Judge Describes Conduct as ‘Completely out of Character’ for Obstruction Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a co-defendant on June 25 for her involvement in an Instagram post that identified witnesses in a homicide case.

Tyeesha Miller, 30, pleaded guilty to attempted obstruction of justice on May 29 for her participation in sharing an instagram post on July 3, 2022 that included the names of witnesses in a homicide case. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors reduced Miller’s initial felony charges of conspiracy and obstruction of justice to one count of misdemeanor obstruction of justice.

Danielle Price, 30, Miller’s co-defendant, pleaded guilty to the same charge and was sentenced to 180 days, fully suspended, and one year of unsupervised probation.

Miller’s other co-defendant, Richard Price, 27, Danielle’s brother, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and five counts of obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Danielle Hicks-Best, on the 300 block of 56th Street, NE, on April 27, 2022. Hicks succumbed to her injuries in May 2025.

These charges also stem from Richard’s alleged involvement in a shooting on the 300 block of 56th Street, NE, on June 1, 2022. No injuries were reported.

Judge Ryan sentenced Miller to 180 days, will all time suspended, and one year of unsupervised probation. Miller is also required to make a payment of $50 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund within five years.

“Its a dangerous thing that you were involved in, it seems to be completely out of character, please it keep it that way,” said the judge.

During the sentencing, Judge Ryan highlighted Miller’s contributions to society, lack of a criminal record, and adherence to pretrial mandates. However, he also stressed the gravity of the offenses connected to Miller’s case.

According to court documents, Miller participated in a phone call with Richard and Danielle where the three attempted to identify witnesses from Richard’s arrest warrant and created an Instagram post with their names.

“It’s a type of conduct that aligns with the violence, it perpetuates it, ” said the prosecution.

The prosecution recommended a 180 day suspended sentence with an extended period of probation, emphasizing the underlying offenses in the case. The Instagram post received a multitude of likes and shares. They attributed the post’s popularity for creating a “reluctance of witnesses and community members to come forward” in the homicide case.

Prosecutors recommended an extended period of probation to prevent Miller from interfering in Richard’s upcoming homicide trial.

Miller’s attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, recommended 30 days of suspended time followed by a brief unsupervised probation.

“This is not someone who is involved in criminal activity. It is someone who made a bad decision,” said Judkins.

The defense emphasized that Miller will not put herself in the same position again.

Before Judge Ryan read her sentence, Miller said she was “ready to put this case behind [her].”

Judge Ryan imposed the same sentence for Miller and Danielle, highlighting productive behavior in the co-defendants’ current lifestyles.

No further dates were set for Miller.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Shooting His Stepson

A non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea deal during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 26.

Bruce Lee, 47, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for shooting his stepson, who sustained a gunshot wound to his back. The shooting occurred on Oct. 16, 2025, on the 400 block of Douglas Street, NE.

Lee’s attorney, Shawn Sukumar, said Lee accepted a plea deal from prosecutors that required him to plead to assault with intent to kill. Prosecutors will not seek any additional charges and dismiss the original charges against Lee.

Prosecutors asserted on the record that if the case had proceeded to trial the evidence would have proven that Lee shot his stepson one time after a verbal altercation became physical. His stepson was leaving the scene, and Lee shot him one time in the back, then left the scene.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Aug. 28.

Judge ‘Just Can’t Accept’ Guilty Plea After Homicide Defendant Suggests Self-Defense

In a hearing on June 25, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman rejected a sentence agreed to in a plea deal amid concerns a homicide defendant acted in self-defense.

Emmanuel Lewis, 36, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and tampering with physical evidence. These charges stemmed from his involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Kwame Keith on the 1500 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE, on Oct. 30, 2023.

Lewis signed an agreement on May 15 in which he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for prosecutors dismissing the remaining charges. The agreement specifies that Lewis’ actions were intentional and not in self-defense. This charge carries a maximum penalty of life or 40 years of imprisonment, but parties agreed that Lewis would serve 15 years in prison, subject to Judge Edelman’s approval.

According to Judge Edelman, Lewis suggested in a pre-sentence report filed on June 22 that his actions were in self-defense. In the report, he alleged that Keith had a “machine gun” which Lewis believed that Keith would use in an altercation.

“It was either me or him. I got kids,” Lewis stated in the report.

In court, Judge Edelman expressed concern over the discrepancy, noting that he was “stuck because one of these versions” of the incident “is true and one is not true.”

Lewis’ attorney, Russell Hairston, attempted to clarify that Lewis panicked when he talked with the pre-sentence report writer.

When asked by Judge Edelman whether his actions were in self-defense, Lewis said that Kieth “drew, so I reacted.” However, Lewis maintained that he was not claiming he acted in self-defense.

“I just wanna put this behind me and move forward,” Lewis asserted.

To this, Judge Edelman expressed concern about accepting the parties’ plea agreement, as he predicted that Lewis may later claim that the plea was entered improperly.

“This isn’t going forward today… I just can’t accept a plea,” Judge Edelman said.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 7.

‘I Think About Them Everyday,’ Says Defendant Sentenced to 29 Years for Fatal Crash That Killed 3

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Nakita Walker, 46, to 29 years in prison for her involvement in a vehicle crash that killed three on June 25.

A jury convicted Walker on April 6 of three counts of involuntary manslaughter, assault with a dangerous weapon, and fleeing a law enforcement officer. The jury found Walker not guilty of three counts of second-degree murder. The charges stem from her involvement in a fatal crash that killed Mohamed Kamara, 43, Jonathan Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22, on March 15, 2023 on Rock Creek Parkway, NW.

According to evidence presented by the prosecution during trial, Walker’s blood-alcohol level was over twice the legal limit as she fled police at a traffic stop and crashed on the parkway. Judge Brandt also noted that Walker has five previous convictions for driving while under the influence.

At sentencing, both Walker and her attorney, Albert Amissah, chronicled Walker’s success during her incarceration over the past few years. Walker graduated from the Georgetown Prison Scholars Program, and participated in other rehabilitation programs. Amissah quoted numerous letters from Walker’s peers and teachers who reiterated that she actively seeks to better herself.

“This is not the same person,” Amissah, who previously represented Walker in another case, said. “She deserves a chance.” Amissah asked for the sentence to be on the lower side of the guidelines laid out in the pre-sentencing report, and for Walker’s sentences to run concurrently for each charge.

The prosecution acknowledged that Walker had a traumatic childhood and was later a stabbing victim, yet argued that she is now middle aged. In reference to Walker’s past convictions, the prosecutor said, “It’s shocking that she managed to make it this far without hurting someone.” They asked for a sentence of 29-and-a-half years.

The prosecutor also read a statement from a cousin of Torres Velasquez. The cousin wrote, “We grieve not only for who he was, but all the moments and milestones we won’t be able to share with him.”

Members of Cabrera Mendez’s family spoke to the courtroom as well, supporting each other as they grew emotional.

“Behind all of this, there is a family that suffers daily,” a written statement from Cabrera Mendez’s brother said.

Cabrera Mendez’s mother urged the court to see her son beyond his judicial file. “Remember that behind this case, there is a human being,” she said.

The mother said her son was everything to her, and she mourns that she’ll never see him start his own family.

Walker spoke after the victims’ families, apologizing. “When I heard you crying on the stand, it broke my heart,” she said to Cabrera Mendez’s family. Walker said she is also a mother.

“I think about them everyday,” Walker said. “I deserve to be in jail.”

Judge Brandt thanked Walker for taking accountability, and mentioned how every time there was a civilian witness on the stand during the trial, Walker cried.

Judge Brandt said she would request that the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP) send Walker to a facility within driving distance of DC so her family can visit, as well as one with programs for addiction and mental health treatment.

Walker faces eight years in prison for each manslaughter charge, five years for assault, and two concurrent years for fleeing police. This will be followed by five years of supervised release. She is not permitted to drive until later notice from the court.

There are no further hearings scheduled in this case.

Vehicular Homicide Defendant Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Spiro Stafilatos, 39, on June 25 to 35 years of imprisonment for a car crash that killed one pedestrian and injured another.

A jury convicted Stafilatos on May 6 of second-degree murder, aggravated assault with a known grave risk while armed, and fleeing a law enforcement officer for the incident that occurred on Dec. 30, 2022 at the intersection of 14th Street and New York Avenue, NW. Shuyu (Sophie) Sui, 31, was killed, and her wife was critically injured.

Before reading her sentence, Judge Brandt emphasized that the root cause of the incident was that Stafilatos drove while under the influence of drugs. She also said that intent didn’t matter for the charges he faced, as “Stafilatos made multiple bad decisions” that disregarded the safety of those around him.

Stafilatos maintained that his mental health struggles needed to be taken into account to mitigate his sentence.

In 2020, Stafilatos was beaten by the Montgomery County Police Department, a video of which was shown in trial. Stafilatos testified to the jury he has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which instilled a fear of law enforcement and led to the crash two years later. His PTSD was confirmed by two experts from both the defense and prosecution. Before the crash, Stafilatos had been fleeing United States Secret Service officers on bikes who saw that his car was not registered and conducted a traffic stop.

The prosecution argued at his sentencing that Stafilatos has a long criminal history, including an armed robbery that he was on probation for at the time of the crash, and was willing to put every nearby pedestrian in danger that day.

The prosecutor asked for 45 years of imprisonment, which Stafilatos’ attorney, Brian McDaniel, called “tantamount to a life sentence” for his client. McDaniel asked for a sentence of 15 years.

During the hearing, Sui’s uncle spoke and a victim witness coordinator read a statement on behalf of Sui’s mother.

The family members chronicled Sui’s immigration to the US from China as well as her successful academic and professional career. Sui’s mother said, at the time of her death, Sui’s life was at its “prime.”

“She was all the focus of our lives and all our hopes for the future,” Sui’s mother’s statement read.

The victim’s mother wrote that her husband, Sui’s father, was consumed by grief after his only daughter’s death, which caused his physical and mental health to decline. He died last year, she wrote.

Stafilatos’ sister also made a statement to the court. She detailed his difficult childhood and lack of necessary mental health intervention.

“There is another part of him that we don’t see on record,” Stafilatos’ sister said as she explained his family-oriented attitude.

Stafilatos apologized to Sui’s family and said, “I’m a family person, and I know how y’all feel to lose somebody.” He invited them to visit him in prison to talk, and repeated that he never intended to harm anyone.

Throughout the hearing, Stafilatos and McDaniel claimed that another car clipped Stafilatos’ during the incident, which caused his car to slide into the intersection. Judge Brandt called this an example of Stafilatos’ refusal to take accountability for his decisions.

Judge Brandt said she would make a request to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP) that Stafilatos be sent to a facility with the Life Connections Program, an multi-faith residential program that focuses on reducing recidivism, which Stafilatos requested himself.

Judge Brandt sentenced Stafilatos to 20 years in prison for murder, 15 years for assault, and two concurrent years for fleeing. The sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release and Stafilatos is legally not allowed to drive.

Stafilatos and McDaniel may file an appeal within 30 days of the sentencing. At the end of the hearing, Stafilatos verbally expressed his desire to appeal.

No further hearings were scheduled.

Carjacking Defendant Disputes Signed Plea Offer

An armed carjacking defendant disputed the description of the offense presented in a plea agreement he had already signed in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on June 23.

Dominick Carter, 22, is charged with armed carjacking, two counts of robbery while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident at the 1600 block of W Street, SE, on Jan. 21, 2025.

The defendant apparently agreed to plead guilty to armed carjacking and carrying a pistol without a license, in exchange for the prosecution dropping all other charges and not pursuing an indictment with additional charges related to the incident.

According to the prosecutors, if the case went to trial they would prove that two individuals went to Carter to buy marijuana. When they arrived, Carter allegedly approached their car window with a handgun, forced them into an apartment, and robbed them at gunpoint. Then, he reportedly directed them back to their car, drove to the Anacostia Metro station, dropped them off, and drove away with the victims’ car.

Judge Salerno attempted to confirm that Carter knowingly and voluntarily agreed to enter into his plea deal. After the prosecutor read the details of the offense, Judge Salerno asked Carter if he found the facts to be true, to which Carter replied, “No.” Carter did not state his exact disagreement with the prosecutors’ description of the offense.

Judge Salerno replied, “I guess the question is: why did you sign it?”

Carter consulted his attorney, Theodore Shaw, and then told Judge Salerno, “My bad, it’s a hard decision.” He revised his answer and momentarily agreed that the summary was accurate.

Judge Salerno briefly praised Carter for thoroughly reviewing all the paperwork rather than blindly accepting the plea agreement.

The prosecution reiterated the evidence, arguing they would have led a jury to find Carter guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

When Judge Salerno asked Carter if the prosecution’s recount of the incident was true, he responded, “No.”

Salerno noted that this was the second time Carter contested the basis of the agreement and immediately said they needed to “halt” the hearing until the defendant’s words in court matched his signature out of court.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 29.

Judge Releases Vehicular Homicide Defendant With Jail Warning

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted the release of a fatal crash defendant after finding probable cause on June 18.

Tyrique Dorsey, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in an April 22, 2025 fatal crash that killed 47-year-old Edward Pearson in the northbound lanes of DC-295 near the exit for Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Pearson succumbed to his injuries on April 23, 2025.

According to testimony from a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Major Crash Investigations Unit (MCIU) detective, Pearson had been a passenger in a black pickup truck that stopped in a traffic gore–a space that separates an exit from a main highway. Pearson and the driver exited the vehicle to adjust the truck’s bed cover. In court, parties debated the precise series of events that led to Pearson’s death.

In cross-examination, Dorsey’s attorney, Quiana Harris, asserted that Dorsey was traveling in his red convertible when another vehicle suddenly stopped in front of him. In order to avoid collision, Dorsey allegedly swerved into the gore and struck the pickup truck.

The detective said the impact from Dorsey’s vehicle caused Pearson to be moved into the roadway after which he was struck by a third vehicle.

“[Pearson] wouldn’t have been in the roadway if the red car didn’t strike the black car,” the detective said.

According to court documents and the detective’s testimony, a toxicology report completed after the accident stated that Dorsey had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 146 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). According to the detective, the legal limit that constitutes intoxication is 100 mg/dL.

Harris confirmed with the detective that vehicles are not legally allowed to stop in traffic gores. Harris also emphasized that all but one witness report concluded that the third vehicle allegedly struck Pearson, rather than Dorsey’s vehicle.

Harris argued that the incident was “tragic and unfortunate,” adding that “no one could have predicted or prevented” the accident.

“The circumstances in no way were caused by the consumption of alcohol,” Harris said.

Judge Brandt ultimately granted the prosecution’s request to find probable cause. The prosecution argued that Dorsey acted in “conscious disregard” through his consumption of alcohol the day of the incident and the manner in which he drove his vehicle.

In delivering her ruling, Judge Brandt also emphasized the difference between sufficient evidence in determining probable cause versus the burden of beyond a reasonable doubt required for a jury verdict.

“You’re going to have an awfully hard time convincing a jury of 12 that this was anything more than involuntary manslaughter,” Judge Brandt said.

Ruling in favor of the defense, Judge Brandt determined that there were sufficient conditions for Dorsey’s release that could ensure the safety of the community. The judge ordered Dorsey to complete drug and alcohol tests, stay away from his passenger involved in the incident, and not operate a vehicle.

In delivering her ruling, Judge Brandt warned Dorsey that he “talk[s] too much” and that she felt “nothing but cockiness” described his behavior in court documents. According to court documents, during a custodial interview after his arrest, Dorsey reportedly asked a detective to call his workplace and lie that he had a medical emergency, instead of revealing the nature of his absence.

“If you violate my rules, I’m going to send you back to jail,” Judge Brandt said.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 18.

Fatal Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea, Faces Trial

A fatal stabbing defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan during a hearing on June 15.

Vanessa Bonaparte, 34, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, threat to kidnap or injure a person, destruction of property more than $1,000 and tampering with physical evidence for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Dwayne Boyd on June 22, 2024, on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE. Boyd sustained two stab wounds to the chest.

The prosecution extended an offer for Bonaparte to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter and have the remaining charges in the indictment dismissed. They also agreed to request a sentence within the voluntary guidelines. Based on the severity of the offense and criminal history score, voluntary manslaughter typically carries a five-to-10 year sentence.

Bonaparte said she understood the plea deal but chose to reject it, moving forward towards a jury trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 6 ahead of the trial scheduled to begin on July 20.

Defendant Takes a 17 Year Plea for Wife’s Murder

A defendant accepted a plea deal for the murder of his wife before DC Superior Court Judge Judge Danya Dayson on June 26.

Charles Terry, 61, was originally charged with first-degree murder for his involvement in the fatal beating of his wife, 39-year-old Lennette Clark, on Jan. 30, 2023 on the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, the murder occurred in their home in the presence of their two children. Clark succumbed to her injuries, which include significant blood loss, blunt force trauma to the head, lacerations, and fractures.

The plea deal required Terry to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and agreed to a sentence of 17 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Had the case gone to trial, prosecutors claimed they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Terry killed Clark in their home, and one of their kids called a family member for help when they discovered her body.

Parties further agreed that Terry went to a family member’s house, who called 911 after they observed him acting erratically and with Clark’s blood on him.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 23 for sentencing.

Release Continues for Non-Fatal Shooting Suspect Despite Monitoring Violations

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz maintained a non-fatal shooting defendant’s release conditions on June 22 despite GPS monitoring violations.

Meyona Rorie, 25, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly grave risk, and assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 3600 block of Ames Street, NE, on Aug. 20, 2025. One victim sustained a gunshot wound to the forearm.

The court arraigned Rorie on the charges against her and defense attorney Michael Lawlor, pleaded not guilty to all three charges on Rorie’s behalf. Lawlor also asserted Rorie’s rights to a speedy trial and requested evidence in the case.

Rorie was previously released to home confinement with GPS monitoring on Oct. 10, 2025, and Judge Kravitz and a Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) officer reviewed Rorie’s reported release violations that occurred on two separate occasions.

The prosecution argued that Rorie’s violations were “incredibly concerning,” especially given that one of the infractions occurred overnight. They added that the court already gave Rorie an opportunity to abide by the release conditions and asked for her release to be revoked.

Lawlor reiterated that Rorie maintained constant communication with her PSA officer and has otherwise been compliant. Lawlor requested that Rorie’s conditional release continue.

He argued that the first violation, which occurred on June 11, was a GPS monitor malfunction and that Rorie could not recall what happened that day. Rorie’s second violation occurred overnight from June 16 to 17. The defense mentioned Rorie received a new GPS monitor the day after the violation occurred, suggesting there was a potential problem with the monitor.

A PSA representative confirmed that Rorie’s case manager was unable to confirm her location during the time of her violation. As a result, the representative asked to withdraw the release recommendation. Another PSA representative confirmed that Rorie’s monitor was inspected and replaced the day after her violation due to “sizing” issues.

Judge Kravitz held that Rorie’s compliance has been consistent and he did not revoke her release or order her detention. Rorie’s conditions of release were maintained, with increased monitoring from PSA. Judge Kravitz warned Rorie that his “reaction may be very different next time” if she violates her release conditions.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 17.

Defendant Who Followed, Fatally Shot Victim Accepts Plea Deal

A homicide defendant accepted a deal extended by prosecutors, pleading guilty to second-degree murder while armed before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on June 22. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges.

Yazmin Owens, 26, was originally charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for her involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Nakysia Lemon-Williams on Nov. 14, 2023, on the 1900 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE. Lemon-Williams sustained one gunshot wound to her torso.

As part of the plea agreement, the parties agreed to a sentencing range of 20-to-24 years of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, subject to Judge Kravitz’s approval.

Without the plea deal, second-degree murder carries a maximum of 40 years in prison.

Had the case gone to trial, prosecutors claimed they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Owens followed Lemon-Williams out of her apartment and shot once, killing her.

Judge Kravitz ensured Owens knowingly and voluntarily accepted the plea deal.

Parties are slated to reconvene for Owens’ sentencing on Sept. 11.

Carjacking Defendant Released After Prosecutors Request Trial Delay

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno released an armed carjacking defendant during a trial readiness hearing on June 26.

Eduardo Cordova, 27, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on March 23, 2024, at the 3300 block of 7th Street, SE.

At the hearing, the prosecutor requested that the court extend the indictment deadline. Judge Salerno granted this request, although expressed skepticism that the prosecution would be able to meet the new August deadline after the prosecutor explained the need for the extension under seal. The prosecution said they remained confident that they would be ready by then.

As a result, Cordova’s trial, which was scheduled to start July 8, was delayed.

Additionally, Salerno informed the prosecutor that when an indictment is extended to the nine month deadline the court can only hold the defendant if they will be indicted within 45 days. The prosecutor explained to the court that the extension would be 46 days from the present day and hoped he might be permitted to still argue for a hold.

Judge Salerno disagreed and ruled for Cordova’s release with GPS monitoring. Cordova was ordered to stay away from the area of the incident and from the victims during release.

During the hearing, Cordova’s attorney Antontio Camacho also made a motion, arguing orally for the case to be dismissed entirely. However, Judge Salerno denied the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 13.

Judge Maintains GPS Monitor for Compliant Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno didn’t remove GPS monitoring for a stabbing defendant, despite his compliance with release conditions in a hearing on June 24.

Robert Richardson, 35, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing that occurred on Nov. 17, 2025, at the 1200 block of 18th Place, NE. The victim sustained a wound to the right side of his back and a laceration to his right shoulder.

According to court documents, the victim and Richardson’s cousin were reportedly involved in a domestic dispute earlier the same day. Later, Richardson and one other suspect allegedly assaulted the victim in his apartment.

At the hearing, Richardson’s attorney, Edward Joseph requested his removal of his client’s GPS monitor . Richardson was released on May 18 with electronic monitoring and ordered to stay away from the victim.

Joseph cited Richardson’s compliance with court orders since his arrest on May 15, such as keeping the monitor on and regularly charging the device, as the basis for his request.

The defense also argued that GPS monitoring was not necessary, as the victim is currently incarcerated, reducing concerns about violations of the stay-away order.

The prosecution opposed the request, noting that, in addition to the victim, the cousin still remains a potential contact concern for Richardson.

Judge Salerno denied the request at the hearing, stating that despite Richardson’s compliance, there remained sufficient reason to continue GPS monitoring. However, Judge Salerno said he would revisit the issue before the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 18.

Judge Grants Stabbing Defendant’s Release in Dispute With Neighbor

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe released a stabbing defendant, but gave her a stay-away order from the victim and the crime scene on June 23.

Sharee Harris, 33, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 6 on the 1700 block of 16th Street, SE. The victim sustained a wound to her abdomen, three to the left hand, and a superficial wound to her cheekbone.

Harris’ co-defendant and boyfriend, Phillip Capers, 34, is charged with simple assault for his alleged involvement in the same incident.

According to court documents, the incident allegedly stemmed from arguments between neighbors over several noise complaints Harris received from her landlord. Harris and Capers lived directly above the victims and a brawl allegedly broke out when Harris went to confront the victim.

Janai Reed, Harris’ attorney, claimed the act was in self-defense because the victim reportedly attacked Capers first with a black pole.

Reed argued for Harris’ release by claiming that she does not have violent tendencies and there was “a lot of evidence” proving this. In addition, Reed explained that Harris had a limited criminal history that was irrelevant to the case, a daughter who’s an honor’s student, and an alternate living situation where she would not be near the victim, her former neighbor.

The prosecution argued against Harris’ release on the grounds that she tested positive for fentanyl when she was arrested. The prosecution also disagreed with Reed’s claims of self-defense because they allege Harris left the scene to retrieve a weapon.

Judge Pipe released Harris because she had little criminal history and was able to live away from the fictim. Judge Pipe placed Harris in mandatory drug testing, a substance abuse assessment, and a stay-away order from both the scene of the incident and the victim.

Judge Pipe determined that Capers, who was already released, was compliant with his conditions.

After Judge Pipe’s decision, an individual virtually attending the hearing yelled “I love you,” to Harris and then said, “free you.”

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 12.

Parties Fret Over Stabbing Defendant’s Vow to Delay His Case

Parties discussed a domestic stabbing defendant’s potential threat to disrupt proceedings until he has a new attorney in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on June 23.

Chauncey Liverpool, 33, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon. The counts stem from his alleged involvement in a stabbing with scissors on the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE, on Sept. 9, 2025. Liverpool’s girlfriend sustained injuries in her back and left arm.

Liverpool is also charged with two counts of felony contempt for attempting to contact the victim despite a judge ordering him to avoid her.

The hearing was scheduled to address a report filed on June 18 from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) that found Liverpool mentally competent for court. To stand trial, Liverpool must understand the charges against him and be able to assist his attorney in his defense.

In the report, DBH personnel noted that Liverpool is unhappy with his attorney, Howard McEachern, and his legal strategy. The report stated that Liverpool intends to interrupt hearings until he is satisfied with his attorney. In discussions with DBH personnel, he reportedly referenced representation he had in the past, claiming that they were more aligned with his goals and health needs.

In court, Liverpool, McEachern, and Judge Israel had a discussion under seal regarding the matter. While Judge Israel specified that the prosecution was not permitted to participate, Liverpool’s words became audible to the whole courtroom toward the end of the conversation.

“I can’t sign this sh*t,” Liverpool exclaimed.

The DBH report stemmed from a previous request by Judge Israel for a mental competency examination. The judge based her order on Liverpool’s inability to remain awake at a prior hearing on June 15, which resulted in the postponement of his trial.

Again, Liverpool’s alertness came into question. At the beginning of the hearing, Judge Israel asked Liverpool, “I need you to keep your eyes open for me. Can you do that?” Liverpool nodded in response.

The prosecution expressed concerns about potential malingering, which is when a defendant intentionally fabricates or exaggerates debilitating conditions to delay proceedings or obtain a more favorable result.

Their concern stems from several DBH reports over the past year, all of which have opined that Liverpool is competent to stand trial.

Judge Israel said another trial will be scheduled at the next hearing unless McEachern and Liverpool decide to pursue other avenues before then.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 10.

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