‘He Did Not Deserve to Die, Especially That Way,’ Says Defendant Accused in Car Crash

A homicide victim’s family expressed angerwith a plea agreement accepted by the defendant in a vehicular homicide in a hearing on Aug. 30 before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Olivia Ayong, 49, was charged with negligent homicide for her involvement in the car crash that claimed the life of 72-year-old Ralph Williams on Nov. 25, 2022, on the 900 block of K Street, NE.

According to court documents, Williams, while double parked unloading groceries with his wife, was struck and pinned between Ayong’s car and his own. He was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead from damage to his legs and pelvis.

Ayong, who works as a home healthcare provider, was transporting a patient at the time of the incident. She tested negative for alcohol and drug use, and the patient in her vehicle said Ayong was not using her phone at the time.

The prosecution alerted the court they had extended an offer which required Ayong to plead guilty to negligent homicide in exchange for their not seeking an indictment.

Through the deal, the prosecution stated they would “not oppose a probation sentence.”

Meanwhile, Ayong addressed the Williams’ family stating, “I’m really sorry. I’ve not been able to sleep knowing I killed somebody. I was distracted with the patient in the car, before God, I am sorry, I am sorry. He did not deserve to die, especially that way.”

The Williams’ family is “calling for accountability with a jail sentence,” in a letter addressed to the court. They argued that Williams only “got enough strength to blink three times, if only enough to say ‘I love you.’”

The judge said made it clear this was just a pre-sentencing hearing and the family would have ample opportunity to express their views.

Parties are expected to reconvene for sentencing on Nov. 8.

Defendant Sentenced in One Stabbing, Arraigned on Another

A stabbing defendant was sentenced in one case and formally charged in an almost identical assault during a Sept. 4 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Shawn Dyson, 43, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in connection to an incident on the 3100 block of Mt. Pleasant Street, NW on Sept. 10, 2023.

He is also charged with a similar crime that took place days earlier on Aug. 29, 2023, on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW.

According to court documents, Dyson was engaged in verbal arguments that resulted in stabbings on both occasions.

In the September case, according to court documents, Dyson was in an angry encounter with a woman he called a “bitch” when a man approached and tried to intervene. At that point, Dyson was said to follow the individual then stab him in the head behind his right ear.

During the August attack, according to a police report, Dyson was also engaged in an argument with an individual “over an unknown reason.” He then allegedly chased the victim into the middle of the street, slashing his upper left arm causing him to bleed profusely.

During the proceeding, Dyson’s attorney, Sharon Weathers, asked Judge Christian to sentence Dyson for the September charges to the minimum terms recommended under the voluntary sentencing guidelines of 24 months for each count, which would be served concurrently.

Weathers said that Dyson is motivated to find work and has a relatively clean record for past convictions.

However, the prosecutor argued that a total of 80 months incarceration for both charges was punishment that would fit the crime.

After stabbing the first victim, the prosecutor said Dyson turned his attention to the woman that was the initial object of his anger, “brandishing a bloody knife at the victim and threatening her.”

Further, said the prosecutor, Dyson exhibited “a lack of accountability” for the last two decades.

Judge Christian said the victim almost bled out, and it was “fortunate [he] wasn’t killed.”

Going beyond the prosecution’s recommendation, Judge Christian sentenced Dyson to 84 month in prison. Dson is set to serve 60 months on the first count and 24 months on the second count of assault with a dangerous weapon, the two terms are slated to run consecutively.

He also imposed three years of supervised release, in addition to paying $200 into the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Further, Dyson must comply with an intervention program that includes cognitive therapy and anger management.

Following the sentencing Dyson was indicted for the Aug. 23 assault to which he pleaded not guilty and demanded his constitutional right to a speedy trial.

The next hearing in the case is set for Oct. 1 before Judge Christian.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced its search for a suspect involved in a Southeast shooting. The incident occurred on Friday, August 30, 2024, around 3:18 p.m., at the 3400 block of 13th Place, Southeast.

Upon arrival at the location, officers detected evidence of a shooting but did not find anyone injured on site. However, a man later arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound. The investigators managed to link this patient to the incident on 13th Place Southeast where he had received non-lethal injuries.

The suspect was caught on a surveillance camera during the crime and MPD provided a link to the footage. They asked residents who can identify this person or have any knowledge related to the incident to report to the local police at (202) 727-9099 or text their tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

The MPD is currently offering a reward up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect responsible for this violent crime committed in the District of Columbia.

Homicide Defendant Released After Reopened Preliminary Hearing

A homicide defendant was released after the defense was granted a motion to reopen the preliminary hearing in front of D.C Superior Court Judge Robert Okun in an Aug. 30 hearing.

Jahi Settles, 23, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly killing 33-year-old Langston Sharps with a firearm. The incident occurred on July 3, 2023, on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.

According to court documents, a witness reported watching Settles and Sharps get into a verbal altercation about money, overhearing that Sharps owed Settles money. The witness then allegedly watched Settles pull out a gun and shoot Sharps.

Settles’ defense attorney, Jason Tulley, displayed surveillance footage from the incident, which had previously been admitted without audio to provide a different perspective of the argument. Tulley said Sharps initiated a physical altercation by trying to punch Settles, before he drew a firearm and shot at Sharps.

The defense called a Public Defender Services (PDS) investigative specialist who consulted a medical examiner about the victim’s gunshot wound. The witness testified that the injury patterns were consistent with the defendant lunging into the victim, setting off the gun by accident.

The investigator testified that there were two other witnesses present at the scene during the altercation–one heard a gunshot, and saw the argument, during which Settles had a “normal tone” but watched Sharps angrily swing at the defendant before the gunshot.

Another witness near the shooting described Sharps as “aggressive and vulgar,” allegedly threatening Settles, while Settles remained calm, according to the investigative specialist. He added the witness saw Sharps reach into a bag and pull out “an object” and swing at the defendant, the gunshot following moments later.

During the cross examination, the prosecution determined the specialist and medical examiner only reviewed two photos, was unsure about the injury patterns, trajectory of the bullet, and what lunging into the victim revealed about the incident.

The witness confirmed that all the information from the pair of witnesses came from conversations with Tulley.

The prosecution then called the lead homicide detective who testified at the last preliminary hearing.

The prosecution revisited the surveillance footage that documented the shooting, and the detective said the audio and video didn’t match up due to a lag in the footage. He also told Judge Okun that ShotSpotter’s timing and the footage time didn’t match up either. ShotSpotter is a technology used by police to determine the location of gunfire.

Tulley argued the new evidence shows Settles shot Sharps in self-defense. He insisted the audio of the surveillance footage confirms that Sharps had initiated the physical fight, and there was evidence to suggest that he had a weapon in hand due to the knife found on scene with the victim’s DNA apparently present.

Tulley argued that this was a strong case for manslaughter, and that Settles ”himself was surprised by the shot.”

The prosecution refuted this argument by referring to the footage in which Settles leaves the argument and returns to shoot Sharps. They said during interviews with police, Settles never mentioned being afraid or acting in self-defense.

The judge stated that the new evidence didn’t undermine his previous ruling, and still found probable cause for second-degree murder.

However, he found Sharps as the first aggressor and in consideration for Settles’ clean record before the incident he was released to home confinement after a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) found him eligible.

The parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 1.

Homicide Co-Defendants Waive Their Rights To DNA Testing

Co-defendants in a homicide matter waived their rights to DNA testing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Aug. 30.

Juvan Alston, 22, and Davon Alston, 21, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17- year old Dennis Simms on July 1, 2022, on the block of 809 Yuma Street SE.

Juvan also faces a conspiracy charge. According to court documents, Simms died from a single gunshot to his head.

The prosecution recovered evidence from the scene, but hasn’t tested any of the items yet. Juvan and Davon, meanwhile, agreed to waive their rights to perform independent DNA testing.

Juvan’s defense attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, and Duvan’s defense attorney, Madalym Harvey, revealed they have discovered new evidence, but alerted the court that they need time to determine its validity.

Parities are set to reconvene on March 21.

Homicide Defendant Warned to Stay in Probation Compliance

D.C Superior Court Judge Robert Okun warned a homicide defendant about his non-compliance regarding probation requirements during an Aug. 30 hearing.

Joseph Smith, 60, is charged with voluntary manslaughter while armed for allegedly stabbing his 62-year-old brother, Arnold Smith, in their family home located on the 600 block of Galveston Place, SE on April 9, 2019.

The prosecution expressed concern about Smith’s electronic monitoring device which registered no battery charge for nine hours. However, they acknowledged that Smith did not violate his stay away order and was compliant with the rest of his probation conditions.

Smith’s defense attorney, Joseph Yarbough, assured the court that this was a one time occurrence.

The judge released Smith, and warned him about charging his device in compliance with his probation.

Parities are set to reconvene on Sept. 3.

Homicide Defendant Requests More Time For DNA Testing Decision

On Aug. 30, a homicide defendant requested more time to decide whether he wants to waive his right to DNA testing in front of D.C Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Lavaughn Barnes, 32, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Abdul Arias-Lopez, 59, that occurred on Nov. 4, 2022 on the 1300 block of Kearny Street, NE. Arias-Lopez’s dismembered body was recovered in Barnes’ backyard on Feb. 3, 2023.

The prosecution announced that they had completed testing on DNA, fingerprints found at the scene, and other biological evidence related to the incident.

When Barnes was asked if he wished to waive his rights to DNA testing, his attorney, Jason Tulley, alerted the court that he needed more time to make a decision.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 1.

Jury Convicts Co-Conspirators of Ten-Year-Old Girl’s Murder, Mass Shooting

A jury convicted three individuals on all charges in connection to the murder of a ten-year-old while injuring four other individuals on Sept. 3 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Antonio Murchison, 31, and Mark Price, 30, were convicted of 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 involvement in a July 16, 2018 mass shooting on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. The incident left ten-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.

“Despite having witnessed the defendants preparing for the shooting, no witnesses were willing to provide information regarding the identity of the shooters. The government presented forensic evidence, statements the defendants made over social media, and motive evidence in presenting its case,” according to a release issued by DC US Attorney Matthew Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

A third co-defendant, Quanisha Ramsuer, 31,was charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide. The prosecution requested that Ramsuer, who had been on release for more than six years, be detained due to her conviction. However, Judge Okun ordered she remain released, but said she must wear a GPS monitor.

Six other defendants were convicted in 2023 of the high profile crimes.

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.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing Dec. 13.

Document: MPD Investigating Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an ongoing investigation into a homicide in Northeast, Washington D.C.

On the morning of September 2, 2024, officers responded to a call regarding an unconscious man in the 5100 block of Sheriff Road, Northeast. The man, who was found suffering from a gunshot wound, was declared dead on arrival.

The man was identified as 51-year-old Herbert Jones from Northeast.

The MPD encourages anyone with knowledge about this incident to contact the police at (202) 727-9099 or text the tip line at 50411. The Department offers a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a homicide committed in D.C.

Document: MPD Investigating Officer Involved Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that it is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place in the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue Southeast. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at around 5:30 a.m. when Seventh District officers responded to a report of a car crash at the location.

Upon arrival, the responding officers found the driver unresponsive in a car that had struck a commercial building, causing minor damage. Notably, the officers observed a firearm inside the vehicle. Additional officers were promptly requested at the scene.

The MPD reported that the suspect, who was still in the vehicle, began moving and was seen to have a weapon. Officers instructed the suspect to drop the weapon, but as they approached the suspect with their service weapons drawn, the suspect grabbed one of the officer’s service weapons.

This led to two officers discharging their firearms, shooting the suspect. Despite immediate medical assistance from DC Fire and EMS, who were already present at the scene, all lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, and the suspect succumbed to his injuries.

The department has identified the suspect as 26-year-old Justin Robinson from Southeast, DC. The suspect’s weapon was recovered at the scene.

The MPD noted that the officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave in line with MPD policy. The incident remains under investigation by the MPD Internal Affairs Division’s Force Investigations Team, which handles all law enforcement officer-involved shootings in the district. Meanwhile, The United States Attorney’s Office will independently review the facts and evidence of the case. The release of body-worn camera footage will follow District of Columbia law procedures.

Finally, the MPD requests anyone with information about this case to call the police at 202-727-9099. They also highlighted the option to anonymously text information to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Stabbing in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that it is investigating a fatal stabbing incident that occurred in Northeast. The event took place on Sunday, September 1, 2024, around 2:53 p.m. and left one man dead and a woman injured.

The incident happened on the 900 block of Division Avenue, Northeast. Patrol officers from the Sixth District were dispatched following a report of a stabbing at the location. One victim, an adult male, had self-transported to the Sixth District police station for help, presenting with apparent stab wounds. He was subsequently taken to an area hospital by DC Fire and EMS. Despite all medical efforts, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

A second victim, an adult female, was found at the scene also suffering from stab wounds. Her injuries were not life-threatening, and she was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The deceased has been identified as 23-year-old Gray Hall of Northeast.

In closing, the MPD urges anyone with information about this incident to contact them at (202) 727 – 9099 or by texting a tip to 50411. The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a homicide in the District of Columbia.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Fatal Stabbing in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a suspect in a fatal stabbing incident in Southeast.

On August 30, 2024, at approximately 4:29 p.m., MPD officers responded to a report of a stabbing at the 3800 block of South Capitol Street, Southeast. Upon their arrival, the officers found an adult female inside a residence, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite the efforts of DC Fire and EMS, who responded to the scene, the victim could not be revived and succumbed to her injuries.

The victim of the fatal stabbing has been identified as 42-year-old Tiffany Parker of Southeast, DC.

The suspect, identified as 64-year-old Adrian Morgan of Southeast, DC, was located by responding officers and taken into custody. Following investigations led by detectives, Morgan was charged with Second Degree Murder While Armed.

Document: MPD Investigating Infant Death as a Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that they are currently investigating the death of a child in Southeast as a homicide case.

On Monday, May 27, 2024, at approximately 11:02 a.m., officers responded to a report of an unconscious infant at an apartment in the 1400 block of Newton Street, Northwest. The infant was transported by D.C. Fire and EMS to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. The infant has been identified as 2-month-old Amiri Royal Bynum, of Northwest.

On Monday, August 26, 2024, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia determined that the infant died from Fentanyl/Methamphetamine Intoxication and the manner of death was ruled as a homicide.

The MPD advised that anyone with knowledge of the incident should call police at (202) 727-9099 or text a tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The MPD is currently offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

‘You Are A Unicorn,’ Says Judge in Suspending All But Three Months in A Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, standing in for DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz, sentenced a shooting defendant to 18 months, with all but three suspended on Aug. 30.

Jaylon Deangelo Whack, 30, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for firing a single shot at his uncle following a verbal dispute in a relative’s home on May 29 on the 3700 block of Horner Place, SE.

On July 11, Whack pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, a charge that has a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

During the hearing, prosecutors recommended the bottom of the sentencing guidelines of eighteen months of incarceration, noting that Whack has no prior convictions or criminal record.

Mathew Hertz, Whack’s attorney, clarified that Whack “was not the kind of person who picks up a gun after an issue.” He argued this was a rare circumstance for which treating issues like anger management or impulse control would not be as effective in jail rather than treatment during probation. He requested Judge Brandt impose a “short-split” sentence, which allows the defendant to serve a short part of the sentence in jail, and the other part through programs during probation.

However, due to the nature and circumstances of the crime, the prosecution objected, stating they believed Whack should receive a straight sentence.

Hertz emphasized Whack’s case as an anomaly, mentioning he accepted responsibility for his actions and his intention to start over and become a better person.

Whack told Judge Brandt in a personal statement that he “acted out of fear” and “felt in danger.”

In consideration, Judge Brandt stated , “You are a unicorn– you managed to live to the ripe old age of thirty, never ever having a criminal record… give credit to the people who brought you up and the people you surround yourself with because there are too many young Black Americans who can’t say the same.”

Considering his lack of criminal record and promise to change, the court sentenced Whack to 18 months of incarceration, with 15 months suspended. Whack is expected to be released within a few days. He must serve three years of supervised release.

No further dates were set.

Defense Challenges Victim’s Identification of Shooting Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe delayed jury selection for Anthrone Cabos‘ non-fatal shooting trial by one day on Aug. 30 so parties can finish questioning the lead detective in the case about the victim’s disputed identification of Cabos as her assailant.

Cabos, 27, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, simple assault, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 28, 2020, on the 600 block of Condon Terrace, SE.

According to court documents, a witness told Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives that Cabos shot the victim in the stomach during an argument over a drug sale.

Kevin O’Sullivan, Cabos’ defense attorney, filed a motion on April 26 arguing that the victim’s identification of Cabos as the shooter from a photo array should not be admitted into evidence.

O’Sullivan said the victim’s neighbors suggested to her that someone nicknamed “Pig” might be the shooter. When she gave this information to a MPD detective, he asked her for a photo.

According to Sullivan, the victim got a photo of Cabos from a neighbor and forwarded it to the detective before the photo array, making it more likely she would identify Cabos in the photo array.

In court, the prosecution called the lead detective in Cabos’ case as a witness. He supervised the detective who received the photo from the victim and the detective who conducted the photo array.

According to the lead detective, the victim was too badly injured for MPD officers to communicate with her on the night of the shooting or for five days afterwards.

“She was receiving pretty serious medical treatment, so law enforcement didn’t contact her,” the lead detective said. He testified that her medical records showed she had surgery to the intestine, liver and uterus, and was in critical condition with a breathing tube during that time.

The lead detective said, when an MPD detective first interviewed the victim, she told him that she didn’t personally know the name of the man who had shot her, but she had heard from someone in the neighborhood that his nickname was Pig. Two days later, she texted the detective that she had learned the shooter’s name was “Arthrone.”

“The person who gave her the nickname Pig didn’t personally witness the shooting?” O’Sullivan asked during cross-examination.

“Correct,” said the lead detective.

O’Sullivan displayed a text from an MPD detective to the victim, sent before the photo array, that asked her if she had a photo of the person known as Pig. She texted back that the people she had asked for a photo were “clueless.”

“You don’t know if the complainant found a picture of Cabos and texted it to [the detective] before the photo array?” O’Sullivan asked.

The lead detective said the victim and the detective she was texting both said she didn’t.

According to the lead detective, the victim circled Cabos’ picture in the photo array and wrote, “Very sure. Zero doubt it’s him.”

O’Sullivan asked Judge O’Keefe to order the prosecution to turn over all files from a case one of the witnesses had pending before the court while testifying in Cabos’ case. O’Sullivan said the files might undermine the reliability of the witness by revealing contradictions in the witness’ statements to police or showing the witness was trying to gain leniency from the prosecution by cooperating in the case against Cabos.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 3.