Judge Won’t Release Defendant Accused in Popeyes Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann denied release for a stabbing defendant after she waived her preliminary hearing of the initial evidence on April 1.

Sarita Middleton, 45, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred at a Popeyes restaurant on the 1700 block of Columbia Road, NW on Feb. 11.

According to court documents, Middleton allegedly threatened a restaurant employee with a knife after they informed her that she could not eat there since they were closing. The manager attempted to disarm her and sustained a minor laceration to their arm.

After Middleton waived her right to a preliminary hearing, her attorney, Russell Hairston, argued in favor of release.

Hairston highlighted that Middleton has a steady job, a supportive family in the area, and lives far away from the crime scene. He requested supervised release with electronic monitoring.

The prosecutors argued that there was a serious concern for public safety due to the incident involving strangers. They also expressed that her criminal history, including an attempted escape and Bail Reform Act (BRA) conviction, indicates she may not return to court once released.

Hairston reminded Judge Herrmann that Middleton’s danger to the community was resulted from mental health issues and that she now understands the importance of taking her medicine.

Judge Herrmann agreed that the nature of the offense is concerning and highlighted the prosecution’s strong evidence. She also said there is no guarantee that taking medication will stop this from happening again.

As a result, Judge Herrmann decided that there are no conditions that will protect the community and that Middleton will be held without release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 24.

Parties Want Carjacking Defendant Transferred From Virginia to DC

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld heard a request for a carjacking defendant held in Virginia to be transferred to the DC Jail on April 1.

Isaiah Barnes, 19, is charged with armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place at the 2000 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE on July 31, 2024.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a Citgo gas station where an armed carjacking had occurred. The victim informed MPD that Barnes reportedly opened his driver’s side door and pointed a black semi-automatic handgun at him as Barnes’ entered the car and drove off.

At the hearing, Barnes’ attorney, Thomas Key, alerted parties that his client is currently held in Virginia .

Key requested Judge Hertzfeld transfer Barnes to the DC Jail. The prosecution agreed.

Judge Hertzfeld told parties that she has no authority to have Barnes transferred to the DC Jail but she could ask the deputy of the jail in Virginia for permission.

Additionally, Key explained to Judge Hertzfeld that he has received a plea offer from the prosecution but needs more time to let his client review it. No terms were mentioned in court.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 4.

Slowing Down Was ‘Too Little, Too Late,’ Judge Says in Triple Murder DUI Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied a defense attorney’s motion for judgement of acquittal on March 31, arguing there is more than enough evidence for a reasonable jury to find her guilty.

Nakita Walker, 46, is on trial for three counts of second-degree murder, fleeing a law enforcement officer, and assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a fatal car crash, which killed Mohamed Kamara, 43, Jonathan Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22. The incident occurred on Rock Creek Parkway, NW, on March 15, 2023.

Walker’s attorney, Albert Amissah, called an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to testify. The EMT told Amissah he assisted in treating Walker at the scene. According to the EMT, Walker had an “altered mental state,” after the accident. “She was in pain,” he said. He testified Walker’s behavior could have been a result of a head injury from the crash. He said he didn’t smell any alcohol on Walker.

On cross-examination, the EMT confirmed the language in the accident report, which specifies Walker was able to speak to EMS but was “clearly intoxicated.”

On re-direct, the EMT stated his partner filed out the detailed incident report. He reiterated that he can’t say whether Walker’s altered mental state was because of alcohol intoxication or because of a head injury from the crash. “Both exhibit similar symptoms,” he said, and he didn’t see Walker drinking or look to see if there was any alcohol in her car because that’s not his responsibility.

After dismissing the jury, parties discussed Amissah’s motion for judgment of acquittal.

“No reasonable jury would find [Walker] guilty,” Amissah asserted. He claimed there was no malice in her actions. According to Amissah, Walker was avoiding pedestrians, swerving, and even slowing down, indicating she was “exercising some type of caution.”

Amissah further explained there were mitigating factors. For example, Walker was trying to rush home to get to her young son, who she claimed was left alone by her child’s father. In addition, Amissah said there was an exchange in the car with Walker’s boyfriend at the time which took her attention off the road, and her boyfriend allegedly had a gun.

This was an accident, Amissah said, but it’s not second-degree murder. He claimed Walker was not reckless. For the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, Amissah contended Walker’s ex-boyfriend was the direct cause of the accident after inciting an argument with her.

In response, the prosecutor said this is “one of the most clear cut cases” of second-degree murder she’s ever seen. She said there is no place in DC where driving 100 miles per hour is appropriate, showing recklessness. Speeding, driving under the influence, and fleeing a police officer are all conscious disregard for safety, the prosecutor insisted.

Walker was slowing down to 70 miles per hour, more than twice the speed limit, the prosecutor said. Also, she argued the evidence doesn’t show that the ex-boyfriend had a gun.

The prosecutor asked the court to deny the motion.

According to Amissah, no one saw Walker drinking. No one can testify to her blood alcohol content at the time of the accident, only afterwards. “All you have is an assumption” that she was intoxicated at the time, he said.

Amissah added, no one testified to smelling alcohol on Walker, seeing dilated eyes, or hearing slurred speech. He emphasized data from the crash expert shows Walker slowed down before the accident, showing she was trying to avoid it.

Judge Brandt denied the motion to dismiss. She stated that testimony from multiple witnesses was more than enough for a reasonable jury to find Walker guilty. According to Judge Brandt, Walker’s toxicology report shows her blood alcohol content was .10, over two times the legal limit.

For the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, the testimony from Walker’s ex-boyfriend is enough for a reasonable jury to find guilt, said Judge Brandt. According to the judge, he testified that wearing a seatbelt saved his life and reduced the injuries he sustained from the car crash.

It doesn’t matter if Walker was trying to break or slow down because it was “clearly too little, too late,” said Judge Brandt.

For the charge of fleeing a law enforcement officer, Judge Brandt referenced surveillance footage of Walker being signaled down by the officer, pulling over, and then side swiping the officer while driving away.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 1.

Prosecutor Claims Homicide Defendant Had ‘Deadly Intentions’

Both parties presented passionate opening statements in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on April 2.

Jamil Whitley, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Kevin Redd, 32, that occurred on the 4700 block of Jay Street, NE on June 11, 2020. Redd sustained three gunshot wounds.

Before the jury was called, defense attorney Madalyn Harvey challenged the admissibility of body-worn camera footage from an officer who responded to the shooting. Harvey argued that the officer made statements in the video that would be harmful to Whitley if the jury heard them. Prosecutors played the video for Judge Dayson, who didn’t have an issue with its admissibility.

In their opening statement, prosecutors explained that Redd was intoxicated when a co-worker dropped him off at a Shell gas station near his home, at the 4300 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE. Whitley was also at the Shell with a car full of friends at this same time. Whitley exited the car to make a purchase at the Shell when he met Redd for the first time.

After making a purchase at the Shell, Whitley left in the car with his friends, returning 13 minutes later with “deadly intentions,” alone, armed with a firearm, and in a different car, which belonged to his girlfriend. Redd, who was still at the Shell, was beckoned over to Whitley’s car and entered the car before it drove away, said prosecutors.

Prosecutors continued, stating that Whitley drove to an alley, shot Redd, and “left him to die,” describing it as a “premeditated act.”

Whitley’s attorney, James Brockway, said that prosecutors won’t evidence that Whitley shot Redd because he only “gave him a ride.” According to Brockway, Redd and Whitley met in the Shell, and Redd asked Whitley’s friends for some marijuana. Whitley told Redd he would get him some and returned 13 minutes later in a different car to give Redd the drug.

Brockway stated that Whitley did not shoot Redd, and a gun was never found. Additionally, prosecutors will provide no witness testimony to support the murder during the course of the trial. Brockway said that Whitley was accused of murder for doing a small favor and “didn’t ask for any of this.”

Following opening arguments, prosecutors called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who responded to the shooting. The prosecution showed the jury two satellite images of the neighborhood where the incident took place, and the officer circled the Shell mentioned in opening arguments, and the alley where the shooting occurred.

Prosecutors also played a video from the officer’s body-worn camera, depicting the officer arriving on the scene and finding Redd in the alley. According to the officer, she searched the scene for physical evidence and witnesses and talked with two individuals who lived on the block.

The prosecution then called Whitley’s son’s mother to testify. Although the witness moved to Georgia, police there visited her on behalf of the MPD in 2021. Prosecutors played body-worn camera footage for the jury of the witness from 2021 when she identified Whitley in a video of him exiting a car. The witness said upon seeing the video she “was in shock” and thought “did something happen to my son’s dad?”

On cross-examination, Harvey pointed out that the prosecution funded the witness’ return to DC in 2021 and now for this trial, including paying for her plane tickets and lodging.

The prosecution clarified with the witness that the free trip was no incentive to testify as she did not want to be there.

A communication office employee from the MPD who made a compilation video also testified. The video surveillance footage of someone MPD officers considered to be a “person of interest.”

The video is then promoted on social media in the hopes that someone from the public will be able to provide MPD with more information about the individual. The MPD employee said “with a case like this” they “would have promoted it as much as possible.”

Harvey revealed through cross-examination that the surveillance videos for the compilations were selected by MPD officers and the people in the videos that were not considered to be of interest were not shared with the public.

Prosecutors also called Redd’s father, who identified his son from a photograph that prosecutors showed the jury.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 6.

Judge Revokes Defendant’s Probation After Guilty Plea in New Kidnapping Case

A defendant had his probation revoked by DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 3.

Kaevon Sutton, 25, was found guilty by a jury on March 23, 2023, of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Aujee Tyler, 22, on March 19, 2018 on the 3500 block of Stanton Road, SE. Sutton was acquitted of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

During the hearing, the prosecutor informed Judge Ryan that Sutton is being held for another matter; he pleaded guilty to two counts of kidnapping on March 6. According to the prosecutor, he is scheduled to be sentenced in September, between 14-to-17-and-a-half years of imprisonment.

The prosecutor asked Judge Ryan to revoke Sutton’s probation and sentence him to time served in the present case.

Terrence Austin, Sutton’s attorney, requested Judge Ryan terminate Sutton’s probation. Austin said Sutton is facing a significant sentence for the other matter and there is no point in sentencing him to time served.

Judge Ryan agreed with the prosecutor, revoked Sutton’s probation in this case, and re-sentenced him only to the time he already served. Sutton will remain held in the kidnapping case pending sentencing.

No further dates have been set.

Judge Stops Shooting Probation Hearing For Lack of Information

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro ended a probation hearing on March 31 after the defendant waited five hours for his attorney and his probation officer failed to appear.

Jamal Rogers, 26, was sentenced on Oct. 17, 2022 to 39 months imprisonment, all suspended, in favor of two years of supervised probation for assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license.

The charges stemmed from his involvement in a shooting at the 1600 block of 27th Street, SE on July 4, 2021. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his leg.

Additionally, Rogers probation required him to complete 90 hours of community service.

At the hearing, Judge Di Toro stated she received a report showing Rogers failed to appear for drug testing, has not completed his community service hours, and bench warrants were issued against him in this case.

Rogers’ attorney, Hannah Akintoye, who arrived five hours late, informed the court that Rogers is currently in compliance. According to Akintoye, Rogers started reporting to drug testing, started his community service, and is not subject to bench warrants.

Judge Di Toro waited for a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) to appear to deliver an update. After waiting ten minutes, Judge Di Toro decided Rogers had been waiting long enough. “You [Rogers] have been waiting since 9:30 a. m., it is now 1:30 p. m.”

According to Judge Di Toro, she never received a formal notice of non-compliance, thus had no reason to change the terms of Rogers’ probation.

There are no further hearings scheduled.

Parties Consider ‘Global Resolution’ in Carjacking Defendant’s Case

Parties indicate they are considering a global plea for a carjacking defendant who faces new charges before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe in a hearing on March 31.

Jamal Jackson, 39, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident on Dec. 19, 2025 on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Jackson allegedly got into a verbal dispute and drove off in the victim’s vehicle while the victim and his friend physically tried to stop him. Jackson reportedly struck the victims continuously before driving off in the car. He was later before detained by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Jackson also faces charges in an unrelated case for allegedly threatening to kidnap or injure a person on Jan. 9.

During the hearing, the prosecution said they want Jackson to be processed on a pending warrant for the second case. To do this, Judge Pipe issued a booking order, which allows DC Jail to temporarily release a defendant to the MPD station for processing.

However, the prosecution said they are having difficulties with MPD executing the warrant.

As a result, Judge Pipe signed a new booking order to restart the process and said, “Whatever I can do to assist to get this moving forward… I’m happy to do.”

Jackson’s attorney, Quo Judkins, also said parties were in discussions for a “global resolution,” or a single plea deal to settle both matters at once.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 18.

Victim Claims Stabbing Defendant Mocked Him as, ‘Swiss Cheese’

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum ordered a defendant held in a street fight stabbing case after she waived her right to a preliminary hearing on March 30.

Jasmine Berliner, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 700 block of 8th Street, NE. The victim sustained wounds to his chest, shoulder, arm, and hand and was unconscious at the scene.

According to court documents, Berliner and the victim were reportedly in a heated argument when the victim slapped her. Berliner then allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim.

During the hearing, Berliner’s attorney, Adam Harris, informed parties that his client waived her right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence against her.

Harris then requested Berliner’s release, arguing that the incident began as a mutual confrontation in which both individuals voluntarily entered alley. Harris stated that the victim initiated physical contact by slapping Berliner, and that Berliner retaliated by escaping the situation and stabbing them.

Harris emphasized that Berliner is a young woman with minimal criminal history, noting a prior 2023 assault conviction in Rhode Island, and argued she is not inherently dangerous. Harris also highlighted her ties to the community, stable housing with a roommate, and assured the court she would stay away from the victim if released.

The prosecution presented photos of the victim’s injuries. They argued that although the victim initiated the physical altercation, Berliner’s use of a knife significantly escalated the violence. Citing the severity of the injuries and the nature of the offense, the prosecution requested that Berliner remain detained.

Judge Hildum stated, “there are no rules in a street fight, but there are still laws.” He also noted allegations from the victim that Berliner referred to the victim as “swiss cheese” and mocked the person following the incident. While acknowledging Berliner’s work skills and stable living situation, Judge Hildum determined that the seriousness of the offense warranted continued detention.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 20.

Judge Won’t Change Carjacking Defendant’s Release Conditions

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied a carjacking defendant’s request to change his release conditions from home confinement on March 27.

Devon Rogers, 27, is charged with armed carjacking, two counts of robbery while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking on May 23, 2025 on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW.

During the hearing, Rogers’ attorney, Bryan Bookhard, asked Judge Arthur to release the defendant from home confinement, citing the restrictive conditions that limit Rogers to his residence except for approved purposes and require him to be on GPS electronic monitoring. He instead requested that Rogers be placed on a curfew.

The prosecutor opposed release due to the severity of the crime committed and the risk Rogers allegedly poses to the community. Judge Arthur agreed with the prosecutor regarding the seriousness of the crime, and denied changing Rogers’ release.

Rogers’ attorney Bryan Bookhard asked for another hearing date because parties are still waiting for DNA evidence to be processed.

The prosecutor affirmed that there had been some delays with the laboratory but said DNA should be returned by mid-April.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 13.

Defense Psychiatrist Says 2019 Stabbing Defendant Still Schizophrenic

A defense psychiatrist’s evaluation determined a 2019 fatal stabbing defendant is still struggling with schizophrenia before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 31.

Alisa Randall, 38, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the July 15, 2019 fatal stabbing of 59-year-old Ronald Payne on the 1300 block of Euclid Street, NW.

Randall had previously been found incompetent to stand trial in 2019, meaning she can’t understand the facts of the case or help her attorney in her defense. Her mental competency has not been restored

During the hearing, Randall failed to appear in court. A forensic psychiatrist, who was hired by the defense since the last hearing in December, said that he was unable to interview Randall, but he did write a report based on provided medical records.

Randall’s attorney, Ashley Prather-Guzman, said that Randall is residing in a group home in New York.

The psychiatrist said Randall’s schizophrenia is “not a self-healing condition” that one doesn’t “spontaneously recover from.” He added that past records show that medication has improved some of Randall’s more severe symptoms but her schizophrenia, low IQ, and cognitive impairments continue to present challenges.

The prosecution said that the psychiatrist had not obtained Randall’s most recent medical records from treatment in New York and urged the defense to do so before the next meeting.

Judge Ryan characterized the psychiatrist’s report as “rather compelling” but stated that he remained concerned about community safety due to the serious nature of the charge, leading him to consider issuing a bench warrant. He added that his concerns for community safety goes beyond district lines and that he needed more information on Randall’s “current functioning.”

As a result, Judge Ryan decided against issuing a bench warrant for Randall but ordered Prather-Guzman to contact Randall’s appointed guardian and guardianship attorney located in New York.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 29.

Judge Suspends all but 6 month Sentence for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz issued a suspended sentence with six months jail time for a stabbing defendant on March 27.

Sequon Price, 30, pleaded guilty on Nov. 14, 2025 to assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that wounded one individual at the intersection of Wheeler Road and Alabama Avenue, SE, on July 25, 2025.

During the hearing, the court heard from the victim’s niece. She said her uncle “has not been the same” since the day of the attack, expressing the constant headaches, blurred vision, and severe dizziness from which he suffers. She added that all these things prevent him from walking or standing for long periods of time, resulting in her uncle’s needing to be placed under 24-hour medical care.

“This has been a heavy load on our family,” the niece said. “No one should have to go through this.” She insisted that Price was a danger to the community.

Prosecutors presented video footage from the incident. The video showed the victim grabbing and pulling a young girl on the bus while her friends were trying to pull her back. Price saw this and approached the victim, which led to Price stabbing the victim. According to court documents, the victim suffered four stab wounds to the right side of his face.

The prosecution argued that Price’s actions went too far and were unnecessary. They acknowledged the victim acted aggressively toward the girl on the bus, but they mentioned there were other ways for Price to stop the incident, instead of stabbing the victim. The prosecutor also argued that Price was a danger to the community due to his known possession of weapons.

Madalyn Harvey, Price’s attorney, argued that Price’s actions were not random. He was trying to intervene and stop the victim from hurting the girl. Harvey stated that Price was triggered by past trauma and acted impulsively as he saw the girl get assaulted by the victim. She said Price did not intend to kill and described the defendant as someone who generally shows kindness to others. Harvey stated that the reason why Price pleaded guilty was because he knew he did something wrong.

Price apologized to the victim and his family for what he did stating he is remorseful. “I made a mistake and learned from it,” he said. He didn’t like how the incident played out and that if he had the chance to intervene in a different way, he would have. He mentioned that he did tell the victim to stop and acted after the girls screamed for help.

Judge Kravitz stated that the incident was a “scary act of violence.” He asked why Price had drugs on him on the day of the incident, which Price said he was going to sell . Judge Kravtiz mentioned that the level of force Price used was excessive. However, he did highlight Price’s limited criminal history and his trauma that triggered him which led up to the stabbing.

Judge Kravitz imposed a 24 month sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon, with all but six months suspended. He also imposed a six month sentence for attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, with all of it suspended. Price is expected to be imprisoned for six months.

Judge Kravitz also imposed special conditions, such as mental health treatments, drug treatment, and participation in job training and schooling. Prosecution asked for a stay-away order to protect the victim, in which Judge Kravitz granted it.

“Thank you and God bless you,” said Price to Judge Kravitz, after the sentence was imposed.

No further dates were set.

Former MPD Detective Testifies About Physical Evidence at Homicide Trial

The defense called a former detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 2.

Jaime Macedo, 24, is charged with first-degree felony murder, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction exceeding one year and attempted robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Maxwell Emerson, 25. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Alumni Lane, NE on July 5, 2023.

Macedo’s defense called a former MPD detective, who was the lead detective during the initial investigation leading up to Macedo’s arrest, to testify about the investigation and reports of his past misconduct. Macedo’s attorney, Rachel Cicurel, questioned the detective about his role in the case.

Cicurel asked whether it was the detective’s responsibility to ensure the investigation was “thorough,” which he affirmed. However, the detective admitted that he couldn’t recall following up with other detectives about collecting surveillance footage from multiple key locations.

Cicurel also questioned the former detective about his classification of some of Emerson’s belongings found at the scene as personal property, leading to the destruction of the items. The former detective stated he didn’t know what happened to items designated as personal property.

The former detective also said he didn’t recall asking the officer from the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) to swab the personal property items for DNA evidence. He stated that it was his understanding that some items that are swabbed for DNA can still be classified as personal property.

Cicurel also questioned the former detective about his alleged misconduct while he was a detective. As a result, he confirmed he was placed on a non-contact status, meaning he was essentially on “desk duty,” and was only permitted to assist with tasks at the MPD office. However, he stated that he was still allowed to converse with prosecutors over the phone about the case but chose not to.

During cross-examination, the prosecutors asked whether the former detective made decisions about the physical evidence based on limited information, and he said he did. Prosecutors also asked if the detective purposefully labelled Emerson’s belongings as personal property to weaken the case against Macedo, to which the detective responded he did not.

The prosecution called an MPD officer who assisted with handling the evidence. The officer showed the jury a green T-shirt which belonged to Emerson. According to court records, Emerson wore the green T-shirt when he died.

The officer laid the T-shirt on a table in front of the jury, reconstructing it as it would have appeared before being cut on the scene. The prosecution asked jurors to walk around the T-shirt and focus on the center of it.

In two photographs the prosecution presented to the court, there was a visible hole in the middle of the shirt and spots of discoloration.

During cross-examination, Macedo’s other attorney, Jessica Willis, confirmed that the officer was not on scene when the T-shirt was cut. Willis also verified that he had not spoken to DFS, nor was he a forensic pathologist or medical examiner.

The officer confirmed that he was not there to tell anyone how gunshot residue could penetrate a T-shirt.

Another witness the defense called to testify was an employee at the Public Defender Service (PDS), who assisted with annotating video exhibits.

Willis showed four clips from surveillance footage of Macedo and Emerson walking side by side down the street and to a small courtyard on the Catholic University of America (CUA) campus. One of the clips captured the incident that occurred between Macedo and Emerson leading to Emerson’s death.

In the footage, Emerson was shown sitting on a bench in the CUA courtyard, and Macedo was pacing back and forth. At one point in the video, Macedo was shown with his hands on his head, and he appeared antsy. Macedo appeared to touch Emerson’s phone, and Emerson tackled him to the ground. The two men wrestled for a minute, and Emerson went limp while Macedo ran away.

Willis and Cicurel briefly re-called a witness to correct a mistake he made in a previous testimony regarding photos of an emergency phone column near the incident address. The witness stated at a previous hearing on April 1 that he was an investigative specialist at the Public Defender Service (PDS).

Willis originally asked the investigator whether an emergency pole was there prior to 2023, and he said yes. However, he made his testimony based on a Google Maps photo from 2024 without realizing. The investigator stated he didn’t notice the date of the photo, and meant to answer the question based on the Google Maps photo from 2022. Willis showed the photo from 2022 and the investigator confirmed the presence of the pole.

The defense and prosecution both agreed that property of Emerson was in the possession of MPD from July 5, 2023 to May 5, 2024. Following the investigation, Emerson’s family was alerted that they could retrieve the items or they would be destroyed. All the items were eventually destroyed.

The prosecution acknowledged that at the time of the incident, Macedo had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment of at least a year, and was aware of the fact.

Judge Kravitz denied the defense’s request to dismiss charges after the prosecution rested. He said that the prosecution had met their burden of proof and a reasonable jury could find Macedo guilty.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 3 to discuss jury instructions. The jury is scheduled to return on April 6.

Armed Carjacking Defendant Pleads Not Guilty To All Charges

An armed carjacking defendant pleaded not guilty to his indictment charges in a felony arraignment on March 31 before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean.

Rodale Broadus, 22, is charged with armed carjacking and armed robbery against a transportation provider, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. All charges were allegedly committed during Broadus’ release for a prior offense.

These counts stem from Broadus’ alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 900 block of 24th Street, NW on Aug. 15, 2024.

During the hearing, Broadus’ attorney, Lauren Morehouse, waived further reading of the indictment, entered a plea of not guilty on her client’s behalf, and asserted Broadus’ constitutional rights to a speedy trial.

Morehouse additionally requested that Broadus’ release conditions be amended to allow him to work at his previous place of employment.

Judge McLean spoke to a Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) officer who appeared via Webex after the hearing, and shortened Broadus’ curfew by two hours, allowing one hour before and after work to allow for travel. Broadus was also instructed to pre-verify his employment hours with his PSA officer.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 19.

Shooting Defendant Detained in Baltimore, DC Judge Could Issue Warrant

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro reserved bench warrant rights after a shooting defendant failed to appear in court on March 31 because of pending charges outside DC.

Tyrhez Williams, 25, was sentenced June 17, 2025 to a suspended sentence of six months incarceration and one year probation for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the 2600 block of Bowen Road, SE on July 8, 2024.

According to court documents, Williams was witnessed pulling a handgun out of a hidden compartment in his car radio, and discharging the handgun out of the moving vehicle.

The hearing was called to discuss alleged probation violations, however Williams never appeared. According to his attorney William Howell, Williams did not appear because he was arrested and held in Baltimore, MD for violating a peace order.

Howell stated the Baltimore case was set for court on April 1, but Williams’ attorney in Baltimore has not received evidence.

The prosecution requested a bench warrant as a retainer, to ensure if he’s released in Baltimore, he is then placed in custody in DC. Judge Di Toro said she will reserve bench warrant rights.

Prior to the Baltimore case, Howell stated Williams had no probation violations and maintained contact with Howell.

Judge Di Toro decided to reschedule the hearing until Williams’ Baltimore case is resolved.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 3.

‘My Presence Alone Uplifts,’ Says Stabbing Defendant Denied Release

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a defense attorney’s motion for bond review in a co-defendant stabbing case on March 30.

Trevon Randolph, 27, and Antonio Halfacre, 37, are charged with aggravated assault while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1800 block of Central Place, NE on Feb. 15.

The victim sustained stab wounds to his back, a fracture in his hand, bruises to his head and face, scrapes to his shoulders and arms, and blood in his lung cavity. Randolph’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, requested his client’s release during the hearing.

Randolph addressed Judge Hertzfeld explaining the allegations against him were misleading. He stated that he has strong community ties as an active member of the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) among other organizations. He also explained he has four kids and another on the way.

“My presence alone uplifts,” Randolph told Judge Hetzfeld when requesting his release and continued, “I am a blessing with humble expectations.”

The prosecution argued that the community’s safety couldn’t be guaranteed and that Randolph should remain held. They brought up Randolph’s history with the victim, stating Randolph pistol-whipped him in a different case. He was also on supervised release for simple assault when the alleged offense occurred, said prosecutors.

Judge Hertzfeld stated that there was no reason for her to revisit DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrmann previous decision to hold Randolph at the preliminary hearing on Feb. 19.

As a result, Judge Hertzfeld denied Thomas’ motion and Randolph is held without bond.

Parties also mentioned during the hearing that plea negotiations are ongoing for both Randolph and Halfacre.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 15.

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