Judge Continues Hearing Amid Plea Discussion

On Sept. 27 DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond granted a defendant’s motion to continue a preliminary hearing as the parties negotiate a plea deal in progress.

Dasean Jones, 25, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on May 26 on the 1200th Block of 17th Street, NE.

Defense Attorney, Derrick Page, filed a motion for continuance so that he may have time to review what was mentioned in court as a possible plea deal. Page asked to reconvene in a week to go over this possible deal with Jones.

The prosecution confirmed a plea deal was in the works, but terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 1.

Plea Negotiations Set in Non-Fatal Shooting

Plea negotiations are still underway for a non-fatal shooting defendant.

Derrick Gladden, 53, is charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting a victim on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE on April 15. He is currently being held at the DC Jail without bail.

In a Sept. 27 hearing, the prosecution offered a plea deal for aggravated assault while armed. Under the deal, the prosecution would not seek indictment and reserve allocution.

According to the voluntary sentencing guidelines in DC, the charge has a minimum sentence of 48 months in prison.

The current offer is under negotiation and DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow set the hearing to continue on Nov. 5.

Officer Misidentifies Defendant During Trial

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer confused one defendant with another during a murder trial Sept. 26 as two more witnesses took the stand before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Eugene Burns, 32, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and for carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the death of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III on Nov. 14, 2025, on the 2900 block of Second Street SE.

Burns was originally convicted of these charges in 2017, but the decision was later overturned in 2020 by the DC Court of Appeals after ruling evidence in the case was obtained through an overly broad search warrant.

Burns and Tyre Allen, 24, are now being charged with obstruction of justice for their alleged attempt to persuade and intimidate a witness to recant testimony against Burns in the original murder trial.

On Thursday, the officer, who was the first to arrive at the scene, who was asked who in the courtroom she recognized from the scene, incorrectly identified Allen as Burns, who was also present at the proceeding.

Allen appeared shocked and confused. He quickly beginning to whisper with his attorney. The prosecution noted the court record would have to reflect the misidentification.

During the hearing, a firearms expert also testified, stating that the evidence on the ballistics evidence collected were inconclusive. The witness said he was able to determine the manufacturer of the firearm used but, whether or not the exact same gun was used was still uncertain.

Trial is set to resume on Sept. 30.

Murder Defendant Can’t Appear in Court During ‘Blackout Period’

A defendant who was charged with second-degree murder did not show up to her felony status conference Sept. 26 before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan. Her defense council said it’s because she’s checked into a rehabilitation program.

Vanessa Bonaparte, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the death of 31-year-old Dwayne Boyd, which occurred on June 22 on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE.

According to court documents, Bonaparte had been cited in multiple non-compliance notices after failing court-ordered drug tests. At her last hearing on Sept. 10, Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered Bonaparte to check into a court sponsored drug treatment program; pretrial services reported that she entered treatment on Sept. 20.

Defense attorney Kevann Gardner asked if Bonaparte was allowed to leave the treatment facility for court.

They answered no.

The reason is that Bonaparte is in a blackout period, meaning that after she checks into treatment, she’s not allowed to leave the facility. In response, the prosecution agreed not to issue a bench warrant.

Bonaparte is scheduled to leave treatment on Oct.21.

A status hearing was scheduled for March 21.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Wants Move to Treatment Facility

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Reymond recommended that Tyrice Sutton, 30, be moved from DC Jail to the medium security Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) during a status hearing on Sept. 25.

Sutton is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on July 17, on the 600 block of 7th Street NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, Sutton’s attorney, Varsha Govindaraju, made the request he be transferred from the jail to the CTF due to the limitations imposed by him being in a lockdown unit. Specifically, Govindaraju, says restrictions on phone time and access to those on the outside are limiting communications with his client.

Judge Raymond granted the request, and recommended the Department of Corrections (DOC) transfer Sutton.

Govindaraju also informed Judge Reymond that the parties were in plea negotiations and would like a continuance to discuss the offer further.

The next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 11.

Possible Release for Compliant Murder Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan decided Sept. 26 that if a murder defendant continues complying with the conditions of release, he could be released from home confinement before his indictment.

Karim Ibrahim, 21, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Javonni Coleman. The incident occurred on Jan. 16 on the 2400 block of S Street, SE.

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley reported that Ibrahim has been in compliance with his home confinement condition. Ibrahim was placed in home confinement on Sept. 11.

Judge Raffinan decided to continue monitoring the defendant, and set a date to reconvene in January to see if Ibrahim continues to stay in compliance.

The defendant may be released from home confinement by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, who is slated to hear the case in January.

However, if the defendant doesn’t continue to comply, Judge Raffinan told him that he would be placed in jail.

The prosecution had no objection to the decision, but stated that the mother of the victim disagreed with releasing the defendant from home confinement.

At Ibrahim’s last hearing, a fight broke out between the victim’s family and the defendant’s family. At the hearing today, neither family was present.

The next status hearing was scheduled for Jan. 17.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A stabbing defendant rejected a plea offer for assault causing bodily injury in front of DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Sept. 26.

Melinda Brown, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, for her alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that left one person injured. The incident occurred on Aug. 4 on the 4000 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

At the hearing Brown’s attorney Adam Harris said Brown intended to reject the plea offer and wanted to continue proceedings awaiting the indictment.

Harris also requested that Brown not be required to report in person for drug testing due to her living far from the location. Judge Pipe refused since records allegedly show she has failed to appear for drug testing twice and tested positive for amphetamines.

According to court documents, Brown intervened in a domestic dispute between two people she knew in their apartment. Brown allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in the leg after they engaged in a domestic squabble.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 19.

Shooting Case in Maryland Delays DC Homicide Trial

A shooting case in Prince George’s County Maryland has delayed a homicide case in DC. The defense and prosecution were hesitant to predict their trial date will stay on track in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Sep. 25.

Gerald Thomas, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted kidnapping while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that resulted in the death of Dasha Cleary, 20, on Jan. 27, 2022, on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. The incident left four others injured.

According to court documents, 11 individuals attended a party at a Days Inn hotel. When Thomas arrived, he allegedly fired multiple rounds into the room, striking his girlfriend, three other individuals, and killing Cleary.

At the hearing, Dominique Winters, Thomas’ defense attorney, waived his presence, citing his detention in Prince George’s County in connection to an unrelated matter. Thomas is the primary suspect in two separate shootings that took place in Bowie, MD, on Nov. 15. No one was injured.

According to Winters, she has had trouble getting into contact with Thomas’ attorney in the Maryland matter to go over a global plea offer provided by the prosecution which could resolve all cases. She has spoken to Thomas himself and predicts that he will likely not accept the deal.

The prosecution also shared that they have had similar struggles getting into contact with the prosecution in PG County, and they have not received much information.

Both parties are uncertain if the trial date in Maryland will affect the DC trial, which is scheduled to begin May 19, 2025. Maryland has already pushed back their date several months, from August to October.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 13.

Judge Grants Rehab For Murder Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted a homicide defendant’s request to attend a 28 day residential drug rehabilitation program as part of his release conditions on Sept. 25.

Dwayne Fountain, 44, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business with a prior felony conviction, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in the homicide of 47-year-old Marcus Carey that occurred on May 4, 2023, on the 3500 block of Hayes Street, NE.

During the status hearing, defense attorney Jason Tulley stated that Fountain had been compliant with his drug tests, most recently getting a negative result on Sept. 19. Tulley said Fountain has been on house arrest for 14 months, and requested that the defendant attend a rehabilitation program for 28 days.

Judge Epstein, covering for DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, modified Fountain’s release conditions to allow the defendant to start rehabilitation on Sept. 26. Prosecution agreed, but requested that Fountain wear a GPS monitor.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 18.

Judge Issues Warrant After Defendant Fails to Appear

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DC Jail Stabbing Suspect Pleads Not Guilty to Three Charges

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

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

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

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 22.

Carjacking Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

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

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

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

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

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

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 16 for sentencing.

Shooting Defendant Faces Noncompliance Reports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parties are set to return on Oct. 16.

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

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

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

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

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

No further dates were set.

Defendant Accepts Plea in Shooting, Strangulation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 3.

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