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.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in a Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in relation to a shooting that occurred in Northeast. According to the MPD, on June 13, 2024, at approximately 12:30 p.m., officers responded to the sounds of gunshots in the 1500 block of Benning Road, Northeast. They found a victim suffering from gunshot wounds, who was subsequently transported to an area hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

The MPD further announced that on August 21, 2024, 27-year-old Renard Levenberry, of Northeast, DC, was arrested. Levenberry has been charged pursuant to a DC Superior Court Arrest Warrant with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in a Shooting in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in a shooting incident that occurred in Southeast. The event took place on August 20, 2024, at approximately 8:05 p.m when the victim, upon exiting a vehicle in the 200 block of 37th Place, Southeast, was shot. The victim was able to leave the scene and seek help from an officer. The victim was then treated on the scene for minor injuries by DC Fire and EMS.

According to the MPD, following investigations, an arrest was made on August 21, 2024. The suspect, 18-year-old Mekhi Wilkins of Northwest, DC, was subsequently charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

Lead Detective ID’s Shooter, Witnesses Unsure

Prosecutors called on the lead detective in a shooting case to testify before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Aug. 22.

Marquez Beasley, 31, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with a dangerous weapon, for his alleged involvement in a car accident and following non-fatal shooting, on the 900 block of Division Avenue, NE, on Aug. 16, 2023, resulting in three injuries.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived at the site of a shooting following an accident between a car Beasley was driving and other vehicle. He allegedly shot at two of the individuals after they attempted to exchange insurance information with him, while the third victim was a bystander.

Prosecutors called on MPD’s lead detective who discussed a ShotSpotter recording of four gunshots. The witness testified to canvassing the area, looking for evidence and interviewing the driver and the mother of the other two victims shortly following her arrival at the crime scene.

The mother provided MPD an Instagram handle for Beasley, whom she identified as the shooter and neighbor who lived across the street.

According to the detective, he displayed a photo array to her and her daughter during their interview. When shown the array, both circled his picture, identifying Beasley, but mentioned that he didn’t have a goatee, and instead had a distinct tattoo in the middle of his forehead.

Beasley was subsequently arrested according to the detective.

During cross-examination, John Machado asked the detective if he corroborated Beasley’s identification with anyone else. The witness answered no, and added that he believed that obtaining Beasley’s Instagram handle was enough.

According to the detective, he assisted with processing the scene. He added MPD was able to locate one bullet fragment, an unidentified phone, fingerprints and DNA. However, he testified, the DNA and fingerprints did not provide useful information.

Machado called into question the detective’s investigation because he didn’t check the driver’s license of the person driving the victims’ car nor did he reconcile the divergent testimony of the other witnesses or determine what they were doing that night.

According to the defense, the detective was trying to push the victim’s to identify Beasley as the suspect.

While the detective testified to being “100 percent certain” of who the suspect was, the two witnesses who were shown the photo identification procedure, repeatedly stated that they were unsure of Beasley’s involvement.

Machado claimed that the detective thought that the witnesses were providing “bulls*** stories,” and promised them that they wouldn’t have to testify if they didn’t want to.

Prosecutors called a Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) technician who processed the scene, and described blood-stained clothing of a victim that was found outside the front passenger seat, a bullet damage found on the upper door, and a fragment that was recovered on the passenger floorboard within the car. The witness swabbed for DNA and recovered latent fingerprints from the outside of the phone that one of the victims handed to the defendant. He was able to pull “possible” fingerprints, but was never able to identify a suspect.

Following the forensic evaluator’s testimony, the prosecution called a responding Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who described the demeanor of the driver of the victim’s car as anxious, and stated he was having trouble breathing due to a panic attack.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 26.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Strangling and Beating Woman to Death in Hotel Room

Through his defense attorney, Russell Hairston, William Barrett pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed as part of a pre-indictment plea agreement in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Aug. 23.

Barrett, 69, was originally charged with first-degree and second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the death of 36-year-old Romaine Maddox on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE, on Feb. 23.

In return for Barrett’s guilty plea, the prosecution agreed not to seek indictment on the charge of first-degree murder. For the charge of second-degree murder while armed, Barrett faces a maximum sentence of 40 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000, with a period of supervised release not to exceed five years.

The prosecution’s proffer of facts stated that Barrett and Maddox had been in a romantic relationship for about a year at the time of the incident. They checked into a hotel together to celebrate Maddox’s birthday.

“The defendant told detectives that Ms. Maddox punched him in the chest, head and back,” the prosecutor said. “According to the defendant, he became enraged and blacked out.”

Despite partial memory loss, Barrett told detectives he remembered wrapping his belt around Maddox’s neck and pulling. He also remembered striking her in the face with a toilet tank lid until it broke into three pieces.

When Barrett woke in the hotel room the next morning, he found Maddox’s body was cold.

At the time of the incident, the prosecution said, Maddox was five feet tall and weighed 105 pounds. Barrett was five feet seven inches tall and weighed 129 pounds.

During the hearing, Barrett confirmed that the prosecution’s proffer of facts was true.

Barrett’s sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 25.

Defendant Accused of Shooting Homeless Men Plans to Test DNA Evidence

Homicide defendant Gerald Brevard alerted DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Aug. 23 he intends to independently test DNA evidence provided by the prosecution.

Brevard, 33, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault, mayhem, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and destruction of property worth less than $1000.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in three incidents, including the death of 54-year-old Morgan Holmes by shooting and stabbing on March 9, 2022, on the 400 block of New York Avenue, NE. Brevard is also accused of a drive-by shooting on March 3, 2022, on the 900 block of Mount Olivet Street, NE, that left one person injured, and a shooting on March 8, 2022, at the intersection of 17th and H Streets, NE, that left one person injured.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Brevard was arrested on May 15, 2022, by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division.

At the time of his arrest, Brevard was also being investigated by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on suspicion of shooting two homeless men in New York City, according to court documents. One of the victims died from his injuries.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for Dec. 11.

Arson Defendant Sentenced to 40 Months, Told Police, ‘I Am The Creator’

A defendant who pleaded guilty in connection to arson and a non-fatal shooting incident was sentenced to 40 months in prison by DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer DiToro on Aug. 23.

“Your mental health challenges are significant,” Judge DiToro told Robert Crowder, 33 as he repeatedly interrupted her asking for clarification of his sentence.

Crowder pleaded guilty to a property destruction charge as well as unlawful possession of a firearm. He was given credit for time served

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment building on the 1100 block of 2nd Place, SE on Aug. 22, 2023. When they arrived they heard shots coming from the inside of one of the apartments which Crowder occupied and had deliberately set on fire.

Several windows were shattered during the shooting and the DC Fire Department had to be called to put out the blaze.

During her sentencing recommendation, the prosecutor said Crowder told police, “I am the creator. I lit the whole place on fire.” Also, “You know what the f*** I did.”

Crowder originally faced an eight count indictment for arson, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, destruction of property of $1,000 or more, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, endangerment with a firearm and unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The prosecutor called an investigator from the DC Fire Department who said the blaze was not likely caused by cigarettes as Crowder claimed at one point. Further, the witness said firefighters were put in danger during the call because “they are not trained to respond to shots fired through a window.”

Since his arrest, Crowder has been detained at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital where he underwent a psychiatric examination. He was initially found incompetent to stand trial, but his competency was restored enabling disposition of the case.

In addition to the jail time, Crowder will serve five years of high intensity supervised probation during which he must avoid illicit drugs and avail himself of “holistic” and “comprehensive” mental health services. He must also pay $200 into the victims of violent crime fund.

Crowder’s attorney, John Sample, unsuccessfully asked for a reduced probation, calling five years “excessive” and said it was “setting him up to fail.” An issue for Crowder, said Sample, is that, “He wants to help the world.”

With Crowder’s competency restored Judge DiToro ordered him transferred to the DC Jail to serve the remainder of his sentence.

“It won’t happen again,” he told the judge.

Witnesses Struggle to Recall Previous Testimony in Shooting Trial

Before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, on Aug. 21 witnesses struggled to recall testimony previously presented to the grand jury and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), about a car accident that followed a shooting.

Marquez 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 for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident injuring three victims, on Aug. 16, 2023, on the 900 block of Division Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, the shooting occurred after a car crash. During a dispute, Beasly allegedly hit one victim with the bottom of his gun, and subsequently fired multiple gun shots that injured two victims and one bystander.

The prosecution called their witness, who was the driver of one of the vehicles involved in the accident. The witness was an assistant manager for a Papa Johns restaurant who was delivering pizzas and driving two family friends home.

The witness said he didn’t have a driver’s license and the vehicle was registered to his “mother-like” figure who also worked for Papa John and was the mother of the two other individuals in the car.

The witness said he had made a right turn, and a car hit his vehicle from behind as he turned onto Sheriff Road. He pulled over to check for damage, and the defendant got out of the car and demanded proof of insurance.

The witness said he explained that he didn’t own the car, and asked one of his friends to call their mother for documentation. A few seconds later, Beasley allegedly swung at the witness, missing the first two times.

The witness then said, Beasley pulled a “black handgun” and hit the witness with the bottom of the weapon cutting his forehead. Subsequently, a shot was fired into the ground, and then towards the victims.

The witness said he remembers his friend who was in the backseat being shot, while he fled the scene. However, he said he was unable to recall where the gun was retrieved, and who handed the phone to the defendant at the crash scene.

Later when presented a photo array by the MPD, although unsure, he was allegedly able to identify Beasley as the shooter.

During cross examination, defense attorney John Machado reaffirmed that the witness didn’t have his license, yet worked as a driver for Papa Johns. Machado also played video surveillance footage of the accident, revealing that the witness made an illegal right turn.

The prosecution called the mother of the two other victims in the car.

She said her nephew had been the one driving, and received a call from her son, telling her about the accident. Later both of her children identified Beasley, their next door neighbor, as the shooter.

The witness told detectives that she recognized the suspect on a FaceTime call as a local rapper she followed on Instagram as “big_foams.” She stated that she had only had a few short interactions with the suspect.

The prosecution also called the victim in the front passenger seat who didn’t remember any details of the accident or the model of the suspect’s car. The witness recalled the driver’s leaving the car, and her brother, in the backseat, and calling their mother after the accident.

As she turned her back, she recalled only hearing the phone on the ground. However, the prosecution replayed surveillance footage for the jury, and identified the witness running after multiple gunshots.

She claimed she was drunk during the police interviews and the photo array identification procedure in which she identified Beasley as the suspect.

During the cross examination, Macado suggested that the detectives were leading her to pick a suspect, regardless of her uncertainty.

The witness said she identified a tattoo on the suspect’s head, which Beasley didn’t have.

The next witness was a male who was sitting in the backseat during the accident. He was also shot during the altercation. The witness said he had been drinking and was smoking weed, reportedly “in and out” of sleep at the time. He admitted to being too drunk to remember the crash. He said he only heard loud music from a block party.

The witness testified to hearing one gunshot and running away. However, during his previous grand jury testimony, he stated that he had heard multiple shots.

The last witness the prosecution called was a bystander a shooting victim. She was on her way to a convenience store on Division Avenue and was shot in her leg. She was unable to get up and saw a black vehicle driving down the street with shots being fired out the open window but couldn’t identify the shooter.

The trial is continuing.

Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

On Aug. 21, a homicide defendant accepted a plea deal in front of Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe.

Seaun McDowney, 20, was previously charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Marquette White, 20, who was shot in the chest on Jan. 21, 2022 on the 3800 block of Commodore Joshua Barney Drive, NE.

McDowney, although not the shooter, was accompanying who prosecutors have identified as the shooter, 22-year-old Maurice Williams, that day and met with him to smoke weed.

According to the prosecution, they had planned to rob White of his gun and, on the night of the shooting, McDowney watched as Williams dragged White out of the vehicle and shot him.

Prosecutors argued McDowney did not make an effort to stop the shooter and instead fled with him to Georgia where they were caught and extradited to DC on April 28.

Hannah Claudio, McDowney’s attorney, alerted the court of his intention to accept the deal, which required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a 13-to-16 year sentence of incarceration.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 15 for sentencing.

Judge Rules Probable Cause In A Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover ruled there was sufficient evidence for probable cause that a suspect committed a shooting during a hearing on Aug. 22.

Tyquan Wiggins, 19, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (firearm) and possession of firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting on May 30, 2023, on the 1300 block of 5th Street, NW. A victim suffered a gunshot wound.

During the hearing, the prosecution introduced evidence during a detective’s testimony, including video footage from inside a convenience store near the incident location and footage from outside the convenience store on the block where the incident occurred.

Judge Glover also ruled that to maintain the safety of the community, the defendant would continue to be held.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 5 for a status hearing.

Judge Denies Sentencing Delay So Shooting Defendant Can Finish School

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a defense counsel’s request on Aug. 21 to continue a sentencing hearing until August 2025 so the defendant can finish school before being transferred to prison.

On Feb. 9, Eric Lemus, 20, accepted an agreement extended by the prosecution, which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that injured two on March 22, 2023, on the 1000 block of Park Road, NW.

Two representatives from School Justice Project, a legal DC nonprofit serving special education needs, requested that Lemus remain at the DC Jail so he can get help obtaining his GED, while receiving mental health treatment and counseling for his learning disability.

“He could continue seeing trauma therapy through an Individualized Education Program (EP). Or will that door be shut forever?” attorney Katelyn Martinez for the justice project asked the court.

Lemus’ defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, said he wants Lemus to experience the benefits of a“self-perpetuating feeling of accomplishment” when he completes his studies.

Sukumar said Lemus needs to work through the curriculum now since the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP) where he will be transferred does not offer these services.

“What skills has he developed? The connected services are important with a learning disability,” Sukumar said.

A prosecutor said this is a “serious” criminal matter that cannot be delayed since the victims are prepared to deliver impact statements and believed sentencing would be over by now so they can move on with their lives.

It’s not clear whether Lemus will complete his education requirements by August 2025.

The prosecutor said the defense’s request to suspend Lemus’ sentencing is confusing because he would not be earning credit during the extension. They said Lemus already has an “extreme benefit” from their plea offer.

Judge Raffinan denied the defense counsel’s motion to extend hearings until next August.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Sept. 27.

Murder Defendant Ordered to Have Frequent Drug Testing

Drug testing compliance was the issue before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan in an Aug. 21 hearing about a murder case.

Terrance Barnes, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed. Barnes, who struggles with substance abuse, allegedly fired a gun with premeditated malice, fatally wounding Barry Homles, 57, on April 17, 2019, on the 5100 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

David Knight, Barnes’ defense counsel, said that due to Barnes’ job he has been unable to get off work to perform his required, “random” drug test dates. Barnes previously failed to get a drug test and a new charger for his electric monitor on multiple occasions, as discussed in a July 9 hearing.

Knight said Barnes’ Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) officer told him he did not have to recharge his device. Knight said the court needs to give Barnes credit for getting a new job and working five days a week.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted Knight’s request that Barnes be given dates outside of work to test and she ordered Barnes to test one-to–two times a week as well as provide employment verification. Pending the outcome of the new conditions, the judge is withholding disciplinary action due to Barnes’ “substantial compliance” with no new arrests.

Parties are slated to resume Sept. 17.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Fatal Stabbing in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that an arrest has been made in relation to a fatal stabbing in Southeast. The incident occurred on Monday, July 1, 2024, around 6:44 p.m. The MPD responded to a report of a stabbing in the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, Southeast.

Upon arrival, officers found an adult male victim in the street who had been stabbed. The victim was transported to a local hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries despite life-saving efforts. The victim has been identified as 55-year-old Alfred Fields, who did not have a fixed address.

The arrest was made on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. The suspect, 56-year-old Robert Stringer of Camp Springs, MD, was located and arrested by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. He was subsequently transported to the Homicide Branch and, in accordance with a DC Superior Court arrest warrant, he was charged with First Degree Murder while Armed (Premeditated).

Murder Defendant Refuses to Appear, Cases Postponed

Aaron Walker, 20, charged with both a homicide and non-fatal shooting, refused to get off the bus from the jail to the courthouse to appear in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Aug. 21.

The move effectively delayed the proceedings against him as well as his co-defendants in the incidents.

In one case, Walker is accused of first-degree murder in addition to six other charges including premeditated murder while armed, robbery while armed, armed carjacking, and possession of firearm during crime of violence.

Dasani Dawson,20, his co-defendant, is also charged with first degree murder in addition to six other counts including robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, armed carjacking, and premeditated murder while armed.

These charges are connected to the fatal shooting of Brian Buxton ,20,who suffered from a gunshot wound to his head on August 9, 2022 on the 100 block of Irvington Street, SW Washington DC 20032. He was later pronounced brain dead.

In another case Walker is accused of assault to kill while armed against a minor in addition to six other counts including possession of a firearm during crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly against a minor, and threat to kidnap or injure a person.

His co-defendant, Malique Outland ,19,is charged with robbery, robbery while armed, armed carjacking, and possession of a firearm during crime of violence on the basis of being the getaway driver while the homicide occurred.

The alleged actions threatened the life of the victim who police found severely wounded after receiving a 911 call reporting multiple gunshot wounds on May 23 on 3400 block B Street, SE.

The court is currently set to hear both cases again on October 11.

Shooting Trial Delayed As Prosecution Requests DNA Testing

The prosecution informed the court they will be proceeding with DNA evidence testing in a shooting case effectively postponing the proceeding. The matter was argued before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur in a hearing on Aug. 20.

Keith Walker, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting in which an individual sustained an injury to the ankle. The incident occurred on March 7, on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE.

During the hearing, Tamara Jones and James King, Walker’s attorneys, requested Walker be released on bond due because the trial was supposed to start today.

The prosecution stated since the defense entered a motion to independently test DNA evidence, the prosecution decided to conduct its own DNA testing in an effort to “pursue the truth here.”

The prosecution also denied allegations by the defense about delaying trial, stating that they wish to do DNA testing to be “transparent and upfront.” The defense does not have to disclose the results of its DNA testing unless they plan to introduce the findings in court.

Judge Arthur denied the defense’s motion for bond release, stating that there is “no material change in circumstances.” Judge Arthur also agreed the prosecution was not intentionally delaying trial.

Parties requested Judge Arthur set a status hearing in the next few days to discuss how much DNA material is available to test and other motions filed by the defense prior to scheduling a trial date.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 22.

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