Prosecution Claims Testimony from Suspect’s Mother in Shooting Case is ‘Self-serving’

The prosecution argued that a witness called by the defense in a shooting case should be disregarded before DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones on June 30.

Isaias Castillo, 35, is charged with endangerment with a firearm in a public place for his alleged involvement in a shooting inside a residence on the 2600 block of 15th Street, NW on May 17.

During the hearing, Castillo’s mother testified that her home, the scene of the incident, had actually sustained bullet damage years prior to the night of May 17–specifically to the second floor, which first drew police attention, she says came in a February 2020 shooting. When asked if she heard gunshots during the incident, she said no.

In addition, she told the court that she was asked by police to collect bullet shell casings with gloves. She claimed to have gone into Castillo’s room, and found nothing. When the police obtained a search warrant on May 28, they allegedly found shell casings on the floor.

The prosecution labeled Castillo’s mother’s testimony as “self-serving.” They claimed that her testimony was inconsistent and made only to protect her son and get him “out of jail.”

Charles Allen, Castillo’s defense attorney, argued that Castillo’s mother’s testimony was creditable because it was corroborated by the police report that was the primary source of the prosecution’s argument. Allen called the prosecution’s attempt to discredit Castillo’s mother a “smoke screen.”

Judge Jones agreed that it was much more likely that the shells came from a recent event rather than from 2020.

A detective who wrote the police report claimed that he arrived on the scene after a 911 call in which three quick shots were reported. In another call, a witness claimed to have heard glass breaking.

The detective reported seeing bullet holes on the wall of Castillo’s house. He and another officer interviewed Castillo’s mother, and testified that no officer told her to collect evidence from the scene.

Castillo’s mother refused to let the police in before they produced a search warrant granted on May 28.

Inside the house, officers determined that a break in the window was due to a bullet shot from the inside to the outside based on the window’s being pushed outward and the allegedly discovery of bullet casings in the room. A small, black handgun was said to bre recovered from the scene.

The detective also spoke to Castillo who he said was sweating and incoherent. The conversation concluded when Castillo’s mother “pushed him” inside and away from the police.

Judge Jones ruled that there was enough evidence presented to determine probable cause, and ordered Castillo remain detained.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 20.

Judge Credits Shooting Defendant’s Remorse and Imposes Plea Deal Minimum Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt imposed an eight year sentence on a non-fatal shooting defendant in a sentencing on July 2.

On May 1, Brandon Ross, 33, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Dec. 17, 2024, on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The shooting injured one person, who sustained five gunshot wounds.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of eight-to-10 years.

The prosecution requested the maximum sentence outlined by the plea agreement, arguing that Ross has demonstrated a “capacity to snap in dangerous ways.” He credited Ross’ relationship with his family, highlighting that his mother “expressed surprise” at Ross’ behavior and claimed “the streets will drag you down” after learning about his involvement.

Prosecutors also noted that Ross had received multiple mental illness diagnoses and had a “deep and broad” drug use history.

Ross’ attorney, Carrie Weletz, argued for the minimum sentence of eight years. She also requested that Ross receive drug use and mental health treatment while he is incarcerated, which prosecutors did not oppose.

Weletz asserted that Ross was a victim of a robbery the night of the incident, pointing to a 911 call made 11 minutes prior which described people with guns at the scene.

Weletz described Ross’ criminal history as “dated.” She highlighted that Ross worked for his uncle and maintained a close relationship with his family, calling him his “uncle’s best worker” and “the rock of the family.” Weletz asserted that Ross has five children who he is “interested in becoming a father for.”

Ross expressed remorse during the hearing, claiming “If the victim was here, I would apologize.”

Judge Brandt expressed confidence in Ross’ family support, saying that “[his] family support is always going to be there for [him].” The judge also appreciated Ross’ apology, characterizing his remorse as “from the heart.”

Parties agreed that there was a level of prior familiarity between the victim and Ross. Judge Brandt elaborated that they “weren’t mysteries to each other.”

According to Weletz and Judge Brandt, the victim left the scene with other unknown individuals to go to the hospital and never reported the crime. Judge Brandt expressed that this information was not “victim shaming,” rather an attempt to highlight the fact that “there’s more to the story than the outcome.”

Judge Brandt ultimately sentenced Ross to eight years for each charge, which are to be served concurrently. For the aggravated assault charge, Ross was sentenced to five years of supervised release. For the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charge, Ross was sentenced to three years of supervised release.

No further dates were set.

Judge Sentences Stabbing Defendant to Probation After Emotional Apology

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a stabbing defendant to one year of probation after she apologized for her past conduct and described her efforts to overcome addiction during a sentencing hearing on June 25.

Helen Harris, 55, pleaded guilty on June 11 to simple assault stemming from a stabbing on Aug. 8, 2024, on the 1500 block of F Street, NE.

According to court records, prosecutors claimed Harris struck a victim in the head with a sharp object, causing a laceration that required medical attention. In the same hearing, Harris pleaded guilty to an unrelated incident of simple assault that happened the year before.

Prosecutors requested that Judge Arthur sentence Harris to 180 days of incarceration on each count, to be served consecutively. They argued that Harris had an extensive criminal history and multiple prior bench warrants.

Harris’ attorney, Susan Ellis, requested a suspended sentence with probation. Ellis argued that Harris had complied with pretrial supervision, consistently tested negative for drugs, remained out of legal trouble since the incidents, and was actively participating in substance abuse and mental health treatment.

Addressing the court, Harris acknowledged that she struggled with drug addiction and became emotional while describing the impact of her son’s death from gun violence. She told the court she had found stability through treatment, her faith, and the support of family, friends, and a pastor. Harris also said she had been mentoring a young person for several years, that she wanted to leave her former lifestyle behind, and that she repeatedly apologized for her actions.

Judge Arthur said Harris’ conduct while on pretrial release demonstrated that she could successfully comply with probation. He sentenced Harris to 180 days, all suspended, one year of probation, and ordered her to pay $50 for each charge to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

As conditions of probation, Harris must remain available for substance abuse and mental health treatment.

Before concluding the hearing, Judge Arthur encouraged Harris to continue relying on her support system and reminded her that setbacks may occur during recovery. He told Harris that she should not define herself by her past struggles, but by how she responds to future challenges.

As Harris thanked the court, Judge Arthur responded, “Don’t thank me, thank yourself.”

No further dates were set.

Mental Competency Eval Delays One Co-Defendant’s Case in DC Jail Stabbing

One co-defendant pleaded not guilty in a non-fatal stabbing case, while DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel ordered a mental competency test for the other suspect on June 26.

Nathaniel Patten, 33, and Antoine Turner, 32, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for their alleged involvement in the stabbing of another inmate at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Dec. 30, 2025. The victim survived the incident but sustained injuries to the chest and head.

After speaking off the record with Turner and his attorney, Anthony Damillo, Judge Israel ordered a preliminary forensic screening for Turner to determine mental competency, postponing his arraignment. She asked that Turner take talking to the doctor seriously, saying “it would help a lot to see how you’re doing.” To stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyer.

Patten was then indicted on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury while armed. Patten’s attorney, Ferguson Evans, stated that Patten pleaded not guilty to both charges. Evans requested a speedy trial and asserted Patten’s constitutional rights.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 7.

Prosecution Calls Shooter’s Actions ‘Deliberate, Knowing and Calculating’ At Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Judge Danya Dayson sentenced a fatal shooting defendant to 167 months in prison, with all but 150 months suspended, on June 26.

On Feb. 27, Damion Brown, 26, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jordan Coates on Sept. 9, 2023 on the 1200 block of Duncan Place, NE. Coates sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest.

The parties agreed to a sentence between 15 to-19 years. During the hearing, Coates’ family and friends gave victim impact statements.

“She did not deserve to die in such a violent and senseless way,” Coates’ aunt said. She said Coate’s mother died of a “broken heart” after the murder of her daughter and she wants the court to consider the “devastating impact” Coates’ death left on her family when considering sentencing.

“I just wish he [Brown] would’ve done something differently, I just wish there would’ve been a different outcome,” Coates’ father said.

“I believe the man who took her life should remain incarcerated for a meaningful period of time,” a close friend of Coate’s said. “If his transformation can prevent another family from experiencing heartbreak, perhaps some good can come out of this tragedy.”

The prosecution called Brown’s actions “deliberate, knowing, and calculating,” and argued that Brown committed the shooting while he was on release from a prior armed robbery charge, wearing an ankle monitor and in possession of a gun. She said the plea offer given was “generous.”

Lauren Morehouse, Brown’s attorney, told Judge Dayson that Brown spent the past three years in jail trying to shed his old identity and showed effort “to be better, aim higher, and atone for the actions he wishes every single day he could take back.”

Morehouse said that Brown “knows nothing that he says is going to change what happened” but he “firmly recognizes the permanence of the harm he has caused” and recognized the sentencing will be lengthy. Morehouse requested a sentence of 16 years, suspending all but 15 years.

Brown told the court, “I have changed, I have grown, I’m not the same Mr. Brown” and claimed he wants to have a future.

The defense identified specific Federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP) programs that would help Brown rehabilitate through dual diagnosis treatment that would provide both mental health and substance abuse support, mentioning the Residential Drug Abuse Treatment program.

Morehouse told Judge Dayson that a lengthy period of probation is important for Brown’s rehabilitation. She said it’s easier to access the Office of Rehabilitation on probation or supervised release, expediting direct contact with an attorney and the court for increased responsiveness.

Judge Dayson said she doesn’t take lightly the fact that “Mr. Brown was on supervision in one case when he committed manslaughter in this case.”

She said that each of the instances involving the use of a firearm show the magnitude of Brown’s decisions given the effort needed to acquire a firearm illegally.

Judge Dayson acknowledged Brown’s acceptance of responsibility is “significant” and mentioned that while Brown’s late mental health diagnosis does not provide an “excuse,” it gives “context” to his case.

Brown is required to serve five years of supervised release and five years of probation.

Judge Dayson set several conditions for Brown’s probation, including an order to participate in dual diagnosis treatment, a substance abuse assessment upon prison release, connection with the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs and the Office of Rehabilitation and Development within 48 hours of release, registration as a gun offender, maintaining full time employment or part time employment with schooling , and a substance abuse and mental health assessment by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency upon release.

No further dates were set.

Judge Calls Shooting Evidence Handling a ‘Comedy of Errors’

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz agreed with defense criticism of the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for their handling of key evidence for a shooting case, in a motion hearing on June 30. While calling the oversight “embarrassing,” he stopped short of santioning the agencies for bad faith.

Jaymario Kirksey, also known as Mario Kirksey, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unauthorized use of a vehicle for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting. The incident occurred on the 1300 block of Okie Street, NE on Feb. 28, 2024 and one victim was injured.

During a continued motions hearing, Kirksey’s attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, asked Judge Kravitz to impose a “suppression” sanction. Namely, a penalty, which, in this case, would be imposed on the prosecution regarding their use of specific evidence making it inadmissible at trial.

“It ought to be embarrassing for the police department and the United States Attorney’s Office,” said Judge Kravitz in reference to mishandling of key evidence.

According to O’Sullivan, the MPD failed to retain a stolen Hyundai Tucson from which the shooter is believed to have emerged before firing gunshots. While materials from the back seat of the car were lost including key DNA evidence, some forensic evidence was collected from the front of the car.

“The lack of evidence prevents Mr. Kirksey’s ability to tell a full story,” O’Sullivan claimed.

Suppressing the prosecution’s evidence, could tilt the playing field toward the defense by reducing speculation as key elements in the case.

Citing previous case law, O’Sullivan claimed gross negligence in the police and prosecution’s actions. Such violations amount to “bad faith or deliberate loss of evidence,” constituting an extreme departure from the normal standard of care for evidence.

O’Sullivan also argued that the evidence lost is “from the most important part of the car,” and noted that the prosecution’s case is based on this evidence. The importance of these materials, he claimed, warranted a heftier sanction against the prosecution.

This claim was apparently substantiated by the case’s lead detective, who previously testified that the evidence contained in the back of the car are the most crucial materials in the case.

O’Sullivan also argued that there was no independent evidence connecting Kirksey to the vehicle, and that the weight of the evidence needed to be considered in determining the proper sanction.

“A message needs to be sent to have a deterrence over this happening again,” O’Sullivan asserted.

Judge Kravitz called the mishandling, a “comedy of errors,” but one that is “not funny because it’s a serious matter.”

However, Judge Kravitz did not find there was bad faith or deliberate action at fault. He rejected O’Sullivan’s proposed sanction, requesting that he come up with a new penalty to be imposed on the prosecution.

O’Sullivan also proposed instructing the jury to consider the missing evidence right before deliberations, but Judge Kravitz was concerned that doing so may invite speculation.

According to prosecutors, the lead detective in the case believed he could release the car because he saw that one of Kirksey’s unrelated cases had moved to sentencing. Prosecutors wanted to introduce that fact so that the jury would not assume malice on the part of the detective, but O’Sullivan argued that informing the jury of other cases Kirksey was involved in would be prejudicial.

Judge Kravitz proposed a compromise where the prosecutor could have the detective say that he looked at the wrong case without any further detail, making this an unintentional oversight as opposed to an act of bad faith.

Prosecutors wanted to introduce evidence of Kirksey living in a homeless shelter to establish that he was familiar with the neighborhood prior to the incident. However, O’Sullivan argued that revealing Kirksey’s time at the homeless shelter may cause prejudice amongst the jury.

During the investigation, prosecutors obtained a DNA sample from Kirksey after obtaining a warrant to do so. O’Sullivan argued that the evidence should be suppressed, because on one of the documents the prosecutors used to obtain probable cause, Kirksey’s name was spelled incorrectly (“Kirksy”). Judge Kravitz denied this motion, stating there was still sufficient evidence for probable cause.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 1.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Suspect’s Guilt In Playground Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones found probable cause on June 25 against a shooting defendant accused of returning to the scene of a brawl with a gun and firing at a crowd.

Ervon Clyburn, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a June 21 shooting on the 1500 block of F Street, NE. No injuries were reported.

Prosecutors relied on the testimony of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who witnessed the incident live via surveillance footage.

In the video the prosecution presented to the court, a man in a black shirt with a large decal on the back can be seen leaving a scuffle between several adults next to a playground. When he returned into frame, he fired a single shot in the direction of the crowd, which immediately dispersed, except for the complaining witness, who hid behind a sedan and fired back. The officer testified that the man in black was identified as Clyburn.

The officer testified that he received a photograph of Clyburn via Microsoft Teams after police arrested him roughly 40 minutes later, and used the photograph to identify him as the alleged shooter. Police found car keys in Clyburn’s pocket, which opened a Lexus reportedly containing a handgun in the center console.

Clyburn’s attorney, James Brockway, questioned the strength of the officer’s identification of Clyburn, since the man in the video was wearing a shirt with a white decal on the back, but in the photograph of Clyburn during his arrest, the decal is multicolored with red lettering.

Brockway also showed the court an alternate angle of the incident, where another man repeatedly hit and grabbed the man prosecutors say is Clyburn, even as he continued to back away. This, Brockway argued, was grounds for a self-defense claim.

Judge Jones ruled that because the man in the black shirt in the video left the scene safely and returned with a gun, he cannot claim self-defense. Additionally, Judge Jones said he was convinced by the size and shape of the decal on the back of Clyburn’s shirt that he could plausibly be the man wearing black in the surveillance video.

Judge Jones ordered Clyburn remain detained due to the nature and circumstances of the crime, despite letters from Clyburn’s mother and girlfriend vouching for his character.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 6.

Parties Agree to Have DNA Technician Testify Virtually at Trial

A homicide defendant waived his constitutional right to require that a DNA technician testify in person, opting instead to allow her to do it virtually on July 1 before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Desmond Barr, 25, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of firearm during crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Ambria Farmer, 23, on July 13, 2024 on the 3300 block of Fort Dupont Drive, SE. All charges have an aggravating factor of being committed during release.

Barr appeared at the hearing virtually while en route to a medical appointment and waived his right to cross-examine a witness, a DNA technician, in person.

Judge Park explained that the DNA expert is expected to be in Nigeria during Barr’s trial, and that the prosecution had requested a deposition in lieu of her testimony. Because Barr has the constitutional right to confront witnesses against him, he can also waive that right in order to have them testify virtually.

The prosecution, who also appeared virtually, described that the witness’ immigration status would not allow her to reenter the country during the trial, which is scheduled for Jan. 25, 2027. She analyzed the case while on a work visa focused on technical aspects of DNA.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 11.

Prosecution Dismisses Accessory to Murder Case

Prosecutors dismissed a case connected to a homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on July 1.

Rashod Dunbar, 27, was charged with accessory after the fact assault with intent to kill for his alleged involvement in assisting in the murder of Pamela Thomas, 54, on Feb. 9, 2022 at 500 Block of Division Avenue NE.

Dunbar’s co-defendant, Dion Lee, 27, pled guilty to second-degree murder on March 16 and was sentenced to 21 years and five years supervised probation on June 26.

Dunbar was originally supposed to have a jury trial on March 16, but that was cancelled due to Lee’s guilty plea.

The prosecution alerted Judge Park that they dismissed Dunbar’s case without prejudice, meaning they can re-charge him if further evidence is obtained.

Dunbar’s attorney, Carrie Weletz, asked that it be dismissed with prejudice, meaning the case would be permanently closed. Judge Park explained that there was “no legal basis” for this, and denied her request.

No further dates were set.

Prosecutors Transfer Bus Stop Shooting Case to District Court

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond dismissed the case against a shooting defendant after prosecutors expressed their intention to move the matter to US District Court at a June 29 preliminary hearing.

Ivan Holmes, 21, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting at the 500 block of Chesapeake Street, SE on June 18. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to her right calf.

According to court documents, the victim reported waiting at a Metrobus stop when she heard gunshots, ran inside a store, and realized she was shot.

Immediately after proceedings began, the prosecutor told Judge Raymond that they wanted to drop the case against Holmes.

“This matter is dismissed,” said Judge Raymond.

Judge Raymond confirmed with the prosecutor that the case was dismissed because it had been transferred to district court.

No further dates were set in DC Superior Court.

Judge Suppresses Cell Site Data, but Won’t Dismiss Shooting Case for Destroyed Evidence

Defense argued several motions to suppress evidence and dismiss a shooting case before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz in a hearing on June 29.

Mario Kirksey, also known as Jaymario Kirksey, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the non-fatal shooting of an individual on Feb. 28, 2024, on the 1300 block of Okie Street, NE.

Kirksey’s attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, argued that cell site data, or records from cell towers used to estimate a phone’s location, offered by the prosecution should be suppressed. The prosecution’s warrant to obtain cell site data about Kirksey’s phone was an overbroad “fishing expedition” and not supported by probable cause, according to O’Sullivan.

Although the prosecution’s warrant requested records on Kirksey’s location data for a month-long period, Judge Kravitz said only cell site information from the few hours before and after the shooting was relevant to the case. According to Judge Kravitz, any well-trained officer aware of the Fourth Amendment’s privacy protections should have known the warrant was overbroad.

The prosecution urged that, even if the entire month of cell-site data is overbroad, Kirksey’s phone location information around the time of the incident should be severed from the rest of the invalid warrant and held admissible. But as the two-to-three hours of relevant cell site data were “less than one percent” of what the warrant authorized to be seized, the valid portion of the warrant is not severable, said Judge Kravitz.

Accordingly, Judge Kravitz granted O’Sullivan’s motion to suppress the entirety of the prosecution’s cell site data.

O’Sullivan also argued the case should be dismissed because of the prosecution’s failure to preserve surveillance footage from a restaurant near the site of the shooting.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer downloaded around 30 minutes of surveillance footage from the restaurant, but O’Sullivan said access to additional hours of video would have helped Kirksey’s case by providing more information to identify the perpetrator.

The prosecutor rebutted that extracting footage from the CCTV system was not easy and that the MPD officer acted reasonably in only preserving relevant portions of the video.

Judge Kravitz agreed with O’Sullivan that footage from the hours before and after the crime is pertinent to Kirksey’s defense, as video during daylight hours could provide a clearer image of the shooter or show that the car prosecutors linked to Kirksey had not left the parking lot. However, Judge Kravitz said there was no showing that the MPD officer acted in bad faith by failing to download the entire footage archive. Judge Kravitz ruled against dismissing the case.

Still, Judge Kravitz said O’Sullivan could cross-examine the MPD officer at trial to argue the investigation lacked thoroughness by failing to subpoena more footage.

In addition, O’Sullivan moved to dismiss the case based on the prosecution’s failure to preserve a vehicle they allege was connected to the shooting.

O’Sullivan argued that his motion to dismiss was warranted because the vehicle contained potentially exculpatory evidence, which could prove Kirksey’s innocence. He continued by alleging that the prosecution’s actions amounted to bad faith or, at a minimum, gross negligence.

The prosecutors conceded that the MPD investigators violated Rule 16, which requires prosecutors to preserve and disclose evidence to the defense, by releasing the vehicle to the owner’s insurance company before the defense had an opportunity to inspect it.

However, according to the prosecution, the vehicle remained in an MPD lot for nearly two years before the lead detective mistakenly authorized its release, believing that Kirksey had already pleaded guilty. Another officer also released the vehicle without the required prosecutorial approval.

The prosecutor claimed that Department of Forensic Science (DFS) forensic testing recovered DNA from multiple points inside Kirksey’s car, including the steering wheel, gear shift, radio, and AC controls.

The resulting mixture is consistent with four individuals, at least one male, according to the prosecution. Kirksey was not excluded as a contributor, but the car’s registered owner was excluded. Another individual’s fingerprint was also found on the front passenger side.

DFS documented the vehicle’s interior with 81 photographs before it was released, and the contents were lost.

Prosecutors argued that because the forensic testing had already been completed, the defense had more than enough comparable evidence available despite the vehicle’s destruction.

Judge Kravitz took the motion under consideration but was skeptical of the bad faith argument, noting the car’s exculpatory value wasn’t clearly apparent and the lead detective’s mistaken belief that the case was resolved undercut any ill motive.

He remained open to a finding of negligence but signaled that dismissal would be unlikely.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 30.

Judge Rules Against Probable Cause For One Stabbing Charge, Releases Defendant To Home Confinement

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman released a non-fatal stabbing defendant to home confinement after finding against probable cause for an assault with intent to kill charge, but ruled there was evidence for an assault with a dangerous weapon count on June 30.

Shauntia Daniels, 27, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on May 23, at the intersection of 14th and Irving Streets, NW. The victim sustained injuries to the left chest and arm.

On June 30, Judge Edelman dismissed the charge. However, he did find probable cause for assault with a dangerous weapon, which Daniels is facing.

According to court documents, Daniels assaulted the victim after a verbal argument between the two that began in the SNIPES shoe store at the DC USA Mall. The argument allegedly started because Daniels accused the victim of calling Child Protective Services (CPS) on her.

During the hearing, the prosecution offered Daniels an early plea, which she rejected. The offer required Daniels to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange the prosecution would not seek an indictment.

After the rejection, the prosecution called on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to testify regarding information in the affidavit.

“[The victim] said she was stabbed by Shauntia Daniels,” the detective said.

The detective interviewed the victim at the hospital after the stabbing. During the interview the victim walked MPD through the incident documented in the report. Accordingly, the victim said that Daniels followed her out of the mall, removed a knife from her purse and stabbed her

The prosecution asked the detective about a video of the incident that was captured on Metro transit cameras. The detective confirmed he allegedly saw a sharp object in Daniels’ hand in the recording. \

During cross-examinations, Daniels’ attorney, Terrence Austin, attempted to impeach the victim’s story. Austin highlighted several discrepancies between video evidence and the interview that the victim gave of the events that occurred before, during and after the incident.

While walking out of the mall before the incident, the victim told the detective that Daniels was following her. But, the video showed the victim and Daniels walking together, the victim blocking Daniels’ walking path and them walking out of the frame shoulder to shoulder.

The detective also said the victim told him that Daniels told her, “Go in the alley so I can kill you in the alley,” before the incident. A mall security guard, who saw them walk out of the mall together, told an officer on body-worn camera footage that she saw “arguing but it was nothing aggressive,” and “they left together quietly.”

The video of the incident was shown during Austin’s cross-examination. The video showed a woman, identified as Daniels, snapping at the victim and hitting her with some sort of object. After the incident, video showed the two of them walking off together.

Austin highlighted that the victim didn’t turn around and go in the other direction. Also contrary to the victim’s interview with the detective, the video showed them with a third person that the victim never mentioned.

Following the incident, the victim called the police. She told the detective that she flagged down an officer, however, body-worn camera footage showed the victim walking past a police officer until the officer stopped her. The victim walked down the block on her own power, spoke to the police, used her phone and called someone else. The victim said “it’s good,” in the first encounter with the officer.

Austin questioned the detective about the arrest warrant because it used language including the words “followed,” “pursued,” and “fled,” that were seemingly disproven by video evidence.

Despite the apparent discrepancies between the victim’s account and video evidence, the prosecution still argued for probable cause. They said that the defense was “adding some facts that aren’t really born out in the affidavit.”

Austin asked the court not to find probable cause of assault with intent to kill, highlighting that the video contradicts the victim’s recount of the story. Instead, he acknowledged that probable cause for assault with a dangerous weapon could be inferred from the video.

Judge Edelman found probable cause of assault with a dangerous weapon, due to the evidence in the video. He did not find probable cause for assault with intent to kill because the video “demonstrates the complainant’s credibility is far from what the government is trying to say.”

After Edelman’s decision, the prosecution requested to detain Daniels, citing the violent nature of the incident. The prosecution emphasized that although assault with a dangerous weapon carries a lesser degree of danger than assault with intent to kill, Daniels’ remaining charge still harbors a significant degree of danger.

Austin requested Daniels be put on home confinement and GPS monitoring. He revealed that Daniels works two jobs, is a high school graduate and her children are temporarily in police custody. He said that Daniels’ children could go into foster care if not released, but a release would allow her to regain custody of her children.

Judge Edelman granted Daniels release to home confinement at an alternative residence of a friend and GPS monitoring. Daniels was also given a stay-away order from the victim.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 6.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Defendant Aiding and Abetting in a Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause for a stabbing defendant on June 30, citing the possibility of aiding and abetting instead of a direct connection to a weapon.

Reginald Steele, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing of one individual at the DC jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Feb. 5. The victim sustained seven wounds, including lacerations to the face, head, both arms, and three to his back.

An additional suspect who has yet to be identified was reported to be involved.

Steele is currently serving a sentence of 107 years in prison for his involvement in a deadly gang-related shooting spree in 2020.

During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective on Steele’s case as a witness to recount her review of footage from the incident, interviews with witnesses, and hospital visit to the victim.

The detective claimed that cameras at the jail captured both suspects at the scene attacking the victim with “cupped hands,” suggesting possession of a knife or comparable weapon. She also cited footage of both suspects depositing unidentifiable objects, each in a different cell.

The detective additionally reported that at the hospital, the victim had stab wounds and blood stains on his clothing that were not visible in the footage before the incident.

Steele’s defense attorney, Megan Allburn, asked whether the witness had actually seen Steele holding a sharp object during the cross-examination. The detective reiterated that she had only seen Steele’s hands cupped in fists from examination of the video evidence. Allburn additionally pointed out that the witness had claimed in her affidavit that she saw the other suspect with a sharp weapon, but testified during the hearing that no weapon was ever in sight.

Allburn asked about the items deposited in the cells. The detective claimed that no item was found in the cell that Steele was seen approaching. She testified that an object was found in the cell visited by the other suspect but she did not ask for a description. According to court documents, Department of Corrections (DOC) staff found a sharp metal object in this cell during their search.

Judge Raymond ordered Steele continue to be held on a cash bond, but neither party argued for his release due to his outstanding sentences.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 10.

Shooting Defendant Detained for Maryland Warrant

In a June 22 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur, a shooting defendant was detained by US Marshals for an unrelated matter in Maryland.

Shalamar Brown, 31, is charged with endangerment with a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE on Feb. 21. No injuries were reported but 15 rounds of gunfire were detected.

In court, both parties approached the bench for a discussion under the husher, Judge Arthur mentioned that Brown had “an extraditable warrant” and stated that “he has to be taken into custody.”

US Marshals then detained Brown to transport him to Maryland, the jurisdiction issuing the warrant.

Before Brown was taken into custody, Brown’s attorney, Sean McCliggott, stated that he had only recently received body-worn camera footage evidence from the prosecution. He requested more time to review the footage, and the court agreed to continue the hearing.

McCliggott, anticipating possible action from the prosecution, also explained that there was no plea deal that they would likely weigh in future hearings.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 13.

Judge ‘At a Loss’ for Carjacking Defendant’s Treatment Plan

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld ordered a comprehensive psychiatric emergency program (CPEP) for a carjacking defendant in a probation show cause hearing on June 18.

Derrick Curtis, 24, on Nov. 17, 2025, received a fully suspended sentence in favor of one year of probation for first-degree theft and assault with intent to commit robbery. These charges stem from his involvement in an unarmed carjacking incident on Dec. 30, 2024, at the intersection of 16th Street and Benning Road, NE.

“Looks like you’re not happy to be here, and to be honest, I’m not happy to see you,” said Judge Hertzfeld when Curtis entered the courtroom.

The judge had Curtis screened to see if he would be eligible for bed-to-bed drug treatment. The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) found that Curtis didn’t meet the qualifications due to his mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts..

The report took the judge and Curtis’ attorney, Todd Baldwin, by surprise. Neither party said they had heard about Curtis’ mental health struggles before. Baldwin proposed Curtis’ release, but the judge said she was “at a loss” and suggested an investigation into whether Curtis could be re-screened.

A CSOSA representative joined the hearing virtually to clarify the situation. She told the court that Curtis’ assessment report from June 2 revealed extensive mental health challenges, including psychosis and violent tendencies. Although that prevented his acceptance into the bed-to-bed program, the CSOSA spokesperson recommended CPEP as an alternative.

According to CSOSA, CPEP can determine whether Curtis requires inpatient psychiatric care and if he can be stabilized so he can be transferred back to CSOSA.

Baldwin agreed to Curtis’ participation in a CPEP evaluation, working towards release.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 29.

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