Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Release Denied

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Nov. 8.

Keith Robinson, 57, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his involvement in a domestic non-fatal shooting on May 23 on the 3400 block of B Street, SE. One individual sustained injuries, who was later identified as the defendant’s girlfriend.

The victim was wounded with four shots to the chest and four wounds on the arm, according to court documents.

Brandon Burrell, Robinson’s attorney, read the plea agreement which indicated that Robinson would plead guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and any other charges would be dismissed.

The maximum sentence for this charge would be 30 years.

Burrell also requested the Court to release Robinson while pending sentencing. The prosecution argued for the request to be denied given the serious nature of the case.

Judge Epstein denied the request.

Parties will reconvene on Jan. 13, 2025.

Last of Three Carjacking Defendants Waives Preliminary Hearing

A defendant in an armed carjacking waived her right to a preliminary hearing in the presence of her two co-defendants during a joint hearing on Nov. 8 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum.

Kevin Edwards, 17, Keiphone Bennett, 17, and Asia Clark, 17, are charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in an incident that forced two complainants out of their vehicle on the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE, on April 19.

Before Clark waived her preliminary hearing, her attorney, Varsha Govindaraju, argued to Judge Hildum that there wasn’t adequate basis to find probable cause and he should release Clark. He rejected her arguments.

Edwards and Bennet had already waived their rights to a preliminary hearing. Their reason for appearing in court, according to Edwards’ defense attorney, Chantal Jean-Baptiste, was they were “along for the ride.”

All parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 4 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

Prosecutors Ask Jury To Hold Defendant ‘Accountable For Gun Violence In DC,’ in Shooting Retrial

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo heard closing statements on Nov. 6 in the retrial of a shooting case, where in the prosecution’s controversial closing they asked the jury to hold the defendant “accountable for gun violence in DC.”

Andrew Parsons, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and a felony charge of carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on June 26, 2023, on the 800 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

On the final day of testimony, the prosecution called two key witnesses–a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective overseeing the case and the doctor who treated the victim.

The detective’s testimony focused on the identification process. He stated that he relied on video evidence and information from the Special Police Officer (SPO) to identify Parsons as the shooter.

He defended his decision not to pursue additional witnesses, citing their apparent unwillingness to cooperate. The defense questioned the thoroughness of the investigation, particularly the lack of follow-up on potential additional camera angles and witnesses.

The vascular surgeon who treated the victim described the severity of the injuries, which required an upgrade to the highest level of trauma care and four surgeries during a nearly two-week hospital stay.

Closing arguments brought the trial to a dramatic conclusion. The prosecution urged the jury to convict Parsons on all counts, emphasizing the sufficiency of the evidence, particularly the SPO’s identification and subsequent investigation. They controversially asked the jury to hold the defendant accountable for gun violence in DC, prompting a defense objection on the grounds the remark was prejudicial to their client.

The defense countered by arguing reasonable doubt, highlighting the reliance on a single identification from an SPO whose testimony had been inconsistent. They also pointed to the lack of physical evidence and what they characterized as an incomplete MPD investigation.

Judge Demeo will rule on the prosecution’s controversial statement and provide jury instructions on Nov. 7 before the jury begins deliberations.

Security Footage Issues Dominate Non-Fatal Shooting Retrial

The trial began on Nov 5 for an alleged shooting defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo–the case was previously tried in Aug. and ended in a mistrial.

The prosecution showed security footage where Parsons allegedly got into an altercation with the victim outside of their apartment complex. In the footage, an individual, later identified as Parsons left and then returned with a gun, shooting at the victim ten times as he ran away. A forensic scientist who was there as an expert witness testified to finding ten bullet casings at the scene.

Prosecutors called on a Special Police Officer (SPO) who was on duty that night and testified to hearing gunshots. She reviewed security footage, where she saw the shooting occur. She recorded this on her phone. She identified Parsons as the shooter in the video, saying she could tell by his distinctive black coat and limp caused by a leg deformity.

During cross-examination, Darryl Daniels, one of the defense attorneys, questioned why only three camera angles were preserved when multiple views were available.

She first said she provided five, not three, but after reviewing previous testimony, she agreed it was three. She testified that the three angles showed the whole crime and that the others weren’t necessary.

According to the SPO, there were other individuals at the scene, including two other men and the victim’s girlfriend– none of them spoke with police.

The identification stems solely from the SPO, who wasn’t present during the shooting. A later discrepancy came up when she testified that she was on duty that night with another SPO that testified.

The second SPO testified that he was off duty that night but learned of the incident through a company group chat where the first SPO shared her recordings.

The defense questioned whether his identification of Parsons was because of his own experience or because the first SPO initially made it. He paused and finally answered that it was his own, but he admitted that all he saw and learned was from her.

An officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about recovering a Maryland ID with an apparent bullet hole from the apartment where the victim was found.

The trial will continue Nov. 6 with additional witness testimony and closing arguments.

Special Police Officer’s Testimony Disrupts Metro Stabbing Trial

A Special Police Officer’s (SPO) testimony devolved into heated exchanges with DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Nov. 5. That following the opening of a trial for a stabbing at the Mount Vernon Metro station after a fight on the platform.

Samuel Robinson, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon, allegedly committed during release from another criminal matter, for his alleged role in a stabbing at the Mount Vernon Square Metro Station on the 700 block of M Street, NW, on Feb. 6. One person sustained a wound to the back of the head.

Prosecutors outlined the incident, stating that it began when the victim, who is reportedly schizophrenic, got into an altercation with Robinson, grabbing him by the collar and pinning him against an elevator. After an SPO intervened to break up the initial confrontation, the victim became aggressive.. The situation escalated when Robinson allegedly drew a pocket knife, went after the victim, and slashed him in the back of the head.

The defense, led by attorney Michelle Lockhard, argues that Robinson acted in self-defense. They claim the victim initiated physical contact and maintained a threatening posture even after the SPO’s intervention. Lockhard contended that Robinson drew the knife in response to an ongoing threat to his safety, emphasizing that the SPO should have done more to stop the situation and protect Robinson.

The prosecution’s first witness, the SPO who responded to the incident, testified that she witnessed a fight near the station escalator upon arriving for her shift. She described seeing a bald man “yoking up” a man with dreadlocks and then asking them to stop. After the parties separated, the victim became threatening. She emphasized that Robinson “did what he had to do to protect himself.”

During cross-examination, defense attorney Lockhard questioned why the armed officer didn’t intervene more forcefully. The SPO explained that their use-of-force protocol prioritizes the safety of all parties and that her role is to manage situations while awaiting Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) response.

The testimony was marked by frequent interruptions and heated exchanges between the witness and Judge Pipe, which led to the jury going into recess multiple times. The SPO repeatedly talked over Judge Pipe and the attorneys, refused to answer questions, and demanded to leave, visibly agitated with the proceedings. At points, the two were yelling at each other over what is expected of testifying witness. The testimony, which Judge Pipe said could be fifteen minutes, took over an hour.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 6.

Document: Police Investigate Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Brandon Ward on Nov. 9 on the 5000 block of First Street, NW near Rock Creek Cemetery. 

Ward was pronounced dead on scene.

Document: Police Investigate Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 61-year-old Fred Morgan that took place on Nov. 8 on the 1300 block of Southern Avenue, SE. 

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

Document: Police Investigate homicide of 30-Year-Old Man

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the homicide of 30-year-old Tyrone Burch, who was killed in the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE on Nov. 7.

When responding to reports of gun shots, officers discovered Burch, who was pronounced dead on scene from multiple gunshot wounds.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Atlantic Street Murder

On Nov. 8, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested 62-year-old Maurice Jackson, charging him with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in an incident on Nov. 7 on the 700 block of Atlantic Street, SE. 

Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, identified as 24-year-old Olivia Graves, who was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Document: Police Arrest Another Suspect in S Street Murder

On Nov. 7, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested 28-year-old Delonte Terrell in connection with a fatal shooting that took place on Jan. 16 on the 2400 block of S Street, SE. 

Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, 23-year-old Javonni Coleman, who was pronounced dead on scene. 

The press release also mentions a prior arrest of a 21-year-old Karim Ibrahim, from Oxon Hill, MD, who is also connected to the same incident.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in 13th Street Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested Nov. 7 Jordan Thurman, 25, who was allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Denzel Greenwood. 

The incident happened on Aug. 4, 2023, on the 1900 block of 13th Street, NW. Thurman is charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Fatal Mass Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested Nov. 7 25-year-old Andre Greene.

Greene is allegedly charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place on July 18 ion the 2200 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. 

After responding to reports of a quadruple shooting, officers discovered four victims, with two adults, identified as 29-year-old Lamont Street and 50-year-old Jermaine Proctor, succumbing to their injuries.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Global Plea Offer

A stabbing defendant formally rejected a global plea offer that would have resolved three cases in a Nov. 7 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

James Callen, 40, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a July 13 stabbing incident on the 1600 block of Morris Road, SE.

According to court documents, Callen called for help after the victim arrived at Morris Road apartments, clearly intoxicated and bleeding. According to Callen, the victim drunkenly moved around the apartment, constantly falling over, and leaving blood stains everywhere. Callen said he called 911 once he was able to get the victim to remain still and saw the extent of her injuries.

EMS on scene later reported that they found Callen involved unwontedly in helping them care for the victim. Once the victim was loaded into the ambulance, emergency technicians told Callen he would not be able to ride with them on the way to the hospital, as he would continue to get in the way of administering care to the victim.

As the ambulance pulled away, Callen allegedly jumped on to the back, causing the responders to stop and remove Callen from the back of the vehicle.

While Callen was explaining what happened to police, officers found Callen had a standing stay away order from the address on the 1600 block of Morris Road, SE and arrested him for contempt.

During the hearing, Alvin Thomas, Callen’s attorney, alerted the court that Callen was rejecting a plea offer from the prosecution. Had Callen accepted the offer, he would have been required to waive his indictment and plead guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed. In exchange, the prosecution would have dismissed all other charges in this case and two other cases Callen currently has pending.

Callen’s trial date was set for Sept. 3, 2025.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 28, 2025.

Bench Warrant Outstanding for Armed Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian alerted the parties on Nov. 8 that a bench warrant, issued on Oct. 9, remains outstanding for an armed carjacking defendant.

Peguy Sikadi, is charged with armed carjacking, eleven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, five counts of robbery while armed, and five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, for his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking which occurred on May 26, 2024 on the 2000 block of 13th St, NW.

Sikadi failed to appear before Judge Christian on Oct. 21 and Nov. 8 despite his outstanding bench warrant.

Sikadi’s co-defendant, Lamar Stephens, is moving ahead with a jury trial in December despite Sikadi’s absence.

Parties are set to reconvene Nov. 19.

Homicide Defendant, Also Accused in Jail Stabbing, Denied Release

A homicide co-defendant’s request for a review of his release condition was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Nov. 8.

Keith Baham, 25, and Tyler Stringfield, 26, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, two counts of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in the death of 23-year-old Rafiq Hawkins in the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE on March 23, 2019.

Baham and Stringfield are also co-defendants in this matter with Raymond Avent, 24, who is facing the same charges and was not present at this hearing.

Brian Shefferman, Baham’s defense attorney, alerted the court that Baham wanted to review his release conditions. Baham is currently being held at the DC Jail.

Shefferman argued Baham was sentenced to five years for an armed carjacking case and has successfully served that sentence, making him eligible for home confinement while awaiting trial for this homicide case.

The prosecution said they were opposed to Baham’s release citing his alleged involvement in a stabbing case at DC Jail.

Judge Okun denied the motion for release but informed Shefferman that he could file something in writing and the issue could be addressed more in depth.

All parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 4.

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