Jail Stabbing Co-Defendant Won’t Appear in Court

A co-defendant accused of stabbing a fellow inmate in jail refused to get off the bus for his preliminary hearing on Feb. 18 before DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones.

DeVaughn Gibbs, 18, Kwesi Pyne, 20, Marlan Smith Jr., 18, Antoine Jones, 23, and Jaliel Holland, 25, are co-defendants charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in stabbing another inmate in the showers at the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The victim sustained two stab wounds in his back.

At the defendants’ scheduled preliminary hearing, the US Marshals informed parties that Gibbs refused to appear for the proceeding insisting to stay on the bus.

The attorneys for the other four co-defendants waived their clients appearances due to conflicts with timing or defendants held in other jurisdictions.

The parties for Gibbs case are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 26. The remaining four co-defendants are scheduled to appear on March 11.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Enters Guilty Plea

At a status hearing on Feb. 13, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Ke’shaun Farmer, 27, was initially charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, endangerment with a firearm, malicious disfigurement while armed, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a shooting on Feb. 18, 2025 on the 3700 block of Jamison Street, NE, which left one victim injured.

During the hearing, Farmer confirmed his agreement to enter into a plea, and his attorney, Bernadette Armand, shared the terms of the agreement. The plea deal would require Farmer to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous crime with the condition that the prosecution would dismiss all remaining charges.

The prosecution presented a factual basis for the plea, including evidence that would have proven that Farmer did not have legal ownership of the firearm used in the incident and that he caused the victim serious bodily injury.

As part of the plea agreement, parties agreed to a sentence of six years for Farmer, which is subject to the judge’s approval at sentencing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Apr. 10 for sentencing.

Judge Denies Motion To Suppress Homicide Defendant’s Identification

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied a defense motion to suppress witnesses’ identification of a homicide defendant who they knew at a motion hearing on Feb. 13.

Christopher Tyler, 48, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. These charges stem from 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. Edwards sustained four gunshot wounds.

At the hearing, parties discussed a motion filed by Tyler’s attorneys, Kevann Gardner and Elizabeth White, to suppress Tyler’s identification.

The prosecutors called in the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective in the case to testify regarding their opposition to the motion. The detective testified about witnesses who identified Tyler as those who had relationships with him, either prior to or around the time of the homicide. The prosecutors argued that all the witnesses’ statements support identification of Tyler as the shooter.

The detective testified that five witnesses’ identified Tyler in photographs, surveillance footage, and social media images shown to them. According to the detective, these witnesses lived in the same apartment building as Tyler, had some sort of romantic relationship with him, or were his friends. The prosecutors claimed that the witnesses’ connections with Tyler strengthened their identification of him.

There was one witness, who the detective said referred to Tyler at first by a different name, “Henry,” but the witness later confirmed she was referring to Tyler.

Gardner challenged the credibility of the witnesses’ identifications. He argued that some of the witnesses only had a few interactions with Tyler which made their identification of him in photos unreliable.

According to Gardner, one witness that identified Tyler has a pending domestic violence case against him.

Gardner asked Judge Park to suppress the witnesses’ identification of Tyler.

Judge Park rejected the defense motion and stated that the identifications of Tyler were reliable and could be presented at trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 17.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to 13 charges during a felony arraignment hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Micheal Ryan on Feb.17.

Daniel Thomas, 24, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or place of business, and unauthorized use of a vehicle for his alleged involvement in the death of 47-year-old Jeanette Walls during a drive-by shooting on the 4300 block of Wheeler Road, SE, on Nov 11, 2020.

According to court documents, Walls died from a gunshot wound to the head. Two other victims, who suffered from non-life threatening injuries, were transported to a nearby hospital.

During the hearing, Todd Baldwin, Thomas’ defense attorney, alerted the judge of his client’s intent to plead not guilty to all charges, emphasizing his right to a speedy trial.

Baldwin received the prosecution’s evidence on Feb. 17. He requested to reconvene at a later date to examine it.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene May 6.

Judge Imposes Suspended Sentence in Stabbing Case

A stabbing defendant received a suspended sentence after he entered a guilty plea on Feb. 18 before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean.

Melvin Cabrera, 25, was initially charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in an altercation that took place on the unit block of Atlantic Street, SE on Nov. 6, 2025. The victim sustained several lacerations to his hand from a silver pocket knife.

During a felony status conference, Cabrera accepted a deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss any greater and remaining charges against Cabrera.

Judge McLean confirmed that Cabrera understood the terms of the agreement and accepted it knowingly and voluntarily.

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred while Cabrera was intoxicated and became frustrated that the victim would not give him another beer. During the dispute Cabrera told the victim, “If you call the police, I have cousins that can come kill you all.”

The prosecution requested a 180 day concurrent sentence for each charge, suspended sentence in favor or one year of probation. The prosecutor also requested that Cabrera receive substance abuse treatment through the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) due to the nature of the offense as well as a stay-away order from the victim.

Defense counsel, John Machado, asked that the sentences run concurrently and requested sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which provides the potential for reduced sentences for offenders under 25 years old at the time of the crime and allows them to have their convictions cleared or sealed after they successfully complete their sentence. Machado noted that Cabrera was 24 years old at the time of the offense and has the potential for rehabilitation.

Judge McLean granted the request for Cabrera to be sentenced under the YRA, sentencing him to 180 days in prison for each charge, to run concurrently, all suspended.

Cabrera must serve one year of probation and complete 90 hours of community service. Judge McLean also ordered Cabrera to stay-away from the victim and complete substance abuse treatment as deemed necessary by CSOSA.

No future proceedings were scheduled.

Elderly Stabbing Defendant Released After Waiving Preliminary Hearing

An octogenarian stabbing defendant was released to GPS monitoring with a stay-away order after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Feb. 10 before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond.

James Johnson, 83, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1600 block of Bladensburg Road, NE on Feb. 6. The surviving victim sustained three stab wounds.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Matthew Rist, alerted the court of Johnson’s intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing which was accepted by Judge Raymond. Rist also requested that Johnson be released with a stay-away order from the victim.

The prosecutor requested Johnson remain detained because he posed a threat to the community, citing his firearm and drug convictions in the 1990s.

Rist assured Judge Raymond that Johnson had no contact with the criminal justice system since then, and added that due to Johnson’s age, it was “extremely difficult” for him at the DC Jail.

According to Rist, Johnson had spinal surgery scheduled on Feb. 18 and is currently unable to walk, emphasizing that it would be far easier on Johnson’s health if he was released.

Rist added that Johnson would follow any terms of release imposed by the court and had a network of support in the community.

Judge Raymond granted Johnson’s release with GPS monitoring and a stay-away order from the victim, stating that she wanted to give him a chance because she “wasn’t sure how he would fare” in the DC Jail due to his advanced age. Judge Raymond also ordered Johnson to call the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week to check in.

The parties are slated to reconvene on March 24.

Document: MPD Investigating 14th Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Feb. 13 on 14th Street, NW. Nehemia Jamaane Williams, 22, was found with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle and later died at the hospital. The investigation is ongoing, and no suspect information has been released.

Accessory Charge Dropped for Shooting Defendant

Prosecutors dismissed an accessory after the fact charge for a shooting defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 10.

Gerald Day, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, carry pistol without a license outside home or business, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person for allegedly holding a gun to a woman’s face after she argued with a group of his friends at the intersection of O Street and Carrolsburg Place, SW.

Day’s co-defendant, Paul Poston, 32, was sentenced on June 26, 2024 to two years of imprisonment, with all but 10 months suspended, for shooting at the same victim’s car after the altercation. According to court documents, a witness told police Day tried to stop Poston from firing before they fled together in a silver truck.

At the hearing, prosecutors dismissed the accessory after the fact for assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly helping Polston flee. They did not provide a reason for the dismissal.

Day’s attorney, Steven Polin, requested that the prosecutors advise their witnesses not to discuss anything related to the actual shooting during trial. The prosecutors agreed if the defense agreed to not discuss any of the circumstances that led to the shooting.

According to the prosecutor, surveillance footage showed Day pulling a gun on the victim then kicking her car door in when she attempted to leave the area. The shooting was captured by a witness’ iPhone camera, the prosecutor said.

“As far as we’re concerned, Mr. Day’s conduct ends with this quote-unquote ‘doorkicking,” Polin said. “What happened after that – to be honest with you – we don’t care.”

Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Feb. 11.

Carjacking Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Jailed

A defendant charged in a carjacking case waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones on Feb. 10.

Damarco Jackson, 20, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the following incidents in a two day spree:

Stealing a vehicle on March 12, 2025 on the 4600 block of Livingston Road, SE,
An armed carjacking on March 13, 2025 on the 1800 block of Varnum Street, NE,
Stealing a vehicle on March 13, 2025 on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE,
Two armed robberies on March 13, 2025 at the intersection of Oklahoma Avenue and E Street, NE and on the 400 block of 21st Street, NE.

At the hearing, Jackson’s attorney, Quiana Harris, informed parties her client signed a waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing. Judge Jones ensured Jackson’s waiver was knowing and voluntary.

Harris then asked Judge Jones to release Jackson in this matter, although Jackson is currently serving a sentence for an unrelated case.

The prosecution objected to this request because they wanted to ensure Jackson would remain held in DC and not transferred to another jurisdiction. Judge Jones agreed with prosecutors, and maintained Jackson’s hold.

Harris also stated that the defense planned to engage in plea negotiations with the prosecution before the next hearing.

The parties are slated to reconvene on March 18.

Homicide Defendant Requests More Time to Consider Plea Deal

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson granted a fatal shooting defendant’s request for more time to consider his plea deal on Feb. 13.

Damion Brown, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jordan Coates that occurred on Sept. 9, 2023, on the 1200 block of Duncan Place, NE. Coates sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

During the hearing, Brown considered a deal from prosecutors that would require him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and robbery while armed in exchange for dismissal of all remaining charges.. Under the plea agreement, Brown would receive a total sentence of 15-to-19 years of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release, subject to the judge’s approval at sentencing.

While Judge Dayson was confirming Brown’s understanding of the plea agreement, she asked if he had enough time to consider the plea and discuss it with his attorneys, Lauren Moorhouse and Kevin O’Sullivan. Brown responded by saying no because he had only considered the deal for a week.

Judge Dayson stated that Brown can and should take more time to think about the plea.

After taking a moment to discuss with Brown, Morehouse and O’Sullivan requested a little more time for their client to sit with the plea decision. Without objection from prosecutors, Judge Dayson granted the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 17.

Hearing Delayed For Carjacking Defendant Facing New Charges

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel delayed a hearing in a carjacking case in order to get more information about the defendant’s new case in a hearing on Feb. 10.

Antwon Brown, 33, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident on July 20, 2023 on the 1400 block of 22nd Street, NE.

According to court records, Brown was released to in-patient drug treatment on July 14, 2025 after his preliminary hearing.

At the hearing, Quiana Harris, Brown’s attorney, informed parties that although Brown was on release for this case, he was now held for charges in an unrelated matter. According to Harris, while on release in this case Brown allegedly committed another offense and a hearing is scheduled for that matter on Feb. 13.

Harris asked Judge Israel to delay the hearing because she believed details from Brown’s new case could impact this case.

The prosecutors noted that if the hearing were held they would have requested Judge Israel revoke Brown’s release in the current case. They said Brown was released from in-patient treatment on Nov. 19, 2025, and instructed to report to transitional housing. Two days later, on Nov. 21, Brown allegedly strangled someone but had not yet been convicted, said prosecutors.

A representative from Samaritan Inn, a DC non-profit offering support for homelessness and drug addiction, told the court that Brown checked in there on Dec. 18, 2025.

Judge Israel asked prosecutors to figure out where Brown was supposed to be and where he actually was around the date of the new alleged offense.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 17 with more details.

Stabbing Defendant Takes Plea, Rejects Self-Defense

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz informed a stabbing defendant about her right to claim a stabbing was in self-defense before she accepted a plea deal during a hearing on Feb. 6.

Daniyah Dailey, 24, was originally charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and two counts of malicious disfigurement while armed. The charges stemmed from her involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Nov. 27, 2021, on the 2200 block of 25th Place, NE. Two victims were wounded during the incident.

During the hearing, Dailey accepted a deal from prosecutors that required her to plead guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for dismissal of all remaining charges. Under the terms, parties accepted a sentence of between five-to-eight years in prison followed by three years of supervised release, subject to Judge Kravitz’s approval at sentencing.

Judge Kravitz asked if Dailey thought she had enough time to discuss the offer with her lawyers and understood the rights she surrendered without a trial. Dailey responded by saying she thought there was “not enough time to talk about the pros and cons of a plea or trial,” but continued that she was “ready to plead guilty.”

After briefly discussing the matter in private, Dailey’s attorneys, Janai Reed and Sara Kopecki, confirmed they did not want additional time to discuss the plea with their client.

The prosecution said if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Dailey stabbed two victims after one had been shot by her former co-defendant 34-year-old Tejan Bah. According to court records, Bah’s case was dismissed after he passed away in February 2025.

Prosecutors say the victim did not make any verbal threats towards the defendants during the incident.

Judge Kravitz asked Dailey if these events were accurate, and she responded with her version of the events. According to Dailey, on the morning of the stabbing, she and Bah went to one of the victim’s houses to get money. Bah was carrying a registered and licensed gun while entering the house and stated “where the money at?” to the homeowner. Bah shot the homeowner, the second victim jumped on him, and a wrestling match for the gun ensued.

Dailey said that she was scared for her life as the only woman present, and thought the second victim would get the gun and shoot at her. In fear, she said she stabbed both victims.

Judge Kravitz remarked after hearing Dailey’s statements, that the stabbing sounded like it could have been in self-defense and began discussing that with Dailey.

Reed and Kopecki quickly stepped in, commenting that they had already talked to their client about that argument and based on the events, decided not to pursue it.

After a break for Reed and Kopecki to talk with Dailey, they continued with the plea deal. Judge Kravitz again explained the self-defense arguments and the possibility of trial instead of a plea. The law allows someone to use a reasonable amount of force to escape imminent danger, asserted Judge Kravitz.

Dailey retracted her previous statement, said she no longer claimed self-defense, and wanted to plead guilty.

Ultimately, Judge Kravitz accepted the plea as knowing and voluntary.

Dailey is currently serving a seven year sentence, with all but five suspended in Maryland for an unrelated incident. Kopecki asked the judge if it was possible for the sentences in both jurisdictions to run concurrent with one another.

Reed also asked if Dailey can receive credit for time served while in the custody of DC Jail, which began on Nov. 28, 2023. Judge Kravitz said this posed a problem, as the time served at the DC Jail already counted towards the Maryland sentence.

Judge Kravitz asked parties to discuss an agreement for the both issues raised by the defense. The judge additionally advised Reed and Kopecki to ask an advice attorney at the courthouse to legally resolve the issue, since it involved different jurisdictions.

Parties are set to reconvene on May 1 for sentencing.

Judge Won’t Change Release Terms For Shooting Defendant With New Baby

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel denied a request to change release conditions for a shooting defendant wanting more free time with his baby in a hearing on Feb. 10.

Daquan Toland, 25, was convicted by a jury on Oct. 1, 2025 of carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 2, 2025 at the 1100 block of 4th Street, NE. An elderly victim who was in a wheelchair was grazed by shots on his left shoulder.

After Toland’s trial, Judge Israel released him on Oct. 2 with GPS monitoring.

Jessica Willis, Toland’s stand-in attorney, said that he was perfectly compliant with his release conditions. According to Willis, Toland recently became a father, but his request to visit the hospital to welcome his baby was denied.

Willis noted that although the situation upset Toland, he abided by the court’s conditions.

Willis asked Judge Israel to remove Toland’s GPS monitoring and instead impose a 10 p. m. curfew. To support her request, in addition to Willis’ compliance he wished to be more present in his child’s life.

The prosecutor objected due to the nature of Toland’s crimes. They asserted Toland’s release conditions were established for a reason, to keep the community safe.

Judge Israel didn’t change Toland’s release conditions. Instead, the judge told Toland to contact the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) days in advance of his child’s doctor’s appointments so he could be allowed to attend.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 27 for sentencing.

Document: MPD Investigating Petworth Fatal Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a fatal crash that occurred on Feb. 13 in the Petworth neighborhood. The incident involved a trash truck and an electric bicycle on Kansas Ave NW, resulting in the death of 26-year-old Kenny Jimmenez Rivera and critical injuries to one surviving victim. The trash truck, which initially left the scene, was later located in Hyattsville, MD, and the driver has been identified as the investigation continues.

Judge Denies Release for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Charmetra Jackson Parker denied a defendant’s release accused of a stabbing during a neighborhood dispute after she waived her preliminary hearing on Feb. 13.

Tara Bellinger, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing in an apartment building. The incident took place on Feb. 10 on the unit block of Forrester Street, SW.

Defense attorney Louis Kamara alerted the court of Bellinger’s intent to waive her right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence which Judge Parker accepted.

The prosecution requested Bellinger remain held at the DC Jail while she awaits trial due to the seriousness and dangerous nature of the alleged crime. According to the prosecutors, the offense involved Bellinger using a knife in an argument with her neighbors and cutting one of the individuals’ hands.

The violent act coupled with the defendant’s close proximity the to the victims if released, it would be too much of a risk for Bellinger to be released, asserted prosecutors.

Kamara emphasized that Bellinger was a single mother with a minimal criminal history. He added that she had a stable job and income.

However, Judge Parker decided not to release Bellinger because she could because she could be a potential threat. The judge also raised concerns regarding whether Bellinger would return to court given the charges against her.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 27.

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