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Carjacking Defendant Deemed Competent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz found an armed carjacking and robbery defendant competent to stand trial, despite his defense attorney’s objection, during a June 20 hearing. 

Taysean Juwan Hawkins, 20, is charged with conspiracy, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of armed carjacking, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and fleeing a law enforcement officer, for his alleged involvement in multiple carjackings between Jan. 11 and 12, 2021 at various locations, including

  • the 1500 block of 30th Street, NW, where an Audi SUV was stolen at gunpoint but then retrieved unoccupied on the 1200 block of Douglas Street, NE
  • the 4700 block of Alton Place, NW, a black Acura was stolen at gunpoint less than two hours after the first armed carjacking
  • the 4300 block of Alton Place, NW, where a bright blue Toyota Rav4 SUV was stolen at gunpoint, three minutes following, and less than a half mile from the previous armed carjacking
  • the 2600 block of Benning Road, NE, where Hawkins was arrested after being seen by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers driving recklessly at a high rate of speed in the carjacked Acura

A competency screening, originally ordered by Judge Leibovitz on June 14, found Hawkins competent, but his defense attorney, Janai Reed, requested an independent neuropsychologist to perform a separate evaluation of Hawkin’s competency.

Reed explained the independent expert was needed as Hawkins was still having trouble with recalling events and could not assist counsel in the case.

Judge Leibovitz found, regardless of any possible future independent expert diagnosis, Hawkins was currently competent.

However, she ordered a full competency examination to alleviate the concerns of the defense.

The mental observation hearing is set to continue on July 22.

Prosecution Questions Defense Attorney’s Ability to Provide ‘Proper Representation’

Prosecutors requested DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo appoint independent counsel in a homicide case, citing ineffectiveness by the Public Defender Service (PDS) during a June 20 hearing. 

Kenneth Stewart, 62, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Courtney Jones, 54. The incident took place on July 23, 2020, on I-295 southbound, just prior to the Pennsylvania Avenue exit.

According to the prosecution, there has been a lack of client communication between Stewart and his attorneys, Dominique Winters and Theodore Shaw, which is infringing on the defendant’s right to a speedy trial. The prosecutor said the defense is not prioritizing the case.

Additionally, the prosecution argued that the defense does not want independent counsel for Stewart as it would hurt Winters’ reputation. The prosecutor said the defense is acting in its own self interest.  

According to a motion to continue the trial, filed by the defense, on June 16, Winters acknowledges that she did not meet with her client between the dates of July 2020 and July 2022. She cites the pandemic, living in Georgia for those two years, difficulty to obtain medical records, and the PDS staff shortage as reason why she could not meet with Stewart.

The defense is also trying to hire an independent PTSD expert to evaluate Stewart.

Laura Hankins, PDS’ general counsel, told Judge Demeo that independent counsel is not necessary as it would create “arbitrary interference” and interfere with Stewart’s Sixth Amendment rights. 

Judge Demeo requested additional time to make a ruling, citing the need to review prior cases, and granting the parties the opportunity to submit their arguments in writing. 

Parties are slated to return Aug. 9.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a traffic crash that resulted in the death of a pedestrian, 67-year-old Fuyao Wang. The incident occurred on June 19 at the intersection of 6th Street and New York Avenue, NW.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Scooter Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal crash involving a single motorized scooter, which occurred on June 17 at the intersection of New Hampshire and Eastern Avenue, NE.

On June 19, 29-year-old Yeferson Josue Dominguez Valero succumbed to his injuries.

Jail Stabbing Case Further Delayed Because Defendant Refuses to Attend Court

A DC Jail stabbing case was further delayed, following a defendant’s fourth refusal to get off the bus for a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on June 20. 

Juvan Alston, 22, is one of four individuals charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a jail stabbing on Nov. 27, 2023, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. He is also charged with first-degree murder while armed in a separate case for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Dennis Simms on the 800 block of Yuma Street, SE, on July 1, 2022. 

This was not the first Alston’s refusal to get off the us halted progression in the case. He refused to get off the bus for previous hearings on:

  • March 16, 2024
  • Jan. 2, 2024
  • Dec. 18, 2023

According to court documents, Alston and his cellmate left their cell and walked towards a common area, where Alston allegedly attacked the victim.

Alston’s stabbing case continues to be delayed due to his refusal to show up in court. 

Parties are slated to reconvene at a later date, although it is unclear when. 

Judge Denies Juvenile Murder Defendant’s Request for Release

DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs denied a juvenile’s request to be transferred to a shelter from the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) in a June 18 hearing for the defendant. 

The juvenile, a 13-year-old girl, is one of three children, aged 12 and 13, charged with second-degree murder, assault, and conspiracy for their alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 64-year-old Reggie Brown on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. 

According to testimony by a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, Brown was physically handicapped and had no connection to the juveniles.

Howard Margulies, the juvenile’s defense attorney, requested Judge Briggs reduce the juvenile’s detention status from detainment at DYRS to a shelter house, arguing she could thrive there. 

However, prosecutors opposed the request, stating the juvenile has a “long history of running away from home,” skipping school, and not telling her parents her whereabouts, adding she “made decisions to not be where she needs to be.” According to the prosecution, the girl’s parents have had to file multiple missing person reports with MPD in the last year. 

The prosecution insisted the facts of the case prove the juvenile was not actively supervised by her parents. During the incident, the juvenile was out with her co-defendants at odd hours of the night on a school night. 

“There is a different story to be told,” said Margulies, stating that her disappearances stemmed from a lack of communication between her parents. 

“[She] needs the structure of a shelter house,” he said, emphasizing that it would help her prove she can do well in the community. 

The prosecution reminded the judge that, at the time of her arrest, the girl was unsupervised at home with two other juveniles, one of them a co-defendant, when someone broke in and shot her friend. 

Despite Margulies’ arguments, Judge Briggs denied the motion, stating that “detention is required” to guarantee the community’s safety and her return to court. 

Parties are slated to reconvene July 12 with all three co-defendants. 

Medical Examiner Testifies in Double Homicide Trial

A medical examiner delivered testimony describing fatal gunshot wounds sustained by two victims in a homicide trial before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe’s courtroom on June 18.

Beysean Jones, 29, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the shootings of Ronald Brown, 19, and Tijuan Wilson, 41. The incident occurred on July 27, 2022, on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE. Wilson’s wife sustained gunshot wounds during the incident but survived. 

Prosecutors called on the deputy medical examiner that conducted the autopsy on Brown and Wilson to testify regarding her rulings.  

During her testimony, she detailed the five gunshot wounds on Brown. According to the examiner, two gunshots had entered his back, one of which remained lodged in his body. Brown was also shot in his arm, his left buttock, and his foot.

However, she failed to specify which of the wounds led to his death.

She also described the single gunshot that fatally wounded Wilson, which entered his upper left shoulder. According to the examiner, the bullet traveled through his body, ending in his abdomen.

The cause of death for both men was due to their gunshot wounds, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Trial is set to continue on June 20.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Carjacking Case 

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause in a carjacking case during a June 18 preliminary hearing. 

Maurice Edwards, 20, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking that took place on the intersection of 48th Place and Lee Street, NE on March 11. 

Edwards is being charged alongside Azusa Beatty, 29, who is being charged with unarmed carjacking for her alleged involvement in the incident.

According to court documents, two individuals, identified as Edwards and Beatty, were driving in a black Nissan Kicks when they struck a red Toyota Rav-4. Edwards, Beatty, and the Toyota’s driver exited their respective vehicles and Edwards and Beatty began to yell and engage in a verbal altercation with the victim. 

The victim said that the black Nissan had run the stop sign when Edwards pulled out a gun and the victim backed away from the door, according to court documents. Beatty allegedly drove the victim’s vehicle away while Edwards fled the scene in the Nissan

During the June 18 hearing, the prosecution presented a wired plea agreement, that requires both defendants accept the offer in order to be valid. The offer would require them to plead guilty to unarmed carjacking in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Edwards rejected the offer. 

The prosecution called the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)  to testify regarding his involvement in the investigation that led to Edwards’ arrest.

According to the detective, surveillance footage captured the incident, depicting a verbal altercation between the victim and the suspects, before the victim’s car is driven away and she is left at the scene yelling, “I can’t believe this is happening.” 

Due to the restrictive vantage point of the footage, the detective testified he was unable to advise whether or not the individual identified as Edwards was armed.  However, he confirmed that the individual’s body language of reaching down towards his hip could indicate that Edwards could have been in possession of a gun. 

According to the detective, the victim and an eyewitness stated they had seen Edwards’ gun in his pocket, before pointing it at the victim.

Raymond Jones, Edwards’ defense attorney, questioned the detective about his interview with Beatty. The detective said the interview was “erratic and inconsistent,” and that she “accused the victim of becoming argumentative.” 

The detective confirmed that Beatty called 911 after the incident to report a hit-and-run incident,  but failed to mention Edwards having a gun or their involvement in the carjacking.

Jones argued against the validity of the affidavit written by the detective, stating the detective inaccurately stated that Edward’s said “I did steal the car.” It should have been “I did not steal the car,” Jones said. 

The defense asked Judge Raymond not to find probable cause stating “you can’t see what that officer was testifying on video,” adding that Beatty is the one that actually took the vehicle, claiming that Edwards was following in the black Nissan.

“This doesn’t look like an ‘oops’ to me,” said Judge Raymond, as she ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to meet the probable cause requirement. 

Parties are set to reconvene July 12 with DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld. 

Carjacking Defendant Waives Prelim Hearing, Denied Release

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied a carjacking defendant’s request for release June 18 after he waived his rights to a preliminary hearing.

Lamar Stephens, 37, is charged with unarmed carjacking, five counts of robbery while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on the 1600 block of V Street, SE on May 26.

According to court documents, a group of five individuals had been robbed at gunpoint by two suspects, who fled in the victims’ parked rental car. During the incident, the victims’ phone and wallet containing credit cards was also stolen. A black handgun was brandished, but never fired. 

Officers were able to track the defendant’s location through the stolen phone. He was later detained after a brief foot pursuit, court documents stated. 

Marnitta King, Stephens’ defense attorney, \requested he be released as he awaits further proceedings. King argued no one could identify Stephens, therefore he should not be held. 

King also shared that Stephens has a prosthetic eye and memory loss, insisting the treatment he’s received at the DC Jail has been inadequate. She argued the community’s safety could be guaranteed if he were to be confined at his home, with limited permissions to leave for medical appointments. 

The prosecution disagreed, stating that Stephens was “on probation for robbery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm and carrying a firearm without a license,” when he was arrested for this incident. 

According to the prosecution, there has been “no period in the last two decades where he hasn’t been incarcerated or before a judge.” The prosecutor asked that Stephens remain held until his trial. 

Judge Raymond agreed with the prosecution stating, “I will absolutely not be releasing him because of his medical conditions,” however, Judge Raymond agreed to recommend that Stephens be transferred to the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) to receive adequate treatment.

Parties are slated to return July 17.

Sentencing in Carjacking Case Delayed for Educational Purposes

DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples granted a carjacking defendant’s request to delay sentencing to allow him to finish his education at the DC Jail during a June 18 hearing.

Marquis Funderburk, 21, pleaded guilty to carjacking on Dec. 15, 2023. He was originally charged with armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense, robbery while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon, for his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking. The incident occurred on May 16, 2022, on the 2400 block of 9th Street, NW.

According to court documents, Funderburk robbed the victim at gunpoint and took his car, phone, and other valuables. 

At the sentencing hearing, Albert Amissah, Funderburk’s attorney, requested an educational hold on Funderburk’s sentencing. He urged Judge Staples to allow the defendant to remain in DC Jail to complete an educational program at Georgetown University that is scheduled to end in December.

The prosecution did not oppose this request, but mentioned they were unaware of how the court could move forward with this request as it is usually granted in juvenile cases.

Judge Staples requested additional time to investigate how to logically proceed with allowing the defendant to continue his education while in DC Jail, despite his case’s requirement for him to be sent to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). 

Parties are slated to reconvene July 31. 

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Second-Degree Murder Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein ruled that the prosecution’s evidence showed a defendant was the probable perpetrator in a homicide case, during a June 18 hearing.

Robert Lowe, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Kenneth Goins, 43, during a bar fight on the 1300 block of U Street, NW on April 27. He was arrested on May 20. 

During the hearing, the prosecution called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify on his involvement in the investigation, which ultimately led to Lowe’s arrest. 

According to the detective, witnesses told MPD Lowe initiated a fight with Goins at a bar, and they ended up on the floor. Multiple gunshots were then heard and the victim died on the scene. 

Metropolitan police officers later conducted a double blind photo array–neither party knowing which is a suspect–with a witness, who identified Lowe as the one involved in the fight with Goins. 

Lowe’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, questioned MPD’s knowledge of a backpack recovered at the scene.

According to Sapirstein, a backpack, which included a revolver, marijuana, “white powder”, and pills, was located shortly after the incident. She questioned how MPD identified its owner, arguing it was difficult to prove to whom it belonged.

According to court documents, the revolver, found in the backpack, had a missing bullet, with a leftover casing. Saperstein questioned when the gun was fired, what that specific bullet hit, and if the shot could have come from Lowe.

She argued that when a revolver is fired, the casing of the bullet is not expelled from the firearm like in a semi-automatic handgun, which would explain why no casings were recovered from the scene. 

Saperstein wondered how Lowe could have shot Goins, if he was on the floor under Goins and a friend, who joined the fight as Lowe and Goins tussled.

According to the detective, a witness, who was identified as the bar’s bouncer, told MPD the situation “was crazy, I never saw a gun, I patted him down”, when talking about the suspect. 

However, an eyewitness told MPD they saw Lowe stand up and allegedly fire a revolver-like gun. 

According to the detective, other witnesses confirmed they didn’t see a gun or watch the shooting, but stated they heard shots fired as Lowe and Goins were tussling on the ground. 

Judge Epstein concluded that he found the evidence to be suggestive that Lowe was the initial provocateur, he was the shooter, and there was no indication of self-defense for Lowe.

Parties will reconvene on Feb. 14, 2025.