Judge Issues Warrant After Defendant Fails to Appear

A bench warrant for arrest was filed for a stabbing defendant due to his failure to appear in court Sept. 24 He was found non-compliant with conditions of his release by DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.

Billy Williams, 68, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and panhandling.

These charges are in connection to a stabbing on Dec. 7, 2023 at Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, NW Virginia Avenue, NW at approximately 12:30pm. He was released on Jan. 9, 2024 on his own recognizance.

Williams was the object of a bench warrant on Jan. 16, 2024 with charges of failure to appear for a felony arraignment hearing and assault with a dangerous weapon. On July 12, 2024 his release status was downgraded to wearing an ankle monitoring device, weekly urinalysis and attending group therapy..

During the Sept. 24 hearing, defense attorney Henry Escoto arrived late without Williams, after Williams failed to attend the hearing. Judge Di Toro said Williams has been non-compliant in drug testing and has not kept his overnight curfew.

A second bench order was issued against Williams during the hearing for the previous charges of failure to appear for pretrial show cause hearing, and assault with a dangerous weapon (knife), and an added charge of assault with a significant bodily injury.

Williams was scheduled for a motion hearing on Oct. 10.

DC Jail Stabbing Suspect Pleads Not Guilty to Three Charges

A stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges during an arraignment on Sept. 25, before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Bernard Eddy, 24, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying dangerous weapon, felony, and unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution for allegedly stabbing a fellow inmate on March 29, 2023 at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) on the 1900 block of E Street, SE.

During the hearing, Julie Swaney, Eddy’s defense attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 22.

Carjacking Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A defendant involved in a carjacking accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Sept. 25.

Michael Hines, 36, was charged with unarmed carjacking and robbery while armed for his involvement in an armed carjacking on the 900 block of Brentwood Road, NE on March 27. One individual sustained injuries from a headlock.

According to court documents, the victim was at a gas station when Hines arrived and entered her car. She tried to stop Hines from leaving with the car, but he put her in a headlock and took her phone. The victim was able to free herself and Hines left the scene after he was unable to start the car.

In the hearing, Adam Harris, Hines’ attorney, alerted the court of Hine’s acceptance of a plea deal extended by prosecutors.

The deal, according to Harris, required Hines to plead guilty to attempted carjacking, assault with intent to commit a robbery, and two counts of robbery, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 16 for sentencing.

Shooting Defendant Faces Noncompliance Reports

A shooting defendant appeared before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Sept. 25 to address multiple reports of noncompliance with his release terms.

Juaval Huff, 29, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1300 block of Okie Street, NE, on April 22. One person sustained an injury.

According to court documents, ShotSpotter detected two gunshots and reported the sounds to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Once on scene, MPD officers located a person who was lying on the ground, suffering from a large bruise.

Allegedly, Huff pistol-whipped one victim causing the bruise and shot twice at another individual, but missed.

During the hearing, Huff’s parole officer filed a report of noncompliance, claiming Huff failed to attend drug-testing appointments or check in with him, and was arrested for other offenses in Maryland.

Huff’s defense attorney, Gregg Baron, said Huff wishes to negotiate another plea deal, since the previous one expired.

Judge Pipe allowed Huff to remain on release as parties continue to negotiate.

Parties are set to return on Oct. 16.

Stabbing Defendant to Serve 15 Days of Incarceration Instead of 730 Days

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced a stabbing defendant to two years of incarceration, with all but 15 days suspended, on Sept. 24.

On June 4, Vanetta Callaway, 39, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing incident that injured one individual on Nov. 24, 2023, on the 4500 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, Callaway and her baby dad’s new wife got into an argument that ended with Callaway cutting the woman’s face and body.

During the hearing, Judge Christian sentenced Callaway to 730 days of incarceration, with all but 15 days suspended. As part of her sentence, Callaway is required to participate in anger management classes, drug testing and treatment, and three years of probation.

No further dates were set.

Defendant Accepts Plea in Shooting, Strangulation

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal reducing his charges during a status hearing, and DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian accepted the agreement on Sept. 25.

Mico Dutch, 25, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense, and strangulation. Dutch injured his mother at their home after an argument turned violent on July 16, 2024. A vehicle was damaged during the incident, and no injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Dutch threatened to shoot his mother and then continued to assault and strangle her. The defendant shot multiple rounds into his mother’s vehicle, later fleeing and tossing the gun.

During the hearing, defense attorney Santia McLaurin alerted Judge Christian that Dutch planned to accept an Alford plea, which means the defendant maintains their innocence yet the prosecution’s evidence against them would likely result in a guilty verdict being brought to a trial.

Dutch pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and strangulation, in exchange for a dismissal of the other charge.

Under oath, Dutch explained he doesn’t remember portions of the incident as he has a history of blackouts and some attention deficit problems.

The maximum sentencing detailed in the plea for assault with a dangerous weapon conviction is up to 10 years and/or a $25,000 fine, and for strangulation, it is up to 5 years and/or a $12,500 fine.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 3.

Judge Postpones Carjacking Sentencing

On Sept. 25, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow delayed a carjacking defendant’s sentencing after his defense attorney requested additional time to review the pre-sentencing recommendation report.

On July 17, Guilbert Rojas Villarroel, 40, pleaded guilty to robbery threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and first-degree theft, for his involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred Sept. 9, 2023 on the 2100 block of K Street, NW. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, a driver was picking up an Uber Eats order when the defendant took over the driver’s seat with the owner’s brother in the passenger seat. Then, the defendant allegedly made threats to kill the car owner’s brother if he were to try and contact emergency services or the authorities.

Villarroels’ attorney, Chris Mutimer, made the postponement request.

Parties set to reconvene on Nov. 13.

Closing Arguments in Shooting Over Loud Music

Parties in a shooting incident delivered closing statements on Sept. 24 before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Calvon Brown, 31, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on March 22 on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. One individual sustained injuries.

During their closing arguments, the prosecution claimed that Brown lured the victim into the alley and shot him because he was playing rap artist Tupac’s music loudly over a speaker.

The prosecuting attorney emphasized that the victim had been consistent in his identification of Brown as the person who shot him. The prosecution reviewed camera footage of the incident, and stated that Brown “went out of his way to confront [the victim].”

However, defense attorney Tammy Thom claimed that the prosecution has no credible evidence to prove Brown guilty. She argued that the victim has not been properly investigated as the prime suspect of this case, stating he could have shot the gun himself and blamed Brown.

According to Thom, the victim continued to lie about multiple aspects of the incident, including not being armed. Thom argued that a 911 call placed by an eyewitness—which identified the victim walking away from the alley allegedly with a gun in one hand and a speaker in the other—differed from the victim’s own testimony that he was not armed during the incident.

“No one saw [Brown] with a gun,” Thom stated, adding that “The only person seen with a gun is [the victim].”

Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Judge Admits Prior Bad Actions As Evidence in Shooting Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a prosecutor’s request to introduce a shooting defendant’s prior bad acts through the victim’s testimony on Sept. 24.

Jamal Coleman, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed, for his alleged involvement in a May 4, 2023 drive-by shooting that occurred on the 4600 block of Polk Street, NE.

According to the parties, Coleman acted as the driver of the vehicle when an occupant’s shot and injured one person.

At the hearing, the prosecution’s motion for reconsideration to admit prior bad acts evidence through the victim’s testimony, which was filed on Sept. 23, was granted.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller and Carrie Weletz insisted the motion doubles down on conspiracy charges and prejudicial information, as the defendant was not the alleged shooter and Coleman had no knowledge that the shooting would occur.

Judge Brandt disagreed, and told them they would have a chance to question the victim themselves.

Judge Brandt argued that the legal theory that allows the motion to be granted is based on Coleman’s alleged aiding and abetting of the shooter. Aiding and abetting allows an individual who may have not specifically acted in an incident to be charged with the same charges as the perpetrator due to their knowledge and encouragement of the incident.

Due to issues with the lead prosecutor, the trial, which was slated to begin Sept. 24, was delayed by a day.

Parties will reconvene Sept. 25.

Jury Delivers Guilty Verdict for Shooter Claiming Self-Defense

A jury convicted a shooting defendant of nine out of 11 charges, following a multi-week long trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sept. 24.

Adrian Lee, 49, was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a shooting incident that left an individual injured on April 18, 2023, on the 700 block of Gresham Place, NW.

During the trial, prosecutors and Lee’s defense team, Albert Amissah and Destiny Fullwood-Singh, argued Lee acted in self-defense following a confrontation after a car accident.

However, the prosecution said Lee disregarded the victim’s and his wife’s safety, and used unnecessary force after a dispute over Lee’s expired insurance card. Prosecutors deemed the shooting unprovoked.

The jury, which started deliberations on Sept. 23, convicted Lee of all charges, except assault with intent to kill and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec 13.

Prosecution Extends Deadline for Shooting Defendant’s Plea Offer

The prosecution placed a plea offer on the record and extended the deadline when a shooting defendant must make his decision before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Sept. 25.

Mekhi Wilkins, 19, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Aug. 20 at the 200 block of 37th Place, SE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, a police officer was flagged down for help by a woman who said a passenger in her vehicle’s left ankle was grazed by a bullet.

Wilkins is also charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Jan. 20 at the 1100 block of Holbrook Terrace, NE. No injuries were reported.

At the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court that they had provided the defense more time.

This offer would require Wilkins to plead guilty to aggravated assault and possession of a firearm. In exchange, the prosecution would agree to dismiss Wilkins’ other pending case.

The defense originally had a deadline of Sept. 25 but are now required to make a decision about the plea offer by Oct. 4.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 4.

Prosecution Calls Shooting ‘A Neighborhood Dispute That Went Too Far’

During a jury trial in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on Sept. 25, the prosecution labeled a non-fatal shooting as a “neighborhood dispute that went too far.”

Jamal Coleman, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one victim. The incident occurred on May 4, 2023, on the 4600 block of Polk Street, NE.

The prosecutor noted that the victim was a neighbor of Coleman’s, and that on May 4, 2023, the victim was walking to pick up his kids from school and heard two men say, “We’re gonna light his a** up.”

The prosecution alleged that shortly after this statement, Coleman and an unnamed accomplice drove down an alley and shot at the victim while he was walking. The victim then ran down a Metro station escalator for help.

The prosecution clarified that Coleman was the driver of the car, not the shooter, but that Coleman drove the car to an optimal location for the shooter. The prosecutor said that he was the only one of the men who had issues with the victim.

He “acted with intent to kill” and “intended to cause serious injury,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecution argued that the victim sustained a serious life-altering injury because he had to have his knuckle replaced, rendering his hand permanently disabled.

The defense the prosecutor’s opening statement nothing more than a “good story.” The defense stated that Coleman didn’t have a gun, didn’t fire a gun, didn’t intend for anyone to get hurt or killed, didn’t have a plan, and wasn’t working with anybody.

Further, the defense alleged that the victim didn’t mention Coleman until hours later when police suggested him, stating that the victim has “got a lot of stuff. A lot of issues. He has other things going on.”

“These holes. These missing pieces. They matter… We are asking you to do the only thing that is right and just in this case and that is finding Mr. Coleman not guilty,” Coleman’s defense lawyers told the jury.

The prosecution called the former lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective on the case who described seeing multiple shell casings in the street and a trail of blood in the Metro station.

The detective explained how they were able to identify Coleman’s vehicle from videos from the station and that the vehicle was identified later that day outside of Coleman’s residence.

The prosecution also called the plastic surgeon who operated on the victim’s injuries who testified that the victim had two open wounds in his hand when he originally came to the ER.

X-rays of the victims injuries were admitted into evidence and the doctor showed that the victim had three broken finger bones and others that were missing.

The witness explained that the victim required two surgeries, one to remove debris from the hand and one to do a bone graft and stabilize the hand with plates and screws.

He stated that the victim would need a lot of physical therapy for his hand and that his hand would not have the same mobility and function it once had.

The trial is slated to resume on Sept. 26.

Stabbing Defendant Acquitted on Self-Defense Grounds

A jury returned a verdict of not guilty in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Sept. 25.

Amadelia Hernandez, 34, was acquitted of assault with a dangerous weapon for a stabbing incident that occurred on March 29 on the 400 block of Emerson Street, NW. One individual sustained an injury to the lower right side of the back.

According to court documents, Hernandez was alleged to have stabbed the victim after overhearing a conversation between the victim and another individual.

During the trial, Damon Catacalos, Hernandez’s attorney, argued that Hernandez was acting in self-defense, citing multiple incidents in which the victim threatened or assaulted Hernandez prior to the incident.

The victim’s allegedly excessive drinking supported the defense’s argument. During testimony, the victim admitted telling doctors he went on a five-day drinking binge.

The jury acquitted Hernandez after six days in trial.

No further hearings are scheduled for this case

In Closing, Defendant Claims Stabbing Was in Self-Defense

A stabbing defendant’s attorney insisted to the jury on Sept. 24 that his client acted in self-defense, before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno.

Amadelia Hernandez, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on March 29 on the 400 block of Emerson Street, NW. One individual sustained an injury to the lower right-part of their back.

According to court documents, when police arrived on the scene, the victim pointed to Hernandez, claiming she had been the one to stab him. She was detained.

Damon Catacalos, Hernandez’s defense attorney, called her to testify.

During her testimony, Hernandez claimed that a day before the incident, the victim hit her multiple times, threatening her with a knife by holding it up to her stomach. According to Hernandez, due to that incident, she did not feel safe at her residence, and announced that she tried to look for a new place to live in the midst of working two jobs.

On cross-examination, the prosecution argued Hernandez was infuriated with the victim for acting belligerently.

Moreover, the prosecution tried to prove that the defendant was not acting in self-defense due to the extended time between both attacks, stating the victim allegedly attacked her the night before Hernandez allegedly stabbed him.

The defense also called a tenant that lives at the house where the incident. He testified that the victim gets constantly drunk and tried to pick a fight with him days before the incident.

The prosecution argued that the witness wanted revenge against the victim due to a physical altercation they had which sent the witness to jail. The witness further testified that, despite being mildly upset, he has no real problems with anyone, and his case regarding the victim in this incident has since been dismissed.

In closing the prosecution argued that Hernandez could not have acted in self-defense because she was not in fear of Javier at the time of the incident. The prosecution argued that Hernandez’ self-defense claim was moot, due to the time between the initial aggression by the victim and her reaction.

However, Catacalos argued that the victim’s actions escalated over time and further argued that the victim was not credible, citing his tendency to allegedly lie under oath.

Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

‘We Are Here For Accountability,’ Prosecutor Says in Murder Retrial

On Sept. 24, parties delivered opening statements in a homicide and obstruction of justice trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Eugene Burns, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III, on Nov. 14, 2015, on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.

Burns was convicted of these charges in 2017, but the conviction was overturned in 2020 when the DC Court of Appeals ruled that the search warrants for cell phones seized as evidence in the case were unconstitutional because they were overly broad.

Burns and Tyre Allen, 24, are also charged with obstructing justice. In 2020, the two allegedly attempted to persuade and intimidate a witness into recanting testimony he gave against Burns in the original murder trial.

Prosecutors in their opening statement said Burns murdered Osuchukwu, who was his best friend, because he wanted a bigger cut of the profits in their drug-dealing business. They said Osuchukwu was visiting DC to work on their business, and Burns allegedly shot him when he arrived at Burns’ mother’s apartment.

“The defendant was fed up with the terms of his drug partnership,” the prosecutor said.

According to prosecutors, there is evidence that shows Burns searched online “What does it feel like to murder someone?” days before shooting Osuchukwu. They added he also took a quiz called, “Are you capable of murdering your best friend?”

Prosecutors claimed Burns texted multiple people about the murder, saying “I’m clapping him today,” on the day Burns thought the victim was coming into town.

“He was researching not just how to do it, but how it would feel,” the prosecutor said.

Prosecutors said in prior proceedings, Burns enlisted the help of Allen in pressuring a witness to recant testimony that Burns told him. Prosecutors played recorded jail calls between Burns and Allen discussing them allegedly trying to get a witness to sign an affidavit that Burns did not confess.

“We are here for accountability,” the prosecutor said.

Jocelyn Wisner, Burns’ attorney, said during her opening statement that there is no physical evidence that links Burns to the crime and that unidentified DNA was found under the victim’s fingernails that points away from Burns as the shooter.

According to Wisner, Burns left his mother’s apartment before the shooting took place, but investigators neglected to look into other leads because they were set on Burns being the shooter.

“The [prosecution] saw a simple story that won’t be backed up by the evidence,” Wisner said.

Wisner argued the witness who claims he was pressured into signing a false affidavit is “unreliable” and “can’t get his story straight.” She said Allen was homeless in 2015 and told the police Burns murdered the victim because he wanted the reward money for providing information.

Parties will reconvene Sept. 25.

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