The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting that injured three individuals, an officer and two women, which occurred on July 18 on the 1200 block of Canal Street, SW.
Document: MPD Arrests Additional Teenagers in Northwest Homicide
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a 13-year-old girl and a 15-year-old female, who are charged with second-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 64-year-old Reggie Brown. The incident occurred on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.
Three girls, a 12-year-old and two 13-year-olds, were previously arrested in connection to the incident.
Judge Finds Probable Cause and Denies Release for Shooting Defendant
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause to proceed with a non-fatal shooting case.
Santos Duarte, 24, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 5 at a restaurant and bar on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW. The victim, the owner of the establishment, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.
During the hearing, a responding police officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified to the events of that night with the assistance of video surveillance footage from inside of the restaurant.
The video showed an individual, which the officer identified as Duarte, speaking with two unidentified individuals in the upstairs section of the restaurant. Duarte began walking in circles around the two with his fists up and moving in what the officer said was a “boxing motion.” One of the individuals pushed Duarte into a nearby booth and put him into a headlock-like position.
According to the officer, Duarte was then seen pulling a gun out of his pocket. The officer described that it looked like the gun was pointed at the individual. The individual pulled away from Duarte, who was grabbing at his crotch area. The officer stated that Duarte had been shot in the penis when found at the scene.
The officer testified that Duarte was asked to leave the restaurant and was escorted out of the building. The two individuals were speaking with the owner of the establishment at the top of the stairs when Duarte returned and began shooting at them from the bottom of the stairs.
As per the officer, six shell casings were recovered on the floor and the victim was hit once in the leg. Nobody else was harmed during the incident.
During cross examination, the officer testified that upon arriving at the scene, Duarte was found restrained by ropes with a nose bleed. Duarte told the officers that he was hit in the face and “was shot in the d***” during the altercation.
The officer also testified that he was aware Duarte was treated by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) at the scene and was in the hospital for a week due to the gunshot wound.
Following the officer’s testimony, the prosecution stated that Duarte was drunk and shot himself in the penis. They argued that Duarte cannot seek to claim self-defense as he was the first aggressor, shown by the boxing stance, and returned to the scene after being escorted out.
The prosecutor also stated that the proximity to the victim and the number of shots fired caused this incident to fall under the case law that defines assault with intent to kill.
Duarte’s defense attorney, Jonathan Lanyi, recalled the officer’s testimony that Duarte was found bound and bloody with an “egregious” bullet wound that required him to be in the hospital for a week. “He was manhandled, shot, and manhandled again,” Lanyi stated, requesting Judge Brandt not find probable cause.
Judge Brandt stated the prosecution had established substantial probability that a reasonable jury would find Duarte guilty.
Duarte “can’t cloak himself in self-defense,” she stated, as he withdrew from the situation before returning as an active shooter. She additionally agreed with the prosecution that Duarte was the aggressor.
After probable cause was found, Lanyi requested that Duarte be released from jail on electronic monitoring. He argued that Duarte has ties to the community through his family, pointing out that his mother, sister, children, and the mother of his children were in the courtroom. He also stated that Duarte has a full-time job and supports his family, and he would like Duarte to have the chance for sobriety.
The prosecution disagreed, stating that the nature of the incident showed Duarte is a danger to the community. The prosecutor argued that Duarte shot at the individuals in a crowded restaurant on a Friday night after the Fourth of July, which was “clear evidence” that Duarte is dangerous.
Judge Brandt denied the request for release, stating that the law presumes him dangerous due to the nature of the charges. She agreed with the prosecution that Duarte was an active shooter in a “very public space,” and many could have been injured.
She also relied on a past conviction of assaulting a family member, as well as a current open case against him for violating two protective orders. With these, she stated she believed him to be untrustworthy in the eyes of the court and a danger to the community.
Parties are scheduled to return Aug. 30.
Judge Denies Defendant’s Release for ‘Cold-Blooded Killing of a Friend’
DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found probable cause to proceed with a second-degree murder case and denied the defendant release during a July 18 hearing.
Antonio Johnson, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 21-year-old Marcellus Jackson. The incident occurred on June 20 on the 4400 block of Burroughs Avenue, NE. Jackson suffered one fatal gunshot wound to the back of the neck.
According to court documents, during Johnson’s initial interview, he stated that the incident resulted from a fight over a gun. Johnson stated that Jackson was under the influence of marijuana and speaking about suicidal thoughts. He said the gun went off by accident.
During the hearing, the prosecution called a detective in the homicide branch from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to establish probable cause. The detective was the head investigator for Jackson’s homicide.
The prosecution played surveillance footage from the night of the incident, in which an individual, identified as Johnson, was conversing with Jackson before Johnson pulled a firearm, seemingly from his waistband or pocket.
A voice was heard saying, “Stop playing with me now,” as Jackson was seen walking back from Johnson. The two exited the view of the camera. A single gunshot was heard before Johnson ran into the nearby apartment building covering his face with his shirt. He returned to the scene less than a minute later, and ran outside of the frame of the camera again.
On the video footage, another voice is heard saying “run, bro, run” before picking up audio of a car starting and tires screeching.
The detective testified that a witness reported Johnson entering her apartment and stealing the keys to her car immediately after the shooting. Johnson was found later that day in the witness’ car.
During cross examination, the detective agreed with defense attorney Kevin Mosley that the shooting itself was not captured on camera, as Johnson and Jackson stepped outside of camera view. However, she stated that they were only off camera for less than five seconds.
When asked about the relationship between Johnson and Jackson, the detective stated that the two were “good friends” with no previous “ill will or animosity” towards each other.
Mosley asked Judge O’Keefe to not find probable cause, arguing that the shooting itself was not recorded on video and no witnesses were able to testify to what happened during the shooting, only before and after.
The prosecution claimed that probable cause had been established, arguing that Johnson’s account of the event was inconsistent with the video footage.
In his interview with police, Johnson said there was a fight over the gun, but the gunshot was heard only two to three seconds after Johnson and Jackson left camera view.
Judge O’Keefe found there was probable cause to continue with the case due to the physical evidence, timing of the gunshot, and the fact that Johnson ran away covering his face with his shirt.
Following the finding, Mosley requested that Johnson be released on 24-hour home confinement, arguing that he would not be a flight risk and would be able to stay with his mother. He did admit that Johnson is currently on probation for an incident in Virginia and does not have “the best criminal history.”
Judge O’Keefe denied the request, stating “this appears to be the cold-blooded killing of a friend.”
Parties are slated to return Jan. 17.
Document: Arrest made in Fatal Northwest Stabbing
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 34-year-old Khalil Khalilov, who is charged with second-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 36-year-old Anvar Guliyev. The incident occurred on July 17 on the 1800 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW.
Attorney’s Concerns of Stereotyping Postpone Non-fatal Shooting Trial
A shooting defendant’s trial was delayed after he requested to appear more presentable before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on July 18.
Jerry Tyree, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of liquid phencyclidine (PCP), attempted unlawful possession of liquid PCP and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Nov. 29, 2023, on the 5900 block of Foote Street, NE.
His trial was set to begin on July 18 with jury selection.
However, his defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, requested to postpone the trial, since Tyree’s hair had not been cut. The DC Jail only does haircuts on Thursdays, and due to the hearing, Tyree was unable to get one, according to Kopecki.
When Judge Arthur claimed he thought Tyree looked presentable, Kopecki immediately disagreed, and Tyree shook his head. Kopecki mentioned potential jury stereotyping and requested a continuance.
Parties agreed on a new trial date of Aug. 26.
Tyree is scheduled for a status hearing on Aug. 6.
Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Stabbing in Northwest
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal stabbing of 36-year-old Anvar Guliyev, which occurred on July 17 on the 1800 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW.
Document: MPD Searching for Suspects in Chinatown Shooting
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects in a shooting that occurred on July 17 in Chinatown on the 600 block of H Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.
‘Numerous Notices of Noncompliances’ Causes Judge To Hold Carjacking Defendant
A carjacking defendant’s request for release following a seven-year-old bench warrant for a 2017 case was denied July 18 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno.
Lakeesa Cambridge, 37, is charged with conspiracy, carjacking, assault with intent to commit robbery, robbery, unauthorized use of a vehicle- crime of violence, and first-degree theft in her alleged involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on Jan. 28, 2017 on the 100 block of Joliet Street, SW.
According to court documents, the victim met with Cambridge and another person, when the victim was struck on the head multiple times with a handgun inside his car. The victim fled the car seeking help.
In court, Michael Bruckheim, Cambridge’s defense attorney, brought up that his client has two bench warrants against her in Virginia and North Carolina and claimed she didn’t know she had these against her.
Bruckheim requested for Cambridge to be released and put on home confinement, to which the prosecution opposed stating Cambridge has “numerous notices of noncompliances.”
Parties are slated to meet on July 29.
Dept. of Behavioral Health Says Carjacking Defendant is Competent for Trial
A carjacking defendant was deemed competent after an evaluation by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), according to DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on July 18.
Javard Harris, 23, Omari Dantignac, 19, and Ion Cooper, 20, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for two carjackings on Dec. 1, 2023. The incidents occurred on the 1700 block of Bay Street, SE and the 900 block of 3rd Street, NE.
During the hearing, Judge Arthur alerted the parties that a report from DBH had found Harris to be competent to stand trial.
Ralph Robinson, Harris’ defense attorney, and the prosecution did not object to the findings of the report.
Molly Burke, counsel for Harris’ co-defendant, Dantignac, also negotiated for his release conditions to be modified, citing his perfect compliance report, the completion of his first semester of college and his work with a local school’s football team.
Bunke mentioned that Dantignac hopes to work a new job and cannot do so under the terms of home confinement. She requested that her client be given a curfew, instead.
Despite the prosecution’s objection, Judge Errol agreed to impose a curfew of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Parties are slated to return for a status hearing on Sept. 20.
Prosecution Says Defendant ‘Brought a Knife to a Fist Fight,’ During Discussion of Release
On July 18, a stabbing defendant waived his preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrman and was denied release.
Tyrone Graham, 42, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place on July 13 at the intersection of 12th and U Street, NW in front of a McDonald’s restaurant. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.
Graham previously had his preliminary hearing scheduled for July 16 and 17 but was unable to attend both hearings due to a medical scratch on July 16 and a non-compliant scratch on the 17.
At the hearing, Graham’s defense attorney Wole Falodun also requested the defendant’s release, requesting that Judge Herrman place him on electronic monitoring.
According to court documents, Graham was allegedly standing at a bus stop when he and the victim got into a verbal altercation and the victim began punching Graham in the face. Video footage shows Graham reach into his bag and pull out a knife. He is seen allegedly stabbing the victim.
Graham was “attacked out of nowhere,” and had no connection to the victim, arguing that video footage revealed that “at no point does Graham fight back,” Falodun said.
“Just because you have a hammer doesn’t mean everything you see is a nail,” Falodun stated, arguing that though video footage may show Graham stabbing the victim, it was an effort of self defense. Falodun also said the victim had a weapon on him, which is why Graham used a knife.
The prosecuting attorney objected, saying “it is incorrect to blatantly assume the victim was at fault,” and the security camera footage shows Graham following the victim for roughly half a mile.
The prosecution went on to say that even if Graham was acting in self defense he “brought a knife to a fist fight,” and demonstrated excessive force, highlighting the fact that the victim had a “left kidney and spleen laceration.”
The prosecution also argued that Graham’s criminal history is extensive, citing several bench warrants, and a prior charge of assault with a deadly weapon that Graham was released for in 2022.
Judge Herrman denied Falodun’s request for release but acknowledged that “it is going to be a close call,” if it goes to trial and “another judge may look at the video and not think it’s a close call.”
“This very well could be self defense,” Judge Herrman stated, but said the pretrial report which cited two instances where Graham’s supervised release was revoked is reason enough to hold him.
“I want to do what [Falodun] is asking, but I cannot,” Judge Herrman stated.
During his two previous hearings it was announced that Graham requested new counsel, but Falodun stated that he would be staying on the case on July 18.
Parties are slated to meet on July 24.
Judge Orders Recurring Hearings for Released Stabbing Defendant
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered July 18 a stabbing defendant, who was released from jail in June, to appear before her frequently following a recent positive drug test.
Dennis Bowler, 56, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on May 24 on the 3000 block of Rodman Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.
During the hearing, a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) said Bowler has been following through with his release conditions, but did test positive for drugs. She said Bowler is most likely going to test positive for drugs again today and is going to need to receive treatment for drug abuse.
Judge Brandt ordered Bowler to appear every three weeks for consistency purposes and to check in on how he is doing.
According to court documents, Bowler and the victim were in an apartment, when Bowler asked the victim if he had crack cocaine. The victim told Bowler he did not have any, causing Bowler to kick the victim out of the residence. However, as the victim attempted to retrieve their belongings, Bowler grabbed a knife and stabbed the victim multiple times in his arms, chest and torso.
During the fight, the victim grabbed a toilet-tank lid in self-defense before running out of the apartment into the lobby, according to court documents.
Video footage depicts an individual, identified as Bowler, following the victim to the lobby, before dropping the knife.
Bowler was arrested on the day of the incident but released on June 21 with an ankle monitor.
Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 7.
Carjacking Defendants’ Motion for Forensic DNA Screening Approved
DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christen granted two co-defendants request for a forensic screening of potential DNA evidence on July 17.
Eligah Hughes, 34, and Elias Robertson, 29, are charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and unarmed carjacking. Hughes and Robertson, while armed with a knife and by force and violence, stole the victims car on February 25, on the 1000 block of F Street.
According to court documents, Robertson approached the victim and told her he wanted her keys and had a knife. The police later found the keys of the victim’s stolen vehicle allegedly in Hughes’ possession.
In court, defense attorney Anthony Smith stated a forensic screening motion regarding an analysis biological evidence was filed in the previous hearing and he is awaiting the result.
Parties are scheduled to return on July 23 with information.
Case Acquitted: Judge Rules Cell Phone Data Warrant Had Probable Cause in Murder Case
Editor’s note: On Aug. 1, a jury acquitted Jarvis Jackson of all charges connected to the homicide of Deont’e Minor.
DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein ruled on July 18 that a warrant to obtain cell phone data from a shooting defendant was legal, over defense attorney objections.
Jarvis Jackson, 42, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction for allegedly shooting Deont’e Minor, 23, on March 20, 2021, on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.
According to Judge Epstein, two warrants had previously been issued for cell phone data after probable cause was found by another judge. Then, one was ruled insufficient for probable cause without immediate explanation.
The prosecution recently obtained new information and added it to the dismissed warrant before re-filing.
Defense attorney, Madhuri Swarna, argued that allowing the prosecution to re-file the warrant with new information would amount to prejudice against Jackson.
Judge Epstein dismissed this argument, stating the prosecution did not use any illegally obtained information in the new warrant.
Swarna also argued that the new warrant still did not meet the requirement for probable cause.
She claimed the prosecution is relying on a weak motive. The prosecution alleges that six months prior to the shooting, Jackson robbed Minor. But, Swarna said that the prosecution has not made any effort to find any evidence other than one witness.
Swarna said that there is no evidence that Jackson wanted to find Minor and hurt him and there is no reason to believe he knew where Minor was the day of the incident.
The defense also claimed that there is no evidence to support that Jackson had access to firearms, including an interview with his ex-wife during which she repeatedly denied that Jackson had any guns.
Additionally, Swarna said there are many people identified by witnesses that had motive to kill Minor over money issues, specifically an incident one-and-a-half months prior to the murder when Minor was the target of a shooting.
Swarna also said that the prosecution relies on a “white Chevy Cruze” that the an individual identified as Jackson entered. One of Jackson’s love interests has a similar vehicle, but allegedly only lets him use it when she’s in the car.
The defense claimed the two cars are different.
Judge Epstein told the parties “I still believe…that the warrant established probable cause” for the cell phone warrant.
Additionally, the defense asked the prosecution to send them the immunity letter from prosecution that was given to one of the witnesses.
The prosecution said that they lost the letter but will do their best to find it.
The parties are set to meet again on July 19.
Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment
A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to three charges during his arraignment in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on July 18.
George Sutton, 44, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the murder of John Coleman, 34, on May 1, 2023, on the 2000 block of M Street, NE.
According to court documents, Sutton was driving his car and Coleman was riding a bike when they met each other and got into a verbal altercation. Sutton allegedly shot Coleman three times in the knee, thigh and neck.
Sutton’s defense attorney alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all three counts and asserted his right to a fair and speedy trial.
The prosecution voiced concerns regarding a change of schedule, which pushed the hearing from 2 p. m. to 9:30 a. m., stating Coleman’s family had wanted to participate in all hearings and were unable to due to the change in schedule.
Parties are expected to reconvene on Aug. 23.