After Seizure, Judge Releases Teen Homicide Defendant to Home Confinement

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan released a teen homicide defendant after he experienced a seizure during a status hearing on March 26.

Keyonte Johnson, 16, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Roy Bennett Jr. on the 300 block of Morse Street, NE on Dec. 5, 2025. Bennett sustained seven gunshot wounds.

Johnson is charged under Title 16, which allows prosecutors to try juveniles as adults for certain serious offenses.

An educational support advocate appeared on behalf of Johnson to discuss his conditions in the Youth Services Center (YSC). The support advocate stated that Johnson has not been receiving proper education or medical attention. According to the advocate, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) is violating the law.

According to the advocate, Johnson, who has epilepsy, is not receiving proper medical treatment, and there may be something wrong with the dosage of his medication.

Defense attorney Jesse Winograd asked Judge Ryan to release Johnson on home confinement so that he can receive the medical care he requires and attend school. Winograd additionally stated that YSC has not allowed him to get access to Johnson’s medical records. The defense also requested that Johnson be able to join a five-day program at a children’s hospital, where he would receive medical attention and an education.

Then in a dramatic moment, Johnson showed signs of a seizure and received emergency medical attention in the courtroom.

Following the incident, Winograd stated that although Johnson experiences seizures regularly, this one appeared to be worse than normal.

Winograd continued to argue for Johnson’s release, stating that he is at risk of exposure to pathogens at YSC, which makes his condition worse. According to Winograd, at one point, someone entered YSC with the flu.

Prosecutors conceded that Johnson’s lack of medical and educational resources at YSC is concerning, but stated that there are no conditions of release that will help protect the community. According to the prosecution, Johnson had a history of violent behavior that was both continuous and escalating. Additionally, prosecutors claimed that home confinement wouldn’t prevent Johnson from taking violent action while attending school.

While Judge Ryan had previously found no conditions of release that would ensure community protection, he stated that he would be open to changing his mind, as Johnson’s age and lack of medical attention concerned him. The argument was underscored by the medical emergency that took place during the hearing.

Judge Ryan decided to release Johnson on 24-hour home confinement with exceptions for medical appointments and legal visits. Both therapy and the five-day program will fall under the medical exception. As part of the release conditions, Johnson will be restricted from visiting the area where the incident took place or interacting with anyone who was present during the incident.

Parties will reconvene on April 2 to discuss Johnson’s compliance with release conditions.

Jury Acquits Stabbing Defendant After Deliberating 1 Day

A jury empaneled by DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna found a stabbing defendant not guilty of all charges on March 27.

Darryl Myers, 52, was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, misdemeanor sex abuse, and simple assault for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 7, 2024, in Dupont Circle. One victim was stabbed and the other sexually assaulted.

After less than a day of deliberations, the jury acquitted Myers of all six charges.

In the trial, the prosecution attempted to prove that the stabbing was not self-defense, arguing Myers provoked the confrontation, stabbed the victim four times, and bragged about it afterwards.

Myers’ defense attorneys argued that there were too many inconsistencies in the victims’ stories and not enough evidence to prove that Myers was the culprit. They also highlighted that the victims were drinking the night of the incident and their description of the clothes worn by the culprit differed from the clothing Myers wore that day.

The trial lasted four days, with the jury delivering its verdict just after lunch on the fourth day.

Myers was released from the DC Jail and no further dates were set.

Probation Continued for Pregnant Shooting Defendant As She Awaits Assault Trial

A shooting defendant’s probation was continued by DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on March 27 as she awaits the results of a simple assault trial.

Javonee Jackson, 26, accepted a sealed plea agreement in early 2025 for her involvement in the shooting of her oldest child’s father on May 10, 2023 at the 700 block of 7th Street, NW. She was originally charged with assault with intent to kill, and the terms of the plea are not accessible.

Jackson was additionally charged with simple assault and threats to do bodily harm in a separate case on Nov. 11, 2025.

At her probation hearing, a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) said Jackson had been compliant with her probation, despite her new arrest. Jackson is enrolled in anger management and grief counseling and had negative drug tests, the representative said.

Judge Dayson said she would follow CSOSA’s recommendation to wait for the results of Jackson’s new case, set to go to trial on April 23, before deciding on her probation. There were no objections to allowing CSOSA to handle further probation actions if Jackson is found not guilty.

Jackson did not object to the schedule, but alerted Judge Dayson that she could give birth around the time of her trial. She and her attorney, Alvin Thomas, said they would coordinate and contact the court if any scheduling changes are needed.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 23.

Defense Asks Judge to Release Carjacking Defendant Held on Other Charges

A defense attorney in a carjacking case asked DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur to release her client in a hearing on March 31.

Antwon Brown, 33, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place at the 1400 block of 22nd Street, NE on July 20, 2023.

At the hearing, Brown’s attorney, Quiana Harris, informed parties that her client is held on other unrelated charges in a strangulation case and has filed a motion for Brown’s release in that case. Brown was previously on release in the carjacking case until he was arrested on the new charges.

Harris also stated that her motion asks Judge Arthur to review the probable cause finding from a hearing on March 4 in the strangulation case.

The prosecution explained that they have received the motion, but want two weeks to be able to respond.

Additionally, the prosecution alerted parties that the case was previously before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel who asked them to investigate Brown’s compliance on release with the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA).

Brown’s carjacking case was transferred to Judge Arthur’s calendar since he presides over his other case.

The prosecution stated that Judge Israel wanted to be sure that Brown was in compliance with PSA to find out if there were grounds for Brown’s release.

Judge Arthur explained to the prosecution that if they want to maintain Brown’s hold, they can file a formal motion.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 17.

Two Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to 20 Counts at Arraignment

A non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to 20 charges stemming from two shootings before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 31.

Daquan Baker, 27, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, three counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, and a misdemeanor unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

All violent charges face an aggravating circumstance of allegedly being committed after Baker had two prior felony convictions.

Most charges stem from Baker’s alleged involvement in a January 25, 2025 shooting on the 5400 block of B Street, SE. One victim sustained a gunshot wound to the left thigh and graze wounds.

Additionally, Baker faces charges for his alleged involvement in a separate January 1, 2025 shooting on the 5300 block of Astor Place, SE. No one was injured but ShotSpotter detected 13 gunshots.

At the hearing, the court arraigned Baker on the charges against him while his attorney, Terrence Austin, pleaded not guilty on his behalf and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

The prosecution also presented evidence in the case which they chose to test for DNA which included a handgun and magazine from the January 25 incident. Prosecutors stated that their testing showed DNA evidence recovered from the handgun very likely belongs to Baker. They added that other evidence, including multiple handguns, shell casings, and a pill bottle, recovered during Baker’s arrest and from the January 1 incident, were not tested for DNA.

Baker waived his right to re-test evidence or test any additional materials. Defendants have a right to conduct independent DNA testing under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA).

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 3 for a trial readiness hearing.

First Responder Says Defendant’s Behavior was ‘Consistent with Intoxication’ After Fatal Crash

Several witnesses testified about the level of intoxication of a defendant accused of killing three people in a fatal car crash before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 30.

Nakita Walker, 46, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder, fleeing a law enforcement officer, and assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a fatal car crash. The incident occurred on March 15, 2023 on Rock Creek Parkway and killed Mohamed Kamara, 43, Jonathan Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22.

A detective with the US Park Police testified that according to medical records, Walker was “currently intoxicated” while hospitalized immediately after the incident based on her “ethanol level and clinical appearance.” Her ethanol levels were determined by blood and urine tests. Ethanol is the variant of alcohol for human consumption.

Defense attorney Albert Amissah countered that the detective had little involvement in the case as he was not present on the scene at the time of the incident and had nothing to do with the collection of the samples of blood and urine.

The next witness was a firefighter and paramedic from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DC FEMS) that responded to the scene. She testified that she did a quick examination of Walker and claimed she was “acting abnormally” and her behavior was “consistent with intoxication.”

She also admitted in cross-examination that she was unaware Walker had a concussion and people with concussions can exhibit odd behaviors as well.

The prosecution then called a medical doctor from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) who testified that the blood and urine tests ran for Walker “detected ethanol.” Additionally, the doctor said when individuals show “signs and symptoms of impairments” they should not be driving.

During cross-examination, Amissah confirmed with the doctor that the alcohol level in a blood sample can change depending on if it is stored properly. Alcohol levels can increase due to fermentation taking place, but they can also decrease when the sample is repeatedly opened, letting alcohol escape. The doctor said she did not know whether the tests were stored correctly.

The prosecution also called the medical examiner that performed the autopsies of the victims who testified that the cause of death for all three were “multiple blunt force injuries” and were classified as accidents for the purpose of public health statistics.

Finally an expert in accident reconstruction demonstrated that while Walker was allegedly going nearly double the speed limit at the time of the collision, she was slowing down from her original speed from around 100 miles per hour. At the time of the crash, she was said to be traveling at about 73 miles per hour.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 31.

Judge Denies Release For Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied release for a stabbing defendant, despite defense concerns about her condition at the DC Jail in a hearing on March 30.

Thelma Speed, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 200 block of 51st Street, NE on Jan. 6. The victim sustained lacerations to both hands and his left forearm.

Speed’s attorney, Darryl Daniels, asked Judge Pipe for a continuance because he sent the prosecution a counter plea offer for review. Daniels requested a mid-April date for the court to reconvene.

After a conversation under seal, Judge Pipe alerted parties that she denied Daniels’ request to release Speed, stating that the facts of the case, as well as Speed’s previous cases, were “concerning.”

Judge Pipe instructed Daniels to alert her chambers if there’s anything he’s concerned about regarding Speed’s incarceration in the DC Jail.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 7.

Defense Challenges Prosecution’s Expert Strangulation Witness

Defense attorneys opposed the use of a prosecutor’s expert witness on strangulation, requesting the analyst testify in a separate hearing before trial in a March 27 hearing.

Juan Guerra, 34, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of Peter Miller III, 32, on the 900 block of Maine Avenue, SW, on Oct. 6, 2021. Miller succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 11, 2021.

Prosecutors were planning on calling a “crime scene recreator” as their expert witness for trial.

However, Guerra’s defense attorneys Kevin Mosley and Diana Yu intend to challenge the prosecution’s expert witness because he “doesn’t use scientifics” in his expertise.

Mosley and Yu are opposing him in areas of supposed expertise in because his testimony will be “more prejudicial than probative.”

The defense’s request is said to ensure the expert witness’s testimony is reliable and relevant.

The prosecutor said he believed their witness should be deemed more of a “strangulation expert” rather than a “crime scene recreator.” The prosecutor told DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz that the prosecution will oppose the defense’s challenge.

Judge Kravitz suggested they set another date to get things figured out before trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 23.

Co-Defendant Rejects Plea Offer in Jail Stabbing Case

A defendant rejected a plea offer while his co-defendant requested additional time to consider the agreement in a jail stabbing case before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on March 30.

Tyrone Hawkins, 25, and Christian Ware,19, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in a stabbing at the DC Jail that left a victim with five stab wounds on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Oct. 21, 2025.

According to court documents, Hawkins and Ware allegedly entered the victim’s jail cell and stabbed him with a makeshift shank. The victim was found with numerous stab wounds including two stab wounds to the back, two stab wounds to the right arm, and one stab wound to the abdomen.

Court records show that Hawkins was previously charged for his alleged involvement in a separate jail stabbing case that occurred in 2023, which prosecutors dismissed on Jan. 23.

During the hearing, the prosecution mentioned a recently offered plea deal, but did not disclose any terms.

Hawkins’ attorney, Alvin Thomas, rejected the plea offer on behalf of his client and asserted his right to a jury trial.

Ware’s attorneys, Varsha Govindaraju and Erin Griffard, requested additional time to review the plea offer with their client.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 5.

A Victim Says Shooter is not ‘a Monster,’ at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a shooting defendant to two-and-a-half years in prison on March 27 for shooting 26 times at his extended family members in a car.

Amonte Moody, 20, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for firing into a vehicle on the 1700 block of Independence Avenue, SE on April 22, 2024. Despite the car containing four individuals, no one sustained injuries.

In a victim impact statement, one victim said the situation was very sad, but Moody has “already endured enough.”

She told the court she hates how Moody has been painted as “a monster,” especially given how he was assaulted before the shooting and shot at the car in anger.

As a mother herself, the victim explained, she doesn’t want Moody to have his life taken away. She asked Judge Edelman to not just put him behind bars, but to provide services that could actually help him such as mental health counseling or services that would allow him to gain an education.

The victim emphasized that she feels Moody has already been held accountable in the two years he’s been incarcerated.

The prosecutor asked Judge Edelman to impose a sentence at the top of the sentencing guidelines. He acknowledged that Moody is young, but highlighted the seriousness of the crime. The prosecutor argued the only reason Moody didn’t hit anyone in the car was because bullet trajectories curve and he isn’t a sniper.

According to the prosecutor, Moody used a semi-automatic gun, meaning he had to pull the trigger 26 different times when shooting at the car.

The prosecutor claimed, after the police were called, Moody changed his hairstyle and clothes, indicating he made a conscious choice and knew what he did was wrong afterwards.

The prosecutor argued due to the serious nature of the crime, Moody shouldn’t be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows people under 25 who are convicted of certain crimes to have their convictions sealed after they successfully complete their sentence and potentially offers sentencing flexibility.

Moody’s attorney, Kavya Naini, insisted Moody didn’t injure anyone because his intention wasn’t to harm. According to Naini, since Moody’s arrest, he has taken every opportunity he could to better himself and help the community. Everyday, she said, he independently volunteers to do things like counseling, classes, schooling, or debate, showing how support and guidance can go a long way.

“We are confident he will succeed in the community,” Naini said.

Anaya Thompson from the Public Defender Service (PDS) Office of Rehabilitation and Development told the judge that with the right support in place, Moody would continue to move forward. Thompson stressed the importance of community based interventions over the prison, arguing the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is not designed to provide individualized care.

Sending Moody to the BOP would cause “irreparable harm,” Molly Bunke, Moody’s other attorney, said. “There’s only so much growth you can do in a cage.”

Bunke argued Moody should be sentenced under the YRA to give him further opportunity for rehabilitation after his sentence.

“I know I made a mistake, but I’ve learned from it,” Moody told Judge Edelman. He urged the judge to “look at [him] as a whole person, not just the worst decision [he’s] ever made.”

Judge Edelman told Moody there is no minimizing what he did. The shooting was a “violent, terrifying, reckless act,” he said.

However, he agreed with the defense’s assertion that this shooting was out of character for Moody. Judge Edelman said that while this was a “spontaneous and impulsive act of extremely poor judgment,” Moody has had no interactions with the criminal justice system prior to this incident.

That as well as his conduct after his arrest, and his existing support system from friends and family, Judge Edelman ruled to sentence Moody under the YRA.

In a legal twist, the victim is advocating for Moody’s release, the crime was serious but resulted in no physical harm, and the defendant has no prior involvement with the criminal justice system.

The judge stated two years in prison was substantial punishment for Moody and he’s concerned that a lengthy period of incarceration would jeopardize any progress Moody has made.

Judge Edelman sentenced Moody to 18 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and 12 months in prison for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, followed by three years of supervised release and 18 months of probation.

The judge sentenced Moody to 72 months in prison, suspending all but 30 months, for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The sentence will be followed by 18 months of probation.

The sentences for assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon will be consecutive while the sentence for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence will be concurrent.

Judge Edelman specified Moody’s probation wouldn’t be the “regular kind of probation.” Rather, it would be a check in with Judge Edelman every few months to help keep Moody accountable.

“I’m giving you this sentence because it’s the right thing to do for you, and more importantly it’s the right thing to do for the community,” the judge said.

Judge Edelman delayed Moody’s formal sentencing until May 1 to allow him time to participate in a debate at the DC Jail. Parties are scheduled to reconvene May 1 for Judge Edelman to issue the sentence.

‘You Had Five Years to Get More Information,’ Stabbing Defendant Says To Judge During Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld stated she needed more information before deciding on sentencing for a stabbing defendant on March 30.

Nahum Posner, 56, was convicted on Jan. 16, 2026 of assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE on Oct. 22, 2020.

According to court documents, the victim was standing at the trunk of her car on the side of her residence when Posner approached her and stabbed her. The victim screamed, alerting her son, who came out of the house and hit Posner’s arm with a hammer, knocking him off the victim. Posner then fled the scene.

“There’s a level of comfort that was taken from us,” the victim’s son stated during the hearing.

He explained that his mother hasn’t been the same since the incident and they had to move from their home of over a decade.

The prosecution stated voluntary sentencing guidelines for the offense were 18-to-60 months of incarceration. However, they argued that Judge Hertzfeld should sentence Posner to eight years, above his guidelines, due to aggravating circumstances. They explained the attack was unprovoked and that Posner has had “continuous homicidal ideations,” presenting a serious safety concern to the community.

Posner’s attorney, Albert Amissah, requested that Judge Hertzfeld release Posner on probation and require that he be compliant with his treatment plan. Amissah suggested a suspended sentence, which would potentially keep the time in place as Posner serves probation. He argued that Posner hadn’t had a criminal charge prior to the stabbing and that Posner had suffered a mental brake.

Amissah explained that Posner would receive help from a case manager and an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team if released on probation. They would make daily visits and make sure Posner takes his medication and attends programs.

“I’m not a violent person,” Posner told Judge Hertzfeld.

Judge Hertzfeld stated that she didn’t have enough information to make a decision on Posner’s sentence during the hearing.

“You had five years to get more information,” Posner yelled at Judge Herzfeld before being removed from the courtroom.

Judge Hertzfeld said she would not make a decision until she received more information on Posner’s mental health and his release plan from the defense. She also stated she needed the prosecution to flag any aggravated circumstances and send them to her.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 5 for sentencing.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Right to a Speedy Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno set a delayed trial date for a stabbing defendant after he waived his right to a speedy trial on March 31.

Antonio Lancaster, 43, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1100 block of 6th Street, SW on March 9.

According to court documents, Lancaster was looking at pictures in the victim’s apartment when the victim said he became agitated. Lancaster reportedly tried to attack the victim, grabbing a knife. The victim tried to fight back, throwing things at him before Lancaster allegedly stabbed her three times. The victim sustained a wound to her shoulder and two to her side before managing to escape.

Lancaster’s attorney, Joseph McCoy, requested a trial date be set during the hearing.

If a defendant is detained, DC law requires their trial to begin 100 days after their arrest. Lancaster was arrested on March 10 and the prosecution noted that the 100-day clock put the trial date on June 18.

McCoy explained that two of his trials would interfere with that trial date. As a result, McCoy waived his client’s right to a speedy trial, setting the date for July 15.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 2.

Case Acquitted: Judge Denies Defense Motion To Dismiss Despite Reluctant Witness

Editor’s Note: Marquis Allen was acquitted of all charges by a jury on April 9, 2026.

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean denied a defense motion to dismiss a shooting case due to prosecutors’ lack of readiness in a trial on March 31.

Marquis Allen, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE on Aug. 19, 2025.

Allen allegedly fired one shot at his sister but no injuries were reported.

During the hearing, the parties discussed a non-responsive witness, whom the prosecution assured Judge McLean would show up for the trial.

The prosecution said they issued the witness a subpoena. However, their attempts to contact the person were unsuccessful. Still, they are prepared to move forward with the case at the trial readiness hearing on March 19.

The prosecutors shared photos at the hearing of texts between an investigator and the witness with Allen’s attorney, Shawn Sukumar. The prosecutors claimed that the witness texted them, “tell me when and I’ll be there,” regarding their appearance in court.

However, Sukumar stated that he could not find that language, and instead found a text from them stating they didn’t want anything to do with the trial from early December 2025.

Judge McLean asked prosecutors if they were expecting the witness to show up for the trial despite lack of communication, and if they were relying on the subpoena when they said they were ready to move forward with the trial. The prosecutors did not immediately respond.

The prosecutors told Judge McLean they attempted to contact the witness through two different phone numbers. They stated they called, texted and left messages with no response.

One of the prosecutors told the judge it’s “not uncommon” for witnesses to shun prosecutors but still show up to court.

“This was not raised to me until this morning,” said Judge McLean, admonishing the prosecutors for their unpreparedness. Judge McLean stated that this was an “issue with [prosecutors’] diligence.”

Sukumar requested that the case be dismissed because the prosecutors weren’t ready to proceed. Judge McLean denied the motion, but Sukumar said he would reserve his arguments and do more research regarding the dismissal motion.

Judge McLean delayed the start of trial to the next day, stating she expected both parties to be fully prepared to move forward, and said the prosecutors could argue issuing a warrant for the witness to appear in court. The judge said if prosecutors speak to the witness, they could still appear on their own accord, but if not she would decide if a warrant should be issued.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 1.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Awaits Sentencing

A non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on March 30.

Bryant Russell, 48, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 5000 block of Just Street, NE on June 6, 2024. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his arm.

During the hearing, Russell’s attorney, Daniel Dorsey, accepted a plea deal on his client’s behalf.

The deal required Russell to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all remaining charges from the indictment and will recommend that the sentences for each charge run concurrently.

According to the sentencing guidelines, assault with intent to kill carries a potential maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment. Unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment as well as a mandatory minimum of one year incarceration.

Had the case gone to trial, the prosecution said they would have been able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Russell possessed a firearm despite his prior conviction and shot the victim while he was sitting on his porch after being told to leave.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 3 for sentencing.

‘There’s A Special Place in Hell for You,’ Homicide Victim’s Father Says at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park imposed a sentence of 216 months for a homicide following statements from the defendant and victim’s families on March 27. An additional charge tacked on an five more years.

On Jan. 14, Quateze Moore, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Martinez Robinson, 25, on Aug. 23, 2024 on the 1300 block of Girard Street, NW.

Moore’s family and friends initially did not plan to attend the hearing because Moore believed a motion to continue the hearing, filed by the defense, guaranteed it would be rescheduled. So he asked them not to come. After Judge Park denied the motion, Moore’s defense attorney, Peter Odom, contacted Moore’s family and friends and they were able to attend.

The first two impact statements were given by Robinson’s parents.

“[Robinson’s] laughter, his kindness, his future, all of it was taken from us,” Robinson’s mother said, explaining that her son’s death left a “space that cannot be refilled.”

“He deserved to live his life, he deserved to grow old,” Robinson’s mother said. She ended her statement by asking Moore why he committed the offense.

Robinson’s father told Moore, “I can see in your face that you don’t have any remorse for what happened.”

In response to Judge Park’s request for Robinson’s father to direct his statement to the court rather than to Moore, he said, “That’s hard to do, your honor.”

He concluded his statement by telling Moore, “There’s a special place in hell for you, that’s all I have to say.”

Then the prosecution requested 25 years in prison, the maximum in the sentencing guidelines, due to the “alarming” nature of the offense as well as Moore’s criminal history, which included assault with intent to kill and multiple charges related to firearm possession.

Meanwhile, Moore’s friend and cousin also gave statements attesting to Moore’s good personality and the love he has for his family, friends, and community. They asked the court to consider Moore’s positive qualities before imposing a sentence. His cousin’s statement was a written letter read by Moore’s other defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, which said that Moore was “not defined by a single moment.”

The defense requested that Judge Park impose a sentence that not only reflected the sentencing guidelines, which included a mandatory minimum of four to five years, but also considered Moore’s contribution to society and the struggles he faced in his childhood.

Judge Park imposed a sentence of 18 years for voluntary manslaughter while armed, consecutive with five years for an unrelated drug possession matter.

Moore will also be required to register as a gun offender when released, pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF) and undergo mental health treatment, grief counseling, as well as any programs deemed necessary by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 2 for a post-sentencing review.

Search