Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an ongoing investigation into a homicide that occurred in Northwest, Washington DC.

On the evening of Friday, September 6, 2024, at around 10:33 PM, MPD officers responded to a report of gunfire on the 1000 block of Spring Road, Northwest. Upon arrival, the officers discovered a distressed man and woman inside a residential building, both of whom had sustained gunshot wounds.

DC Fire and EMS were summoned to the scene, and the male victim was transported to a local area hospital for treatment. Despite immediate intervention, the female was found with no signs of life and was consequently pronounced dead on the scene.

The deceased female has been identified as 33-year-old Tanisha Morris of Northwest.

MPD encouraged those with information about the crime to contact police at (202) 727-9099 or send a tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The department is currently offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the homicide.

Document: MPD Searching for Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that it is actively seeking public assistance in locating a suspect involved in a shooting incident in Southeast. This event took place on Sept. 4. A walk-in shooting victim at a local hospital reported the incident, stating he was attacked at a gas station on the 2500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, Southeast at around 4:47 p.m.

MPD is treating this case as an ‘Assault with Intent to Kill’ due to the severity of the shooting. As of now, the victim is receiving treatment at an area hospital and their condition is reported as stable.

The investigators secured an image of the suspect, captured by a surveillance camera at the shooting location. The MPD has requested that anyone with information related to this case to either call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. Moreover, any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for this violent crime may receive a reward of up to $10,000 from the MPD.

This incident is part of an ongoing concern within the District of Columbia to curb violent crime. The case number for reference is CCN: 24136675.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty, Questions Investigator’s Credibility

A shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Sept. 9, as she ordered the prosecution to turn ov r all discovery, including a document that could impeach the lead detective’s testimony.

Anthony Goncalves, 51, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, aggravated assault knowingly while armed against a minor, two 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 a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 29, 2023, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. A 14-year-old boy sustained life-threatening injuries from the incident.

Christen Philips, Goncalves’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

She requested all Brady material, meaning evidence that can potentially exonerate the defendant, be turned over, including a Giglio form, which may establish that a police offer’s testimony lacks credibility

According to Philips, a potential for bias exists resulting from “racially insensitive memes” allegedly posted by the lead detective.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 19.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty, Claiming Imperfect Self-Defense

A shooting defendant accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Sept. 9.

Daniel Mendoza, 23, was originally charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, twelve counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or place of business, possession of unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition while armed.

The charges stem from his involvement in a shooting that injured three individuals on June 27, 2023, on the 3100 block of 16th Street, NW.

During the hearing, Marc Eisenstein, Mendoza’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept a deal, which required him to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for dismissal of all other charges.

According to the prosecution, Mendoza fired seven shots creating a substantial risk of death and then fled on a bicycle. He did not act in self-defense when firing these shots say prosecutors.

Eisenstein said Mendoza believes he acted in fear and does not seek that legal justification but will argue for imperfect self-defense at sentencing.

Mendoza agreed that his use of force was excessive despite being in fear.

Eisenstein requested Mendoza be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a young defendant’s conviction if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 31.

Homicide Co-Defendant Pleads Guilty

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe in an Aug. 23 hearing.

Maurice Williams, 22, was originally charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, attempt to commit a robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a robbery and fatal shooting of 20-year-old Marquette White on Jan. 21, 2022 at the 3800 block of Commodore Joshua Barney Drive, NE.

Williams was also accompanied by Seaun McDowney, 20, that day and met with him to smoke weed. He previously accepted a plea deal.

According to the prosecution, they had planned to rob White of his gun and, on the night of the shooting, and McDowney watched as Williams dragged White out of a vehicle and shot him.

Through his defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, Williams accepted an offer that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the deal, the parties agreed to a sentencing range of 13-to-20 years of incarceration.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 22 for sentencing.

Carjacking Defendant Deemed Competent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian deemed a carjacking defendant mentally competent to stand trial on Sept. 5, following a report from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Kevin Weaver, 32, is charged with unarmed carjacking of a taxicab driver, kidnapping of a senior citizen, and threat to kidnap or injure a person, for his alleged involvement in a carjacking. The incident occurred on Sept. 10, 2023, at the intersection of 7th and Monroe Streets, NE. No individuals were harmed.

Neither party contested the competency finding, but Jay Mykytiuk, Weaver’s attorney, requested additional time to prepare for the next hearing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Sept. 26.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Crash Involving a Pedestrian in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an ongoing investigation into a fatal hit-and-run accident involving a pedestrian in Northwest DC.

The initial findings from the investigation, conducted by MPD, determined the incident occurred on Sept. 1 at around 2:19 a.m. The victim, walking westbound on the north sidewalk in the 900 block of U Street, Northwest, had reportedly entered the crosswalk at Vermont Avenue, Northwest against the do not walk signal. He was struck by an unknown vehicle which failed to remain at the scene and continued northbound on Vermont Avenue, Northwest.

The victim was pronounced dead on the scene. Further information released by MPD identified the victim as 26-year-old Myles Kevin Mcewen of Northwest, DC.

For the final update, MPD has made a public request for any information related to the incident. Individuals with knowledge of the hit-and-run is urged to call the police at (202) 727 -9099 or text their tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

Judge Denies Probation, Revokes Youth Sentencing For Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release and disallowed sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on Sept. 9.

On Jan. 30, 2023, Johnny Gutierrez Borrome, 22, pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury for his involvement in a stabbing that injured one person and occurred on Jan. 4, 2023 on the 1800 block of Adams Mill Road, NW.

According to court documents, an altercation occurred between two men at a coffee shop, during which Gutierrez Borrome stabbed the other individual in the back, resulting in hospitalization.

On April 7, 2023, Gutierrez Borrome was found guilty of assault with significant bodily injury and sentenced to 15 months incarceration and 18 months supervised release.

On March 29 Gutierrez Borrome failed to appear for a scheduled probation show cause hearing which led to a bench warrant’s being issued by Judge Raffinan.

Gutierrez Borrome was rearrested in Colorado on July 12, and extradited to DC in August.

During the hearing, the prosecution asked Judge Raffinan to revoke probation and for his original sentence to be upheld for lack of compliance. The prosecutor noted Gutierrez Borrome was lost to contact, failed to submit drug tests, and was convicted of undisclosed charges in Colorado.

John Machado, Gutierrez Borrome’s defense attorney, asked for the court to allow him to return to probation, or for a shorter sentence to be imposed, citing his prior detainment..

Judge Raffinan acknowledged Gutierrez Borrome failed to submit drug tests, and tested positive for marijuana while being non compliant.

“I don’t see that Mr. Borrome has taken his probation seriously based on his conduct,” said Judge Raffinan.

Judge Raffinan imposed a sentence of 15 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release. She added that the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) sentence would also be revoked. It would have allowed his conviction to be sealed if he successfully completed all sentencing requirements. He will receive credit for time served.

No further dates were set.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that they are currently investigating a fatal traffic crash involving a pedestrian that took place on Sept. 4 at approximately 8:58pm on the 2100 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

The MPD further reported that a pedestrian was lying down in the northbound travel lane of the area when an unknown gray SUV traveling north ran over the pedestrian and fled the scene. The SUV continued through 22nd Street, Southeast, without the driver rendering aid or revealing their identity.

The MPD confirmed the male pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim has been identified as 29-year-old Kurt Donnelle Morgan.

The MPD is urging anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward and is asking for them to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or submit their tip via the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

Bench Warrant Issued For Missing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian issued a bench warrant for a carjacking defendant after he failed to appear in court on Sept. 5.

Nicolas Delgado, 31, is charged with unarmed carjacking, kidnapping, two counts of first-degree theft, two counts of robbery, second-degree theft, attempted credit card fraud, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and two counts of simple assault. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on July 8, 2020, at the 5400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. One individual was punched in the face during the incident.

During the hearing, Sianei Gbleehai, who was acting as a stand-in attorney, stated he’s tried to reach Delgado without result.

Due to Delgado’s failure to appear, Judge Christian issued a bench warrant.

A trial is slated to begin Sept. 17, but parties will reconvene once Delgado has been located.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing, Release Pending

A homicide defendant waived his right to conduct independent DNA testing, and filed a motion that would allow him to leave the District on a family trip before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Sept. 6.

Desmond Gaskin, 38, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree theft, and destruction of property less than $1000. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 40-year-old William Whittington Jr. on July 19, 2022 on the 400 block of Burbank Street, NE.

The prosecution said they conducted the first round of DNA tests on fingernail clippings taken from Whittington. A single genetic profile was recovered and linked to the victim. A second round of testing on samples taken from the laundry room in the apartment building where the incident occurred was inconclusive.

Gaskin alerted the court of his intent to waive his right to independently test DNA evidence.

Jason Tulley, Gaskin’s attorney, also addressed a motion that he filed on Sept. 5 requesting that Gaskin be granted permission to travel to Georgia in November. He is currently released on personal recognizance with 24-hour GPS monitoring, which prohibits his leaving the jurisdiction without permission.

Tulley argued that Gaskin now has two jobs and deserves a break to recharge. He also said Gaskin was in the “horrible conditions” of the DC Jail before his release and has no intention of going back.

The prosecution is set to file their response to the defense’s request in writing by Sept. 20.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 1.

‘I Didn’t Have Nothing to Do With This,’ Says Co-Defendant at Sentencing Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced two homicide co-defendants to 50 and 61 years of imprisonment for the 2017 fatal shooting of a teenage girl on Sept. 6.

Robert Moses, 27, and James Mayfield, 27, were convicted of conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. Additionally, Moses was convicted of two counts of obstruction of justice.

The convictions stem from the men’s involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Jamahri Sydnor on Aug. 10, 2017 at the intersection of Saratoga and Montana Avenues, NE. Syndor was the daughter of a former Metropolitan Department (MPD) officer. Three other individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

This is the second time the co-defendants have appeared before Judge Raffinan for sentencing, as the original hearing was set for Aug. 12 but was postponed due to the defendant’s refusal to get off the bus from the DC Jail. When they finally appeared, sentencing was canceled following an outburst by the defendants in response to a victim impact statement.

During the hearing, Sydnor’s mother said in her statement that the death of her daughter has caused irreparable damage to their family and that she grieves daily.

“The sounds of her voice play in my mind and won’t let me rest,” she said.

Sydnor’s mother also said she never experienced any incidents in her neighborhood but in the past seven years has had her car windows smashed and tires slashed after court hearings. She said as a former police officer she feels she has failed her own child by not keeping the city safe enough for her.

The prosecution played a video montage which chronicled Sydnor’s 17 years of life with her family and friends. It highlighted her passions, high school events, and commitment to Florida A&M University, which she was slated to attend.

Another Sydnor family member wiped his tears as he stood before the court and called the defendants cowards. “Send them away forever, your honor,” he told Judge Raffinan.

The prosecution requested Mayfield be sentenced to 75 years in prison with five years of supervised release and Moses to 78 years citing the seriousness of the offenses.

The prosecution said Sydnor and the surviving victims were running errands and living their lives in broad daylight in DC when they became victims of a shooting. “How did we get here?” asked the prosecutor.

Sydnor’s nephew, who was 12 at the time and who she was driving to a hair appointment, sustained injuries from glass shards during the incident. The prosecution said the defendants emotionally “killed that little boy in the car” and left behind a shell shocked young man.

Veronice Holt, one of Mayfield’s attornies, said the pre-sentence report writers saw potential for a future and rehabilitation when they evaluated Mayfield. She also mentioned his history of mental illness and asked Judge Raffinan for mercy and a lesser sentence than the 75 years that the prosecution requested.

Mayfield gave a statement addressing the victim’s family.

“I wanted to let the family know I am truly sorry for your loss, but I didn’t have nothing to do with this,” Mayfield said.

Halfway through his statement, a member of the audience spoke up.

“How many minutes do we get of this sh*t,” the family member said before being told to remain silent by the US Marshals.

Mayfield continued his statement, saying that his family has been too intimidated by the victim’s family to come to his hearings and they were “too scared” to come to his sentencing. He also said he has been suffering in jail, citing his schizophrenia.

Steven Kiersh, Moses’ attorney, said Judge Raffinan should consider Moses as a whole person when deciding his sentence. He also said that because Moses intends to appeal the conviction, he will not be making a statement.

Kiersh ended his statement by saying that Moses was a “profoundly polite and cooperative” person and asked the Court to sentence him at the bottom of what is statutorily required.

Before imposing the sentences, Judge Raffinan expressed her condolences to the victim’s families and acknowledged that no sentence will bring back Sydnor’s life or reverse the impact of the incident on the other victims.

“It cannot be understated the heinousness of this offense,” Raffinan said.

Judge Raffinan sentenced Mayfield to 50 years in prison with five years of supervised release. He is also required to pay $1100 to the victim’s fund and must register as a gun offender if released.

Moses was sentenced to 61 years in prison with five years of supervised release. He is also required to pay $1300 to the victim’s fund and must also register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.

‘I Deserve This Time,’ Says Homicide Defendant at Sentencing

“I deserve this time,” a homicide defendant told DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe during his sentencing on Sept. 6.

Aaron Jackson, 30, was convicted with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and a felony of carrying a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of Damohn Gill, 27, on June 24, 2021 on the 3600 block of 22nd Street, SE.

At the hearing, Jackson requested a new trial because the defense was unable to call his girlfriend as a witness. However it was rejected by Judge O’Keefe due to a clarification that the defense had chosen to withhold the witness.

The prosecution argued that a sentence of 40 years was a fair sentence for the murder of Gill. They asserted that the loss of Gill impacted the victim’s family in unprecedented ways, as well as their community.

They mentioned his flippant behavior, citing his laughing and making jokes in front of the jury during trial.

The prosecution read a victim impact statement written by Gill’s child’s mother, in which she stated their child would “never know her father.”

Jackson’s defense attorneys, Alvin Thomas and Wole Falodun, stated that while his behavior can be perceived as “difficult,” he is in fact fighting for his life.

The defense requested a sentence of 30 years on the grounds of self defense, arguing that Jackson “did what he had to do.” They assert that Gill had previously shot Jackson and that he came into the neighborhood that day looking for his mother, and not trouble.

Mental health concerns were also presented as a mitigating circumstance by the defense, after he was examined by a court appointed doctor.

Jackson apologized to Gill’s family, saying he was traumatized and had broken his own heart.

He claimed that he was unaware of any mental health issues that were affecting him, and stated he is now getting treatment. Jackson claimed he “died that day too” and was ready to accept any sentence.

Judge O’Keefe acknowledged the prior shooting incident between Jackson and Gill, but argued that Jackson should’ve reported him in accordance with the law instead of listening to the “way of the streets.” He also stated that Jackson was found competent to stand trial regardless of his mental health diagnosis.

Jackson was sentenced to 40 years of incarceration, with 5 years supervised release on the charge of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, and three years with three years supervised release on the charge of a felony of carrying a dangerous weapon. The sentences will run concurrently.

No further dates were set.

Murder Defendant Sentenced to 30 Years for ‘Horrific’ Crime

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a homicide defendant to 30 years of incarceration with five years of supervised release during a Sept. 6 hearing.

Marcus Walker, 24, was convicted of second-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, second-degree cruelty to children and possession of a large capacity ammunition. The charges stemmed from his involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Erik King. The incident occurred on Oct. 11, 2022 on the 800 block of 21st Street, NE.

According to court documents, King was allegedly Walker’s ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend.

The prosecution read a victim impact statement written by King’s sister, in which she said, “There is no amount of money or justice that can be given.”

Meanwhile, the prosecution stated Walker had not accepted responsibility for the crime and he continued to claim that his ex-girlfriend had set him up.

Prosecution requested that Walker be sentenced to the maximum sentence of 42 years, given the impact on the victims.

Jesse Winograd, Walker’s defense attorney, disputed the prosecution’s request, arguing that Walker’s lack of criminal history should grant him a smaller sentence. He added the nature of the offense and Walker’s personal history and negative childhood should play a part in sentencing. Winograd argued he should have a shorter sentence to guarantee his reintegration to society.

Walker told Judge Okun that his life has changed since he’s been incarcerated, stating that the “will to be better changes you.”

Judge Okun deemed the murder a “truly awful horrific crime,” mentioning that he must consider just punishment, deterrence, treatment and voluntary sentencing guidelines as part of the sentence.

Walker was ultimately sentenced to 30 years with five years of supervised release.

Once released, Walker will be required to participate in anger management, substance abuse and mental health evaluations and treatment, and must abide by a stay away and no contact order from his ex-girlfriend and her loved ones.

No further dates were set.

Shooting Suspect’s Appearance Delayed by Panic Attack

A shooting defendant, who originally refused appear in court due to a panic attack, requested additional time to review a new plea agreement before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Sept. 6.

Reginald Hughes, 29, is charged with six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that left one person injured. The incident occurred on Jan. 26, 2022 on the 700 Block of Bonini Road, SE and the victim was inside a vehicle.

The case, which was scheduled to begin at 10 a. m. was delayed because of Hughes’ refusal to get on the bus from the DC Jail to the courthouse. According to a US Marshal, Hughes was combative and refused to leave his cell.

Molly Bunke, Hughes’ attorney, told the court that last time she spoke with her client he was prepared to appear in court, but explained to Judge Okun he experienced a panic attack and was unable to leave his cell.

Shortly after, the Marshal alerted Judge Okun that Hughes was on his way.

When he arrived, the prosecution told the court they had extended a plea deal that required Hughes to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed or aggravated assault knowingly while armed. Through the deal, parties would agree to a ten year sentence.

Bunke requested a delay the case to allow discussion of the plea offer.

Court will reconvene on Oct. 2.