Defendant Convicted in Non-Fatal Shooting of Transgender Sex Worker

A jury found Jerry Tyree guilty of five-out-of six-charges after shooting a transgender sex worker while possessing liquid PCP before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Sept. 24.

Tyree, 46, was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of liquid PCP. The charges stemmed from a shooting on the 5900 block of Foote Street, NE on Nov. 29, 2023. One victim sustained injuries to the groin and genitals from the incident.

The jury found the defendant not guilty for attempted unlawful possession of liquid PCP.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution argued the shooting resulted from a transaction gone wrong with a sex worker.

The defendant testified that the victim took money from his pocket while performing oral sex. He said he pulled out a firearm and demanded his money back. He said the gun discharged during a struggle.

The victim testified that the encounter escalated into an argument when Tyree accused her of trying to pick his pocket and she accused him of undervaluing her services. She said Tyree pulled out a gun and shot her, hitting her in the genitals.

The prosecution argued the defendant’s testimony was inconsistent with the victim’s and other witnesses’ testimony, as well as with surveillance footage.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki argued the gun likely belonged to the victim. She said the victim’s testimony about where the gun came from wasn’t credible.

Tyree’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 13

Judge Denies Carjacking Codefendants Request For Release

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied two codefendants’ requests for release on Oct. 30 as the judge believes they continue to pose a threat to the community.

Rodre Holloway, 26, and Shani Burriss, 24, are charged with two counts of unarmed carjacking for their alleged involvement in two separate carjacking incidents. The first occurred on Aug. 18, 2024, on the 1400 block of Morse Street, SE and the second occurred on Aug. 25, 2024, on the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Piney Branch Road, NW.

Defense attorney Elizabeth White requested for the release of Burriss on the basis that he does not have a significant criminal history, he has strong family support, and a young child at home that he needs to care for.

Defense attorney Derrick Page also requested release for Holloway, arguing that he does not have a significant criminal history as well and if he were to be released on home confinement and GPS monitoring the community can still remain safe.

The prosecution objected to the request, arguing that the defendants both have multiple carjacking offenses. According to the prosecution, Holloway allegedly committed one with multiple outstanding warrants for theft. The prosecution believes that both defendants still pose a threat to the community and should not be released.

Judge Arthur denied release for both codefendants. He denied Holloway’s request due to the number of pending cases he has and the fact that one incident took place when Holloway had an outstanding warrant.

He denied Burriss’ request based on the nature of his charges and an outstanding weapons offense against Burriss in Arlington County. These instances lead Judge Arthur to keep the pair in custody.

The defense requested a few weeks to discuss a possible plea deal. The prosecution vowed to not indict the defendants during the discussion.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 19.

Motion to Postpone Shooting Trial For Lawyers’ Personal Reasons Denied

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park rejected a motion on Oct. 29 to delay a jury trial set for Nov. 4 due to preparation issues by the defense lawyers given unforeseen circumstances.

Demonte Gibson, 26, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW on Dec. 7, 2021. One individual suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

During the hearing, Gibson’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, requested a continuance of the trial due to his ten-year term with the Public Defender Services (PDS) ending in unforeseen circumstances.

Gardner argued that his co-counsel, Rachel Cicurel, would be unprepared for trial on the previously scheduled date.

The prosecution objected to the motion, arguing the defense should have informed the court earlier and Gardner’s leave was foreseeable. The prosecutor argued they have been working tirelessly to make sure their arguments are ready for the trial set for next week.

Cicurel is currently pregnant in her third trimester and anticipates having to prepare alone for the trial in Gardner’s absence. She asserted that she would be unable to “pull all-nighters” due to the mental and physical consequences potentially putting her and her baby in jeopardy.

Both defense attorneys argued that the circumstances that are presented will not ensure that Gibson will have a fair trial. Gardner stated, “I am not going to be there for any part of the trial” due to travel responsibilities.

Judge Park denied the continuance due to Gardner’s still being employed with PDS until Nov. 15, determining that the trial is expected to be completed before the date. He maintained that Gardner shouldn’t have made travel plans during the trial, reiterating that it was “not even close to a good cause.”

The parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 31.

Two Murder and Obstruction Defendants Found Guilty

Both a murder defendant and an obstruction defendant were convicted of all charges by a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Marissa Demeo’s courtroom on Oct. 28.

Eugene Burns, 32, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the Nov. 14, 2015, fatal shooting of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.

Burns was convicted of these charges in 2017, but the DC Court of Appeals overturned the verdict in 2020 on a technicality.

Burns and Tyre Allen, 24, were also charged with conspiracy, obstructing justice by influencing or delaying a witness or officer, and obstruction of justice for their alleged attempts to persuade a witness—Allen’s brother who is also Burns’ cousin—to redact testimony of an alleged confession to the murder made by Burns to the witness.

During closing arguments, the prosecution stated that Burns planned the murder of Osuchukwu, his best friend, because he felt he wasn’t getting his fair share of the money from their joint drug business.

They added that after his conviction in 2017, Burns conspired with Allen to coerce the primary witness, identified as Burns’ cousin and Allen’s brother, to change his testimony.

On Oct. 28 a jury found Burns and Allen guilty of all charges.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 31.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Guilty to Assault with Intent to Kill

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal from the prosecution and pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Oct. 28.

Jeremiah Smalls is charged with assault with intent to kill for a stabbing that occurred on the 1700 block of S St, SE on April 7, 2023 that left one person injured.

According to court documents, Smalls and the victim had a “partner-in-common relationship”, meaning that they both had a child with the same woman.

According to prosecution, Smalls entered the apartment where the victim was located and stabbed him multiple times, intending to kill him. “There is no legal justification for what happened,” stated the prosecution.

Through the deal, the parties agreed the prosecution would not seek an indictment on other charges.

Judge Demeo accepted Smalls’ guilty plea.

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 13 for a status hearing.

Prosecutors Call Mass Shooting an ‘Execution in Its Purest Form,’ in Closing Argument

The jury heard closing arguments from the prosecution and the defense in a mass shooting trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 29.

Juan Peterson, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of accessory after the fact while armed, and second-degree cruelty to children.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a mass shooting on May 15, 2021, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, that killed 28-year-old Lester Howard and injured three other individuals.

In their closing statement, prosecutors described what they said was a “perfect handoff,” during which Peterson allegedly gave the shooter the gun used to commit the mass shooting and then allowed the shooter to get into his car before he drove away.

Prosecutors played security footage depicting the shooter approaching the defendant’s car, reaching in, and walking off with a gun before committing the shooting. Prosecutors called the shooting “an execution in its purest form.”

Prosecutors then reviewed evidence they say links Peterson to the car depicted in the video, which Peterson testified was his car. They also reviewed evidence of cell site data that places Peterson at the scene of the crime at the time it occurred.

The prosecution also said that the smooth execution of the crime shows that the crime was premeditated, arguing the “circumstances prove the plan.” Prosecutors asked the jury to use their common sense even though they do not have text messages or emails showing the planning process.

“If it looks like a plan, drives like a plan, and shoots like a plan, it’s a plan,” the prosecutor said.

Prosecutors also asked the jury to not believe Peterson’s testimony since he had previously lied to police when originally questioned about the incident and said he was only coming up with this story now because he knows the evidence against him.

Daniel Kovler, on behalf of Peterson, stated in closing arguments that while a lot of what the prosecution asserted was true, it “does not make Juan Peterson a murderer.”

Kovler told the jury there was no evidence of a plan between Peterson and the shooter, stating that in “50 thousand pages” of messages from Peterson’s phone there was “nothing about a plan.”

Kovler insisted that “any time there’s a preplanned something … there’s evidence of that.”

Regarding Peterson’s testimony, Kovler stated that Peterson “opened himself up” to the jury, claiming that “we don’t know what happened in the car,” we can’t know if Peterson drove away voluntarily. Peterson “believes this guy (the shooter) might just shoot him any moment now,” according to Kovler.

Kovler continued, affirming that Peterson believed the shooter was “not someone he expected to steal his gun” and that the shooter was an “impulsive kid, doing an impulsive thing.”

Kovler concluded the prosecution’s evidence requires the jury to make large assumptions. They “gave you a lot of assumptions … Mr. Peterson gave you everything.”

In the prosecutors’ rebuttal they said the defendant has testified to having multiple cell phones and they only extracted one, so evidence of a plan could be on any one of those other phones. They also said the video proves that Peterson handed the shooter the gun because the shooter did not bend down to the sedan to grab the gun from the passenger seat.

Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Transfer to Psychiatric Hospital

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein denied a defendant’s request to be transferred back to St. Elizabeths Hospital during a hearing on Oct. 29.

Asmerom Ghebrekidan, 53, is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the death of 41-year-old Fitsum Mamo and the assault of another individual on May 25, 2023 at the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Ghebrekidan allegedly stabbed Mamo in the head and arm with a pickaxe and hit another individual with the handle of the pickaxe before witnesses were able to restrain him in an alleyway. Mamo succumbed to his injuries two days later.

Ghebrekidan speaks Tigrinya, which is a language spoken in Ethiopia, and does not understand any English. Ghebrekidan’s defense attorney, Jason Tulley, explained that it is disorienting for Ghebrekidan to be locked up at the DC Jail because he does not understand what is going on and the guards cannot communicate with him.

“This exasperates the torture that Mr. Ghebrekidan has suffered at the DC Jail so far,” said Tulley.

Tulley noted that Ghebrekidan did not experience this same communication issue when he was held at St. Elizabeths, and requested that he be sent back there.

A representative from the Department of Corrections (DOC) said he instructed operations and language access staff to speak with the defendant and he is currently being held in the mental health unit. He also added that the phone line available at the jail for language translators is the same as available at St. Elizabeths, so there is no difference in capability to communicate.

Judge Epstein denied the defense’s request for transfer, stating that he is still receiving mental health services and medication at the jail and he has the ability to work with lawyers and understand legal issues.

The case was continued to allow the court to speak with the doctor from Saint Elizabeths Hospital about the defendant’s competency, and decide how the case will move forward.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 26.

Detective Says GPS Tracking Places Murder Suspect Near Shooting

The lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective investigating a homicide case testified that GPS monitoring allegedly places the suspect of a fatal shooting near the incident during a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Oct. 28.

Nelson Bryant, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Townsend Reginald Sowell, 46, on Sept. 2 on the 2800 block of 7th Street, NE.

During the hearing, the prosecution provided the data from Bryant’s GPS tracking device, which was implemented due to charges of carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of a firearm, for the MPD detective to review. The detective confirmed that the data allegedly corroborates video evidence of Bryant on the day of the incident and his being near the scene and then heading to the associated address.

The detective also testified to photos extracted from Bryant’s phone. He identified pictures of a person identified as Bryant with a gun on him and pictures of the gun individually. However, the detective could not definitively say whether the gun pictured is the same gun associated with the cartridge casings recovered from the incident.

Due to time constraints, the detective was unable to conclude his testimony.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 10.

Teen Murder Defendants Accept Murder Plea Offers

Teenage co-defendants, charged in connection to another teen’s death, accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors on Oct. 28, before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Marlan Smith, 17, and Anthony Monroe, 18, were originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for their involvement in the fatal shooting of Antonio Cunningham, 17, and severe injury of another victim on Sep. 11, 2023 on the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE.

According to court documents, both defendants were participants in multiple armed robberies on the day of the incident, including an attempt to rob Cunningham. The second victim witnessed the attempted robbery of Cunningham and approached the group with their own, legally owned, firearm. Once the defendants saw the shooting victim’s weapon, they fired, hitting Cunningham in the head and the other victim in the abdomen.

During the hearing, Thomas Key, Smith’s attorney, and Stephen LoGerfo, Monroe’s attorney, alerted Judge Okun of their intent to accept a deal.

Through the deal, the teens agreed to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment on higher charges, and five additional robberies that occurred on the same day, as well as eight additional crimes allegedly committed by Smith.

The prosecution also agreed to dismiss a case in which Monroe and Smith are charged with assaulting an employee at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), and will dismiss other juvenile cases they have.

Parties agreed to a sentencing range of 13-to-18 years of incarceration.

Judge Okun accepted both defendants’ guilty pleas.

Sentencing is set for March 14.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Missing Defendant Accused of Stabbing His Father

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian issued a bench warrant on Oct. 29 for a stabbing defendant who has been lost to contact since August.

Gregory Edmonds, 34, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and assault with significant bodily injury. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the stabbing of his father on July 4, 2023 on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Avenue, SE. One individual sustained injuries to his abdomen and torso.

According to court documents, Edmonds’ actions took place inside their apartment. His father told the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that Edmonds’ had attacked him with a pair of scissors while accusing him of trying to kill him.

During the hearing, a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) alerted the court of the submission of a violation report. According to the report, Edmonds has not been seen or reachable since Aug. 21 and has been avoiding law enforcement.

Lauren Morehouse, Edmonds’ attorney, stated that she had no representations of his whereabouts.

Judge Christian issued a bench warrant for Edmonds with no bail.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 6, 2025.

Defendant Questioned About Changing Accounts of a Stabbing

Prosecutors highlighted apparent inconsistencies in a stabbing defendant’s trial testimony on Oct. 25, before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow.

Charlotte Norris, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and second-degree burglary for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 2100 block of 1st Street, SW on Aug. 18, 2023. One individual sustained arm injuries.

Norris was called back to the stand by her attorney, Claudine Harrison, to explain under cross examination about several seeming inconsistencies in her testimony.

The prosecution previously tried to refute Norris’ initial testimony under cross-examination. She revealed that she had been knocking hard on the victim’s door before the victim dragged her in by pulling her hair. While on the floor, she reached for a knife, and slashed the victim’s hands. She explained that she quickly ran out after the victim let go of her hair.

Harrison then showed the court a video of Norris explaining to officers how the victim and another person kicked her out of the apartment.

The prosecution also asked why she took so long to answer the police after she went back home. According to Norris, she did not hear the police officers because she was changing clothes, not showering. However, her attorney revealed through another video that Norris previously told officers that she was showering while they were knocking.

The prosecutor also questioned Norris about prior arguments with the victim, right before the altercation. She did not recall any arguments that she had with the victim at all. The prosecution, yet again, showed a video of her explaining to officers how she had been in an argument right before the altercation.

“It is not self-defense,” the prosecution argued in closing arguments. Actively heading to the victim’s home at 5 a. m., banging on their door, pushing to get through, and slashing the victim with a knife is not self-defense,” according to the prosecutor.

The prosecutor reminded the jury that on Oct. 24, Norris told them “I knew I had did something wrong.”

Harrison argued that the prosecution had not proven every element beyond a reasonable doubt. According to Harrison, the prosecution had not given a sufficient motive for Norris’ alleged behavior. “It does not make sense,” she told the jury, “you have to come up with a motive as to why the defendant went to stab the victim.”

The prosecution rebutted by recalling that Norris had purposely gone to the victim’s home to demand they return together.

Parties wait as the jury deliberates.

Murder Defendants in Drive-By Shooting Receive Opposing Verdicts

Ky’lee Palmer was found guilty of murdering Barron Goodwin while his co-defendant Aaron Adgerson was acquitted before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sept. 11.

Palmer, 25, and Adgerson, 21, were charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In addition, Palmer was charged with destruction of property worth $1000 or more and tampering with physical evidence. The charges stemmed from a drive-by shooting that led to the death of Goodwin, 60, on Feb. 12, 2020, on the 800 block of 51st Street, SE.

The prosecution did not charge Palmer with the shooting until 2022, after he was arrested regarding an armed kidnapping.

According to the prosecution, Palmer and Adgerson committed the murder in a stolen black Nissan Altima. The prosecutor argued Palmer’s actions were motivated by arguments over a stolen cellphone Palmer allegedly took from his then-girlfriend, Goodwin’s niece.

Sweta Patel, Palmer’s defense attorney, argued Palmer and Adgerson had nothing to do with Goodwin’s murder. Patel said Palmer and Adgerson were identified by a witness only after he was arrested for an unrelated matter and “he had something to gain.”

Adgerson’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, said Adgerson “did not shoot Barron Goodwin, and was not in the car that shot Barron Goodwin.”

Palmer is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 12.

Judge Rules Graphic Video of Victim’s Murder Mostly Admissible in Trial

During a hearing on Oct. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled on motions regarding an upcoming murder trial including that graphic body-worn camera footage of the victim’s death is admissible.

Rafeal Stevens, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of Aniekobo Umoh, 50, on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2700 block of 7th Street, NE.

Stevens’ attorney, Jason Tulley, argued that body-worn camera footage from the incident features two portions that are traumatic and prejudicial for the jury because they are “gory” and show Umoh dying.

Judge Raffinan ruled the value of these videos to the case outweighs any prejudice. However, Judge Raffinan ruled the audio of these two portions is “unfairly prejudicial” and ordered the prosecution to redact the audio.

Jude Raffinan also heard arguments regarding a motion from the prosecution requesting the defense not argue self-defense during trial.

The defense stated they are not required to disclose if they are going to argue a theory of self-defense at this time, but held that it is possible they will argue self-defense at trial.

Judge Rafinnan withheld a ruling on the motion but stated that if the defense chooses to claim self-defense in their opening statement they must provide evidence supporting this claim to the court prior to opening statements.

A defense motion to limit discussion of Stevens’ prior convictions during trial was also discussed at this hearing. According to both parties, Stevens’ past convictions are relevant to the case because of the felon in possession charge.

Judge Raffinan ruled that a stipulation regarding Stevens’ prior felony would be read to the jury but the name and nature of the felony could not be discussed during trial. Additionally, Judge Raffinan added the jury would be provided an instruction on how to consider the prior conviction.

Judge Raffinan also heard arguments regarding a defense motion to compel information from the prosecution about Umoh’s being a government informant in relation to drug distribution.

The prosecution argued that is a rumor they are not required to investigate and the defense is not entitled to any further information. According to the prosecution, the rumor stems from a comment a family member made to a detective which was speculation and not supported by evidence.

The defense made their argument regarding this motion ex-parte.

Judge Raffinan ruled the prosecution must provide the defense with the name of the family member linked to the rumor. However, she needed additional time to make any further rulings.

Judge Raffinan also made a preliminary ruling on a motion filed by the prosecution to limit defense references to Umoh’s past criminal history involving drug charges during trial.

The defense alerted the court they would most likely not reference Umoh’s past criminal history, and Judge Raffinan ruled the defense may not reference Umoh’s criminal history. However, Judge Raffinan added that the defense can challenge this ruling if it becomes necessary during trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 1.

Security Guard Sentenced to 36 Months in Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a shooting defendant to 36 months on Oct. 28.

On Aug. 20, Kevin Snead, 41, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred at the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue, SE, on April 3. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Snead, who was working at Safeway as a security guard, discharged his firearm at a group of four individuals who he claimed had stolen goods from the store hours before the shooting. Leading up to the incident, the same group of four individuals were there and allegedly threatened Snead before they shot at him.

At the hearing, the prosecution asked Judge Arthur to impose a sentence of 48 months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release.

The prosecution acknowledged that Snead was a victim of a crime, however, he had a serious lapse in judgment, especially when innocent bystanders were close to being wounded.

According to the prosecutor, a bullet discharged by Snead struck a car’s windshield while the owner was inside. She saw someone standing in front of her car ducking for cover before she did the same. Seconds later, the prosecution told Judge Arthur, a bullet whizzed through her windshield and went over her head.

Snead’s defense attorney, Todd Baldwin, asked the Court to impose an 18 month sentence with probation to follow.He argued Snead, despite his lapse in judgment, is a stand-up citizen.

According to Baldwin, Snead is dedicated to his book club, is a gifted painter, a respectful, and gentle man. Furthermore, Baldwin told Judge Arthur Snead wants to reimburse the woman whose car he struck by paying for the loss of quality as well as mental health services.

In a statement to the Court, Snead told Judge Arthur that he was sorry for his actions and wished that he could take everything back. Furthermore, he told the Court he tries to be a good citizen, illustrating the fact that, when he catches people who steal from a store he is watching, he often pays for their goods.

Snead told Judge Arthur he acted in self-defense, stating he feared the group of kids would kill him or seriously injure him. He added he regrets becoming a man that everyone reads about on the news, and someone who furthers the stereotype that the District is dangerous.

“It all comes down to responsibility,” Judge Arthur told Snead after admonishing him for failing to do as he was trained and calling the police.

Judge Arthur sentenced Snead to 36 months of incarceration, with all but 18 suspended, two years of probation and two years of supervised release. Snead must register as a gun offender as a condition of probation.

There are no future events scheduled regarding the matter.

Document: MPD Investigating Northwest Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a carjacking that took place on Oct. 28 in the 1000 block of Euclid Street, NW. Upon responding to reports of the incident, officers discovered the victim who was pushed to the ground by suspects who then fled the scene with his moped.

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