Suspect Pleads Not Guilty to Father’s Murder

An suspect was indicted on three charges related to the murder of his father before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Oct. 31.

De’Angelo Goldston, 37, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for allegedly shooting and killing his father, 61-year-old Darryl Smith, on Feb. 4 on the 1000 block of First Street, SE.

Goldston’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, entered a plea of not guilty, and requested that Judge Kravitz pick a date for trial, which was later set for Sept. 20, 2027.

Mosley also inquired if the prosecution was planning to call Goldston’s two-year-old daughter to the stand during trial. According to court documents, she was the only eyewitness to the incident and was in the apartment when the shooting took place.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) report, the child told detectives that “Daddy Shot Pop Pop” and imitated him falling off a chair.

The prosecution and Judge Kravitz agreed that it was premature to determine Goldston’s daughter’s role in the trial at this time, and agreed the issue would better be discussed closer to the trial date.

Parties are slated to convene on Jan. 9.

Judge Sentences Defendant For Double-Homicide Committed When He Was 16-Years-Old

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a defendant to 28 years and eight months after he accepted a plea agreement for two murders he committed when he was 16-years-old during an Oct. 31 hearing.

On Sept. 5, Michael Mason, 21, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Brea Moon on the 3900 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on April 7, 2020 and 18-year-old Antwuan Roach on the 3800 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on May 22, 2020.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 27-to-31 years of incarceration total.

According to court documents, the offenses were committed just weeks after Mason turned 16 and days after he was released from incarceration for an earlier crime.

The prosecution welcomed three of Moon’s loved ones to deliver victim impact statements for the court. Her mother shared that Moon was the captain of her high school’s cheerleading team, and would frequently cheer everywhere she went, including in parking lots and stores.

Her father shared that his life was changed forever by the death of his little girl, and that they had just made plans to go somewhere sunny after her 21st birthday. Moon was her parents’ only child.

“She was magnetic in spirit,” her godmother said. “Her absence isn’t felt, it’s lived.”

The prosecution read a statement from Roach’s mother. She shared that she will not hold hate for Mason and encouraged him to ask for God’s forgiveness.

The prosecution argued that Mason should serve the maximum sentence of 31 years. They argued that these murders were completely separate incidents where Mason acted as the “main instigator” and “followed, stalked, and ambushed his victims.” He was the one who pulled the trigger in both incidents, according to the prosecution.

The prosecution explained that Moon was just a passenger in a car. She was accidentally killed when Mason shot at the vehicle, injuring the driver as well.

The prosecution explained that Mason discovered Roach’s location, planned out what he was going to do in a series of text messages, and shot Roach when he was walking home. He then followed Roach’s family members on Instagram, liked their posts, and held an Instagram live stream where he said, “I seen a roach and I stepped on it.”

The prosecution also argued that Mason should receive the maximum sentence as deterrence because he committed the crimes only days after being released for separate crimes.

“He had a second chance but within days he got a gun, shot Roach, and six weeks later shot Brea Moon,” the prosecution said.

The prosecution argued that Mason’s violent streak continued into his time in custody. Mason is accused of stabbing someone in the DC Jail, puncturing his lung and sending him to the hospital.

Defense attorney Andrew Ain argued in his sentencing memorandum, or his recommendation, that the court should consider the average sentence of 16-year-olds charged with second-degree murder, which is 12 years.

The prosecution argued that the data presented by the defense is misleading because typically, two counts of second degree murder usually happen during one incident. They emphasized the significance of Mason’s convictions being for two completely separate incidents six weeks apart.

“This isn’t one plus one,” the prosecution said. “What the defendant committed was repeated, horrifying conduct. Reducing the victims to 12 plus 12 is simply not right.”

The prosecution also explains that the defense’s math does not include the victims who were not accounted for in the plea agreement. The prosecution reminds the court of Mason’s original charges for shooting at the driver of the car Moon was in, allegedly shooting five times at people on bikes, and allegedly engaging in two weeks of violence where six shootings were reported that involved his gun.

Ain argued that Mason should receive the minimum sentence of 27 years. He used the average sentence of 12 years to argue that the court should consider 24 years as guidance for a reasonable lower bound.

Ain argues that Mason grew up in a violent environment, explaining that he was “sucked into conflict that no young person should be a part of.” He explained that, in the community Mason was part of, anyone could be either a defendant or a victim. Ain shared that the people on the bikes are now charged with felonies as well.

Andrew Ain, Mason’s attorney, argued that the prosecution misread the text message conversations that framed Mason as the “main instigator.” He argued that Mason was not the leader of these events.

“Michael, very misguidingly, was trying to prove himself to people who are not worth proving himself to,” Ain said.

In response to the prosecution discussing Mason’s alleged stabbing in the DC jail, Ain argued that the DC Jail is known for being extremely violent. Mason was also stabbed six times the first time he was in the DC Jail.

Ain argued that Mason is remorseful for his actions. He argued that Mason refused to give a false set of facts when he accepted the plea deal to make him look better. He wanted to assume full responsibility for everything he was guilty of, guided by his strong religious beliefs.

Mason expressed to the court that the families do not deserve the pain he has caused. He thinks of his sisters when he thinks of Moon, and is regretful that his actions resulted in her death. He also shared his gratitude for Roach’s family finding peace in him accepting the plea agreement.

Judge Edelman sentenced Mason to 28 years and eight months with five years of supervised release after thoughtful deliberation. He explained that his role in the sentencing was small considering he has a “narrow band of discretion with a 10 percent difference” in the sentencing range.

Judge Edelman recognized the significance of the murders being two separate incidents that took two very young lives. He explained that he met Moon before during her testimony in an unrelated trial, and highlighted that she was never involved in criminal activity and her role in her family’s life.

He expressed the difficulty of sentencing Mason for committing the crimes when he was just 16-years-old, recognizing his immaturity and inability to weigh risks and benefits. He shared that he considered Mason’s age, testimony, additional victims, and stabbing of someone in the DC Jail, when sentencing him.

“You will be released into the community and you have an opportunity to make amends,” Edelman said to Mason referring to the opportunities Mason has once he is released.

Parties are not slated to reconvene.

Shooting Defendant With Priors Denied Release Despite Family’s Appeal

Despite emotional appeals from family, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied release on bond to home confinement for a shooting defendant on Oct. 31.

Antwan Buchanan, 50, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 29 at the 1700 block of Gales Place, NE. Two individuals sustained injuries.

Defense attorney Hannah Claudio asked Judge Park to allow Buchanan to await trial under home confinement, highlighting his strong community ties and rehabilitation efforts while incarcerated. She presented three letters to the court, two from Buchanan’s daughters and one from his pastor, describing him as a devoted father and a pillar of the community.

Claudio also noted that Buchanan, the father of seven children and grandfather of five, has a “stack of certificates” from multiple prison programs. These include classes in anger management, coping skills, and first aid. She emphasized that he had two friends in the courtroom willing to provide him housing and supervision if released.

Defense also argued that Buchanan is not a flight risk and would comply with home confinement conditions.

The prosecution opposed the defense motion, reminding the court that probable cause had been established at the previous preliminary hearing and it was “not a close call.” The prosecution detailed Buchanan’s prior convictions, including a 2016 voluntary manslaughter case and a 2008 aggravated assault case– both of which he said involved “strikingly similar circumstances” to the current charges.

The prosecution further noted that Buchanan had been in an escaped status following his 2016 case and before his most recent arrest, calling that history a serious concern for public safety and accountability. He also pointed out that the present case involves multiple gunshots fired in broad daylight, with one bystander struck. The crime was described as “an act that endangered many” over what he called a “petty dispute.”

Judge Park acknowledged the family’s and the defense’s efforts but ultimately sided with the prosecution. He said Buchanan’s prior record, the violent nature of the current charges, and the strength of the evidence weighed against release.

He added that the shooting’s occurrence in broad daylight heightened his concern and warranted continued detention to protect public safety.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 19.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 37-year-old Timothy Adams in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on Aug. 22 at a parking garage in the DC Wharf. Adams allegedly fired two shots into the ground during a dispute with a parking garage attendant. No injuries were reported, and Adams faces charges of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in 2024 Child Death

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 31-year-old James Crawley in connection with the death of 3-year-old Zy’Onne Forney, which occurred on May 8, 2024, in Southeast. Crawley has been charged with First-Degree Felony Murder and Cruelty to Children. The incident was determined to be domestic in nature.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in 2023 Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 23-year-old Martell West, alleged to be involved in a fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 19, 2023, in Southeast, DC. The victim, identified as 18-year-old Treyvon Wilson of Northwest, DC, was found deceased at the scene from a gunshot wound. West has been charged with Second-Degree Murder while Armed.

Full Mental Competency Exam Ordered for Matricide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ordered a full competency exam of his mental for a man charged with killing his mother on Oct. 31.

Ricardo Botts, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing his mother, 66-year-old Pamela Botts, on Sept. 21 on the 2100 block of 32nd Place, SE. Pamela died from her injuries on Sept. 23.

According to court documents, the individual who first reported the incident identified Ricardo as her grandson, and claimed he had a mental illness.

Judge Kravitz received a report from the Department of Behavior Health (DBH) which stated that the evaluator was unable to determine Bott’s competency, and recommended he be transferred from the DC Jail to Saint Elizabeths hospital for psychiatric evaluation. To stand trial a defendant must understand the the chages against him and be able to help his attorney.

Judge Kravitz ordered for Botts transferred, and also requested a full mental competency exam.

Parties are slated to convene on Dec. 12.

Repeat Offender Sentenced to 10 Months for Jail Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced a defendant to 10 months of imprisonment for stabbing another inmate at the DC Jail on Oct. 31.

Michael Mason, 21, pleaded guilty on Oct. 16 to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for a non-fatal stabbing at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Feb. 27. The victim suffered a punctured lung.

At sentencing, the prosecutor requested Mason serve 28 months of imprisonment with three years of supervised release.

The prosecution noted that Mason approached another inmate and stabbed him in the back twice with a sharp object. According to the prosecutor, surveillance video showed Mason laughing while the victim attempted to fight back with a broomstick.

The prosecutor acknowledged Mason’s acceptance of responsibility in the case.

Mason’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, played a video of the incident in which the victim charged at Mason with a broomstick. According to Ain, there’s a culture of violence and retaliation at the jail.

Ain acknowledged Mason “stabbed a guy in the back, you don’t do that,” but requested a sentence of only probation time.

Ain said Mason needs time to contemplate his actions but said he will already be spending a significant amount of time incarcerated. Mason was sentenced earlier in the day by DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman to 28 years and eight months of imprisonment for two different murders.

Judge Di Toro sentenced Mason to 10 months of imprisonment with three years of supervised release. She noted the imprisonment term was consecutive the other charges and the supervised release was concurrent to Mason’s other sentences.

No further dates were set.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Stabbing Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman found probable cause in a fatal stabbing case on Oct. 29.

Christopher Taylor, 36, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Michael Jackson on the 1600 block of V Street, SE, on April 10.

The prosecution called the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who stated that a trail of blood coming from the building at the crime scene led MPD to Jackson across the street.

Through private surveillance cameras, the detective stated that they were able to identify a physical altercation taking place on the driveway of the apartment building. The detective was then able to track the suspect using MPD crime cameras and private cameras that captured audio of an individual yelling. On one of the cameras the suspect can be heard yelling “I got him,” according to the detective.

The detective testified that the suspect was tracked from the location of the offense to a liquor store where the detective was able to capture an image of the suspect. Using the image, the detective issued a Be On the Lookout (BOLO).

The detective stated that they were told by a witness that the man in the photo sells stolen meat packages. The detective conducted a search of MPD’s database for Black males arrested for stealing meat packages, and found that Taylor’s photo was a likely match.

Another suspect was ruled out given the difference in appearance and their strong accent.

In a cross examination by Taylor’s attorney, Michelle Stevens, the detective agreed that no witnesses gave a description of the suspect and no one watched the stabbing happen.

Additionally, a search warrant was conducted of a home that did not yield results connecting Taylor to that home, according to Stevens and the detective.

The detective agreed with Stevens that there were obstructions in surveillance footage, but said footage of the altercation in the apartment driveway is pretty clear. Stevens also noted that it is hard to make out what words are exchanged between the two individuals initially.

Stevens stated that the clothing the suspect was wearing in surveillance footage is not unique, especially given that the suspect ruled out previously wore a similar hat.

Additionally, Stevens stated that the detective’s search of the database for Black males arrested for stealing meat yielded more than 100 results, but started and ended with Taylor. The detective stated that she did not look through the other results because Taylor’s photo matched that of the suspect.

The detective also stated that the suspect’s voice was consistent with the sound of Taylor’s voice during his arrest on April 16. The detective agreed with Stevens that she does not have any training in voice identification.

Stevens argued that a witness who identified Taylor in the BOLO had made previous claims that Taylor attempted to burn down their house.

In the prosecution’s redirect, they reasserted that the detective stopped their search of the database at Taylor because his photo matched the suspect. Additionally, the witness who identified Taylor in the BOLO did not respond to media or BOLO releases.

Prosecutors also noted that the suspect can be heard in footage saying, “You leaking, you leaking now.”

Following the detectives’ excusal, Stevens requested that the court not find probable cause. She argued that the detective relied on voice comparison, stopped her search of the database at the first result which was Taylor, footage was too far away, and the suspect’s common outfit was tracked across three different cameras.

Stevens asserted that it is unknown how the incident started, Taylor could’ve acted in self-defense. Further, there is nothing that linked Taylor to the crime scene.

The prosecution stated that the detective did not compare voices for identification, but to connect the suspect in surveillance footage to the suspect who committed the offense. They also argued that statements made by the suspect indicate that the suspect stabbed the victim. Additionally, there is footage tracking the suspect.

Judge Edelman noted that the footage is hard to discern but it is clear two people were involved in a fight. He stated that it is possible this was self-defense, but that does not defeat probable cause.

He also stated that footage connected the suspect to the incident and the witness identified Taylor in the BOLO. He asserted that while he agreed with Stevens on some of her arguments, he did not agree that the connection between footage is based on assumptions and stated that it appeared to be the same person.

Judge Edelman ruled that there was probable cause.

The prosecution requested that Taylor remain held given that he has a pending case where he allegedly tried to escape from custody. Prosecutors also stated that Taylor’s criminal history is “lengthy” and that in this case the victim was stabbed five times.

Stevens requested that Taylor be released on GPS monitoring, noting his support from his family.

Judge Edelman stated that given the nature of the offense, Taylor will remain held. He noted that Taylor has a history of violent acts including simple assault and armed robbery and he has multiple bench warrants.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 6, 2026.

After Guilty Plea, Judge Releases Stabbing Defendant

Over objections by the prosecution, a stabbing defendant was released pending sentencing after she pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Oct 28.

Kenyada Floyd, 48, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing which occurred on Sept. 19 on the 1900 block of Benning Road, NE. Two victims sustained wounds.

Colleen Archer, Floyd’s attorney, alerted the court of her intent to accept a plea deal, which required her to plead guilty to assault with significant bodily injury in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Archer also requested the defendant’s release, stating Floyd has three teenage kids she is the primary caretaker of, has a stable job she can maintain before sentencing, and would lose her apartment if she isn’t released soon.

Archer also noted Floyd was injured in the incident and presented the incident contextually as self- defense in a physical altercation.

Prosecution requested the defendant be held until her sentencing, citing that she has a history of “assaultive conflict,” noting one charge that is dated.

The judge ruled that Floyd would be released under the conditions of GPS monitoring and home confinement pending sentencing. In addition a no harassment, assault, threats or stalking (HATS) order was put into place for the two victims who live in the same apartment complex as the defendant.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing Jan. 30.

More Than Half of Pending Plea Deals For DC Violent Crimes Accepted in October

According D.C. Witness data, 34 plea deals–more than half– were accepted in October for homicide, non-fatal shooting, stabbing and carjacking cases, nearly 62 percent of the total number of pending plea deals. It’s an increase from the September plea deal total for he same crimes. .

Overall there were approximately 55 plea deals pending from current and past cases in October. Of those 55, 34 were accepted,13 were rejected, and eight are still pending.

The number of accepted pleas increased from 25 in September across the listed crimes in the District. There were 46 plea deals pending in September.

Byron Sneed, 40, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Raymond Washington on June 30, 2024, at the 700 block of Marietta Place, NW. Sneed rejected a plea deal offered to him on Oct. 8. The terms of the deal were discussed under seal with DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

For homicides, six pleas were accepted, while three were rejected, and one is still pending a decision.

On Oct. 17, Mussay Rezene, 31, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, in the fatal stabbing of 34-year-old Darrow Johnson on Aug. 19, 2023, at the DC Jail. Rezene accepted a plea deal of 15-to-20 years of incarceration for his guilty plea, and was sentenced by DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz to 20 years on Oct. 30.

Data shows there were 29 cases that began in October. Out of those cases, two plea deals were offered with defendants rejecting one plea while the other is still awaiting a decision.

Defense Questions New Limited Homicide Information Policy

Prosecutors and a defense attorney clashed over a new homicide division policy that restricts the flow of grand jury testimony and witness information to defense attorneys before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Oct. 28.

Tyquan Jennings, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Vonte Martin and the injury of another person on the 3000 block of Stant Road, SE on Aug. 19, 2024.

During an earlier hearing, Jennings’ defense attorney, Nate Mensah, and a prosecutor had come to an impasse on the terms of a protective order that defined the scope of Mensah’s access to information from grand jury transcripts.

Protective orders are legally binding agreements between prosecutors and defense attorneys that establish safeguards for grand jury information and protect the identity of witnesses in the case.

Historically, prosecutors in the United States Attorney’s Office’s (USAO) homicide division have often shared information about grand jury testimony with defense attorneys through protective orders months in advance of trial.

During the hearing, a supervisor from the USAO explained to the court that the homicide division will no longer disclose grand jury materials to defense attorneys far in advance of trial unless they agree to a protective order that stipulates that any modification to the protective order must be approved by prosecutors. The protective order prohibits the defendant from knowing who testified to what in the grand jury.

The supervisor argued that it had become commonplace for defense attorneys to use their right to have sealed conversations with Judges when discussing their theory of defense to successfully petition for modifications to protective orders. Prosecutors, unable to participate in much of these sealed conversations, were unable to effectively argue against revealing the information, the prosecutor said.

“It may seem like a big shift but there are legitimate reasons why we are doing it,” the prosecutor said.

Judge Park initially expressed skepticism about the homicide division’s new policy, though his perspective on the issue shifted during the course of the hearing. He pushed back against prosecutors’ notion that the sealed conversations put them at a significant disadvantage during evidentiary hearings, arguing that they had a right to be heard by the judge to argue against the revelation of grand jury testimony information.

Judge Park said that he was less concerned by the new policy when he understood that it would not prevent defense attorneys from petitioning for Brady information — evidence in the control of prosecutors that may be exculpatory for the defense.

Mensah disagreed with the new policy which prevented him from sharing grand jury information with Jennings and required him to notify prosecutors about any violation of the protective order. Mensah argued that compelled disclosure raised Fifth Amendment concerns, and said several times throughout the hearing that he did not think it was appropriate for him to consent to the protective order in its current form.

Judge Park said Mensah’s objections raised very important theoretical questions but that he was not in a position to practically effect any orders on prosecutors, given that the defense was not entitled to grand jury testimony up until the trial.

“Fundamentally the prosecution is right that I do not have a…legal basis to compel the prosecution to disclose grand jury information,” Park said. “This whole history will have to be something that will have to be litigated.”

During the hearing Judge Park also denied Mensah’s motion to release Jennings and accepted Jennings’ waiver of his right to independent DNA testing.

“I don’t think any circumstances have changed with respect to that determination,” Park said.

Parties are slated to return Dec 15.

‘I Do Find That It Would Be Helpful To the Fact Finders,’ Judge Says of Murder Witness Testimony

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park allowed the prosecution to use a witness’ identification of a homicide defendant as evidence over objections from defense attorneys on Oct. 28.

Dion Lee, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside the home. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Pamela Thomas, 54, on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE on Feb. 9, 2022.

Rashod Dunbar, 26, is charged with accessory after the fact for allegedly providing Lee with a change of clothes near the 500 block of 50th Place shortly after the shooting.

Much of the hearing focused on whether prosecutors could admit into evidence a witness’ identification of a man prosecutors allege is Dunbar. The defense team for Dunbar and Lee objected on the grounds that an investigator had not properly interviewed the witness and that the identification was altogether unnecessary.

Prosecutors pushed back against notions that the detective assigned to the case had acted with any impropriety in his interactions with the witness. They cited quotations from the grand jury transcript of the witness testifying that she was treated well by the police and that she did not feel coerced.

Defense attorneys Carrie Weletz, for Dunbar, and Joseph Yarbough, for Lee, argued that the standard grand jury “catch all questions” would not indicate whether the detective had made any suggestive statements about the suspect’s identity in his interactions with the witness.

Prosecutors called in the detective who said he never suggested the suspect’s identity to the witness and that the witness had always “seemed normal” in his interactions with her, never upset or angry.

Yarbough questioned the objectivity of the witness identification pointing out that the detective had met with the witness to talk about her relation to Dunbar twice before he met with her to conduct a suspect identification.

During cross-examination, the detective also said that he had mentioned Dunbar to the witness before asking her to make a witness identification in his last meeting with her. Throughout his testimony, the detective indicated he had a difficult time recalling specific details from conversations from 2022.

Yarbough and Weletz argued that the evidence was faulty because the detective had talked about Dunbar with the witness before asking her to make an identification. Yarbough also argued that, suggestivity concerns aside, witnesses could make out the suspects’ identity for themselves based on surveillance videos of the suspect, who prosecutors allege is Dunbar.

Judge Park ultimately ruled in favor of prosecutors, saying that the witness’ identification was both legitimate and useful.

“It certainly is the case that just from my observation the image is pixelated,[distorted]” Judge Park said. “I do find that it [the witness identification] would be helpful to the fact finders.”

During the hearing, Judge Park also denied a motion from Lee’s other defense attorney, Patrick Nowak, to preclude evidence of location data from the co-defendants’ phones. Novak argued that the method for locating phones based on their interactions with cell towers, known as cell-site analysis, was not widely accepted by the scientific community and imprecise.

In his denial of the motion, Judge Park said that the information did not necessarily need to meet the criteria outlined by Nowak and that courts had consistently allowed the use of cell-site analysis evidence.

“Cell site analysis has been widely accepted,” Judge Park said.

Parties were not able to resolve two issues about the qualifications of witnesses prosecutors hope to call to testify during the trial. Yarbough objected to the proposed testimony of a ballistics expert on the grounds that he did not have enough training in the evidence prosecutors hoped he would testify about.

Prosecutors said that they were working to add 20 hours to his contract for additional training and familiarization with the materials in this case and that they would inform the court of his status at the next hearing.

Yarbough also objected to specialized information witnesses testifying about information from the ballistics detection system known as ShotSpotter that prosecutors claim captured audio of five gunshots at the time of the homicide.

Yarbough’s arguments centered on the fact that the prosecutor’s proposed witness did not have the technical knowledge to answer questions about the mechanisms and reliability of ShotSpotter devices.

Judge Park said he would reserve his ruling on ShotSpotter until a later hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 15.

Repeat Offender Sentenced for ‘Gory’ Jail Murder

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz sentenced a chronic violent offender for his involvement in a fatal stabbing at the DC Jail during a hearing on Oct. 30.

On Oct. 17, Mussay Rezene, 33, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 34-year-old Darrow Johnson on Aug. 17, 2023 at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.

Through the plea deal, parties agreed to a 15-to-20 year sentence.

During the hearing, the prosecutor deemed the stabbing “gory,” stating that the incident “encapsulates the type of person [Rezene] is.”

According to the prosecution, Rezene attacked Johnson in a physical therapy room at the jail with a homemade shank and tried to flush it down a toilet.

The prosecution displayed body-worn camera footage from Rezene’s arrest three minutes after the stabbing, where he could be seen smiling and telling people he was “alright.”

The prosecutor requested Rezene be sentenced to 20 years, highlighting that Johnson was an “unsuspecting and unarmed individual,” at the time of the incident.

Johnson’s wife and daughters provided victim impact statements, highlighting his devotion to being a good father and partner. His eldest daughter told the court she’s had to step into a caretaker role since his loss, in order for their mom to have multiple jobs to make ends meet.

“Losing him was losing stability and comfort,” Johnson’s daughter cried, adding “a fair and serious sentence will show that [Johnson’s] life mattered.”

“He was my hero and best friend,” Johnson’s wife read a letter from their youngest daughter, who added “please stop the violence because no family should have to feel this kind of pain.”

The prosecution discussed Rezene’s adult criminal history, which started in 2005, and went through 2021, when he was arrested for the murder of 17-year-old Brayan Villatoro, two-weeks after his involvement in a deadly mass shooting. Rezene received a 50 year sentence for Villatoro’s murder, and three years imprisonment for the mass shooting.

According to the prosecution, Rezene has a pending federal gun trafficking case, robbery and shooting case in Atlanta, Georgia, and multiple convictions for violent offenses. The prosecution also claimed he is known to tamper with witnesses, and is the “epitome of a menace to society.”

The prosecution claimed Rezene had an “utter lack of remorse,” for everything, and refused to participate in the pre-sentence report process – an interview that helps the judge make decisions about sentencing.

“He doesn’t think the law applies to him,” the prosecution insisted, requesting a 20 year sentence.

Camille Wagner, Rezene’s attorney, requested he be sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment, stating that he accepted responsibility for his actions in the case.

“I sincerely apologize for my actions,” Rezene told Judge Kravitz, adding that he has had time to think about his life, future and change while he’s been incarcerated.

“All that I have is hope,” Rezene stated, “I’m not a monster like [the prosecution] paints me out to be.”

“I ask you to give me a chance, your honor – I want better for myself. Please give me that chance,” he said.

Judge Kravitz sentenced Rezene to 20 years of incarceration for this murder, which will run consecutively to all other sentences.

Parties are not slated to reconvene.

Defense Attorneys Claim Carjack Victim’s Testimony Inconsistent

The victim of an armed robbery faced critical cross-examination from defense attorneys in a carjacking case before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Oct. 29.

Marcus Tucker, 30, is charged with armed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon in relation to his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking that occurred April 17 at the intersection of 30th and Hartford Streets, SE.

The defense, led by Jason Tulley, questioned the victim on the information he provided to the 911 dispatcher, officers on scene, detective, and the investigator about the events in the case.

Tulley pointed out apparent inconsistencies in the description of the assailant’s clothing as wearing “all black” on the 911 call but to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, he identified a suspect in all white and a black coat as the perpetrator. The witness also gave different accounts about the number of guns present at the scene and which direction the suspects drove away.

The witness stated that he had been arrested for having an open container of alcohol a few hours before the carjacking. He stated that he bought tequila multiple times throughout the day and was repeatedly questioned about whether he was drunk when the incident occurred, which he denied.

Officers can be seen on the body worn camera footage of the victim who appeared drunk.

Tulley questioned the victim about his criminal history, where he revealed that he had a pending case in Maryland for driving under the influence and resisting arrest, and was released pending trial in a felony strangulation case in DC.

The prosecution’s redirect focused on clearing up the irregularities in the witness’ testimony by confirming that he had been confused by all the questions thrown at him by so many different people, but that he was telling the truth to the best of his ability.

During the hearing, prosecutors also questioned an FBI agent who specializes in tracking communications between cell phones and cell towers. The field, known as “historical cell site analysis,” allows investigators to locate and identify which cell towers connected to a suspect’s phone at a particular date and time.

The witness stated that Tucker’s phone was in the general vicinity of the crime scene at the time of the carjacking.

Defense attorney Marta Garcia questioned the accuracy of the map and the usefulness of historical cell site analysis in her cross examination.

“The call record doesn’t list the location of the phone itself, does it,” Garcia said. The witness testified that cell site analysis could not provide such precise information.

The trial is slated to resume Oct. 30.

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