The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announces the arrest of 37-year-old David Tyrone Key, who was charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 33-year-old Devon Greenfield on April 1. The incident occurred on the 300 block of 61st Street, NE.
DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to three-and-a-half years in prison and three years of supervised release on June 28.
Brandon Yates, 31, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license on May 2. In exchange, the prosecution agreed not to pursue any other charges based on the facts of this case.
He was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on March 12 on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE.
“A shooting during the day in a residential building does harm beyond the harm done to the specific victim,” the prosecutor argued. He asked Judge Park to give Yates a sentence of five years in prison, the maximum indicated by sentencing guidelines.
Court documents state that shell casings and a bullet fragment from the shooting were found inside the front door of an apartment building. An apartment, containing a woman and her children, had a bullet hole in the wall. No one in the apartment was injured.
While Yates claimed that he fired his gun because of previous traumatic experiences that made him feel unsafe, the prosecutor pointed out, Yates himself caused similar experiences for the residents of the apartment building.
“It wasn’t his intent to ever have the gun go off,” said Yates’ defense attorney, Kevin Irving. “As a father himself, he knows that could happen to his own child, and that makes him very distraught.”
Irving requested a suspended sentence for Yates, arguing that Yates was the one who suffered the most from the shooting.
Court documents report that, when police located Yates later in the day, he had recently suffered a gunshot wound to the groin. Yates told police there was another shooter, but the lack of another blood trail from the scene indicated that no one besides Yates had been hit.
Before the sentencing, Yates expressed his remorse for his actions.
Judge Park commented that the prosecution and defense were requesting vastly different sentences, and that there were strong reasons for both requests.
He said Yates had virtually no criminal history prior to the shooting.
“I accept the defense’s argument that trauma was involved,” Judge Park said. “It doesn’t just happen that a 31-year-old man suddenly acts like this.”
Judge Park also said Yates’ conduct in the incident was “as dangerous as possible.” According to Judge Park, video evidence and testimony depicted Yates, with his gun raised, pursuing a man who had his back to Yates.
No further dates were set in this case.
A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom heard several witnesses testify about messages among homicide co-defendants during a trial regarding a mass shooting that killed a little girl.
Mark Price, 29, and Antonio Murchison, 31, 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 mass shooting on July 16, 2018, on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. The incident left 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.
Price is also charged with another murder. Charges for the other incident include 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.
The 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 from the Maliyah Wilson incident, including:
On June 27, trial resumed with the prosecution calling eight witnesses to continue testifying about text messages found between the alleged co-conspirators regarding weapons and online “beef.”
Multiple Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers testified to different cell phone information extractions that had been performed, such as contacts, by number and email; photos; messages; chats; and deleted content were recovered.
The prosecution also used digital information to begin slowly connecting Murchison and Price to the communications among the Wellington Park Crew. Prosecutors cited photographs where weapons were being held by the Wellington Park Crew members and text chains where convicted members discussed Instagram beefs.
Prosecutors also brought forth a special police officer from George Washington Hospital who testified to aiding individuals who were injured in a shooting that occurred on March 15, 2018. The witness was unable to identify the three individuals, but noted that only one of them had been shot -– in the leg – while the other two appeared uninjured.
Another MPD officer testified about a shooting that occurred on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE in October 2018. She testified to finding Michaels with gunshot wounds to his neck, back and leg, along with finding two other victims who had sustained injuries. The officer stated that she was unable to conduct official interviews because all three victims did not wish to speak with the police.
Trial is scheduled to resume on July 1, 2024.
On June 28, prosecutors amended charges against an assault defendant, elevating his case to a more serious felony.
DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond informed Marcus Martin, 27, that his charge of assault with intent to kill was increased to assault with intent to kill while armed.
Martin was initially arrested and charged with assault with intent while armed for a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 11 on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE.
According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, officers responded to the sounds of gunshots. When they arrived, they found evidence of a shooting, but did not find any victims. Later, a victim was located at a local hospital seeking treatment for critical gunshot injuries. Court is set to reconvene on July 19, before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.
DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz on June 27 addressed an attorney’s possible conflict of interest and motions to suppress evidence for an armed carjacking defendant’s trial that is expected to start next week.
James Borum, 21, is charged with three counts of armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and receiving stolen property worth $1,000 or more, for his alleged involvement in three incidents that occurred on Jan. 11, 2021 on the 1500 block of 30th Street, NW, and Jan. 12, 2021 on the 4700 block and 4300 block of Alston Place, NW.
During the hearing, Judge Leibovitz questioned Borum’s defense attorney, Quiana Harris, about a possible conflict of interest on her part.
Harris is employed by the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS). Before Borum had Harris as his defense attorney, he had another attorney from PDS. Judge Leibovitz said this possibly means Harris might be working to serve the interests of PDS, which could prevent Borum from getting a fair trial.
She explained Harris might try to cover up her colleague’s “mistakes.”
Harris said Borum could sign a waiver of ineffective assistance of counsel meaning he would recognize Harris as not working on behalf of the PDS. By signing the waiver, Harris could not appeal on the basis of not receiving a fair trial.
Judge Leibovitz brought in attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein as independent counsel to review why Borum’s attorney has a potential conflict of interest with the PDS’ goals and what signing the waiver of ineffectiveness meant.
However, Borum signed the waiver of effectiveness after their discussion.
During the second half of the hearing, Harris filed a motion to suppress evidence regarding statements Borum made at the scene and while in the hospital.
Meanwhile, the prosecution brought in two Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers to testify about their response to the incident. The officers mainly used their body cameras, which included Forum’s statements about the location of his personal phone and comments about possible suspects.
According to court documents, on the night of the incident, Borum allegedly stole two cars with two other suspects. The first was a black Audi on the 1500 block of 30th Street, NW and a blue Toyota on the 4700 block of Alton Place, NW. Borum also allegedly stole phones, bank cards and other valuable items from the victims.
The suspects allegedly drove the Audi into Maryland and crashed the car, causing it to turn upside down.
Borum was allegedly observed fleeing the scene on foot and apprehended by police. He was taken back to a hospital in DC.
There, according to witness testimony, medical staff found one of the victim’s phones, debit and credit cards and other valuable items in Borum’s pants pockets which were later turned into MPD.
Harris is asking to suppress statements Borum made regarding the location of his personal phone as well as other possible suspects.
As later discovered by staff at the hospital, the phone found on Borum was allegedly owned by the carjacking victim.
Harris said the statements should be suppressed because the MPD and medical staff questioned Borum in custody or while under arrest without giving him a Miranda warning, advising that any of his statement’s could later he held against him.
The prosecution said the MPD officers were acting within their rights as Borum asked about his phone without being prompted and only asked him about a juvenile suspect because they were trapped in a car.
Judge Leibovitz ruled statements about the phone could not be suppressed because Borum openly asked about the location of his phone without being prompted by MPD.
As to MPD’s questioning him about the location of another suspect, which is defined as criminalizing, without giving him his Miranda warnings, the statement was suppressed.
Parties are set to reconvene on June 28 to discuss the prosecution’s plea offer and expect to begin jury selection on July 1.
A defendant in a robbery case pleaded not guilty to all 24 charges before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.
Jalique Wiseman, 19, is charged with multiple counts of robbery, robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, and credit card fraud for his alleged involvement in 18 separate incidents that occurred between Oct 2, 2023 and Nov 28, 2023. The robberies occurred near Girard Street and Franklin Streets, NE, most happening on or near the Metropolitan Branch Trial in the 5th District.
According to court documents, Wiseman along with another accomplice allegedly stole a variety of items, mostly phones and some wallets. Wiseman would reportedly demanded the victim’s phone passcode and use associated Venmo accounts to send money to various accounts, including “MALIQUE-WISEMAN-,1,” according to court documents. Other forms of transferring money were also used in the crimes.
During one of the robberies, the victim told detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that he heard two shots while running away from the robbers after he was robbed near the 600 block of Girard Street, NE.
On June 27, Wiseman was indicted on 24 charges and pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecution indicated that there is additional evidence that would be shared with the defense.
Parties are slated to return Aug 13.
A non-fatal shooting defendant decided to waive his preliminary hearing rights on June 25 before
DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond who ordered the suspect held.
David Blanks, 38 was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm on two counts, and an unlawful discharge of a firearm June 21, on the 1600 block of V Street, NE.
Defense attorney Angela Ramsey requested Blanks be released because he has two children and works at Howard University Hospital.
The prosecution said there is clear video evidence of Blanks loading a firearm in front of his two young children and then walking around the house with the gun before going outside and opening fire. There were no injuries.
The prosecution, arguing for detention, said Blanks currently has an ongoing domestic violence case in addition to the current complaint.
The prosecution’s evidence is “incredibly strong,” Judge Raymond said.
Judge Raymond revoked Blank’s release conditions in the domestic violence case and held him without bond. She also issued a stay away order from his two children and the mother of the children and as well as the 1600 block of V St. NE.
Parties are set to return on July 18 for a felony status conference.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno issued a stern warning that if a carjacking defendant refuses come court from the DC Jail, he would cancel the upcoming trial.
Kenneth Phillips, 24 is charged with armed carjacking, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, burglary two, theft in the first degree, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and receiving stolen property $1,000 or more for his alleged involvement in a armed robbery that took place on Nov. 15 2022, on the 2000 block of 4th Street NE.
Phillips has refused to go to court from the jail at least two times in 2024 including the June 26 hearing.
Judge Salerno said if the defense counsel can bring Phillips into the courtroom for the next scheduled hearing on June 28, the trial would proceed as planned.
Phillips’ defense attorney Joseph Yarbough stated that there may be accommodations to help alleviate Phillips’ combativeness and stress about court proceedings, including more breaks, fewer US Marshals and removing his shackles.
According to court documents, Phillips is accused of carjacking of two vehicles, robbery of a home, and and severely assaulting a victim who suffered multiple injuries to his head and face, including abrasions along the left temple of his head, left cheekbone, and injuries to his lips and mouth.
The trial calendar was also set back by late defense motions requiring time for the prosecution to respond.
Ultimately, the judge moved the trial date back from July 8 to July 15.
During opening statements in an armed carjacking trial on June 26 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno, defense counsel said the prosecution could not prove the suspect’s involvement in the crime.
Antone Watkins, 29 is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle while armed and two counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence. The incident took place on June 17, 2022, on the 1200 block of Howison Place, SW.
“The prosecution will not be able to show you Watkins with a gun,” said attorney Darryl Daniels.
During their opening statement, the prosecution said its case would rely on DNA and cell phone evidence to prove Watkins involvement.
According to court documents, Watkins allegedly assaulted an individual while he was trying to purchase marijuana, beat him over the head with a pistol, and then took his car. Watkins was reportedly one of four or five individuals who took part in the robbery. The victim suffered injuries including abrasions to the top of the head and eyebrow, and a chipped tooth.
After opening statements, the prosecution called the victim but his attorney asserted the victim’s Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination in response to questions about pending cases the victim is facing in Maryland.
Defense counsel questioned the victim’s truthfulness citing his previous diagnoses of bipolar disorder, psychoactive disorder, and depression.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene June 27.
DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled on June 27 that there was probable cause that a homicide defendant committed a murder.
Monteze Morton, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 29-year-old Dimitrious Brown on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.
According to court documents, two people were engaged in an argument when Brown attempted to strike an individual who was Morton’s ex-girlfriend. That’s when a third person, identified as Morton, came up and allegedly shot Brown.
The defense cited evidence to suggest that the defendant acted in self-defense, saying the victim appeared to place his right arm in front of his body near his waistband and had previously assaulted his friend.
The prosecution argued for probable cause due to the fact that the defendant did not know the victim before the incident and no firearm was recovered on Brown.
Judge Raffinan ultimately ruled that there was probable cause for the first-degree murder while armed and insufficient evidence to prove that the defendant acted in self defense.
“He acted with a premeditated mindset”, said Judge Raffinan.
The defendant is being held without bond.
Additionally, the defense requested to set a trial date during Thursday’s hearing, however, the judge denied the request.
Parties are slated to return on Oct. 2.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a stabbing defendant to 48 months on June 27.
Shaquille Bynum, 22, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Jan. 6, 2023, at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The incident left one individual suffering from nine wounds and a collapsed lung.
According to court documents, Bynum was involved with other inmates in the stabbing in the recreation room, attacking the victim while he was at a table playing cards.
The prosecution argued Bynum had a leading role in assaulting the victim, then holding him while others also stabbed the victim. This incident occurred while Bynum was awaiting sentencing for voluntary manslaughter while armed in another case.
Stephen Brennwald, Bynum’s defense attorney, argued the nature of the stabbing was more nuanced than originally understood. Bynum said the victim was bullying him earlier in the day, and the incident was in retaliation.
Brennwald said he has seen growth in Bynum working with him on his previous case and believes enrollment in The Challenge Program to help rebuild inmate’s lives would be beneficial.
“Since then I have been trying to become a better person and make better decisions,” Bynum said after taking full responsibility for his actions.
Judge Brandt explained that Bynum’s actions were calculated and senseless, especially within the context of his other case. Technically, the stabbing sentence could have been higher but Judge Brandt made it clear that her decision was based on Bynum’s criminal history score before his most recent conviction.
Bynum’s sentence is slated to run consecutive to his manslaughter sentence of 120 months. Bynum must also serve three years of supervised release and pay a $100 fine to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF).
Judge Brandt will also recommend Bynum be placed in The Challenge Program at FCI Schuylkill in Pennsylvania.
Judge Brandt told Bynum that she tries to give some hope to everyone who is facing lengthy convictions. She urged Bynum to take advantage of the time to “feed his mind” and prepare to put his best foot forward when he is released.
A carjacking defendant waived his preliminary hearing, foregoing his right to rebut facts presented by the prosecution, on June 27 before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond.
Tony Walker, 28, is charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unauthorized use of a vehicle, first-degree theft, and unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a theft and carjacking incident on the 400 block of Marietta Place, NW on Jan. 10.
Terrence Austin, Walker’s defense attorney, asked the judge to reconsider holding the defendant as the case continues.
The prosecution asked for a continued hold considering the safety of the community, saying Walker was also a suspect in a theft that happened earlier that night.
Judge Raymond ruled that presumption of dangerousness has not been rebutted based on the clear and concise evidence presented in court, and Walker will stand trial. She held him without bond.
Parties are slated Aug. 6 for a status hearing.
DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian released a shooting defendant to home confinement and GPS tracking on June 27 after he pleaded not guilty.
Deion Hinnant, 29, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm after allegedly running from police while armed with a firearm on 2100 block of Bladensburg Road, NE Washington DC.
The prosecution motioned for a continuance, saying, “DNA results heavily encapsulate the defendant for possession of firearm on day of crime.”
Furthermore, prosecutors say drug testing results show a drug was found in Hinmant’s system, which may have affected his behavior at the time of the incident. As a result, the prosecution wants to bring in a chemist as an expert witness.
Hinnant’s defense attorney Theodore Shaw, said the prosecution is not properly disclosing evidence from the tests and he requested “information he is entitled to under Brady”–meaning the defense is entitled to see potentially exculpatory information held by the prosecution.
For this reason he asked to dismiss the defendant’s drug-related counts.
Hinnant was arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty.
Parties are set to reconvene July 12.
Prosecutors extended a homicide defendant’s plea deal for two weeks in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on June 27.
Jaleil Jones, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting and robbery of 44-year-old Robert Lavender. The incident took place on the 600 block of Monroe Street, NE on July 17, 2023.
At the hearing, Jones’ was not present due to a medical condition. His attorney, Kevann Gardner, requested that the prosecution’s plea offer be kept open for an additional three weeks.
However, the prosecution stated that the plea offer will only remain open for two weeks. Both parties ultimately agreed.
According to court documents, officers arrived at the location after receiving information on a reported shooting. They located an adult male victim, who died from his injuries.The cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head as well between his eyes and injuries to the back of both hands; and abrasion-type injuries to his left rear shoulder area, left forearm and near his elbow.
A 9mm cartridge casing was also recovered from the scene.
Parties are slated to return on July 11.
On June 27, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced a shooting defendant to six months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Anthony Calvin, 47, pleaded guilty to endangerment with a firearm. He was originally charged with endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and two misdemeanor counts for possession of a controlled substance. According to court documents, he fired a shot in the air on the unit block of Quincy Place, NW.
“Mr. Calvin was house-sitting and his friend gave him a gun he thought was fake,” Calvin’s attorney, Joseph Fay said. “He made a really, really poor decision to fire a shot in the air.” .
The prosecution believes Calvin was under the influence of narcotics during the incident since he had drugs in his possession.
After being released, Calvin must register as a gun offender.
