Defendant Linked by DNA to 1999 Fatal Stabbing and Rape Pleads Not Guilty

A cold case defendant who allegedly raped and fatally stabbed a woman in 1999 was arraigned and indicted before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt in a hearing on April 9.

George Mudd, 71, is charged with first-degree felony murder and first-degree premeditated murder. Both charges are classified as especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel while committing or attempting to commit a robbery since thestabbing was committed while committing rape or a sexual offense.

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the rape and fatal stabbing of 24-year-old Susan Cvengros on May 21, 1999 on the 400 block of F Street, NE.

According to court documents, Mudd allegedly entered Cvengros’ apartment, raped and stabbed her 13 times in the neck and torso. His DNA was allegedly found on her vagina and nightgown.

The court arraigned Mudd on the two charges. Terrence Austin, Mudd’s attorney, asserted that he would be entering a plea of not guilty and emphasized Mudd’s right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 29.

Awakened by Gunshots, Witnesses Describe Murder Victim in the Alley

Two witnesses testified in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on April 8 about awakening to gunshots coming from the alley behind their houses.

Jamil Whitley, 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Kevin Redd on June 11, 2020, at the rear end of the alley on the 4700 block of Jay Street, NE.

According to court documents, in the early morning hours, Whitley and Redd were at a Shell gas station, at the 4300 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE. Prosecutors claim Whitley later followed Redd in a white vehicle to a nearby alley, where he allegedly fatally shot him.

In court, prosecutors called two witnesses who lived near the crime scene. Both of their residences had windows overlooking the alley where Redd was killed.

The first witness testified about gunshots waking her up. She detailed how after waiting in place to ensure her safety, she looked out a window facing the alley and saw a man laying on the ground. She testified that he was moving but not standing and she did not recognize him. While calling the authorities, she reported hearing a car driving away.

On a map provided by the prosecution, the witness marked her residence and the alley where she saw Redd.

On cross-examination, Whitley’s attorney, James Brockway, confirmed that the person did not see anyone else in the alley nor what happened before the gunshots, and did not look out the window until after the shooting. Brockway also asked if she saw a car driving away or could identify it and she responded no to both questions.

The second witness recounted a similar story. She detailed hearing gunshots that were “closer than usual” and heard “stuff going on” behind her house. After hearing the gunshots, she testified that she turned off of the lights and looked out the window that overlooked the alley. She heard tires screeching and “saw a young man laying on the ground,” which prompted her to call 911.

On cross-examination, the civilian confirmed to Brockway that she did not see when the man was shot, anyone else in the alley, or a car in the alley.

Prosecutors played audio recordings of both civilians’ 911 calls.

Prosecutors also called an analyst from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) who responded to the crime scene. The official testified that she walked through the alley with a detective, documenting and photographing potential evidence.

The prosecution presented a series of photographs taken at the scene, many of which were marked with evidence placards. The forensic scientist identified several items in the images, including suspected blood, shattered glass, a plastic cup, a Styrofoam cup, and a single purple slipper located in the alley.

“We photographed everything in the area,” the forensic scientist said.

The analyst also testified about clothing she received from Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, including a blue-and-white shirt, blue jeans with a black belt, black boxers, socks, and multicolored tennis shoes. Photographs displayed in court appeared to show suspected blood on the shirt.

During cross-examination, Whitley’s other attorney, Madalyn Harvey, questioned the thoroughness of the evidence collection. Harvey pointed out that not all broken glass from the scene was collected.

“It would have been almost impossible to get every piece of glass,” the forensic scientist responded.

Harvey also asked whether the forensic specialist observed marijuana bags in the pockets of the jeans. She said she had not, referencing her notes and stating that any remaining contents were documented as “miscellaneous items.”

The forensic scientist also told Harvey that MPD officers instructed her what items to collect and she did not know the reasons for their decisions not to collect certain items.

Prosecutors called a second forensic scientist with DFS who completed a re-canvas of the crime scene the next day. The prosecutors asked him about several pictures of the alley. He identified each of them as a photo he took and explained to the jury the location of each in relation to the location of the shooting.

One photo showed two cigarette butts which he explained he captured as evidence because they “appeared fresh” and were dry compared to the trees and ground in the same area.

He also detailed his interaction with one individual during his investigation, who was smoking a cigarette off of his back porch facing the alley. The forensic scientist said he asked the civilian if he frequently disposed of his cigarette butts in the alley to which the civilian responded “sometimes.” The forensic scientist stated that he then decided not to conduct further processing of the other cigarette butts.

Harvey raised during cross-examination an issue with the forensic scientist’s credibility, citing reprimands he received from DFS about failure to follow procedure. In a letter addressed to the forensic scientist about a different crime, DFS stated that his “actions compromised the integrity of the investigation.”

In response, the forensic scientist said that he was “falsely reprimanded” and that his “HR and management are trying to make [him] look bad and scapegoating” him.

Harvey continued to ask the forensic scientist about the relevant investigation, confirming that he only took two cigarette butts into evidence even though there were many more in the same location.

The forensic scientist said that he did not take them because they were “wet and dirty” and “of no probative value.” Harvey concluded her questioning by noting, “you decided that.”

Prosecutors also called a witness specializing in security technology. The witness testified that he installed both interior and exterior surveillance cameras at a nearby business, identified in court as “Cannabis.” Using a map, the witness indicated the direction of the cameras, including one that faced Jay Street, where the white car that prosecutors allege Whitley drove as he followed Redd to the alley way was caught on that camera.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 9.

Homicide Defendant Self-Reports Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt and parties discovered that a homicide defendant diagnosed himself with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a hearing on April 9.

Spiro Stafilatos, 38, is charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault knowingly grave risk while armed, and fleeing law enforcement for his alleged involvement in a Dec. 30, 2022 hit-and-run incident. The accident occurred on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NW, and resulted in the death of 31-year-old Shuyu Sui and severe injury to another individual.

At the last hearing, the defense expressed their intent to call an expert in trial to testify about Stafilatos’ PTSD, a condition that can trigger frightening flashbacks.

Stafilatos’ attorney, Brian McDaniel, told Judge Brandt that he communicated with a few individuals over the weekend that had missing periods. McDaniel talked to the social worker, who he believed diagnosed Stafilatos with PTSD in 2021.

McDaniel said that the social worker told him that she did not diagnose Stafilatos with PTSD. She met with Stafilatos and asked him what he was going through, and he reported that he suffered from PTSD and other mental illnesses. Therefore at the end of their session, she wrote down PTSD in his report.

McDaniel suggested that Judge Brandt order another psychiatrist to examine Stafilatos before trial.

Prosecutors had no objection to a new psychiatrist, but requested that the person testify as an expert witness after Stafilatos’ testimony.

The prosecution argued PTSD cannot be relevant unless Stafilatos shares his testimony about what happened in the Montgomery County Jail that resulted in his alleged PTSD and caused him to “flee the traffic stop in 2022.”

“It’s Stafilatos’ story to share, not the psychiatrists,” prosecutors furthered their point.

Judge Brandt agreed and said that in order to have relevant testimony from the psychiatrist, Stafilatos would need to testify first. She also told McDaniel and Stafilatos that it is his choice whether to testify or not.

McDaniel said as of now, Stafilatos planned to testify.

Parties agreed for the psychiatrist to examine Stafilatos the following week. They also agreed to have their old expert witnesses be deemed as fact of witness testimony, instead of expert.

Parties are slated to reconvene for jury selection on April 27.

Jury Reaches Partial Verdict in Metro Bus Driver Stabbing Case

A jury reached a partial verdict in a three-year-old stabbing case before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on April 8.

Stephanie Fawbush, 51, was originally charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, with an aggravating factor of the victim being a Metro transit officer or station manager and threat to kidnap or injure a person for her involvement in a stabbing at the 900 block of 17th Street, NW on Aug. 14, 2023. One victim sustained a stab wound to the arm and Fawbush allegedly assaulted another victim in the incident.

After some three days of deliberations, a jury found Fawbush guilty on one count of assault with a dangerous weapon against the stabbing victim and not guilty on threat to kidnap or injure a person.

The jury could not come to a unanimous decision on the second count of assault with a dangerous weapon against the assault victim. It is unclear whether the prosecution will refile on the undecided charge.

The maximum sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon is 10 years in prison.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 12.

Judge Commends Stabbing Defendant on Probation, Asks For Improvement

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean acknowledged a stabbing defendant’s progress in complying with probation orders, yet asked for continued improvement on April 9.

Marshal Baxster, 40, was sentenced on March 14, 2025, to six months incarceration, suspended in favor of 18 months of probation for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. The charge stemmed from his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that took place on the 3000 block of R Street, NW, on Nov. 29, 2024. The victim sustained a deep laceration to their wrist.

Baxster’s probation officer from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) described his most recent report as “mixed,” citing progress in some areas but noting several instances of non-compliance with his GPS monitor.

According to the officer, Baxster reports for employment and takes advantage of mental health services. However, he has not regularly attended classes or properly managed his GPS monitor, which disconnected multiple times.

Baxster’s defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, stated Baxster was “putting in a significant amount of effort” to comply with his probation conditions. Additionally, Sukumar noted that Baxster has difficulty charging his GPS monitor where he lives.

Judge McLean acknowledged Baxster’s progress, calling his continued use of mental health resources “fantastic.” However, Judge McLean told Baxster he needed to “continue to improve” in other areas.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 10.

Judge Denies Request to Release Teen Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied a teen carjacking defendant’s request for release after he waived his preliminary hearing of the evidence against him on April 8.

Darryl Gladney, 18, is charged with armed carjacking, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stemmed from his alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE on May 4, 2025.

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

According to court documents, Gladney allegedly lured the victims by saying he wanted to purchase a watch the victim listed for sale on Instagram. Gladney and another suspect reportedly assaulted the victim, forced him into his vehicle at gunpoint, drove to Maryland, and threatened him before fleeing with his car.

At the hearing, Charles Haskell, Gladney’s attorney, said his client waived his right to a preliminary hearing, which Judge Raymond accepted.

Haskell then asked Judge Raymond to release Gladney on home confinement, a curfew, or GPS monitoring. He argued that Gladney is only 18 years old and has no criminal history. “This is a shocking event for everyone,” said Haskell.

According to Haskell, Gladney is a senior in high school, where he is a soccer and football athlete. He stated that Gladney plans to enroll into the military and then pursue higher education.

The prosecution argued that Gladney should not be released because of the severity of the case. They claimed Gladney orchestrated the carjacking and was aware of his intent to rob the victim.

Judge Raymond determined there were no conditions of release that could ensure the safety of the community and ordered Gladney remain held.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 29.

Preliminary Hearing For Stabbing Co-Defendants Delayed a Third Time

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond delayed five stabbing defendants’ preliminary hearing again on April 8 due to one’s detention in another jurisdiction.

DeVaughn Gibbs, 19, Jaliel Holland, 25, Antonine Jones, 24, Marlan Smith, 19, and Kwesi Pyne, 21, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in stabbing another inmate in the showers at the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Sept. 25, 2025.

The victim sustained two stab wounds in his back.

During the hearing, Gregory Copeland, Jones’ defense attorney and Thomas Key, Smith’s defense attorney, told the courts that both of their clients were not present.

Copeland stated that Jones was specifically being held at Northern Neck Regional Jail, in Virginia, where he is waiting to be sentenced for another case. It is unclear why Smith was absent.

Due to all the defendants not being present in court, Daniel Dorsey, Holland’s defense attorney, asked for a continuance in the case.

Judge Raymond stated she hopes Jones is present at the next hearing to progress with the case. This is the third time parties delay the preliminary hearing due to the defendants’ absence.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 29.

Carjacking Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

In a hearing on April 9, a carjacking defendant entered a guilty plea before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Dartanian Owens, 21, was originally charged with armed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and three counts of armed robbery for his involvement in a carjacking on April 6, 2025 on the 4300 block of Polk Street, NE.

Owens was also involved in three armed robberies on April 7, 2025 on the 2700 block of Naylor Road, SE, the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, and the 3800 block of South Capitol Street, SE.

Owens’ attorney, Albert Amissah, read the terms of a plea offer from the prosecution at the hearing. The plea required Owens to plead guilty to possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, unarmed carjacking, and robbery in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges and reserving sentencing recommendations. Owens would also be required to register as a gun offender.

The prosecution presented their factual basis for the plea, saying that if the case had gone to trial, they would have been able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Owens purposefully stole one victim’s vehicle after pointing a gun at him, and robbed three other victims of their belongings. The prosecution also stated in their factual basis that Owens was accompanied by an unidentified individual in robbing the fourth victim.

Judge Hertzfeld confirmed with Owens that he understood the terms of the plea and that the prosecution’s factual basis was accurate. After verifying that Owens was entering the plea voluntarily, Judge Hertzfeld accepted his guilty plea.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 7 for sentencing.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment to Jail Stabbing That Injured 4

A jail stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty to four charges at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 9.

Joly Germine, 33, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Aug. 28, 2025, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE at the DC Jail.

According to court documents, the incident left four victims, including Germine injured.

At the hearing, Germine was formally read the charges against him. His defense attorney, Susan Ellis, entered a plea of not guilty on her client’s behalf. An interpreter was also present at the hearing to assist with communications between Germine, Ellis, and Judge Hertzfeld.

Ellis was newly appointed to the case and requested another hearing be scheduled, and the prosecutor offered to continue discussions for a possible plea agreement.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 11.

Defense Says Homicide Defendant is Compliant With Release Conditions

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park asked a defense attorney to file a written request to change a homicide defendant’s release conditions on April 8.

Huey Bandy, 55, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 60-year-old Orlando Murphy on June 7, 2022 on the 3600 block of Brothers Place, SE. Murphy sustained multiple stab wounds.

Bandy’s attorney, Sylvia Smith, asked Judge Park to remove Bandy’s GPS tracker. Smith said he has been on electric monitoring since July 2022 and fully compliant with the conditions of his release.

The prosecution opposed the request due to the severity of the crime.

Judge Park said he was not prepared to rule on the issue and asked Smith to submit the request in writing so he could review the relevant information.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 2 for a status hearing.

Judge Orders Ex-Girlfriend Stay-Away in Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe granted prosecutor’s request for a stay-away order from the victim in a stabbing case on April 9.

Jackson Onunaku, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Dec. 28, 2025 on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW.

According to court records, Onunaku allegedly called his ex-girlfriend earlier that day and threatened to shoot both her and her mother. Onunaku reportedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend after arriving at her house, and pulled a knife out. The ex-girlfriend allegedly grabbed the knife blade to stop Onunaku and sustained cuts on both hands.

The prosecution asked for a stay-away order to be put in place for the ex-girlfriend, after Onunaku had reportedly contacted the ex-girlfriend multiple times while in jail on a recorded line.

Prosecutors stated they previously asked for the stay-away order, but the judge did not grant the request.

Judge Pipe granted the stay-away that will require Onunaku to not contact his ex-girlfriend in any way.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 24.

Jury Acquits Domestic Shooting Defendant on All Counts

A non-fatal shooting defendant was found not guilty on all four counts by a jury in front of DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on April 9.

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

Allen’s trial began on April 7, and lasted only two days. In the trial, the prosecutors attempted to prove Allen shot towards his sister after a verbal altercation in his sister’s apartment.

Defense attorney Shawn Sukumar argued that the victim was the only eyewitness and had a clear motive to lie, stating that the prosecution didn’t meet the burden of proof and left many questions unanswered.

Parties concluded the trial by delivering closing arguments on April 8.

The following day, the jury found Allen not guilty on all four charges. All members of the jury were polled to confirm that the decision was unanimous.

No further dates were set.

Judge Orders Homicide Defendant’s Transfer to Hospital for Treatment

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted a defense request to transfer a homicide defendant to MedStar Washington Hospital Center for medical treatment on April 9.

Desmond Barr, 25, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Ambria Farmer at the 3300 block of Fort Dupont Drive, SE, on July 13, 2024.

All of Barr’s charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during his release for a prior offense.

At the hearing, Barr’s attorney, Hannah Claudio explained to Judge Park that she and her co-counsel, Dominique Winters, formed a plan to have their client successfully transferred to MedStar Washington Hospital Center for treatment of what has been described as an acute medical issue.

Claudio requested that Judge Park order the Department of Corrections (DOC) to immediately transfer Barr to MedStar Washington Hospital Center and that after treatment he is transferred directly to the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) for in-patient treatment.

Judge Park questioned whether the plan would succeed because they tried to transfer Barr there previously. Claudio explained that there was no communication between Howard University Hospital where Barr was previously admitted and MedStar Washington Hospital Center for a successful transfer. Now, the DOC can carry out the transfer themselves and be present with Barr at the emergency room until he is admitted to the hospital.

Under the proposed plan, DOC officers will wait with Barr until he is admitted at which time the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA) would place him on GPS monitoring.

Additionally, Winters stated that she will be present with Barr at the emergency room to make sure he is admitted to the hospital as soon as possible.

Judge Park accepted the defense plan and ordered the DOC to transfer Barr the following day.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 10.

Carjacking Defendant Wants to Withdraw Guilty Plea

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno granted a carjacking defendant’s request for a new attorney on April 8 after the defendant expressed his intention to withdraw his guilty plea.

Jordan Grice, 19, pleaded guilty to armed carjacking on Aug. 20, 2025 for his alleged involvement in a carjacking at the 1000 block of 10th Street, NW on Aug, 16, 2024.

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

According to court documents, Grice is accused of holding the victim at gunpoint, before driving off in the victim’s car with their cellphone. Using a GPS monitor placed on Grice as a condition for release in a separate case, detectives reportedly placed Grice at the incident location.

Craig Richard, Grice’s attorney, informed Judge Salerno he is withdrawing from the case in light of Grice’s desire to withdraw his guilty plea. In a motion filed by Richard on April 7, Richard said “Grice will benefit from consultation with independent counsel.”

Judge Salerno inquired if new counsel has been assigned. Richard stated Carrie Weletz will take over the case.

The prosecution objected to the potential withdrawal of Grice’s guilty plea, but will wait until the next hearing to make arguments with Weletz.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 26.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal For Shooting Victim’s Leg

A defendant accepted a plea deal for shooting a victim in the leg before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on April 8.

Xavier Anderson, 23, was originally charged with aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that injured one person on the 600 block of Galveston Street, SE on July 11, 2025.

At the hearing, Judge Di Toro said that she received paperwork that Anderson accepted a plea agreement from prosecutors.

Anderson’s attorney, Thomas Lester, said that the agreement required his client to plead guilty to aggravated assault. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to not seek an indictment on additional charges and that Anderson will serve two years of imprisonment, subject to Judge Di Toro’s approval at sentencing.

Without the deal, Anderson could face a maximum of 10 years imprisonment for aggravated assault.

The prosecutor said that if this case had gone to trial, they would have proven that Anderson fired a handgun at an individual and one bullet struck her in the leg which has hindered her walking for several months. Anderson’s actions were voluntary, on purpose, and do not have any legal justification.

Judge Di Toro ensured that Anderson knowingly and willingly plead guilty.

Anderson’s sentencing hearing is set for July 17.

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