Witnesses Struggle to Recall Previous Testimony in Shooting Trial

Before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, on Aug. 21 witnesses struggled to recall testimony previously presented to the grand jury and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), about a car accident that followed a shooting.

Marquez Beasley, 32, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident injuring three victims, on Aug. 16, 2023, on the 900 block of Division Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, the shooting occurred after a car crash. During a dispute, Beasly allegedly hit one victim with the bottom of his gun, and subsequently fired multiple gun shots that injured two victims and one bystander.

The prosecution called their witness, who was the driver of one of the vehicles involved in the accident. The witness was an assistant manager for a Papa Johns restaurant who was delivering pizzas and driving two family friends home.

The witness said he didn’t have a driver’s license and the vehicle was registered to his “mother-like” figure who also worked for Papa John and was the mother of the two other individuals in the car.

The witness said he had made a right turn, and a car hit his vehicle from behind as he turned onto Sheriff Road. He pulled over to check for damage, and the defendant got out of the car and demanded proof of insurance.

The witness said he explained that he didn’t own the car, and asked one of his friends to call their mother for documentation. A few seconds later, Beasley allegedly swung at the witness, missing the first two times.

The witness then said, Beasley pulled a “black handgun” and hit the witness with the bottom of the weapon cutting his forehead. Subsequently, a shot was fired into the ground, and then towards the victims.

The witness said he remembers his friend who was in the backseat being shot, while he fled the scene. However, he said he was unable to recall where the gun was retrieved, and who handed the phone to the defendant at the crash scene.

Later when presented a photo array by the MPD, although unsure, he was allegedly able to identify Beasley as the shooter.

During cross examination, defense attorney John Machado reaffirmed that the witness didn’t have his license, yet worked as a driver for Papa Johns. Machado also played video surveillance footage of the accident, revealing that the witness made an illegal right turn.

The prosecution called the mother of the two other victims in the car.

She said her nephew had been the one driving, and received a call from her son, telling her about the accident. Later both of her children identified Beasley, their next door neighbor, as the shooter.

The witness told detectives that she recognized the suspect on a FaceTime call as a local rapper she followed on Instagram as “big_foams.” She stated that she had only had a few short interactions with the suspect.

The prosecution also called the victim in the front passenger seat who didn’t remember any details of the accident or the model of the suspect’s car. The witness recalled the driver’s leaving the car, and her brother, in the backseat, and calling their mother after the accident.

As she turned her back, she recalled only hearing the phone on the ground. However, the prosecution replayed surveillance footage for the jury, and identified the witness running after multiple gunshots.

She claimed she was drunk during the police interviews and the photo array identification procedure in which she identified Beasley as the suspect.

During the cross examination, Macado suggested that the detectives were leading her to pick a suspect, regardless of her uncertainty.

The witness said she identified a tattoo on the suspect’s head, which Beasley didn’t have.

The next witness was a male who was sitting in the backseat during the accident. He was also shot during the altercation. The witness said he had been drinking and was smoking weed, reportedly “in and out” of sleep at the time. He admitted to being too drunk to remember the crash. He said he only heard loud music from a block party.

The witness testified to hearing one gunshot and running away. However, during his previous grand jury testimony, he stated that he had heard multiple shots.

The last witness the prosecution called was a bystander a shooting victim. She was on her way to a convenience store on Division Avenue and was shot in her leg. She was unable to get up and saw a black vehicle driving down the street with shots being fired out the open window but couldn’t identify the shooter.

The trial is continuing.

Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

On Aug. 21, a homicide defendant accepted a plea deal in front of Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe.

Seaun McDowney, 20, was previously charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Marquette White, 20, who was shot in the chest on Jan. 21, 2022 on the 3800 block of Commodore Joshua Barney Drive, NE.

McDowney, although not the shooter, was accompanying who prosecutors have identified as the shooter, 22-year-old Maurice Williams, that day and met with him to smoke weed.

According to the prosecution, they had planned to rob White of his gun and, on the night of the shooting, McDowney watched as Williams dragged White out of the vehicle and shot him.

Prosecutors argued McDowney did not make an effort to stop the shooter and instead fled with him to Georgia where they were caught and extradited to DC on April 28.

Hannah Claudio, McDowney’s attorney, alerted the court of his intention to accept the deal, which required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a 13-to-16 year sentence of incarceration.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 15 for sentencing.

Judge Rules Probable Cause In A Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover ruled there was sufficient evidence for probable cause that a suspect committed a shooting during a hearing on Aug. 22.

Tyquan Wiggins, 19, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (firearm) and possession of firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting on May 30, 2023, on the 1300 block of 5th Street, NW. A victim suffered a gunshot wound.

During the hearing, the prosecution introduced evidence during a detective’s testimony, including video footage from inside a convenience store near the incident location and footage from outside the convenience store on the block where the incident occurred.

Judge Glover also ruled that to maintain the safety of the community, the defendant would continue to be held.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 5 for a status hearing.

Judge Denies Sentencing Delay So Shooting Defendant Can Finish School

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a defense counsel’s request on Aug. 21 to continue a sentencing hearing until August 2025 so the defendant can finish school before being transferred to prison.

On Feb. 9, Eric Lemus, 20, accepted an agreement extended by the prosecution, which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that injured two on March 22, 2023, on the 1000 block of Park Road, NW.

Two representatives from School Justice Project, a legal DC nonprofit serving special education needs, requested that Lemus remain at the DC Jail so he can get help obtaining his GED, while receiving mental health treatment and counseling for his learning disability.

“He could continue seeing trauma therapy through an Individualized Education Program (EP). Or will that door be shut forever?” attorney Katelyn Martinez for the justice project asked the court.

Lemus’ defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, said he wants Lemus to experience the benefits of a“self-perpetuating feeling of accomplishment” when he completes his studies.

Sukumar said Lemus needs to work through the curriculum now since the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP) where he will be transferred does not offer these services.

“What skills has he developed? The connected services are important with a learning disability,” Sukumar said.

A prosecutor said this is a “serious” criminal matter that cannot be delayed since the victims are prepared to deliver impact statements and believed sentencing would be over by now so they can move on with their lives.

It’s not clear whether Lemus will complete his education requirements by August 2025.

The prosecutor said the defense’s request to suspend Lemus’ sentencing is confusing because he would not be earning credit during the extension. They said Lemus already has an “extreme benefit” from their plea offer.

Judge Raffinan denied the defense counsel’s motion to extend hearings until next August.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Sept. 27.

Murder Defendant Ordered to Have Frequent Drug Testing

Drug testing compliance was the issue before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan in an Aug. 21 hearing about a murder case.

Terrance Barnes, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed. Barnes, who struggles with substance abuse, allegedly fired a gun with premeditated malice, fatally wounding Barry Homles, 57, on April 17, 2019, on the 5100 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

David Knight, Barnes’ defense counsel, said that due to Barnes’ job he has been unable to get off work to perform his required, “random” drug test dates. Barnes previously failed to get a drug test and a new charger for his electric monitor on multiple occasions, as discussed in a July 9 hearing.

Knight said Barnes’ Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) officer told him he did not have to recharge his device. Knight said the court needs to give Barnes credit for getting a new job and working five days a week.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted Knight’s request that Barnes be given dates outside of work to test and she ordered Barnes to test one-to–two times a week as well as provide employment verification. Pending the outcome of the new conditions, the judge is withholding disciplinary action due to Barnes’ “substantial compliance” with no new arrests.

Parties are slated to resume Sept. 17.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Fatal Stabbing in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that an arrest has been made in relation to a fatal stabbing in Southeast. The incident occurred on Monday, July 1, 2024, around 6:44 p.m. The MPD responded to a report of a stabbing in the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, Southeast.

Upon arrival, officers found an adult male victim in the street who had been stabbed. The victim was transported to a local hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries despite life-saving efforts. The victim has been identified as 55-year-old Alfred Fields, who did not have a fixed address.

The arrest was made on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. The suspect, 56-year-old Robert Stringer of Camp Springs, MD, was located and arrested by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. He was subsequently transported to the Homicide Branch and, in accordance with a DC Superior Court arrest warrant, he was charged with First Degree Murder while Armed (Premeditated).

Murder Defendant Refuses to Appear, Cases Postponed

Aaron Walker, 20, charged with both a homicide and non-fatal shooting, refused to get off the bus from the jail to the courthouse to appear in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Aug. 21.

The move effectively delayed the proceedings against him as well as his co-defendants in the incidents.

In one case, Walker is accused of first-degree murder in addition to six other charges including premeditated murder while armed, robbery while armed, armed carjacking, and possession of firearm during crime of violence.

Dasani Dawson,20, his co-defendant, is also charged with first degree murder in addition to six other counts including robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, armed carjacking, and premeditated murder while armed.

These charges are connected to the fatal shooting of Brian Buxton ,20,who suffered from a gunshot wound to his head on August 9, 2022 on the 100 block of Irvington Street, SW Washington DC 20032. He was later pronounced brain dead.

In another case Walker is accused of assault to kill while armed against a minor in addition to six other counts including possession of a firearm during crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly against a minor, and threat to kidnap or injure a person.

His co-defendant, Malique Outland ,19,is charged with robbery, robbery while armed, armed carjacking, and possession of a firearm during crime of violence on the basis of being the getaway driver while the homicide occurred.

The alleged actions threatened the life of the victim who police found severely wounded after receiving a 911 call reporting multiple gunshot wounds on May 23 on 3400 block B Street, SE.

The court is currently set to hear both cases again on October 11.

Shooting Trial Delayed As Prosecution Requests DNA Testing

The prosecution informed the court they will be proceeding with DNA evidence testing in a shooting case effectively postponing the proceeding. The matter was argued before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur in a hearing on Aug. 20.

Keith Walker, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting in which an individual sustained an injury to the ankle. The incident occurred on March 7, on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE.

During the hearing, Tamara Jones and James King, Walker’s attorneys, requested Walker be released on bond due because the trial was supposed to start today.

The prosecution stated since the defense entered a motion to independently test DNA evidence, the prosecution decided to conduct its own DNA testing in an effort to “pursue the truth here.”

The prosecution also denied allegations by the defense about delaying trial, stating that they wish to do DNA testing to be “transparent and upfront.” The defense does not have to disclose the results of its DNA testing unless they plan to introduce the findings in court.

Judge Arthur denied the defense’s motion for bond release, stating that there is “no material change in circumstances.” Judge Arthur also agreed the prosecution was not intentionally delaying trial.

Parties requested Judge Arthur set a status hearing in the next few days to discuss how much DNA material is available to test and other motions filed by the defense prior to scheduling a trial date.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 22.

Defense Accuses Prosecution Of Ethical Breach in Shooting Case

Defense counsel in a non-fatal shooting case accused prosecutors of unethical conduct during a hearing on Aug. 20 before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Amonte Moody, 18, is charged with endangerment with a firearm and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting on April 22 on the 1700 block of Independence Avenue, SE. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, Judge Arthur confirmed a plea offer previously made to Moody was rejected in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Aug. 12.

However, defense attorneys Kavya Naini and Molly Bunke stated that Moody did not understand the offer making it difficult to reach an informed decision.

Naini claimed the prosecution lied about what indictment charges Moody would face if he chose to reject the plea. According to Naini, in a phone conversation, the prosecution informed her that they would not seek indictment for assault with intent to kill.

However, Moody was indicted on the charge. Given the apparent contradiction Naini argues that the prosecution engaged in unethical behavior and should not argue the case.

The prosecution didn’t respond to the allegations.

Naini and Bunke also raised issues about the timely manner disclosure of evidence as well as the notice for expert witnesses. Judge Arthur informed parties he would not rule on these matters and would leave them to the trial judge DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Parties requested the felony arraignment be continued and are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 23.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

A shooting defendant accepted a plea offer extended by the prosecution in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Aug. 20.

Kevin Snead, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred at the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue, SE, on April 3. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, Samuel Bogash, Snead’s attorney, stated that his client intended to accept a pre-indictment plea offer extended by the prosecution. It would require Snead to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for not seeking an indictment on greater charges.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on Oct. 18.

Judge Revokes Carjacking Defendant’s Release, Orders Jail

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan revoked a carjacking defendant’s release status during a hearing on Aug. 20.

Jerrell Smith, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon, and two counts of armed carjacking for his involvement in a carjacking incident on June 7, 2023 at the intersection of South Capitol Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Smith has been on release through the DC Pretrial Services (PSA) and has participated in outpatient treatment and mental health treatment programs.

During the hearing, a representative from PSA informed the court that Smith has not been in contact since Aug. 5 and has not been in compliance with drug screening, which was a release requirement.

The prosecution added that Smith has been discharged from the most recent treatment program and four treatment programs in the last few months.

Both the prosecution and PSA requested Smith be detained in light of recent PSA violations.

Judge Raffinan approved the detention request.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for status on Sept. 17.

‘You Got the Wrong Guy,’ Defense Says About An Accident Leading to a Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein heard opening arguments and testimony for a case involving a car accident and a subsequent shooting in a hearing on Aug. 20.

Marquez Beasley, 32, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident where a suspect fired four shots on Aug. 16, 2023, on the 900 block of Division Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, the incident occurred after an individual, identified as Beasley, got into a car accident with the victims where two individuals sustained injuries.

Beasley allegedly attacked two passengers in the car and one bystander, says the prosecution. He allegedly hit one passenger over the head with his gun, shot one passenger in the thigh and shot the bystander in the right knee.

During their opening statements, the prosecution mentioned that traffic accidents are “not unusual” and the normal expectation is people exchange information. Instead, the prosecution said while physically pointing at Beasley, he decided to attack others.

They said the victims attempted to share their insurance information with Beasley by having him talk to their mother since she owned the car they were driving. The prosecution said Beasley was “already angry” and decided to toss one of the victim’s phones on the ground and attack others.

However, John Machado, Beasley’s defense attorney, claimed there were complications in the identification of the suspect. According to Machado, one witness described the suspect as short, another said he had a “tattoo” in the middle of his forehead. Machado described his client as tall with facial tattoos but none on his forehead.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you got the wrong guy,” Machado told the jury.

Machado also said the victim who was driving the car did not have his license and was the one who caused the accident. He claimed the victim sitting in the back seat, who had her license, was supposed to be the one driving.

He concluded his opening arguments stating there was no gun found at the scene and requested the jury to “keep an open mind.”

Following opening statements, the prosecution called on an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified they rendered aid to the bystander who had been shot in the knee. She deemed the victim’s injury “critical.”

During the defense’s cross-examination, Machado played the witness’ body-worn camera footage for the jury, which showed the officer questioning the victim about the shooting. According to the witness, the bystander told them they were about half a block away from the car accident when the suspect shot them.

The witness also said she did not find any shell casings on the scene. Machado said this is despite the witness previously saying she “prides” herself on being able to find shell casings.

Parties are set to reconvene Aug. 21 to continue trial.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that they are investigating a fatal shooting in Southeast. 

This incident happened on Monday, August 19, 2024, at approximately 8:25 p.m., in the 3000 block of Stanton Road, Southeast. MPD officers responded to a report of a shooting and, on arrival, they found two gunshot victims. One adult male, later identified as 19-year-old Vonte Martin of Southeast, D.C., died at the scene. 

The second gunshot victim, also an adult male, was transported by DC Fire and EMS to a nearby hospital for treatment. 

Despite the ongoing investigation, no arrests have been made yet. The MPD is appealing to the public for any knowledge of this incident and reminds them to avoid taking action but to call police at (202) 727-9099 or text their tip to the Department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. In an effort to encourage useful tips, the MPD offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the homicide.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting in Northeast.

On July 12, 2024, around 2:52 a.m., the Fifth District of the MPD had responded to reports of a shooting incident at the 1500 block of Benning Road, Northeast. Upon arrival, the officers found a male victim who had suffered a gunshot wound. The DC Fire and EMS team was dispatched on the scene and upon determining the signs of no life, the man was declared dead on scene.

The victim of the shooting incident was identified as 26-year-old Danzell Hall, a resident of Northeast, DC.

On August 20, 2024, the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force successfully located and arrested the suspect identified as 41-year-old Michael Grayton, also from Northeast, DC. Grayton was transported to the Homicide Branch where he was formally charged according to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant with First Degree Murder while Armed (Premeditated).

Judge Delays Homicide Trial, Returns One Defendant to Maryland for Another Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe returned a homicide defendant to a Maryland Jail on Aug. 20.

Jayden Bracey, 23, and Jadohn Bracey, 25, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. They were allegedly involved in the murder of Angela Washington, 41, on Sept. 2, 2021, on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE.

According to court documents, Washington was declared dead by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on the scene as she had multiple gunshot wounds to her head.

During the hearing, Jayden’s defense attorney, Todd Baldwin, requested trial, originally scheduled for Nov. 4, be rescheduled to a later date. He said he just joined the case as his client’s attorney and needs more time to review evidence.

Parties agreed to reschedule the trial for Aug. 27, 2025.

The prosecution also requested Judge O’Keefe return Jayden to the Jessup Correctional Facility in Maryland where he is serving another sentence in an unrelated incident. During a previous hearing, Baldwin told Judge O’Keefe Jayden has four years left in serving a sentence where he was convicted of robbery in Prince George’s County.

Judge O’Keefe ruled to return Jayden but said he would be relocated back to the DC Jail about two months before the trial is set to begin.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 13.

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