Homicide Defendant Released For Lack of Probable Cause

After reviewing the evidence, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled against probable cause in homicide case on Oct. 2, ordered the matter dismissed and the defendant released.

Lawrence Bradshaw, Jr., 18, was charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Ricky Canty on the 400 Block of Sheriff Road, NE, on April 24.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to reports of a shooting where they found the victim conscious and breathing, suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers transported the victim to Medstar-Washington Hospital Center, where he was pronounced dead.

On Sept. 30, the lead detective testified that eyewitnesses and surveillance cameras captured four masked individuals, some armed, getting out of a car and approaching a deli. One eyewitness recalled one of the suspects approaching him and saying, “You know what time it is?”

Canty was shot outside of the deli, and the suspect vehicle, which was recovered in a car accident as it fled the murder scene, had a phone registered to Bradshaw’s father but used by Bradshaw himself, as well as 18-year-old Jaylen Suggs’ cell phone. Suggs is a co-defendant whose case is proceeding.

The prosecutor said people are always with their phones, so Bradshaw’s phone being in the car places him in the car at the time of the crime.

Judge Raffinan stated that although Bradshaw’s phone places him in the car at some point, it is unclear if he had the phone at the time of the shooting, or if he had previously left his phone in the car.

There is also no evidence that Bradshaw was using his phone at any point close to the time of the murder, or even on the day of the murder, Judge Raffiinan concluded. There are also no eyewitnesses that identify Bradshaw as the shooter or as any of the four people who got out of the car at the scene of the crime.

Therefore, Judge Raffinan ruled the prosecution has not established probable cause and dismissed the case without prejudice meaning it can be tried again if prosecutors gather additional evidence.

Unidentified DNA Found Under Victim’s Fingernails in Homicide Case

A DNA expert witness testified that DNA not belonging to the suspect was found under the victim’s fingernails in a homicide case in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Oct. 1.

Eugene Burns, 32, is 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 shooting death of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III, on Nov. 14, 2015, on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.

Burns was convicted of the charges in 2017, but the verdict was overturned in 2020 because of an overly broad search warrant and the DC Court of Appeals returned the case to DC Superior Court.

Along with Tyre Allen, 24, Burns is also charged with conspiracy, obstructing justice by influencing or delaying a witness or officer, and obstruction of the due administration of justice. The charges stem from their alleged attempts in 2020 to persuade and intimidate a witness into recanting testimony he gave against Burns in the original murder trial.

The prosecution called a DNA expert witness who tested the victim’s fingernails and found a DNA profile not belonging to the victim or Burns.

On cross examination, the witness said the DNA could have been left there because of a struggle, but not necessarily so. The witness said prolonged contact was more likely to leave DNA under a person’s fingernails.

The witness also testified that a mix of DNA from at least three contributors was found on an empty solo cup from the crime scene. According to the witness, it is more likely than not that Burns’ DNA was included in the mixture.

The victim’s cousin also testified that she knew Burns and the victim were friends in high school, and she questioned Burns after the shooting via Instagram messages. According to the witness, she asked why he was not with the victim at the time of the incident if he was shot at Burns’ house?

The prosecution showed screenshots in which Burns allegedly responded saying the victim would often come over to his house when he wasn’t there and then asked the witness, “WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU SAYING?”

“He was trying to be defensive,” the witness testified.

The witness also testified that Burns did not attend the victim’s funeral.

A friend of Burns’ testified that Burns was “like a nephew to him,” and lived in his house for an extended period of time at the end of 2015. The witness said Burns had gotten into an altercation with his mother’s boyfriend’s son — not the victim — and spoke to the witness about it.

The witness said he heard about Burns getting a gun around that time, but could not remember the source of the information. Attorneys read testimony the witness gave in prior proceedings of this case saying Burns told him he wanted to get a gun to protect himself and retaliate due to the altercation.

The witness described Burns’ behavior at the end of 2015 as “jumpy.”

Parties will reconvene Oct. 2.

‘I Hope You Rot in Hell for This,’ Says Victim’s Sister as Homicide Defendant OK’d For Las Vegas Trip

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted a homicide defendant’s request to leave the District on a personal trip, despite the victim’s family members expressing frustration over the decision in an Oct. 2 hearing.

Desmond Gaskin, 38, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree theft, and destruction of property less than 1000 dollars. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 40-year-old William Whittington Jr. on July 19, 2022 on the 400 block of Burbank Street, NE.

During the hearing, Jason Tulley, Gaskin’s defense attorney, addressed a motion that he filed on Sept. 5 requesting that Gaskin be granted permission to travel to Las Vegas for his girlfriend’s birthday celebration. Gaskin is currently released on personal recognizance with 24-hour GPS monitoring, which prohibits his leaving the jurisdiction without permission.

Gaskin’s supervised release officer stated that he had been compliant with all of the terms of his release and there have been no issues.

“It helps psychologically for someone who has been working as hard as he has to take a break,” said Tulley.

The prosecution stated that allowing him to travel creates an unnecessary risk, especially to Las Vegas considering it is a city of “excess.”

“You took something I can never get back,” Whittington’s sister, who was present remotely, stated. She added, “I hope you rot in hell for this. I know you did it, you know you did it, my brother knows you did it.”

The prosecution added that the victim’s family is frustrated that Gaskin is on release in the first place, much less allowing him to travel.

Judge Raffinan ruled that because Gaskin has been in substantial compliance with his release, he will be permitted to make the trip. Gaskin is required to submit all travel information to the court, keep his GPS monitoring on, and drug test upon his return to the DC area.

Parties will reconvene on Feb. 11.

Judge Deems Identification in Stabbing Case ‘Inept’

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow delayed her decision about suppressing a witness’ identification of a stabbing suspect which she called procedurally “inept.”

Warnell Reams, 57, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 5 on the 200 block of Vine Street, NW, that left one person injured.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives showed the victim a photo array which included multiple potential suspects, including Reams. The witness identified Reams as the stabbing suspect, not who the MPD originally believed was the potential suspect.

During the hearing Oct. 1 hearing, prosecutors called on a detective from MPD, who testified that during the identification process the victim identified Reams as the perpetrator, and provided his first name, but was unable to provide an accurate last name.

Reams’s defense attorney, Michelle Lockard, argued against this identification being used in trial, stating that the detectives at the scene prompted the photo identification by telling the victim “not to second guess himself.”

According to Lockard, the detectives did not give the victim enough time to be confident in his decision.

When conducting a photo array, there is a series of questions and instructions the detective provides for the witness to review and Lockard stated the detective in this case failed to do so, making the identification invalid.

However, the prosecutor stated that although the detective might have provided the victim with a more condensed version of the instructions, he still relayed the material. She also added that if MPD was trying to prompt the witness to identify someone, it would be for the suspect and not a filler photo, which they claimed Reams was at the time.

“I’m not saying that I would call the detective’s process suggestive, but I would certainly call it sloppy,” said Judge Pasichow. She told parties she requires more time to review the body worn camera footage before she can make a ruling on the motion. “This photo spread procedure was so inept, ” Judge Pasichow added.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 2.

Defense Claims ‘Gross Negligence’ By Prosecutors in Carjacking Trial

Attorneys asked DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur to dismiss a carjacking case after the prosecution elicited what the defense claims was inadmissible evidence in trial on Oct. 2.

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 incident that occurred on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE, on July 11, 2023.

Patterson is also charged with armed robbery in connection to the incident.

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

At a previous hearing, the prosecution agreed to the defense’s motion to exclude mentions of specific evidence and testimony, under the notion that it would prejudice the jury against the defendants whether or not the information was true.

Defense attorney Alvin Thomas motioned to exclude mentions that Patterson is currently on probation for a different offense, and defense attorney Joseph McCoy wanted to exclude references to a gun found at the scene where Johnson was arrested;

The gun is evidence for another case though the outcome wasn’t clear.

During the hearing, the prosecution asked the lead detective about the potential identification of Patterson by a witness, and asked the detective who he followed up with about the matter. The detective responded, “Gregory Patterson’s probation officer.”

This led to an immediate sustained objection.

The prosecution also ended their examination with the question, “Did you recover a gun in this case?” to which the detective responded, “yes.”

After immediately sustaining the objection again, Judge Arthur ended the trial early and sent the jury home, so parties could discuss how to move forward with the case due to potentially inadmissible evidence mentioned by the detective.

Defense attorney Joseph McCoy, representing Johnson, said the detective’s statements will impact the jury’s decision even if stricken from the record.

McCoy accused the prosecution of attempting to trigger a mistrial on purpose, claiming the prosecution’s case was going poorly and they wanted another attempt at trial.

“This is gross negligence,” claimed McCoy.

Attorney Thomas, representing Patterson, stated that mentioning the probation alone is enough for a dismissal. Judge Arther gave the prosecution leeway, after a string of objections from McCoy about potential inadmissible testimony, in particular the reference to Patterson’s probation.

“It’s not the mistake of the officer,” said Thomas, “but the prosecuting attorney.”

The prosecutor explained that in his mind, the detective knew not to mention the probation officer, and thought he would answer no to the question, “Did you discover a gun in this case?”

Both defense attorneys responded that with the phrasing of the question, the only answer that wouldn’t lead to perjury is “yes.”

Judge Arthur has not ruled about a mistrial, a dismissal, or if trial will continue as planned.

The trial is set to resume on Oct. 3.

Mass Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to a mass shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 1.

Jalonte Thompkins, 31, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of James Morgan, 34, 30-year-old Jamal Morgan, and 42-year-old Vincent Martin. The incident occurred on the 2500 block of Ontario Road, NW on Aug. 5, 2023. Two additional individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, Jamal and James were siblings.

Defense attorney Brandi Harden alerted the court of the defendant’s intent to plead not guilty, and requested a speedy trial, asserting his constitutional rights.

Both parties agreed to a jury trial scheduled for May 14, 2026, already delayed due to the complexity of the case. The defense predicts the trial could last six weeks.

Harden alerted the court she plans to file a motion to dismiss the conspiracy charge within a month. Judge Okun told parties the prosecution will have a chance to respond in writing before he rules.

The judge granted Harden’s additional request for an extension of 14 days to respond to the prosecution’s previous motion to allow for further DNA testing.

Parties will reconvene Dec. 12.

Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in Murder Over Money

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to seven charges before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 1.

Jahi Settles, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, felony murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempted robbery while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Langston Sharps. The incident occurred on July 3, 2023, on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.

According to court documents, a witness reported watching an individual, later identified as Settles, and Sharps get into a verbal altercation about Sharps owing the suspect money. The witness told police they watched Settles allegedly pull out a gun and shoot Sharps.

Janet Mitchell, who was stepping in for Settles’ attorney Jason Tulley, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty, and requested a speedy trial, enacting his constitutional rights.

Parties will reconvene Oct. 31.

Judge Won’t Suppress Evidence in Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied a motion to suppress evidence in a stabbing defendant’s case on an Oct. 1 motion hearing.

Jose Garcia Fuentes, 43, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault, for his alleged role in a stabbing incident that transpired on April 24 on the 4400 block of 14th Street, NW. One person sustained lacerations to their hand and face.

According to court documents, an individual identified as Fuentes entered a restaurant and started an unprovoked fight with another patron. After the suspect kicked the patron, the complainant stepped in to defuse the situation. As events unfolded, the suspect produced a knife and allegedly slashed the victim’s face and hand. After a struggle, the suspect escaped.

During the motion hearing, Fuentes’ defense counsel, Henry Escoto, argued to suppress physical evidence, which may include the knife recovered from the scene, any identification of the defendant as the suspect, and statements obtained by the prosecution that Escoto alleges violates Fuentes’ constitutional rights.

Escoto requested Judge Park prevent the eyewitnesses from providing an in-court identification of Fuentes during their testimony, arguing that the police failed to follow proper procedure including failing to provide a photo array comparing the suspect’s picture to similar ones.

According to Escoto, one of the witnesses used his friends list on Facebook to identify Fuentes as the stabber, without any logical explanation.

The prosecution rebutted the motion, arguing that officers took lawful steps to identify the defendant, regardless of how unconventional the actions were.

Judge Park denied the motion, stating that the case law surrounding this matter is clear that in this instance there were no exclusionary rule violations based on how the evidence was collected nor in the methods of suspect identification.

Parties are expected to return to court on Oct. 2.

Homicide Defendants Accept Plea Deal

Two homicide co-defendants accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Oct. 1.

Georgio Hyles, 27, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convict, and attempted robbery while armed.

Omar Williams, 27, was originally charged with attempted robbery while armed and felony murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit robbery.

The charges stem from Hyles and Williams’ involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Anthony Depetris on the 3500 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, on Nov. 5, 2021.

During the hearing, Teresa Kleiman, Hyles’ attorney, alerted Judge Epstein he would be accepting the deal, which required Hyles to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of 17 years of incarceration.

Likewise, Stephen LoGerfo, Williams’ attorney, alerted Judge Epstein he would be accepting the deal, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties agreed to an 11 year sentence.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Hyles, Williams, and now-deceased 22-year-old Kinnon Abdullah, were in Williams’ car, which he drove, as they approached an intersection near the incident location.

Prosecutors told Judge Epstein that Abdullah and Hyles exited the vehicle and attempted to rob Depetris. As Depetris attempted to get away, Abdullah and Hyles unleashed multiple shots, killing him.

Hyles and Williams agreed with the prosecution’s version of the facts.

LoGerfo requested Williams undergo a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) Study, which would let Judge Epstein know whether or not he’s a good candidate for a YRA sentencing. A sentencing under the YRA allows for a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed once they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Hyles is not eligible for the YRA.

The prosecution did not oppose Williams’ request for a study, but stated they’d be opposing the request for a YRA sentence during the sentencing hearing. It’s up to the judge to determine the sentence.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 13.

Bench Warrants Outstanding For Absent Shooting Defendants

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian maintained outstanding bench warrants for two co-defendants who failed to appear in court for an arraignment on Oct. 1.

Ralph Price, 18, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a July 27, 2023 shooting that injured one individual. The incident occurred on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

Wilinda Barron, 45, Price’s co-defendant, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault for her alleged involvement.

During the hearing, Price and Barron failed to appear in court. This is not the first time the defendants have been absent; the court issued bench warrants for both defendants on Sept. 18.

Neither defendant has an attorney. Price and Barron had been indicted early on in the case, and because neither have been in court since their indictment, there is no defense attorney assigned to their case.

The prosecution stated that both defendants had been notified of their indictment, and requested that the judge uphold the bench warrant from Sept. 18.

Judge Christian let the bench warrant remain outstanding.

Parties are set to reconvene once the warrants have been served.

Defense Attorney Wants Client Held Without Bond

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian modified a stabbing defendant’s bond status from $1,000 to held without bond during an Oct. 1 hearing, to ensure he remains in the DC Jail as he awaits further proceedings despite being sentenced in connection to another incident.

Shawn Dyson, 43, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on Aug. 29, 2023, on the 1400 block of Park Road, NW. One individual sustained injuries to their arm during the incident.

On Sept. 4, Dyson was sentenced to 60 months of incarceration in connection to a previous stabbing incident, which occurred on Sept. 10, 2023 at the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW. Dyson stabbed someone in the back of the head behind their right ear.

During the hearing for Dyson’s current case, his attorney, Sharon Weathers, asked Judge Christian to hold Dyson without bond for the August 2023 stabbing.

According to Weathers, if Dyson’s status in this matter is not changed to “held without bond” he risks being moved to a federal prison. Weathers argued his move would make it impossible to resolve this matter given the logistics of keeping in touch with his client.

Judge Christian granted the defense’s request and modified Dyson’s status to be held without bond.

The defense also asked the prosecution to leave a pending plea deal open, as Weathers is still discussing the matter. The terms were not discussed in court.

The next status hearing for this case is on Oct. 11.

Document: MPD Searching for Southeast Shooting Suspects

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating suspects in connection to a shooting incident that took place on Sept. 28, in the unit block of Potomac Avenue, Southeast. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, an unidentified adult female, who had non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Judge Weighs Homicide Evidence Before Probable Cause Ruling

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan delayed a ruling on probable cause after she heard arguments against a suspect in a homicide case on Sept. 30.

Lawrence Bradshaw, Jr., 18, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Ricky Canty on the 400 Block of Sheriff Road, NE, on April 24.

Prosecution called the lead detective in the investigation as a witness whose search of the suspect vehicle revealed two phones, one belonging to co-defendant Jaylen Suggs, 18, and one belonging to an immediate Bradshaw family member.

The detective testified to following the defendant’s activity on social media as a local rapper, and said he saw several pictures and videos of the defendant holding a similar looking cell phone to the one found in the car. He said the defendant was seen online holding guns multiple times in his music videos.

The also detective testified that shortly after he reached out to Bradshaw’s father to request a meeting with the defendant, the pictures and videos had been taken down, along with a song.

During defense attorney Gemma Stevens’ cross examination, the detective testified that multiple witnesses, who were interviewed on scene, were unable to give a physical description of any of the suspects.

The detective said ivestigators used cell phone towers to track the location of the phones belonging to a member of Bradshaw’s family and Suggs. The tracking only indicates that Bradshaw was somewhere in Southeast DC, but does not place him at the exact location of the scene of the incident.

The detective testified that he could not tell just by looking whether the guns the defendant was seen with online were real or prop guns.

During the prosecution’s rebuttal, the detective testified that the defendant’s rap songs mainly describe causing harm and violence to a rival neighborhood.

The prosecution made its case for probable cause, arguing that the defendant’s phone being found in the suspect car is probable cause, and there’s evidence suggesting that Suggs and Bradshaw are friends and it would make sense for the defendant to be with Suggs.

The prosecution argued that Bradshaw’s deleting of pictures of videos could be seen as consciousness of guilt as he attempted to “cover his tracks in some way” and hide his connection to guns and violence.

They also argued that while cell phone tower data showed that Bradshaw was in various locations in Virginia and Maryland the day of the crime, he was around the DC area around the time of the incident.

Stevens argued that the prosecution failed to connect the deleted song to the incident, thus cannot be considered indicative of guilt.

Stevens also argued that being in the general area an hour prior to the incident does not place her client at the incident. Stevens argued that Bradshaw just because his phone was in the suspect vehicle does not mean that he was.

Judge Raffinan requested more time to go over the prosecutor’s affidavit and evidence before making a probable cause ruling.

Parties are slated to meet again Oct. 2 for probable cause ruling.

Homicide Defendant Won’t Get Relaxed Release Terms

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a homicide defendant’s request to modify his release after learning of his failure to comply with release conditions on Sept. 30.

Daquan Gray, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license outside of his home or business for his alleged involvement in the murder of 15-year-old Jaylyn Wheeler, on the 600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on May 16, 2018.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) reported during the hearing that the defendant has had problems keeping his GPS monitoring device charged and missed a weekly report by phone.

Therefore, the representative recommended a revoking the release conditions which the prosecution supported.

Hanna Perry, Gray’s attorney, argued that the defendant’s violations are minor, given that his conditions are strict. Perry said that Gray reported that his monitor doesn’t always vibrate when the battery is low.

Perry requested removal of the GPS monitoring device, saying that Gray will still check-in by phone once a week.

The prosecution emphasized Gray can’t enjoy relaxed conditions after violating his current restrictions.

Judge Raffinan denied the defense’s request to remove the GPS monitoring device, and denied the prosecution’s request to revoke release.

The prosecution requested the condition that allows Gray to take his child for family visits be revoked, arguing that family members wishing to see the child can go to Gray’s residence since he is the full-time caregiver. Judge Raffinan denied this request.

The judge reminded Gray that he is required to charge his GPS monitoring device for one hour a day, even if the device doesn’t vibrate.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 7, 2025.

Defense Requests Release For A ‘Simple Case of Self-Defense’

A homicide defendant requested release on condition of 24-hour home confinement and GPS monitoring after his trial was scheduled for next year during a Sept. 30 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Monteze Morton, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 29-year old Dimitrious Brown on the 2800 Block of Hartford Street, SE, on March 22.

Thomas Key, Morton’s attorney, renewed his request for release with 24-hour home confinement and GPS device monitoring, arguing that the defendants will not be in the DC area since his residence is in Maryland.

The prosecution objected to this request, arguing that the defendant’s criminal history is “not old.” Judge Raffinan said that the defense must submit the request in writing in order for it to be considered.

Key also requested that parties set a date for trial now since the prosecution does not have to indict until Feb. 14, 2025.

Key argued that the defendant has a right to a speedy trial and that since it is a “simple case of self-defense” the trial should only take a week.

However, the prosecution pointed out at this early phase the defendant has yet to be indicted.

Morton’s trial date is set for Feb. 2, 2026, with prosecution estimating that the trial will take three weeks.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 14, 2025.