Accessory to Murder Defendant Must Wear GPS Monitor

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a defendant’s request to end GPS monitoring as part of her release conditions on Oct. 31.

Nichelle Thomas, 26, is charged with accessory after the fact to second-degree murder while armed, six counts of tampering with physical evidence, three counts of misdemeanor credit card fraud, threat to kidnap or injure a person, threat to injure a person, and four counts of obstruction of justice for her alleged involvement in assisting her boyfriend in an attempt to get away with the murder of 42-year-old Anthony Jordan. The incident occurred on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE, on Aug. 4, 2023.

Thomas’ boyfriend, 28-year-old Lewis Jones, is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and obstruction of justice as part of a plea deal on July 11 for his role in stabbing Jordan.

Thomas’ defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, requested that Thomas’ GPS monitor be removed, given her current compliance with the terms of her release. The defense had made a similar argument on July 11, which Judge Kravitz denied.

The prosecution argued that given the severity of Thomas’ charges, and her history with substance abuse, as well as noncompliance issues in the past, she was not an ideal candidate to be released from GPS monitoring.

The prosecution also noted that Thomas currently has stay-away orders from her sister, as well as the Wellington Park area in DC, which are constantly enforced by GPS monitoring.

Judge Kravitz denied Thomas’ current motion, although he said he was open to reconsider his decision in the future.

Thomas is set to go to trial before Judge Kravitz on Oct. 26, 2026.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 30, 2026.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer, Asks for Trial

A stabbing defendant rejected a plea offer and asked the court to set a trial date in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Oct. 30.

Dawud Blair, 51, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing at the intersection of 8th and H Street, NE, on Aug. 16. One individual was wounded as a result.

The prosecution’s offer would have had Blair plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, and in exchange, not receive face greater indictment charges. Defense attorney Alvin Thomas noted that he had proposed a counter offer, but the prosecution rejected it.

Blair told Judge Hertzfeld that he wanted to go to trial and rejected the plea offer. Judge Hertzfeld set the trial date for Feb. 4.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 30.

Stabbing Defendant With Priors Waives Prelim, Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum accepted a non-fatal stabbing defendant’s preliminary hearing waiver but kept him in jail, in part because of past crimes on Nov. 5.

Chauncey Liverpool, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that wounded his girlfriend on the 4000 block of 3rd Street, SE, on Sept. 9.

Liverpool appeared in court and signed a waiver of his preliminary hearing. Judge Hildum confirmed that Liverpool had discussed his rights with his attorney and reviewed those rights, and formally accepted the waiver.

During the release argument, Howard McEachern, Liverpool’s attorney, emphasized that Liverpool is 32 and a lifelong resident of DC. He tested negative for drugs while in lockup, and noted that his prior criminal history consisted only of misdemeanors, and he has been under supervision in connection with some of those cases.

McEachern requested that Liverpool be released under supervision pending trial.

The prosecution opposed release, arguing that the defense had not rebutted the basis for detention. The prosecutor stated that Liverpool intentionally stabbed his girlfriend in the arm with scissors, and multiple witnesses saw and heard the altercation before calling 911. The prosecution asserted that the evidence is strong, including physical evidence from the victim’s injuries and multiple eyewitness accounts.

The prosecution further noted Liverpool’s criminal history, including a prior armed robbery conviction for which he was sentenced to eight years, with four years suspended and five years of supervised release, and several violations of that supervision. Liverpool also has a conviction for second-degree assault and remains on probation for that offense, as well as two domestic violence cases. Based on this history and the current allegations, the prosecutors requested that he remain detained.

Judge Hildum found that the weight of the evidence is strong and cited concerns about Liverpool’s supervision violations, failures to appear in prior cases, and the seriousness of the alleged offense, which occurred while he was under supervision.

The judge ruled that no set of conditions would responsibly assure community safety or Liverpool’s appearance in court, and therefore ordered him held.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 12.

‘The Devil Made Me Do It,’ Says 7-Eleven Killer Sentenced to 24 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a homicide defendant to 24 years of incarceration on Oct. 31.

On April 4, Terry Thompson, 33, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Christopher Callahan, 64, at a 7-Eleven store on the Avenue, SW, on May 15, 2023.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 19-to-24 years of incarceration.

The victim’s daughter asked for the maximum sentence of 24 years, telling Thompson that she would never forgive him for taking her dad from her.

She told Thompson that, because of him, she would never see her dad’s smile again, or hear his voice, and that she would listen to her dad’s voice on her mom’s phone.

She explained how difficult it was to tell her son that his grandfather wouldn’t come back. “I miss everything about my dad,” she told Judge Brandt, adding that she wouldn’t wish what happened to her on anybody.

She asked Thompson why he had done it, to which Thompson replied that “The devil made me do it.”

The prosecuting attorney agreed with the 24-year maximum sentence proposed by the victim’s daughter, claiming that “all actions have consequences, but certain actions have irreparable consequences.” He said that the victim was sitting in a walker with “no ability to defend himself.”

The prosecution also argued that there may not have been a “genuineness” to Thompson’s behavior plagued by mental health difficulties. During a video of the shooting, Thompson was shown to use a rifle to shoot the victim and “calmly” walk away.

The prosecuting attorney claimed that a rifle went beyond the “typical handgun” that many people carry for self-defense, and that a rifle had to be concealed, which demonstrated that Thompson made “a choice” to “arm himself.” The prosecurtor described the shooting and preparation as a series of “thoughtful actions” by a “competent” and a “fully-developed adult.”

He said that the prosecution was “not just a hammer that sees the entire world as nails,” but that actions have consequences, and that the victim was a “real man who was murdered.” He asked for 24 years of incarceration, which he called a “harsh but fair” consequence.

Defense attorney Patrick O’Sullivan asked for the minimum sentence of 19 years of incarceration.

He agreed that there was “no question” the incident was “traumatic.” However, he argued that the murder wasn’t calculated like the prosecution claimed, but rather, a “random act” that Thompson made while experiencing “psychotic symptoms.”

He claimed that the defense was trying to “get to the root” of Thompson’s problems, and said that Thompson had suffered from mental illness his entire life and had been treated.

He said that the prosecution acknowledged that Thompson’s behavior on the day of the crime was “odd” and “inexplicable,” even if the prosecution wouldn’t acknowledge Thompson’s mental illness.

He described the shooting, where Thompson didn’t try to “get away” from the crime like many other shooters, but walked away “calmly.” O’Sullivan explained that Thompson then returned to the body in front of a crowd of witnesses, and he was found in the area the following day, wearing the same clothes.

O’Sullivan argued that “someone in their right state of mind” would not display these behaviors, and that they demonstrate a “lack of full understanding” on Thompson’s part.

He called Thompson a “different person” since starting anti-psychotic medication, and that his medication and treatment are cause for “optimism” because “he’s never had that.”

O’Sullivan argued that deterrence, like incarceration, is “only effective if someone is thinking rationally.” He said that the difference between 19 and 24 years wouldn’t matter because Thompson needed mental health support. He asked for 19 years so that Thompson could be released back into the community and have a chance to make amends.

Judge Brandt called the killing an “eerily calm killing of an older man” who couldn’t defend himself. She told Thompson that she was happy he was receiving treatment and trying to reach a place of stability, but that he needed to “think about getting on that path to get better” because he would be “released from prison one day” and needed to be able to function in society.

Judge Brandt sentenced Thompson to 24 years of incarceration with five years of supervised release.

Parties are not slated to reconvene.

Prosecutors Say Murder Defendant, ‘Brought an Illegal Gun to a Teen-age Fistfight’

Defense attorneys and prosecutors delivered opening statements on a family sanctioned fistfight between two teen-age girls, formerly best friends, that escalated into a brawl and fatal shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Nov. 5.

David Pena, 49, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The charges are in connection to Pena’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Maurice Robinson on the 2900 block of Southern Avenue, SE, on June 12, 2023.

Both parties described a fraught scene in their opening statements, explaining to the jury how a souring relationship between two former best friends devolved into a street brawl between their families that left Robinson dead.

Prosecutors explained that as the relationship between the teen-age girls broke down, their families had agreed to let them settle their differences by having a sanctioned fist-fight at a parking lot in Southern Avenue, SE. Pena, the father of one of the girls involved, raised the stakes by bringing a firearm with him to the brawl, prosecutors said.

“In this case, the defendant brought an illegal gun to a teenage fist-fight, and the victim ended up dead,” a prosecutor said.

Prosecutors argued that as the fight between the two girls broke down and evolved into a scrum between the families, Pena fired on Robinson reportedly out of malice as Robinson ran away from him, hitting him in the back four times.

“He’s advancing on a man who’s running away from him,” a prosecutor said.

Pena’s defense attorney, Gail Engmann, painted a starkly different image of the events that led to Robinson’s death. Engmann argued that Pena did what he needed to do to protect his own and the life of his daughter. Engmann highlighted a key detail in her opening statements that did not appear in prosecutors’ version of events – that someone had told Robinson to shoot Pena while he was on the ground.

“As [Pena] tries to get away, someone says ‘blow his a** up Mo,’” Engmann said. A witness later testified that Robinson often went by Mo.

Engmann also pointed out that Pena’s daughter had lost the fight and was being kicked on the ground, meanwhile someone had maced some of Pena’s other children.

Prosecutors called a witness who testified that she was best friends with a person prosecutors believe to be Pena’s daughter and that they met in middle school and hung out often. Before June 12, 2023 the two had never physically fought, according to the witness.

The witness stated that on June 12 the two had an argument over texts that led to the witness’ mother becoming involved. She testified that her mother and her former friend began exchanging disrespectful messages.

According to the witness, her mother told her that they were going to a prom send-off that day, but they ended up in a parking lot by her former friend’s building. She stated that someone she considers an aunt and two people she considers cousins, including Robinson, were also there.

Prosecutors showed footage of the witness, her aunt, her cousins, her aunt’s husband, and a man she doesn’t know walking to 30th Street. The witness said she eventually ended up in front of her former friend’s building and began having a verbal altercation with individuals through a window. Her former friend eventually came outside with her two sisters, according to the witness.

After she came outside, the two fought and it was discussed beforehand that no one else would be involved in the fight, the witness stated. According to the witness, her former friend’s two sisters tried to become involved and were maced. She stated that she did not know by whom, but she suspected it was her aunt as she was the closest to her.

Eventually, the witness’ former friend ended up on the ground and the fight ended up in the street at which point others became involved. She stated that her former friend’s father and step-father were in the street along with a car, which someone may have edited.

At some point during the fight, the witness stated that she was touched aggressively and she doesn’t know by who, but it felt like a man. She stated that she could hear the person behind her get hit and then she heard gunshots.

She testified that she began running along with Robinson and when they made it back to the car she was holding his gunshot wounds. She put him in the car with his mother and got in the car with hers and they went to a hospital where she told officers what she knew.

The witness testified that she did not want to fight but her former friend kept antagonizing and threatening her siblings. She stated that at some point the young woman sent people to the witness’ house while her siblings were present.

In a cross examination by Pena’s attorney, Dana Page, the witness testified that when her mother became involved in the argument she believed she was going to calm the situation down. When Page suggested that the witness’ mother ramped the situation up, the witness stated that she did not.

Page noted that when the witness spoke to officers, detectives, and a grand jury relating to this case, she never mentioned that her former friend sent people to her home, to which the witness agreed. Page also noted that the witness was not home when this occurred so she did not see or hear anyone come to her house.

Page played footage of the witness and the people she was there with prior to the physical fight standing at the corner across the street from the witness’ former friend’s apartment. The witness stated that people were yelling to come over but she was not. Eventually, the individuals went across the street.

According to Page and the witness, her aunt brought her husband, her two cousins, and a man she did not know. The witness also testified that her former friend’s siblings were younger than the two.

Page noted that the witness was winning the fight, to which the witness agreed. When the fight ended up in the street, the witness stated that her female cousin joined the fight by kicking the other young woman once. The witness stated that at some point she could feel someone trying to pull her off of the young woman.

The witness’ testimony will resume at a later time.

During the hearing, the jury also heard testimony from a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who interviewed Robinson’s mother at United Medical Center where his family had rushed him immediately after the shooting.

The officer got a witness description from Robinson’s mother, who had “tears streaming down the face.” Engmann tried to ask the officer about whether she had detected any mace in the car Robinson’s mother drove him to the hospital in, but her responses were successfully stricken by prosecutors’ objections.

Prosecutors also brought to the stand a witness who works with Shot Spotter. The witness testified that the company operates devices throughout DC, and picks up and records gunshots. A device near the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE recorded the sounds of six gunshots around the time of the shooting.

Jurors also heard testimony from an officer with the Department of Forensic Sciences

(DFS) who photographed Robinson’s blood-soaked tank top and blood marks at the crime scene.

Trial is set to resume Nov. 6.

Stabbing Defendant Found Competent to Stand Trial After Missing Court Dates

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno concluded that a stabbing defendant was competent to proceed to trial after parties reviewed results from a mental health evaluation Nov. 5.

Rhonda Fleming, 58, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE, on Oct. 2. The victim sustained stab wounds to his shoulder.

According to court documents, the victim and Fleming were reportedly engaged in a verbal dispute regarding money. Fleming then allegedly stabbed the victim in the left shoulder.

Judge Salerno granted Fleming a temporary release from the DC Jail on Oct. 20 with electronic monitoring so she could visit a family member in the hospital. Fleming failed to return to court as required twice and Judge Salerno issued two separate bench warrants.

At an Oct. 30 hearing, Fleming’s defense counsel Howard McEachern, raised concerns regarding her mental competency, and the court ordered a forensic mental health evaluation.

At the hearing, Judge Salerno stated that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) evaluation concluded Fleming was competent to proceed, meaning she understands the nature of the charges against her and can assist her attorney in her defense. Parties did not dispute the DBH finding.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 20.

Shooter Accepts Deferred Sentence Plea

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro accepted a plea agreement for a non-fatal shooting defendant on Oct. 28.

Bernard Fuller, 56, was originally charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. These charges stem from a non-fatal shooting in the area of two unidentified individuals that the defendant alleged tried to rob him and held another individual at gunpoint on June 17, at the 1800 block of Erie Street, SE.

Fuller pleaded guilty to attempted carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of ammunition. He is entering a six month deferred sentencing agreement, meaning after a defendant pleads guilty he avoids incarceration by agreeing to a set of terms for a six month period. If the terms are violated, the defendant is liable for the original sentence.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven that Fuller was spotted by an officer walking towards the officer with a black pistol. He was ordered to drop the weapon, and when detained a black handgun was recovered on his person. At the time he was not licensed to carry.

If he does not remain in compliance with the deferred sentence he will be required to register as a gun offender.

Parties are set to reconvene April 24.

Jail Stabbing Defendant is Court No-Show

A stabbing defendant failed to appear for a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Oct. 30, and court officials don’t know his location.

Daeyon Ross, 24, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and the unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that wounded one individual at the DC Jail, located on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on July 19.

When Judge Hertzfeld asked where Ross was, the prosecution told the court that the defendant had been released from the Bureau of Prisons (BoP) a few days prior and that neither party had been in contact with him.

The hearing was postponed to give the court time to locate the defendant and notify him about his court date.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 13.

Judge Orders Carjacking Defendant to Undergo Mental Health Treatment Again

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe ordered a carjacking defendant to continue outpatient mental health treatment on Oct. 30, following his failure to participate multiple times.

Donnell Hannah, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carjacking for his alleged involvement in a shooting and carjacking on July 22, 2022 on the 800 block of Chesapeake Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

Judge Pipe stated she received a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) that Hannah has not completed his mental health evaluation and missed 14 competency sessions.

Russell Hairston, Hannah’s attorney, asked to discuss the matter under seal with the prosecution and Judge Pipe.

After their conversation, Judge Pipe ordered Hannah to report to DBH for all scheduled mental health treatment sessions.

Hairston mentioned that Hannah wanted his treatment schedule to align with his work schedule. Judge Pipe stated that DBH can try to accommodate, however, Hannah is required to prioritize his treatment.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 15.

Stabbing Defendant Tearfully Accepts Domestic Plea Deal, Released

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe released a stabbing defendant with GPS monitoring and orders to complete mental health and drug treatment after she accepted a plea deal on Oct. 30.

Tamara Francis, 36, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for stabbing a victim during a domestic dispute on Sept. 15 on the1400 block of Belmont Street, NW.

According to police documents, the victim sustained stab wounds in his right forearm and hand.

On Oct. 30, Francis accepted a plea deal, which required her to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

The prosecutor stated that if this case had gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Francis attempted to assault the victim with a knife during a domestic dispute. The victim took their daughter into the bedroom, shut the door, and Francis pushed the knife through the door, stabbing the victim on his arm.

In tears, Francis confirmed the facts the prosecution laid out were correct and pleaded guilty.

Defense counsel for Francis, Chantal Jean-Bapiste, asked Judge Pipe to release Francis because the victim told the prosecution that he did not fear for his safety and wanted Francis to see their daughter.

Additionally, Jean-Bapiste claimed that Francis has put the relationship with the victim behind her and wants to spend the upcoming holidays with her family.

While the prosecution agreed that the victim does not fear for his safety, they argued that the facts of the case prove that Francis is dangerous to the community. Additionally, the prosecution pointed out that Francis’ response to police was “disturbing” and that underscores why Judge Pipe should not release Francis.

Still, Judge Pipe released Francis and ordered her to comply with GPS monitoring, mental health treatment, drug treatment, and not threaten, assault, or abuse the victim. Additionally, Judge Pipe did not believe it would make sense to issue a stay away order from the victim because the victim does not fear for his life and the victim and Francis live in the same apartment building.

The parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Jan. 9.

Judge Limits ‘Fight, Flight, or Freeze’ Testimony in Fatal Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park limited the scope of expert testimony in a homicide case, while deferring rulings on several pending motions on Oct. 31.

Charles Haythe, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in the Oct. 25, 2021 fatal stabbing of 26-year-old Aaron Langford on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE.

Defense attorney Julie Swaney informed the court of their amended first expert witness notice, clarifying that their analyst would not testify about Haythe’s mental health condition. This comes as a response to the prosecution’s motion seeking to limit the expert’s testimony.

Judge Park questioned Swaney about the defense’s reference to a “cascade response”, a term used in their filings. Swaney explained that the phrase referred to the physiological “fight, flight, or freeze” reaction often seen in domestic violence situations, arguing that jurors should be educated on such patterns to understand Haythe’s behavior.

Judge Park expressed skepticism about the relevance of the expert testimony to the legal question of whether Haythe acted “reasonably.” While he did not see a clear connection, he allowed the defense to submit a supplemental written explanation defining the term and its significance. He cautioned that any testimony touching on the defendant’s state of mind could raise mens rea – intention or knowledge of committing a crime– issues and would need to be narrowly tailored.

Further discussion centered on the scope of the expert’s testimony, particularly her anticipated explanation of “domestic violence batterer typology.” Swaney said the expert intended to help jurors understand the victim and defendant’s romantic relationship. This would be accomplished through an explanation of common behavioral responses in abusive relationships, which would show how the defendant may have recognized the victim’s emotional “triggers”.

Judge Park again pressed the defense on the relevance of such testimony, noting that Haythe himself was not a clinician and could not be presumed to have professional insight into the victim’s psychology. He ultimately granted the prosecution’s motion to limit a doctor’s testimony.

The judge ruled that the expert may testify only about evidence and testimony presented in court, not about information obtained during her two prior interviews with the defendant. The prosecution requested access to those interviews, but the judge denied the request.

Whether the expert can effectively restrict her testimony to courtroom evidence will be reviewed at a future hearing before she takes the stand.

Judge Park also denied the prosecution’s motion to conduct an independent examination of the defendant, siding with the defense’s opposition.

The prosecution additionally asked Judge Park to rule on a defense motion to suppress evidence and a prosecution motion to admit evidence. The judge said he was not up to speed on either filings and would defer those decisions to a later date.

The parties are slated to reconvene on March 13, 2026.

Brother’s Murder Leaves ‘Black Hole,’ Says Sister as Judge Imposes 48-Year Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a homicide defendant to 48 years in prison after prosecutors described the murder as “an act of premeditated violence” that shattered a family and community on Oct. 31.

On May 5, Ranje Reynolds, 28, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tarek Boothe on Jan. 31, 2022, on the 3200 block of M Street, NW.

At trial, prosecutors argued the shooting stemmed from a disagreement between Boothe and Reynolds at their workplace.

Judge Park delivered the sentence after an emotional hearing that opened with victim impact statements from Boothe’s relatives, who spoke of profound grief and lasting trauma following his death.

Boothe’s mother appeared virtually to address the court, describing her son as “uplifting and good-natured”. Fighting tears, she said, “There are no words to describe what it feels like to bury a child” and that her “baby died alone” after being “hunted.” Boothe’s mother urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence.

She also expressed anguish over Reynolds’ demeanor during the trial, saying his smiles and gestures toward family members felt like “a slap in the face.”

“He showed no remorse,” Boothe’s mother said. “He should never be free again.”

Boothe’s older cousin delivered her statement through sobs, calling the killing a “senseless tragedy” that has left her family “broken in a way that can never be fixed.” She said many relatives can no longer bring themselves to walk through Georgetown, where the shooting occurred. Boothe’s older cousin also read additional statements from Boothe’s two sisters, who shared how deeply the loss has affected them.

The younger sister, just 14 at the time of her brother’s death, described losing a father figure and suffering an asthma attack upon learning of the killing. She recounted the trauma her mother faced identifying Boothe’s body and said her brother was “left out on a street to bleed and die.”

The older sister likened her brother’s death to a “black hole” that “swallowed” her family’s future moments with Boothe. “My family is broken in places I didn’t even know could break,” she said. “I’m begging the court not to show mercy to someone who didn’t show any to Boothe.”

Another cousin of Boothe’s said Boothe had shown serious promise as a chef and served as a father figure to his younger sister.

“He didn’t have to take on that responsibility,” the cousin said, “but that’s who he was.” He described Reynolds’ reaction to the killing as if it were “a joke almost,” emphasizing the family’s sense of injustice.

Following victim impact statements, the prosecutors argued that Reynolds deserved the maximum 60-year sentence. The prosecution told the court Reynolds was not provoked and that Boothe “just wanted to go home to his family.”

“To kill someone over something that dumb,” she said, “shows how incredibly dangerous he is.”

The prosecutor also referenced the public nature of the shooting, which occurred amid Georgetown shoppers, and said several witnesses remain traumatized.

One student who testified at trial described the attack as “assassin-style.” The prosecutor added that the defense’s mental health report on Reynolds impulsivity improvement was “irrelevant,” noting the crime displayed clear planning rather than impulsivity.

Defense attorney Cheryl Stein requested the statutory minimum of 30 years, citing Reynolds’ struggles with substance abuse and mental health. She said her client had been smoking marijuana throughout the day of the shooting and was “under a degree of intoxication.”

Stein argued Reynolds’ actions were “the opposite of calculated,” pointing out that he acted in a crowded area, suggesting impulsivity rather than premeditation.

She also defended Reynolds’ courtroom demeanor, saying she had advised him not to show emotion during the trial. “He should not be penalized for exercising his Fifth Amendment rights or for appearing unemotional,” Stein said. “He is more than the crime, though the death is undoubtedly unfair.”

In issuing the 48-year sentence, Judge Park said he sought a balance between the extremes proposed by both sides. He noted Reynolds’ lack of prior criminal history as a mitigating factor but emphasized the “substantial premeditation” involved in the killing.

“The defendant walked away from this crime as though nothing had happened,” Judge Park said, calling the shooting a “tragedy that has caused a life sentence of heartache and sorrow.”

The judge said he was particularly moved by the older sister’s description of her brother’s death as a “black hole” that consumed her family’s future. Park ordered Reynolds to undergo anger management, substance abuse, mental health, and impulse control treatment while incarcerated.

Reynolds, who declined to make a statement, will also serve five years of supervised release and must register as a gun offender for two years after his release.

The parties are not slated to reconvene.

Judge Grants Domestic Shooting Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro granted release pending trial in the case of a non-fatal shooting defendant on Oct. 28.

Darnell Morgan, 35, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Oct. 13 at the 700 block of Brandywine Street, SE.

According to court documents, Morgan allegedly shot at his child’s mother.

Defense counsel Courtney Vaughn motioned for Morgan’s release pending trial. She stated that the victim in the case was no longer requesting a stay away order for the defendant and her children. Additionally, he has no criminal history.

The prosecution argued that due to the nature of the crime and how he escalated from no criminal history to a very violent charge is cause to stay jailed.

Still, the judge approved Morgan’s release. He will be on electronic monitoring while awaiting his trial date.

Parties are set to reconvene Nov. 12.

Government Shutdown Delays Murder Defendant’s Release for Treatment

The federal government shutdown postponed a homicide defendant’s transfer from the DC Jail to inpatient drug treatment after DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ordered his release on Nov. 5.

Randall Mack, 42, and Phillip Palmer, 62, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Mack is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a robbery that resulted in the fatal shooting of 61-year-old Steven Stewart on the 600 block of 21st Street, NE on May 2.

At the last hearing on Oct. 29, parties presented arguments regarding the defendants’ continued detention prior to trial. Judge Edelman ruled for Mack to remain held at the DC Jail but postponed his decision for Palmer.

Palmer’s attorney, Joseph Yarbough, reiterated his request for his client’s release. Yarbough asserted there was no evidence of criminal events that occurred inside the apartment and claimed Palmer was only involved in a drug deal, not a robbery.

The prosecutor disputed Yarbough’s claims and asserted Palmer should be as culpable as Mack. According to the prosecution’s theory of the case, Palmer orchestrated the robbery with a drug transaction.

Judge Edelman said if the prosecution’s theory is correct, Palmer is as culpable as Mack, but not as dangerous. The judge noted Palmer did not possess or fire a weapon and at the age of 62 is in “relatively frail physical condition.”

The prosecutor added that Palmer had an extensive criminal history as recently as 2022.

Judge Edelman later noted Palmer’s conviction in 2022 was for carrying a pistol without a license and he did not use or brandish the firearm. According to the judge, Palmer successfully finished his probation for the possession offense and the majority of his prior convictions were drug-related.

Judge Edelman said Palmer’s dangerousness stemmed from his drug use and ordered Palmer’s release with a bed-to-bed transfer from the DC Jail to a drug treatment facility. After treatment, Palmer will be released to home confinement, electronic monitoring, and required to stay-away from the incident location.

The judge noted that during the federal government shutdown, there are no transfers to the treatment facility and a lengthy waitlist. Despite the delay, Judge Edelman was not willing to release Palmer under any other conditions and said Palmer will have to wait until he can be transferred.

“The only release I can even contemplate in this case is the most restrictive kind of release,” said Judge Edelman.

Judge Edelman acknowledged the challenge to overcome a drug addiction but stated if Palmer violated his release conditions he will be incarcerated pending trial “period end of sentence.”

The prosecution also extended a wired plea offer to both defendants. If Mack and Palmer pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, the prosecution would dismiss the remaining and greater charges.

Mack and Palmer rejected the plea deal and opted to proceed to trial.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 20, 2026.

Homicide Co-Defendants Granted Eased Release For Family Trip And Work

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted two motions regarding the release conditions of two murder co-defendants on Oct. 31.

Ashton Inabinet, 18, and Na’eem Butler, 21, are charged with second-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Diamonte Lewis on Oct. 21, 2023 on the 900 block of U Street, NW.

On Oct. 7, 2024, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun lifted the co-defendants’ home confinement and instated a curfew with GPS monitoring.

David Knight, Butler’s defense attorney, had filed a motion to temporarily modify Butler’s release for the weekend, beginning on Oct. 31, in order to go camping with his family. Knight confirmed that the family’s designated campsite is part of an ongoing tradition, and Judge Kravitz granted the request.

Inabinet’s defense attorney, Stuart Sears, informed the court that Inabinet would like to modify his curfew in order to take classes related to the work he does at his family’s automotive repair shop.

Sears claimed that Inabinet’s classes would be held in Baltimore, and requested Inabinet’s curfew run from the hours of 10 p. m.-to-6 a. m. rather than 9 p. m.-to-7 a. m., in order to attend class consistently.

The court acknowledged Inabinet’s “immaculate” record from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), and Judge Kravitz granted Inabinet’s request.

Parties are slated to convene on Jan. 9.

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