Stabbing Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

A stabbing defendant waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a crime scene before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Sept. 13.

Jose Garcia Fuentes, 42, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 4400 block of 14th Street, NW, that occurred on April 24. An individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Garcia Fuentes, was in a verbal and physical altercation with an individual while intoxicated, during which Garcia Fuentes is said to have stabbed the other individual.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Arthur they did not plan to conduct DNA testing on the evidence recovered at the scene, which included the knife allegedly used during the attack.

Henry Escoto, Garcia Fuentes’ attorney, alerted the court they also do not plan to test the evidence, and the defendant waived his rights which cannot be reasserted at a later date.

Parties are slated to reconvene for trial on Sept. 24.

Judge Won’t Let Stabbing Defendant Represent Himself

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur reappointed a lawyer to a “pro-se” defendant in a stabbing case after worries he could misrepresent himself acting as his own attorney. The ruling came on Sept. 13.

Brian Long, 42, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Nov. 23, 2023 on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Judge Arthur previously allowed Long to represent himself alongside an attorney advisor at hearings.

In the hearing, Long asked the judge to appoint a civilian to represent him. However, Judge Arthur declined explaining that the charges were serious and he did not want Long to be represented incorrectly.

Judge Arthur reappointed Howard McEachern to be counsel of record.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 10.

Shooting Defendant Is ‘100 Percent Ready’ Despite Late Trial Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian delayed a shooting trial by a day because evidence was late getting to the defense. The decision came during a hearing on Sept. 16.

Calvon Brown, 31, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 22 at Lee’s Liquors located on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Brown’s lawyer, Tammy Thom, asked the court to dismiss the case for late disclosure but Judge Christian denied the request though he agreed to a continuance.

The defense argued that the majority of evidence was submitted a week before trial. It pertains to allegedly inconsistent statements the victim made about who shot him as well as a video of an individual identified as Brown at the store prior to the shooting.

Brown addressed the court and stated that he is “100 percent ready,” and Thom stated that she is ready to follow her client’s wishes.

Judge Christian ruled that the trial will resume on Sept. 17.

Aged Shooting Defendant Detained Despite Decades of Good Behavior

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond, said she, “Cannot ignore the facts of his criminal history no matter how old”, when deciding the release of the defendant on Sept. 12–that after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Derrick Gladden, 53, is charged with aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured one individual on April 15 on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE.

Gladden’s defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, informed the court that the defendant planned to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

Sukumar argued his criminal history is over 30 years old and has not faced new charges since. Therefore, Sukumar insisted, he could safely be released.

The prosecution stated the weight of the evidence rules in favor of the defendant’s being held despite his decades of clean conduct.

Judge Raymond denied Gladden’s request for release based on previous infractions.

According to Sukumar, parties are currently in plea negotiations.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 27.

Teen Co-Defendants Held in Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied release for two co-defendants during a Sept. 12 hearing, finding probable cause they were the perpetrators of a carjacking.

Austin Marion, 18, and Jacorri Stroman, 19, are charged with two counts of unarmed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Two cars were stolen during the incident on July 1 on the 1100 block of Independence Avenue, SE.

Russell Hairston, Marion’s attorney, and Katelyn Martinez, Stroman’s attorney, informed the court that the defendants planned to waive their right to a preliminary hearing.

The lawyers requested their clients be released as they await further proceedings noting they have stable housing and would comply with home confinement and any other release conditions.

However, the prosecution objected stating the pair was a threat to the community,” and requested they remain detained.

Although Marion and Stroman have no prior criminal history, Judge Raymond was alarmed by the, “seriousness, randomness, and dangerousness of each case,” and denied release.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 1.

Shooting Video Triggers Courtroom Fight, Judge Releases Defendant Following Day

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan called for a recess after a fight between a homicide victim’s and defendant’s family member broke out in court on Sept. 10. She found probable cause that the defendant was the perpetrator on Sept. 11.

Karim Ibrahim, 21, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Javonni Coleman. The incident occurred on Jan. 16 on the 2400 block of S Street, SE.

According to court documents, Coleman sustained fatal injuries to his head, neck, and torso.

The prosecution called on an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who testified their investigation into the murder deemed Ibrahim the shooter. According to the officer, surveillance footage, witness statements, and phone records, played a significant role in the shooter’s identification.

According to the court documents, one of the witnesses was asked if there were any issues between Coleman and other people. The witness stated in an interview with MPD that it may have been possible Coleman had problems with individuals, but they were unsure.

He testified that Ibrahim’s clothes, “Worn on the day of the shooting was the same on videos taken 16 hours prior,” and posted on social media. Several videos from Ibrahim’s social media and Gmail accounts were recovered that showed what seemed to be guns similar to the one used during the murder, as well as the particular articles of clothing.

Kevin Mosley, Ibrahim’s attorney, argued that the officer’s recollection was speculative, and questioned his preparation regarding his testimony.

Mosley called into question MPD’s factual knowledge of the shooting’s timing, stating that the building’s CCTV footage did not have timestamps on the video.

The officer stated “The timestamps were matched up in accordance with the actions that happened in the video”, to which Mosley stated, “This case was being based off of everything but facts”.

Mosley argued that Ibrahim’s mother was unable to identify the shooter as her son in the footage, and suggested that a mother would know what her child looks like and her statements should be given considerable weight.

During the hearing, prosecutors displayed footage of the murder multiple times, which led to a confrontation between Coleman’s and Ibrahim’s families.

US Marshals dragged Ibrahim as well as several others out of the courtroom effectively ending the proceeding.

The next day, Judge Raffinan alerted the parties she had found probable cause for second-degree murder but ruled in favor of releasing the defendant with conditions.

She ordered him to remain in home confinement, GPS monitoring, and imposed a stay away order from the victim’s family, residence and any additional places related to the incident.

Among these conditions, Judge Raffinan also required he stay off of social media, obey all laws, and be cooperative with the court.

Coleman’s family members sitting in the courtroom were visibly upset at the decision made.

There will be a status hearing on Sept. 26.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Felony Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffian found probable cause for a felony murder-robbery case and granted the prosecution’s request to detain the suspect on Sept. 13.

Jaylen Suggs, 18, is charged with robbery – felony murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Ricky Canty on the 4000 Block of Sheriff Road, NE, on April 25.

The lead detective on the scene stated that eyewitnesses and surveillance cameras captured four masked individuals, some armed, approaching a deli before chaos ensued. One eyewitness to the crime specifically recalled one of the suspects approaching him and exclaimed, “You know what time it is?”

The suspects began to fire and allegedly Canty fired back as well.

After the crime occurred, detectives uncovered the suspect vehicle and said a cellphone inside belonged to Suggs. The phone was allegedly linked to Suggs using photos, the passcode being his birthday and usernames being linked to aspects of his life.

Suggs had also been involved in a burglary in Prince George’s County which had occurred in the same vehicle as the murder, according to the prosecution.

Judge Ruffian ruled that there is no direct evidence showing he was the one firing the weapon but with the probable cause standard, the evidence – witness statements, surveillance videos, recovered phone evidence and links to the vehicle – were enough to find that he was present and part of the robbery operation that led to Canty’s death.

The prosecution asked for Suggs to remain detained, stating he poses a threat to the community because of the nature and circumstances of the crime.

Kevann Gardner, Suggs’ attorney, argued that stolen cars are often passed around during these crimes, so it is feasible that Suggs’ phone was left in the vehicle from someone else in a prior trip. According to Gardner, Suggs’ phone was inactive for hours before the crime occurred, which may prove he didn’t have anything to do with the robbery turned murder.

Gardner requested that Suggs be released on home confinement as he has a strong family support and he helps out with his younger siblings and older family members. Gardner also claimed that the threat of danger is mitigated by home confinement as they will make sure he abides by his release.

The court ultimately granted the prosecution’s request to hold because of the nature of the offense, weight of the evidence, the defendant’s history and the danger that release would pose to the community.

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 14.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Sentenced to Additional Term After Murder Spree Conviction

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow sentenced a defendant to 14 months of incarceration for a stabbing on Sept. 13–that after an earlier conviction for murdering a teen.

On Sept. 6, Tyiion Freeman, 25, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on Oct. 2, 2023 at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.

During the hearing, the prosecution and defense requested 14 months of incarceration for the incident.

Freeman’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, requested credit for his 11 months already served, considering that earlier that day he was sentenced to 108 years in prison for his involvement in a shooting spree in 2020 that ended in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes.

Freeman made a brief statement to the court stating, “I take full responsibility for my actions.”

The judge sentenced Freeman to 14 months, with credit for his time already served.

No further dates were set.

No Release For Double-Homicide Defendant

A double-homicide defendant pleaded not guilty at arraignment and was denied his request for release by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Sept. 13.

Ronzoni Jackson Jr., 24, is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. These charges stem from Jackson’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Osmine Quintano and 28-year-old Octavio Quintano on Dec. 12, 2023 on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE.

Sellano Simmons, Jackson’s attorney, alerted the court of Jackson’s intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy, public trial.

Simmons also asked Judge Epstein to release Jackson citing that Jackson’s father had a stable address and income and was willing to take him in. Due to the fact that there was no change in circumstances, the prosecution argued that he should not be released citing the seriousness of the offense.

Judge Epstein denied the request for release and a trial date was set for Feb. 9, 2026.

The parties are set to reconvene on May 9, 2025.

Double-Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, Remains on Release

A double-murder defendant remains on supervised release after a felony arraignment hearing on Sept. 16 before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Jahi Rapp, 21, who was originally charged with accessory to murder, has been arraigned on two counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE on Oct. 17, 2022. Davonte Berkley, 19, and Reginald Lamont Cooper Jr., 19, were killed. A third victim was also shot but survived.

Rapp, represented by defense attorney Ferguson Evans, pleaded not guilty to all eight counts. Evans also noted that the prosecution has turned over significant evidence already but he has not had the chance to look it all over.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) alerted Judge Raffinan that Rapp has been in compliance with the terms of his release since his last court date–he hasn’t had any violations and has been reporting on time.

The prosecution presented their pleading for detention, which included information about a search warrant executed on Rapps car and surveillance footage identifying him at the scene of the crime. Judge Raffinan stated that because their official report included no information about the surveillance video identifying Rapp, a supplement is likely required.

Judge Raffinan said that although the nature and circumstances of the allegations would weigh in favor of detention, Rapp has no prior convictions and has been compliant thus far, so he will continue to be on release.

Parties will reconvene on Sept. 30.

Judge Denies Release For Murder Defendant Said to Be MS-13 Gang Member

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo denied a homicide defendant’s request for release on Sept. 13. Prosecutors claim the suspect is part of “Mara Salvatrucha” (MS-13), an international criminal gang.

Pedro Joya Argueta, 25, also known as “Peluche,” a Spanish nickname for hairy or heavy-set individuals, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, and conspiracy. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the execution-style killing of 16-year-old Eberson Guerra-Sanchez. The incident occurred on April 27, 2019 on the 5200 block of Canal Road, NW.

According to the prosecutor, the killing stemmed from a violent history between Argueta and Guerra-Sanchez. She stated the two caused “disturbances” at a school in Frederick, Maryland in 2018, where Argueta and Guerra-Sanchez’s rival groups fought one another.

Argueta’s court docket shows that he was indicted in connection to the case in June of 2021, and a warrant for his arrest was issued, but was not executed until July 10, 2024.

Julie Swaney, Argueta’s attorney, filed a motion for release, citing substantial community support, and argued that Argueta “adamantly denies these allegations.” She stated he is a regular member of a church in Maryland, and pointed out the multiple individuals who showed up to court from the community to support him.

According to Swaney, a detainer from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency, which calls for Argueta’s removal from the United States due to his unlawful reentry after a deportation in 2021 “should not affect the finding that he will appear in court.” Swaney argued Argueta is not a flight risk.

The prosecution disagreed stating that not only does the ICE detainer mean he may Argueta deported if he’s released, but his criminal history and the nature and circumstances of the offense prove he’s a danger to the community.

According to the prosecution, Argueta was convicted of second-degree sexual assault in Maryland in 2019 of a 15-year-old who ended up having his child.

Swaney quickly objected, stating the girl was in a relationship with the then 19-year-old Argueta, and it is unclear if the case was due to Maryland’s statutory rape law, or if the complaint came from the girl’s parents.

The prosecutor added that although he wasn’t convicted for multiple school disturbances in 2018, Argueta was involved in assaultive behavior against Guerra-Sanchez in school, and it was a catalyst for Guerra-Sanchez’s murder.

As for his deportation and new ICE detainer, the prosecutor argued his reentry after deportation “shows lack of compliance with laws,” and he “came back into the country knowing he shouldn’t.”

The prosecutor argued his alleged involvement in the MS-13 gang, in which he’s considered a “homeboy” is troubling. According to the prosecutor, in order for a gang member to reach that ranking of a “homeboy” he must have killed people.

The prosecutor further argued that Guerra-Sanchez’s body was unidentifiable due to the chop wounds sustained to his face and extremities, and his head being almost decapitated. She stated they were only able to identify him by using DNA samples from his parents.

Judge Demeo stated that Guerra-Sanchez endured an “extremely troubling, vicious, cruel, and inhumane,” murder, and that although Argueta was employed and has family support, the bad in the case outweighs the good.

“This is not the first time Argueta is in the system,” Judge Demeo stated, adding that this is the most serious time. She argued that any “crime against a victim” proves dangerousness, and his “failure to abide by laws,” including immigration laws prove he poses a threat to the community.

“One can give their vocation to God and still do things that are against the law,” Judge Demeo stated, referring to his participation in the church as a sign of good intent.

“It would be a serious danger to the community to release him,” Judge Demeo claimed, ordering he continue to be detained as he awaits further proceedings.

A trial date was tentatively set for June of 2026, but the prosecution alerted Judge Demeo they are working on indicting other people in connection to the murder.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 8.

Judge Says Prosecution Is ‘Out of Luck’ if They Don’t Meet DNA Testing Deadline in A Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein ordered the prosecution to have DNA testing results by Nov. 8 in a Sept. 13 status hearing for a homicide case with three co-defendants.

Raymond Mathis, 36, Keshawn Lavender, 23, and Deandre Sams, 28, are charged with first-degree murder, attempted robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Matthew Miller during an attempted robbery on Sept. 6, 2023 on the 200 block of M Street, SW. Two other individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

Mathis was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him at the beginning of the hearing. The defense then requested that the prosecution be given a deadline for when they must have DNA testing results by.

Kevin Irving, Lavender’s defense attorney, told the court that he does not understand why the prosecution is not adhering to the court’s deadlines. According to Irving, this is the second time that the IPA hearing, in which defendant’s can assert or waive their rights to independently test the evidence, has been delayed due to the prosecution submitting new DNA for testing and waiting for the results.

Judge Epstein told counsel that the trial, which is set for Sept. 28, 2025, is not going to be pushed back. Epstein said if the prosecution cannot “get its act together” then they will be “out of luck.”

The prosecution was hesitant to agree to the Nov. 8 deadline proposed by Judge Epstein because they had hoped to do a third round of testing once their second round results come in at the beginning of October. Judge Epstein denied their request for a later deadline.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 13.

Shooting Defendant, Who Left Victim Blind, Accepts Plea Offer

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Sept. 13.

Antron Belk, 18, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. These charges stem from Belk’s alleged involvement in the non-fatal shooting of one victim on Feb. 25, 2023 on the 4400 block of Quarles Street, NE.

According to the prosecution, the shooting left the victim blind.

During the hearing, Christen Philips, Belk’s attorney, said her client intended to accept the plea deal put forth by the prosecution.

The deal required Belk to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges. The parties agreed to a sentence of 84 months incarceration with five years of supervised release.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Nov. 15.

Stabbing Defendant Calls Victim a ‘Liar’

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe ejected a defendant from the courtroom after calling a stabbing victim a “liar” on Sept. 12.

Tanade Warsame, 32, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in stabbing an individual on May 4 on the 600 block of I Street, NW.

Prior to the parties picking a jury on Sept. 12, Warsame pleaded guilty to contempt of court. His remaining count is assault.

“You cannot bring a knife to a fist fight,” insisted the prosecution in opening statements, arguing that Warsame and the victim decided to fight after an argument in a dispute over a stolen hat. During the confrontation, Warsame allegedly escalated the situation, pulling a knife and stabbing the victim.

However, Brandon Burrell, Warsame’s attorney, disagreed. According to Burrell, a day before the incident, the victim took a hat from Warsame and did not give it back. According to Burrell, Warsame had a heated argument with the victim about the hat on the day of the incident, and said Warsame acted in self-defense after the victim threw a punch.

The prosecution called the victim to testify about the incident.

He said he took Warsame’s hat “in a playful way,” and intended to give it back. Burrell in redirect asked the victim if he bought the hat from Warsame, but the victim said no. After Burrell showed footage of the victim telling police that he had bought the hat, he still disagreed and explained that he probably misunderstood the officer’s questions.

Moments before the jury was excused for the day, Warsame in an emotional outburst audibly called the victim a “liar”.

Judge Pipe removed Warsame from the courtroom for losing self-control.

Trial will continue with the victim’s testimony on Sept. 16.

Homicide Defendant Charged with Obstruction, Potentially Delaying Trial

The prosecution alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe that a homicide defendant is being indicted on four additional charges of obstruction of justice. The new developments were announced in a Sept. 13 hearing.

Joshua Allen, 33, is charged with first degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement the fatal shooting of Delonte Johnson, 28, on June 11, 2021 on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to the prosecution, the new charges stem from two incidents when Allen allegedly contacted a witness who was slated to testify in his trial, and asked the person to lie.

The first incident allegedly took place between Dec. 15, 2022 and Jan. 31, 2023 and the prosecution alleges that Allen sent a letter to the witness. The second incident allegedly occurred between June 9 and Aug. 10, 2024 and the prosecution says Allen, who was detained at the time, called the witness from other inmates’ accounts as well as a case manager’s.

Allen’s lawyer, Kevin Robertson, alerted the court that Allen was pleading not guilty to these four counts.

Meanwhile, the defense motioned to consolidate the new charges with Allen’s original ones. The trial is currently set for Oct. 7. The prosecution does not believe it needs to be delayed.

Judge O’Keefe asserted that he needs a few days to consider if the current trial date should stand.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 20.

Search