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Judge Denies Sentencing Delay So Shooting Defendant Can Finish School

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a defense counsel’s request on Aug. 21 to continue a sentencing hearing until August 2025 so the defendant can finish school before being transferred to prison. 

On Feb. 9, Eric Lemus, 20, accepted an agreement extended by the prosecution, which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that injured two on March 22, 2023, on the 1000 block of Park Road, NW. 

Two representatives from School Justice Project, a legal DC nonprofit serving special education needs, requested that Lemus remain at the DC Jail so he can get help obtaining his GED, while receiving mental health treatment and counseling for his learning disability.

“He could continue seeing trauma therapy through an Individualized Education Program (EP). Or will that door be shut forever?” attorney Katelyn Martinez for the justice project asked the court.

Lemus’ defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, said he wants Lemus to experience the benefits of a“self-perpetuating feeling of accomplishment” when he completes his studies. 

Sukumar said Lemus needs to work through the curriculum now since the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP) where he will be transferred does not offer these services.

“What skills has he developed? The connected services are important with a learning disability,” Sukumar said.

A prosecutor said this is a “serious” criminal matter that cannot be delayed since the victims are prepared to deliver impact statements and believed sentencing would be over by now so they can move on with their lives.

It’s not clear whether Lemus will complete his education requirements by August 2025.

The prosecutor said the defense’s request to suspend Lemus’ sentencing is confusing because he would not be earning credit during the extension. They said Lemus already has an “extreme benefit” from their plea offer.

Judge Raffinan denied the defense counsel’s motion to extend hearings until next August.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Sept. 27.

Murder Defendant Ordered to Have Frequent Drug Testing

Drug testing compliance was the issue before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan in an Aug. 21 hearing about a murder case.

Terrance Barnes, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed. Barnes, who struggles with substance abuse, allegedly fired a gun with premeditated malice, fatally wounding Barry Homles, 57, on April 17, 2019, on the 5100 block of Southern Avenue, SE. 

David Knight, Barnes’ defense counsel, said that due to Barnes’ job he has been unable to get off work to perform his required, “random” drug test dates. Barnes previously failed to get a drug test and a new charger for his electric monitor on multiple occasions, as discussed in a July 9 hearing.

Knight said Barnes’ Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) officer told him he did not have to recharge his device. Knight said the court needs to give Barnes credit for getting a new job and working five days a week. 

Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted Knight’s request that Barnes be given dates outside of work to test and she ordered Barnes to test one-to–two times a week as well as provide employment verification. Pending the outcome of the new conditions, the judge is withholding disciplinary action due to Barnes’ “substantial compliance” with no new arrests.

Parties are slated to resume Sept. 17.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Fatal Stabbing in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that an arrest has been made in relation to a fatal stabbing in Southeast. The incident occurred on Monday, July 1, 2024, around 6:44 p.m. The MPD responded to a report of a stabbing in the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, Southeast.

Upon arrival, officers found an adult male victim in the street who had been stabbed. The victim was transported to a local hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries despite life-saving efforts. The victim has been identified as 55-year-old Alfred Fields, who did not have a fixed address.

The arrest was made on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. The suspect, 56-year-old Robert Stringer of Camp Springs, MD, was located and arrested by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. He was subsequently transported to the Homicide Branch and, in accordance with a DC Superior Court arrest warrant, he was charged with First Degree Murder while Armed (Premeditated).

Murder Defendant Refuses to Appear, Cases Postponed

Aaron Walker, 20, charged with both a homicide and non-fatal shooting, refused to get off the bus from the jail to the courthouse to appear in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Aug. 21.  

The move effectively delayed the proceedings against him as well as his co-defendants in the incidents.

In one case, Walker is accused of first-degree murder in addition to six other charges including premeditated murder while armed, robbery while armed, armed carjacking, and possession of firearm during crime of violence. 

Dasani Dawson,20, his co-defendant, is also charged with first degree murder in addition to six other counts including robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, armed carjacking, and premeditated murder while armed.

These charges are connected to the fatal shooting of Brian Buxton ,20,who suffered from a gunshot wound to his head on August 9, 2022 on the 100 block of Irvington Street, SW Washington DC 20032. He was later pronounced brain dead.

In another case Walker is accused of assault to kill while armed against a minor in addition to six other counts including possession of a firearm during crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly against a minor, and threat to kidnap or injure a person. 

His co-defendant, Malique Outland ,19,is charged with robbery, robbery while armed, armed carjacking, and possession of a firearm during crime of violence on the basis of being the getaway driver while the homicide occurred. 

The alleged actions threatened the life of the victim who police found severely wounded after receiving a 911 call reporting multiple gunshot wounds on May 23 on 3400 block B Street, SE. 

The court is currently set to hear both cases again on October 11.  

Shooting Trial Delayed As Prosecution Requests DNA Testing

The prosecution informed the court they will be proceeding with DNA evidence testing in a shooting case effectively postponing the proceeding. The matter was argued before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur in a hearing on Aug. 20. 

Keith Walker, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting in which an individual sustained an injury to the ankle. The incident occurred on March 7, on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE. 

During the hearing, Tamara Jones and James King, Walker’s attorneys, requested Walker be released on bond due because the trial was supposed to start today.

The prosecution stated since the defense entered a motion to independently test DNA evidence, the prosecution decided to conduct its own DNA testing in an effort to “pursue the truth here.” 

The prosecution also denied allegations by the defense about delaying trial, stating that they wish to do DNA testing to be “transparent and upfront.” The defense does not have to disclose the results of its DNA testing unless they plan to introduce the findings in court.

Judge Arthur denied the defense’s motion for bond release, stating that there is “no material change in circumstances.” Judge Arthur also agreed the prosecution was not intentionally delaying trial. 

Parties requested Judge Arthur set a status hearing in the next few days to discuss how much DNA material is available to test and other motions filed by the defense prior to scheduling a trial date. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 22. 

Defense Accuses Prosecution Of Ethical Breach in Shooting Case

Defense counsel in a non-fatal shooting case accused prosecutors of unethical conduct during a hearing on Aug. 20 before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur. 

Amonte Moody, 18, is charged with endangerment with a firearm and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting on April 22 on the 1700 block of Independence Avenue, SE. No injuries were reported. 

During the hearing, Judge Arthur confirmed a plea offer previously made to Moody was rejected in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Aug. 12. 

However, defense attorneys Kavya Naini and Molly Bunke stated that Moody did not understand the offer making it difficult to reach an informed decision.

Naini claimed the prosecution lied about what indictment charges Moody would face if he chose to reject the plea. According to Naini, in a phone conversation, the prosecution informed her that they would not seek indictment for assault with intent to kill. 

However, Moody was indicted on the charge. Given the apparent contradiction Naini argues that the prosecution engaged in unethical behavior and should not argue the case.

The prosecution didn’t respond to the allegations. 

Naini and Bunke also raised issues about the timely manner disclosure of evidence as well as the notice for expert witnesses. Judge Arthur informed parties he would not rule on these matters and would leave them to the trial judge DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Parties requested the felony arraignment be continued and are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 23.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

A shooting defendant accepted a plea offer extended by the prosecution in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Aug. 20. 

Kevin Snead, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred at the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue, SE, on April 3. No injuries were reported. 

During the hearing, Samuel Bogash, Snead’s attorney, stated that his client intended to accept a pre-indictment plea offer extended by the prosecution. It would require Snead to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for not seeking an indictment on greater charges. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on Oct. 18. 

Judge Revokes Carjacking Defendant’s Release, Orders Jail

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan revoked a carjacking defendant’s release status during a hearing on Aug. 20. 

Jerrell Smith, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon, and two counts of armed carjacking for his involvement in a carjacking incident on June 7, 2023 at the intersection of South Capitol Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. 

According to court documents, Smith has been on release through the DC Pretrial Services (PSA) and has participated in outpatient treatment and mental health treatment programs. 

During the hearing, a representative from PSA informed the court that Smith has not been in contact since Aug. 5 and has not been in compliance with drug screening, which was a release requirement. 

The prosecution added that Smith has been discharged from the most recent treatment program and four treatment programs in the last few months. 

Both the prosecution and PSA requested Smith be detained in light of recent PSA violations. 

Judge Raffinan approved the detention request. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for status on Sept. 17. 

‘You Got the Wrong Guy,’ Defense Says About An Accident Leading to a Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein heard opening arguments and testimony for a case involving a car accident and a subsequent shooting in a hearing on Aug. 20. 

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 where a suspect fired four shots on Aug. 16, 2023, on the 900 block of Division Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, the incident occurred after an individual, identified as Beasley, got into a car accident with the victims where two individuals sustained injuries. 

Beasley allegedly attacked two passengers in the car and one bystander, says the prosecution. He allegedly hit one passenger over the head with his gun, shot one passenger in the thigh and shot the bystander in the right knee.  

During their opening statements, the prosecution mentioned that traffic accidents are “not unusual” and the normal expectation is people exchange information. Instead, the prosecution said while physically pointing at Beasley, he decided to attack others.

They said the victims attempted to share their insurance information with Beasley by having him talk to their mother since she owned the car they were driving. The prosecution said Beasley was “already angry” and decided to toss one of the victim’s phones on the ground and attack others. 

However, John Machado, Beasley’s defense attorney, claimed there were complications in the identification of the suspect. According to Machado, one witness described the suspect as short, another said he had a “tattoo” in the middle of his forehead. Machado described his client as tall with facial tattoos but none on his forehead. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, you got the wrong guy,” Machado told the jury. 

Machado also said the victim who was driving the car did not have his license and was the one who caused the accident. He claimed the victim sitting in the back seat, who had her license, was supposed to be the one driving. 

He concluded his opening arguments stating there was no gun found at the scene and requested the jury to “keep an open mind.” 

Following opening statements, the prosecution called on an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified they rendered aid to the bystander who had been shot in the knee. She deemed the victim’s injury “critical.”

During the defense’s cross-examination, Machado played the witness’ body-worn camera footage for the jury, which showed the officer questioning the victim about the shooting. According to the witness, the bystander told them they were about half a block away from the car accident when the suspect shot them. 

The witness also said she did not find any shell casings on the scene. Machado said this is despite the witness previously saying she “prides” herself on being able to find shell casings. 

Parties are set to reconvene Aug. 21 to continue trial. 

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that they are investigating a fatal shooting in Southeast. 

This incident happened on Monday, August 19, 2024, at approximately 8:25 p.m., in the 3000 block of Stanton Road, Southeast. MPD officers responded to a report of a shooting and, on arrival, they found two gunshot victims. One adult male, later identified as 19-year-old Vonte Martin of Southeast, D.C., died at the scene. 

The second gunshot victim, also an adult male, was transported by DC Fire and EMS to a nearby hospital for treatment. 

Despite the ongoing investigation, no arrests have been made yet. The MPD is appealing to the public for any knowledge of this incident and reminds them to avoid taking action but to call police at (202) 727-9099 or text their tip to the Department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. In an effort to encourage useful tips, the MPD offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the homicide.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting in Northeast.

On July 12, 2024, around 2:52 a.m., the Fifth District of the MPD had responded to reports of a shooting incident at the 1500 block of Benning Road, Northeast. Upon arrival, the officers found a male victim who had suffered a gunshot wound. The DC Fire and EMS team was dispatched on the scene and upon determining the signs of no life, the man was declared dead on scene.

The victim of the shooting incident was identified as 26-year-old Danzell Hall, a resident of Northeast, DC.

On August 20, 2024, the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force successfully located and arrested the suspect identified as 41-year-old Michael Grayton, also from Northeast, DC. Grayton was transported to the Homicide Branch where he was formally charged according to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant with First Degree Murder while Armed (Premeditated).

Judge Delays Homicide Trial, Returns One Defendant to Maryland for Another Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe returned a homicide defendant to a Maryland Jail on Aug. 20.  

Jayden Bracey, 23, and Jadohn Bracey, 25, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. They were allegedly involved in the murder of Angela Washington, 41, on Sept. 2, 2021, on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE. 

According to court documents, Washington was declared dead by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on the scene as she had multiple gunshot wounds to her head.

During the hearing, Jayden’s defense attorney, Todd Baldwin, requested trial, originally scheduled for Nov. 4, be rescheduled to a later date. He said he just joined the case as his client’s attorney and needs more time to review evidence.

Parties agreed to reschedule the trial for Aug. 27, 2025. 

The prosecution also requested Judge O’Keefe return Jayden to the Jessup Correctional Facility  in Maryland where he is serving another sentence in an unrelated incident. During a previous hearing, Baldwin told Judge O’Keefe Jayden has four years left in serving a sentence where he was convicted of robbery in Prince George’s County. 

Judge O’Keefe ruled to return Jayden but said he would be relocated back to the DC Jail about two months before the trial is set to begin. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 13. 

‘The Day Has Come to Hold Them Accountable,’ Says Prosecutor in Mass Shooting Case

The prosecution rebutted the closing statements of defense attorneys for Antonio Murchison and Mark Price before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Aug. 19, bringing an end to arguments before the jury in a trial that has lasted more than two months.

Murchison, 31, and Price, 30, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation. 

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a July 16, 2018, mass shooting on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. The highly publicized crime left 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.

Price is also charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, threat to injure or kidnap a person, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and first-degree burglary while armed. These charges are connected to the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE. 

A third co-defendant, Quanisha Ramsuer, 31, is charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide.

Six other defendants were convicted in 2023 of charges related to the incident, including:

In her rebuttal, the prosecutor displayed a photo of Wilson as a reminder of the terrible cost of the shooting.

“This is why this little girl is dead: these crews are pursuing ‘beefs’ over Instagram, and they’re following them up with actions in real life,” said the prosecutor. 

The prosecutor said she and her co-counsel had called dozens of witnesses over the course of the trial to testify about the authenticity and reliability of evidence such as Instagram messages and videos, firearms, DNA, surveillance video footage and cell site location data. 

Murchison’s defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, said in his closing argument that these witnesses didn’t implicate his client because they didn’t name him. The prosecutor said their testimony established that the evidence against him could be trusted.

According to the prosecutor, an individual identified as Murchison is visible in surveillance video footage from immediately before and after the shooting, talking with men identified as the co-defendants, including his younger brother Isaiah, who were convicted in 2023. 

The prosecutor said that the video footage shows all these individuals changed into hoodies, wore long pants and put on gloves to prevent any of their DNA from being found in the suspect vehicles.

Bruckheim claimed that other members of the crew texted about Murchison, “He ain’t us.” The prosecutor argued that those texts, when read in the context of the conversation thread, clearly refer to someone other than Murchison.

The prosecutor said other members of the crew discussed getting Price as their driver in Instagram messages in the leadup to the shooting. According to the prosecutor, these messages identified the number of a phone Price was carrying, which was located through cell site data on the route back to Wellington Park after the shooting.

The prosecutor noted police found multiple samples of DNA evidence in the suspect vehicles strongly implicating Price.

Price’s defense attorney, Megan Allburn, said in her closing argument that Price didn’t know who shot him in the foot several months before the mass shooting. The prosecutor said Price knew the man in Clay Terrace who shot him, giving Price a motive to join in the Wellington Park shooting against Clay Terrace.

According to the prosecutor, the primary reason for the mass shooting wasn’t the injury to Price but the killing of another Wellington Park man.

Cary Clennon, Ramsuer’s defense attorney, said in his closing argument that Ramsuer was not lying when she said she couldn’t identify the shooters because she couldn’t recognize their faces on surveillance video footage. 

The prosecutor said Ramsuer was not being asked to identify the shooters from the video but to identify the shooters from her memory of the events captured in the video. According to the prosecutor, Ramsuer’s claim not to know them wasn’t credible, since they all lived so close and one was her cousin, according to DMV records.

“We didn’t anticipate that Ms. Ramsuer’s defense for lying under oath would be that she lied under oath on her DMV form,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor reminded the jury that their duty is simply to determine the facts of the case.

“It’s not up to you to save anyone’s life,” the prosecutor said. “You can’t save Makiyah Wilson’s life. You can’t save their [the defendants’] lives either. The defendants made their choices.”

Judge Okun gave instructions to the jury and they began deliberations.

Parties are slated to reconvene when a verdict is reached.

Carjacking Defendants Waive Right to Test More DNA Evidence

Five co-defendants in a carjacking conspiracy case heard the results of additional DNA testing and some of them waived their rights to independently test the evidence at a hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Aug. 19.

Byron Gillum, Jaelen Jordan, Isaiah Flowers, Jahkai Goff, and Irshaad Ellis-Bey, all 19 years old, are charged with two counts of armed carjacking, armed carjacking of a senior citizen, trafficking stolen property, four counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property of $1,000 or more, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of robbery while armed, robbery of a senior citizen while armed and conspiracy.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in an ongoing distribution of carjacked vehicles between April and May of 2023. Court records state these operations partially took place in an apartment parking garage on the 1300 block of Florida Avenue, NE.

At the hearing, Gillum, Jordan, Goff and Ellis-Bey waived their rights to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a Porsche that police investigators recovered on Feb. 27, 2023. The prosecutor said that evidence was inconclusive.

Lisbeth Sapirstein, the defense attorney for Ellis-Bey, told the court he was waiving his rights to test DNA evidence presented at an earlier hearing. Gillum and Jordan had already waived their rights to test that evidence.

Donna Beasley, Goff’s defense attorney, asked for more time to review DNA evidence she received on Friday. According to Beasley, the report on one item alone was over 400 pages long.

The prosecutor read the results of DNA testing conducted on a 2022 BMW X6 and on several firearms and magazines. Some of the test results seemed to implicate Goff.

Flowers has not yet asserted or waived any rights to independent DNA testing. Michael Madden, his defense attorney, said Flowers will make a decision after all his DNA test results become available.

Judge Okun definitively scheduled the trial for Oct. 25, 2025, which had been suggested as a tentative trial date at an earlier hearing.

Beasley objected that Goff will have been in detention for much more than a year by Oct. 25, 2025. She asked for an earlier trial date for Goff, separate from his co-defendants, but Judge Okun denied her request.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 1.

Fatal Car Crash Defendant Wins Trial Delay

On the day Nakita Walker‘s trial was scheduled to begin, Aug. 19, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun delayed it until Nov. 18 at the request of Walker’s defense attorney, Albert Amissah.

Walker, 44, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder for allegedly crashing into a car occupied by Mohamed Kamara, 43, Johnathan Alberto Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22, on March 15, 2023, on Rock Creek Parkway near the intersection of 26th Street and P Street, NW. Walker is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and fleeing from an officer.

Court records state that a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer stopped Walker’s vehicle for allegedly speeding through a red light the night of the incident. The officer said Walker fled the traffic stop after being informed that she had broken the law, but he didn’t pursue her.

According to arrest documents, witnesses told United States Park Police (USPP) officers that they saw a vehicle identified as Walker’s cross the center line of Rock Creek Parkway and strike another vehicle head on.

Amissah told the court the defense needs more time to gather potential evidence from Walker’s vehicle and find an expert witness to testify about toxicology findings provided by the prosecution.

Court documents state that Walker’s blood and urine samples from the night of the crash suggest her alcohol level was approximately twice the legal limit.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 25.