Defendant Who Allegedly Put Murder Victim in Dumpster, Pleads Not Guilty

Through his defense attorney, David Knight, Lewis Jones pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun at an arraignment hearing on June 17.

Jones, 28, was arraigned on charges of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a prohibited weapon, six counts of tampering with physical evidence, and obstructing justice for allegedly stabbing 42-year-old Anthony Jordan to death. The incident occurred on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE on Aug. 4, 2023.

Court documents state that Jordan’s friends and relatives reported him missing to members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on Aug. 8, 2023. MPD officers obtained records from Jordan’s cell phone, which showed all outgoing calls ceasing after Aug. 3, 2023.

Additionally, the records show Jordan’s last communication with location data, which reports his phone utilizing a cell tower nearly one mile from the scene of the incident.

According to court records, MPD officers interviewed a witness on Aug. 11 and 12, 2023, who testified to seeing Jones stab Jordan to death.

The witness said Jones and his girlfriend, Nichelle Thomas, put Jordan’s body in a suitcase, which they deposited in a dumpster, along with objects stained with blood from the incident.

Thomas, 36, is a co-defendant for the incident, facing charges of accessory after the fact for first-degree murder while armed, six counts of tampering with physical evidence, three counts of credit card fraud, two counts of threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and four counts of obstructing justice.

According to court documents, the witness who gave evidence to the police feared violent reprisals from the defendants for testifying. The witness alleged receiving death threats from Thomas.

Court records reveal that Thomas previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for stabbing Jordan in 2016. They also state that Jones has a medical history of schizophrenia, and that Jordan was reported by his housemate to suffer from mental illness.

Arrest records show that Jordan’s body had still not been recovered as of Sept. 16, 2023, when warrants were issued for Jones’ and Thomas’ arrests.

Parties are slated to return on Oct. 4.

Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing, Granted Release

An 18-year-old defendant in a shooting case waived his rights to a preliminary hearing and was released by DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on June 17.

Owen Mendez, 18, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Dec. 17, 2023 at a parking garage on the 1600 block of L Street, NW. No individuals were injured during the incident.

According to court documents, officers responded to a phone call from the garage, in which an individual reported a gunshot that hit their vehicle. A garage attendant stated that he heard a gunshot in the garage and officers requested video footage from the time of the incident.

Court documents state that the footage showed two male individuals, the complainant and an individual identified as Mendez, arguing before breaking out into a fight.

The complainant apparently brought Mendez to the ground and kicked him in the face. Mendez allegedly returned a few moments later with a gun, pointing and firing at the complainant, but missing him and hitting the caller’s car.

During the hearing, Mendez waived his right to a preliminary hearing and requested release from the DC Jail.

Defense attorney Kibria Nabeel argued that Mendez had no criminal record and he had acted out of fear of being “jumped” by a larger group.

Nabeel also stated that Mendez was the sole provider for his family and children. Mendez’s entire family – including parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins – was present in court to show their support.

The prosecution argued against release, stating the nature of the charges indicate that Mendez has impulsive behavior that would endanger the community if he were to be released.

Judge Raymond granted conditional release under electronic monitoring.

Parties are slated to return Aug. 1.

Despite Clean Record, Judge Denies 21-Year-Old Homicide Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a 21-year-old homicide defendant’s request for pretrial release on June 17, despite his lack of a prior criminal history.

Shannon Updike is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Chidozie Njoku, 23, to death at the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on May 27.

According to documents from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) the victim was shot in his face and chest, and found unconscious when officers responded to the scene.

Updike reportedly told a MPD detective that there was an altercation between Njoku and his girlfriend. Updike stated he only met Njoku once, but knew the boyfriend was abusive toward his girlfriend.

Police documentation states that a witness to the incident took photos of the shooter, allegedly identified by MPD officers as the defendant, as he left the scene.

At the hearing on June 17, Updike waived his right to a preliminary hearing. His defense attorney, Stuart Johnson, requested Updike’s release under high intensity supervision and GPS electronic monitoring.

Johnson acknowledged the seriousness of the case but argued for his client’s release, noting that he does not have a criminal record and has never been arrested. Johnson said Updike would reside with a family member in Largo, Maryland, and find employment.

Referring to the charge against Updike, Johnson stated, “My client went to the assistance of a woman who was allegedly being beaten by the decedent.”

Johnson also pointed to the large number of family members present in the courtroom to support Updike.

“They’re also shocked at the allegations,” Johnson said.

Moreover, he attested to Updike’s character, stating he does not use “hard drugs,” and described him as a “polite, calm, respectful, [and] well-spoken” young man.

Meanwhile, the prosecution argued that the defendant should remain in detention, emphasizing the strength of the evidence in the case and Updike’s “way overreaction” to the incident.

“This situation could arise at any time. He could see an altercation and think he’s doing the right thing,” the prosecutor maintained, arguing that Updike would be a danger to the community if released.

The prosecutor described the defendant as “extremely dangerous,” having no “strong ties to the community.” He claimed that the defendant built his own rifle, the alleged weapon, and that the incident was caught on video surveillance.

Judge Okun described the three conditions he must look for when considering release: the nature of the offense, weight of the evidence, and the personal qualities and criminal history of the defendant.

Referring to the case’s evidence, Judge Okun stated that a purple firearm was found in a black bag, believed to be the defendant’s, which has been consistent with witness statements and video surveillance footage.

“The nature of the offense weighs in favor of detention, and the nature of the evidence does, too,” Judge Okun stated, despite admitting that the defendant’s personal qualities and criminal history weighed in favor of release.

Ultimately, Judge Okun ordered that Updike remain in detention, asserting he could not find any release conditions that would protect the safety of the community.

At Johnson’s request, Judge Okun assigned Updike to the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) rather than the DC Jail due to his age and lack of prior criminal history.

Parties reconvene on July 26.

Preliminary Hearing for Murder Defendant Delayed for Competency Test

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted a defense attorney’s request to evaluate a homicide defendant’s mental competency in what was supposed to be a preliminary hearing on June 17.

Ted Brown, 54, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Tommy Hudson, 58. The incident occurred on May 26 on the 500 block of Harvard Street, NW.

According to court documents, Brown allegedly killed Hudson by stabbing him with a knife on his right shoulder then dragging the knife down and hitting an artery, on the porch of his home.

During the hearing, Brown’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, requested the preliminary hearing be continued and a competency test for Brown, citing concerns for his mental status and apparent inability to understand the legal proceedings against him. Judge Epstein granted the request.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 11 for a rescheduled preliminary hearing.

Probable Cause Found in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found probable cause that the defendant in a homicide case is the perpetrator during a June 14 hearing.

Trenton Collins, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder for his alleged involvement in a robbery turned homicide that resulted in the death of 41-year-old Philip Prendergast on March 27 on the 5100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

The prosecution brought forth the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who recounted the search of Collin’s home and evidence collected.

The officer described finding clothing in Collins’ and his roommate’s bedroom that appeared to match the clothing that the assailants were wearing during the robbery. Most identifiable were a pair of white Air Force 1’s that were found in Collins’ bedroom that appear to match one of the assailants based on video footage of the robbery.

According to the witness, MPD officers found a black ski mask, latex gloves, and a handgun with a magazine and ammunition within Collins’ bedroom.

As per the officer, MPD reviewed video footage that documented the robbery and showed the alleged assailants leaving the scene of the crime and returning to Collins’ residence.

Prosecutors asserted that with the evidence found at Collins’ residence and the video footage MPD reviewed that probable cause was apparent.

Collin’s attorney, David Akulian, argued that the evidence the prosecution presented was circumstantial, and that when interviewing a witness who saw another unknown individual other than Collins, police did not gather any identifying information other than short hair.

Akulian said that based on what the prosecution presented the assailant could have easily been someone else.

After hearing both sides, Judge O’Keefe found probable cause Collins is the perpetrator.

Court is set to reconvene on Sept. 13.

Road-Rage Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 32-and-a-Half Years

A shooting defendant was sentenced to 32-and-a-half years for a road-rage incident by DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 17.

Kenneth Davis, 45, was found guilty in January of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one person on May 19, 2021, on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. The altercation stemmed from a traffic incident.

A prosecutor claimed that Davis displayed a “total lack of accountability” and remorse, despite his impact on the victims. They explained that one of the victims still has nightmares, and can barely drive due to post-traumatic stress. Their son, who was six-years-old at the time of the incident, could not sleep in his own bed for a year and could not stand the sound of fireworks on July 4th.

According to the prosecutor, Davis had not been taking his case seriously. He has filed a civil suit for $19 billion against one of the government’s witnesses “because they testified,” according to a prosecutor.

The prosecution proposed a sentence of 360 months and claimed this reflects the defendant’s actions and decisions.

Defense attorney Marnitta King said the sentencing guideline the prosecution recommends does not fit the defendant. She requested that the judge not “lump him into” a “number of time.” Instead, she asked the court to focus on the “positive light” he has been in the community, citing his involvement in the music industry throughout the DC area.

King asked the court to consider an 11-and-a-half-year sentence, a departure from the sentencing guidelines.

The defendant told the court the prosecution wants a sentence that does not take the low “severity” of the crime into account. He said, “I’m a father, I’m a brother, I’m a son,” and am trying to “do better.”

Davis said that he is “praying for the best” and thanked Judge Brandt for reading letters of support from his friends and family.

Judge Brandt acknowledged that the defendant has “always stuck up for himself” throughout the case, but that is where the “accolades end.” She claimed that the defendant sees the case and his criminal history differently than the court, as he has been convicted for other serious crimes.

“This case kind of speaks for itself,” Judge Brandt said. “Four people on that fateful day could have ended up dead.”

Judge Brandt sentenced Davis to a total of 32-and-a-half years. He received 11-and-a-half years for assault with intent to kill, which carries a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence, and 21 years for three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. Concurrently, he received 21 years for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Davis will have to register as a gun offender for two years after his supervised release ends. He has 30 days to appeal his case.

Shooting Defendant of Mother Holding Child Accepts Plea Deal

A shooting defendant who endangered a child accepted a plea deal set forth by the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 17.

Darrious Johnson, 23, was originally charged with three counts of intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly, second-degree cruelty to children, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident occurring on May 5, 2023, on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries from the incident.

According to court documents, an individual identified as Johnson allegedly shot a woman, holding her child, in a residence. The incident stemmed from a dispute over money.

The prosecution said the mother sustained injuries which permanently caused her to lose mobility in two fingers on her left hand.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court they had extended an offer, which required Johnson plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed, second-degree cruelty to children, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the deal, the parties agreed Johnson will be required to serve six years of incarceration and five years of supervised release.

Wole Falodun, Johnson’s defense attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept the deal.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 23.

Carjacking and Robbery Defendants Waive Rights to DNA Testing

Co-defendants in a carjacking and robbery case waived their rights to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on June 17.

Gregory Patterson, 41, and Jimmy Johnson, 43, are charged with unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE, on July 11, 2023.

Patterson is also charged with robbery in connection to the incident.

According to court documents, the victim stated that two suspects assaulted him and robbed him of his jewelry before attempting to carjack his vehicle. During the struggle, a gun was allegedly brandished, but never fired. The victim fought back, causing the suspects to run off and allowing the victim to drive himself to a local hospital.

Camera footage from the area was recovered, which showed what appeared to be a robbery and a still image of the suspect who was later identified as Patterson.

The victim sustained a large laceration above his left eye, requiring 10 stitches, along with scratches and small lacerations on his right hand.

At the hearing, both Patterson and Johnson waived their rights to independent DNA testing for the evidence the prosecution recovered from the scene including various swabs from the car and a handgun.

Parties are slated to return on July 15.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty But Considers Plea Deal

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo in a felony arraignment on June 17.

Damion Brown, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of large capacity feeding device, and unlawful possession of firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year old Jordan Coates on the 1200 block of Duncan Place, NE, on Sept. 9, 2023.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to an incident where Coates was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Brown was later identified as the alleged shooter through Ring camera footage and witness testimony. Life-saving measures for Coates were unsuccessful.

Todd Baldwin, Brown’s defense attorney, alerted the court he was pleading not guilty to all indictment charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial. Meanwhile, he is considering an unspecified prosecution plea offer.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 23.

Judge Denies Release for Shooting Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz denied a shooting defendant’s request to be released as he awaits further proceedings on June 17.

Dayquan Henderson, 22, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on May 11 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, an individual identified as Henderson, who was inside of the residence, was arguing with two individuals who were outside nearby. During the argument, Henderson allegedly shot at the victims, without striking them. The victims fled the scene.

Michelle Lockard, Henderson’s defense attorney, submitted a motion for Henderson’s pretrial release based on his residing with his pregnant girlfriend, who is not involved in the dispute, and remaining gainfully employed.

Judge Leibovitz denied the request, citing the nature of the offense, adding that bystanders could have been allegedly injured by Henderson.

Parties are slated to return July 8.

Victim’s Mother Sits ‘in Grief’ at Sentencing Hearing

A homicide defendant, who previously refused to appear, was sentenced to 45 years in prison by DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on June 14.

Terrell Poe, 37, was convicted by a jury on Feb. 15 of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Christopher Washington on Sept. 23, 2020, on the 400 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

At the hearing prosecutors informed the court that they had received multiple letters of support for harsh sentencing by the victim’s family.

Washington’s mother told the court of the deep pain she and her entire family feel, highlighting Washington’s role as a father and the immense loss his children are experiencing.

She described “sit[ing] in grief” and knowing that nothing was going to bring him back.

Prosecutors recommended the top of sentencing guidelines for Poe stating that “society is simply not safe with the defendant [Poe] on the streets.”

They requested 62 years of incarceration, citing his criminal history and the nature and circumstances of the offense.

Poe’s parents and sister spoke to the court asking for leniency in that they truly believed that Poe was incapable of killing Washington for no reason.

Poe’s father stated he was the closest he had been to his son in five years. He urged his son to “be strong,” and cherish the fact that Poe could “still from time to time hold [them],” something Washington could no longer do with his family.

As Poe’s father gave his statement to the court Poe could be heard saying “I love you” to him.

Poe’s sister was the last family member to give a statement on his behalf. She described Poe as loving, caring, and goofy. She affirmed her belief in his innocence despite the guilty verdict handed down by the jury.

In his statement to the court, Poe apologized to the Washington family, stating he understood the feeling of loss they were experiencing as he had lost his older brother to street violence.

Poe then reaffirmed his innocence stating that he would “never pull a trigger on someone without an apparent reason,” adding that the only way would be if he or his family were being threatened.

Poe stated he was “not going to take responsibility for something [he] didn’t do,” highlighting the fact that he has three prior convictions and that his family had not shown up on his behalf until this one, indicating his is taking responsibility for the consequences of one’s actions.

Through tears Poe gave his love to his family, including his two young children who were in the courtroom. He warned his sons that “all they see is color,” and to be good.

Finally, Poe directly addressed Judge O’Keefe stating that he has already been waiting for almost five years in jail to prove his innocence. Poe acknowledged that Judge O’Keefe had a job to do, but to be understanding of why he was found guilty, which Poe believed to be his race.

Judge O’Keefe told Poe that, “ [The jury] all concluded ‘yes’ [meaning a guilty verdict]. And I have to respect that.”

He highlighted Poe’s prior arrests, warrants, and convictions and that Poe did not arrive at the sentencing with “clean hands.”

“You’ve been found responsible for it and you have to be punished for it,” Judge O’Keefe told Poe.

Judge O’Keefe sentenced Poe to 45 years in prison with five years of supervised probation.

Poe is to be incarcerated within 100 miles of DC per defense counsel’s request of staying close to the area so Poe may keep in contact with family.

Judge Won’t Dismiss Shooting Case on Constitutional Grounds

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow denied a motion to dismiss an assault case involving two victims in a June 14 hearing. The judge disregarded the defense’s argument that their client’s constitutional right to a fair trial has been violated but acknowledged they are entitled to key prosecution evidence.

James Guillory, 24, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and carrying a pistol without a license, for allegedly shooting two individuals on June 15, 2023 at the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE.

According to court documents, a male victim was shot in his upper right thigh and a female victim was shot in her nose during the incident. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective presented a photo array to the female victim and she immediately identified the shooter in a photograph, which showed an individual identified as Guillory.

At the hearing, Judge Pasichow heard arguments from both parties regarding the admission of evidence, which the defense argued the prosecution didn’t share by the deadline, negatively impacting Guillory’s right to a fair trial.

According to Guillory’s attorneys, Varsha Govindaraju and Gail Engmann, the prosecution has also failed to disclose impeachment material, which falls under exculpatory evidence, regarding the two victims’ criminal history, as well as their interactions with police. In other words, their evidence could be compromised.

“There has not been any bad faith,” said the prosecution in response to the defense’s statements.

The defense stated that both victims have “significant crime history,” involving domestic violence, and evidence could prove a motive to lie about the incident. They stated their goal is to illustrate the victims’ “corruption bias” and impeach their credibility.

In turn, the defense attorneys requested body-worn camera footage, 911 calls, radio runs, police reports, and any statements made to officials involving the two victims.

They argued that they need the evidence to build their case not just cross-examine the witnesses, as the prosecution claims.

According to the prosecution, they have given the defense a “wealth of impeachment information.”

In the end, Judge Pasichow acknowledged that the main witnesses in this case would be the two victims, and ruled that the evidence the defense requested could be considered exculpatory evidence and could serve as an important part of their defense case.

Jude Pasichow also postponed the trial date by more than two weeks due to pending motions. She stated, “I think it’s going to be impossible” to start on the previously scheduled date.

Parties are slated to meet on June 27.

Judge Imposes Lengthy Sentence in Stabbing of Deaf Man

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow sentenced a deaf defendant to seven-and-a-half years for stabbing a deaf man, claiming the defendant “has presented a consistent danger” to society and “very little impulse control,” during a June 14 hearing.

Ronald Washington, 28, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for stabbing a victim in the abdomen on Oct. 28, 2023 at the 2100 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE. Both the defendant and the victim are deaf.

According to court documents, the victim was taken to MedStar Hospital and underwent surgery for his injuries. He was able to name and identify the defendant as the perpetrator.

Per police reports, Washington turned himself in to authorities the day after the incident and was accompanied by his cousin who assisted in interpreting through American Sign Language (ASL).

On April 8, Washington accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 60-to-180 months of incarceration.

With four ASL interpreters and the defendant’s family present in the courtroom, the victim gave an impact statement via WebEx, contending the maximum sentence was “the only appropriate recourse” for the defendant’s actions.

According to an interpreter, the victim said the incident “impacted him physically, emotionally, and mentally,” also stating “I will forever be a victim.”

“I’ve never experienced an impact on my life this bad. Ever,” asserted the victim.

Following the victim’s statements, the prosecution reaffirmed the severity of the case and its impact on the victim. According to the prosecution, the victim lost part of his bowel as a result of surgery, and the tip of the knife, which Washington used to stab the victim, broke off in the victim’s body.

“[The victim] could have died from what happened,” asserted the prosecution, backing up the victim’s desire for the maximum sentence.

The prosecutor also highlighted Washington’s prior criminal record and his history of mental health issues and drug abuse. There was “no justification for the defendant’s actions,” said the prosecution.

Washington’s defense attorney, Anthony Smith, stated his client “indicated to me his complete remorse” for his actions, and asked Judge Pasichow to provide his client the services he has shown he needs.

He claimed Washington was seated in the courtroom “due to his mental health issues and anger issues,” in addition to not receiving necessary and adequate treatment throughout his childhood.

In response, Judge Pasichow reviewed the defendant’s criminal record and stated he was provided with many opportunities to receive help and work on himself.

“I was really struck by how many probation opportunities Mr. Washington had to receive the services that are now being recommended,” said Judge Pasichow.

Judge Pasichow agreed with the prosecution, stating there was no justification for the defendant’s actions. She added that Washington “has presented a consistent danger” to society and “very little impulse control.”

While Judge Pasichow was speaking, Washington signed to one of the interpreters and asked for his girlfriend, who was in the audience, to make a statement.

Through an interpreter, Washington’s girlfriend, who was present at the incident, claimed that her boyfriend “is not a bad person” and was trying to defend himself.

Subsequently, the victim asked to make further statements. He stated Washington “has shown no change of behavior,” acknowledging that this incident was not the first time the defendant has been violent.

According to Judge Pasichow, Washington claimed in a report, “I used to think I had anger issues, but not anymore.”

Judge Pasichow expressed her concern over Washington’s statement and conveyed hope he will take full responsibility for his actions.

Judge Pasichow ultimately sentenced Washington to 90 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release, also requiring him to receive anger management and mental health services, among others.

Homicide Defendant Will Do Independent DNA Testing

Before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, homicide defendant Dohn Harmon stated his intention to perform independent DNA testing on June 14.

Harmon, 24, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Kelvin Goggins on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE, on July 1, 2020.

With a jury trial slated for Feb. 3, 2025, the prosecution alerted the court they have begun DNA testing of evidence.

Judge O’Keefe informed Harmon of his right to independently perform DNA testing on evidence that either contained his DNA or evidence that the prosecution did not test.

Harmon’s attorney, Steven Kiersh alerted the court that the defense intends to perform their own DNA testing.

Courts will reconvene on Nov. 8.

Shooting Suspect Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

Alphonso Oliver’s lawyer waived his right to independently test DNA evidence found at a crime scene in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on June 14.

Oliver, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 16-year-old Levoire Simmons on July 5, 2022. The shooting occurred on the 700 block of Kenilworth Terrace NE.

With a trial slated for 2025, the prosecution announced to the court that they have not conducted DNA testing and have no intention to.

Judge O’Keefe informed Oliver of his right to perform independent DNA testing but he declined.

The court is set to reconvene for a follow up on May 16, 2025.

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