Judge Sentences Shooting Defendant, Denies Request for Youth Consideration

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein denied a shooting defendant sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on Aug. 23 because the case involved shooting a woman who was holding her child in a residence.

Darrious Johnson, 23, was originally charged with three counts of intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly, second-degree cruelty to children, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident occurring on May 5, 2023, on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries from the incident.

The incident stemmed from a dispute over money.

Prosecutors told Judge Epstein that other peoples’ lives were threatened by Johnson who was already a gun offender at the time of the incident. They said Johnson showed no remorse for his actions that threatened the lives of young children.

“It’s a crime we can’t have happening in our city,” the prosecutor said. “At the very time he committed this offense he was on probation for another gun offense.”

A victim impact statement was read to the court from an individual who would not wish the pain and suffering the person still endures on anyone including the fear of losing their life.

“That night replays in my head to the point where I don’t want to go anywhere,” the victim shared. “There’s a metal plate in my arm. I’m internally and forever damaged.”

Judge Epstein said he hopes Johnson can deal with his “impulsiveness” through his prison experience.

“One or more people could easily have died,” Judge Epstein said. “Injuries have caused lasting consequences. Mr. Johnson has only one prior conviction. This case illustrates why the District regulates handgun use.”

Judge Epstein imposed a consecutive five-year sentence for each of the two counts of aggravated assault plus one for child cruelty, which he explained to the court is efficient to achieve his goals of providing consequences for Johnson’s behavior through a significant sentence. He added that he will not impose a YRA sentence since the plea agreement is already very generous. The YRA allows young defendant’s convictions to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

No further dates were set.

Murder Defendant Waives Rights to Independent DNA Testing

A murder defendant waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Aug. 23.

Ethan Cunningham, 20, is charged with three counts of felony murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, kidnapping while armed, attempted robbery while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old James Curtis on May 10, 2022, on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE.

It’s unclear what evidence the prosecution would test to show Cunningham’s alleged involvement in the murder. At the hearing, the court granted Cunningham’s defense attorney Thomas Healy’s motion to appoint Lisbeth Sapirstein as co-counsel.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 10.

Homicide Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty to Murder, Metrobus Robbery

Three co-defendants pleaded not guilty to a total of 16 charges before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Aug. 22.

Steven Metts, 18, Keondre Carroll, 21, and Jovontae Wallace, 19, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed and two counts of kidnapping while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 59-year-old Raymond Blanchard on Jan. 23. The incident occurred on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

Metts also faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or place of business, possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device and an additional count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Carroll also faces charges of carrying a pistol outside a home or business, assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device.

Due to allegations of other criminal activity, Judge Okun denied the defendants’ release.

Metts, Carroll and Wallace are alleged to have committed an armed robbery on a Metrobus at the intersection of Galveston Street, SW, and South Capitol Street, SE, on Jan. 24.

According to the prosecution, video from the Metrobus shows three suspects stopping the bus by driving a vehicle in front of it, boarding it armed, and taking the coat from a man that they were pursuing. After seizing the coat, prosecutors said, the suspects shot at the bus approximately 11 times while fleeing.

The prosecutor said the defendants admitted to police to being they are a trio, “a triangle,” adding that they do everything together.

Carroll is currently facing charges of assaulting the mother of his children with a firearm in a domestic violence case.

In a previous felony case, Carroll evaded US Marshals for approximately two months and cut off his GPS monitor while refusing to appear in court.

According to the prosecution, both Carroll and Metts showcased themselves in music videos on Instagram Live and other social media platforms, holding firearms consistent with those allegedly used in the Metrobus incident and other shootings.

Wallace is accused of joining in a group stabbing of a fellow inmate, the prosecution said, and he deleted his Instagram records in an attempt to tamper with the evidence.

The defendants’ attorneys pointed out that the prosecution’s arguments depended largely on unproven claims. The defense plans to respond in more detail at the next hearing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 29.

Document: MPD Searching for Minnesota Avenue NE Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that they are seeking the public's assistance in locating a suspect involved in a shooting incident on Minnesota Avenue, Northeast. The incident occurred on Saturday, August 24, 2024, around 5:38 p.m. at the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue.

Upon police arrival to the location, an adult male was found unconscious and not breathing. He was immediately transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The suspect, who was caught by a surveillance camera, is believed to be directly involved in the shooting.

MPD is urging anyone with information about this incident to contact authorities, advising not to take personal action but to call police at (202) 727-9099. Alternatively, tips can be sent via text message to the department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. As part of their incentive, MPD is presently offering a reward up to $10,000 for anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the violent crime.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced it is investigating a fatal shooting in Northwest Washington D.C. The incident occurred on Friday, August 23, 2024, at approximately 6:57 p.m., with officers responding to the 1300 block of Girard Street.

Upon arrival, the officers located a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate transportation to a local hospital for treatment and all lifesaving efforts, the man succumbed to his injuries.

The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Martinez Robinson of Waldorf, MD. The MPD is asking for anyone with knowledge of this incident to call police at (202) 727 - 9099 or text tips to the Department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

The MPD is offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who can provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that they are currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the Northwest area. The incident took place on Friday, August 23, 2024, at approximately 12:17 a.m. Officers were in the vicinity of the 700 block of Florida Avenue, Northwest when they heard gunshots.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered evidence of a shooting, but found no victim. Shortly thereafter, an adult female was discovered at a local hospital receiving treatment for gunshot wounds. Despite all lifesaving attempts, the woman eventually succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead. 

The MPD identified the deceased individual as 23-year-old Lou Loni Jordan from Waldorf, Maryland. The MPD urges anyone who has information about this incident to contact them directly at (202) 727-9099, or to text tips to the Department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The department is currently offering a reward of up to $25,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person, or persons, responsible for committing homicides within the District of Columbia.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in a Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in relation to a shooting that occurred in Northeast. According to the MPD, on June 13, 2024, at approximately 12:30 p.m., officers responded to the sounds of gunshots in the 1500 block of Benning Road, Northeast. They found a victim suffering from gunshot wounds, who was subsequently transported to an area hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

The MPD further announced that on August 21, 2024, 27-year-old Renard Levenberry, of Northeast, DC, was arrested. Levenberry has been charged pursuant to a DC Superior Court Arrest Warrant with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in a Shooting in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in a shooting incident that occurred in Southeast. The event took place on August 20, 2024, at approximately 8:05 p.m when the victim, upon exiting a vehicle in the 200 block of 37th Place, Southeast, was shot. The victim was able to leave the scene and seek help from an officer. The victim was then treated on the scene for minor injuries by DC Fire and EMS.

According to the MPD, following investigations, an arrest was made on August 21, 2024. The suspect, 18-year-old Mekhi Wilkins of Northwest, DC, was subsequently charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

Lead Detective ID’s Shooter, Witnesses Unsure

Prosecutors called on the lead detective in a shooting case to testify before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Aug. 22.

Marquez Beasley, 31, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with a dangerous weapon, for his alleged involvement in a car accident and following non-fatal shooting, on the 900 block of Division Avenue, NE, on Aug. 16, 2023, resulting in three injuries.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived at the site of a shooting following an accident between a car Beasley was driving and other vehicle. He allegedly shot at two of the individuals after they attempted to exchange insurance information with him, while the third victim was a bystander.

Prosecutors called on MPD’s lead detective who discussed a ShotSpotter recording of four gunshots. The witness testified to canvassing the area, looking for evidence and interviewing the driver and the mother of the other two victims shortly following her arrival at the crime scene.

The mother provided MPD an Instagram handle for Beasley, whom she identified as the shooter and neighbor who lived across the street.

According to the detective, he displayed a photo array to her and her daughter during their interview. When shown the array, both circled his picture, identifying Beasley, but mentioned that he didn’t have a goatee, and instead had a distinct tattoo in the middle of his forehead.

Beasley was subsequently arrested according to the detective.

During cross-examination, John Machado asked the detective if he corroborated Beasley’s identification with anyone else. The witness answered no, and added that he believed that obtaining Beasley’s Instagram handle was enough.

According to the detective, he assisted with processing the scene. He added MPD was able to locate one bullet fragment, an unidentified phone, fingerprints and DNA. However, he testified, the DNA and fingerprints did not provide useful information.

Machado called into question the detective’s investigation because he didn’t check the driver’s license of the person driving the victims’ car nor did he reconcile the divergent testimony of the other witnesses or determine what they were doing that night.

According to the defense, the detective was trying to push the victim’s to identify Beasley as the suspect.

While the detective testified to being “100 percent certain” of who the suspect was, the two witnesses who were shown the photo identification procedure, repeatedly stated that they were unsure of Beasley’s involvement.

Machado claimed that the detective thought that the witnesses were providing “bulls*** stories,” and promised them that they wouldn’t have to testify if they didn’t want to.

Prosecutors called a Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) technician who processed the scene, and described blood-stained clothing of a victim that was found outside the front passenger seat, a bullet damage found on the upper door, and a fragment that was recovered on the passenger floorboard within the car. The witness swabbed for DNA and recovered latent fingerprints from the outside of the phone that one of the victims handed to the defendant. He was able to pull “possible” fingerprints, but was never able to identify a suspect.

Following the forensic evaluator’s testimony, the prosecution called a responding Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who described the demeanor of the driver of the victim’s car as anxious, and stated he was having trouble breathing due to a panic attack.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 26.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Strangling and Beating Woman to Death in Hotel Room

Through his defense attorney, Russell Hairston, William Barrett pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed as part of a pre-indictment plea agreement in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Aug. 23.

Barrett, 69, was originally charged with first-degree and second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the death of 36-year-old Romaine Maddox on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE, on Feb. 23.

In return for Barrett’s guilty plea, the prosecution agreed not to seek indictment on the charge of first-degree murder. For the charge of second-degree murder while armed, Barrett faces a maximum sentence of 40 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000, with a period of supervised release not to exceed five years.

The prosecution’s proffer of facts stated that Barrett and Maddox had been in a romantic relationship for about a year at the time of the incident. They checked into a hotel together to celebrate Maddox’s birthday.

“The defendant told detectives that Ms. Maddox punched him in the chest, head and back,” the prosecutor said. “According to the defendant, he became enraged and blacked out.”

Despite partial memory loss, Barrett told detectives he remembered wrapping his belt around Maddox’s neck and pulling. He also remembered striking her in the face with a toilet tank lid until it broke into three pieces.

When Barrett woke in the hotel room the next morning, he found Maddox’s body was cold.

At the time of the incident, the prosecution said, Maddox was five feet tall and weighed 105 pounds. Barrett was five feet seven inches tall and weighed 129 pounds.

During the hearing, Barrett confirmed that the prosecution’s proffer of facts was true.

Barrett’s sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 25.

Defendant Accused of Shooting Homeless Men Plans to Test DNA Evidence

Homicide defendant Gerald Brevard alerted DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Aug. 23 he intends to independently test DNA evidence provided by the prosecution.

Brevard, 33, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault, mayhem, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and destruction of property worth less than $1000.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in three incidents, including the death of 54-year-old Morgan Holmes by shooting and stabbing on March 9, 2022, on the 400 block of New York Avenue, NE. Brevard is also accused of a drive-by shooting on March 3, 2022, on the 900 block of Mount Olivet Street, NE, that left one person injured, and a shooting on March 8, 2022, at the intersection of 17th and H Streets, NE, that left one person injured.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Brevard was arrested on May 15, 2022, by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division.

At the time of his arrest, Brevard was also being investigated by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on suspicion of shooting two homeless men in New York City, according to court documents. One of the victims died from his injuries.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for Dec. 11.

Arson Defendant Sentenced to 40 Months, Told Police, ‘I Am The Creator’

A defendant who pleaded guilty in connection to arson and a non-fatal shooting incident was sentenced to 40 months in prison by DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer DiToro on Aug. 23.

“Your mental health challenges are significant,” Judge DiToro told Robert Crowder, 33 as he repeatedly interrupted her asking for clarification of his sentence.

Crowder pleaded guilty to a property destruction charge as well as unlawful possession of a firearm. He was given credit for time served

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment building on the 1100 block of 2nd Place, SE on Aug. 22, 2023. When they arrived they heard shots coming from the inside of one of the apartments which Crowder occupied and had deliberately set on fire.

Several windows were shattered during the shooting and the DC Fire Department had to be called to put out the blaze.

During her sentencing recommendation, the prosecutor said Crowder told police, “I am the creator. I lit the whole place on fire.” Also, “You know what the f*** I did.”

Crowder originally faced an eight count indictment for arson, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, destruction of property of $1,000 or more, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, endangerment with a firearm and unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The prosecutor called an investigator from the DC Fire Department who said the blaze was not likely caused by cigarettes as Crowder claimed at one point. Further, the witness said firefighters were put in danger during the call because “they are not trained to respond to shots fired through a window.”

Since his arrest, Crowder has been detained at Saint Elizabeths Hospital where he underwent a psychiatric examination. He was initially found incompetent to stand trial, but his competency was restored enabling disposition of the case.

In addition to the jail time, Crowder will serve five years of high intensity supervised probation during which he must avoid illicit drugs and avail himself of “holistic” and “comprehensive” mental health services. He must also pay $200 into the victims of violent crime fund.

Crowder’s attorney, John Sample, unsuccessfully asked for a reduced probation, calling five years “excessive” and said it was “setting him up to fail.” An issue for Crowder, said Sample, is that, “He wants to help the world.”

With Crowder’s competency restored Judge DiToro ordered him transferred to the DC Jail to serve the remainder of his sentence.

“It won’t happen again,” he told the judge.

Witnesses Struggle to Recall Previous Testimony in Shooting Trial

Before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, on Aug. 21 witnesses struggled to recall testimony previously presented to the grand jury and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), about a car accident that followed a shooting.

Marquez Beasley, 32, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident injuring three victims, on Aug. 16, 2023, on the 900 block of Division Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, the shooting occurred after a car crash. During a dispute, Beasly allegedly hit one victim with the bottom of his gun, and subsequently fired multiple gun shots that injured two victims and one bystander.

The prosecution called their witness, who was the driver of one of the vehicles involved in the accident. The witness was an assistant manager for a Papa Johns restaurant who was delivering pizzas and driving two family friends home.

The witness said he didn’t have a driver’s license and the vehicle was registered to his “mother-like” figure who also worked for Papa John and was the mother of the two other individuals in the car.

The witness said he had made a right turn, and a car hit his vehicle from behind as he turned onto Sheriff Road. He pulled over to check for damage, and the defendant got out of the car and demanded proof of insurance.

The witness said he explained that he didn’t own the car, and asked one of his friends to call their mother for documentation. A few seconds later, Beasley allegedly swung at the witness, missing the first two times.

The witness then said, Beasley pulled a “black handgun” and hit the witness with the bottom of the weapon cutting his forehead. Subsequently, a shot was fired into the ground, and then towards the victims.

The witness said he remembers his friend who was in the backseat being shot, while he fled the scene. However, he said he was unable to recall where the gun was retrieved, and who handed the phone to the defendant at the crash scene.

Later when presented a photo array by the MPD, although unsure, he was allegedly able to identify Beasley as the shooter.

During cross examination, defense attorney John Machado reaffirmed that the witness didn’t have his license, yet worked as a driver for Papa Johns. Machado also played video surveillance footage of the accident, revealing that the witness made an illegal right turn.

The prosecution called the mother of the two other victims in the car.

She said her nephew had been the one driving, and received a call from her son, telling her about the accident. Later both of her children identified Beasley, their next door neighbor, as the shooter.

The witness told detectives that she recognized the suspect on a FaceTime call as a local rapper she followed on Instagram as “big_foams.” She stated that she had only had a few short interactions with the suspect.

The prosecution also called the victim in the front passenger seat who didn’t remember any details of the accident or the model of the suspect’s car. The witness recalled the driver’s leaving the car, and her brother, in the backseat, and calling their mother after the accident.

As she turned her back, she recalled only hearing the phone on the ground. However, the prosecution replayed surveillance footage for the jury, and identified the witness running after multiple gunshots.

She claimed she was drunk during the police interviews and the photo array identification procedure in which she identified Beasley as the suspect.

During the cross examination, Macado suggested that the detectives were leading her to pick a suspect, regardless of her uncertainty.

The witness said she identified a tattoo on the suspect’s head, which Beasley didn’t have.

The next witness was a male who was sitting in the backseat during the accident. He was also shot during the altercation. The witness said he had been drinking and was smoking weed, reportedly “in and out” of sleep at the time. He admitted to being too drunk to remember the crash. He said he only heard loud music from a block party.

The witness testified to hearing one gunshot and running away. However, during his previous grand jury testimony, he stated that he had heard multiple shots.

The last witness the prosecution called was a bystander a shooting victim. She was on her way to a convenience store on Division Avenue and was shot in her leg. She was unable to get up and saw a black vehicle driving down the street with shots being fired out the open window but couldn’t identify the shooter.

The trial is continuing.

Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

On Aug. 21, a homicide defendant accepted a plea deal in front of Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe.

Seaun McDowney, 20, was previously charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Marquette White, 20, who was shot in the chest on Jan. 21, 2022 on the 3800 block of Commodore Joshua Barney Drive, NE.

McDowney, although not the shooter, was accompanying who prosecutors have identified as the shooter, 22-year-old Maurice Williams, that day and met with him to smoke weed.

According to the prosecution, they had planned to rob White of his gun and, on the night of the shooting, McDowney watched as Williams dragged White out of the vehicle and shot him.

Prosecutors argued McDowney did not make an effort to stop the shooter and instead fled with him to Georgia where they were caught and extradited to DC on April 28.

Hannah Claudio, McDowney’s attorney, alerted the court of his intention to accept the deal, which required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a 13-to-16 year sentence of incarceration.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 15 for sentencing.

Judge Rules Probable Cause In A Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover ruled there was sufficient evidence for probable cause that a suspect committed a shooting during a hearing on Aug. 22.

Tyquan Wiggins, 19, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (firearm) and possession of firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting on May 30, 2023, on the 1300 block of 5th Street, NW. A victim suffered a gunshot wound.

During the hearing, the prosecution introduced evidence during a detective’s testimony, including video footage from inside a convenience store near the incident location and footage from outside the convenience store on the block where the incident occurred.

Judge Glover also ruled that to maintain the safety of the community, the defendant would continue to be held.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 5 for a status hearing.