Carjacking Defendant’s Request for Release Denied

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Rafinnan in an Aug. 30 hearing denied a defendant’s request to be released under home confinement and GPS monitoring after a trial delay due to a hospitalized witness.

Daquan Jackson, 28, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident on March 3 on the 1000 block of H Street, NE.

On Aug. 26, the prosecution alerted the court of their essential witness’s unexpected hospitalization, and requested trial be delayed until they can guarantee the person’s availability.

On Aug. 29, Sara Kopecki, Jackson’s attorney, filed a motion requesting that Jackson be released under home confinement and GPS monitoring because Jackson’s right to a speedy trial was compromised. She argued he does not have a history of avoiding court procedures.

During the hearing, the prosecution objected, stating Jackson was on parole for violent offenses when he allegedly committed the crime. They also argued he was convicted of escaping from prison in 2018, and are worried that he would not return to court if released and would be a danger to society.

According to the prosecution, the witness remains in the hospital, and reinstated their request for trial to be delayed.

Judge Raffinan granted the motion to delay the trial, and denied Kopecki’s motion to release Jackson due to his criminal history and the nature and circumstances of the offense.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 2.

Double Homicide Defendant Deemed Competent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled that a double homicide defendant is mentally competent to stand trial on Aug. 30.

Kevin Foster, 20, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the homicides of 23-year-old Dana Faulkner and 15-year-old Abdul Fuller that occurred on March 7, 2023. Faulkner was shot and killed on the 2700 block of Bruce Place, SE, and Fuller was shot and killed at the intersection of Mississippi Avenue and Wheeler Road, SE.

On July 16, Judge Raffinan ordered that Foster receive a full mental competency exam. A report written by a Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) doctor, dated Aug. 27, deemed Foster competent to stand trial.

Due to neither party having an objection to the finding, Judge Raffinan imposed the ruling and deemed him competent.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 20.

2020 Homicide Trial Delayed Until 2026

A homicide defendant’s motion to delay his trial and allow the defense further time to review evidence was granted by DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Aug. 30.

Antoine Turner, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Demetrius Benson on Nov. 3, 2020 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, and 23-year-old Demeitri Anderson on Nov. 29, 2020 on the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE.

Madalyn Harvey, Turner’s defense attorney, filed an unopposed motion to continue trial on Aug. 9. Within the motion, the defense said they had begun downloading new evidence on June 28 and as of July 1, the materials were still in the process of being assembled.

According to the parties, the evidence provided is important for the trial, and Harvey argued she wouldn’t have sufficient time to prepare if the trial date was not delayed.

During the hearing, Judge Raffinan granted the request for a continuance.

Turner’s new trial was scheduled for May 18, 2026 – more than a year-and-a-half later than his original date.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 22.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Deal, Judge Orders Competency Screening

A homicide defendant rejected a plea offer from the prosecution and requested a jury trial before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Aug. 30.

Spiro Stafilatos, 36, is charged with second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and fleeing a law enforcement officer for his alleged involvement in a car crash on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NW that occurred on Dec. 30, 2022. The incident resulted in the death of 31-year-old Shuyu Sui.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Stafilatos fled a traffic stop in his vehicle and collided with another vehicle at the intersection of 14th Street and New York Avenue, NW. As a result of the collision, Stafilatos’ vehicle spun into the crosswalk and hit Sui and another victim while they were crossing the street.

The deal would have required Stafilatos to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and involuntary manslaughter, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

After rejecting the prosecution’s offer, Stafilatos informed Brian McDaniel, his defense attorney, that he was getting help for his mental health issues in jail. As a result, McDaniel asked for a mental competency screening which Judge Raffinan agreed to.

A hearing to review the results of the competency evaluation is scheduled for Sept. 5.

Witnesses Detail Inconclusive DNA, Phone Evidence In Homicide Trial

A DNA expert witness testified that all the DNA evidence in a homicide trial was inconclusive in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on Sept. 3.

Ky’lee Palmer, 25, and Aaron Adgerson, 21, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In addition, Palmer is charged with destruction of property worth $1,000 or more and tampering with physical evidence. All are alleged to be offenses committed during release.

The charges stem from Palmer and Adgerson’s alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting that led to the death of 60-year-old Barron Goodwin on Feb. 12, 2020, inside a residence on the 800 block of 51st Street, SE.

Prosecutors called a DNA expert witness, who testified that their lab received DNA swabs from the exterior of a vehicle, two cigarillo packages, three cheek swabs from known individuals, and a known DNA profile of Palmer.

Prosecutors previously presented evidence of a black Nissan, which they claimed Palmer stole on Feb. 9, 2020. In it, a witness from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) testified, they recovered the tested items, and were only able to partially swab the vehicle which was burned.

According to the DNA expert, none of the swabs were able to be compared with the known DNA profiles because the samples were not clear enough.

The defense also cross-examined the FBI special agent regarding cell phone data in the area of the crime scene and the area where the car involved in the shooting had been burned.

According to the witness, Palmer’s cell phone connected to cell towers around the area where the burned car was found.

The witness said during cross examination by David Akulian, Palmer’s attorney, that one cannot know an individual’s exact location based on data from cell phone towers and that Palmer’s phone did not connect to any towers around the crime scene at the time of the homicide.

He had previously testified that Sprint, who has since merged with T-Mobile, only enabled phones to connect to towers when they made a call, and there was a one hour gap around the time of the murder in which Palmer’s phone didn’t connect to towers.

The witness said in redirect that based on the location of phone calls made in succession, one could narrow down the area where Palmer’s phone was and that the movement was consistent with moving quickly down Southern Avenue in Southeastern DC.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 4.

Homicide Co-Defendant’s Motion to Sever Granted

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, at an Aug. 30 hearing, granted a homicide defendant’s request to sever from her co-defendant in order to have him testify in her trial.

Tamera Brown, 28, and Robert Baskerville, 31, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Darron Holmes II, which occurred on April 16, 2022 at 1236 Southern Avenue, SE.

Brown also faces two counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person, assault with intent to kill while armed, and obstruction of justice. Baskerville also faces conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license.

During the hearing, Judge Epstein denied Baskerville’s pending motion to sever on the grounds that a jury would naturally separate evidence and charges against the defendants while separate trials would only extend the process.

After confirming denial of the original motion to sever, however, Brown’s attorney, Brian McDaniel, filed their own motion to sever, arguing that they would like Brown’s trial to be after Baskerville’s so that Baskerville would be available as a witness.

Judge Epstein asked both defense teams to discuss the implications of granting Brown’s motion over headset, out of earshot from the prosecution and the rest of the court, and afterwards granted the motion with the caveat that Baskerville, even if convicted, would testify in Brown’s trial.

Brown is expected to return Oct. 25.

Baskerville’s trial is slated to begin Sept. 17.

‘He Did Not Deserve to Die, Especially That Way,’ Says Defendant Accused in Car Crash

A homicide victim’s family expressed angerwith a plea agreement accepted by the defendant in a vehicular homicide in a hearing on Aug. 30 before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Olivia Ayong, 49, was charged with negligent homicide for her involvement in the car crash that claimed the life of 72-year-old Ralph Williams on Nov. 25, 2022, on the 900 block of K Street, NE.

According to court documents, Williams, while double parked unloading groceries with his wife, was struck and pinned between Ayong’s car and his own. He was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead from damage to his legs and pelvis.

Ayong, who works as a home healthcare provider, was transporting a patient at the time of the incident. She tested negative for alcohol and drug use, and the patient in her vehicle said Ayong was not using her phone at the time.

The prosecution alerted the court they had extended an offer which required Ayong to plead guilty to negligent homicide in exchange for their not seeking an indictment.

Through the deal, the prosecution stated they would “not oppose a probation sentence.”

Meanwhile, Ayong addressed the Williams’ family stating, “I’m really sorry. I’ve not been able to sleep knowing I killed somebody. I was distracted with the patient in the car, before God, I am sorry, I am sorry. He did not deserve to die, especially that way.”

The Williams’ family is “calling for accountability with a jail sentence,” in a letter addressed to the court. They argued that Williams only “got enough strength to blink three times, if only enough to say ‘I love you.’”

The judge said made it clear this was just a pre-sentencing hearing and the family would have ample opportunity to express their views.

Parties are expected to reconvene for sentencing on Nov. 8.

Defendant Sentenced in One Stabbing, Arraigned on Another

A stabbing defendant was sentenced in one case and formally charged in an almost identical assault during a Sept. 4 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Shawn Dyson, 43, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in connection to an incident on the 3100 block of Mt. Pleasant Street, NW on Sept. 10, 2023.

He is also charged with a similar crime that took place days earlier on Aug. 29, 2023, on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW.

According to court documents, Dyson was engaged in verbal arguments that resulted in stabbings on both occasions.

In the September case, according to court documents, Dyson was in an angry encounter with a woman he called a “bitch” when a man approached and tried to intervene. At that point, Dyson was said to follow the individual then stab him in the head behind his right ear.

During the August attack, according to a police report, Dyson was also engaged in an argument with an individual “over an unknown reason.” He then allegedly chased the victim into the middle of the street, slashing his upper left arm causing him to bleed profusely.

During the proceeding, Dyson’s attorney, Sharon Weathers, asked Judge Christian to sentence Dyson for the September charges to the minimum terms recommended under the voluntary sentencing guidelines of 24 months for each count, which would be served concurrently.

Weathers said that Dyson is motivated to find work and has a relatively clean record for past convictions.

However, the prosecutor argued that a total of 80 months incarceration for both charges was punishment that would fit the crime.

After stabbing the first victim, the prosecutor said Dyson turned his attention to the woman that was the initial object of his anger, “brandishing a bloody knife at the victim and threatening her.”

Further, said the prosecutor, Dyson exhibited “a lack of accountability” for the last two decades.

Judge Christian said the victim almost bled out, and it was “fortunate [he] wasn’t killed.”

Going beyond the prosecution’s recommendation, Judge Christian sentenced Dyson to 84 month in prison. Dson is set to serve 60 months on the first count and 24 months on the second count of assault with a dangerous weapon, the two terms are slated to run consecutively.

He also imposed three years of supervised release, in addition to paying $200 into the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Further, Dyson must comply with an intervention program that includes cognitive therapy and anger management.

Following the sentencing Dyson was indicted for the Aug. 23 assault to which he pleaded not guilty and demanded his constitutional right to a speedy trial.

The next hearing in the case is set for Oct. 1 before Judge Christian.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced its search for a suspect involved in a Southeast shooting. The incident occurred on Friday, August 30, 2024, around 3:18 p.m., at the 3400 block of 13th Place, Southeast.

Upon arrival at the location, officers detected evidence of a shooting but did not find anyone injured on site. However, a man later arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound. The investigators managed to link this patient to the incident on 13th Place Southeast where he had received non-lethal injuries.

The suspect was caught on a surveillance camera during the crime and MPD provided a link to the footage. They asked residents who can identify this person or have any knowledge related to the incident to report to the local police at (202) 727-9099 or text their tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

The MPD is currently offering a reward up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect responsible for this violent crime committed in the District of Columbia.

Homicide Defendant Released After Reopened Preliminary Hearing

A homicide defendant was released after the defense was granted a motion to reopen the preliminary hearing in front of D.C Superior Court Judge Robert Okun in an Aug. 30 hearing.

Jahi Settles, 23, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly killing 33-year-old Langston Sharps with a firearm. The incident occurred on July 3, 2023, on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.

According to court documents, a witness reported watching Settles and Sharps get into a verbal altercation about money, overhearing that Sharps owed Settles money. The witness then allegedly watched Settles pull out a gun and shoot Sharps.

Settles’ defense attorney, Jason Tulley, displayed surveillance footage from the incident, which had previously been admitted without audio to provide a different perspective of the argument. Tulley said Sharps initiated a physical altercation by trying to punch Settles, before he drew a firearm and shot at Sharps.

The defense called a Public Defender Services (PDS) investigative specialist who consulted a medical examiner about the victim’s gunshot wound. The witness testified that the injury patterns were consistent with the defendant lunging into the victim, setting off the gun by accident.

The investigator testified that there were two other witnesses present at the scene during the altercation–one heard a gunshot, and saw the argument, during which Settles had a “normal tone” but watched Sharps angrily swing at the defendant before the gunshot.

Another witness near the shooting described Sharps as “aggressive and vulgar,” allegedly threatening Settles, while Settles remained calm, according to the investigative specialist. He added the witness saw Sharps reach into a bag and pull out “an object” and swing at the defendant, the gunshot following moments later.

During the cross examination, the prosecution determined the specialist and medical examiner only reviewed two photos, was unsure about the injury patterns, trajectory of the bullet, and what lunging into the victim revealed about the incident.

The witness confirmed that all the information from the pair of witnesses came from conversations with Tulley.

The prosecution then called the lead homicide detective who testified at the last preliminary hearing.

The prosecution revisited the surveillance footage that documented the shooting, and the detective said the audio and video didn’t match up due to a lag in the footage. He also told Judge Okun that ShotSpotter’s timing and the footage time didn’t match up either. ShotSpotter is a technology used by police to determine the location of gunfire.

Tulley argued the new evidence shows Settles shot Sharps in self-defense. He insisted the audio of the surveillance footage confirms that Sharps had initiated the physical fight, and there was evidence to suggest that he had a weapon in hand due to the knife found on scene with the victim’s DNA apparently present.

Tulley argued that this was a strong case for manslaughter, and that Settles ”himself was surprised by the shot.”

The prosecution refuted this argument by referring to the footage in which Settles leaves the argument and returns to shoot Sharps. They said during interviews with police, Settles never mentioned being afraid or acting in self-defense.

The judge stated that the new evidence didn’t undermine his previous ruling, and still found probable cause for second-degree murder.

However, he found Sharps as the first aggressor and in consideration for Settles’ clean record before the incident he was released to home confinement after a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) found him eligible.

The parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 1.

Homicide Co-Defendants Waive Their Rights To DNA Testing

Co-defendants in a homicide matter waived their rights to DNA testing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Aug. 30.

Juvan Alston, 22, and Davon Alston, 21, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17- year old Dennis Simms on July 1, 2022, on the block of 809 Yuma Street SE.

Juvan also faces a conspiracy charge. According to court documents, Simms died from a single gunshot to his head.

The prosecution recovered evidence from the scene, but hasn’t tested any of the items yet. Juvan and Davon, meanwhile, agreed to waive their rights to perform independent DNA testing.

Juvan’s defense attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, and Duvan’s defense attorney, Madalym Harvey, revealed they have discovered new evidence, but alerted the court that they need time to determine its validity.

Parities are set to reconvene on March 21.

Homicide Defendant Warned to Stay in Probation Compliance

D.C Superior Court Judge Robert Okun warned a homicide defendant about his non-compliance regarding probation requirements during an Aug. 30 hearing.

Joseph Smith, 60, is charged with voluntary manslaughter while armed for allegedly stabbing his 62-year-old brother, Arnold Smith, in their family home located on the 600 block of Galveston Place, SE on April 9, 2019.

The prosecution expressed concern about Smith’s electronic monitoring device which registered no battery charge for nine hours. However, they acknowledged that Smith did not violate his stay away order and was compliant with the rest of his probation conditions.

Smith’s defense attorney, Joseph Yarbough, assured the court that this was a one time occurrence.

The judge released Smith, and warned him about charging his device in compliance with his probation.

Parities are set to reconvene on Sept. 3.

Homicide Defendant Requests More Time For DNA Testing Decision

On Aug. 30, a homicide defendant requested more time to decide whether he wants to waive his right to DNA testing in front of D.C Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Lavaughn Barnes, 32, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Abdul Arias-Lopez, 59, that occurred on Nov. 4, 2022 on the 1300 block of Kearny Street, NE. Arias-Lopez’s dismembered body was recovered in Barnes’ backyard on Feb. 3, 2023.

The prosecution announced that they had completed testing on DNA, fingerprints found at the scene, and other biological evidence related to the incident.

When Barnes was asked if he wished to waive his rights to DNA testing, his attorney, Jason Tulley, alerted the court that he needed more time to make a decision.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 1.

Jury Convicts Co-Conspirators of Ten-Year-Old Girl’s Murder, Mass Shooting

A jury convicted three individuals on all charges in connection to the murder of a ten-year-old while injuring four other individuals on Sept. 3 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Antonio Murchison, 31, and Mark Price, 30, were convicted of first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation.

The charges stem from their involvement in a July 16, 2018 mass shooting on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. The incident left ten-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.

“Despite having witnessed the defendants preparing for the shooting, no witnesses were willing to provide information regarding the identity of the shooters. The government presented forensic evidence, statements the defendants made over social media, and motive evidence in presenting its case,” according to a release issued by DC US Attorney Matthew Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

A third co-defendant, Quanisha Ramsuer, 31,was charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide. The prosecution requested that Ramsuer, who had been on release for more than six years, be detained due to her conviction. However, Judge Okun ordered she remain released, but said she must wear a GPS monitor.

Six other defendants were convicted in 2023 of the high profile crimes.

Price is also charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, threat to injure or kidnap a person, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and first-degree burglary while armed. These charges are connected to the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing Dec. 13.

Document: MPD Investigating Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an ongoing investigation into a homicide in Northeast, Washington D.C.

On the morning of September 2, 2024, officers responded to a call regarding an unconscious man in the 5100 block of Sheriff Road, Northeast. The man, who was found suffering from a gunshot wound, was declared dead on arrival.

The man was identified as 51-year-old Herbert Jones from Northeast.

The MPD encourages anyone with knowledge about this incident to contact the police at (202) 727-9099 or text the tip line at 50411. The Department offers a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a homicide committed in D.C.