Prosecution Dismisses Possession of Firearm Charges in Carjacking Case

Prosecutors dropped six indictment counts in a carjacking case during jury selection before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on June 30.

Orlin Lemus-Cruz, 22, is charged with armed carjacking, two counts of armed robbery, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on March 26, 2025 on the 3100 block of Hiatt Place, NW. Two victims were injured, both sustaining injuries to their faces due to physical assault.

Prior to jury selection, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence were dropped at the discretion of the prosecutors. Judge Hertzfeld affirmed the dismissal of the charges.

Parties are slated to deliver opening statements on July 1.

Judge Orders Mental Competency Exam After Homicide Defendant’s ‘Self-Defeating’ Effort to Represent Himself

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman canceled an upcoming vehicular homicide trial on June 26 due to concerns about the defendant’s ability to both stand trial and represent himself.

Kyle Piunti, 37, is charged with second degree murder and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the death of Michael Hamlin, 54, who died after being struck by a vehicle on Highway I-295 southbound around Mile Marker 1 on Jan. 3, 2024.

In a status hearing, Judge Edelman revisited the topic of Piunti’s mental competency to stand trial. Piunti must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense. After a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) filed on May 29, the judge did not make a finding regarding Piunti’s competency.

Judge Edelman stated that Piunti’s behavior at the previous hearing, held on June 22, had given him “concern.” He referenced Piunti’s attempts to talk over both himself and the prosecutors, as well as other behavior that was otherwise “contrary to his own self-interest.”

Judge Edelman cited a “self-defeating” approach to his former attorneys demonstrated by the defendant, and noted that the dismissal of his most recent counsel, David Akulian, was the sixth attorney who had been withdrawn from the case at Piunti’s request. According to court records, Piunti has had seven total attorneys in his case.

Judge Edelman said that the defendant’s “irrational” and “paranoid” behavior had raised significant red flags as to his competency.

Representing himself, Piunti claimed that his decision to dismiss his attorney didn’t demontrate menal incompetence on his part, but “misconduct” on Akulian’s.

Judge Edelman ordered the trial scheduled for July 1 to be cnceled and for a full mental competency assessment to be completed at Saint Elizabeths Hospital for psychiatric patients.

Parties are slated to reconvene on August 7.

Defense Asks to Delay 2019 Fratricide Case as Second Attorney Plans to Leave

In a status hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on June 26, defense attorney Molly Bunke announced her intention to leave the Public Defender Service (PDS) in July, and asked for more time so a new attorney could be appointed to the case.

Joseph Smith, 68, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of his brother, Arnold Smith, 62, who died on the 600 block of Galveston Place, SE, on April 9, 2019. Arnold sustained stab wounds to his chest and back and one superficial wound to his arm.

Smith was present for the hearing virtually.

While the prosecution expected to be ready for trial by August 8, Bunke stated she did not anticipate the defense would be ready because she planned to leave PDS in the coming weeks. There was also more information that she said may change the “scope of the trial.”

Prosecutors opposed postponing the trial, stating that Bunke could leave PDS and still represent Joseph at trial. They also questioned why another attorney was not assigned to the case after defense attorney Joseph Yarbough “left months ago.”

Judge Edelman asked Bunke to see if her new employers would be amenable to her staying on for the remainder of the case, as he expects the trial to be relatively short. He asked for her to have an answer by June 29.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 10.

Judge Grants Motion to Sever Carjacking Defendant’s Case

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean ruled in favor of severing one defendant in a four co-defendant armed carjacking case during a June 29 hearing.

Kanna Bowen, 26, Travis Morris, 34, James Matheny, 32, and Rashid Woods, 30, are charged with conspiracy, armed carjacking, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in a carjacking that took place on May 30, 2024. The incident occurred at the 2100 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE.

On June 22, Stephen LoGerfo, Bowen’s attorney, filed a motion to sever Bowen’s case from the co-defendants. In the motion, LoGerfo argued that there was significantly less evidence to implicate Bowen in the charges in comparison to the other co-defendants. He stated that as a result, she may face prejudice or heightened guilt by association, warranting a separate trial.

Judge McLean and the prosecution also considered how Bowen’s statements could be presented at trial, including whether references that could identify her co-defendants would need to be redacted. All parties agreed severing Bowen was the best step forward to ensure the full scope of evidence could be shared with the jury.

Morris and Woods also asked to be severed; however, Judge McLean declined those requests for lack of merit.

Bowen’s trial is scheduled for Oct. 5 and she is slated to return to court on Sept. 24.

Morris, Matheny and Woods are slated to reconvene in court Feb 5, 2027.

Judge Denies Release for a Domestic Stabbing Defendant in ‘Chilling’ Case

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied release for a defendant accused of stabbing two victims in a domestic violence incident in a hearing on June 26.

Lester Pendarvis, 26, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly grave risk while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, first-degree cruelty to children while armed, threatening to kidnap or injure a person while armed, and two counts of simple assault. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1400 block of Montana Avenue, NE, on Aug. 12, 2025. Pendarvis’ mother and niece sustained injuries during the incident.

Attorney Madalyn Harvey argued Pendarvis’ had family support, citing offers of a place to stay from his aunt and cousin and his fiancée in Texas. Harvey requested her client’s release with conditions until the jury trial.

The judge denied the bond review motion, asserting probable cause of Pendarvis’ involvement and “clear and convincing” evidence from the case. Despite acknowledging Pendarvis’ clean criminal record and employment, the judge pointed to the seriousness of the charges.

“It was a chilling armed assault against his mother and a seven-year-old girl,” said Judge Kravitz.

The judge also argued that with Pendarvis’ mental health challenges, there was no guarantee of his stability or community involvement. Pendarvis must remain held at the DC jail.

The prosecution also inquired about the plea offer extended in January, to which Harvey responded that she has yet to decide whether to draw up a counteroffer.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 21 for a status hearing.

‘He Doesn’t Have to Be in a Prison Cell for the Community to Be Safe,’ Says Judge of Stabbing Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz said on June 26 that he will reconsider stabbing defendant Christopher Moore’s sentencing after four more months of home confinement. The judge said Moore has proved “he doesn’t have to be in a prison cell for the community to be safe.”

Moore, 32, pleaded guilty on March 5 to assault with a dangerous weapon and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges and limit their sentence request to the midpoint for the aggravated assault charge and to the bottom of the guidelines for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge.

These charges stem from two incidents: an assault with a stick on Feb. 27, 2024, at the intersection of 14th and H Streets, NE and a stabbing against the same victim committed on March 1, 2024, on the 1400 block of G Street, NE.

Moore’s attorney, Sellano Simmons, alleged the victim fatally shot Moore’s father, Christopher King on Feb. 24, 2024. According to Simmons, the investigation concluded Moore’s father was killed in self-defense, as a result no arrests were made. Three days later, Moore committed his first assault.

Prosecutors recommended sentencing Moore to 102 months in prison, 84 months for aggravated assault and 18 months for assault with a dangerous weapon. Simmons did not make a formal sentencing recommendation, but told Judge Kravitz that Moore’s 23 months of jail time was “sufficient” punishment for his crime.

DC sentencing guidelines would require Moore to serve more time incarcerated.

Judge Kravitz said in order to deviate from sentencing guidelines the defendant’s situation “ought to be unusual.” Whether Moore’s case was unusual enough, Judge Kravitz said, was a “close question.”

The prosecution argued Moore’s sentence would set a community-wide example for the legal consequences of vigilante justice. They said those seeking revenge would consider Moore’s sentence and weigh whether it is a “price [they’re] willing to pay.”

Judge Kravitz acknowledged the prosecution’s claim by saying the world would “devolve into complete chaos,” if people took the law into their own hands.

Simmons argued the time Moore spent in DC Jail rehabilitated Moore. He said releasing Moore now adequately discourages further vigilante justice, while allowing a changed man to continue his path outside of a prison cell.

Judge Kravitz released Moore on March 5 under home confinement with electronic monitoring. According to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), he has since been compliant with all release conditions.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 23 to reevaluate sentencing terms.

‘The DNA Did Not Match,’ Says Forensic Scientist About Defendant in Trial for 2005 Homicide

A forensic scientist confirmed a homicide defendant’s DNA was not found in the victim’s fingernails in trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 24.

Michael Wells, 55, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder, two counts of firearm possession during a crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, and arson. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his 23-year-old foster sister, Makia Mosby. Mosby sustained burns and gunshot wounds at her home on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE, on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 2005.

Molly Bunke, Wells’ attorney, called on a senior forensic scientist to analyze three DNA samples. The samples included nail clippings from Mosby’s right and left hands, as well as a buccal swab from Wells’ cheek. Mosby’s right nail clippings contained DNA from at least three males and one major contributor, which was the most prominent DNA source identified. The analyst compared the major contributor to Wells’ DNA.

When referencing her findings, the scientist stated, “The DNA did not match.”

During cross-examination, the prosecution argued that Mosby could have come into contact with the DNA under her fingernails in various ways. The prosecutor stated that “Touch DNA” could transfer casually, such as through hands running through hair and firm handshakes. The forensic scientist agreed that these were possibilities.

The prosecution also noted that the DNA retrieved from Mosby’s fingernails was less than a single nanogram and not visible to the naked eye.

Bunke then called an investigative specialist with the Public Defender Service (PDS) for DC to the stand. He took pictures of the area outside the apartment building where the incident occurred. The specialist explained the contents of the photos and confirmed that the building had not changed since the incident, aside from the brick coloring and fencing. He was able to verify this using Google Street View photos from 2007.

During cross-examination, the prosecution argued that the specialist was not present in November 2005 and didn’t work for PDS at the time. The investigative specialist also didn’t speak to any witnesses or building residents.

The prosecution called a former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective whose partner was the lead detective in the homicide case of Wells’ close friend, Michael Carter. According to the detective, Mosby was never identified as a witness in Carter’s murder, but a connection was made because of the similarities between her and Carter’s deaths. They both died from a gunshot wound to their head and were burned afterward.

The man convicted of Carter’s death was incarcerated at the time of Mosby’s death, but a search of his phone found Mosby’s obituary. The prosecution emphasized that no other items that connected Carter’s killer to Mosby were found in his cell. Earlier testimony suggested that Mosby’s murder might have been in retaliation for Carter’s death which she might have abetted.

The prosecution and defense both rested their cases.

After the jury was excused, the parties discussed proposed revisions to jury instructions ahead of closing arguments.

The jury returned, and Judge Park read instructions to the jury, which highlighted that on Nov. 24, 2005, four crime scene technicians visited the scene, used five rolls of film to document, and took handwritten notes. Another officer visited the scene again two days later. The judge reminded the jury that the investigators “failed to preserve” these photographs and the technicians’ notes, and that they may believe this evidence would have been “unfavorable” to the prosecution.

Judge Park also asserted that prosecutors “failed to preserve” the two 911 calls made that night.

Judge Park informed the jury of the prosecution’s “failure to timely disclose” photographs of a social gathering located in case files for Carter’s murder. Prosecutors disclosed these files on June 3, a day before Wells’ trial.

The judge also read the defense theory of the case to jurors, which stated that Wells did not kill Mosby or confess to another witness, citing her testimony as incredible. They maintained that Wells did not have a motive to kill Mosby, and other suspects did. They called the investigation “deeply flawed,” with witnesses not being interviewed until almost a decade later and with contradicting stories.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 25 for closing arguments.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Fatal Shooting Near Historic Cemetery

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on June 29.

Ramon Richardson, 41, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon against a senior citizen, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and threatening to injure or kidnap a person. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Lawrence Meekins, 50, on the 1800 block of E Street, SE, on July 1, 2025. Meekins sustained three gunshot wounds from gunfire.

The incident occurred near the historic Congressional Cemetery, where, according it its website, “Among the nearly 70,000 burials at Congressional are scores of noteworthy citizens who left their mark on the city and the nation.”

The court formally arraigned Richardson on the indictment filed against him. Richardson’s attorney, Madalyn Harvey, said that Richardson would “enter a plea of not guilty.”

As of the hearing, no formal plea agreement was offered. Prosecutors told Judge Edelman, “It makes sense to probably talk,” about a possible deal following the indictment.

Harvey was unsure if Richardson would require independent DNA testing, noting for the court that she would need to see the prosecution’s evidence first. Richardson may request independent testing, which is his right, at the upcoming Innocence Protection Act (IPA) hearing.

A trial date was set for Aug. 23, 2027.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 25, for the IPA hearing.

Judge Allows Defense Cell Phone Analyst to Testify in Carjacking Trial

Parties clashed over the validity of an expert witness testimony at a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on June 18.

Orlin Lemus-Cruz, 22, is charged with armed carjacking, two counts of robbery while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred at the 3100 block of Hiatt Place, NW, on March 26, 2025.

Lemus-Cruz’s former co-defendants, Julio Villafranco, 21, and Jason Benitez-Umanzor, 26, previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced for their involvement in the same incident.

In the hearing, the prosecution challenged the credibility of an expert in cellular phone technology, whom the defense wants to call to testify in Lemus-Cruz’s trial.

Attorney Quiana Harris opened with the assertion that the expert witness was qualified to present in a jury trial and didn’t face a substantial challenge from the prosecution. In her direct examination of the expert, Harris affirmed the witness’ credentials in cell power analysis and cell phone forensics. The phone expert told the court that he works with Cellebrite software for forensic extractions and has testified 134 times in state and federal courts.

The witness testified that he has used Cellebrite for 15 to 16 years and renews his certification every two years. For Lemus-Cruz’s case, he studied multiple smaller copies of a large image and different thumbnails. He also examined data and metadata, which evaluate whether a mobile photo is an original copy.

Defense exhibits from Lemus-Cruz’s black Apple iPhone 13 contained extraction information, a Cellebrite reader report and analysis, and cache. The expert claimed that iPhone users don’t necessarily have access to a cache folder, meaning photo downloads can be unintentional. He further explained Lemus-Cruz’s cache regarding text and photo-sharing evidence, saying it was unclear whether images were received or sent.

Harris asked about the frequency analysis report covering January through April 2025, which focused on cell phone towers within a half-mile of the crime scene. The witness said it checks how many calls Lemus-Cruz made in that time frame, proving he was there “all of the time” and not “just at the time of the crime.”

During cross-examination, the prosecution argued that although there were no issues with the methodology, the witness’ findings could support either the prosecution’s or the defense’s case. They pointed to the cell phone near the location of the offense.

“The data shows it was in the area, not necessarily that address,” the expert said.

The prosecution also questioned the difference between full and partial extraction, suggesting that Lemus-Cruz could have taken the photos and later deleted them. The witness conceded that this was “one possibility.”

The prosecutor pushed the witness to comment on photos sent over Instagram, displaying Lemus-Cruz’s account on the screen. The witness said he was not asked to review them and that his analysis dealt strictly with SMS text messages.

The judge paused the prosecution’s argument since it was “too extensive” for pretrial, but would be a relevant trial question.

“Save your gunpowder for if he’s testifying,” said Judge Hertzfeld.

Harris conducted a brief redirect examination of the witness, who reasserted that cell towers cover a wide area and that it was equally plausible that Lemus-Cruz was at the incident address or not.

The prosecution raised concerns about the limitations of the witness’ testimony. Harris said she expected her questioning during the upcoming trial to be similar to that at the hearing.

The judge denied the prosecution’s motion to exclude the expert’s testimony testimony before the jury.

The parties are slated to reconvene on June 29 to begin the trial.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for Murder and Shooting at Police Officer

Before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 26, a defendant accepted a deal from the prosecution that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault on a police officer while armed.

Jaykell Mason, 26, was initially charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assaulting a law enforcement officer while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Terence Dantzler, 29. The incident occurred on Feb. 13, 2020 on the 700 block of 8th Street, NW. Mason also fired shots in the direction of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer.

Judge Park reviewed the plea deal and Mason reiterated his acceptance to the agreed terms. Under his plea agreement, parties stipulated that Mason would receive a total prison sentence between 12-to-24 years, subject to Judge Park’s approval. Judge Park also explained to Mason that he must register as a gun offender in DC when released.

If the case had proceeded to trial, the prosecution explained the evidence would have proved that Mason struck Dantzler in the head and fired another two shots to his chest while he was already down. While fleeing the scene Mason then fired his weapon in the direction of an MPD officer as she was running.

Judge Park also explained that at trial, Mason could have raised an insanity defense where he could be held not criminally responsible if it was found his mental health prevented him from understanding his actions were wrong. However, since he accepted the plea deal, he waived this right, which he acknowledged.

Mason’s sentencing was scheduled for Oct. 2.

Shooting Defendant, ‘Wasn’t Looking for Trouble, He Was Looking for a Hamburger,’ Says Defense Attorney at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe imposed a prison sentence for a defendant convicted of a shooting in a McDonald’s that left one injured.

Sean Sharps, 24, pleaded guilty on June 10 to assault with a dangerous weapon. The charge stemmed from his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Oct. 19. 2024 on the 2500 block of Marion Barry Ave SE.

At Sharps’ sentencing, Judge Pipe pronounced sentence for 2024 shooting in addition to an unrelated assault case.

Sharps’ attorney, Adam Harris, noted that CCTV video footage from the McDonald’s shows the victim acting aggressively towards Sharps. Harris also said Sharps claimed that the victim threatened Sharps by telling him he had a gun.

“Mr. Sharps wasn’t looking for trouble, he was looking for a hamburger,” Harris said.

The prosecution noted Sharps committed the shooting while he was on probation for an assault with significant bodily injury offense against the mother of his children. The prosecution also stated this was not the first time that Sharps had assaulted the mother of his children so severely that she needed medical attention.

“I love my kids with all my heart and want to continue being their biggest supporters,” Sharps said before he was sentenced.

Judge Pipe noted the severity of the assault, saying ,“The victim needed seven staples to her head because of the damage he caused her.”

Judge Pipe denied the defense’s request to sentence Sharps under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which provides leniency in sentencing for defendants under the age of 25 and the potential to have their convictions sealed with successful completion of requirements.

“At 24 he should be able to appreciate, somewhat, the consequences of his actions,” Judge Pipe said.

For the shooting, Judge Pipe sentenced Sharps to 18 months in prison. Sharps was also sentenced to 14 months of imprisonment for the assault. The sentences will run concurrently followed by three years of supervised release.

No further hearings were set.

‘Son Will Lose His Father’ But ‘That is the Consequences for His Actions,’ Says Judge at Homicide Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a homicide defendant to 21 years in prison in a hearing on June 26.

Dion Lee, 26, pleaded guilty on March 16 to second-degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Pamela Thomas on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE, on Feb. 9, 2022. Thomas sustained a gunshot wound to the head.

As part of the plea deal, the parties agreed Lee would serve 19-to-21 years in prison.

The prosecution asked for Lee to be sentenced at the top of the sentencing range of 21 years of imprisonment. In video footage, the prosecutor walked through the timeline of the afternoon when the defendant exited his apartment engaging in “maneuvers” of walking back and forth, pulling his mask up, and then proceeding toward the park.

“What prompted the defendant to fire five shots,” the prosecution asked and questioned “what fear, if any” Lee had on “such a beautiful sunny day.” The prosecutor provided multiple views of the park, showing no visible threats in the area, or in Lee’s direction.

The prosecution continued that it was clear Lee had the intent to kill or seriously injure someone that day, even if it wasn’t necessarily Thomas, an innocent victim who was in the car with her seven-year-old son while her sister was driving the car.

Thomas’ sister, who drove the car, provided a victim impact statement on behalf of her family, expressing how each and every one of them hoped to be there, but she felt responsible to speak up as she was in the car and jumped out with Thomas’ son when the shots were fired.

“I’m not mad, I’m not angry, just sad,” she said.

She spoke about how Thomas’ son has grown significantly from the incident and she said she is extremely grateful he didn’t let the murder ruin his full and bright future.

Lee’s attorney, Molly Bunke, expressed that in the six months she has represented Lee she could confidently say he knows the pain he caused not just his family but to Thomas’ family as well. Bunke explained that nothing could remove the pain and Lee never minimized that his actions caused such great harm. She focused on Lee’s growth and emphasized that “each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”

According to Bunke, Lee’s family described him as “reliable, responsible” and loved by his family and friends. Bunke continued that Lee did not feel safe in his community but she didn’t pick apart the video and photo evidence from prosecutors. She explained that her words were to provide context and not an excuse on Lee’s behalf.

Bunke agreed with the prosecution’s recommended sentence of 21 years but wanted two of those years suspended. She explained that it would be “something to work toward” and “something to earn.” In addition, Lee also would have the opportunity for rehabilitation.

After Bunke concluded, Lee made a statement reiterating his apologies to Thomas’ family and everyone affected. He acknowledged the trauma and hurt he caused her son and sister as witnessed and addressed that this was a horrible mistake that he also has to live with.

Judge Park concluded the sentencing by expressing the “facts speak for themselves.” He said he believes while Lee may not have intended to kill Thomas, he went out that day with the intent to seriously harm or kill someone. The judge acknowledged Lee’s considerable support system which was evident in the courtroom.

Judge Park said he was aware that Lee’s “son will lose his father because of the sentence, but that is the consequences for his actions.”

After Lee’s prison sentence, he will serve five years of supervised release and register as a gun offender in DC.

No further dates were set.

Homicide Defendant Refuses Mental Competency Screening Twice

Before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 25, the defense claimed a neuropsychologist determined a homicide defendant was not mentally competent when he accepted a plea deal.

Jose Hernandez, 19, was previously charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in two drive-by shootings in the Petworth neighborhood on April 29, 2025. Zephaniah Wright, 19, was fatally shot and a second victim was injured outside the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro Station on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Another victim was shot in front of the Petworth Recreation Center on the 800 block of Taylor Street, NW.

An agreement Hernandez accepted on Jan. 8 requires him to plead guilty to second degree-murder while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and aggravated assault.

Hernandez’s co-defendant Jayden Wells, 19, faces the same charges as Hernandez in addition to possession with intent to distribute more than a half pound of marijuana. Wells pleaded not guilty at an arraignment on June 25.

Court documents allege the shooting was the product of an ongoing feud between the rival Columbia Heights Village (CHV) and Kennedy Street (KDY) crews or gangs. The defendants are reportedly associated with CHV, while Wright and the two other victims are allegedly associated with KDY.

At the hearing, parties discussed that Hernandez was scheduled for two mental competency screenings, on June 8 and 10, which he refused. These screenings are administered by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to determine Hernandez’s ability to understand the charges brought against him, as well as his ability to help in his defense. Hernandez’s attorney, Mani Golzari, said he is confident and Hernandez will comply if another screening is ordered.

Golzari also alluded to a letter filed by a neuropsychologist that established Hernandez has “serious cognitive limitations” that prohibit him from standing trial. According to Golzari, the neuropsychologist found Hernandez not competent to stand trial nor competent to have accepted the prosecution’s plea offer.

Judge Ryan advised Golzari that “it would be sensible and informative” for him to make the report available to the DBH. The judge also ordered another screening for Hernandez to be performed before the parties reconvene.

The prosecution asserted that they are not concerned Hernandez will be deemed incompetent to stand trial. They also established that they are ready to move forward with the trial if the defendant decides to withdraw his guilty plea.

Judge Ryan explained that there will be a different set of concerns if the screening leads to a withdrawal of the guilty plea.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 10.

Co-Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to All Charges in Fatal Drive-By Shootings

A defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges stemming from two drive-by shootings, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 25.

Jayden Wells, 19, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in two drive-by shootings in the Petworth neighborhood on April 29, 2025. Zephaniah Wright, 19, was fatally shot and a second victim was injured outside the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro Station on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Another victim was shot in front of the Petworth Recreation Center on the 800 block of Taylor Street, NW.

Wells is also charged with unlawful possession with intent to distribute more than a half pound of marijuana from an incident that occurred on Sept. 19, 2025.

Wells’ co-defendant Jose Hernandez, 19, previously faced the same charges as Wells for his alleged involvement in the two shootings. On Jan. 8, Hernandez accepted a plea deal that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and aggravated assault.

Court documents allege the shooting was the product of an ongoing feud between the Columbia Heights Village (CHV) and Kennedy Street (KDY) crews or gangs. The defendants are reportedly associated with CHV, while Wright and the two other victims are allegedly associated with KDY.

In an arraignment presided over by Judge Ryan, Wells’ attorney, David Akulian pleaded not guilty on Wells’ behalf and asserted his rights to a speedy trial. The prosecution said they planned on submitting an evidence list in the near future.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 10.

Judge Finds Mass Stabbing Defendant Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt deemed a defendant charged with stabbing six victims competent to stand trial on June 26 after the defense withdrew its request to contest the competency finding.

Kevin Andrade, 35, is charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill a senior citizen while armed, three counts of aggravated assault while armed, two counts of aggravated assault against a senior citizen while armed, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon against a senior citizen, four counts of assault with significant bodily injury, and two counts of assault with significant bodily injury to a senior citizen.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in stabbing six victims on April 3, 2025 at the 1200 block of Meigs Place, NE.

All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed after Andrade had at least two felony convictions.

At the hearing, Andrade’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, expressed that he no longer planned to contest the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) finding that his client is competent. Judge Brandt then found the defendant competent to stand trial, meaning Andrade is able to understand the charges against him and can assist in his own defense.

Andrade’s next hearing is scheduled for on Sept. 18, when parties plan to discuss the Innocence Protection Act (IPA). Under the IPA, Andrade has the right to request independent DNA testing of physical evidence in his case.

Andrade’s trial is scheduled to begin on May 17, 2027.

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