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Defense Requests Earlier Trial Date in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

Public defender Kavya Naini asked DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan to move up Davida Johnson’s non-fatal shooting trial at a hearing on July 1.

Johnson, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on May 8, 2023, on the 900 block of Brentwood Road, NE. The victim sustained two gunshot wounds, one in her left arm and one in her right buttocks, during the incident. 

Johnson’s trial was previously scheduled for Aug. 12, 2025.

According to Naini, another case represented by the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS) is scheduled to go to trial on Sept. 23 before Judge Raffinan, but PDS expects that date to change. Naini asked to move Johnson’s trial to that date.

Judge Raffinan said she would discuss this possibility with the parties at their next hearing on July 12.

The prosecutor in Johnson’s case argued that she is unlikely to be ready for trial by September, saying she was expecting to have a year to prepare for the trial.

Judge Raffinan said she intends to address this issue after learning whether the Sept. 23 date is available.

Parties are slated to meet again on July 19.

Homicide Defendant Detained After Two Years of Release

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ordered a homicide defendant, who had been on release for two years, to be held without bond on July 1.  

Naquel Henderson, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Michael Taylor on Jan. 12, 2019, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE. Henderson was recently arrested in connection to a robbery that occurred on June 24 on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE. 

At the hearing, Taylor’s aunt spoke about her concerns for Henderson’s continued release due to his new arrest.

“He does not need or want the opportunity to experience freedom,” she said.

Taylor’s aunt, who said she is a forgiving and religious person, said she did not feel comfortable with or believed Henderson deserved release. She said Henderson didn’t understand the amount of leniency he had by being able to go home for the holidays and be with his family, activities Taylor will never be able to experience again.

“He doesn’t realize the severity of the heinous act that occurred in 2019,” she said.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the report of a shooting and found three victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Two of the victims, an adult and a juvenile, survived with serious injuries, but Taylor was pronounced dead after lifesaving efforts failed. Henderson is one of five co-defendants in the case.

Judge O’Keefe agreed with the aunt based on Henderson’s recent actions and prior convictions, saying “it was always kind of baffling to me that he was released in the first place.” 

Henderson is being held without bond.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 25.

Defendant Pleads Guilty in Non-Fatal Shooting

A non-fatal shooting defendant accepted the prosecution’s pre-indictment plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz on July 1. 

Michael Owusu-Sakyi, 48, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 10, on the 1700 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE. A victim sustained an injury to the right forearm.

Under the agreement, parties agreed to a sentence of 60 months. 

Judge Leibovitz accepted the guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing for Sept. 13. 

Judge Sentences Shooting Defendant to a Year in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to one year and a day in prison on June 28. 

Calvin Reid, 46, was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Feb. 17, 2021, on the 300 block of 54th Street, NE. No injuries were reported. 

According to court documents, Reid was illegally in possession of a firearm when he started randomly firing in a residential area while under the influence.

At the hearing, the prosecution requested Reid be sentenced to 14 months in prison and three years on supervised release, citing his inability to take accountability for his actions, deeming him a danger to the community. 

Reid’s defense attorney, Steven Polin, requested he be sentenced between one year and 13 months in prison with one year of supervised release. 

He described Reid’s behavior as “bizarre” and said the incident occurred in 2021 while Reid was under the influence of unknown narcotics. Polin also argued his last run-in with the law occurred more than 20 years ago.

Judge Salerno sided with the defense, sentencing Reid to one year and one day in prison along with one year of supervised release. Once released from prison, he will be required to register as a gun offender. 

Document: MPD Seeks Armed Carjacking Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to an armed carjacking, which occurred on May 25 on the 600 block of 4th Street, SW.

Carjacking Defendant Pleads Guilty

An armed carjacking defendant pleaded guilty in front of DC Superior Judge Robert Salerno on June 28.

Tykel Wilson, 22, pleaded guilty to carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for the crime that occurred on April 29, 2023 on the 900 block of Allison Street, NW.

According to the plea agreement, carjacking carries a minimum incarnation term of seven years and a maximum of 21 years while the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charge is a minimum of five years with a maximum of 15 years.

Multiple documents were filed in open court, including the information, waiver of indictment, plea offer, factual proffer, waiver of DNA testing, and the waiver of trial. 

The court accepted the guilty plea and ordered a pre-sentencing report under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA).

Parties are set to convene on Sept. 27 Wilson’s for a full report and sentencing. 

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Carjacking and Domestic Violence Cases

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ruled that probable cause was sufficient in both a carjacking case and domestic violence case and ordered the defendant to remain in detention during a hearing on June 27. 

Carlos Shelley, 29, is charged with unarmed carjacking and unlawful possession of a firearm with a previous felony conviction due to his alleged involvement in a carjacking on Dec. 18, 2023, on the 5000 block of Connecticut Avenue NW. 

Shelley is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence due to his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 9, 2023, on the 1800 block of Irving Street, NE. 

According to court documents detailing the carjacking, Shelley forced the victim to surrender his car keys to Shelley and an accomplice. When Shelley was later tracked down and arrested, the police allegedly found he had a gun.

During the hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer said the victim allegedly gave a description of the defendant.  

Arguing against probable cause during cross examination, Christen Phillips, Shelley’s defense attorney, attempted to refute what she termed circumstantial evidence by arguing the only evidence implicating Shelley in the crime is the testimony of the witness who claims to have heard his voice at the scene.

For the domestic violence case, the lead detective confirmed that shell casings were found near the incident and none of the victims was physically harmed. The detective attested that a search of the defendant’s sister’s apartment revealed rifle accessories that matched the weapon alleged to have been used during the incident. 

 No footage, DNA evidence, or GPS tracking confirmed that the defendant was presented at the scene. 

In response to defense’s request for release, Judge Raymond said, “The level of danger is phenomenal,” as she rejected the request. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 24. 

Judge Sets Seven Year Sentence to Defendant Who Admitted His, ‘Foolish Mistake’ 

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ordered a defendant, who admitted in court he made “a foolish mistake,” to serve a seven-year sentence in a June 28 hearing.

Ivan Dixon, 19, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license on March 6.

He was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for assaulting a female victim while attempting to kill another individual near the 5300 block of East Capitol Street, SE on Sept. 22, 2023. Dixon was also charged with carrying a pistol without a license and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for an offense on Oct. 2, 2023 near the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE. 

“My life was almost taken from me,” stated the victim during her impact statement.

The victim said she has frequent breakdowns and is sensitive to loud noises. She also expressed her anxiety about the upcoming July 4 holiday, which used to be a time of celebration for her and her family enjoying the fireworks, but asserted “Now it is a tragedy for me. It brings back all the memories of getting shot.”

According to court documents, the defendant was riding in a white Ford Transit van with several other individuals. The van circled a supermarket two times before stopping in its parking lot.

As the victim was opening the door to the supermarket, the intended target of the shooting exited the supermarket. When that individual walked outside, the defendant left the van and opened fire from a .40-caliber pistol, discharging 16 rounds and striking the victim five times. The intended target was not hit.

“It’s senseless what our people are doing,” said the victim. She questioned the actions of the defendant and the other individuals present in the van, adding, “How much does it take?” in order to prevent Dixon, and other young men, from committing dangerous offenses. 

Following the victim’s statement, the prosecution restated the suffering that Dixon has caused the victim and requested Judge Okun detain him for the full sentence of seven years. 

The prosecution also voiced opposition to sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which effectively seals a defendant’s conviction from public view upon successful completion of the imposed sentence.

Contrary to the prosecution’s stance, defense attorney Jonathan Lanyi, argued for his client to be sentenced under moderated law.

Lanyi first acknowledged Dixon’s difficult upbringing. He never had a father-figure in his life, his mother was frequently detained, and he, essentially, had to raise himself while many family members were incarcerated, including his brothers.

The defense attorney stated that Dixon has never been able to discuss his background, but explained how the DC Jail’s education programs with Georgetown and Howard Universities have encouraged and changed him in a positive way.

“I can’t speak of any other client who has taken advantage of programs,” asserted Lanyi, stating Dixon has been “very thankful” for the “healing” opportunity and receiving “at least some assistance.”

“He’s in search of a mentor. Somebody who can give him a hand,” said Lanyi.

Lanyi also stated that his client has reflected on his actions and has “been able to forgive himself.” 

After Lanyi spoke, Dixon expressed his remorse for the offense and addressed the pain he caused the victim.

Judge Okun expressed his sympathy to the victim in the courtroom before granting the defense’s request to sentence Dixon under the YRA.

Although Judge Okun acknowledged the seriousness of the crime, he stated that the other factors he must consider for a YRA sentencing outweighed the nature of the offense.

Judge Okun emphasized the deadly damage that Dixon nearly caused to the victim, stating both he and the victim were “lucky” in that regard.

“You’ve been given a relatively generous plea offer,” Judge Okun told the defendant.

Dixon must also serve five years of supervised release.

“For your sake and for the community’s sake, I wish you luck,” said Judge Okun to Dixon.

November Jury Trial Scheduled for Stabbing Defendant

After a stabbing defendant rejected a plea agreement on June 28, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno set dates for a trial readiness hearing and a jury trial.

Lakesha Taylor, 50, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in what is considered a domestic violence incident that occurred on March 2 on the 1000 block of H Street, NE.  

According to the offer, if Taylor pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in this case, the charge of destruction of property of less than $1,000 from a misdemeanor case in 2023 case would be dropped. 

Taylor rejected the plea offer and decided to go to trial. 

Following the felony status conference, it was determined that Taylor would be released on personal recognizance under pretrial supervision.

The judge acknowledged the defendant’s positive drug test but considered Taylor’s continued compliance and support structure in his decision. Taylor was also scheduled to undergo another assessment through DC Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) following the hearing.

According to court documents, Taylor allegedly stabbed a clerk at T-Mobile after an employee told her she would need to wait in line for her turn. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 25 for a trial readiness hearing and on Nov. 6 for a jury trial. 

Document: MPD Arrests Northeast Stabbing Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 44-year-old Ray Charles Stover, who was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on June 5. The incident occurred on the 1100 block of 45th Street, NE.

Judge Gives Shooter Time to Consider Plea Offer Pending Surveillance Video

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow granted a defense attorney’s request for his client to have more time to consider a plea offer.

Darius Thomas, 27, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place on March 25 on the 3700 block of 10th Street, NW.

At the June 28 hearing, defense attorney John Machado, asked Judge Pasichow to set a deadline for Raymond Elementary School, located on the 900 block of Spring Road, NW, near the shooting, to respond to a subpoena. The school captured the incident on surveillance footage.

The school that has not responded to a subpoena, which Judge Pasichow agreed to address at the next hearing. 

Machado also requested a return date for which the court must take action if the school hasn’t responded to the subpoena.

According to arrest documents, a witness at the scene of the incident informed Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responding to a report of gunfire that the alleged shooter had entered a white Acura SUV with two unidentified individuals. Police stopped the vehicle and found Thomas carrying a handgun in his jacket pocket.

Court documents state that the scene of the incident was near a recreational facility containing school-age children.

Parties are slated to return on Aug. 2.