‘Who is He to Take a Life?’ Asks Victim’s Sister During Sentencing

A homicide defendant was sentenced to 15 years by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein in an Oct. 9 hearing.

On May 3, Tyree Sanders, 24, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Michael McKinney. The incident occurred on Sept. 17, 2023, on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 12-to-17 years of incarceration.

According to court documents, the shooting stemmed from internet beef between Sanders and McKinney.

During the hearing, McKinney’s aunt stated, “his life was taken too soon,” adding that, “His children will grow up without a father.” According to McKinney’s aunt, there are now seven children without a father and a heartbroken mother.

“There’s not a minute that goes by that I don’t think of him,” McKinney’s youngest sister continued, explaining she “breaks down and cries everyday.”

McKinney’s older sister recounted, “Michael went out of his way to help others,” questioning to the judge, “who is he [Sanders] to take a life?”

“He ruined everything for me and my family… Michael McKinney deserves justice,” the sister insisted.

“Mikey was a blessing… he is a memory for us all,” expressed the victim’s oldest sister.

Prosecutors presented Judge Epstein with footage of the incident, stating that McKinney should receive the highest sentence the sentencing range allows.

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley sympathized with the family, explaining how the defendant lost his father at 13, was exposed to abuse and violence at a young age, and was placed in the foster care system.

According to Mosley, Sanders feels remorseful for his actions, going as far as writing and rewriting an apology letter to the family on the day of his arrest.

“I hope one day I will forgive myself,” Sanders told Judge Epstein.

The judge sentenced Sanders to 15 years in prison, and five years in supervised release. The defendant will be required to seek grief counseling and mental health services whilst serving his time.

No further dates were set.

Witness Changes Testimony in A Homicide

A witness testified that a co-defendant in a homicide case is not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo, after admitting to lying in previous testimony in a hearing on Oct. 8.

Eugene Burns, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the Nov. 14, 2015, fatal shooting of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.

Burns was convicted of these charges in 2017, but the DC Court of Appeals overturned the verdict in 2020. The court ruled that investigators had searched beyond what was legally allowed.

Burns and Tyre Allen, 24, are also charged with conspiracy, obstructing justice by influencing or delaying a witness or officer, and obstruction of justice for their alleged attempts to persuade a witness to redact testimony from Burns’ first trial.

The prosecution called Allen’s brother to the stand to continue his testimony. He previously identified himself as also Burns’ cousin.

Brandon Burrel, Allen’s attorney, asked whether Allen bribed, coerced, or intimidated him, to which the brother replied no. He stated, “his verdict should be not guilty,” referring to Allen.

“You lied about your testimony, isn’t that right?”, Rosemary Szanyi, Burns’ attorney, asked the witness. She revealed that his initial testimony in 2020 was a lie and he agreed. After being shown an affidavit created in 2020 he said, “the affidavit is not the truth… the truth is the trial in 2017, and now.”

According to the witness, he signed the affidavit in the presence of the detective, a notary, and Burns’ defense attorney. “Those are not my statements, but I signed the affidavit,” he said, adding that he only had about 30 seconds to read through the document.

During his testimony, he confessed that the initial $25,000 reward for information about the case motivated him to contact law enforcement, saying, “I only cared about the money.” He explained his circumstances of jumping from house-to-house and being unemployed with a newborn.

In his direct, he recounted a conversation with Burns, where he relayed that Allen had been taken into custody for failing to appear for a grand jury. “All you got to do is stick to your story” about who was responsible, Burns told Allen’s brother, emphasizing his right to remain silent.

Burrell also questioned the witness about his mental health condition. Burell asked about auditory hallucinations that doctors noted down, but the witness clarified that he only heard his own thoughts and consciousness during the events surrounding Osuchukwu’s death. He asserted that doctors exaggerated his conditions.

The prosecution also called a special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

The FBI special agent worked on the cellular analysis team (CAST). His knowledge in historical cell phone records helped explain Burns’ phone calls right before the shooting on Nov. 14, 2015.

Burns’ phone data and calls were consistent with a route towards the scene of the crime, according to the agent.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 9.

Document: MPD Investigating a Fatal Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the homicide of 39-year-old Delonte Smith that took place on Oct. 8 on the 900 block of 7th Street, NE. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, who was pronounced dead on the scene.

Judge Leaves ‘Competent’ Shooting Suspect in Mental Hospital

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt reviewed a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and ruled that a defendant with serious mental issues must remain hospitalized at St. Elizabeths despite being deemed mentally competent to stand trial in a hearing on Oct. 9.

Christopher Wise, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful entry, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 12 on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE. The incident left one person injured.

During the hearing on Oct. 9, his attorney Janai Reed told the court that although Wise was found competent, she is contesting the finding and wants to hire an outside expert to re-evaluate him.

The prosecution requested that he be moved back to the DC Jail due to DBH needing more room at the hospital for treatment.

Judge Brandt rejected the argument because Wise has a documented history of mental disorders, and although currently competent, he was only stabilized by drug treatment available at the hospital, not the jai

Parties will re-evaluate at his next hearing on Nov. 11.

Document: MPD Investigating a Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Taquan Turner, which occurred on Oct. 7 on the 100 block of T Street, NE. Upon responding to the shooting report, officers discovered Turner suffering from gunshot wounds who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in 2023 Benning Road Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 39-year-old Juan Adams, who is charged with second-degree murder while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Michael Hansley. The incident took place on Dec. 2, 2023, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, Northeast.

Upon responding to reports of the shooting, officers discovered Hansley, who was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Document: MPD Searching for Persons of Interest in a Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying suspects in connection to a shooting that took place on Sept. 28 on the 1900 block of Half Street, SW. Upon responding to the incident, officers discovered an adult female victim with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, who was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment.

‘The Devil is in the Details,’ Says Prosecution in Murder Case Closing

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom heard closing arguments on Oct. 9 for a homicide that occurred in December of 2020.

Dennis Chase, 32, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with prior violence crime for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Anthony Orr. The incident occurred on Dec. 7, 2020 on the 400 block of Xenia Street SE.

The prosecution said that everything the defense has argued has been to ‘distract’ the jury from what happened. They explained that Chase driving in a car with Orr when he turned and shot Orr on the side of the head in a drug-fueled encounter

According to the prosecution, the autopsy reports show where the bullet had entered and exited the side of Orr’s head before shattering the passenger seat window. Based on where the bullet entered Orr had to be facing forward, not facing Chase as he had testified for his claim he was “defending himself”, argued prosecutors.

The prosecution argued Chase changed his story during his testimony and went as far as telling the jury, “I cannot remember any details.”

The prosecution said that the “devil is in the details,” and to make sure jurors focus on Chase’s character before reaching the logical conclusion of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Chase’s attorney, Megan Allburn, stated that no one knows whether or not Chase was in danger or not the day of the incident, so ruling out self-defense immediately is not the right move.

According to Allburn, Orr’s girlfriend, who had testified on the defense’s behalf, stated in her testimony that Orr was paranoid in the days leading up to his death, and that he told her he had to “kill Dick” (Chase) before he was killed. Allburn argued that Orr could have attempted to kill Chase who then took the gun and shot Orr first before he had the chance.

Allburn reminded the jury that if they have even a single ounce of doubt, they must rule “not guilty.”

“Do not compromise,” Allburn told the jury, and insisted Chase is not guilty of first or second-degree murder while armed and that he acted in self-defense.

Parties will reconvene on 10.10.

Murder Defendant May Not Want to Represent Himself

A homicide defendant alerted the court that he may be reconsidering his request to represent himself before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Oct. 9.

Wonell Jones Jr., 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Audora Williams — his children’s mother — in an apartment building on the 2000 block of Knox Place, SE on July 19, 2022.

According to court documents, Jones allegedly shot Williams 52 times in the apartment while their children were home. One of the children went across the hall to the neighbors to call 911 when Jones fled the scene.

Carrie Weletz, the second defense attorney that had been appointed to Jones’ case, filed a motion to withdraw from the case after Jones was found competent to represent himself by a Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) report at a hearing on Aug. 29.

At the Oct. 9 hearing, Judge Raffinan granted Weletz’ request and she was dismissed. Steven Kiersh was appointed as Jones’ attorney and he informed the court that Jones was reconsidering his request to represent himself

Kiersh is the third attorney that has been appointed to Jones’ case and Judge Raffinan asked Jones to “make certain” that he works with Kiersh because he is an “experienced” attorney.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 20.

Judge Extends Response Deadline For MOtion to Dismiss in A Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan agreed to extend the prosecution’s deadline to respond to a homicide defendant’s motion to dismiss his case on Oct. 9.

Michael Sanders, 30, and Darnell Resper, 31, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, conspiracy, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. Additionally, Resper is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

These counts stem from their alleged involvement in a shooting that resulted in the death of 30-year-old Youness Zarouaki and the injury of another individual at a row home on the 1000 block of Thomas Jefferson Street, NW on Feb. 18, 2022.

According to court documents, Sanders and Resper allegedly entered the home while Zarouaki was hosting a “marijuana party” and demanded drugs and personal property from the individuals present while pointing guns at them. Sanders allegedly fired, fatally shooting Zarouaki in the neck and wounding another individual.

On Oct. 1, Kevin Robertson, Sanders’ attorney, filed a motion for Sanders’ case to be dismissed with prejudice. Originally, the prosecution had a deadline of Oct. 16 to respond to the motion but at the Oct. 9 hearing, Judge Raffinan approved a request to extend that deadline. The prosecution now has until Nov. 1 to respond.

The prosecution also informed the court that interview transcripts and a plea offer would be provided to both defendants by the end of the week.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 19.

Carjacking Defendants Waive Preliminary Hearing

Two carjacking co-defendants waived their rights to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on Oct. 9.

Shani Burriss, 24, and Rodre Holloway, 26, are charged with two counts of carjacking for their alleged involvement in carjacking incidents on Aug. 18 and Aug. 25. The Aug. 18 carjacking took place on the 1400 block Morse Street, NE, while the Aug. 25 incident took place at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Piney Branch Road, NW.

According to court documents, the victim stated that he was walking to a residence after leaving his car to deliver food. When he approached the residence, he turned around to see someone getting into his car and driving away.

Pertaining to the Aug. 25 hearing in the case, the victim stated that he was at the incident intersection when he saw six individuals stop in a crosswalk blocking his way. During the argument, a suspect punched the victim through the driver-side window and a verbal altercation turned physical. The remaining suspects got into the victim’s car and waited for the last suspect to get in before driving off.

During the Oct. 9 hearing, Elizabeth Paige White, Burriss’ defense attorney, and Derrick Page, Holloway’s attorney, alerted the court of their intent to waive their preliminary hearing rights.

White requested Burriss be released, arguing that several release conditions, at the judge’s discretion, could be put in place to ensure the safety of the community. She argued that Burriss does not pose a threat and has several connections to the community, along with family ties. He also has a six-year-old daughter he wishes to still care for and has stable employment.

Likewise, Page requested that Judge Raymond release Holloway to house arrest so that he could continue to care for his three kids and maintain his job. He argued Holloway’s criminal history is light.

Judge Raymond found that the presumption of dangerousness had not been rebutted, and ordered Halloway and Burriss continue to be detained.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 30.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

A homicide defendant was arraigned in a murder case on Oct. 9, before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Deandre Miles, 28, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property worth 1000 dollars or more, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Davon Fuller. The shooting took place on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE, on Oct. 16, 2023.

Kevin Robertson, Miles’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty and asserted his constitutional rights.

The prosecution requested a 90-day continuance in order to share all discovery with the defense.

There will be a status date on Jan. 10, 2025, and the trial is set to begin Sept. 22, 2025.

Co-Defendants Found Guilty of Assault in Armed Carjacking Trial

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s courtroom partially convicted two co-defendants on Oct. 8 for their involvement in a carjacking incident

Gregory Patterson, 41, and Jimmy Johnson, 43, were charged with armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and assault with significant bodily injury for their alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on July 11, 2023.

During the trial, the prosecution alleged that Johnson and Patterson worked together along with two additional masked individuals to assault, rob, and attempt to carjack the victim while armed. Patterson’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, stated that while he was involved in a physical altercation with the victim, that was the extent of his participation.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Joseph McCoy, argued that he had no criminal involvement in the matter and was instead trying to help the victim. The victim’s testimony, in which he stated he remembers Johnson helping him and telling others to leave him alone, corroborated the claim.

The jury delivered their verdict and found them both guilty of assault with significant bodily injury and not guilty of all other charges. Judge Arthur accepted the verdict and set the matter for sentencing.

Their sentencing hearing is set for Dec. 12.

Parties Give Opening Statements in A Drug-Related Stabbing

Parties in a stabbing defendant’s jury trial delivered opening statements in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Oct. 8.

Warnell Reams, 57, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 5 on the 200 block of Vine Street, NW. One person sustained injuries.

According to court documents, Reams allegedly met the victim to get drugs. He returned sometime later to the scene because believed he was not given all the drugs he bought. After an argument, Reams allegedly stabbed the victim twice in his left arm and once in the left side of his abdomen.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers went to the hospital so that the victim could identify the suspect, according to court documents. They used a photo array consisting of nine individuals, and the victim allegedly identified Reams as the suspect.

During the prosecutor’s opening statement, she stated that the victim knew the defendant, despite giving a slightly incorrect name to the police. In a similar vein, she stated the victim suffered from hallucinations, but is sure that Reams is the man who attacked him.

Reams’ defense attorney, Michelle Lockard, told the jury that the knife pierced the victim after Reams pushed him away. Additionally, she told the jury that the lead-up to the stabbing was that the victim allowed Reams to sleep on his couch and stole money from Reams, explaining that they knew one another from dealing drugs that caused the fight.

During the incident, she argued that Reams discovered 100 dollars missing, and went to the victim’s apartment to get it back. She stated that when Reams walked into the apartment, the victim ran for a knife and swung at him.

According to Lockard, Reams grabbed the victim’s wrists and the knife got turned around and sliced his left arm and poked his abdomen.

Following opening statements, the prosecution called the victim to the stand.

He testified Reams and a friend went to his apartment late at night to pick up a TV that Reams let the victim borrow.

According to the victim, Reams came back less than an hour later, and accused him of still having items that belonged to him. After a verbal altercation, the victim testified, he was backed into a corner. After slashing the victim, Reams allegedly panicked at the sight of blood and ran out of the apartment, according to the victim.

On cross-examination, the victim contradicted his story, claiming he did not own a couch, he never let Reams stay with him, and he never took any money from him.

The trial is planned to continue on Oct. 9.

Murder Defendant Testifies He Acted in Self-Defense in Drug Dispute

On Oct. 8, a homicide defendant told a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom that he acted in self-defense in a drug-fueled incident.

Dennis Chase, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Anthony Orr. The incident occurred on Dec. 7, 2020, on the 400 block of Xenia Street, SE.

At the hearing, Chase testified he and Orr were partners in the distribution of cocaine and crack. According to Chase, complications began with a disagreement about Orr’s stealing stealing drugs to sell.

After Orr allegedly stole a kilogram of cocaine and a gun, he became paranoid, as a bounty was allegedly placed on his head.

Chase testified that Orr believed Chase was in contact with the individual who placed the bounty and would attempt to kill him. Testimony from the girlfriend of the victim explained that Orr made the connection because Chase mysteriously gained possession of more drugs to sell.

During the homicide, Chase said, the two were selling drugs around the neighborhood. The defendant alleges that at an intersection, Orr pulled out a gun and threatened to shoot as he demanded the remainder of Chase’s drugs.

Chase testified he felt threatened and attempted to grab the gun from Orr, which discharged and accidentally shot and killed Orr.

In a panic, Chase said, he pushed Orr out of the car and drove away.

The prosecution claims the defendant changed his story from from when he was in jail up until now.

“Wish I could tell the police what happened,” the defendant said, indicating that he didn’t trust the police would believe his self-defense claims.

“Did you kill Anthony Orr in self-defense,” Megan Allburn, Chase’s attorney, asked him. He said, “Yes!”

His girlfriend described Orr as being very paranoid in the days leading up to his death, including staying up all night due to a vehicle’s following him to their house, which he assumed was Chase.

“I need to kill Dick before Dick kills me,” the girlfriend quoted Orr as saying. According to the girlfriend, Chase’s nickname is Dick.

Chase, an investigating detective, and Orr’s girlfriend indicated that the defendant and victim were under some heavy drug use, including cocaine, Molly( MDMA), and marijuana.

Another witness, a woman who gave Chase and Orr shelter in alleged exchange for drugs, mentioned an event with Orr that left her terrified.

She testified that Orr took her hostage in her own home with a firearm. She alleged that he was talking to himself and seeing people that were not there. She claimed she was scared for her life, stating he took her phone when she tried to call the police.

“I was really bad on drugs at the time,” the woman testified, adding that she has a history of mental and physical ailments.

The parties will reconvene on Oct. 9.