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Judge Lets Stabbing Defendant Get New Attorney

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted a defendant’s request for a new defense attorney during a felony status conference on June 25. 

Michael Burke, 45, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing of the victim during a street fight on the 1700 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE on April 16. 

Burke requested his current defense attorney, Martin Rosendorf, be removed stating that his constitutional rights were being violated. 

Judge Park granted Burke’s request for new counsel but warned that he will be less inclined to do so again in the future. 

Judge Park also ordered Burke to sign up for DC Pretrial Services and complete a psychological assessment, necessary to expedite the appointment of a new lawyer.

Burke is scheduled to return to court on July 8 for the assessment and July 11 for a status hearing. 

Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty to All Charges

A shooting defendant pleaded guilty to all charges as part of a deal on June 25 in the courtroom of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Jamal Francis, 44, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 15 on the 300 block of Raleigh Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, the victim told officers of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that he and Francis had agreed to fight about a past dispute when Francis allegedly pulled a gun and shot multiple times in the victim’s direction.

For the charge of assault with a dangerous weapon, the plea offer states that the maximum sentence is 10 years imprisonment and/or $25,000 in fines. For the charge of carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, the maximum sentence is 5 years imprisonment and/or $12,000 in fines.

In exchange for Francis’ guilty plea, the prosecution has agreed not to request any sentencing enhancements or seek indictment on any other charges in this case.

The sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 23.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea, Nixing Co-defendant from Taking the Offer

Although James Outland‘s attorney, Michael Bruckheim, stated that his client would like more time to consider a plea deal offered by the prosecution, the deal’s rejection by Outland’s codefendant, Bobby Gupton, at a hearing on June 21 denied Outland that opportunity.

Outland and Gupton, both 26 years old, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn on June 28, 2023, on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE.

The prosecution extended a pre-indictment offer that would have required Outland and Gupton to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking indictment on any greater charges. The offer was wired, meaning that both defendants would have to accept it for it to take effect.

Gupton’s lawyer, Lisbeth Sapirstein, told DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on June 21 that her client rejected the plea deal.

Sapirstein requested that Gupton be released from DC Jail and given home detention pending trial, since he has no prior criminal record.

Bruckheim also requested home detention for Outland, stating that his only previous conviction was for possession of a BB gun, which Bruckheim said was a fine-only offense. Noting that Outland had multiple relatives attending the hearing virtually, Bruckheim argued that Outland enjoyed strong support from his family and could live with them.

Judge Demeo instructed the defense attorneys to file their motions for pretrial release in writing.

The next hearing for this case is scheduled for Aug. 15.

Judge Dismisses Case Over Delayed Indictment, Suspect Still Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow granted defense counsel’s request that a non-fatal shooting case be dismissed due to the prosecution’s failure to indict the case in a timely manner.  

Anthrone Cabos, 27, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm due to his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Sept. 30 2022, on the 3700 block of 9th Street, SE. During the incident, a firearm was discharged causing a glass door to shatter in the lobby of an apartment building. 

According to court documents, the defendant was allegedly aiming at a resident’s son, resulting in $500 worth of property damage. After the incident, all parties fled the scene.  

During a felony status conference, Cabos’ defense counsel, attorneys Theodore Shaw and Kevin O’Sullivan, argued for the case to be dismissed due to the prosecution’s delay in indicting the case within the required timeframe. 

The nine-month window for indictment ended just four days prior, on June 21. 

The prosecution asked for more time to investigate the case and potentially bring more charges to the defendant.

Judge Pasichow was not privy to the prosecution’s request for an extension and dismissed the case.

The defendant remains in custody on a separate matter that is pending trial in September.

Judge Denies Defense Request for Continuance 

A defense attorney requested a continuance due to a temporary halt in DNA testing at the DC Public Defender Service (PDS) office before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park in a hearing on June 25. 

Demonte Gibson, 26, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW on Dec. 7, 2021. One individual suffered non-life-threatening injuries. 

Defense attorney Kevann Gardner requested to continue the case, stating that the Public Defender’s office has halted all DNA testing until Sept. 30, which prevents the defense from being able to test prior to an October trial date. 

The prosecution argued that the defense’s request for continuance was invalid and was a strategy to delay the case until the defendant’s homicide case was resolved, in hopes of the defendant receiving sentencing benefits. 

Judge Park stated that the defense was truthful in their testing limitations due to  policy at the Public Defender’s Office. However, the judge denied the request for continuance, stating that alternative options for DNA testing were plausible. 

Dates for the trial readiness hearing and trial were scheduled for October. 

The parties are set to reconvene for a status hearing on July 8.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Request to Fire Lawyer in Non- Fatal Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denies a defendant’s request to fire his lawyer during a June 25 hearing. 

Christopher Wise aka “Woo”, 35, is accused of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 12, 2024. According to court documents, the victim was shot outside a liquor store on the 4000 block of Hayes Street, NE, ultimately asking a bus driver to call an ambulance. 

During the hearing, Richard Holliday, Wise’s defense attorney, requested a competency evaluation and for the preliminary hearing to be continued in two weeks. 

Wise said he wanted to fire his attorney based on a conflict of interest and he wants to represent himself. 

Wise also claimed that his situation in jail needs to be checked because he no longer has recreation time and he has been subject to excessive force from correctional officers who pepper sprayed him.

Judge Brandt affirmed that she would look into his complaints, but also told the defendant that it is too early in this case to entertain a dismissal of his attorney. She said he she couldn’t dismiss his lawyer because, “he just doesn’t like him”. 

Judge Brandt let the defendant know that a mental competency evaluation was required if he decides to represent himself. 

Parties are slated to return for preliminary and mental observation hearing July 12.

Judge Orders Complete Mental Competency Exam for Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian ordered a carjacking defendant to complete a mental competency exam by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBU) after a request from the prosecution.

Kevin Weaver, 32, is charged with unarmed carjacking for an incident that occurred on Sept. 10, 2023, at the intersection of 7th Street and Monroe Street, NE. 

According to court documents, Weaver and another individual were in a ride-share vehicle which arrived at their destination. Weaver left the vehicle, but then returned to the rear seat and allegedly stuck an object on the victim’s back and stated, Drive where I tell you to drive or I will shoot you.”

The victim, according to the evidence, eventually drove past a police cruiser and fled the vehicle in fear for his life. Weaver then took control of the vehicle drove away.

Weaver and the other individual were seen exiting a nearby building after the vehicle was abandoned. The other person was released and Weaver was arrested for unarmed carjacking.

At the June 25 hearing, the prosecution requested another competency evaluation for the defendant’s behavior. Weaver’s defense attorney, Jay Myktiuk, requested that he be sent to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for proper treatment in a “therapeutic setting”. 

Judge Christian said he would wait for a doctor’s evaluation before moving Weaver.

Parties are slated to return on Sept. 5.

Judge Lets Convicted Shooting Defendant Attend Grandmother’s Funeral

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea L Hertzfeld granted permission for a defendant convicted of a non-fatal shooting to attend his grandmother’s funeral during a hearing on June 25.

Diandre Caesar, 30, was charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of second-degree cruelty to children grave risk, one count of carry a pistol without license outside a home or business, one count of possession of an unregistered firearm, and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 28, 2022, on the 2200 block of New York Avenue, NE.

On April 9, Caesar was convicted by a jury on two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm in a crime of violence.

Judge Hertzfeld allowed Caesar to be released from DC Jail on June 27 at 4 p.m. until June 28 at 8 p.m.

Video surveillance showed an individual identified as Caesar throw a milk crate over a fence and into the drive-through lane of a McDonald’s while he was mowing the lawn of the nearby parking lot.

The victim, who found his path blocked by the milk crate, left his car to throw the crate back over the fence. As he attempted to drive away, Caesar allegedly retrieved the milk crate and threw it back over the fence, striking the victim’s vehicle. 

An argument ensued, and dash camera captured Caesar and two victims exchanging insults. When the victims drove away, Caesar reportedly fired four shots at their vehicle. No injuries were reported.

While released Caesar will be placed on a GPS monitoring system. 

Judge Hertzfeld said she has never done this before for an inmate and told Caesar, “Don’t blow it.” 

If Caesar doesn’t turn himself in on time, Judge Hertzfeld said it will affect his sentencing.

Parties are slated to meet on July 10 for sentencing.

Document: MPD Seeks Suspect in a Northeast Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a stabbing that injured one individual on June 25. The incident occurred on the 800 block of H Street, NE.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in 2022 Homicide


Chanos Marcus Gillis, 42, was extradited and charged with first degree murder on June 25, 2024, in connection to a homicide that occurred on July 27, 2022, on the 4400 block of Benning Road, NE. The victim, 52-year-old Keith Sistare, was transported to the hospital for life-threatening injuries and died on September 11, 2022. An autopsy showed the cause of death was complications from blunt force injuries.

Co-Defendants ‘Left a Trail of Evidence’ Behind, Prosecution Says

On June 24, during the first day of trial for a mass shooting that occurred almost six years ago, parties in a three co-defendant case gave opening statements in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun and jurors, claiming different narratives about “beef” between street gangs. 

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. 

Additionally, Price is 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 separate charges come from his alleged involvement in 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.

The prosecution began their opening statement by saying the residents of Clay Terrace were “enjoying a calm summer night” before Price acted as the driver and getaway for Murchison and three other shooters who fired over 50 shots, causing the death of a young girl and wounding four other victims.

“That calmness of that summer evening went away,” said the prosecutor, referring to the shooting as a 20-second period of erupted chaos, leaving the Clay Terrace community forever changed.

Despite taking every precaution – wearing hoodies and latex gloves – the prosecutor stated that the perpetrators “left a trail of evidence” behind, highlighting a Black Infiniti car, which was reported to be the vehicle where the shooters came and left from, was sold to the Wellington Park crew the day before the shooting.

According to the prosecutor, the car, which was seen in the Wellington Park parking lot on multiple occasions, was recovered on July 18, 2018. Price’s DNA was found on a pair of latex gloves found in the car, as well as the car’s steering wheel. In addition, a bullet consistent with the firearm used to kill Wilson was recovered.

The prosecutor stated that Wilson died from a single gunshot wound to her chest, adding that the bullet eviscerated her right atrium. She also stated that another victim, who was shot in the face, miraculously survived. The victim’s injuries resulted in the scattering of his teeth, reconstruction of his face, and necessity of relearning how to talk.

Moreover, the prosecutor explained to jurors that the root of the shooting originated from “beef” between criminal street gangs, otherwise known as crews, which lead to Price and Murchison’s stockpiling of weapons and agreement to shoot and kill people they had beef with. 

According to the prosecution, the “beef” began between DC rappers Shy Glizzy and Ant Glizzy, who “split up to do their own thing.” The split between the two created the Wellington Park Crew, which both Price and Murchinson are alleged to be a part of. 

She told jurors that Price and Murchison conspired against the Clay Terrace community because it was an enemy.

The prosecutor also explained that Lil Dude, a rapper associated with Clay Terrace, was a reason for the continued “beef” between the neighborhoods. She stated that the Wellington Park crew commented on one of the rapper’s music videos on YouTube, showing that they deemed Clay Terrace as an enemy.

The prosecution also showed a screenshot of Wilson pictured in one of Lil Dude’s music videos, stating the little girl was a huge fan of his.

The “victims were random, intent was not,” read one of the slides in the prosecution’s presentation.

In the aftermath of the shooting, while the Clay Terrace community was “in the worst moments of their life,” the prosecution stated that the Wellington Park crew members were celebrating in a parking lot. Price and Murchison were identified in video footage that showed members singing and dancing.

The prosecutor concluded her opening by stating the crew “did not care who they hit” as long as they were targeting their enemy, Clay Terrace residents, and sending a message to them through their “heinous act.”

She asked the jurors to find the defendants guilty, stating that all of the evidence “will lead right back” to them.

In response to the prosecution’s opening, defense attorney Steven Ogilvie, representing Murchison, asserted his client “is on trial for who he knows and who he hangs out with.” 

“We don’t think a lot of evidence has anything to do with Mr. Murchison,” said Ogilvie, adding that there is no forensic evidence that connects Murchison to the shooting.

He said the prosecution would show a lot of evidence from social media, primarily Instagram posts showing Murchison surrounded by guns. 

“Social media is not real,” said Ogilvie, adding that the image of his client portrayed on social media is not a “complete image” of who he is.

He stated Murchison was “imitating” rap personas and elements of hip hop culture.

Furthering his statements on social media, Ogilvie made an analogy to Drake, a popular entertainer and rapper, and mentioned that he talks about “opps” and guns, yet that does not define who he is as a person.

Ogilvie rebutted the prosecution’s statements alleging his client’s involvement in a gang. “Wellington Park is not a street gang. It’s a place where people live. It’s a community,” said Ogilvie.

In his final statements, he asked jurors to give Murchison the benefit of the doubt and to ground themselves in the totality of the evidence.

Price’s defense attorney, Gemma Stevens, began her opening by standing behind her client and stating he is “cloaked in innocence.” She stated that Price did not go to the Clay Terrace neighborhood on the day of the incident.

“What the [prosecution] has told you is a story,” said Stevens. She referred to the case being presented by the prosecution as a puzzle, stating that “there are many holes” which do not make “a complete picture.”

Stevens cited the prosecution’s lack of competent and credible evidence, advising jurors to analyze the prosecution’s witnesses and ask themselves, “Who benefits from this testimony?”

She also emphasized that jurors must lay the emotional evidence aside, but acknowledged the feelings they might have are “all normal.”

Following opening statements, the prosecution called Wilson’s mother to the stand. She shared that she used to help up-and-coming DC artists and ran her own hairstyling business.

The mother testified that on the evening of the shooting, she was inside her home doing a client’s hair while her oldest daughter and Makiyah were outside their home’s front door. 

After the mother’s testimony, the prosecution then called a Forensic Services Manager from SoundThinking, formerly ShotSpotter, who said that based on the data collected, approximately 45 shots were fired. 

The defense did not cross examine the expert. 

The prosecuting attorneys then called Makiyah’s sister, who described the courtyard in front of her house as being “a general hang-out spot.”

When asked about her relationship to Lil Dude, she shared that she was not a fan of his, but knew of him. The witness testified that the rapper was often in Clay Terrace, and mentioned that she was not present the day his music video ‘Traffic’ was filmed, which is the video her sister was pictured in.

Furthermore, when recounting the day of the shooting, the sister stated there was “nothing unusual about Clay Terrace that day.”

She stated that she was eating a snack with Makiyah when she “saw the black car and immediately grabbed [her] sister to try and get in,” going on to say there were “so many different hands” on their door trying to get into safety. 

By the time they made it in, the witness noticed her sister had “blood on her shirt and she was stumbling.” She said the “police came and took her,” and that she could not remember whether or not they had performed CPR on Makiyah.

The witness also testified that she did not realize she had been shot in the arm until the police pointed it out. 

Judge Okun dismissed the parties and jurors early for the day.

Parties are set to resume trial on June 25.  

Judge, ‘Doesn’t Think There Was Reasonable Suspicion to Detain,’ Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant 

The prosecution called two witnesses to a non-fatal shooting in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 21 who ultimately decided to release the defendant.

Deon Cannon, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 5, 2021, on the 2700 block of Terrace Road, SE. There were no reported injuries resulting from the incident. 

One witness was the detective who interviewed Cannon in custody, while the other was an officer who was at the scene when the incident occurred. 

The detective testified that an off-duty officer, who lived in the area the shooting took place, came into contact with Cannon. The off-duty officer’s Nest home camera depicted a brief interaction in which Cannon could be heard saying someone shot at him.

The detective recalled interviewing Cannon twice about this incident. 

During the second interview, the detective reported, Cannon said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re wasting your time,” after the detective asked him questions about the incident. 

The officer who was on duty at the time of the incident testified that she and her partner were looking for a 5′ 9″ tall individual with short dreadlocks, dressed all in black. When they saw someone who matched that description and asked if he was okay, he took off running. The officers caught up to the individual and put him in handcuffs. 

This event was captured through body worn camera footage and was shown in court during the officer’s testimony. 

Jonathan Lanyi, Cannon’s defense attorney, argued that they got the wrong person. According to Lanyi, the body worn camera footage clearly shows that Cannon is around six feet tall with long dreadlocks and dressed all in red. 

Lanyi also argued that Cannon’s fleeing the scene doesn’t mean he is guilty. 

“Flight isn’t enough to detain,” said Lanyi.

Judge Epstein agreed, stating that many people with criminal histories would tend to flee if police were to approach them. “I don’t think there was reasonable suspicion for Cannon to be detained,” said Judge Epstein.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 19.

Prosecution Provides Video Evidence against Double Homicide Defendant

The prosecution called their last witness on June 24 to testify regarding video footage they allege tracks the defendant’s vehicle to the site of the homicide.  

Beysean Jones, 29, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the shootings of Ronald Brown, 19, and Tijuan Wilson, 41. The incident occurred on July 27, 2022, on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE. Wilson’s wife sustained gunshot wounds during the incident but survived. 

On June 24, the prosecution called as their last witness an MPD (Metropolitan Police Department) detective who gathered video footage from July 22, 2023 and July 27, 2023, taken at locations related to the incident.

The defense called the lead detective, who testified to seeing other vehicles that looked very similar to the shooter’s vehicle leaving the parking lot around the same time as the shooting. 

The lead detective also testified that the shooter’s vehicle was never found, that no passengers or drivers were visible throughout the video footage, and that no license plate was able to be seen on the shooter’s vehicle. 

Based on the footage from June 22, 2023, the prosecution argued that a black Honda identified as belonging to Jones could be seen following Brown’s silver Honda from a tobacco shop, where the two allegedly had a confrontation, to the site where the homicide occurred five days later. 

The prosecution used the footage from June 22, 2023, to support their argument that Jones and Brown got into a heated confrontation, which resulted in Brown following Jones to his home and shooting at him from his vehicle. 

The detective pieced together the footage tracking both Jones and Brown’s cars on June 22, 2023, showing that Brown waited outside of Jones’ home while Jones was picking up his pregnant partner and child. After the family left the home, the prosecution said a shoot-out took place, although the actual shooting is not visible on the footage because it was blocked by a tree. 

The defense argued that one of the vehicles exiting the parking lot after the June 27, 2023, shooting belonged to an individual out on parole who was also driving a dark Honda.

In response, the prosecution pointed out that the paroled individual was wearing a GPS ankle monitor that showed he was at the location, north e suspect’s car, when the shooting started.

Closing arguments are set for June 25.