The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is requesting public assistance in locating a suspect involved in a shooting that took place on Sept. 18, on the 1600 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered an adult female victim suffering from gunshot wounds who was then transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Najee Dickens that took place on October 5 on the 1600 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE. Officers responded to reports of a shooting and found Dickens along with two other adults suffering from gunshot wounds, one of whom also succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
A carjacking defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing and anticipated resolving the case through a plea deal in a proceeding on Oct. 4 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum.
Marquise Butts, 18, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on June 20 at the 1800 block of 9th Street, NW. No victims were physically injured.
According to court documents, Butts was monitored by a court-ordered global positioning (GPS) device at the time of the incident, and was developed as a suspect based on GPS data.
Defense attorney Richard E Holiday Jr. presented a waiver of the preliminary hearing, signed by Butts.
The waiver came as a result of a pending plea which the parties are negotiating at this time.
Butts is currently held without bond and the parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 17.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 20-year-old Taurian Anderson and 18-year-old Terrell Edmondson, who are charged with armed carjacking and unauthorized use of a vehicle, for their alleged involvement in an incident that took place on October 4 on the 5200 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.
Upon responding to the carjacking report, the victim, who was unnamed, was found unharmed after having his vehicle aggressively taken by the two suspects.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 35-year-old Tommy Whack, who is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old Fasil Teklemariam, that took place on April 5, in the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW.
Upon responding to reports of an unconscious person, officers discovered Teklemariam, who was pronounced dead at the scene due to stab wounds. This is the third arrest in the case, with a 22-year-old female from Bowie, MD, and a 19-year-old woman of no fixed address previously charged with the same crime.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 26-year-old James Rice, who is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed the homicide of 32-year-old Thomas Carlos Felder. The incident took place on May 1 on the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is requesting public assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a shooting that took place on September 30, 2024, in the 5900 block of Georgia Avenue, Northwest. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, identified as a juvenile male, who was injured and later transported to a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
In an Oct. 4 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced an unrepentant shooting defendant to 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised probation.
On June 5, Tyrone Johnson, 43, was convicted of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of a firearm by a convict, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a shooting that injured one individual on Aug. 30, 2022, on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.
Johnson was acquitted of assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Before sentencing, the prosecution introduced the victim, who had a representative read a statement on his behalf. “My life has not been the same since I was shot,” the victim wrote.
“Only a life sentence would make me feel safe,” the victim stated. The prosecution requested a 22 year sentence citing Johnson’s lengthy criminal history and stating that there was “no basis for the defendant’s conduct.”
Joseph Fay, Johnson’s attorney, requested a sentence of 15 years. Fay argued that nearly all of Johnson’s criminal history occurred prior to 2000 and Johnson has two sons in the community.
Johnson also spoke on his own behalf denying his involvement saying, “This crime doesn’t fit my character” and as in his past crimes, if he had done this, he would have owned up to it.
Johnson was sentenced to a total of 20 years on the listed charges with five years of supervised release.
No further dates were set.
DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo denied a murder defendant’s request to represent himself in an Oct. 4 hearing. Walker asked to replace his current counsel, Stephen LoGerfo, due to communication issues.
Matthew Walker, 25, is 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.
Walker was also found guilty in a non-jury trial 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 for his involvement in the fatal shooting of David Remen, 32, on Feb. 14, 2019, on the 1700 block Hamlin Street, NE.
One other individual sustained severe injuries in the attack.
During the hearing, Judge Demeo questioned Walker’s ability to represent himself probing his understanding of trial procedure.
During questioning Walker made it clear that his intentions were to trade information on both of his cases for a global plea offer from the prosecution. He said the information was written down on a document he didn’t bring to court.
The prosecution made it clear, however, that while they were interested in the information, no plea offer was on the table.
Walker did not want LoGerfo to see this document before he could hand it to the prosecution, citing the conflict as part of their communication issues.
Judge Demeo concluded Walker would not be able to represent himself effectively stating that the “basic tasks of performing the functions of representing himself are not there.”
Parties are scheduled to reconvene Oct. 16, when Walker will allow LoGerfo to review the document.
On Oct. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Raffinan allowed a stabbing defendant to remain on probation as he awaits further proceedings in a Maryland case.
On Feb. 3, 2017, Antoine Cartwright, 33, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed and first-degree burglary for his involvement in a stabbing that injured an individual on Sept. 8, 2016, on the 700 block of Brandywine Street SE.
Cartwright’s probation was extended following his re-arrest for an unspecified matter in Maryland to which he pleaded guilty. The probation officer requested revocation of probation with the consent of the prosecution, but with opposition from the defense.
The probation officer said the nature of Cartwright’s crimes and his re-arrest in Maryland brings up compliance issues. The prosecution said that early termination of probation should not be an option.
Defense attorney Lee Goebes said Cartwright has been in compliance with his probation terms despite his Maryland arrest, and has completed domestic violence courses.
Judge Raffinan ruled to continue Cartwright’s probation and emphasized he has less than a year left but if he has any more infractions his probation will be terminated.
There were no new court dates set.
A murder defendant appeared virtually as the parties considered a trial date in relation to his ongoing medical condition in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Oct. 4.
Robert Henson, 44, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, three 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 fatal shooting of Richard Lee Dudley, 37, on Dec. 10, 2018, on the 2500 block of Elvans Road, SE.
D.C. Witnesses previously reported that Henson had been hospitalized due to a condition stemming from a car accident in December of 2018. It’s unclear if the accident is related to Dudley’s death.
After improving, in March of 2024, Henson’s mental and physical health declined and he became comatose for three weeks with no explanation.
At the hearing the prosecution requested all of Henson’s medical records be disclosed, and to meet with his health specialist in order to figure out a timeline for the trial which was postponed in May.
Henson’s defense attorneys, David Knight and Joseph Yarabough, did not object, but noted that his condition hasn’t improved.
The prosecution alerted the court that they didn’t want to wait indefinitely for Henson’s medical condition to improve, since the case has been ongoing since 2018.
Judge Demeo set a 30-day window to keep the case as a priority.
Parities are set to reconvene Nov. 8.
DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced a shooting defendant to 96 months in prison for his involvement in the shooting of a 16-year old girl during an Oct. 4 hearing.
On July 19, Deangelo Wooten, 27, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for shooting his 16-year-old girlfriend on the 3400 block of 13th Street, SE, on Jan. 20. The victim sustained serious injuries.
During the hearing, prosecutors presented graphic images of the victim’s wounds on her forearm and back, documenting her physical injuries after the incident. They sought a prison term of 120 months, pointing out the severity of the crime, citing that the close range shooting occurred in a residential neighborhood, in broad daylight, and amongst witnesses.
The prosecution stated that, weeks later, the victim still did not regain feeling in her arm.
Wooten’s brother appeared in court and extended apologies towards the victim. He alerted the court to Wooten’s troubled childhood and history of mental illness, stating that he was in need of medical assistance.
Wooten’s defense attorney, Todd Baldwin, requested a reduced sentence of 72 months. He argued that rehabilitation was what Wooten required, and that he has been “stable and calm” since receiving treatment.
Baldwin pointed out Wooten didn’t aim at the victim’s face, but rather randomly into the car. He asserted this meant that he never intended to kill the victim.
Expressing regret, Wooten stated to the court, “I take full responsibility for everything I did,” wishing he could take it all back, and that he needed to get his mental health under control.
Judge Demeo alerted the court that she wished to fashion a sentence aimed at rehabilitation. While giving Wooten credit for taking responsibility for his actions and his lengthy criminal history, she imposed a sentence of 96 months for the aggravated assault while armed charge, and 72 months for the possession charge, which will run concurrently. The stay-away order from the victim will remain in effect.
No further dates were set.
A shooting defendant asked DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur to “give him a chance,” and Judge Arthur imposed a sentence of 60 months with all but 28 months suspended after strongly considering a sentence of 60 consecutive months on Oct. 4.
On April 8, Amontae McCalvin, 19, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a shooting incident on Sept. 8, 2023 on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The prosecution asked that McCalvin be sentenced to 60 months, citing that while he is young, he has previous firearm related convictions.
Prosecutors argued the shooting put the community in danger because it took place in a crowded apartment complex where a victim was hit in the hand and multiple apartments sustained damage.
The prosecution also asked that the defendant be denied the benefits of the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a young defendant’s conviction if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.
“Sixty months is outrageous,” said Brandi Harden, McCalvin’s attorney, adding that the pre-sentence report found that McCalvin has undergone a “marked change,” during his detainment.
Harden explained that McCalvin is back in school after dropping out in the eighth grade and has a daughter he loves and cares for. She described McCalvin as “someone who wants to better his life.”
Regarding the prosecution’s request to deny sentencing under the YRA, Harden said that the prosecution was not viewing her client with “humanity,” arguing that the benefits of the YRA are not a gift but are something that is earned.
McCalvin addressed the court, stating, “I understand what I did is wrong.” He expressed remorse for his actions and a desire to be with his children and those that need him.
Judge Arthur sentenced McCalvin to 60 months, with all but 28 months suspended, 18 months of supervised probation, and three years of supervised release under the YRA.
Judge Arthur stated that while McCalvin took accountability for his crimes and pleaded guilty as soon as he could, “One shot is too many” and it was “by grace” that no one died.
Judge Arthur asked McCalvin to look around the courtroom and consider that his actions a year ago could have killed anyone in this courtroom, including those he cares about.
No future dates were set.
A shooting defendant was re-released on probation after spending three weeks at the DC Jail for violating the conditions of his parole before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 4.
On Dec. 20, 2022, Davon Easton, 31, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in the shooting of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer at the 1300 block of Spring Road, NW on Jan. 23, 2022.
According to court documents, MPD officers noticed Easton walking and said he had a “visible reaction to police presence before walking away.” The officers followed Easton to try and make contact with him and when they were able to stop him, Easton allegedly fired at the officers.
One officer sustained a graze wound to the forehead and left hand.
Easton, who served 30 months in prison, had previously been released on probation until Judge Okun received a report that he had failed to comply with his conditions . On Aug. 27, Judge Okun issued an finding saying Easton’s probation officer had reported Easton failed to drug test and report as ordered.
On Sept. 6, Judge Okun issued a bench warrant for Easton who failed to show up for the hearing and on Sept. 18 before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, Easton’s probation was revoked.
At the Oct. 4 hearing, Easton’s defense attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, told the court that Easton’s circumstances have changed. O’Sullivan argued that when Easton was on probation previously, he had moved in with a friend who lived in a neighborhood that was unfamiliar to him. Now, Easton has the opportunity to move in with his girlfriend who O’Sullivan described as a “stabilizing force.”
O’Sullivan also said Easton had a job waiting for him and parents that have been ill that Easton would like to assist them.
Easton’s girlfriend addressed the court, saying there are a lot of people that need him, including her children, one of whom is Easton’s son.
The prosecution argued that Easton’s previous probation violations indicate a “continued pattern” of failure to comply with release conditions. They said Easton does not have an incentive to get into compliance if he is released again. O’Sullivan said Easton’s three weeks in jail are an incentive for him to comply.
Judge Okun agreed with the defense citing the new environment as reason for new conditions. Easton will be released on probation with GPS monitoring and a curfew from 7 p. m. to 7 a. m.
Partied as slated to reconvene on Nov. 15.
Two homicide co-defendants were arraigned on second-degree murder charges before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 4. After the arraignment, Judge Okun lifted the co-defendant’s home confinement orders and instated a curfew.
Ashton Inabinet, 17, and Na’eem Butler, 21, are charged with second degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Diamante Lewis on Oct. 21, 2023 on the 900 block of U Street, NW.
According to court documents, when officers responded to the scene they located Lewis suffering from six gunshot wounds to the chest, hip, thigh, and leg. Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene by DC Fire and EMS personnel.
Inabinet is charged as an adult under Title 16 which allows the practice for certain serious crimes.
At the hearing, both defendants pleaded not guilty, and requested for their release conditions be modified. Prior to the hearing, both defendants had been on home confinement with GPS monitoring.
Kevann Gardner, Butler’s defense attorney, informed the court that Butler has been complying with all of his release conditions and received “excellent” reports from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), that oversees his release. He said Butler maintains a steady job and was nominated for employee of the month.
Gardner requested that Butler’s home confinement order be lifted and a curfew be instituted. Inabinet’s defense requested the same change for his client’s release conditions.
PSA and the prosecution deferred to the court to make the decision and Judge Okun granted the request. Butler and Inabinet must adhere to a curfew from 7 p. m.- to 7- a. m. and continue to be on GPS monitoring.
Stuart Sears, Inabinet’s defense attorney, informed the court that Inabinet would like to leave the jurisdiction and travel with his family to Tennessee for his grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary that weekend. Pretrial confirmed that they would be able to monitor Inabinet while he was in Tennessee and Judge Okun approved the request.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 22.
