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Judge Finds Probable Cause in Early Morning Bus Stop Murder

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ruled on June 21 that there was probable cause for a defendant’s involvement in a pre-dawn fatal shooting at a bus stop, stating he could not think of “anything more terrifying” than this unprovoked offense.

Deonte Spicer, 37, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for allegedly killing Tyvez Monroe, 27, on December 26, 2023 on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW. 

According to court documents, officers located Monroe on the sidewalk of a Metro bus stop suffering from a gunshot wound to his head. He was transported to George Washington University Hospital (GWUH), where he died.

On June 21, the prosecution brought in a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to the stand, who detailed the case. 

The prosecution showed video surveillance of an individual, identified as the defendant, allegedly shooting the victim at a bus stop on 7th Street, in addition to footage showing the defendant on a Metro bus before and after the shooting occurred.

Throughout the video, the individual identified as Spicer is seen with a dog described as having “distinct white paws,” according to the detective.

In a three-minute video clip from the bus stop, the individual identified as Spicer approaches the victim, who is sitting on a bench, and “daps” him up upon arriving at the bus stop. The individual identified as Spicer and the victim exchange words for a few minutes before the perpetrator fully unzips his coat and allegedly begins to pull a rifle from his front waistband. 

The victim holds his arms and hands out wide to his side while remaining seated on the bus stop bench.

The individual identified as Spicer then allegedly fires the weapon one time, shattering a glass panel behind the victim and causing the victim to fall to the ground. 

After allegedly shooting the victim, the individual identified as Spicer walks back in the same direction from which he came. 

The prosecution played video surveillance footage of an individual, identified as the defendant, entering a Metro bus parked in the same area where he initially exited a Metro bus. 

The detective testified that he executed a search warrant of the defendant’s home and recovered a rifle scope for a firearm, Spicer’s wallet, and a dog whose appearance matched the one shown in video surveillance. The detective also stated that the dog was later transferred to a shelter and that Spicer identified himself via a phone call inquiring about his dog.

Spicer’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, questioned the detective about the timing of the incident and clarified that the detective was referring to an individual shown in video surveillance as an individual “who looks like the defendant.”

In response to the timing of the incident, the detective referred to his police report and stated that the surveillance footage was synchronized.

Following the detective’s testimony, the prosecution argued that, based on the affidavit, video surveillance, and the detective’s testimony, it was clear that Spicer was the perpetrator who pulled out a rifle and shot the victim directly in the head.

King asserted that the affidavit makes a “good effort to confuse the reader about the timing of the incident.” She argued that it would have been “impossible” for her client to have been at the crime scene, since footage shows him a few minutes prior to the shooting a couple blocks away.

He would have had to “run faster than Usain Bolt,” said King.

Judge O’Keefe sided with the prosecution and found probable cause that Spicer committed first-degree murder. He cited the abundance of evidence, highlighting the presence of a dog, “which is very unique at four o’clock in the morning,” said Judge O’Keefe.

Following his ruling, King also requested her client’s release, stating that he would be able to return to his job at Amazon and has no history of failing to appear in court. She further claimed that it had been almost 17 years since he committed a major offense, citing a 2007 robbery case.

The prosecution argued that there could be no conditions that would assure the safety of the community, rebutting King’s arguments by detailing Spicer’s criminal history.

According to the prosecution, Spicer was released from prison in August 2022 and was on supervised release when he committed this alleged offense. The prosecution also noted a prison stabbing incident committed by the defendant in 2015.

Ultimately, Judge O’Keefe denied the request for release, referring to the severity of the crime. He stated, “Maybe there’s a reason to mitigate, but I can’t imagine what that is.”

Parties are slated to meet on September 19.

Judge Denies Severance of Homicide Co-Defendants’ Trials

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe denied a motion to sever two “mutually hostile” homicide co-defendants from having a joint trial, asserting on June 21 that the “jury will not infer guilt” from one defendant to another.

Maurice Williams, 21, and Seaun McDowney, 20, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, attempt to commit a robbery while armed, conspiracy, and two counts of possession of a firearm for their alleged involvement in a robbery and fatal shooting of Marquette White, 20, on Jan. 21, 2022 at the 3800 block of Commodore Joshua Barney Drive, NE. 

McDowney’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, and Williams’ defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, filed separate severance motions and made arguments at a previous hearing on April 12.

Both defense counsels argued that a joint trial would substantially and unfairly prejudice the other defendant.

Mosley stated in his written motion that his client would like to call Williams to the stand because he would provide “compelling” exculpatory testimony.

Although Judge O’Keefe recognized the defenses were “adversarial,” “irreconcilable,” and attempting to place blame on each other, he denied the motion to sever.

Judge O’Keefe argued that he did not believe there was a valid basis to sever based on evidence that seemed to implicate both defendants. He stated the conflict between the defenses alone “would not sway the jury.”

Judge O’Keefe also added that separate trials would place an undue burden on the prosecution and would not be an efficient way to proceed.

The parties are slated to return on July 12.

‘He Hit a Whole Person, Man,’ Says Carjacking Defendant After Judge Denies Release

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause for charging a defendant with carjacking and denied him pre-trial release on June 24, despite the defendant’s assertion that the victim, “hit a whole person”. 

Michael Robinson, 39, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on May 26 on the 3000 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. The victim was an active Lyft driver who had a passenger in the back seat of the car, but both the driver and passenger were able to flee.

According to court documents, the Lyft driver stopped in the road after tapping a cyclist who pulled out suddenly in front of the car. The cyclist approached the driver with a second suspect, whom police later identified as Robinson. The two reportedly assaulted the victim until he got out of the car, at which point the unidentified cyclist drove off with the car. Robinson followed the victim down the sidewalk but got on a bus after the victim photographed him

At the June 24 hearing, the prosecution called as a witness a police detective with the carjacking task force at the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). 

The prosecution played a video captured from a Metro bus of the alleged crime. It showed the Lyft driver’s car stopping in the middle of the road and two individuals – allegedly the cyclist and Robinson – approaching the driver. In the video, the individual identified as Robinson opened the driver door and confronted the driver in what the prosecution characterized as an “aggressive manner.”

On cross examination, Robinson’s defense attorney, Martin Rosendorf, asked the detective if the video showed Robinson ever attempting to get into the car. The detective said it did not, but stated that, in her opinion, Robinson would not have approached the victim at all if he were not trying to get him out of his car.

During probable cause arguments, Rosendorf described Robinson as someone who was concerned for the cyclist. Rosendorf stated that Robinson watched the cyclist get hit by the Lyft driver and thought the driver was going to get away.

However, Judge Raymond found probable cause to continue the case due to the video evidence and the testimony given by the police detective.

Given’s Robinson’s prior felony convictions and failures to comply with previous release conditions, Judge Raymond denied him release.

After Judge Raymond ordered Robinso detained, Robinson began crumpling pieces of paper and mumbling incoherently at the judge. 

“He hit a whole person, man,” said Robinson as US Marshals removed him from the courtroom.

Parties are slated to appear before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on July 17.

Document: Police Arrest Second Suspect in Double Homicide

A shooting that occurred on March 7, 2023, on the 2700 block of Bruce Place, SE killed 23-year-old Dana Faulkener on the scene, injured 15-year-old Abdul Fuller on March 9, 2023.

Arrests were made for a 19-year-old man who was charged with first-degree murder while armed (premeditated) on December 21, 2023 and a 17-year-old male who was charged for second-degree murder while armed on June 21, 2024.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Resentenced After Non-Compliance

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur resentenced a shooting defendant on June 24 after he failed to comply with his release conditions.

Robert Brown, 23, pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal and was sentenced in July of 2021 for assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or place of business. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 17, 2020, on the 900 block of Wahler Place, SE. The shooting injured two victims, who were minors, in addition to a one-year-old pit bull.

At the June 24 hearing, Brown was sentenced to 60 months for one charge of assault with a dangerous weapon, to be served concurrently with 13 months for carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or place of business. The defendant will receive credit for time served.   

Judge Arthur made this ruling due to the defendant’s history including probation violation, failure to appear in court and loss of contact with his supervisor. 

Brown’s defense attorney, Peter Cooper, cited mental health issues as the reason for Brown’s difficulty reporting to his supervisor and the court.

“You can be struggling but still make an effort,” Judge Arthur said in response.

Brown was required to register as a gun offender must serve three years of supervised release and pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF).

Jury Selection for Carjacking Defendant Begins Tuesday

A carjacking defendant was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on June 24, and the jury selection was scheduled for the following day.

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 Watkins was allegedly involved in occurred on June 17, 2022, on the 1200 block of Howison Place, SW.

During the hearing, the prosecution said they were unable to select a jury Monday because a material witness did not show up to testify despite being subpoenaed. The court ordered a witness warrant for the missing witness. 

It was unclear why the prosecution could not assemble all their witnesses, but they stated that their witnesses dislike being subpoenaed for a trial.

The prosecution also asked Judge Salerno to grant them a continuance for jury selection until tomorrow. 

Watkins’s defense attorney, Darryl Daniels, requested the case be dismissed. Since the trial date has been changed seven times since December of 2023, he argued that  there was no good cause for another continuance. 

Judge Salerno granted the continuance, noting that the prosecution was doing their due diligence in trying to subpoena their witnesses and that the requested continuance was brief.

According to court documents, Watkins allegedly stole a man’s car after hitting him over the head with a gun and robbing him while the victim was attempting to buy marijuana. The victim reported Watkins was one of four or five men involved in the robbery. The victim was transported to the hospital shortly after the incident. 

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified Watkins from surveillance footage and arrested him on Sept. 15, 2022.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 25. 

Shooting Defendant Absent for Court Hearing

A shooting defendant failed to appear in court on June 24 for a hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow. 

Roscoe Atchinson, 32, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year. The offense occurred on April 15, 2020, at 4000 block of Livingston Road, SE. 

According to court documents, Atchinson and another man allegedly ambushed the victim while he was conducting foot patrol around the Friendship Court Apartments complex. Atchinson is accused of pointing a gun at the victim’s head. The victim, unharmed, grabbed the handgun and shot the defendant, who suffered gunshot wounds to his right thigh and right lower back.

Atchinson now uses a wheelchair because the incident left him paraplegic. 

Atchinson’s defense attorney Raymond Jones, who was present via Webex, stated that he tried to reach Atchinson regarding the court hearing. Jones said he believed that Atchinson’s absence could be due to a mix-up in scheduling. 

Due to Atchinson’s consistency in complying with pretrial release conditions, Judge Pasichow chose not to issue a bench warrant. 

Parties are slated to return on Aug. 14.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A defendant rejected a plea offer in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on June 24. 

Warnell Reams, 57, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 5, 2024, on the 200 block of Vine Street, NW, that left one person injured. 

According to court documents, Reams knew the victim for one month before the incident. The victim was stabbed twice in the left arm and once in the left side of their abdomen. The victim received care in an ambulance at the scene of the incident and was transported to a hospital for further treatment. The victim’s injuries were not life threatening. 

Prior to the June 24 hearing, the defense filed a motion requesting Judge Pasichow to release the defendant pending trial. The prosecution is still preparing their response.

Parties are set to return to court on July 15.

Defense Says Client Reacted out of Fear and in Self-Defense

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied June 21 the release of two co-defendants who were allegedly involved in a shoot-out with individuals in a Chevy Cruze near Dunmore High School. 

Azhari Graves, 18, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. 

Saki Frost, 17, faces the same charges plus two counts of assault with intent to commit any other offense while armed and two additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. 

Frost and Graves allegedly fired shots at the Chevy Cruze on May 3. One of their bullets went through a classroom window and struck a juvenile female in the head. The school is located a the intersection of the 1200 block of Kirby Street, NW and the 100 block of N Street, NW.

Attorneys for both defendants argued that this was an act of self-defense. 

“His actions were, to me, reminiscent of an individual afraid for his life,” Frost’s attorney, Darryl Daniels, said of his client.

“The occupants of the Chevy Cruze, in their own text messages, admit that they shot first,” stated Hannah Claudio, one of the attorneys for Graves. 

The prosecution argued against the claim of self defense, noting that the co-defendants fired “29 shots in a very short amount of time” and that the defendants were “running in the same direction as the vehicle and not away from it.”

Judge Raffinan ruled that “the weight of the evidence leans in favor of detention.” 

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 20.

Counsel Gets Permission to Use Security Footage from Nursing Facility 

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld granted permission on June 24 to both the prosecution and the defense to obtain nursing facility surveillance footage and use it in court for a stabbing case. 

Hollyman McQueen, 59, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, a knife on June 8, inside of a Washington Nursing Facility located on the 2400 block of 25th Street, SE. McQueen allegedly got into a verbal altercation for reasons unknown to the victim. According to court documents, McQueen stated he was stabbed while he was punching the victim, and he was unsure how the victim got stabbed. 

In Monday’s hearing, McQueen’s defense attorney, Henry Escoto, placed on the record McQueen’s rejection of a plea offer that was discussed in a previous hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 9. 

Homicide Defendant Requests Dismissal of Case, Cites Evidence Violations

A homicide defendant’s attorney filed a motion to dismiss his client’s case, citing the prosecution’s failure to disclose evidence that could be favorable to the defendant in a June 20 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan. 

Antonio Jackson, 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business, for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Maria Evans, 59, on the 500 block of Oakwood Street, SE on March 29, 2018. 

According to court documents, the stabbing was not covered on camera. However, there was other surveillance footage of the alleged suspect and the victim in an alleyway.

The defense, through a PowerPoint presentation, argued that the procedural history of the case involved five evidence violations, in which the prosecution did not share information in a timely manner, inhibiting the defense from being able to investigate certain witnesses and GPS evidence in relative proximity to the date of the incident.

Judge Raffinan instructed both parties to continue these arguments at the next hearing on July 10.

Defendant Sentenced to 12 Years for Fatal Shooting and Prison Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a defendant to 12 years in prison for committing two acts of violence: a shooting that claimed one life, and a stabbing in the DC Jail. 

Karlos Kinney, 24, pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal on April 2 to voluntary manslaughter while armed for shooting 25-year-old Resha Blount on April 30, 2020, on the 900 block of New Jersey Avenue, NW. As part of the same plea agreement, Kinney also pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury for stabbing another inmate in the DC Jail on Nov. 23, 2022. 

Members of Blount’s family were present in court wearing shirts that displayed pictures of Blount’s face.

“Why should the defendant make lovable memories with his family when I lost mine?” Blount’s grandmother demanded. 

Many of Blount’s family members talked about how Blount’s daughter has to grow up without a mother due to the incident. 

“Karlos Kinney took the best part of me,” Blount’s mother continued. 

Kinney read a letter out in court, apologizing to Blount’s family and stating, “I never intended to hurt her.”

The prosecutor said Kinney has been in and out of jail since he was a teenager.

Judge Epstein called this “a case where there is a need for punishment.”

Judge Epstein sentenced Kinney to 144 months of incarceration: ten years for his homicide offense and two years for stabbing an inmate. In addition to five years of supervised release, Kinney also has to register as a gun offender. 

There are no further dates set for this case.

Document: Police Arrest Man for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

 The Metropolitan Police Department’s announces an arrest has been made in an assault with a dangerous weapon (knife).

According to a press release, 43-year-old Mark Anthony Barnes approached a victim on the 1400 block of U Street, NW and assaulted the victim with a knife. The suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended by responding officers. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threating injuries. 

Document: Police Search for Suspect Vehicle Involved in Southeast Shooting

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department are asking for the community’s assistance in identifying and locating a vehicle involved in a shooting that occurred in Southeast.

On Sunday, June 23, 2024, at approximately 2:10 a.m., officers responded to the 2400 block of Elvans Road, Southeast, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile male suffering from gunshot wound injuries. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.