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‘Guilty People Don’t Give CPR,’ Defense Concludes in Homicide Trial

Parties in a homicide trial delivered closing arguments on Aug. 15 before  DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein with the defendant claiming he had a right to protect his home.

Jason Lewis, 42, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake on Jan. 7, 2023. The incident occurred on the 1000 block of Quincy Street, NE.

Before closings began, the prosecution discussed a subpoena and bench warrant ssued for Lewis’ wife, but had not been served. The prosecution requested the trial be carried to Monday so the US Marshals could locate her. 

According to the prosecution, her car was found at her sister’s residence with her purse and phone inside and took an Uber to an undisclosed location as told by the US Marshals. 

The prosecution told Judge Epstein she should be considered a material witness, because she said she never heard anyone shooting at Lewis. However, the defense said her testimony was based on her observations, and she may have not been paying attention. 

The judge denied a request to carry the trial to Monday as he did not want any delay and stated if Lewis’ wife was a critical witness she should have subpoenaed sooner. 

During closing arguments, the prosecution displayed a photo of Blake and an audio recording after he was shot, in which he is heard saying “I’m sorry I’m sorry,” and “I’m just a kid.”

The prosecution insisted that, although Blake had been allegedly attempting to break into cars the night of the incident, it did not justify shooting him.

They disputed Lewis’ self-defense claim, stating he was shooting first, and continuing to shoot as the kids ran away contents his argument. 

The prosecution pointed out that Lewis did not have to go outside that night as there was no imminent danger, adding that his security camera showed him walking through his home to the gate entrance and depicted “how quickly” he turned right and fired at a car, striking Blake.  

They ended by insisting that Lewis’ stance after shooting Blake was not that of someone who is afraid, but rather someone attempting to act as a hero with the mentality of “not in my neighborhood.” 

Edward Ungvarsky, Lewis’ attorney, painted Lewis a conflict resolver, adding that he’s not an angry person, but rather he’s peaceful, calm, and collected. “He’s not a hothead shooting at kids breaking into his car,” Unvarsky told the jury. 

According to Ungvarsky, Lewis had grabbed a gun, which he was allowed to carry, intending to protect his family, adding that there is not a need to “agree with his choices,” but rather recognize his legal right to defend against a threat coming at him.

Lewis’ body language that night, Ungvarsky claimed, was the posture of someone in shock, not a killer as the prosecution interpreted. 

Ungvarsky also mentioned Lewis’ cooperation with police, stating he had willingly let officers see his phone and come into his home, claiming it is what innocent people do.

“Guilty people don’t give CPR,” Ungvarsky insisted, stating Lewis was focused on helping the boy.

He asked the jury to put themselves in Lewis’ position that night, and requested they acquit him of all charges.

Parties will reconvene when the jury has reached a verdict.  

Judge Warns Defendant to Keep Ankle Monitor Charged or Face Arrest

At a hearing on Aug. 15, a carjacking suspect was warned to keep his GPS monitor active to continue on release. The device pinpoints the whereabouts of an individual but needs to be recharged daily.

Lamontee Fowler, 21, is charged with three counts of armed carjacking and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly committing three separate carjackings on April 27, May 2 and May 8. The incidents on April 27 and May 2 happened on the 4400 block of Texas Avenue, SE, while the one on May 8 took place on the 4300 block of G Street, SE. 

Fowler is also charged for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on May 10 on the 4400 block of B Street, SE.

During the hearing, a Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative said Fowler’s GPS monitor was not operating between Aug. 4 through Aug. 7. She said the GPS monitor lost its charge while Fowler was home. 

When he later attended a meeting with his case manager, she said Fowler did not provide an explanation for why his GPS monitor was silent for three days. 

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno told Fowler if an instance like this occurs again, the prosecution would arrest him awaiting trial. 

According to court documents, during the incident on May 8, Fowler allegedly fired two bullets at a victim before the carjacking. On May 2, Fowler allegedly pointed a gun at a carjacking victim but did not fire it.

Other court documents state Fowler allegedly carjacked another victim at gunpoint on May 8. Then on May 10, Fowler allegedly fired shots at victims and abandoned the car he allegedly stole on May 8.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 1. 

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Fatal Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 18-year-old Jaylen Suggs, who is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Ricky Canty. The incident occurred on April 25 on the 4500 block of Sheriff Road, NE.

Suggs, who was a juvenile at the time of the incident, is charged as an adult under Title 16.

Carjacking Suspect Accused of Other Crimes Ponders Plea Offer

The prosecution set a deadline for a plea offer pending since April for a carjacking defendant.

Jaleel Fowler, 26, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident occurring on Dec. 15, 2023, on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. 

During the Aug. 15 hearing, Fowler’s defense attorney, Raymond Jones, said they need more time to decide on the deal because Fowler is facing additional charges,

In addition to the carjacking, he allegedly took part in a non-fatal shooting incident on Dec. 8, 2023, on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, at the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro station. He has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for that incident. 

One individual sustained life-threatening injuries during the attack which required hospitalization.

The prosecution told DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno that the April plea offer will expire on Sept. 16. 

According to court documents, Fowler allegedly pointed a gun at the victim in the carjacking incident before stealing his car. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers did not arrest Fowler until March 6.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 16. 

Document: MPD Searching for Stolen Vehicle in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle that was stolen by suspects after a shooting on Aug. 13 on the 1100 block of Naylor Road, SE.

The vehicle was identified as a 2020 blue Honda Civic with Maryland tags 2EK8713.

Defense Attorney Says His Client Was Thrown Like A ‘Rag Doll’

The prosecution and defense counsel presented opening arguments in an assault case before DC on Aug 14. 

Abraham Urrutia Castillo, 28, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Nov. 23, 2023, on the 2300 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

According to court documents, Castillo and another person were being escorted out of a restaurant, when the suspect allegedly pulled out a knife and slashed one of the workers on the left forearm, causing a deep cut. 

The prosecution said the two involved were trying to diffuse the situation by pushing the defendant “gently.” Castillo’s defense counsel, Damon Catacalos, argued one of the workers, a security guard, threw Castillo to the floor like a “rag doll” and continued behaving aggressively toward the defendant.

Catacalos said the jury will see in the surveillance footage that it was a violent push indicating Castillo’s actions were in self defense.

Parties are scheduled to return Aug. 15. 

Homicide Defendant Testifies He Thought His House Was Under Attack

A murder defendant accused of killing a juvenile testified before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Aug. 14.

Jason Lewis, 42, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake on Jan. 7, 2023. The incident occurred on the 1000 block of Quincy Street, NE.

Lewis, who has lived in DC his whole life and has a wife and four children, went into detail about his involvement in community programs including promoting mental health and suicide prevention and teaching children about marijuana laws. 

Lewis explained he returned home around 3 a.m. on Jan. 6 from work and as he was trying to sleep, he heard a noise thinking someone was trying to break into his home. 

He said he went to check, grabbing his gun from a locked safe. Lewis said he had not checked his security cameras, believing there was not enough time to cover the entrance and exit to his home.

Once outside standing by the gate entrance, he said he saw a gun and a flash. 

Lewis said he recalls maybe seconds passed and a person charging toward him. He said he shot at the individual who was unrecognizable.

Lewis said he recalled the person saying he was sorry and only 12-years-old. 

Lewis then called 911 and administered CPR until police arrived. 

He didn’t say he felt threatened at the time and was only focused on saving Blake. When the prosecution questioned him his explanation, Lewis stated he was worried police might shoot hin.

The prosecution pointed out the first thing Lewis told a 911 operator was that he was licensed to carry a concealed weapon rather than requesting an ambulance. 

The prosecution also showed footage of Lewis calling his mother, who was a former Metropolitan Police Department Officer (MPD), saying he believed he had killed a child. 

The prosecution also called on a worker from the US attorney’s office Litigation Technology Section to detail a video compilation video of the incident.

However, during cross-examination, defense attorney Edward Ungvarsky presented the same video and played a section frame-by-frame to show the sequence was technically flawed. A firearms expert testified the cartridge casings recovered from the scene were consistent with the gun belonging to Lewis. 

The defense called an MPD officer, who is part of the school safety division to testify about Lewis’ character. They have collaborated for more than a decade on events and programs to help children. 

The officer described Lewis as “always there for the children” and his “heart always in the right place.” when it came to the children Lewis interacted with. 

Parties are slated to return on Aug. 15 for closing statements.

Defendant Pleads Guilty To Drug Deal Shooting 

A shooting defendant entered a plea of guilty in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Aug. 15. 

Cordell Lesene, 38, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm because of a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 100 block of 57th Place SE, on Feb. 6, 2022. One person was injured and sustained injuries from the shooting.

According to court documents, the dispute arose as a result of a drug deal.

The prosecution extended a plea agreement for assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for 45 months incarceration, no further prosecution for greater charges, and gun offender registration. 

During the hearing, Andrew Ain, Lesene’s defense attorney, informed the court that his client intends to waive his right to trial and DNA testing, opting instead to enter a plea of guilty. 

Judge Park informed parties that he is vacating the trial date as well as the motions hearing scheduled for Aug. 20. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 15 for sentencing. 

Defense Requests Continuance in Stabbing Case 

A defense attorney requested a continuance for lack of evidence in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum on Aug. 15.

On Aug. 11 at approximately 12:04p.m., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers received a call for a stabbing on the 1800 block of Benning Road, NE. Aquino Boyd, 26, was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon

During the hearing, Boyd’s attorney, Sara Kopecki, requested a continuance because she said she had not received all of the video surveillance footage from the prosecution. 

A standard order was issued by the prosecution to show all relevant footage in the case, and the defense was satisfied by that action.

Parties are set to return Aug. 21.

Carjacking Suspect Rejects Plea Offer, Trial Date Set

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer DiToro on Aug. 15, a carjacking defendant turned down a plea offer asserting his right to go to trial.

Vincent Jones, 30, is charged with unarmed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and robbery while armed for his involvement in an incident that occurred on June 16, 2023 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

During the hearing the prosecutor repeated a plea offer that would have required Jones to plead guilty to one count of armed robbery with an imitation firearm and one count of armed carjacking in return for not filing an indictment on greater charges and capping Jones’ sentence at five years.  

According to court documents, the victim was surrounded by three men, one of them armed with what appeared to be an automatic weapon.  During the encounter one of the suspects told the victim to, “give that s*** up!.  At which point he surrendered his car keys and a bag containing $400 and credit cards.  The suspects then fled in the victim’s 2014 Toyota Corolla.  

While expressing some initial confusion about details of the deal, Jones ultimately rejected the plea and decided to go to trial.  

His attorney, Peter Odom, noted that the complaining witness in the case has been arrested on a firearms charge and asked the prosecution to provide details to the defense on the grounds the information could be “exculpatory.”  

Odom also asked Judge DiToro to release Jones on the grounds that his criminal record was “fairly minimal,” and that he’s had a child since his arrest as well as family support.

The prosecution objected, saying Jones’ circumstances have not markedly changed since his arrest. The judge agreed, ruling that Jones remain detained.

Judge DiToro set a trial date in the case for Nov. 7.

‘They Weren’t Aiming at Anyone in Particular, They Were Just Shooting,’ Says Prosecutor in Closing  

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom heard additional details of the prosecution’s closing argument in a homicide, conspiracy case on Aug. 14. 

Mark Price, 29, and Antonio Murchison, 31, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018 on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE. The incident left 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds. 

Additionally, Price is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, threat to injure or kidnap a person, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and first-degree burglary while armed. These separate charges come from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE. 

A third co-defendant, Quanisha Ramsuer, 31, is charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide.

Six other defendants were convicted in 2023 of charges related to the incident, including:

As the prosecutor continued her closing arguments, which began on Aug. 13, she told the jury, “They have the guns, they have the car, they have the driver,” and insisted the defendants conspired to carry out the attack in the months and hours leading up to the incident. 

“They weren’t aiming at anyone in particular, they were just shooting,” the prosecutor insisted, adding that the group of four gunmen unleashed 50 shots within 20 seconds. 

According to the prosecution, Price and Isaiah Murchison were connected to the murder vehicle through DNA evidence, which was collected from gloves left behind in a black Infiniti. 

The prosecution also argued that Michals showed his consciousness of guilt as he searched for the shooting the following days. She added that multiple co-conspirators communicated in code about the attack, in an attempt to prevent law enforcement from tracking their conversations. 

“If you’re just a bad shot, you’re still guilty,” she ended, reminding the jury that, although one gunshot caused Wilson’s death, all individuals involved in the conspiracy and the recklessness can be found guilty. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 15.

Homicide Defendant Files Letter for New Trial, Then Swears at Prosecution During Closing Arguments 

A defendant filed a hand-written letter asking for a new trial then cursed the prosecution during closing arguments in a homicide case in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Aug. 13. 

Mark Price, 29, and Antonio Murchison, 31, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018 on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE. The incident left 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds. 

Additionally, Price is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, threat to injure or kidnap a person, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and first-degree burglary while armed. These separate charges come from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE. 

A third co-defendant, Quanisha Ramsuer, 31, is charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide.

In Price’s letter filed on Aug. 12, he justified asking for a new trial on the basis the jury does not have enough Black members to represent the DC Community. Thus, Price says his constitutional right to a fair trial is being violated.

During the past two years, the Public Defender Service (PDS) has argued that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some 70 defendants may have been tried by juries without a sufficient number of Black people. Price is not among those litigants.

Price’s jury includes 16 people, fourteen white, one Asian, one Hispanic and two Black people. Among the jurors, 10 are men and six are women. 

Megan Allburn and Gemma Stevens, Price’s defense attorneys, declined to comment on Price’s motion. 

During the hearing, the prosecution delivered closing arguments, in which they displayed the ShotSpotter recording from the mass shooting, insisting “20 seconds, 50 gunshots, four gunmen, one driver,” is all it took for the Clay Terrace community to be severely affected.

The prosecution presented the background of this incident beginning in 2017 as the tension between two rival gangs, one located in Wellington Park, known as the Wellington Park Crew, and the other in Clay Terrace. 

The Wellington Park Crew had hard feelings toward Clay Terrace, the prosecutor argued, because a member of the Clay Terrace gang allegedly killed a member associated with the Wellington Park Crew known as Glizzy 30.

Price and Murchison allegedly became involved with the Wellington Park Crew after the initial murder occurred. The prosecution said even though the defense could argue these instances in 2017 are irrelevant, they are relevant because it illustrates Price’s and Murchison’s motive. 

The prosecution said Price became involved after being shot in the leg by a member of the Clay Terrace crew in December 2017 while riding a scooter through the Clay Terrace neighborhood. Murchison was drawn in allegedly because his brother, Isaiah, was involved.  

The prosecution said a member of the Clay Terrace gang would post descriptions of attacks against the Wellington Park Crew on social media, including music videos, which further angered members of the Wellington Park Crew and allegedly motivated them to undertake the mass shooting which killed Wilson. 

The prosecution also said Murchison and Price, along with other members of the Wellington Park Crew, would collect money for guns through messaging on social media. They said they began to stockpile weapons as shown in other social media posts in the late summer of 2017.

According to the prosecution, surveillance footage from the Wellington Park community showed Murchison allegedly holding a gun resting against his head in an apartment common space while others “put their heads down” while walking around him. 

They argued community members not involved in the crew would do the same around Price. 

The prosecutor deemed Price “not a moron,” because he knew not to post pictures of himself with or of guns online. They showed one online message where Price wrote, in reference to social media posts, “12 can see that s***,” to another Wellington Park Crew member.  

“If you think the guns in the pictures are fake, ask yourself what kind of bullets killed Makiyah Wilson?” the prosecution said, asking the jury to realize all the pictures used by the crew members were real.

Murchison’s defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, objected to the prosecution’s saying people in an apartment building in the Wellington Park community where Murchison was holding guns “put their heads down” while walking by him. 

He said the accusation is “ridiculous” and “unfair” because there is no evidence to prove their statement. 

The prosecution said they have surveillance footage of residents literally “putting their heads down” while walking by Murchison with a gun when posing for photos. While the prosecution was defending their argument, Ramsuer interrupted. The prosecution requested Ramsuer to remain quiet while they were speaking. 

Price then told the prosecution “f*** you” and a little later called them a “b**** ass.” 

Judge Okun overruled the defense’s objection, but said they could mention it during their closing arguments. 

Parties are set to reconvene Aug. 14 to continue closing arguments.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in ‘Out of Nowhere, Unprovoked’ Shooting 

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a shooting that occurred “out of nowhere, unprovoked,” during a hearing on Aug. 13. 

Israel Beairs, 40, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 4 on the 1800 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE. An adult female sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident. 

According to court documents, the victim and Beairs were previously in a romantic relationship. 

The prosecution called on the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). 

According to the detective, the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the head, and endured surgery to remove a portion of her skull to alleviate the resulting pressure. She also required intubation to assist her feeding and breathing. He testified she is now required to wear a protective helmet. 

Surveillance footage from the incident, which corroborates the detective’s affidavit, shows the victim arrive at the scene in a vehicle, and leave the area for an undisclosed amount of time. Moments later, an individual, identified as Beairs, was seen arriving at the scene in a silver BMW and parking at an angle toward the victim’s vehicle. 

The video depicts the person identified as Beairs conversing with some individuals in the area, before the victim is seen re-entering her car and driving away. As she drove away, the video shows, the suspect fired at her repeatedly, before moving and firing again. 

Following the shooting, the detective testified, the suspect left the scene in his vehicle. 

According to the detective, Bears was on release and on GPS monitoring at the time of the incident, and a record from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) places his GPS monitor at the scene of the crime. 

The detective also alerted Judge Brandt that, during their prior relationship, the victim had called 911 and reported Beairs had punched her in the face and shot at her with a handgun. 

The prosecution argued that Judge Brandt should find probable cause due to the high-quality video footage of the incident. They claimed it is “difficult to dispute that it’s an intentional repetitive shooting with intent to kill” when the suspect continuously shot at the victim’s vehicle as she drove away. 

Courtney Vaughn, Beairs’ attorney, submitted with the court on the finding of probable cause. 

Judge Brandt argued this incident was “extremely serious,” reiterating the fact that the victim lost part of her skull due to the incident, and continues to have a long road to recovery. 

Judge Brandt deemed the incident “brazen,” adding “she [the victim] didn’t even see this coming.” 

Due to the finding of probable cause, and his detainment in two separate cases, Judge Brandt order Beairs remain detained. 
Parties are scheduled to reconvene Sept. 10 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.