Parties Agree Non-Fatal Shooting Verdict Depends on ID’ing Defendant

In their closing arguments on Aug. 26, the prosecution and defense in Marquez Beasley‘s non-fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein agreed that the jury’s verdict will depend on whether they trust witnesses’ identification of Beasley as the assailant.

Beasley, 32, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that injured three individuals on Aug. 16, 2023, on the 900 block of Division Avenue, NE.

The prosecution and defense agreed that the incident began with a traffic accident caused by an unlicensed driver carrying two passengers in a Hyundai, who cut off an SUV on a turn. After the drivers stopped to exchange insurance information, the Hyundai’s driver was pistol-whipped and four shots were fired, striking one of the Hyundai’s passengers and a bystander.

According to the prosecution, one of the passengers placed a video call to their mother, who owned the Hyundai, and handed the phone to the driver of the SUV. The mother testified that she saw the driver for only a few seconds but recognized him as Beasley because she knew him from occasional interactions in the neighborhood and his social media posts as a local rapper.

“It only takes a few seconds to recognize someone who’s familiar to you,” the prosecutor said.

“Isn’t it possible that the person she saw may have looked like him, but she jumped to the conclusion that it was him?” asked John Machado, Beasley’s defense attorney.

If the mother’s identification of Beasley wasn’t a mistake, Machado said, there were several reasons for her to lie. She might have been hostile to Beasley, who she said in her testimony was a member of a crew. She might have wanted the notoriety of accusing a local celebrity. Or she might have wanted to distract attention from letting an unlicensed person drive her car, causing an accident.

Machado noted the mother first said she never allowed the unlicensed driver to take her car but later said she sometimes let him.

“When she is presented with the evidence of something that she absolutely said that contradicts something she said earlier, she suddenly has no memory of it,” Machado argued.

Machado suggested the mother might have persuaded the Hyundai’s driver and passengers after the incident to identify Beasley as the assailant.

“You think they had an ax to grind and wanted to come in here and pin something on Mr. Beasley that he didn’t do?” the prosecutor asked in his rebuttal. “What incentive did they have to do that?”

The prosecutor pointed out that the Hyundai’s driver and one passenger picked out Beasley from a photo array.

Machado said both witnesses were uncertain whether they had the right person.

According to Machado, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who conducted the photo array suggested to one of the witnesses that she might say her confidence level in identifying Beasley was five on a scale of one to ten. The detective added, “I don’t want to put words in your mouth.”

The witness said her confidence level was “one-and-a-half or two.”

Even though it wasn’t the case, the detective allegedly told the witnesses the prosecution wouldn’t go forward unless they agreed. That’s because he wanted their identifications to support his arrest warrant for Beasley, according to Machado.

“The detective wants this conclusion–tunnel vision–and won’t see any evidence to the contrary,” Machado told the jury.

Machado said one of the witnesses described the assailant to the police as having a goatee, and another said he was recognizable from a tattoo in the middle of his forehead. Social media posts of Beasley from the time of the incident show him with a full beard and without a forehead tattoo.

“You have people who don’t want to be here, maybe because they know this has gone too far,” Machado said about the witnesses.

The prosecution and defense both said the shooting victim who was a bystander, not involved in the traffic accident, testified to seeing gunshots coming from the window of a passing vehicle.

The prosecutor said Beasley, after getting out of the SUV, fired shots while standing on the sidewalk. He suggested the bystander was mistaken in thinking the shots came from a vehicle.

Machado said there was no reason to dismiss the bystander’s testimony. He argued that the shots could have come from someone who hadn’t been in the traffic accident.

Even if Beasley was the driver of the SUV and had fired the shots, Machado said, he couldn’t be convicted of assault with intent to kill because of the way the shots were aimed. They had gone into the ground or struck victims in the legs.

The prosecutor said the Chevy Tahoe Beasley owned resembled the SUV in the traffic accident, based on surveillance video footage.

A witness who impounded Beasley’s Tahoe testified to signs of repair on the front left bumper, which was the part of the SUV in the traffic accident that collided with the Hyundai, according to the prosecutor.

Machado said he had photos of Beasley’s Tahoe’s front left bumper after the incident, and it was undamaged.

According to Machado, the prosecution had dismissed his photos by saying the resolution wasn’t good. He invited the jury to compare his photos to the prosecution’s and decide which had better resolution.

“Please consider the sloppy tunnel vision of the detectives in this case, and please come back with the only reasonable, rational verdict you can in this case: not guilty,” Machado told jurors.

The prosecution ended by noting the three witness identifications of Beasley and the similarities between Beasley’s Tahoe and the suspect vehicle.

“What are the odds that this is all just a big coincidence?” asked the prosecutor.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene when the jury comes to a verdict.

Hospitalized Witness Delays Carjacking Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted prosecutors’ request to delay a trial just as arguments were set to begin because the victim, who is the prosecution’s key witness, was in the hospital on Aug. 26.

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

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers detained Jackson while attempting to drive a scooter after removing its driver.

“The reason for the hospitalization is that [the witness] is the victim of another crime,” the prosecutor said.

“Unrelated to Mr. Jackson?” Judge Raffinan asked.

“We have no reason to believe it is connected,” said the prosecutor.

Sara Kopecki, Jackson’s defense attorney, asked Judge Raffinan to dismiss the case for lack of prosecution. Judge Raffinan denied the motion.

Kopecki argued DC law requires the prosecution to make their request in writing to delay a trial. Since the prosecution had not submitted a written request and didn’t know when the witness would be available, Kopecki asked Judge Raffinan to allow Jackson home detention instead of jail.

Judge Raffinan denied Jackson’s release and gave the prosecution until the end of the day to submit the request for a delay in writing.

Judge Raffinan dismissed the jurors who had been selected on Thursday for the trial. She plans to reschedule the trial once the prosecution knows when the witness will be able to come to court.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 30.

Defendant Requests New Attorney in a Matricide Case

A homicide defendant requested a new attorney be appointed to his case weeks before trial is scheduled to begin before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Aug. 23.

Seth Andrews, 35, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of his mother, 67-year-old Hazel Evans, on the unit block of 35th Street, SE on July 16, 2020.

According to court documents, an autopsy revealed that Evans’ injuries were consistent with strangulation.

During the hearing, Andrews requested Judge Raffinan dismiss his attorney, Kevin Mosley, because of a breakdown in their relationship.

Judge Raffinan ordered Mosley to find a new attorney from the Public Defender Services (PDS) by Aug. 29.

Defendant Receives 60 Day Sentence for Strip Club Stabbing Incident

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a defendant involved in a stabbing incident at an adult entertainment venue to 60 days of incarceration during an Aug. 27 hearing.

Abraham Urrutia Castillo, 29, was found guilty of simple assault for his involvement in a stabbing incident on Nov. 23, 2023, at the club featuring strippers on the 2300 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW. A bouncer was hospitalized after sustaining injuries.

Court documents revealed that Urrutia Castillo allegedly stabbed the victim, who worked as a bouncer, following an altercation over the defendant’s behavior toward a waitress. Prosecutors argued that Urrutia Castillo acted aggressively, grabbing the waitress’ arm, which led to his removal from the premises.

During the sentencing, the prosecution highlighted the severity of the attack and requested a period of supervised release to ensure community safety. Urrutia Castillo’s defense attorney, Damon Catacalos, argued that his client acted in self-defense and lacked prior convictions. Catacalos emphasized Urrutia Castillo’s commitment to making positive changes.

Judge Salerno sentenced Urrutia Castillo to 60 days in confinement, followed by nine months of supervised probation, with conditions to avoid further altercations. Urrutia Castillo was also ordered to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Victims Fund and to stay away from the club where the incident occurred.

No additional court dates were scheduled.

Shooting, Pistol Whipping Suspect Pleads Not Guilty, Gets Offer

A suspect accused in a shooting and beating of three victims appeared before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun in an Aug. 26 hearing.

Juaval Huff, 29, is charged with four counts including carrying a pistol without a license and possession of an unregistered firearm in regards to an incident that occurred on April 22 on the 300 block of 40th Street, NE.

Huff’s attorney, Gregg Baron, pleaded not guilty on his client’s behalf and asked for a speedy trial while asserting his constitutional rights.

According to court documents, an altercation started when Huff allegedly disrespected one of the three victims. As the event unfolded, Huff reportedly pursued the trio, pistol whipping one in the back of the head, then the other two ran away. Huff allegedly fired at one of the individuals, then pistol whipped the initial victim again.

Baron asked Judge Okun to step-down Huff’s pretrial release conditions and remove his GPS monitor. The judge declined based on a rearrest though “there’s a decent chance” of a change in his release status in the future.

Meanwhile, the prosecutor put forward an offer that would require Huff to plead guilty to carrying a pistol without a license in return for not seeking an indictment.

The deal will expire before the next hearing in the case, which is set for Sept. 25.

Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in Shooting Over Instagram Post

A suspect accused of a shooting over a social media post pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun in a hearing on Aug. 26.

Dayquan Henderson, 22, was arraigned on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor in relation to an incident that occurred on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE on May 11.

According to court documents, a group of individuals was arguing about a previous dispute over Instagram when Henderson, who is closely related to one of the group, was advised of the conflict and allegedly started shooting from a balcony, though no one was injured.

Through his attorney, Wole Falondun, Henderson pleaded not guilty to all the charges and a status hearing was set for Sept. 19 before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Lebovitz.

Attorney for Murder Defendant Wins Delay for Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun granted the request of Oliver Gomes‘ attorney, Sara Kopecki, to reschedule his preliminary hearing from Aug. 23 to Oct. 8, giving her time to prepare a response to the prosecution’s evidence.

Gomes, 54, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 61-year-old Thomas Gray on Oct. 14, 2022, at the intersection of L Street and 11th Street, SE.

An autopsy determined the assault caused Gray’s death on Nov. 3, 2022, according to court documents.

Court records state that Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found Gray unconscious on the sidewalk. A witness told them an assailant struck Gray with a plank of wood during an argument.

Gray identified Gomes as his attacker to MPD detectives during an interview on Oct. 19, 2022, at George Washington University Hospital, according to arrest documents.

At the hearing, Kopecki agreed that Gomes will allow the prosecution’s investigator to take a swab of his DNA at the preliminary hearing. Gomes has refused to allow the swab without his attorney present.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 8.

Imposing 25 Year Sentence, Judge Says ‘Stupid’ Fails to Characterize Murder Defendant’s Actions

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a defendant to 25 years to reflect the seriousness of the crime, six years after the victim’s death in a hearing on Aug. 23.

Hahqwon Beale, 25, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, and armed carjacking, for his involvement in a carjacking and shooting incident.

The shooting, which killed 43-year-old George Johnson, and injured another individual occurred on May 7, 2018, on the 800 block of Oglethorpe Street, NE.

Hours later, a pizza delivery man was carjacked and robbed of more than $300 at gunpoint on the 400 block of Farragut Street, NW.

A victim impact statement was read of a family member who said that Beale had no regard for human life since he shot into a crowd of people and said Johnson’s mother died from the circumstances being “too stressful to go on.”

“George won’t be here to see his daughter walk across the stage and graduate. He told her he’d walk with her on the stage. I think you ruined your life by committing this crime,” the statement said.

Prosecutors played audio that showed Beale boasting his actions.

“I’m not even mad at myself, I’m proud. When I go back they’re gonna remember me,” Beale said in the audio.

Julie Swaney, Beale’s defense attorney, said Beale grew up without stable environment with his father incarcerated and his mother in and out of jail, and that it hasn’t been easy for someone who didn’t attend a lot of school. Swaney asked for Beale to be sentenced to 21 years. Swaney described Beale’s actions as senseless, stupid and horrific.

“I don’t think stupid begins to capture it,” Judge Epstein said.

Judge Epstein categorized the incident as a mass shooting because of the 22 casings on site, plus vehicles and houses being damaged and one other injured person.

He said there’s a reason that carjacking sentencing carries such hefty terms. He added that the two convictions for not showing up to court previously show his lack of care about rules.

“He just didn’t care about the rules and didn’t want to be held accountable for his actions,” Judge Epstein said.

No further dates were set.

Metro Murder Suspect Won’t Independently Test DNA Evidence

A murder defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Aug. 23.

Tyriq Williams, 32, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Terry Clark on Jan. 7, on the 1200 block of Half Street, SE.

According to court documents, the incident occurred at the Navy Yard Metro Station where the victim’s body was found under a sheet. Witnesses told police they did not see an altercation before some saw the victim collapse following what they identified as a “pop.”

Surveillance footage showed an individual, identified as Williams, follow the victim out of the station while moving his hand around in his pocket.

Parties are slated to continue May 16, 2025.

Judge Sentences Shooting Defendant, Denies Request for Youth Consideration

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein denied a shooting defendant sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on Aug. 23 because the case involved shooting a woman who was holding her child in a residence.

Darrious Johnson, 23, was originally charged with three counts of intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly, second-degree cruelty to children, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident occurring on May 5, 2023, on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries from the incident.

The incident stemmed from a dispute over money.

Prosecutors told Judge Epstein that other peoples’ lives were threatened by Johnson who was already a gun offender at the time of the incident. They said Johnson showed no remorse for his actions that threatened the lives of young children.

“It’s a crime we can’t have happening in our city,” the prosecutor said. “At the very time he committed this offense he was on probation for another gun offense.”

A victim impact statement was read to the court from an individual who would not wish the pain and suffering the person still endures on anyone including the fear of losing their life.

“That night replays in my head to the point where I don’t want to go anywhere,” the victim shared. “There’s a metal plate in my arm. I’m internally and forever damaged.”

Judge Epstein said he hopes Johnson can deal with his “impulsiveness” through his prison experience.

“One or more people could easily have died,” Judge Epstein said. “Injuries have caused lasting consequences. Mr. Johnson has only one prior conviction. This case illustrates why the District regulates handgun use.”

Judge Epstein imposed a consecutive five-year sentence for each of the two counts of aggravated assault plus one for child cruelty, which he explained to the court is efficient to achieve his goals of providing consequences for Johnson’s behavior through a significant sentence. He added that he will not impose a YRA sentence since the plea agreement is already very generous. The YRA allows young defendant’s convictions to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

No further dates were set.

Murder Defendant Waives Rights to Independent DNA Testing

A murder defendant waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Aug. 23.

Ethan Cunningham, 20, is charged with three counts of felony murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, kidnapping while armed, attempted robbery while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old James Curtis on May 10, 2022, on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE.

It’s unclear what evidence the prosecution would test to show Cunningham’s alleged involvement in the murder. At the hearing, the court granted Cunningham’s defense attorney Thomas Healy’s motion to appoint Lisbeth Sapirstein as co-counsel.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 10.

Homicide Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty to Murder, Metrobus Robbery

Three co-defendants pleaded not guilty to a total of 16 charges before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Aug. 22.

Steven Metts, 18, Keondre Carroll, 21, and Jovontae Wallace, 19, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed and two counts of kidnapping while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 59-year-old Raymond Blanchard on Jan. 23. The incident occurred on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

Metts also faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or place of business, possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device and an additional count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Carroll also faces charges of carrying a pistol outside a home or business, assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device.

Due to allegations of other criminal activity, Judge Okun denied the defendants’ release.

Metts, Carroll and Wallace are alleged to have committed an armed robbery on a Metrobus at the intersection of Galveston Street, SW, and South Capitol Street, SE, on Jan. 24.

According to the prosecution, video from the Metrobus shows three suspects stopping the bus by driving a vehicle in front of it, boarding it armed, and taking the coat from a man that they were pursuing. After seizing the coat, prosecutors said, the suspects shot at the bus approximately 11 times while fleeing.

The prosecutor said the defendants admitted to police to being they are a trio, “a triangle,” adding that they do everything together.

Carroll is currently facing charges of assaulting the mother of his children with a firearm in a domestic violence case.

In a previous felony case, Carroll evaded US Marshals for approximately two months and cut off his GPS monitor while refusing to appear in court.

According to the prosecution, both Carroll and Metts showcased themselves in music videos on Instagram Live and other social media platforms, holding firearms consistent with those allegedly used in the Metrobus incident and other shootings.

Wallace is accused of joining in a group stabbing of a fellow inmate, the prosecution said, and he deleted his Instagram records in an attempt to tamper with the evidence.

The defendants’ attorneys pointed out that the prosecution’s arguments depended largely on unproven claims. The defense plans to respond in more detail at the next hearing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 29.

Document: MPD Searching for Minnesota Avenue NE Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that they are seeking the public's assistance in locating a suspect involved in a shooting incident on Minnesota Avenue, Northeast. The incident occurred on Saturday, August 24, 2024, around 5:38 p.m. at the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue.

Upon police arrival to the location, an adult male was found unconscious and not breathing. He was immediately transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The suspect, who was caught by a surveillance camera, is believed to be directly involved in the shooting.

MPD is urging anyone with information about this incident to contact authorities, advising not to take personal action but to call police at (202) 727-9099. Alternatively, tips can be sent via text message to the department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. As part of their incentive, MPD is presently offering a reward up to $10,000 for anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the violent crime.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced it is investigating a fatal shooting in Northwest Washington D.C. The incident occurred on Friday, August 23, 2024, at approximately 6:57 p.m., with officers responding to the 1300 block of Girard Street.

Upon arrival, the officers located a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate transportation to a local hospital for treatment and all lifesaving efforts, the man succumbed to his injuries.

The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Martinez Robinson of Waldorf, MD. The MPD is asking for anyone with knowledge of this incident to call police at (202) 727 - 9099 or text tips to the Department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

The MPD is offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who can provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that they are currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the Northwest area. The incident took place on Friday, August 23, 2024, at approximately 12:17 a.m. Officers were in the vicinity of the 700 block of Florida Avenue, Northwest when they heard gunshots.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered evidence of a shooting, but found no victim. Shortly thereafter, an adult female was discovered at a local hospital receiving treatment for gunshot wounds. Despite all lifesaving attempts, the woman eventually succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead. 

The MPD identified the deceased individual as 23-year-old Lou Loni Jordan from Waldorf, Maryland. The MPD urges anyone who has information about this incident to contact them directly at (202) 727-9099, or to text tips to the Department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The department is currently offering a reward of up to $25,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person, or persons, responsible for committing homicides within the District of Columbia.