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Judge Denies 18-Year-Old Carjacking Defendant’s Request for Release

Ahead of a trial date expected to begin in August, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz denied an 18-year-old carjacking defendant’s release from the DC Jail on July 11.

Hanif Brown, 18, is charged with unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly stealing an individual’s car on April 9, 2023, on the 2700 block of 9th Street, NW. 

Brown is also charged with two counts of robbery for his alleged involvement in separate robberies of two individuals’ belongings on April 9, 2023, at the intersection of 11th Street and U Street, NW and the intersection of 11th Street and Wallach Place, NW.

At the hearing, Brown’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, referred to his motion filed on June 26, arguing for his client to be placed under house arrest while on GPS monitoring.

In his written motion, Ain stated that at the time of the offenses, Brown had no criminal record and was living with his mother after graduating from high school.

Ain also mentioned that Brown had a child born while incarcerated and “remains on good terms with the child’s mother.” 

“It has been a year since Brown’s arrest and he has had time to mature and to reflect on his goals,” wrote Ain in his filed motion.

At the hearing, Ain asserted that Brown has “had [a] wake up call,” referring to his client’s time spent in jail.

In opposition, the prosecution did not support the release of Brown into the community and stated that his place of residence has been a location where he has stored weapons, which they said was “deeply troubling.”

Despite Brown’s bleak criminal record prior to this case, Judge Leibovitz stated that given his charges in three violent offenses while allegedly possessing a firearm, she would deny his request for release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 25.

Man Receives 30 Month Sentence for Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a stabbing defendant to 30 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and other charges related to the incident. 

Walter Portillo, 27 is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (knife), simple assault, and third-degree theft for his involvement in an incident that occurred on Sept. 20, 2023, on the 1300 block of Park Road, NW. One individual sustained a laceration to their forearm. 

According to court documents, Portillo and multiple individuals got into a verbal altercation, leading to Portillo throwing a punch at the victim, drawing a knife, and assaulting the victim who had also drawn a knife. The knife Portillo used was found in a trashcan on the north side of the 1300 block of Park Road, NW. 

The prosecution told Judge Arthur that the victim’s forearms were slashed, preventing the victim from using their arm for a yea. The victim is still unable to write.

“If you let this man free, then I am in danger,” read the victim’s impact statement, “he hates me because I’m trans.” 

According to the statement, the victim lives in fear of Portillo being released because there are many ways for the defendant to find out where the victim lives. “I am asking you not to let him out,” the victim stated.

The prosecution asked the judge to sentence Portillo to 40 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon, concurrent to 90 days in prison for simple assault and two second-degree theft charges. 

Defense attorney Gregg Baron asked Judge Arthur to make a request that while Portillo is incarcerated, he be placed in an institution where his mental health and substance abuse problems could be addressed. 

“He’s someone who’s trying to change the course of his life,” Baron stated.

Baron asked the judge to sentence Portillo to 30 months in prison with 10 months suspended while he’s on probation. He claimed that it is his experience that his clients receive more help on probation than on supervised release. 

“I need help with substance abuse,” Portillo said, acknowledging it had played a part in the incident. 

Along with the 30 months in prison, Portillo must also serve 18-months on probation for assault with a dangerous weapon. Judge Arthur suspended 10 months of the probation. He also gave Portillo 90 days for simple assault and two theft charges, which is slated to be served concurrently.

Additionally, Portillo will have to get help for his mental health and substance abuse issues, as well as take anger management courses. He will also have to pay $200 to the victims of violent crimes fund. 

“You’ll spend your next birthday incarcerated… unfortunately, for something that was avoidable,” said Judge Arthur during sentencing. “Imagine the fear that person has…because of your actions.”

Defendant Pleads Guilty to 2 Counts of Negligent Homicide

On July 11, a homicide defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of negligent homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Melvin Conley, 63, is charged with two counts of negligent homicide for his involvement in a fatal car accident that killed Rhonda Whitaker, 55, and Waldon Adams on April 24, 2021, on the 4000 Block of Dubois Place, SE.

At the hearing, Kevin Mosley, Conley’s defense attorney, said he intended to accept a plea deal, which requires Conley to plead guilty to two counts of negligent homicide in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. 

According to the prosecution, Conley, who had been on dialysis and endured coughing fits that caused him to black out, told police that he had no recollection of hitting the victims and that he “must have blacked out.” After the accident, Conley drove to his sister’s house and backed into a fenced yard behind the residence. 

Conley noticed the damage on his car but did not alert the police. 

According to court documents, Conley’s blood sugar levels were low, and it was reported he had been “nodding off” during the interrogation.

The prosecution shared that Conley had never told his doctor about his blacking out.

Conley said that all the facts the prosecution shared were true. 

Judge Raffinan accepted Conley’s plea. 

Conley is set to be sentenced on Nov. 5.

Parties Share Frustration Regarding Homicide Defendant’s Detention in Another Jurisdiction 

A mass shooting defendant’s counsel expressed her frustration with a defense attorney in another jurisdiction where he is being held, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on July 11.

Gerald Thomas, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted kidnapping while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and seven counts of possession of a firearm, for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that resulted in the death of Dasha Cleary, 20, on Jan. 27, 2022, on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. The incident left four others injured. 

According to court documents, five women and six men attended a party at a Days Inn hotel at the location. Thomas’ then-girlfriend had organized the party for one of the witnesses. When Thomas allegedly arrived, he fired multiple rounds into the room, striking his girlfriend, three other individuals, and killing Cleary.  

At the hearing, Dominique Winters, Thomas’ defense attorney, waived his presence, citing his detention  in Prince George’s County in connection to an unrelated matter. 

Winters expressed frustration with Thomas’ attorney in the Maryland matter, stating that she as not been able to get in contact with her regarding a plea deal, which would resolve all cases.

“It has been difficult for me to get in contact with the Maryland attorney,” Winters stated. The prosecution agreed stating that they “share [her] frustration.” 

The parties expressed that they are uncertain if the plea deal has been disclosed to Thomas’ defense counsel in Maryland. Thomas is scheduled for a hearing on Aug. 16 in Prince Goerge’s County, where parties expect he will be transferred to DC. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 23. 

Tensions Rise About Undisclosed Documents During Murder Trial

On July 11, defense counsel in murder trial continued to argue for the dismissal of a murder case before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, citing the prosecution’s failure to provide all evidence in a timely manner. 

Antonio Jackson, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the murder of Maria Antoinette Evans, 59. Jackson is alleged to have stabbed Evans 19 times on March 29, 2018, on the 500 block of Oakwood Street, SE.

At the hearing, Molly Bunke and Jessica Willis, Jackson’s defense attorneys, alleged the prosecutors failed to disclose all of the evidence they collected. The attorneys said that evidence could be exculpatory to the defendant. 

Willis cited two main subjects that she argued prosecutors failed to provide, including video footage of a white van and an anonymous tip provided to law enforcement, which the prosecution thinks is insufficient information to this case. 

The prosecutor argued that the surveillance footage of the white van was not favorable to the defense and that there was “nothing any more significant about this car than any other car.” 

The prosecutor insisted that if the white van was an evidence dislosure violation, “every other car is Brady.” 

“Movements of this vehicle and proximity to the crime,” are imperative to the investigation, Willis said. According to Willis, the prosecution withheld the significance of the vehicle in the pretrial report. 

In a written motion, Willis also argued that an anonymous call to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was not properly preserved by the prosecution and therefore is in direct violation of evidence law. 

The prosecution also stated that in regards to the anonymous tip line “any favorable information that came out of that call was handed over.” 

Willis gave an oral request that the case be dismissed due to the misconduct and violation of evidence laws. 

Judge Raffinan did not give an answer, requesting that all parties file another written motion for her to analyze and consider. 

Parties are slated to meet on Oct. 1. 

Competency Concerns Jeopardize Carjacking Trial 

A carjacking defendant’s refusal to show up to court, coupled with competency concerns, has jeopardized his trial, according to DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on July 11.

Kenneth Phillips, 24, is charged with armed carjacking, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, burglary two, first-degree theft, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, receiving stolen property of $1,000 or more and no permit for his alleged involvement in an armed robbery on Nov. 15 2022. The incident occurred on the 2000 block of 4th Street, NE.

Phillips has not shown up for his scheduled court proceedings more than he has been present, according to Judge Salerno.

Phillips’ defense attorney Joseph Yarbough disagreed with the competency concerns during a mental observation hearing on June 25, and requested to move forward with trial as soon as possible. 

At the June hearing, Yarbough set forth accommodations to ensure his client would be more inclined to show up for court proceedings, such as more breaks.

Judge Salerno agreed and set a July 11 motions hearing to ensure the accommodations would work as needed – otherwise, the trial date would be vacated. 

Phillips refused to attend court on July 11, Judge Salerno determined that a full mental competency evaluation was necessary. He issued a new order for the initial screening.

Parties are scheduled to return on the trial date, July 16, for a mental observation hearing.  

On that date, if Phillips is cooperating with the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), comes to court and is found competent, parties may proceed with trial.

Despite the judge’s warning of vacating the trial, parties agreed to keep a trial date of July 16, “just in case.” 

Defendant Pleads Guilty To Voluntary Manslaughter 

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on July 11.

Jaleil Jones, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a robbery, which led to the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Robert Lavender. The incident took place on the 600 block of Monroe Street, NE on July 17, 2023. 

Kevann Gardner, Jones’ defense attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept a plea deal.

According to Gardner, the plea deal requires Jones to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Through the deal, the parties agreed on a sentencing range of nine-to-13 years of in prison. 

According to the prosecution, at the time of the incident, Jones and another individual were walking back from a gathering when they approached Lavender outside of a Potbelly restaurant.

The pair struck Lavender multiple times, the other individual walked away but Jones stayed for an undisclosed amount of time, according to the proffer of facts.

Lavender then got up to follow the two. When Jones noticed that Lavender was following them, he turned around and shot Lavender, killing him with one shot.

Jones stated that all the facts were true.

Gardner requested that Jones’ sentencing date be scheduled 120 days out, as opposed to the standard 60 days, so that Jones can complete his education classes at the jail. 

Sentencing for Jones is set for Dec. 13.

Probable Cause Found for Defendant in Domestic Stabbing

At a preliminary hearing on July 12, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found probable cause a defendant should stand trial for a stabbing stemming from domestic violence.

Aron Williams, 33, was charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing that occurred on Feb. 24, on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE. A woman sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, O’Keefe cited the gruesome nature of the attack, the many months the defendant had to to think about how to respond before his arrest on July 1, and the fact that he was able to leave the crime scene as probable cause to support his ruling.

Prosecutors argued the attack which resulted in ten stab wounds, along with the fact that Williams was able to walk away while the victim was not able to move.

They argued that while the victim and Williams had been married since February 2022, they were on bad terms since November 2023 given that he mistreated her.

The lead detective on the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified that the victim told him in November 2023 she did not want to live with Williams any longer, but felt bad for him as he did not have family to house him, so she continued letting him live in their apartment. 

The detective testified that she had stab wounds all around her face and body, resulting in her gums and teeth showing. She was also stabbed on her wrists down to the bone. 

The detective also testified that when MPD officers responded to the 911 call, blood smears were found along the walls and the victim propped up in a chair covered in blood. The victim was immediately taken to Howard University Hospital where she needed immediate stitches and surgery. 

The victim told the detective while the couple was arguing one of Williams’ friends knocked on their apartment door to get something, and the victim remembered Williams looking enraged with his fists balled at his side. 

The prosecutor stated that based on the victim’s interview, Williams allegedly started to strangle her and the two fell back onto a chair collapsing while the victim tried to get away. Williams then allegedly reached for a hunting knife that was lying on a nearby chair. 

The prosecutor argued that the victim remembered asking Williams, “What are you going to do, stab me?” Williams allegedly began slashing and stabbing at the victim while she begged him to stop and to call an ambulance. The victim recalled feeling as if she would bleed to death. 

Williams’ defense attorney, Hannah Claudio, argued that both parties were heavily intoxicated at the time of the attack. According to Williams, both had been awake straight for the past four days and had been drinking alcohol, taking MDMA, and cocaine. 

Claudio argued that intent was negated because of intoxication. According to Claudio, Williams claimed that he did not realize what was occurring and when he “came to” stopped immediately, which Claudio argued meant there was no specific intent to kill. 

Claudio also stated that there was grounds for self defense as Williams recounted the victim holding the hunting knife first and sustained a slash wound on his arm. 

She argued that Williams recounted the couple had gotten into an argument over a relationship that he was in with another woman at the time.

Further, Claudio said MPD officers were unable to find surveillance footage or the hunting knife or witnesses.

The prosecutor said Williams was not so intoxicated that he continued the attack while the victim was begging him to stop and to call an ambulance because she was bleeding out.

Following the finding of probable cause, Claudio requested Williams be released on home monitoring to obtain mental health and substance abuse treatment unavailable in the DC Jail.

Prosecution argued Williams fled the scene and remains a threat to the community.

According to the prosecution, Williams was arrested at the DC Superior Court when he arrived for a divorce hearing. Williams also had prior a conviction for being armed.

Judge O’Keefe passed on ruling on Williams’ release status, as he needed more time to look at the operative law and figure out what ruling would best apply. 

Court is slated to reconvene on July 16. 

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 35-year-old Christen Borden, who is charged with first-degree murder for her alleged involvement in the death of five-month-old Kenneth Geo Walton. The incident occurred on Feb. 11, 2023, on the 4000 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

Walton succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 18, 2023.

Jury Convicts 3 Men with Conspiracy And Murder of 13-Year-Old Child

Following a multi-month long trial, a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom convicted three individuals for their involvement in a conspiracy, murder, and multiple non-fatal shootings on July 10. 

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 22, are three of five individuals charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, assault with the intent to kill while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW. Another juvenile sustained injuries after suffering a gunshot wound to the leg.

Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson were also charged in connection to two additional incidents, including a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 22, 2020, on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW, that injured two individuals, as well as a shooting on Feb. 24, 2020, at the intersection of 9th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW. The second shooting injured three individuals. 

The incidents also allegedly involved 24-year-old Reginald Steele and 27-year-old Aaron Brown. A trial date has yet to be decided on for Brown. Steele’s trial is slated to begin March 31, 2025. 

“The time has come,” said Judge Brandt, as the jury presented a guilty verdict for all three defendants, for conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license in connection to Luke’s murder. 

All three were also convicted of three counts of tampering with physical evidence, and four counts of possession of an unregistered firearm. 

Freeman and Nelson were also convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. 

In addition, Jackson was convicted of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license in connection to the Feb. 22 incident. 

The jury also convicted Jackson of four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license in connection to the Feb. 24 incident. 

Likewise, Nelson was convicted of two counts of accessory after the fact in connection to the two non-fatal shooting incidents. He was also convicted of carrying a pistol without a license in connection to the Feb. 24 shooting. 

The jury was unable to unanimously conclude whether or not Nelson was guilty of four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed in connection to the Feb. 24 incident, so Judge Brandt granted a mistrial in connection to those charges on July 11. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 12 for sentencing. 

Judge Continues Sentencing In A Non-Fatal Shooting Case 

On July 11, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow continued a sentencing to a later date, stating “I want to take another look” at the defense’s sentencing memorandum.

Tyequan Taylor, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Aug. 22, 2023, on the 500 block of Taylor Street, NW. No injuries were reported. 

Tammy Thom, Taylor’s defense attorney, filed a memorandum of sentencing which detailed her guidelines for sentencing. 

The memorandum also addressed the prosecution’s concerns about the defendant’s criminal history score. 

Judge Pasichow stated she did not have a chance to review the memorandum before parties met on July 11. She said she didn’t want to rush the sentencing by not being able to give Taylor a fair assessment.

Parties are slated to meet on Aug 21. 

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Offer for Shooting at His Uncle

On July 11, in front of DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz, a defendant involved in a non-fatal shooting accepted a plea offer in a domestic violence-related case. 

Jaylon Deangelo Whack, 30, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for firing a single shot at his uncle following a verbal dispute in his relative’s home on May 29 on the 3700 block of Horner Place, SE. 

Whack, who is also known as Javon Whack, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. The charge has a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Whack expressed hesitation when asked if he had received “any promise” about the sentence he would receive.

After Judge Leibovitz halted the hearing to give Whack time to speak with his defense attorney, Matthew Hertz, Whack maintained his plea of guilty and affirmed that he did not receive a promise regarding sentencing.

According to a proffer of facts, the prosecution would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that after getting into a verbal argument with his uncle, Whack fired a gun in the direction of his uncle.

Whack and his uncle were arguing in the dining room when he told his uncle, “I’ve got something for you,” the prosecutor said. After saying this, Whack went to the second floor of the residence and came back with a firearm.

The prosecution stated that a bullet hole was found under a window in the dining room. 

Parties are scheduled to meet on Aug. 30 for sentencing.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Two Different Shooting Cases

A defendant pleaded not guilty  in two cases in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on July 11. 

Guy Q Johnson, 57, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, 2 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm in his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Kriston Robinson on March 25, 2020, on the 1600 block of 19th Street, SE. 

According to court documents, officers responded to the location and found Robinson sitting in the driver seat of a white Kia Forte, unconscious with a gunshot wound to the head. Robinson was taken to Prince George County Hospital where she was pronounced dead. 

Johnson pleaded not guilty to all five counts. The prosecution also mentioned his indictment in another case.

In the second case, Johnson pleaded not guilty for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on July 9, 2023, where he is being charged with assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm in a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm. 

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley requested information on the evidence the prosecution has collected in both cases be provided by the next status hearing date. 

Judge Epstein also inquired about Johnson’s knee, saying he was informed that the defendant would be receiving surgery in August. 

Given the surgery, parties are slated to return to court on Sept. 27. 

‘You Can Ghost Other People, But You Can’t Ghost Me,’ Judge Tells Late Defendant 

On July 11, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a second chance for a defendant who violated his release conditions. 

Dennis James Bowler, 56, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on May 24 at his apartment on the 3000 block of Rodman Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Part of Bowler’s conditions included weekly contact with Pretrial Services (PSA) and drug testing. Along with the weekly contact Bowler was to seek mental health care and wear a GPS monitor. 

At the first call of his case Wednesday, Bowler was not in the courtroom. His attorney, Jason Clark told Judge Brandt that he did not know where his client was. Bowler had yet to make contact with PSA and Bowler’s GPS monitor was at dead battery status. 

Judge Brandt issued a bench warrant for Bowler arrest. 

Approximately 30 minutes later, Bowler entered the courtroom.

The defendant said he was late for his hearing due to not having enough money to purchase train fare. HE said he needed to take time to panhandle for the fare. 

During the hearing, Clark explained that Bowler had tried to get in contact with PSA but did not know their address. He said when Bowler tried calling, he received no response. Bowler claimed that when released from DC Jail he had not been given any paperwork that had PSA’s information. 

Both PSA and the prosecution suggested that release be revoked as Bowler not only failed to uphold the conditions of his release, but also did not try to get the information he was missing. 

Clark asked Judge Brandt to grant Bowler a second chance. He said he would take Bowler to drug testing within the courthouse and then to PSA to meet with his case worker after the hearing. 

After careful consideration, Judge Brandt told Bowler that “he could ghost other people, but he couldn’t ghost [her].” She continued Bowlers release with the understanding that Clark would be assisting Bowler in getting set up with PSA and that Bowler would follow his release conditions. 

In order to further ensure that Bowler would meet his release conditions, Judge Brandt scheduled another status hearing next week.  

Parties are slated to return for a status hearing on July 18.