Victim Testifies Shooting Stemmed from a Parking Argument

A defendant’s neighbor, who was the victim to a shooting, testified before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno’s courtroom on Feb. 3.

Juwan Russell, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, possession of a firearm during a violent crime, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of ammunition and destruction of property. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident on the 1000 block of 16th Street, NE on June 25, 2025. No injuries were reported.

Prosecutors called on the person who Russell allegedly targeted. In their opening statements, the prosecution claimed the disagreement that led to the shooting stemmed from a parking dispute.

After multiple heated encounters the day of the incident, the victim testified that Russell pointed a handgun towards the victim’s vehicle after which the victim heard rapid gunfire.

Living in the apartment complex directly behind the defendant, the victim claimed that he would encounter Russell several times a week. While the victim initially described their encounters as being “neighborly,” they turned into “mean mugs and stares.”

The relationship was further strained by ongoing disputes over parking. According to the victim, Russell would not permit the victim to park any of his vehicles in a parking lot adjacent to Russell’s apartment building.

The victim explained a conversation he had with Russell about this dispute stating, “we’re all neighbors, we’re all trying to park our cars.” He also expressed concerns about not wanting to get ticketed by parking his car on the street. After the victim mentioned this, Russell responded by saying “I own this,” referring to the lot and told him that “you don’t need to park your motherf*****g car back here.”

According to the victim, on the day of the incident, he was being followed by Russell and another individual, who he referred to as “young man.” He reportedly went inside a nearby building to try and find another person to provide safety. He stated he had no intention of fighting anyone.

When returning to his car, he alleged, Russell told him “I’ll f*****g kill you.” Later that same day, the victim drove past the alley and ran into Russell, who reportedly stopped him in his car, took out his gun and shot at his vehicle.

Lisbeth Sapirstein, Russell’s attorney, questioned the victim if anyone else was present in the vehicle when the shooting happened. According to the victim, his stepson was in the passenger seat. However, this was not shared in the initial police interview.

Sapirstein mentioned that the day of the incident, the victim had a BB Gun with a compressor in his car. The victim stated that the BB gun, which he described as “like an air gun,” was not visible in the car and that it didn’t belong to him. Sapirstein argued that the gun was in fact seen and that his stepson allegedly pointed the BB gun at the young man that was with the shooter.

When the victim was unable to recall his flight path after the shooting he stated, “Every intricate detail is hard to remember when bullets are coming your way.”

“It’s a lot, you know? Four, five bullets coming your way,” he stated.

The prosecution also called another neighbor who testified that her “vehicle was shot.” The neighbor affirmed this after being presented with a recording of her parking her car on the street of the incident and a later photograph of her damaged vehicle.

According to court documents, four cartridge casings were recovered on the scene by law enforcement. Parked on the same street, this neighbor’s car was found to have sustained two defects that align with the trajectory suggested by the location of the casings.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 4.

2010 Shooting Defendant Won’t Go to Court

DC Superior Court Judge Park delayed a preliminary hearing on Feb. 4 for a non-fatal shooting defendant who refused to be transported from the DC Jail.

Terry Greene, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a June 7, 2010, non-fatal shooting on the 5800 block of Fields Place NE, where one person was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

According to court documents, a witness who had known the suspect for five years reported seeing the victim walking with three others near the incident location, including a man known as “Terry,” who appeared to have a handgun under his shirt. Minutes after the group left the witness’s view, the witness heard gunshots and allegedly saw Terry running between buildings holding a gun. The witness later found the victim shot in an alley behind the building.

Since he refused to be transported, parties agreed they could not hear an officer’s testimony at the hearing without the defendant’s presence.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 12.

Suspect Held in Dirty Water Stabbing Dispute

DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones found probable cause in a stabbing case apparently resulting from a backyard argument during a preliminary hearing on Feb. 2.

Odalis Cisneros, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and first-degree burglary for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 500 block of Columbia Road, NW on Jan. 26. The victim sustained lacerations to his hand and face.

According to court documents, Cisneros allegedly forced her way into the victim’s apartment and stabbed him with a knife.

Prior to the hearing, the prosecution extended an offer to Cisneros that would require her to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and second-degree burglary. The prosecution stated that the assault charge carried a sentence of six-to-24 months and 12-to-36 months for burglary. In exchange, prosecutors would not seek an indictment with additional charges.

Theodore Shaw, Cisneros’ attorney, said his client rejected the offer and proceed with her preliminary hearing.

Prosecutors called an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who wrote the arrest warrant for Cisneros to testify. He said that he responded to a call for someone banging violently banging on the victim’s door, which escalated to a stabbing.

The officer also said that upon arriving at the scene, he recovered a knife covered in blood. The prosecutor showed photos of the knife and the victim’s injuries, which the officer confirmed were consistent with being stabbed.

Through interviews with witnesses, the officer said he learned Cisneros and the victim had previous negative encounters. According to court documents, the victim reportedly threw dirty water into their shared backyard on multiple occasions angering Cisneros and causing tension between the two.

After the officer’s testimony, Judge Jones found probable cause that Cisneros committed the charges against her and ordered she remain held at the DC Jail pending her trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 13.

Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A murder defendant pleaded not guilty after he was formally arraigned on the charges against him before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Feb. 6.

Dione Dorn, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jaydon Parson. The incident occurred on Feb. 18, 2025, on the 700 block of H Street, NW. Parson sustained five gunshot wounds.

During the arraignment, Dorn’s attorney, Megan Allburn entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf, asserted his right to a speedy trial, and requested evidence favorable to the defense from the prosecution.

Dorn appeared at the hearing remotely because he was in the hospital with an injury. The prosecutor requested an update on Dorn’s health from Allburn.

Allburn responded that she would check on Dorn as soon as possible and send an email to the prosecution and Judge Kravitz with an update.

Parties are set to reconvene on May 15.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Virgina Avenue Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in a homicide that occurred on Feb. 5 in Northwest. An adult male was found with fatal stab wounds inside a building on the 2400 block of Virginia Ave, NW. The suspect, 40-year-old Jose Perez, was arrested nearby and charged with Second-Degree Murder While Armed. The victim’s identity is pending notification of next of kin.

Document: MPD Investigating DC-295 Fatal Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a fatal crash on DC-295 that occurred on Jan. 22. Clarence Lemons, 38, was identified as the deceased motorcyclist who succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 6. The crash involved Lemons’ motorcycle striking a Mini Cooper and subsequently a Ford Edge, with both drivers remaining at the scene.

Document: MPD Makes Two Arrests in Massachusetts Avenue Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with a shooting on Feb. 6 on Massachusetts Ave, NE. A 15-year-old male was injured and transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A 17-year-old male from Northeast and a 16-year-old male from Southeast were arrested and charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

January Homicides Consist of Two Vehicular Deaths and a Shooting

According to D.C. Witness data, there were three reported homicide incidents and four victims in January – one of the victims was originally injured in December, but died in January. Two of these incidents were vehicular deaths, and the third was a shooting.

As of Feb. 5, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has identified one suspect among the three incidents.

Santana Matthews, 20, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a vehicular homicide on Jan. 7 on the 1100 block of 16th Street, NW, which resulted in the death of 26-year-old Aaron Williams.

According to court documents, Matthews was reportedly driving at a high speed when he struck another vehicle, then ricocheted and hit Williams, who was walking across the street. Matthews is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 27.

Additionally, on Jan. 7, 32-year-old MPD Officer Terry Bennett succumbed to his injuries, following an incident on Dec. 23, 2025 on the eastbound lanes of I-695 where he was struck by a high-speed vehicle. Jerrold Coates, 47, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in Officer Bennett’s death and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 10.

MPD has not identified a suspect for the other vehicular death or fatal shooting reported in January. William Gardner, 60, was struck and killed by a black 2000 Chevy Silverado while walking in the roadway on Jan. 3 in the northbound lanes of DC-295.

The first fatal shooting of the year resulted in the death of 18-year-old Malik Moore on Jan. 21 on the 1300 block of Varnum Street, NE.

MPD is currently offering a reward for information on the unsolved cases.

January 2026 Homicides in Washington, D.C (Symbol map)

Inmate Stabbed by Three Suspects, Judge Finds Probable Cause

DC Superior Court Judge Charmetra Jackson Parker found probable cause on Feb. 6 for the stabbing of a fellow inmate at DC Jail by three co-defendants.

Ernest Cleveland, 32, Nathaniel Patten, 31, and Antoine Turner, 33, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for their alleged involvement in the stabbing of an inmate at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Dec. 30, 2025. The victim sustained injuries to the upper torso and head but survived the incident.

In court, Judge Jackson Parker heard arguments for and against probable cause. The prosecution brought forward an investigator for the Department of Corrections (DoC) to testify on the facts of the case.

According to the investigator, he reviewed court surveillance (CCTV) and compiled reports from correction officers. The courtroom viewed the footage.

The footage depicted the altercation where an individual identified as Patton who was seen engaging first with the victim. Individuals identified as Cleveland and Turner were alleged filmed joining the stabbing shortly after.

The investigator said the defendants were all assaulting the victim with “stabbing like motions.”

The investigator claimed he distinctly saw Cleveland, Patten, and Turner reach into their waistbands and pull out, what he assumed to be, a sharp object resembling a “shank,” a homemade knife. He apparently knew they had weapons based on previous experience, noting that inmates often carry homemade weapons in their waistbands.

According to the investigative reports and surveillance footage, the three suspects fled the scene following the assault. According to the witness, Cleveland was reportedly observed flushing an object down a toilet in an open jail cell.

Patten’s defense attorney, Ferguson Evans, implied the investigators assumptions were not clearly based because there was no strong evidence that Patten had a sharp object in his hand.

Evans criticized the investigator’s assertion, saying just “because [Patten] has his hands in his pants” does not mean he holds a weapon.

The investigator was questioned on his interpretation of the surveillance. He continuously repeated that he could not recall the specifics, especially who possessed a weapon and who stabbed the victim from the video alone.

It was clear to the investigator, however, that Cleveland swung at the victim with stabbing motions but failed to make contact.

The prosecution argued for probable cause citing the placement of the victim’s injuries and the contact allegedly made by Patten and Turner.

Judge Jackson Parker agreed with the prosecution that there was obvious evidence pointing to assault with a sharp object by one of the defendants. She found probable cause for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge for Patten, Turner, and Cleveland.

Cleveland’s initial charge of assault with significant bodily injury was dropped due to the lack of contact between his movements and the victim. The charge remains for Patten and Turner.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 9.

‘I Can Be an Example For Other Youth,’ Shooting Defendant Says At Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz sentenced a 17-year-old shooting defendant to four years of imprisonment during a hearing on Feb. 6.

Ka’Raun Foster, 17, pleaded guilty on Sept. 19, 2025, to aggravated assault knowingly and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on March 29, 2025, on the 1200 block of 7th Street, NW. The juvenile victim suffered gunshot wounds to the stomach, left elbow, and left shoulder during the incident.

Foster was charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be charged as adults for certain serious crimes.

During the sentencing, the prosecutor requested five years of imprisonment for the possession charge, concurrent with two years for the aggravated assault charge. He opposed sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which offers sentencing flexibility, allows a sentence below the mandatory minimum guidelines, and lets a defendant’s name along with their conviction be sealed after they complete their sentence.

The prosecutor added that the victim’s family, who was present in court, agreed that Foster shouldn’t be sentenced below the minimum. He stated that the good grades and large number of certificates submitted by the defense doesn’t negate the actions of shooting the 15-year-old victim in the stomach.

According to the prosecutor, Foster’s recklessness showed ,“He doesn’t understand the consequences of his actions.”

The prosecutor argued that the YRA wasn’t made for this situation because it’s not Foster’s first encounter with the law and he “doesn’t appreciate the consequences of his conduct.” Leniency in sentencing will lead to additional offenses, said the prosecutor.

Referencing Williams v. United States, a DC Court of Appeals case that addressed the circumstances in which the YRA may apply, Judge Kravitz explained that, contrary to the prosecutor’s suggestion, the case supports application of the YRA. Judge Kravitz said when a defendant does not fully appreciate the consequences of their actions, the law reduces culpability because of their diminished understanding.

Foster’s attorney, Megan Allburn asked for two years for the aggravated assault charge and four years for the possession charge to run concurrently. Allburn said that Foster appreciated the consequences of his conduct and that’s why he should be sentenced under the YRA.

Judge Kravitz corrected Allburn, saying both parties were incorrect and argued the opposite of the law. The judge further explained that for the best argument of YRA for the defense, Foster should not understand the consequences of his actions.

Allburn continued, saying that intervention, support, and education helped Foster and will continue to help him. According to Allburn, Foster continued his education while incarcerated and had not failed any classes. In addition, Foster received many certificates for his hard work and has been playing sports, acting like a “sponge– taking on all new experiences,” said Allburn.

According to Allburn, Foster reflected on his actions, had excellent behavior while incarcerated, and found new male figures in his life to guide him.

“We are certainly able to see rehabilitation at work,” Allburn remarked and continued that Foster’s success is “concrete evidence of change and maturity.”

Foster spoke to the court, saying he thinks about the incident every day, and his emotions got in the way of his thinking during the shooting. He apologized to the victim’s family and said he’s “not a troublemaker.”

According to Foster, he supported his mom and younger sister, both present in court, and it was hard for him to see them struggle during his incarceration.

Foster said he wants to go to college and “can be an example for other youth,” in turning his life around and staying out of trouble. Foster concluded his statement by reiterating his remorse for his crimes.

Before issuing his sentence, Judge Kravitz stated the case was, “not a particularly close question,” in reference to the length of the sentence due to the incident almost resulting in a homicide. Judge Kravitz sentenced Foster under the YRA, issuing a sentence of four years of imprisonment for each charge, to run concurrently, followed by three years supervised release. Foster will be required to register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.

Allburn requested Foster stay at the Youth Services Center (YSC) at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) until his 18th birthday, a request that was granted by Judge Kravitz. The judge also granted the recommendations from Allburn that the defendant be put in educational and vocational programs, along with a GED program.

No further hearing dates were set.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Domestic Homicide

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges in the fatal shooting of his mentally impaired wife before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 2.

Josiah Garrison, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his spouse, 25-year-old Taeje Butler. The incident occurred on April 9, 2025, on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE.

Christen Philips, Garrison’s defense attorney, alerted the court that Garrison intended to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights.

According to a detective, Butler sustained a gunshot to the left side of the neck, which exited through the top right of her head and killed her instantly. An affidavit authored by the detective, and adopted as part of his testimony, stated that Garrison’s four-year-old child told Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers “Daddy had been playing scary movie games… daddy went to the closet, and got the gun and then boom.”

According to Garrison, Butler had been having severe mental mental health issues before the shooting.

The defense previously requested the charges be dismissed because the prosecution filed the indictment a week late. Judge Park denied the request and moved forward with the arraignment.

Phillips requested Judge Park dismiss the home confinement requirement for Garrison’s release conditions, asking for a curfew to be imposed in order to find a job. He was originally ordered to home confinement with GPS monitoring, a case which Judge Park described as “exceedingly rare.”

Garrison was around 20 minutes late to the hearing, which may be an issue if it happens again, according to Judge Park. The prosecutor opposed the change in release conditions and said Garrison had been late to multiple hearings.

Garrison has been reporting to his case manager from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) monthly as required and has been compliant with all conditions since July, the agency confirmed.

Judge Park granted the request, imposing a 10 p. m.-to6-a. m. curfew and said PSA would need to approve any deviation from that time frame. Garrison will also remain on GPS monitoring.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Aug. 14.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Release–For Now

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied a shooting defendant’s request for release during a hearing on Feb. 5.

Marvin Smith, 32, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE on March 22, 2022. The incident left one victim with injuries to both legs.

During a trial readiness hearing, Smith’s attorney, Janai Reed, requested Judge Arthur release Smith. Reed noted that Smith was detained for more than 850 days, stating “I think it is enough.”

Reed claimed the prosecution will be unable to provide sufficient evidence to convict Smith, citing an updated story by the victim, who Reed claimed stated Smith was not the shooter.

The prosecution opposed Smith’s release and shared a video of the victim and a shooter, who they claimed was Smith. The video showed the shooter and the victim in an altercation before the shooter brandished a firearm and fired three shots at the victim, striking him.

The prosecution asserted there was strong evidence suggesting Smith committed the offense despite the victim’s statement. In addition to the evidence, prosecutors pointed to Smith’s two prior firearm convictions and the violent nature of the offense when opposing his release.

After observing the evidence and hearing the arguments, Judge Arthur denied Smith’s motion for release. Judge Arthur said that the severity of the charges and Smith’s criminal history compelled him to keep Smith detained.

“I don’t find that a release, at this point, is warranted,” he said.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 12.

Judge Orders Updates On Homicide Defendant’s Mental Competence

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ordered the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to provide an update on their efforts to restore a homicide defendant’s mental competence on Feb. 6.

In order to stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyers.

Alberto Valle-Carranza, 56, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Reyna Garcia-Lopez, on December 19, 2023, inside an apartment on the 1200 block of 11th Street, NW.

Judge Edelman mentioned that at a prior hearing on Dec. 18, 2025, parties discussed whether Valle-Carranza was mentally competent to stand trial. As a result, Judge Edelman allowed time for a conclusive finding. The judge said Valle-Carranza had many issues including vision loss, deafness, diabetes, mental health, speech, and language deficiencies.

During the hearing, the prosecutor and a psychiatrist from DBH expressed their concerns about the lack of updates they received from DBH on evaluation and treatment efforts for Valle-Carranza. Judge Edelman indicated that little progress was made in the past few months to restore Valle-Carranza’s competence.

The psychiatrist also noted Valle-Carranza was non-compliant with his doctors. For example, Valle-Carranza refused to accept with diabetes care, which adversely impacts his mental health, said the psychiatrist. According to the psychiatrist, DBH disagreed about whether Valle-Carranza needed certain treatments.

Valle-Carranza’s defense attorneys, Julie Swaney and Andrew Ain, said since there were no updates on any treatments or testing happening, the case was questionable without successful restoration.

Given the lack of information, Judge Edelman stated he would file a written order directing DBH to submit a detailed report before March 2 including an outline of their efforts and a management plan to address Valle-Carranza’s medical and mental health needs.

Valle-Carranza was ordered by Judge Edelman to remain at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital until the next hearing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 5.

Doorbell Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A defendant who shot at two people who rang his doorbell accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on Feb. 6.

Darryl Woods, 64, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. These charges stem from his involvement in a shooting on Aug. 23, 2025 on the 4600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. Shots were fired, but no injuries were reported.

At the hearing, Erin Griffard, Woods’ attorney, said that Woods accepted an offer from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of greater than one yeaer. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the remaining charges.

As part of the agreement, parties agreed to a sentence between the bottom and bottom third of the guidelines for each charge, to run concurrently. The agreed upon sentence is subject to Judge Israel’s approval at sentencing.

Judge Israel asked prosecutors to share what the evidence against Woods would have proven if they had gone to trial.

Prosecutors said the day of the offense, Woods “shot at two victims after they had knocked on his door and ran.”

“[Woods] shot his gun knowing he had prior convictions,” emphasized prosecutors.

Judge Israel confirmed Woods’ understanding of the charges he pleaded to and the factual basis.

Parties are set to meet for sentencing on May 1.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Murder Defendant on Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman issued a bench warrant for a murder defendant on probation in a hearing on Jan. 30.

Carlos Turner, 28, was sentenced on June 5, 2025 to three years of supervised probation for second-degree murder while armed and conspiracy to commit a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Michael Taylor on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE, on Jan. 12, 2019. Two additional victims were injured during the shooting.

According to prosecutors, while on probation, Turner was charged with a new case in Virginia. The prosecution requested that Judge Edelman revoke Turner’s probation due to him failing multiple drug tests and the new case against him..

Michael Bruckheim, Turner’s defense attorney, had no objections to the prosecution’s request.

Judge Edelman said he could not revoke Turner’s probation because he was not physically present at the hearing, due to his detention in Virginia. The judge issued a bench warrant in order to return Turner to DC for further proceedings.

Parties plan to reconvene when Turner returns to DC.

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