Shooting Defendant’s Trial Delayed

A shooting defendant’s trial was pushed back in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Dec. 2.

Ni’jhae Curry, 33, was indicted for assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a prohibited weapon, for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 900 block of Sycamore Drive, SE. No injuries were reported.

Judge Christian accepted a motion presented by the prosecution to carry the current trial date by a month due to a scheduling conflict by Curry’s defense attorney, Jonathan Love.

Love also filed a motion to return Curry’s cell phone to her. He justified that there is nothing on there that will incriminate her, rather there is only information showing her innocence. This motion was denied since the prosecution will make the device available as soon as testing is done.

Parties will reconvene on Feb. 13.

‘This Warrants A Life Sentence,’ Says Judge to Serial Carjacking, Robbery Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced a carjacking defendant to 20 years total on Nov. 22.

DeAngelo Richardson, 22, pleaded guilty to armed carjacking and armed robbery for his involvement in the following series of armed robbery and carjacking incidents:

Armed Carjacking on May 28, 2022 at 100 block of H Street NE
Armed Robbery on May 29, 2022 at 1200 block of Wylie Street NE
Armed Robbery on May 29, 2022 at 600 block of 10th Street NE
Armed Robbery on May 29, 2022 at 1100 block of G Street NE
Armed Robbery on July 1, 2022 at 1900 block of 3rd Street NW
Armed Carjacking on July 14, 2022 at 400 block of L Street NE
Armed Carjacking on July 14, 2022 at 1100 block of 6th Street NE
Armed Carjacking on July 14, 2022 at 600 block of Morton Place NE
Armed Robbery on July 26, 2022 at 800 block of D Street NE
Armed Robbery on July 30, 2022 at 600 block of 5th Street NE
Armed Robbery on July 31, 2022 at 1100 block of H Street NE
Armed Robbery on Nov 5, 2022 at 100 block of 4th Street NE
Armed Robbery on Nov 5, 2022 at Stanton Park NE
Armed Robbery on Nov 5, 2022 at 600 block of 3rd Street NE
Armed Robbery on Nov 5, 2022 at 100 block of K Street SE
Armed Robbery on Nov 6, 2022 at 500 block of 7th Street NE
Armed Robbery on Nov 6, 2022 at 300 block of 10th Street NE
Armed Robbery on Nov 6, 2022 at 800 block of D Street NE
Armed Robbery on Nov 6, 2022 at 200 block of G Street SW
Armed Robbery on Nov 10, 2022 at 70 block of U Street NW
Armed Robbery on Nov 10, 2022 at 300 block of K Street SE
Armed Robbery on Nov 12, 2022 at 500 block of 5th Street NE
Armed Robbery on Nov 12, 2022 at 400 block of G Street NE
Armed Robbery on Nov 18, 2022 at 100 block of W Street NW
Armed Robbery on Nov 26, 2022 at 1300 block of South Carolina Avenue SE

The prosecution read aloud three statements from Richardson’s carjacking victims.

The first victim was threatened at gunpoint, and robbed of her wallet, keys, and car. Richardson also did $7,000 dollars of damage to her car that insurance wouldn’t cover.

“The crime you committed has terrorized me every day,” the victim wrote. “I’m angry you taught me to be hypervigilant.”

Despite the pain he caused, the first victim wrote that she wanted a sentence, “in the spirit of long-term rehabilitation.”

The second victim wrote about her anxiety and fear she’s experienced after the crime. She wrote that she missed being able to go out with her friends without worrying about potential dangers.

The third victim was robbed on her birthday. She stated the day now serves as a reminder of when she was victimized by Richardson. In her statement, she wrote that she sincerely hopes Richardson will reflect on the consequences of his actions.

Afterward the prosecution asked for a sentence of 20 years. As part of Richardson’s plea agreement the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA)–which allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements–was waived, and the act wasn’t a factor in sentencing.

Defense attorney Molly Bunke asked for the same sentence of 20 years, but her arguments on Richardson’s behalf were interrupted frequently by Judge Christian.

Bunke explained that for a 22 year old like Richardson, the 20 year sentence is incredibly long, since the sentence is equal to the life he lived until he was arrested.

“This warrants a life sentence,” interrupted Judge Christian. “I don’t think it’s long at all.”

Bunke stated people don’t have fully developed brains and can’t fully deliberate their actions until they’re 25-years-old.

Bunke also argued that Richardson’s proactive attitude and accountability shows his commitment to change and taking responsibilit. According to Bunke, he pleaded guilty before his preliminary hearing and he’s been taking advantage of education programs at the jail despite already having a high school diploma.

“That is what we hope for,” Bunke exclaimed.

“The system is not just for punishment,” Bunke stated, to which Christian interrupted, “This is the case for punishment.”

“People are not the worst things they’ve ever done,” Bunke stated, “[he’s] capable of change.”

Richardson apologized for the harm and trauma his actions caused. He stated he spent a lot of time thinking about the damage he did, and stated he is “working on bettering [himself].”

“I hope one day they can accept my apology and know I’m being sincere.” Richardson concluded.

Judge Christian sentenced Richardson to 15 years for armed carjacking, and five years for armed robbery, both to run consecutively to each other.

“This was a pretty good deal here for what was done,” Christian ended the sentencing.

No further dates have been set for this case.

Absent Murder Defendant Causes Hardship to Victim’s Family

Ethan Cunningham failed to appear before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Dec. 2 to accept or reject a plea offer, following several previous absences that have caused hardship to the victim’s family members, according to the prosecutor.

Cunningham, 22, is charged with three counts of felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, kidnapping while armed, attempted robbery while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, 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.

Lisbeth Sapirstein, Cunningham’s defense attorney, told the court she expected Cunningham to appear in court on Dec. 2 to decide on a plea offer.

The prosecutor said US Marshals reported Cunningham didn’t get on the bus from DC Jail, citing unspecified medical reasons.

According to the prosecutor, Cunningham has repeatedly failed to appear in court when the victim’s family has taken time off work and traveled from different state to see if Cunningham will take responsibility for their loved one’s death.

The prosecutor set a deadline of Dec. 4 for Cunningham to respond to the plea offer. If he doesn’t appear in court or provide documentation of extenuating medical circumstances, the prosecution plans to go ahead with the trial currently scheduled for Jan. 21, 2025.

For the convenience of the victim’s family, Judge Epstein agreed to the prosecution’s request for unusual scheduling of the next hearing. If Cunningham appears in court on the morning of Dec. 4 and wants to accept the plea offer, Judge Epstein plans to delay his guilty plea until the afternoon of the same day, giving the victim’s family time to travel to the court to be present in person.

This arrangement will allow the family to avoid making another trip if Cunningham again fails to appear or rejects the plea offer.

D.C. Witness previously reported the prosecution withdrew a plea offer on July 12 on the grounds that Cunningham had missed three hearings at which he was expected to accept or reject the offer.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Dec. 4.

Shooting Defendant’s Case Delayed Again For Heart Problems

A status hearing for a non-fatal shooting defendant was delayed a second time for medical reasons on Dec 2 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Anthrone Cabos, 27, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and simple assault for his alleged involvement in the non-fatal shooting of one person on the 600 block of Condon Terrace, SE on June 28, 2020.

Defense attorneys, Theodore Shaw and Patrick O’Sullivan, say they saw Cabos in the past week but did not see him two weeks ago when he was at the hospital. He was supposedly being treated in hospital for chronic heart issues.

There was a 911 call Monday morning according to the DC Jail, but its content was unspecified. In any case, Cabos was a no-show for the hearing.

Judge O’Keefe continued the matter until Tuesday for more information but the defense counsel questioned whether Cabos would be better by then.

Judge O’Keefe stated, “I get suspicious when people have continuous medical scratches” and scheduled a continued status hearing for Dec 3.

Judge Says, ‘Let’s Just Leave it Where it Is,’ Dismissing Nightclub Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum found there wasn’t enough evidence– including questionable identification–to justify a trial in a Nov. 27 preliminary hearing about a nightclub stabbing.

Raymond Price was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Nov. 23 on the 1400 block of Okie Street, NE.

During the hearing, the prosecution called a responding officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the defense introduced an investigator to review the evidence.

According to court documents, Price was identified as the suspect by a witness and the victim after a verbal altercation. Price allegedly had a knife when arrested.

Both parties presented the club’s video footage and the body-worn cameras of other responding officers.

The blurry video evidence included another individual who was involved in the altercation and left the scene very quickly, passing by police and commenting, “They be tripping in there.”

Alternatively, Price allegedly stayed back, checking up on the victim and cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation.

The only witness cited by investigators at the scene identified Price after being repeatedly asked by police, finally giving a response identifying Price’s clothing.

The victim didn’t know he was stabbed until he left the club, later identifying Price by an image presented to him by police stating, “That’s the man that stabbed me.”

Prosecutors argued that there is a low standard to determine probable cause and a “very good argument” to go forward to trial.

Defense attorney Joseph McCoy said Price is the wrong man. Although Price had a knife, there was no blood on it and there’s none in the bathroom where he could’ve washed it off. Two additional eyewitnesses didn’t see a fight or a stabbing.

Judge Hildum explained, “It’s a difficult case” as Price’s knife is the most compelling evidence bug without DNA testing and wound descriptions at this stage, the crime can’t be proven one way or the other.

“I just can’t find probable cause with assault with a dangerous weapon in this case,” Judge Hildum concluded, “Whatever happened that night, let’s just leave it where it is.”

The case was dismissed without prejudice, which allows the prosecution to recharge Price if they uncover more evidence.

No further dates were set.

Document: MPD Searching for Northwest Stabbing Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in locating a suspect involved in a stabbing incident that occurred on Nov 29 on the 2800 block of 15th Street, Northwest. An adult male victim was found with a stab wound and transported to a hospital for treatment. The suspect was captured on nearby cameras, and the MPD is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Document: Statement on Major Crash Involving MPD Member

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a fatal crash involving an MPD member on Nov 30. An unmarked MPD cruiser was struck by a speeding motorized cycle at the intersection of Columbia Road and 13th Street, NW. The cycle operator was pronounced dead despite first aid efforts. The MPD member, not responding to a call or using emergency equipment, is on administrative leave as the incident is investigated.

Document: Updated with Video MPD Investigating East Capitol Street Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an update regarding a shooting on Nov 22 on the 1700 block of East Capitol Street, SE. A 15-year-old male was injured and sought help at Eastern High School – his injuries are non-life-threatening. MPD is seeking community assistance in identifying the suspects captured on surveillance footage.

Murder, Mass Shooting Trial Postponed For A Pending Case

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan along with those involved agreed to reschedule an upcoming May 19, 2025 jury trial based on another case in Maryland and a delay in testing, during a Nov. 27 hearing.

Gerald Thomas, 21, is charged with attempted kidnapping while armed, first-degree murder while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license and second-degree murder while armed.

Thecharges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW on Jan. 27, 2022 which resulted in the death of 20-year-old Dasha Cleary. Three other individuals were also injured in the incident thus categorizing the event as a mass shooting.

Defense attorney Dominique Winters waived Thomas’ presence since he’s being detained for another shooting matter in Maryland. Winters stated to the best of her knowledge Thomas will accept a plea offer in that that case and will be sentenced soon.

Parties, along with Judge Raffinan, agreed to vacate the upcoming May 2025 trial date so the Maryland case can be resolved. Winters also requested additional time to ensure that all DNA evidence is tested prior to the start of trial.

No new trial date was set, but the calendar be discussed in a status hearing scheduled for February

Parties are set to reconvene Feb. 7.

Shooting Codefendants Reject Plea in High School Shooting

Two shooting defendants rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Nov. 27.

Saki Frost, 18, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to commit any other offense while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Azhari Graves, 18, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to court documents, the codefendants allegedly fired shots at a Chevy Cruze during a shootout. Some of the bullets pierced a classroom window at Dunbar High School striking a female juvenile student in the head who survived injury. The incident occurred on May 3 at the intersection of the 1200 block of Kirby Street NW and the 100 block of N Street NW.

Prosecution offered a wired plea deal, which required both defendants to plead guilty to one count of aggravated assault while armed and one count of carrying a pistol without a license. In exchange, all other charges would be dismissed.

This a\sentencing range stipulated in the plea was eight-to-12 years or 10 years.

Both defendants rejected the plea offer and are set for indictment.

Parties are set to reconvene Feb. 20.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Fatal Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause for second-degree murder in a stabbing case triggered by a fight between the perpetrator and surviving victim. The ruling came in a Nov. 25 hearing.

Shaneka Jackson, 41, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Gray Hall on Sept. 1 on the 900 block of Division Avenue, NE. One additional individual was injured.

The prosecution called an officer to testify about the investigation and video footage of the stabbing.

The video showed an altercation between Jackson and Hall’s girlfriend, Jackson’s boyfriend and Hall then got into a fight. Jackson allegedly grabbed a knife to defend herself, and when the argument escalated, she allegedly stabbed Hall while he was struggling with Jackson’s boyfriend.

Joseph Yarbough, Jackson’s attorney, established that the instigator was Hall’s girlfriend. According to the video footage –which the officer narrated– the girlfriend initially walked towards Jackson with balled up fists before engaging in an altercation.

“Can a person kill another without a weapon?” Yarbough asked the officer. He explained that there was evidence showing that Jackson’s boyfriend was in danger while grappling with Hall and Jackson could have believed he was in danger. Yarbough argued that the charge should be dismissed or should at least be dropped down to voluntary manslaughter.

The prosecution argued that there was no evidence suggesting that Jackson believed her boyfriend to be in danger for his life. He further explained that there was zero evidence that Hall was strangling or trying to kill the boyfriend.

Judge Epstein agreed that while an aggressor was a victim, when people engage in a fight, using deadly force in response is unacceptable. He found probable cause for second-degree murder.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 8, 2025.

Probable Cause Found, Murder Defendant Remains Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found probable cause that a murder defendant remained detained on Nov. 26.

Keondre Carroll, 21, is charged with premeditated murder while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, kidnapping while armed, robbery while armed, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or business. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 59-year-old Raymond Ballard on Jan. 23 on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

Two codefendants, Steven Metts, 19, and Jovontae Wallace, 19, are also charged for their alleged involvement in the same matter.

According to a press statement from the United States Attorney’s Office, Carroll, along with the two codefendants a got in a vehicle on Jan. 23, and drove by the crime scene firing 29 shots, killing Ballard.

According to the release, on Jan 24, Carroll and the two codefendants allegedly attempted to rob an individual of his jacket. After the victim fled onto a Metro bus, Carroll and the two codefendants followed the bus and blocked it at an intersection. Two of the three boarded the bus with their firearms ostensibly to track the victim down to take his jacket. After stealing the jacket, they fired at the bus while driving away.

During the hearing, Carroll’s defense counsel, Gemma Stevens, filed a motion for release from pretrial confinement.

Stevens argued that the prosecution had not established probable cause because she is not legally permitted in the grand jury proceedings where he was indicted, thus could not gauge the accuracy of the evidence.

Stevens also stated in her motion that, if the court finds probable cause Carroll is neither a danger to the community nor a flight risk. According to Stevens, his mother lives in DC, he has three kids, and he hopes to be employed, mentioning his past stint at a Target warehouse.

Further, she stated that he has only ever been convicted of carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of ammunition, both of which, according to her, are nonviolent crimes.

The prosecution disagreed with the defense’s motion, requesting Judge Raffinan to keep him detained.

She argued that the grand jury found probable cause, and the fact that the defense counsel was not there does not undermine the process. Additionally, the defendant admitted his involvement in another criminal matter — the facts of the case were not disclosed.

Judge Raffinan agreed with the prosecution, stating that she found probable cause for the case to go forward. She ordered Carroll remain detained, citing the nature of the crime, the gravity of the circumstances, and his multiple other criminal proceedings. Parties will reconvene on April 25, 2025.

Argument With Neighbor Leads to Gunfire, Judge Finds Probable Cause

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found probable cause in a domestic squabble and rejected the release of a shooting defendant during his Nov. 26 preliminary hearing.

Dontrell Harrison, 47, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting on April 17, 2023, on the 2100 block of I Street, SE. One individual sustained four gunshot wounds.

According to court documents, Harrison allegedly got into a verbal altercation with a neighbor, which led to Harrison shooting the victim in the face, chest, and arm. Harrison then fled the scene.

During the hearing, the prosecution called the lead detective who said that he questioned three witnesses at the scene, including the victim, the victim’s baby’s mother, and an unrelated individual who allegedly saw Harrison flee

According to the detective, the victim he and Harrison often got into argument over Harrison staring at the victim and the other witness. However, the victim’s baby’s mother supposedly told prosecutors that she was having an affair with Harrison.

Defense attorney Christen Romero Philips argued that there was no objective evidence to place Harrison at the scene of the crime as there was no video recovered or nor a forensics analysis.

Prosecutors argued Harrison’s when exiting the building “shows intent to kill,” citing Harrison saying “Go ahead on with that s***, that s***not worth it.”

The prosecutor connected Harrison to the scene explaining that in a search warrant of Harrison’s property, police recovered bullets that closely matched the shell casings at the scene. No weapon was recovered.

Philips pointed out that no one knows what happened during the argument between the suspect and the victim. Further, there were contradictions in the witnesses’ accounts of the incident.

“There is sufficient evidence” for the charges, and this doesn’t change any of the facts of the case, the prosecution argued.

Judge Demeo ruled,, “I certainly find probable cause to be pretty strong” as the inconsistencies don’t change the big picture of what happened.

Harrison’s other defense attorney, Erin Griffard, argued for Harrison’s release to his sister’s house, away from the location of the incident. With assistance from the Public Defender’s Rehabilitation Program, Harrison would have the resources to return to his jobs as a driver and restaurant staff, thus a benefi the community.

Griffard further argued that Harrison has a recurring tumor in his mouth, is awaiting surgery, and he will have a painful recovery which would be most successful in a home environment.

Prosecutors countered that Harrison is a threat to the community with previous convictions starting in 1997, most notably involuntary manslaughter and second-degree assault. They state there are no conditions or combinations of conditions to ensure safety for the community.

“The victim survived, thankfully” the prosecution continued.

Judge Demeo cited his “pattern of assaultive behavior” in denying his release, stating that at his age, “he does things after clearly thinking about them.”

The parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 24.

Jury Convicts Carjacking Codefendant

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld’s courtroom found a carjacking defendant guilty of all charges on Nov. 21.

Maurice Edwards, 20, was charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in an incident that took place at the intersection of 48th Place and Lee Street, NE on March 11. He will remain detained pending sentencing.

Azusa Beatty, 29, was originally a co-defendant but the cases were severed and Beatty will have a separate trial. She is also charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in the incident.

During the trial, the prosecution played a video of a car accident which, according to both parties, depicts Edwards and Beatty driving together, running a stop sign, and hitting another car.

The victim testified Edwards then pulled out a gun as they were arguing which the prosecution says allowed Beatty to enter the victim’s car.

During closing arguments, the prosecution claimed that Beatty later made several phone calls to a number linked to Edwards’ phone while incarcerated. Recordings were played for the jury and included a person identified as Edwards saying, “I know you’re not telling on me,” and “We hit him, or he hit us.”

The recording also featured Beatty allegedly saying, “I’m only in here because of you,” and “I would not even be in here if I snitched on you.” According to the prosecution, these statements imply consciousness of guilt and collusion.

Raymond Jones, Edwards’ defense counsel, argued the prosecution’s evidence leaves reasonable doubt because there is no proof that Edwards threatened the victim with a gun to aid in a carjacking.

Nonetheless, the jury delivered a guilty verdict.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 21.

Indictment Deadline Extended in Stabbing Case

The prosecution’s indictment deadline for a stabbing case was extended on Nov. 22 before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Chackell Anderson, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery, and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing. The stabbing occurred on Sept. 3 on the 1900 block of 17th Street, SE. One individual sustained wounds, and another was assaulted.

During the hearing, the prosecution motioned to extend the indictment deadline, which may also push the trial date currently set for Dec. 12.

The defense opposed this motion, but the prosecution stated they were willing to bring a plea offer to resolve the issues.

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 25 for a status hearing.