Good Samaritan or Accomplice? Closings Clash in a Carjacking Trial

The prosecution argued Michael V. Robinson conspired to aid a carjacking, while the defense claimed he was merely trying to help during closing arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Oct. 7.

Robinson, 39, is charged with unarmed carjacking and two counts of robbery for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on May 26, 2024, on the 3000 block of Georgia Avenue NW.

After a driver hit a cyclist, court documents state, Robinson intervened, saying he was trying to help the cyclist. The cyclist, still unidentified, attacked the driver and drove off with his vehicle.

Robinson admitted during cross-examination that he previously pleaded guilty to charges of destruction of property, attempted theft, prison breach, and distributing liquid PCP.

The prosecution argued the defendant and the cyclist knew each other and created the incident to steal the victim’s car. The prosecutor cited a statement the victim alleged Robinson made during the incident, saying, “You can’t hit my little cousin.”

Robinson said he and the biker are not actually blood related.

The prosecution showed video footage from a bus behind the carjacking to demonstrate there was no dispute a violent robbery occurred and Robinson was there.

Robinson’s defense attorney, Martin V. Rosendorf, argued Robinson’s intentions were to check on the cyclist and mediate the situation.

Robinson said on the stand that he opened the victim’s car door to ask about insurance information.

Rosendorf added that there were no fighting gestures and Robinson did not expect the cyclist to steal the automobile.

Rosendorf said the prosecution’s whole case is based on the existence of an unsupported conspiracy.

Parties will reconvene when a verdict is reached.

Judge to Rule on Suppression of ‘Poisonous Tree’ Evidence in First-Degree Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun delayed ruling on a motion to suppress evidence in a murder case on Oct. 4.

Juan Peterson, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed offenses committed during release, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence committed during release, two counts of accessory after the fact while armed committed during release, and second-degree cruelty to children committed during release. He is being charged for his alleged involvement in the shooting of four individuals on May 15, 2021, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

One of the victims, later identified as 28-year-old Lester Howard, succumbed to his injuries.

At the motion hearing, defense attorney Daniel Kovler argued to suppress an interview conducted by the lead detective on the case, and information from Peterson’s phone from trial, claiming the detective violated Peterson’s Miranda rights.for failing to inform Peterson of his right to an attorney and remain silent to avoid self-incrimination.

The prosecution called the lead detective in Peterson’s case as the main witness to show that Peterson was not in custody, and therefore no Miranda rights were violated.

Attorney Kovler cross examined the detective, stating that the conditions of the interview created an environment that led Peterson to believe he was in custody including that the detective was holding on to his car, and that the detective told Peterson he needed to speak with the police to get his car back.

Kovler noted the detective didn’t let Peterson leave, but said he could be late to an appointment at 1 p.m., telling him that he’ll write an excuse note.

Kovler also said that Peterson’s phone, which was taken to be searched during the interview, is not allowed to be used in court, because the unlawful interview led to the searching of his phone.

“It’s the fruit of the poisonous tree,” Kovler stated.

Judge Okun said that he will rule on the motion and issue a written order by the end of the next week.

Peterson’s trial is scheduled for Oct. 21.

Judge Tells Absent Carjacking Suspect, ‘That’s Why You Have Two Feet,’ Urging Appearance For Drug Testing

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian gave a defendant a strict reminder to attend drug tests as part of his conditions of pretrial release in an Oct. 7 hearing.

Richard Bates, 17, is charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 1600 block of Frankford Street, SE, which occurred on Sept. 13, 2023. One individual sustained injuries to the head.

According to court documents, the carjacking occurred while the victim was retrieving items from his car. Two armed suspects exited a white sedan and demanded the victim’s belongings. One suspect allegedly struck the victim on the head with a firearm. As the victim walked away, one suspect re-entered their vehicle, while the other fled in the victim’s car.

Christen Philips, Bates’ attorney, informed the court that the prosecution was in a position to extend a plea offer. She sent the prosecution a proposal for their consideration and asked for more time to try to resolve the case.

The prosecution alerted the court of Bates’ notices of non-compliance, specifically regarding missed drug tests.

Bates explained his absences were due to illness and transportation issues. On one occasion, he said he was turned down when he tried to reschedule.

“That’s why you have two feet,” Judge Christian responded to Bates. He emphasized the importance of attending even if it meant walking to the facility.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 28.

Judge Rules on Trial Motions to Dismiss Carjacking Charges

During a hearing on Oct. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur initially ruled on motions for acquittal of several charges facing two armed carjacking defendants.

Gregory Patterson, 41, and Jimmy Johnson, 43, are charged with armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed for their alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on July 11, 2023.

Johnson faces additional charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The enhanced charges stem from his alleged possession of these items during his arrest on March 28 on the 4000 block of Ponds Street, NE.

Judge Arthur’s ruling pertains to the charges of armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed.

Judge Arthur denied the motion to dismiss charges for Patterson but granted the motion to dismiss counts for Johnson.

Regarding Patterson, Judge Arthur cited the victim’s testimony during trial and on CCTV footage, which the judge said corroborated that Patterson struck the victim and pointed a firearm at him.

Judge Arthur found Johnson did not strike the victim. During trial, the victim testified that Johnson did not strike him and that Johnson attempted to get the other suspects to stop.

The prosecution asked that Judge Arthur reconsider his ruling and let the jury decide whether Johnson is guilty. They cited a portion of the video where a man wearing similar shoes to Johnson’s appears to strike the victim.

The prosecution argued that while Johnson tried to prevent the robbery from turning into a homicide he did not try to prevent the robbery or assault.

Judge Arthur decided to take another look at the video and decide whether to confirm his ruling or not.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 7.

Document: MPD Arrests Northeast Stabbing Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 38-year-old Jeremiah Hall, who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place on Oct. 6 on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE.

Upon responding to the reports of the stabbing, officers discovered the victim who was suffering from non-life-threatening stab wounds and was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Inpatient Treatment OK’d For Non-Compliant Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro filed a bed-to-bed order to admit a stabbing defendant to mandatory inpatient drug treatment after he was found non-compliant with the conditions of his release on Oct. 7.

Billy M.Williams, 68, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and aggressive panhandling. These charges are in connection to a stabbing on Dec. 7, 2023, at Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, NW, and Virginia Avenue, NW. He was released on Jan. 9, 2024, on condition that he check in with the court weekly.

Williams was issued a bench warrant on Jan. 16, 2024, on charges of failure to appear for a felony arraignment hearing and assault with a dangerous weapon. On July 12, 2024, his release conditions were changed, requiring weekly urinalysis check-ins and consistent group sessions.

A second warrant was issued on Sept. 24 for failure to appear for a pretrial show cause hearing and assault with a dangerous weapon (knife), and an added charge of assault with a significant bodily injury.

On Oct. 7, Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) recommended revocation of release. PSA said Williams has been non-compliant with drug tests, phone check-ins, and his curfew of 5:00 pm to 6:00 am.

Defense attorney Henry Escoto requested inpatient treatment for Williams, and PSA recommended 60 days of placement.

Judge Di Toro granted a bed-to-bed order requiring Williams to return to jail to be handed to residential services and placed back on GPS monitoring.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 18.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Crash in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 27-year-old Nicholas Williams, who is charged with driving under the influence and no permit, for his alleged involvement in a fatal crash that caused the death of 18-year-old Devin Clark. The incident took place on Sept. 29 on the intersection of 13th and R Street, NW. Upon responding to reports of a fatal crash, officers discovered Clark, who was pronounced dead on the scene.

Non-Fatal Stabbing Defendant Waives DNA Testing

A defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered at the crime scene in his non-fatal stabbing case before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Oct. 7.

Jeremiah Smalls, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 1700 block of T Street, SE, on April 7, 2023.

According to court documents, Smalls was let into the victim’s home before allegedly pushing the victim against a wall and threatening to stab and kill him. He then took the victim into a back bedroom before running out of the apartment.

At the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Brandt that they plan to test evidence found at the crime scene, including a blood-stained t-shirt.

Terrence Austin, Smalls’ attorney, alerted the court that the defense does not plan to test the evidence, and the defendant waived his right to test.

Austin requested an additional week to file motions regarding additional evidence. Judge Brandt approved this request, granting the defense until Oct. 15.

Parties are expected to reconvene Nov. 8 for a motions hearing.

Prosecution Pulls Plea Offer in Stabbing Case

In a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on Oct. 7, the prosecution revoked its plea offer to Daquan Session when his defense attorney, Bryan Bookhard, refused to “toll,” or extend a filing deadline for the prosecution.

Session, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in an April 29 stabbing that occurred on the 1300 block of 7th Street, NW. The victim was located on the 600 block of M St, NW.

Bookhard argued for Session to be released and have a stay-away order from the victim rescinded. Bookhard cited Session’s limited criminal history and the multiple months before his arrest in October when Session and the victim were able to interact without issue.

The prosecution opposed the request, saying the victim had reported violence from Session prior to the stabbing incident.

“If he is released, this victim would not be safe,” the prosecutor said.

Judge Raymond denied release and invoked the stay away order.

When Bookhard requested a status hearing in two weeks, the prosecution asked if he would be “tolling,” that is, giving the prosecution more time to indict Session. Bookhard answered no, despite the prosecution’s intent to rescind the pending plea offer.

The offer would have required Session to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in return for the prosecution’s dismissing any other charges, not indicting on additional charges, and a cap on the sentence at the bottom third of guidelines.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 21.

Document: MPD Investigating Northwest Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Tiara Thompson, which occurred on Oct. 2, on the 700 block of N Street, NW. Despite immediate assistance and transportation to an area hospital, Thompson succumbed to her injuries on Oct. 5.

Document: MPD Searching for Southeast Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is requesting public assistance in locating a suspect involved in a shooting that took place on Sept. 18, on the 1600 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered an adult female victim suffering from gunshot wounds who was then transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Document: MPD Investigating Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Najee Dickens that took place on October 5 on the 1600 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE. Officers responded to reports of a shooting and found Dickens along with two other adults suffering from gunshot wounds, one of whom also succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Carjacking Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Plea Deal Pending

A carjacking defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing and anticipated resolving the case through a plea deal in a proceeding on Oct. 4 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum.

Marquise Butts, 18, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on June 20 at the 1800 block of 9th Street, NW. No victims were physically injured.

According to court documents, Butts was monitored by a court-ordered global positioning (GPS) device at the time of the incident, and was developed as a suspect based on GPS data.

Defense attorney Richard E Holiday Jr. presented a waiver of the preliminary hearing, signed by Butts.

The waiver came as a result of a pending plea which the parties are negotiating at this time.

Butts is currently held without bond and the parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 17.

Document: Suspects Arrest for an Armed Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 20-year-old Taurian Anderson and 18-year-old Terrell Edmondson, who are charged with armed carjacking and unauthorized use of a vehicle, for their alleged involvement in an incident that took place on October 4 on the 5200 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.

Upon responding to the carjacking report, the victim, who was unnamed, was found unharmed after having his vehicle aggressively taken by the two suspects.

Document: Third Wanted Suspect in MPD Custody in Fatal Northwest Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 35-year-old Tommy Whack, who is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old Fasil Teklemariam, that took place on April 5, in the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW.

Upon responding to reports of an unconscious person, officers discovered Teklemariam, who was pronounced dead at the scene due to stab wounds. This is the third arrest in the case, with a 22-year-old female from Bowie, MD, and a 19-year-old woman of no fixed address previously charged with the same crime.