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Carjacking Defendant Detained After Rejecting Plea Deal

Probable cause was established for a carjacking defendant after he rejected a plea deal on Oct. 18 before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond.  

Tony White, also known as Alexander Sedrick, 53, is charged with unarmed carjacking, simple assault, and leaving after colliding with property damage, for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on Sept. 20 on the 2300 block of 18th Street, NE. 

During the hearing, the prosecution extended a deal in which the defendant would plead guilty to robbery and leaving after colliding with property damage, with the sentences served concurrently, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. 

Defense attorney Craig Ricard turned down the plea on his client’s behalf.

An officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who was at the scene testified she talked to an another officer who was already there and offered assistance after an accident. After the suspect’s claiming to the officer it was his friend’s car, the defendant fled the scene and the officer chased after him.  

Moments later, the officer received notice that the suspect and vehicle matched a lookout for a stolen vehicle from a car wash nearby. Police say White stole the vehicle and hit three vehicles before crashing into a pole himself. 

During the hearing, Ricard attempted to argue for a lesser charge of theft but Judge Raymond ruled that probable cause has been established based on the elements defining a carjacking. 

The defense also pushed for home confinement and drug treatment as an alternative to detention. However, Judge Raymond sided with the prosecution against this based on a list of prior convictions, multiple failure to appear notices, and the timeliness of this offense. 

The defendant was taken back into custody awaiting his next hearing on Nov. 7.

Document: MPD Seeking Suspect in a Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a shooting that took place on Oct. 18, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, an unidentified adult male, who was conscious, breathing, and suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in August Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 64-year-old George Queen, who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, related to a shooting incident that took place on Aug. 7 in the unit block of Forrester Street, SW. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the adult male victim who was suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Document: Suspect Wanted in Fatal Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they’re searching for 42-year-old Darvin Banks, who was allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old William Spriggs, that took place on May 22, on the 4800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Upon responding to reports of gunshots, officers discovered Spriggs, who was pronounced dead on scene.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to All Charges

Before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Oct. 18, a murder defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Cory Heard, 23, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that resulted in the death of 35-year-old Rodney Snead. The shooting occurred on Nov. 20, 2023 on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE. 

Heard’s attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty, and asserted all constitutional rights. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 13.

Parties Will File Severance Motions in Co-Defendant Shooting Case

Three shooting co-defendants alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe that they plan to file motions to sever their cases, during a hearing on Oct. 18. 

Purnell Jackson, 38, Charles Turner, 37, and Kharee Jackson, 31, are charged with conspiracy, eight counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unarmed carjacking, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, unlawful possession of ammunition, carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or place of business, second-degree burglary, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

They are charged for their alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting that left three people injured. This crime occurred on Aug. 24, 2022, on the unit block of Quincy Place, NE. 

Defense attorneys, Daniel Dorsey for Kharee Jackson, Rachel Cicurel for Charles Turner and Julie Swaney for Purnell Jackson stated they want to ensure against jury bias so each defendant will receive a fair trial based only on the evidence against each individual.

Parties were given a deadline to file discussed motions of severance on or before Jan. 6, 2025. 

Parties are set to reconvene Nov. 15.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspects in a Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating two suspects involved in a shooting in the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Quebec Place, NW. Officers on the scene located the victim, an adult female, who was subsequently transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for non-life-threatening gunshot injuries.

MPD Detective Denies Threatening Witness to Lie During Homicide Investigation

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified that he did not threaten a witness or ask a witness to lie during a homicide and conspiracy trial before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo  on Oct. 16.

Eugene Burns, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the Nov. 14, 2015, fatal shooting of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.

Burns was convicted of these charges in 2017, but the DC Court of Appeals overturned the verdict in 2020. The court ruled that investigators had searched beyond what was legally allowed.

Burns and Tyre Allen, 24, are also charged with conspiracy, obstructing justice by influencing or delaying a witness or officer, and obstruction of justice for their alleged attempts to persuade a witness to redact testimony from Burns’ first trial. 

The detective was the former lead detective in the 2015 murder of Osuchukwu before he retired in 2020.

The witness, who was allegedly threatened was Burns’ cousin and Allen’s brother. 

According to the detective, Allen’s brother originally contacted MPD through an anonymous phone call, saying he had evidence regarding his cousin’s involvement in Osuchukwu’s murder.

Following that call, the lead detective said he interviewed the witness on Nov. 20, 2015. The witness told the detective that Burns shot and killed Osuchukwu. 

The witness provided testimony regarding the claim at Burn’s first trial.

The prosecution presented evidence from 2020 when the witness recanted his testimony through a signed affidavit stating that he lied to the court and to the police. 

The affidavit was created by Burns’s former attorney, Ronald Resetarits, and alleged the witness lied because of potential reward money, fear of going to jail, and animosity for Burns. 

The affidavit further alleged that these fears stemmed from the detective’s threatening the witness and asking him to provide a fabricated story.

Allegations include the detective telling the witness that he knew Burns committed the murder but could not prove it, that the witness would receive $25,000 in reward money if he provided testimony that resulted in a conviction, and that he could face jail time as Burns was claiming he was the mastermind of the murder.

The detective said he had no knowledge of the affidavit and was not made aware of the witness’s recantation or allegations until the beginning of this trial in 2024. There was never a formal claim against the detective for any misconduct.

The detective denied the witness’s claims in their entirety.

Footage of the detective’s interview with the witness was shown to the jury and appeared to substantiate the detective’s assertions that the claims of misconduct were false.

Trial is set to resume on Oct. 17.

Carjacking Co-Defendant Must Stay on GPS Monitoring

A carjacking defendant’s request to modify his release conditions was denied on Oct. 18 by DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur. 

Ion Cooper, 20, Javard Harris, 23, and Omari Dantignac, 19, are charged with unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in two carjacking incidents on Dec. 1, 2023 on the 1700 Block of Bay Street, SE and the 900 Block on 3rd Street, SE.

Dantignac’s defense attorney, Molly Bunke, requested to modify his release conditions, specifically the removal of GPS monitoring. She noted that the defendant is employed and had finished a college class with a 100 percent score, demonstrating he is not a risk and a contributing member of society.

The prosecution objected, because Dantignac’s co-defendants are incarcerated on the same charges. 

Judge Arthur refused to modify the conditions given the seriousness of the incident.

The parties also alerted Judge Arthur that they are in plea negotiations. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 8. 

Judge Orders Competency Evaluation for Stabbing Defendant 

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Oct. 18, a stabbing defendant’s preliminary hearing was delayed in order to complete a competency evaluation.

Dayon Pratt, 31, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on Oct. 16 on the 4600 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE. 

According to court documents, Pratt, who was staying at a relative’s home, allegedly began “acting crazy,” before stabbing his relative’s significant other. 

Darryl Daniels, Pratt’s attorney, requested Judge Herrmann issue an order for Pratt to receive mental competency evaluations before moving forward with the preliminary hearing. 

The prosecution did not object, and Judge Herrmann granted the request. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 22.

Judge Won’t Dismiss Carjacking Defendant’s Case for Medical Issues

Defense attorney Darryl Daniels asked the prosecution to dismiss his client’s case in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann in an Oct. 18 hearing.

Charles Holt, 68, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a Sept. 2 incident on the 2500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 

According to court documents, Holt allegedly threatened to shoot a friend unless the friend drove him to an automated teller machine (ATM). Holt, after some time, allegedly kicked his friend out of the car and drove off in the vehicle.

Holt was not present in court as he was found unconscious when he was arrested on Sept. 2, and has been hospitalized since.

Daniels asked the prosecution if they would dismiss the case given Holt’s medical state but the motion was denied.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 22.

Shooting Defendant Waives Right to DNA Testing

A non-fatal shooting defendant waived her right to DNA testing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Oct. 15. 

Diamond Early, 31, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed, two counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license outside home/business, possession of unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for her alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on July 31 on the 4000 block of Kansas Avenue, NW. One person suffered from a non-fatal gunshot wound to the right leg. 

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, the suspect made disparaging remarks in the presence of the victim. The victim and the suspect got involved in an argument, when the suspect produced a firearm and allegedly shot the victim before fleeing.

Under the counsel of her defense attorney, Antoini Jones, Early waived her right to independently test the prosecution’s DNA evidence. 

Parties will reconvene on Jan. 24.

Double Homicide Defendant Accused of Violations Remains on Release

In an Oct. 17 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan allowed a double murder defendant, Amarii Fontanelle, to remain on release, despite multiple reported violations of home confinement allegedly for family emergencies and meeting terms of an out of state probation.

Fontanelle, 20, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. 

Fontanelle, along with his co-defendant Jahi Rapp, 21, were allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Reginald Lamont Cooper, Jr. and 19-year-old Davonte Berkley on Oct. 17, 2022, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.  A third victim survived the assault.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) reported that the defendant nearly violated a stay-away order from his co-defendant’s residence on several occasions in late September. 

The prosecution added that Fontanelle continues to defy the terms of home confinement and requested the conditions of his release to be revoked. 

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley explained to the court that the mother of Fontanelle’s child faced emergencies requiring the defendant to break the home confinement. The Metro stop he exited as a result is near his co-defendant’s residence, according to Mosley. 

The defense added that this will not occur again as the defendant’s is now living with his mother in Maryland. His previous residence allegedly put him in life-threatening circumstances, which undermined home confinement.

The representative from the PSA noted another instance of noncompliance on Oct. 12. The defense explained that it was due to mandatory visits with his probation officer for another case in Maryland.

The defense further argued that with mental health services, the defendant’s behavior would change. With the assistance of the court, he will be assigned a new case manager, and Fontanelle will be placed on proper medications after the hearing. 

Judge Raffinan denied the prosecution’s request to revoke Fontanelle’s release. The judge modified the home confinement order to allow travel meet with the probation officer in Maryland, with permission from PSA. She warned the defendant to not break home confinement in the future. 

The parties will reconvene on Dec. 3. 

Judge Issues Warrant For Murder Defendant, No Show in Court

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan issued a bench warrant for a homicide defendant who has continuously failed to appear in court, on Oct. 17. 

Vanessa Bonaparte, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the death of 31-year-old Dwayne Boyd, which occurred on June 22 on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE. 

Defense attorney Kevann Gardner argued that Bonaparte didn’t know that she had to appear in court. 

During her Oct. 16 hearing, the defendant appeared late to her hearing and departed due to health issues before court could reconvene, and she was not informed of the continuance, according to Gardner. 

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) attempted to contact the defendant, but could not confirm the messages were delivered. GPS monitoring showed Bonaparte was not in transit to court.

Judge Raffinan issued a bench warrant with no bond. She argued that due to the defendant’s unsuccessful discharge from drug treatment on Oct. 8, the court action was necessary for the noncompliance.

The parties will reconvene when the bench warrant is served.