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Plea Offer Extended to Domestic Violence Stabbing Defendant 

A domestic violence stabbing defendant was extended a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz during a July 15 hearing. 

Michael Alston is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon of a senior citizen, kidnapping of a senior citizen, assault with significant bodily injury, strangulation, and threat to kidnap or injure a person for his alleged involvement in an incident on Feb. 4 on the 2100 block of I Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries. 

At the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court they had extended a plea deal, which requires Alston to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and strangulation. In exchange, the prosecution would dismiss all other charges.

The plea was set to expire in court, but has been extended until Aug. 15. Alston requested another lawyer because his current one does not align with his beliefs.

The prosecution is still deciding whether to do DNA testing on the knife allegedly used. A hearing to discuss if the defense would like to conduct independent DNA testing on the knife was scheduled for Sept. 16.

Manslaughter Defendant Receives 8.5-Year Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Duron Hudson on July 12 to eight-and-a-half years in prison with five years of supervised release for violent crimes from three different cases.

On Dec. 20, 2023, Hudson, 24, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while armed. He was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed and robbery for his involvement in the death of Nahzil Zaid Abdul Rahim, 50, on Nov. 29, 2019, on the 1200 block of U Street, NW. 

As part of the same plea deal, Hudson also pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, assault with significant bodily injury, attempted second-degree theft, attempted unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and two counts of simple assault, stemming from other incidents.

According to the prosecution, Hudson got into an argument with Rahim late at night on the date of the manslaughter. Hudson threw a rock at Rahim, which Rahim ran into the street to avoid. Hudson then threw a brick that knocked Rahim to the ground, where a vehicle ran over him.

“The injuries from being run over likely caused death,” the prosecutor said. He noted that Hudson was legally responsible because his actions put Rahim in danger of death.

“The family wants this guy, Hudson, to receive the maximum sentence for my brother’s death,” Rahim’s sister said in a statement that the prosecutor read in court. 

The prosecutor said that the other incidents for which Hudson was being sentenced were robberies in which he put the victims in fear for their safety through his violent actions.

“We don’t dispute the harm caused by Mr. Hudson,” said Mani Golzari, Hudson’s defense attorney, “and we extend our condolences to the [victim’s] family.”

“[Hudson] has gone through more tragedies in his short life than I have in my 43 years,” Golzari continued, arguing that Hudson’s circumstances made it difficult for him to avoid trouble.

Golzari asked Judge Brandt to sentence Hudson under the DC Youth Act, so his convictions would be expunged after he completed his sentence.

The prosecutor objected to applying the Youth Act to Hudson’s case because Hudson has committed multiple violent crimes.

“Plenty of people your age and younger have sat in this chair with criminal histories that are far worse with the same type of social dynamics that you bring to the table,” Judge Brandt said to Hudson.

Following the example of Golzari, Judge Brandt chose not to describe Hudson’s experiences in court because of the pain that could cause him.

“Clearly, based on his family history, society failed him and for that we’re all responsible,” Judge Brandt said.

“The court is going to take a chance on you, Mr. Hudson, and sentence you pursuant to the Youth Act,” Judge Brandt continued. 

She ordered him to complete the General Education Diploma [GED] and a grief counseling program while incarcerated. During supervised release, he must get a mentor and participate in a job placement or apprenticeship program.

“I just want to say, I apologize for my immature behavior, and I just want to move on with my life,” Hudson said.

No further dates were set in this case.

Judge threatens to Waive Defendant’s Presence If He Misses Court Again

A stabbing defendant’s refusal to attend a July 11 court hearing after numerous failures to appear could result in a written order by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun to waive the defendant’s presence at future proceedings.

Rubin Holman, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Oct. 4, 2022, on the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 

At the hearing, US Marshals alerted Judge Okun that Holman did not appear due to a medical issue.

According to his defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, Holman has not appeared in court for several months now due to refusal or medical issues.

Winograd also stated that the chances of Holman failing to appear at the next hearing are high.

Judge Okun agreed to issue a written notice to Holman outlining the consequence of waiving his presence if he continues to be intentionally absent from his court hearings.

He stated that if Holman does not voluntarily come to the next court hearing, his presence will be waived for future hearings.

According to court documents, Holman was seen attempting to steal merchandise from a convenience store, but was confronted by somebody who saw him. He reportedly threw the merchandise back into the store and left, but returned shortly after and threatened an employee with a knife. He then stabbed the employee in the neck with the knife, who survived the incident.

Parties are slated to return July 23 for arraignment.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty To 11 Charges

During a felony arraignment on July 11, a non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to 11 felony counts.

Adrian Lee, 49, is charged with assault with intent kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction of over one year for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 18, 2023, on the 700 block of Gresham Place, NW.  

At the hearing,  Albert Amissah, Lee’s defense attorney, told DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt that his client  was pleading not guilty and asserted all constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

According to court documents, Lee was set to be in trial this week. However, due to an alteration in charges against Lee, his case was moved to the Felony-1 calendar.

Documents also state that the victim was shot twice in the chest. He was taken to Howard University Hospital by his wife to receive extended treatment for severe injuries, according to court documents.

Amish requested a bond review, submitting a motion for home confinement. 

The motion, filed on July 10, states that Lee is the father of two young children and an 18-month-old-son and is essential in their daily caregiving. 

The prosecution opposed the defense motion, stating that Lee is still a danger to the community, explaining that Lee had previously been charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Since the defense filed a motion for bond review, Judge Brandt requested the prosecution file an opposition to the motion before shoe could officially make a decision on whether Lee could be released to home confinement or not.  

A motion hearing was scheduled for Sept. 3.

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Shooting Defendant’s Probation Revoked

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced July 12 a shooting defendant to 16 months after revoking his probation for multiple failures to check in during probation.

On July 29, 2019, Marquise Carter, 24, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in connection to a shooting that left an adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred on March 18, 2019, on the 5300 block of Dix Street, NE. 

On Oct. 4, 2019, he was sentenced to 40 months, with all but 24 suspended. As part of the deal, if he failed to comply with the probation requirements, he could be ordered to serve the 16 months that were suspended. 

At the hearing, a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) appeared remotely to discuss Carter’s violation of his probation. 

She stated that Carter has not been compliant with reporting to his parole officer. 

According to Susan Ellis, Carter’s defense attorney, when he was first released, he reported to a parole officer in Maryland and was told that they would reach out to him to set the next date. 

When they didn’t reach out he didn’t think anything of it, said Ellis. Due to this he did not report. 

Judge Epstein stated that he was “struggling to understand how that happens.” 

Ellis requested Judge Epstein give Carter another chance. However, Judge Epstein said he had been given another chance and didn’t take advantage of it. 

“I take full responsibility,” Carter said. “I don’t miss court days.” 

CSOSA requested that Carter’s probation be revoked.

Judge Epstein granted this request. 

Judge Epstein stated that Carter’s sentence will still be under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a defendant’s conviction if he successfully completes all the sentencing requirements. 

No further dates have been set.

Shooting Defendant Sentenced to Five Years of Incarceration

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to five years of incarceration on July 12. 

Kamaree Robinson, 20, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that injured one individual on Aug. 23, 2023, outside a Subway sandwich shop on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. 

Judge Epstein sentenced Robinson to five years of incarceration with three years of supervised release. Robison has to register as a gun offender and pay $100 to the victims of violent crime fund. 

At the hearing, Judge Epstein stated that, in connection to the burglary incident, there was enough evidence to prove that Robinson’s only involvement was being the getaway driver and that his grandfather was the “ringleader” of the incident. 

On April 26, Robinson accepted a plea offer that required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. He also pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary in connection to an unrelated matter. 

Prosecutors asked Judge Epstein to sentence Robinson to 84 months, citing the nature and circumstances of both incidents, saying he was “firing for seemingly no reason.”

“A substantial period of incarceration is necessary,” said the prosecutor. 

Wole Falodun, Robinson’s defense attorney, stated that his client “accepted responsibility very early,” in connection to both cases.  

Falodun mentioned that Robinson had a rough upbringing, in which his father was incarcerated for the majority of his childhood, his mother was in and out of the picture, and he was responsible for raising eight of his siblings. 

He requested Judge Epstein sentence him to 60 months of incarceration, stating that is sufficient time for Robinson to learn his lesson and rehabilitate. 

“I made the biggest mistake of my life,” Robinson told Judge Epstein. 

There are no further dates set.

Carjacking Defendant Stays at DC Jail Due to Doctor’s Inability to Diagnose Competency

A doctor’s inability to form an opinion on a carjacking defendant’s competency affected his ability to reside at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, according to DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on July 11.

Ramone Brown, 34, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident on Feb. 20 on the 1700 block of New York Avenue, NE. 

According to court documents, Brown allegedly tried to steal a car from a victim at a gas station. A bystander saw what was happening and forcefully removed Brown from the car. 

Judge Hertzfeld said a doctor was “unable to form an opinion” on Brown’s competency and that the doctor recommended a full competency evaluation be conducted. 

The defendant was found to be “incompetent to proceed with his case,” according to court documents. The case has been continued for further mental observation hearing.

Brown’s attorney John Machado, asked for Brown to be placed at St.Elizabeth’s instead of the DC Jail. 

However, Judge Hertzfeld denied this request arguing that the doctor would have recommended this if it was necessary. 

She ordered a full competency evaluation. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 13.

Last-Minute Revelation from Defendant Delays Domestic Stabbing Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt postponed Devan Green‘s trial from July to October, based on information that Green recently revealed to his lawyer, in a hearing on July 12.

Green, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, kidnapping while armed, kidnapping while armed against a minor, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and simple assault. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a domestic stabbing incident on Sept. 19, 2023, on the 500 block of 58th Street, NE.

At the July 12 hearing, Green’s defense attorney, Lee Smith, said the motion for continuance that he had filed with Judge Brandt two days earlier showed there was new evidence in the case.

“On July 2, during my meeting with Mr. Green, additional information was disclosed for the first time that I believe requires additional steps to be taken,” Smith said.

Smith shared the information with Judge Brandt in a private conversation.

“For now, based on the proffer, the court believes that Mr. Green has the right to investigate and put forward the kind of defense he believes is appropriate,” Judge Brandt said.

According to court documents, a witness called the DC Office of Unified Communications (OUC) five times on Sept. 19, saying that Green was holding his girlfriend hostage and that she had yelled that he had cut her with a knife. When police arrived, the victim was rushed to the hospital for surgery to treat her injuries.

The prosecution objected to delaying the trial, arguing that the information Green shared with Smith on July 2 was not new to Green and could have been shared earlier. They said the victim and her family want the trial to take place as soon as possible.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 10.

Judge Modifies Stabbing Defendant’s Release Conditions, Implements Curfew 

On July 12, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein removed a stabbing defendant’s home confinement release condition, and implemented a curfew, following a 10-month period of compliance.  

Abdul Mubarak, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one on Aug. 30, 2023 on the 1300 block of Columbia Road, NW. 

Hanna Claudio, Mubarak’s defense attorney, asked Judge Epstein for Mubarak to be removed from home confinement and switched to a curfew, citing his compliance. She insisted he does not pose a threat to the community. 

Judge Epstein granted this request, and implemented a curfew of 10 p. m. to 6 a. m. During this time, Judge Epstein said he expects Mubarak to start interviewing for jobs. 

Parties are slated to meet on Sept. 20.

Document: MPD Makes Swift Arrest of Suspect in Stabbing in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 42-year-old Tyrone Graham, who is charged with assault with intent to kill for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on July 13. The incident occurred at the intersection of 12th and U Street, NW.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Scooter Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal crash that led to the death of 16-year-old Da’Ron Ross. The incident occurred on July 11 on the 3800 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

To Proceed with Sentencing, Counsel Confirms Defendant’s Completion of High School

On July 12, defense counsel for a shooting defendant confirmed that the defendant would be concluding his education shortly.

On June 15, 2023, Martel Howard, 24, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and possession of a firearm in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Howard’s accomplice, 23-year-old Jinmar Fuentes, accepted the same plea offer. 

Howard was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for assaulting a male victim in a robbery attempt on July 31, 2022, on the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW. 

At the hearing, Martel’s defense attorney Terrance Austin affirmed that he was doing well in school and was on track to graduate by September. Austin had previously requested a continuance for sentencing in order for Martel to receive his high school diploma.

Austin added that his client “has been working very hard” in the meantime and has been receiving various certifications.

According to court documents, the victim and another male individual exited a bar at the location shortly before Howard and Fuentes approached them and shots were fired. Video surveillance captures the shooting.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived at the scene and located the victim, who was later transported to George Washington Hospital for emergency surgery, with two gunshot wounds to his right arm and one gunshot wound to his chest, according to court documents.

Parties are scheduled to return before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan for sentencing on Sept. 6.

Defendant Receives Suspended Sentence for Stabbing Father

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced an individual to a suspended sentence in connection to a stabbing on July 12. 

Gregory Edmonds, 34, was originally charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for stabbing his father on July 4, 2023, on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. 

According to court documents, Edmonds got into an argument with his father, before stabbing him in multiple places including the back of the head, neck and abdomen. As Edmonds was being transported by police he said the victim, “gave me syphilis.”

On April 18, Edmonds accepted a plea deal requiring him to plead guilty to assault with significant bodily injury in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. 

At the hearing, Edmonds’ attorney, Lauren Morehouse, said this is the first crime Edmonds has committed, and he is receiving mental health treatment in North Carolina where he lives. 

She also said Edmonds has been taking his case seriously, as he takes the 2:30 a.m. Amtrak from his hometown to make it to court on time. 

Morehouse also said the victim requested Edmonds not serve any time in prison and instead continue to receive mental health treatment in North Carolina. She requested a one year probation period for Edmonds with his supervision occurring in North Carolina. 

The prosecution then read a direct testimony from the victim where it was again requested Edmonds does not serve anytime in prison. The prosecution requested three years of probation. 

Judge Christian sentenced Edmonds to two years of incarceration, with all time suspended. He is required to serve two years of probation. If he is unsuccessful, Edmonds can be required to serve the two suspended years in prison. 

Attorney Calls Stabbing Defendant’s Cases ‘Forgotten’ As Delays Continue

Two cases against a stabbing defendant, which have been experiencing delays for months, were further delayed in front of DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on July 12. 

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

At the hearing, Sharon Weathers, Dyson’s attorney, raised concern and frustration regarding the prosecutor’s failure to indict Dyson in a timely manner. According to Weathers, Dyson has been awaiting an indictment since September of 2023. 

According to court documents, Dyson got into an argument with the victim and began swinging a knife. The victim suffered a large cut in his upper left arm.

The prosecution said Dyson’s indictment was coming soon but requested another status hearing before securing the indictment. 

In April, Dyson was also convicted by a jury of assault with a dangerous weapon for another stabbing incident on Sept. 10, 2023, on the 3300 block of 14th Street, NW. The victim sustained life threatening injuries.

According to court documents, Dyson got into an argument with the victim and followed him out of a sandwich shop. Dyson came up behind the victim stabbing him in the head right behind the ear. 

Weathers also raised concerns regarding Dyson’s pre-sentencing report in connection to the Sept. 10 incident, stating the charges listed were inaccurate.

She insisted his sentencing should not be delayed further, and requested a quick turnaround to fix the report. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 4.