Judge Revokes Stabbing Defendant’s Probation

DC Superior Judge Heidi Pasichow revoked a stabbing defendant’s probation due to multiple violations on Oct. 21.

On Oct. 27, 2023, Demario Thornton, 22, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing, which occurred on Aug. 31, 2023, at the intersection of North Capitol and P Streets, NW.

According to the prosecution, surveillance footage depicts the suspect following the victim out of the store after he got upset over a conversation they had, which led to a physical altercation between the two.

During the probation hearing, it was brought to the judge’s attention by Thornton’s probation officer that within two weeks of being in DC after his release from prison, Thornton had gotten rearrested for a misdemeanor. The officer added that for the past month, Thornton has violated his curfew and GPS monitoring requirements.

The officer and prosecutors recommended his probation be revoked.

Gregg Baron, Thornton’s defense attorney, argued that the defendant had been very compliant and needed a new charging device for his GPS.

He requested the judge give Thornton an additional week to show he could be compliant, further stating how he would go to office after this hearing to ensure he got a new charging device.

Thornton issued his own statement, claiming “he was trying his best, and had a lot on his plate at home.”

Judge Pasichow sided with the prosecution, and the probation officer revoking his probation. She scheduled a resentencing hearing, and put Thompson under custody.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 22.

Defendant Accepts Plea Agreement

A shooting defendant accepted a plea agreement offered by prosecutors on Oct. 18 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Alante Parlow, 29, was initially charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting of a five-year-old and adult victim on April 23 on the 4800 block of North Capitol Street, NE.

According to prosecutors, the adult victim and the suspect, later identified as Parlow, got into an argument, and as the man attempted to leave the apartment with his five-year-old daughter, Parlow pulled out a gun and fired multiple rounds at them. Both victims suffered wounds to multiple parts of their body, later being rushed to the hospital.

The five-year-old reportedly stated, “My uncle shot at us,” while at the hospital with officers, according to the prosecution.

Through his defense attorneys, Elizabeth Weller and Carrie Weletz, Parlow accepted a plea agreement that required him to plead guilty to two counts of aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for the prosecutor’s not seeking an indictment.

The parties agreed on a sentencing range of 12-to-14 years of incarceration.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 17.

Carjacking Defendant Apologizes for Attempting to Rob a Senior Citizen

A carjacking defendant pleaded guilty to attempting to carjack a senior citizen on Oct. 21 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Ramone Brown, 34, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident on Feb. 20 on the 1700 block of New York Avenue, NE.

As part of Brown’s plea agreement, Brown pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery in exchange for the dismissal of the unarmed carjacking charge and any additional charges that could arrive from this case.

According to the plea agreement’s proffer of facts, Brown ran up to the victim and attempted to steal his car at a Shell gas station.

“I want that car,” he said and climbed into the driver’s seat. He was unable to start the car, and a concerned citizen witnessed the event and forcefully removed him from the victim’s car.

Defense attorney Quo Mieko Judkins requested that the proffer of facts include that Brown was extremely intoxicated during the incident, and that it was noticeable and mentioned by the victim and the witness.

Judkins also communicated that Brown wanted to apologize for previous behavior in the courtroom that had been on his mind. At a prior hearing, Brown had outbursts in the courtroom when the victim had come to testify in court. He said he was frustrated with the situation and recognizes his inappropriate behavior.

Judge Hertzfeld thanked Brown for his apology and told him that she recognized he was frustrated, and appreciated him saying sorry.

Brown is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 20.

‘Keanan Turner Has Forfeited the Right to Live in Society,’ Prosecutor Says at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced Keanan Turner to 69-and-a-half years in prison after the prosecution and members of the victims’ family asked for a life sentence without the possibility of release on Oct. 18.

Turner, 35, was found guilty on July 26 of two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, attempted first-degree murder committed against a minor, second-degree cruelty to children, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, arson, and destruction of property worth less than $1,000.

The charges stemmed from the shooting deaths of Wanda Wright, 48, and her daughter Ebony Wright, 31, on the 2300 block of Good Hope Court, SE, on April 12, 2021. Another daughter of Wanda and sister of Ebony was also a victim but survived, along with Ebony’s three-month-old child.

“The motive that the jury credited in the trial was that he had an affair with Ebony Wright, that she became pregnant, and that she was seeking child support and, to protect herself, child custody,” Judge Raffinan said.

According to court documents, Wanda’s surviving daughter testified that Turner visited his and Ebony’s child for the first time after he was served with court papers regarding child support and custody.

“He sat with the family for over an hour to put them at ease,” the prosecutor said about that visit during the sentencing hearing. “He killed Wanda, he killed Ebony, he shot [Wanda’s surviving daughter], and then he set a fire to kill his own child, a child who couldn’t even walk, who couldn’t even crawl, who was completely defenseless.”

Wanda’s surviving daughter gave a victim impact statement, saying she wouldn’t have made it out of the burning apartment after suffering a gunshot wound to the face if she hadn’t heard Ebony’s infant cry and felt the need to save him.

“These past few years have been a wakening and have taught me so much,” she said about her experience since Turner’s attack.

“I can’t live my life hating Keanan,” she said. “That gives him too much power over me.”

“We have each other,” she said about her family. “We have God, we have happiness, we have love, and those don’t go away just through death.”

“They didn’t deserve to die like that,” Wanda’s sister said about the victims. “When we have get-togethers, we’re putting down two chairs with flowers there for where those two should be sitting.”

“It’s hard to even imagine what was going on in that house that night,” said a nephew of Wanda and cousin of Ebony. “It just hurt that I couldn’t help at all to prevent anything that could be happening.”

“Like [Wanda’s surviving daughter] said, I can’t hate Keanan because we still have love in our family,” a niece of Wanda said. “The love will still go on. It can’t stop and it won’t stop.”

The prosecutor argued Turner should receive life in prison because he committed terrible crimes despite his supportive family, college education, stable employment, and apparent good physical and mental health.

“This is not a situation where, if the defendant goes to prison, he can be rehabilitated, because he was already leading the life society expects,” the prosecutor said. “Keanan Turner has forfeited the right to live in society.”

The defense disagreed.

“These events that are horrific do not necessarily equate to a person who is a monster,” argued Turner’s defense attorney, Franz Jobson.

Jobson read from a letter by one of Turner’s young children that said, “I want you to know how wonderful my father is,” and a letter by Turner’s mother-in-law that said, “Keanan has always been an example of family values and spiritual relationship.”

“I’ll make it back and show I’m not what the media and the [prosecution] have portrayed me to be,” Turner told the court. “All I do is take care of my family, take care of people I don’t know. I’d give you the clothes off my back. I wouldn’t have to know you to do anything for you.”

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.

Detective Says Ring Video Footage IDs Suspect

The lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective investigating a homicide case testified that suspect of a fatal shooting was identified through Ring video footage before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Oct. 18.

Nelson Bryant, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Townsend Reginald Sowel l, 46, on Sept. 2 on the 2800 block of 7th Street, NE.

The prosecutor showed Ring video footage of a man shooting across an athletic field early in the morning on May 26. The detective said the person in the Ring video resembled Bryant as he appeared in a photo and a video MPD recovered from the defendant’s phone with a search warrant.

The detective identified Bryant in the courtroom and said he was recognizable because of a tattoo on his arm.

The lead detective told the court he found Sowell suffering from approximately five bullet wounds with no signs of life when he arrived at the scene in response to reports of gunshots.

MPD obtained surveillance video footage that showed an individual, later identified as Bryant, in an argument with Sowell a few minutes before the shooting, the detective said.

After Sowell walked away, the detective testified, the individual identified as Bryant met up with another man. The two of them moved quickly in the direction of the place where Sowell’s body was found, out of sight of the camera.

The detective said other people in the video visibly reacted to the sound of gunfire. Then the individual identified as Bryant came back into view of the camera, running away from the scene of the shooting.

According to the detective, the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) indicated cartridge casings found near Sowell’s body might have been shot from the same gun used in shootings on May 26 and 27.

The detective’s testimony is scheduled to continue when parties next convene.

Bryant’s defense attorney, Jason Tulley, told the court he may also have a witness to call for the preliminary hearing.

The next hearing is set for Oct. 28.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Request for Release

During an Oct. 21 hearing, defense attorney Mani Golzari requested DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein release a homicide defendant from DC Jail to address his fugitive case pending in Maryland.

Kavon Young, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of John Pernell, 66. The incident took place on July 3, 2010, during a robbery at a cookout on the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE, where multiple armed men allegedly assaulted attendees and stole personal belongings.

During the hearing, Golzari raised concerns about Maryland’s cooperation regarding a bench warrant, emphasizing the need for Young to be available to resolve legal matters there and in DC. Golzari proposed a temporary release from DC, with the court retaining authority to order Young’s return before his trial, tentatively scheduled for April 2025.

Prosecutors previously told Judge Epstein Maryland that they could implement a writ that would transfer Young from DC to their jurisdiction and guarantee his return before trial, but it hasn’t been ordered.

Judge Epstein noted that the risk of Maryland not honoring a homicide writ seemed relatively low but acknowledged the parties’ concerns. He added that while the trial is roughly six months away and that the situation must be addressed promptly.

Judge Epstein scheduled a hearing in the coming weeks to revisit the issue after additional discussions and to monitor progress in the Maryland case.

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 1.

Judge Sentences Homicide Defendant to 50 Years

During a hearing on Oct. 18, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced a homicide defendant to 50 years of incarceration for a 2019 murder.

Matthew Walker, 25, was found guilty of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device in a non-jury trial for his involvement the fatal shooting of David Remen, 32, and non-fatal shooting of another victim, Michael Hardy, on Feb. 14, 2019, on the 1700 block of Hamlin Street, NE.

Hardy has since passed away.

In a separate case, Walker is also charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 23-year-old Jamal Green-Lee on the 100 block of Michigan Avenue, NE on April 29, 2019. Green-Lee died on Nov. 4, 2020, due to his injuries.

During the hearing, three family members of the victims addressed the court and described the incredible pain they felt during the incident, and described how hard it is still not knowing Walker’s motive. Remen’s father delivered a heartfelt victim impact statement to the court, stating that David was his only son, and he was viciously murdered by someone he did not know.

He said he is still asking why and searching for answers. He described experiencing unbearable pain and guilt over what happened, and that grief over his son’s death led to his wife’s death who was struggling with cancer.

Remen’s father traveled over 1,000 miles to give his statement and he said he accepts what society imposes as Walker’s sentence.

Hardy’s wife and daughter also gave victim impact statements. They described the enormous toll the shooting took on their family and the victim himself.

They said Hardy’s death a few years after the shooting was linked to the trauma he suffered from the crime. That he was never the same, never found peace, which led to health struggles including PTSD.

Hardy’s wife asked the court to ensure Walker is in prison for the rest of his life because he is a danger to society.

Walker addressed the court and apologized to the families for their loss and asked the court for the lowest possible sentence although he has never explained the motive for the attack.

Judge Demeo with the victim’s families and conceded that no sentence would make up for the pain and loss they experienced.

She explained that the sentence would take into account Walker’s struggles, which include suffering trauma from early age and severe mental health disorders.

Walker was sentenced to 38 years for the murder of Remen and 12 years for the non-fatal shooting of Hardy. The sentences will run consecutive to each other for a total sentence of 50 years, and the sentences for all other charges will run concurrently to this sentence.

There are no further dates set for this case.

Walker is set to have a status hearing for his charges regarding the death of Green-Lee on Nov. 8.

Teen Pleads Not Guilty in Shooting Case

A teenage defendant pleaded not guilty to seven charges during a felony arraignment on Oct. 21 before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Christ Tchakounte, 19, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, and carrying a pistol without a license. These charges relate to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 19 at the intersection of A Street and 16th Street, SE. A juvenile sustained injuries during the incident.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), two suspects approached a victim at the scene, and one suspect shot the victim before both searched the victim’s pockets and fled. Patrick Nowak, Tchakounte’s attorney, asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 8 for a bond hearing.

Judge Delays Ruling on Motion to Introduce ‘Touch’ DNA Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun delayed ruling on a prosecution motion prosecution to obtain DNA analysis from a specific kind of physical evidence in a case on Oct. 21.

Carlos Shelley, 29, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, first-degree burglary, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and second-degree cruelty to children with a grave risk while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on Nov. 9, 2023, at the 1800 block of Irving Street, NE.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court that there was a rifle clip found while executing a search warrant on the defendant’s room, and it is consistent with the gun used in the case. Prosecution believes that there is usable DNA present and they wish to perform an analysis on the clip.

Shelley’s defense attorney, Christen Philips, noted that there is no DNA left behind by bodily fluids, like blood or sweat, which provides a much more clear analysis. The DNA that would be found would be so-called “touch DNA”, which would only indicate that Shelley made contact with the clip at some point, and not that he used it to commit a crime.

Judge Okun will take arguments from both parties under advisement, and will make a ruling when they reconvene.

Parties are slated to return on Nov. 15.

Stabbing Defendant Denied Release

During a felony status conference on Oct. 21, an attempt to establish a stabbing defendant’s release conditions was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Daquan Session, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing a victim during a robbery on the 1300 block of 7th Street NW on April 29; the victim was later found on the 600 block of M street NW.

Defense attorney, Bryan T Bookhard, requested Judge Park impose GPS monitoring and a stay-away order from the victim, noting Session’s mother was present in the courtroom and he could stay with her.

The defense claimed there were inconsistencies in the arrest affidavit, including the robbery charge and allegations of an altercation.

According to the prosecution, the victim was found with stab wounds was hospitalized and evidence includes a bloody fabric material, thus making the allegations credible.

The prosecution objected to release conditions and argued Session should remain detained because of a previous domestic violence charge, and the fact a weapon was involved.

Judge Park found probable cause that Session committed a crime of violence with a weapon and no conditions ensure safety of the community in denying the suspect’s release.

The bond motion was denied and a jury trial date is set for Jan. 14.

Judge Deems Stabbing Defendant Too Dangerous For Release

D.C. Superior Court Judge Brandt deemed a stabbing defendant too dangerous to be released during his preliminary hearing on Oct. 10.

James Callen III, 40, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on July 13. It is unclear where the incident occurred in the District.

During the hearing, Alvin Thomas Jr., Callen’s attorney, alerted Judge Brandt of his intent to waive his right to the preliminary hearing. Thomas asked the court to consider releasing Callen to house arrest and GPS monitoring.

The prosecution expressed concern that Callen was not a “good candidate for release” and requested he remain held because of his criminal history, highlighting past assault, domestic violence, and contempt charges.

A victim attended the hearing remotely and expressed worry about the defendant being’s release while awaiting trial. The individual alleged that Callen “brutally attacked” and “tried to stab [them] to death.”

The victim explained that this was not the first time Callen had harmed them and would not be the last if he was released. The victim went on to explain that Callen had been contacting them from jail and threatening to harm them and their loved ones if he was released.

Prosecutors provided evidence of the injuries the victim endured during the assault. The photos showcased the victim’s stab wounds and blood stains at the scene, where prosecutors claimed they almost bled out.

Judge Brandt ruled that Callen would stay in custody awaiting trial. Judge Brandt explained that his history of violence and contempt of requirements showed that he could not be trusted to follow court directives. Releasing him on house arrest with GPS would put the victim in danger, Judge Brandt concluded.

Parties alerted Judge Brandt they’re in plea negotiations.

Parties are set to convene on Nov. 7.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Indictment Charges

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, on Oct. 18.

Christopher Tyler, 46, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, first-degree burglary while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm on a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Nolan Edwards at the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE, on July 7, 2023.

During the hearing, Frances D’Antuono, Tyler’s 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.

Parties agreed to a trial date in February of 2026.

Parties will reconvene on March 15.

Shooting Co-Defendant Waives DNA Testing Right And Can Attend Halloween Festival

A shooting defendant waived his right to DNA testing and received permission from DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun to attend a Halloween festival and stay out one hour past his curfew on Oct. 18.

Daquawn Lubin, 29, and Jonathan Young, 34, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals that occurred on the 4000 block of Benning Road, SE on July 24, 2023.

At the hearing, Kevin O’Sullivan, Lubin’s defense attorney, alerted the court of Lubin’s intention to waive his right to DNA testing.

The prosecution listed all of the physical evidence that they had tested for this case, including clothing items, cartridge casings, blood swabs, and buccal swabs for inside the mouth samples taken from both Lubin and Young. The results of the testing were provided to the defense but not placed on the record.

O’Sullivan also addressed the court about a motion to review Lubin’s release conditions. The prosecution agreed to file a written response to the motion by Oct. 25.

In the meantime, O’Sullivan said Lubin wanted to attend a Halloween festival with his four-year-old child on Oct. 19 but was concerned that he would not make it back to his residence in time for his 10 p. m. curfew. Judge Okun agreed to modify his curfew only for Oct. 19 so that Lubin would be required to return home an hour later at 11 p. m.

Also at the hearing, Judge Okun addressed Cheryl Stein, Young’s defense attorney’s, motion to withdraw from the case. Judge Okun agreed and will appoint another attorney. This is the second court-appointed attorney for Young. .

Judge Okun warned Young that he may not be able to request another new attorney after he is appointed a new one.

“You don’t have an unlimited number of attorneys that I can appoint for you,” Okun said.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 8.

Document: MPD Investigating a Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Leonard Taylor Jr. that took place on Oct. 20, on the 1500 hundred block of 19th Street, SE. Upon responding to reports of a vehicle crash in the 1400 block of 18th Street, Southeast, officers discovered the victim with a gunshot wound inside a vehicle. He was later pronounced dead on the scene.

Mass Shooting Defendant Waives His Right to DNA Testing

A mass shooting defendant waived his right to independent DNA testing on evidence recovered in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 18.

William Johnson-Lee, 21, Erwin Dubose, 30, Kamar Queen, 27, and Damonta Thompson, 21, are four of six individuals charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, and assault with intent to kill, among other charges, for their involvement in the mass shooting that claimed the lives of 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Baxter, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner.

The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and left three others suffering from injuries.

Toyia Johnson, 52, and Mussay Rezene, 31, are charged with accessory after the fact and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the other defendants get rid of evidence and avoid getting caught in connection to the case.

At the hearing, the prosecution told the court that they had completed two rounds of DNA testing, including cars and water bottles, that closely matched Rezene’s genetic profile. Johnson-Lee’s attorney, Peter Fayne, alerted the court that Johnson-Lee planned on waiving his right to independently test the DNA evidence recovered.

Also at the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court that Rezene still had an outstanding motion to sever his case from the rest of his co-defendants. Judge Okun was unwilling to set a status hearing date to address the matter pending a review of supplemental documents from the defense regarding the motion and the prosecution’s response.

Judge Okun set a deadline of Nov. 4 for the defense to submit supplemental documents and a deadline of Nov. 18 for the prosecution to respond to the motion.

All parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 7.

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