Victims Narrate Events Surrounding A Car Crash, Shooting

Parties disagreed on whether a non-fatal shooting was assault or self-defense. Even the victim and his fiancée contradicted each other’s testimony on multiple points in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sept. 16.

Adrian Lee, 49, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident on April 18, 2023, on the 700 block of Gresham Place, NW, that left one person injured.

The prosecutor said the victim and his fiancée came from Maryland on the day of the shooting to eat at a DC restaurant in celebration of their tenth anniversary. On their way home, their Tesla collided with a Chevy Suburban driven by Lee’s wife, who called Lee to bring the victim his auto insurance card.

While the victim was on the phone with his insurance company, Lee’s wife drove away and Lee fled, the prosecutor said. The victim still had the insurance card with Lee’s name on it, which was expired and entered into evidence in the case.

The prosecutor said the victim found a police officer and asked how to report the accident. The officer told them to return to the location of the accident and then call for police help.

According to the prosecutor, the victim drove around until he saw Lee run into a house. The victim and his fiancée got out of their car to try to talk to Lee, the prosecutor said, but Lee came back out of the house with a gun.

“He ran towards [the victim] and [his fiancée], pointed the gun at her head, then turned and shot [the victim] in the stomach,” the prosecutor said. “[The victim] was immediately transported to Howard University Hospital, and that’s where he stayed for five months.”

The prosecutor told the jury they would hear testimony during the trial from the doctor who attended the victim.

“He’ll tell you how the bullet passed through his stomach, punctured his lung, ruptured his spleen, and lodged by his spine,” the prosecutor said.

According to the prosecutor, Lee fled to Florida after the shooting.

Destiny Fullwood-Singh, one of Lee’s defense attorneys, argued that Lee acted in self-defense.

Fullwood-Singh said Lee’s wife was pregnant at the time of the incident, and Lee told her to drive away out of concern for her safety because the victim’s fiancée was screaming at her after the collision.

“She got away. We’re going to f*** you up,” the victim and his fiancée shouted to Lee after his wife drove off, according to Fullwood-Singh.

“They chase him through the streets of DC. They chase him to his home,” Fullwood-Singh told the jury. She said Lee saw the victim or his fiancée take something from their waistband that Lee thought was a gun while approaching the house where Lee was, with his 18-month-old son, and his son’s grandmother.

“In a moment of fear and desperation, and in a moment he believed was life or death, Mr. Lee fired one shot,” said Fullwood-Singh. “Mr. Lee had run out of options and out of places to run, and he was forced to defend himself.”

According to Fullwood-Singh, Lee took his family to Florida after the incident due to fear of the victim and his fiancée, since they knew where he lived.

Following opening statements, the prosecution called the victim and his fiancée to testify. Since witnesses are not allowed in the courtroom during their case except while giving testimony, neither heard the other speak in court.

Both the victim and his fiancée identified Lee in court as their assailant.

The victim said all the interactions after the vehicle accident were calm until after Lee’s wife drove away.

“He held his hands up in a taunting fashion, like a fighting stance,” the victim said about Lee, after Lee’s wife left.

The victim said Lee asked, “Whatcha wanna do?” and the victim responded, “I could beat you.”

Both the victim and his fiancée testified that Lee then ran away.

“That truck that sped? We never saw that again,” the victim’s fiancée answered when Albert Amissah, one of Lee’s defense attorneys, asked if she thought she recognized Lee’s wife’s Chevy Suburban on the street.

According to the victim’s fiancée, she noticed Lee on the street and got out of the Tesla to try to talk to him, but an unknown individual got between them and said, “This isn’t called for.”

The victim and his fiancée testified that Lee went into a nearby house and came out with a gun, which he pointed at the fiancée before turning and allegedly shooting the victim. They said neither of them was armed.

“I put my hands up,” the victim said about the moments before he was shot.

“Isn’t it true that Mr. Lee allegedly only shot one time?” Amissah asked the victim.

“Yeah, he only shot once,” the victim said.

“I heard two,” the victim’s fiancée said when asked how many shots were fired. “As I was picking him [the victim] off the floor, I heard another one.”

She said the victim tried to drive away but quickly became too weak.

The prosecution played a recording of the victim’s fiancée on the phone with a 911 operator. When the operator asked what intersection she was at, she screamed, “I’m in DC.”

The trial is scheduled to resume on Sept. 17.

Defense Calls Victim An ‘Unreliable Narrator’ in Stabbing Over A 10 Dollar Hat

Jurors heard testimony and closing statements on the third day of trial in a stabbing case over an “I ♥ MILFS” hat, in DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe’s courtroom on Sept. 16.

Tanade Warsame, 32, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that left an individual injured on the 600 block of I Street, NW, on May 4.

The victim testified that he and the defendant decided to fight in a dispute about whether the hat, displaying an abbreviation for a sexual reference, was stolen or purchased. According to the victim, Warsame allegedly escalated the confrontation, pulling out a knife and stabbing him.

The victim also testified he and Warsame traded threats, and that Warsame did not say or do anything to suggest that he had a knife. The victim admitted that as he walked away from Warsame, he picked up a brick, assuming that the defendant would be following behind him.

The prosecution also called the first officer who was on the scene and his body camera footage was shown to the jury.

The officer testified that he saw both Warsame and the victim walking past him and his partner, whom Warsame greeted. A couple minutes later, he testified the victim returned, claiming “He stabbed me. He stabbed me for 10 dollars.”

The victim was taken by ambulance to George Washington University Hospital due to the severity of his injuries where the victim identified the attack knife as a black kitchen knife with a silver blade.

When questioned by the defense, the officer testified that he did not see the altercation, and was told by the victim that he had purchased the hat from Warsame.

Another nearby officer testified that Warsame, was placed under arrest and asked whether or not he was injured, to which Warsame replied that he was not. Upon searching his bags, the officer testified, he found a knife matching the description given by the victim, with the blade bent.

When questioned by the defense, the officer testified that he had no way of knowing if the blade was bent before the day of the incident.

During closing remarks, the prosecution stated that this case is over a “tragically minor dispute” and that the victim never thought there was going to be a knife drawn that day. The prosecutor reminded the jury that the victim attempted to give the hat back to Warsame prior to the altercation.

During the defense’s closing remarks, Brandon Burrell, Warsame’s attorney, reminded the jury that the surveillance footage showed the victim following Warsame and that the victim swung first, stressing that the victim was an “unreliable narrator.”

Burrell also said that the prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Warsame was not defending himself, which all the evidence points to, and “There is only one verdict that is demanded by justice.”

Parties will reconvene Sept. 17 for the prosecution’s rebuttal and jury deliberations.

Two of Seven Carjacking Defendants to be Tried Separately

Two of seven defendants in a carjacking will be tried separately due to the large number of suspects in the case facing with some different charges. The decision came in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe told parties on Sept. 16.

Taj Giles, 19, and Warren Montgomery, 19, are charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts armed carjacking, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, four counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery while armed, for their alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW, on May 16, 2023.

Giles faces additional charges of conspiracy, armed carjacking, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and receiving stolen property, in connection to the incident.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested that Giles’ and Montgomery’s cases be transferred to Judge Robert Okun, who is already handling the cases of the five other defendants allegedly involved in the carjackings.

Montgomery’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, and Giles’ attorney, Christopher Young, requested that they both remain with Judge Lynn Leibovitz who is the original judge in the case, because the pair has fewer charges than the other defendants and their trial is scheduled for a later date.

Judge Pipe agreed with the defense and denied the prosecution’s request, stating that Judge Okun’s calendar would be unable to accommodate the seven defendants in a five week trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 1.

Co-Defendants Plead Guilty to Jail Stabbing

Two stabbing co-defendants accepted a plea agreement extended by prosecution on Sept. 12, before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow.

James Mayfield, 25, and Tyler Stringfield, 26, were originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution, and carrying a dangerous weapon, for their involvement in a stabbing at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The incident occurred on March 15, 2023, and an individual sustained multiple stab wounds during the attack.

Mayfield was additionally charged with conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution, for his involvement in another stabbing at the DC Jail on June 3, 2021. An individual sustained multiple injuries during that assault.

At the hearing, Veronice Holt, Mayfield’s attorney, and Michelle Lockard, Stringfield’s attorney, informed the court of their cleints’ intent to accept a guilty plea

The deal required Mayfield to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in the 2023 and 2021 stabbing incidents.

Likewise, the deal required Springfield to plead guilty to two counts of robbery in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in the 2023 stabbing incident and a 2018 robbery incident.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 8 for sentencing.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

A stabbing defendant waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a crime scene before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Sept. 13.

Jose Garcia Fuentes, 42, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 4400 block of 14th Street, NW, that occurred on April 24. An individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Garcia Fuentes, was in a verbal and physical altercation with an individual while intoxicated, during which Garcia Fuentes is said to have stabbed the other individual.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Arthur they did not plan to conduct DNA testing on the evidence recovered at the scene, which included the knife allegedly used during the attack.

Henry Escoto, Garcia Fuentes’ attorney, alerted the court they also do not plan to test the evidence, and the defendant waived his rights which cannot be reasserted at a later date.

Parties are slated to reconvene for trial on Sept. 24.

Judge Won’t Let Stabbing Defendant Represent Himself

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur reappointed a lawyer to a “pro-se” defendant in a stabbing case after worries he could misrepresent himself acting as his own attorney. The ruling came on Sept. 13.

Brian Long, 42, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Nov. 23, 2023 on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Judge Arthur previously allowed Long to represent himself alongside an attorney advisor at hearings.

In the hearing, Long asked the judge to appoint a civilian to represent him. However, Judge Arthur declined explaining that the charges were serious and he did not want Long to be represented incorrectly.

Judge Arthur reappointed Howard McEachern to be counsel of record.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 10.

Shooting Defendant Is ‘100 Percent Ready’ Despite Late Trial Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian delayed a shooting trial by a day because evidence was late getting to the defense. The decision came during a hearing on Sept. 16.

Calvon Brown, 31, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 22 at Lee’s Liquors located on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Brown’s lawyer, Tammy Thom, asked the court to dismiss the case for late disclosure but Judge Christian denied the request though he agreed to a continuance.

The defense argued that the majority of evidence was submitted a week before trial. It pertains to allegedly inconsistent statements the victim made about who shot him as well as a video of an individual identified as Brown at the store prior to the shooting.

Brown addressed the court and stated that he is “100 percent ready,” and Thom stated that she is ready to follow her client’s wishes.

Judge Christian ruled that the trial will resume on Sept. 17.

Aged Shooting Defendant Detained Despite Decades of Good Behavior

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond, said she, “Cannot ignore the facts of his criminal history no matter how old”, when deciding the release of the defendant on Sept. 12–that after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Derrick Gladden, 53, is charged with aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured one individual on April 15 on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE.

Gladden’s defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, informed the court that the defendant planned to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

Sukumar argued his criminal history is over 30 years old and has not faced new charges since. Therefore, Sukumar insisted, he could safely be released.

The prosecution stated the weight of the evidence rules in favor of the defendant’s being held despite his decades of clean conduct.

Judge Raymond denied Gladden’s request for release based on previous infractions.

According to Sukumar, parties are currently in plea negotiations.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 27.

Teen Co-Defendants Held in Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied release for two co-defendants during a Sept. 12 hearing, finding probable cause they were the perpetrators of a carjacking.

Austin Marion, 18, and Jacorri Stroman, 19, are charged with two counts of unarmed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Two cars were stolen during the incident on July 1 on the 1100 block of Independence Avenue, SE.

Russell Hairston, Marion’s attorney, and Katelyn Martinez, Stroman’s attorney, informed the court that the defendants planned to waive their right to a preliminary hearing.

The lawyers requested their clients be released as they await further proceedings noting they have stable housing and would comply with home confinement and any other release conditions.

However, the prosecution objected stating the pair was a threat to the community,” and requested they remain detained.

Although Marion and Stroman have no prior criminal history, Judge Raymond was alarmed by the, “seriousness, randomness, and dangerousness of each case,” and denied release.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 1.

Shooting Video Triggers Courtroom Fight, Judge Releases Defendant Following Day

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan called for a recess after a fight between a homicide victim’s and defendant’s family member broke out in court on Sept. 10. She found probable cause that the defendant was the perpetrator on Sept. 11.

Karim Ibrahim, 21, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Javonni Coleman. The incident occurred on Jan. 16 on the 2400 block of S Street, SE.

According to court documents, Coleman sustained fatal injuries to his head, neck, and torso.

The prosecution called on an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who testified their investigation into the murder deemed Ibrahim the shooter. According to the officer, surveillance footage, witness statements, and phone records, played a significant role in the shooter’s identification.

According to the court documents, one of the witnesses was asked if there were any issues between Coleman and other people. The witness stated in an interview with MPD that it may have been possible Coleman had problems with individuals, but they were unsure.

He testified that Ibrahim’s clothes, “Worn on the day of the shooting was the same on videos taken 16 hours prior,” and posted on social media. Several videos from Ibrahim’s social media and Gmail accounts were recovered that showed what seemed to be guns similar to the one used during the murder, as well as the particular articles of clothing.

Kevin Mosley, Ibrahim’s attorney, argued that the officer’s recollection was speculative, and questioned his preparation regarding his testimony.

Mosley called into question MPD’s factual knowledge of the shooting’s timing, stating that the building’s CCTV footage did not have timestamps on the video.

The officer stated “The timestamps were matched up in accordance with the actions that happened in the video”, to which Mosley stated, “This case was being based off of everything but facts”.

Mosley argued that Ibrahim’s mother was unable to identify the shooter as her son in the footage, and suggested that a mother would know what her child looks like and her statements should be given considerable weight.

During the hearing, prosecutors displayed footage of the murder multiple times, which led to a confrontation between Coleman’s and Ibrahim’s families.

US Marshals dragged Ibrahim as well as several others out of the courtroom effectively ending the proceeding.

The next day, Judge Raffinan alerted the parties she had found probable cause for second-degree murder but ruled in favor of releasing the defendant with conditions.

She ordered him to remain in home confinement, GPS monitoring, and imposed a stay away order from the victim’s family, residence and any additional places related to the incident.

Among these conditions, Judge Raffinan also required he stay off of social media, obey all laws, and be cooperative with the court.

Coleman’s family members sitting in the courtroom were visibly upset at the decision made.

There will be a status hearing on Sept. 26.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Felony Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffian found probable cause for a felony murder-robbery case and granted the prosecution’s request to detain the suspect on Sept. 13.

Jaylen Suggs, 18, is charged with robbery – felony murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Ricky Canty on the 4000 Block of Sheriff Road, NE, on April 25.

The lead detective on the scene stated that eyewitnesses and surveillance cameras captured four masked individuals, some armed, approaching a deli before chaos ensued. One eyewitness to the crime specifically recalled one of the suspects approaching him and exclaimed, “You know what time it is?”

The suspects began to fire and allegedly Canty fired back as well.

After the crime occurred, detectives uncovered the suspect vehicle and said a cellphone inside belonged to Suggs. The phone was allegedly linked to Suggs using photos, the passcode being his birthday and usernames being linked to aspects of his life.

Suggs had also been involved in a burglary in Prince George’s County which had occurred in the same vehicle as the murder, according to the prosecution.

Judge Ruffian ruled that there is no direct evidence showing he was the one firing the weapon but with the probable cause standard, the evidence – witness statements, surveillance videos, recovered phone evidence and links to the vehicle – were enough to find that he was present and part of the robbery operation that led to Canty’s death.

The prosecution asked for Suggs to remain detained, stating he poses a threat to the community because of the nature and circumstances of the crime.

Kevann Gardner, Suggs’ attorney, argued that stolen cars are often passed around during these crimes, so it is feasible that Suggs’ phone was left in the vehicle from someone else in a prior trip. According to Gardner, Suggs’ phone was inactive for hours before the crime occurred, which may prove he didn’t have anything to do with the robbery turned murder.

Gardner requested that Suggs be released on home confinement as he has a strong family support and he helps out with his younger siblings and older family members. Gardner also claimed that the threat of danger is mitigated by home confinement as they will make sure he abides by his release.

The court ultimately granted the prosecution’s request to hold because of the nature of the offense, weight of the evidence, the defendant’s history and the danger that release would pose to the community.

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 14.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Sentenced to Additional Term After Murder Spree Conviction

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow sentenced a defendant to 14 months of incarceration for a stabbing on Sept. 13–that after an earlier conviction for murdering a teen.

On Sept. 6, Tyiion Freeman, 25, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on Oct. 2, 2023 at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.

During the hearing, the prosecution and defense requested 14 months of incarceration for the incident.

Freeman’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, requested credit for his 11 months already served, considering that earlier that day he was sentenced to 108 years in prison for his involvement in a shooting spree in 2020 that ended in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes.

Freeman made a brief statement to the court stating, “I take full responsibility for my actions.”

The judge sentenced Freeman to 14 months, with credit for his time already served.

No further dates were set.

No Release For Double-Homicide Defendant

A double-homicide defendant pleaded not guilty at arraignment and was denied his request for release by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Sept. 13.

Ronzoni Jackson Jr., 24, is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. These charges stem from Jackson’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Osmine Quintano and 28-year-old Octavio Quintano on Dec. 12, 2023 on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE.

Sellano Simmons, Jackson’s attorney, alerted the court of Jackson’s intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy, public trial.

Simmons also asked Judge Epstein to release Jackson citing that Jackson’s father had a stable address and income and was willing to take him in. Due to the fact that there was no change in circumstances, the prosecution argued that he should not be released citing the seriousness of the offense.

Judge Epstein denied the request for release and a trial date was set for Feb. 9, 2026.

The parties are set to reconvene on May 9, 2025.

Double-Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, Remains on Release

A double-murder defendant remains on supervised release after a felony arraignment hearing on Sept. 16 before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Jahi Rapp, 21, who was originally charged with accessory to murder, has been arraigned on two counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE on Oct. 17, 2022. Davonte Berkley, 19, and Reginald Lamont Cooper Jr., 19, were killed. A third victim was also shot but survived.

Rapp, represented by defense attorney Ferguson Evans, pleaded not guilty to all eight counts. Evans also noted that the prosecution has turned over significant evidence already but he has not had the chance to look it all over.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) alerted Judge Raffinan that Rapp has been in compliance with the terms of his release since his last court date–he hasn’t had any violations and has been reporting on time.

The prosecution presented their pleading for detention, which included information about a search warrant executed on Rapps car and surveillance footage identifying him at the scene of the crime. Judge Raffinan stated that because their official report included no information about the surveillance video identifying Rapp, a supplement is likely required.

Judge Raffinan said that although the nature and circumstances of the allegations would weigh in favor of detention, Rapp has no prior convictions and has been compliant thus far, so he will continue to be on release.

Parties will reconvene on Sept. 30.

Judge Denies Release For Murder Defendant Said to Be MS-13 Gang Member

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo denied a homicide defendant’s request for release on Sept. 13. Prosecutors claim the suspect is part of “Mara Salvatrucha” (MS-13), an international criminal gang.

Pedro Joya Argueta, 25, also known as “Peluche,” a Spanish nickname for hairy or heavy-set individuals, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, and conspiracy. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the execution-style killing of 16-year-old Eberson Guerra-Sanchez. The incident occurred on April 27, 2019 on the 5200 block of Canal Road, NW.

According to the prosecutor, the killing stemmed from a violent history between Argueta and Guerra-Sanchez. She stated the two caused “disturbances” at a school in Frederick, Maryland in 2018, where Argueta and Guerra-Sanchez’s rival groups fought one another.

Argueta’s court docket shows that he was indicted in connection to the case in June of 2021, and a warrant for his arrest was issued, but was not executed until July 10, 2024.

Julie Swaney, Argueta’s attorney, filed a motion for release, citing substantial community support, and argued that Argueta “adamantly denies these allegations.” She stated he is a regular member of a church in Maryland, and pointed out the multiple individuals who showed up to court from the community to support him.

According to Swaney, a detainer from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency, which calls for Argueta’s removal from the United States due to his unlawful reentry after a deportation in 2021 “should not affect the finding that he will appear in court.” Swaney argued Argueta is not a flight risk.

The prosecution disagreed stating that not only does the ICE detainer mean he may Argueta deported if he’s released, but his criminal history and the nature and circumstances of the offense prove he’s a danger to the community.

According to the prosecution, Argueta was convicted of second-degree sexual assault in Maryland in 2019 of a 15-year-old who ended up having his child.

Swaney quickly objected, stating the girl was in a relationship with the then 19-year-old Argueta, and it is unclear if the case was due to Maryland’s statutory rape law, or if the complaint came from the girl’s parents.

The prosecutor added that although he wasn’t convicted for multiple school disturbances in 2018, Argueta was involved in assaultive behavior against Guerra-Sanchez in school, and it was a catalyst for Guerra-Sanchez’s murder.

As for his deportation and new ICE detainer, the prosecutor argued his reentry after deportation “shows lack of compliance with laws,” and he “came back into the country knowing he shouldn’t.”

The prosecutor argued his alleged involvement in the MS-13 gang, in which he’s considered a “homeboy” is troubling. According to the prosecutor, in order for a gang member to reach that ranking of a “homeboy” he must have killed people.

The prosecutor further argued that Guerra-Sanchez’s body was unidentifiable due to the chop wounds sustained to his face and extremities, and his head being almost decapitated. She stated they were only able to identify him by using DNA samples from his parents.

Judge Demeo stated that Guerra-Sanchez endured an “extremely troubling, vicious, cruel, and inhumane,” murder, and that although Argueta was employed and has family support, the bad in the case outweighs the good.

“This is not the first time Argueta is in the system,” Judge Demeo stated, adding that this is the most serious time. She argued that any “crime against a victim” proves dangerousness, and his “failure to abide by laws,” including immigration laws prove he poses a threat to the community.

“One can give their vocation to God and still do things that are against the law,” Judge Demeo stated, referring to his participation in the church as a sign of good intent.

“It would be a serious danger to the community to release him,” Judge Demeo claimed, ordering he continue to be detained as he awaits further proceedings.

A trial date was tentatively set for June of 2026, but the prosecution alerted Judge Demeo they are working on indicting other people in connection to the murder.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 8.

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