The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal crash, involving a motorcycle, that led to the death of the motorcycle driver – 33-year-old Marvin Anthony Williams. The incident occurred on June 27 on the 500 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating two suspects in connection to a shooting that injured an individual on July 10 on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a triple shooting that occurred on June 30 on the 6100 block of Banks Place, NE.
On day two of a bench trial, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park found a defendant guilty of stabbing a person who was trying to offer the defendant help.
James Campbell, 43, was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on July 19, 2023, that occurred near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Warder Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.
According to witness testimony, Campbell was found sitting near a roadway in a state of apparent medical duress. The victim, who was riding his bike in the area, approached Campbell in an attempt to help him, but the interaction quickly became physical. Campbell allegedly went after the victim.
According to the victim, Campbell grabbed the victim’s bike, but the victim pushed it against him and hit Campbell in the head, causing a laceration. Campbell then pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in the arm.
On July 9, the prosecution closed with saying that while Campbell may not have wanted help, many in the area could tell he needed it. The victim tried to help Campbell, the prosecution stated, “but his reward was a stab wound to the arm.”
The prosecution recounted the victim and eyewitness’ testimonies, focusing on the witness’ account, stating that it corroborated the victim’s story.
The witness said he was on a walk near the scene when he saw Campbell under some sort of medical duress. He said he went to help but the victim got there first.
He said he heard the victim asking Campbell if he was okay, needed help, or needed water. He said the victim sounded concerned, not threatening.
The witness said he watched Campbell jump up and start going at the victim. He saw the victim back up into the street, Campbell followed. The witness said he watched as Campbell brandished a knife to stab the victim.
The incident was recorded on the witness’ phone, and correlates directly with the victim’s testimony.
The prosecutor argued that Campbell’s actions were voluntary and on purpose. He said Campbell was aware of what he was doing, which was proven by the witnesses’ description of Campbell consistently following and going after the victim.
The victim’s injuries were found to be significant because it required hospitalization, as well as four internal and six external stitches for the stab wound.
After the prosecution, Campbell gave his closing argument, restating that he acted in self-defense. He argued that the victim used his bike as a weapon against him, repeatedly.
According to Campbell, he tried to withdraw from the altercation, telling the victim “you hit me, you touched me, you can’t do that, just leave me alone, get away.”
Campbell said he was pushed to the ground and pinned down. He said the victim was the aggressor.
The prosecution responded with video footage that showed that Campbell was “clearly the aggressor.” The victim had tried to leave by riding away on his bike, but Campbell would not let go of the bike.
Judge Park stated that if only the victim and Campbell had testified, his decision could have been different because both accounts of the story were strong. However, he stated the witness account was “the most important testimony,” as it corroborated the victim’s story.
Parties are scheduled to return Sept. 9 for sentencing.
On July 10, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea L Hertzfeld imposed an eight year prison sentence for a defendant convicted in connection to a non-fatal shooting that stemmed from a disagreement regarding a milk crate.
Diandre Caesar, 30, was convicted by a jury on April 9 of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm in a crime of violence for a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 28, 2022, on the 2200 block of New York Avenue, NE.
Video surveillance showed an individual, identified as Caesar, throw a milk crate over a fence and into the drive-through lane of a McDonald’s while he was mowing the lawn of a nearby parking lot.
One of the victims, who found his path blocked by the milk crate, left his car to throw the crate back over the fence. He attempted to drive away, but Caesar allegedly retrieved the milk crate and threw it back over the fence, striking the victim’s vehicle.
An argument ensued, and dash camera footage from the victim’s car captured Caesar and two victims exchanging insults. When the victims, who were in the car with their infant, drove away, Caesar fired four shots at their vehicle. No injuries were reported.
At the sentencing, prosecutors asked Judge Herzfeld to sentence Caesar to 11 years in prison due to the severity of his crime, stating Caesar was a “grown man who knows the difference between right and wrong.”
To support the sentencing request, the prosecution called one of the victims to give a witness impact statement. The victim emphasized that his infant child was in the car when the shooting occurred and that Caesar “knew my son was in the car — a one-and-a-half year old baby.”
The victim admitted that he “[wasn’t] victimless” in what happened and had his child not been in the car he too would be advocating for Caesar to receive the minimum sentence of five years.
“One of those bullets was five inches away from my child’s car seat,” the victim stated. He emphasized that despite the jury finding Caesar not guilty of child cruelty, the child’s life was put in danger.
Both the prosecutor and victim in their statements emphasized that the argument that preceded the shooting was “silly” and did not justify Caesar’s actions.
Prosecutors argued that even though Caesar claimed that he had been spit on by the victim, his reaction was “not rational.”
“Never did I think a milk crate would lead to a life or death situation,” the victim told Judge Hertzfeld.
Caesar’s defense attorney, Joseph Fay, stated that going from never having been incarcerated to “a five year minimum [was] a steep price to pay.”
Fay went on to say that the pre-sentencing report recommended therapy and mental health services, which were appropriate. However, the sentence that was recommended was not, and that the representations of Caesar’s character were not accurate.
Fay argued that because Caesar had no prior convictions the prosecution’s recommendation of 11 years was unreasonable. Fay stated that Caesar did “nothing that would warrant the sentence [that] the [prosecution] is asking for.”
Fay emphasized that the five year mandatory minimum sentence “more than met the requirement for society.”
Caesar’s sister, who appeared via WebEx, gave a statement in support of her brother.
His sister, a recent graduate of Berkeley Law School, said Caesar’s run in with the justice system in 2011, where he was falsely accused was the “reason why [she] went to law school in the first place.”
She asked Judge Hertzfeld to employ the minimum sentence sharing that he has “fought hard not to become a stereotype,” and emphasized that he is “not a threat to the community and more importantly not a threat to children.”
She shared that their mother has been on dialysis for 16 years and her family “needs him home.”
“Anything beyond the minimum is excessive,” but, “no matter what time he gets he is going to come out a better man,” she stated.
A friend of Caesar also gave a statement, requesting that the minimum sentence be imposed, stating that he “know[s] how important every minute of every day is for him.”
A pastor and youth leader connected to Cesar’s family also requested that Judge Hertzfeld impose the minimum sentence.
In her ruling, Judge Hertzfeld recognized that it was difficult “to square [the statements] with what happened,” but that what Caesar did was incredibly dangerous. She stated that the “fact of the matter is there could’ve been a dead child” due to Caesar’s actions.
Judge Hertzfeld imposed a sentence of 60 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and 18 months for each count of assault with a dangerous weapon. The sentences would be served consecutively. Cesar must also serve three years on supervised release.
Caesar is also required to register as a gun offender in DC within one year of his release.
Judge Hertzfeld told Cesar he “was very lucky” for all the family support that he had with him in court and in his life. She said that such support could bode well when he is released back into the community.
A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom heard July 9 testimony from an officer who described the injuries of another victim regarding a 2018 mass shooting that claimed the life of a 10-year-old girl.
Mark Price, 29, and Antonio Murchison, 31, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the shooting on July 16, 2018, on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. The incident left 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.
During the hearing, the prosecution called an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who said he escorted a surviving victim to the hospital.
According to the officer, the victim was shot in the mouth, resulting in his inability to cooperate with MPD.
“His jaw was just hanging,” recalled the MPD officer of the victim’s injury.
Through body-worn camera footage, which was shown in court, the officer can be seen collecting a bullet fragment, which was recovered by surgeons from the victim’s face.
The prosecution then called on a resident from Clay Terrace who was present the night Makiyah was killed.
According to the witness, she had arrived home moments before the incident occurred. As she was closing her front door, a bullet hit the glass of her storm door, causing it to shatter. She testified she allowed people to take shelter in her home from the gunfire.
“All I heard was screaming,” said the resident.
The neighbor could not recall much else from the night and was not able to testify to anything else.
Trial is slated to resume July 10.
Desmond Thurston pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on July 10.
Thurston, 46, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, burglary, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his romantic partner Patricia Johnson, 52, on Oct. 1, 2023, on the 4000 block of 13th Street, SE.
According to court documents, Thurston and Johnson had a history of domestic disputes, including calls to the police 48 hours before the alleged incident. Johnson had also filed a restraining order that Thurston had not yet been served.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 5.
On July 10, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz revoked a defendant’s probation due to his recent conviction in an unrelated federal case.
Ronald Yarborough, 29, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction on Dec. 22, 2020. He was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 28, 2020 on the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW. He was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for being in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest on July 23, 2020, at the same location.
On May 3, 2021, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced Yarborough to 36 months for assault with a dangerous weapon, with 12 months suspended, and 18 months for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, with six months suspended. He served the terms concurrently and was also required to be on supervised probation for two years upon release.
However, on Jan. 29, Yarborough allegedly violated his probation, and was detained in connection to an unrelated US District Court case.
When asked by Judge Leibovitz for guidance regarding Yarborough’s probation, a Court Services & Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) probation officer recommended revocation of Yarborough’s probation due to his conviction. The prosecution also agreed.
Judge Leibovitz concurred, stating that given the defendant’s guilty verdict, she would order for the revocation of Yarborough’s probation.
Parties are set to reconvene on July 26 for a re-sentencing.
A homicide defendant’s attorney asked DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on July 9 to consider a third continuance for trial due to expert witness issues.
Keanan Turner, 33, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, destruction of property, carrying a pistol without a license, tampering with physical evidence, second-degree cruelty to children, attempted murder against a minor, and arson.
The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Wanda Wright, 48, and Ebony Wright, 31, on the 2000 block of Good Hope Court, SE on April 12, 2021.
Turner’s defense attorney, Franz Jobson, requested a continuance for the trial that is slated to begin July 17.
Jobson pointed to issues revolving around an expert witness the defense needs to testify in relation to the prosecution’s cell phone data evidence.
The prosecution had entered three cell phone plot points into evidence that allegedly show the defendant in the general area at the time of the murders.
According to Jobson, their witness was set to testify until he received a notification from Turner’s family that they were unable to pay the expert’s invoice, therefore delaying their appearance at trial.
When asked for specifics, Jobson told the court the expert witness is $390 an hour and they have already worked eight hours in preparation for trial.
Additionally, Jobson mentioned that Turner’s family is already in debt to him for around $50,000.
“I don’t think this is an unreasonable request,” Jobson said.
The prosecution objected to this continuance, claiming that this issue should have been brought up sooner than a week before trial, as the witness was contracted by the defense almost a year ago.
According to the prosecution, this trial had already been continued twice and is now over three years old. The prosecutor also stated that this case involves a child and should be moving expeditiously.
Additionally, the prosecution said the defense attorney’s bill should not be delaying the trial as it is a separate matter. If this is a money issue, delaying the trial does not solve that, the prosecutor said.
Judge Raffinan ordered the defense team to file a specific, detailed motion for continuance before 6 p. m. on July 9.
The parties are set to meet again July 10.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt terminated a shooting defendant’s probation following his “progression with some bumps on the road,” during a July 9 hearing.
Markeis Crandall, 20, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in 2022 for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left two individuals injured. The incident took place on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, on Nov. 26, 2021.
Crandall received a suspended sentence of five years with two years of probation.
He was originally charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license.
During Crandall’s term of probation, he was detained at the DC Jail for multiple violations and repeatedly admitted into court-ordered residential substance abuse treatment programs.
At the hearing, a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) alerted Judge Brandt that Crandall had been a victim of a shooting. According to the representative, Crandall endured an injury to his leg, which has required and will continue to need multiple surgeries, including an upcoming skin graft.
The representative deemed probation “no longer accommodating” to Crandall and his family, stating he has shown improvement. “I want him to have a chance,” the representative said, adding “He’s thinking of big life decisions right now,” following his shooting.
She requested Judge Brandt terminate the probation with the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) sentencing, which will seal his conviction.
The prosecution did not oppose the request, stating they defer to the court on the decision based on his record of improvement. Sellano Simmons, Crandall’s defense attorney, agreed with CSOSA.
“I’ve spent the last two years trying to save you from a drug addiction,” Judge Brandt told Crandall, congratulating him on his progress.
“We have to do better,” she proclaimed, arguing that shootings have become a societal issue.
However, she stated, his shooting gave him an “up close and personal vantage point of what the victim in [this] case felt.”
“Today marks your first day of the rest of your life,” Judge Brandt told Crandall, as she terminated his probation under the YRA.
No further dates were set.
DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann found probable cause that a shooting defendant fired shots inside of an apartment, during a July 9 hearing.
Dayquan Henderson, 22, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on May 11 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. No injuries were reported.
According to court documents, an individual identified as Henderson, who was inside of the residence, was arguing with two individuals who were outside. During the argument, Henderson allegedly shot at the victims, without striking them. The victims ran away from the residence.
At the hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, who interviewed the witnesses, said they could not identify the suspect.
Henderson’s attorney, Michelle Lockard, asked the detective if he was able to identify the defendant from the surveillance footage he had access to. The detective testified he was unable to see if the individual in the video was a man or woman, but assumed it was a man.
Lockard argued against probable cause, stating the suspect’s body and face was not shown in the footage, no DNA was found on the firearm, and witnesses were unable to identify the man.
The prosecution said the witnesses were close relatives and provided the birth date of the defendant, indicating that this is the same suspect.
Judge Herrmann ordered that Henderson remain detained awaiting further proceedings.
Parties are slated to return on July 12.
A shooting defendant, whose attorney claims deals with “cognitive distortion” due to past trauma, waived his right to a preliminary hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on July 9.
Rasheed Thorne, 21, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 20 on the 5800 block of 7th Street, NW. An off-duty police officer sustained injuries during the incident.
According to court documents, the officer was driving his personal vehicle to work when he spotted a vehicle driving erratically in front of him.The car stopped, one suspect got out, and shot at the officer’s vehicle.
The officer was injured and drove his vehicle to a station for assistance, where he was transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries.
At the hearing, Janai Reed, Thorne’s defense attorney, said the defendant was cooperative when informed the victim was a police officer.
“His reaction was hypersensitive,” said Reed.
The prosecution claimed Thorne’s actions were “unprovoked” and requested a continued hold, citing his prior gun arrest.
Reed disagreed with the prosecution that his actions were “unprovoked”, stating it could have been handled better. She argued it’s reasonable behavior to feel alarmed when an individual believes someone is following them.
Judge Herrmann ordered Thorne remain detained awaiting further proceedings.
Parties are slated to return on July 16.
A shooting defendant’s arraignment was delayed due to his participation in a rehabilitation program in Maryland in front of DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz on July 9.
Juaval Huff, 29, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident on March 26 on the 1300 block of Okie Street, NE.
During the hearing, Judge Leibovitz planned to arraign Huff on his charges, but Huff’s defense attorney, Greg Baron, informed Judge Leibovitz that the defendant is currently in a rehabilitation service for alcohol and drug misuse.
According to court documents, Huff allegedly fired two shots at three victims. One of the victims was shot in the back of the head and was transported to the hospital where he received treatment. The two other victims left the scene unharmed.
Documents also stated, when they arrested Huff on April 22, that he admitted to possessing drugs and alcohol at the time.
Baron requested a continuance for the arraignment, explaining that Huff gets out of rehabilitation on Aug. 13.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 26 for Huff’s arraignment.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release during a July 9 hearing.
Amadelia Hernandez, 34 is charged with assault with a deadly weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on March 29 on the 400 block of Emerson Street NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.
According to court documents, the stabbing occurred while the victim was making a smoothie for a person in the residence. The two were allegedly talking about Hernandez, who was allegedly visiting another occupant of the residence. The witness told police that Hernandez may have overheard their conversation and got upset.
Damon Catalos, Hernandez’s attorney, requested she be released as she awaits further proceedings, saying she does not pose a danger to the community.
Judge Salerno denied the request, citing that the circumstances of the case have not changed.
Catalos also requested access to the victim’s medical records, explaining that in order to move forward with his intended defense theory he would need access to the victim’s treatment history.
The prosecution stated that once they obtain these records they would share them with the defense.
Catalos emphasized that he needed the records before the Sept. 17 trial date because his ability to build a comprehensive and effective defense without the records would be significantly hampered.
Parties are slated to return for a trial readiness hearing on Aug. 16.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 25-year-old Pedro Alexander Joya Argueta, who is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Eberson Guerra-Sanchez. The incident occurred on April 27, 2019 on the 5200 block of Canal Road, NW.
