conspiring to intimidate a witness, Eugene Burns asked the prosecution to extend a plea offer and argued through his defense attorneys, Rosemary Szanyi and Jocelyn Wisner, to deny the admission of certain evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Sept. 6.

Burns, 32, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in 2017 for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III, on Nov. 15, 2015, on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.

The convictions were overturned in 2020, when the DC Court of Appeals ruled that the search warrants for cell phones seized as evidence in the case were unconstitutional because they were overbroad.

In 2022, prosecutors updated the charges of first-degree murder, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence against Burns and added charges of conspiracy and two counts of obstructing justice. His 24-year-old co-defendant, Tyre Allen, 24, was also charged with obstructing justice. The two allegedly attempted in 2020 to persuade and intimidate a witness into recanting testimony he gave against Burns in the original murder trial.

The prosecution extended a deal that required Burns to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, attempting to obstruct justice, and obstructing justice, and Allen to plead guilty to obstructing justice, in return for the dismissal of all other charges. The offer was wired, meaning it would be valid only if both co-defendants accepted it.

Allen rejected the offer. The prosecution is considering offering an un-wired plea deal after Burns requested his attorneys petition for an un-wired plea agreement.

The prosecution asked Judge Demeo to admit as evidence the testimony of a witness who said Burns told him about the murder before and after it happened.

According to the rules of evidence, repeating another person’s out-of-court statements is hearsay and therefore inadmissible. An exception to the rule against hearsay allows a witness to repeat a defendant’s statement confessing a crime, as long as the defendant is available in court for cross-examination about the statement.

Judge Demeo provisionally granted the motion, on condition that the prosecution demonstrates Burns’ statements to the witness can rightly be viewed as a confession. She invited the defense to object to the testimony later if they believe the prosecution has not met that requirement.

The prosecution asked Judge Demeo to admit evidence of bad actions for which Burns wasn’t charged. These included ownership of a handgun compatible with the bullets found in and around Osuchukwu’s body, a joint drug-selling operation with Osuchukwu, threats to kill Osuchukwu for not sharing the drug profits fairly, and threatening a witness who testified against him for Osuchukwu’s murder.

The Federal Rules of Evidence state that the evidence of other crimes is not admissible simply to show a defendant’s propensity to commit a charged crime, but it is admissible if it helps prove the defendant’s guilt for the charged crime or provides necessary context for understanding the crime.

Judge Demeo granted most of the motion but refused to admit evidence that Burns threatened a witness in 2015. She rejected the evidence on grounds of the double jeopardy clause that prevents a person from being tried twice for the same crime. In Burns’ first trial, he was charged with obstructing justice and threatening to kidnap or injure a person, partly based on that evidence, but was acquitted.

In response to a motion filed by the prosecution to admit evidence of Burns and Allen’s conspiracy to obstruct justice, Judge Demeo objected that the motion was very broad in what it asked to include.

“It seems way out of proportion to the effect you’re trying to achieve,” Judge Demeo said.

She gave the prosecution until Sept. 13 to file the specific excerpts of prior statements they want to admit as evidence and the reasons for each one.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 18.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Southeast Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced it is investigating a homicide in Southeast Washington, D.C. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Officers responded to a call concerning a traffic accident on the 4600 block of Livingston Road, Southeast around 3:40 a.m.

Upon arrival, officers discovered an unoccupied vehicle on the sidewalk. Nearby, a man was found in the roadway with stab wound injuries. The man, identified by police as 70-year-old Johnathan Reeves of Upper Marlboro, MD, was pronounced dead at the scene.

MPD is urging anyone with information about the incident to either call police at (202) 727-9099 or text their tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the crime.

Shooting Defendant’s Release Conditions Modified

DC Superior Court Judge Di Toro modified a shooting defendant’s release conditions on Sept. 9, citing his compliance.

D’Montre Gay, 28, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, endangerment with a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, carrying a pistol without a license, and destruction of property less than 1,000 dollars. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Dec. 16, 2023 on the 700 block of Maine Avenue, SW.

According to court documents, while Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers patrolled the area, they believed to have heard the sound of gunshots. After further investigation, they apprehended two suspects including Gay, who was standing near the sound of where the gunshots originated. A gun was allegedly recovered from Gay at the time of his arrest.

Marnitta King, Gay’s attorney, requested his release conditions be modified, requesting his GPS monitor be removed.

Judge Di Toro granted the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 14, 2025.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a suspect involved in a Southeast shooting. The suspect is 64-year-old Charles Brown, and was detained on September 7, 2024 following an investigation carried out by detectives surrounding the case.

The incident took place on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, when officers were alerted to a shooting victim that had walked into a local hospital. The male victim disclosed that he had been shot at a gas station located in the 2500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, Southeast, earlier that same day. Currently, the victim is being treated for his injuries at a local hospital where he remains in stable condition.

Charles Brown is now facing charges of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) in connection with this incident. It is important to highlight that the combined efforts of MPD’s detectives and officers were instrumental in promptly identifying and arresting the suspect.

Vehicular Homicide Defendant Pleads Guilty

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun accepted a homicide defendant’s guilty plea on Sept. 9.

Andre Johnson, 31, was originally charged with second-degree murder for his involvement in a hit and run that caused the death of Madison Jones, 18.

During the hearing, Johnson’s attorney, Kevann Gardner, alerted Judge Okun of his intent to accept a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter, assault with a dangerous weapon, and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment.

According to the prosecution, Johnson was driving without a valid permit at a speed of 50-to-60 miles per hour on a street with a speed limit of 25. He then ran a red light and struck the car Jones was a passenger in, ejecting her from the car and killing her at the scene.

The prosecutor added that Johnson fled the scene and did not render aid for Jones and the surviving victims.

According to court documents, at the time of the incident, Johnson was on release in two cases, in which he was charged with driving without a permit.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Nov. 15.

Document: MPD Searching for Southwest Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced their appeal for community assistance in locating a suspect involved in a southwest shooting. The incident took place on Saturday, September 8, 2024, at the 4600 block of Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue, Southwest at 10:36 p.m. MPD officers responded to a report of a shooting, where they found an adult male and female suffering from gunshot wounds upon arrival.

The victims were subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect, who was captured on a surveillance camera, can be seen in the accompanying photos provided by MPD.

The MPD urges anyone who can identify the suspect or has knowledge of this incident to contact the police at (202) 727-9099 or text a tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The MPD is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that results in the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for this violent crime in the District of Columbia. The case number for this incident is CCN: 24138346.