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Defendant in Shooting Case Plans to Independently Test DNA

Before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, on June 14, the counsel for a homicide defendant stated an intention to perform independent DNA testing of evidence recovered at a crime scene. 

William Brock, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 68-year-old Nathaniel Martin on Nov. 15, 2021, on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

As both sides prepare for trial, the prosecution alerted the court they have begun DNA testing of evidence.

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

Brock’s attorney, Terrence Austin, informed the court that they would be conducting independent testing of DNA evidence. 

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 8.

Effects of Shooting Weigh Heavily on Children of Victim and Defendant

The children of Latasha Gray and Anthony Thomas were present in the courtroom on June 14, as Gray was sentenced to nine years’ incarceration and five years of supervised release by DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo for fatally shooting Thomas.

Gray, 37, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm in an intrafamily offense for her involvement in the fatal shooting of Thomas, 40. The incident took place on Feb. 6, 2023, on the 4200 block of 7th Street, SE.

On Feb. 13, Gray accepted a deal that required her to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges. The plea deal limited the sentencing range to seven-and-a-half to ten years in prison, plus five years of supervised release.

Arrest documents state that the shared children of Gray and Thomas were present in an apartment when the shooting occurred. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who investigated the case identified the voices on the 911 call from that incident as the children’s.

According to court documents, the MPD officers who responded reported finding only the children with their dying father in the apartment. They testified that Gray returned to surrender herself to the police while they were still on the scene.

At the sentencing hearing, the prosecution requested a sentence of 10 years for Gray, disputing the defense’s argument that the shooting was accidental.

“She is not owning up and taking responsibility for it, and that’s necessary to move forward,” the prosecutor contended.

One reason the prosecutor cited for requesting the maximum sentence was Gray’s behavior toward her children just after the shooting.

“Instead of doing everything she can to render aid,” the prosecutor narrated the scene, “she leaves. She leaves her children there to deal with it.”

Joseph Yarbough, Gray’s attorney, requested the minimum sentence of seven-and-a-half years.

“She came back,” Yarbough pointed out. “Her greatest regret is picking up that gun. Her second greatest regret is leaving her children in that terrible situation.”

Yarbough argued, “She has taken full responsibility for shooting Mr. Thomas. The question is how it occurred.” 

He attributed the gun’s firing to its lack of an external safety mechanism and having a hair-trigger.

Gray herself addressed the court, stating that she accepts full responsibility for Thomas’ death even though she didn’t intend to kill him. She apologized to Thomas’ children and grandchildren for depriving them of their father and grandfather.

To her children and her mother, Gray attested, “You have taught me the real meaning of unconditional love.”

Judge Demeo stated that Gray had taken responsibility for the incident to the extent that the charge of voluntary manslaughter requires, since that charge depends on negligence, not on intent to kill. 

Even though the defense was calling the gun’s discharge accidental, the technical definition of an accidental discharge is one that occurs without human intervention, so, by admitting to touching the gun, Gray was admitting to a negligent discharge.

As part of Gray’s sentence, Judge Demeo ordered her to complete a mental health evaluation, a life skills course, and the General Education Diploma (GED). Both Yarbough and a representative from the Office of Rehabilitation and Development (ORD) testified to the progress Gray had already made in self-improvement and training programs while held at the DC Jail.

More than a dozen members of Gray’s family were present at the sentencing hearing to support her.

“I think the sentencing wasn’t fair,” Gray’s brother told D.C. Witness. “It wasn’t fair at all. It wasn’t justice. I think the court portrayed my sister as a vigilante, as a killer, and she isn’t that. She’s responsible, but she’s a victim as well, and the kids are, and we all are. We all are victims.” 

“With the kids being adolescents, young adults, it’s a crucial time for them to have an adult around to raise them up as men,” Gray’s brother observed.

“The victim’s family lost a loved one. They’ll never see him again. I understand that,” Gray’s brother stated. “We’re also losing my sister, but we have a chance to see her again, and we all just hope that we’ll still be alive by the time she comes out.”

He concluded, “I extend my sincere condolences to the family of the victim, to all his family.”

Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

Through her attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, Brianca Phillips rejected a plea deal and requested a trial date before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on June 14.

Phillips, 27, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Terrance Allen on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE on Jan. 18, 2021. 

Phillips was previously a co-defendant with Delonta Stevenson, 29, and Vorreze Thomas, 26, but her case was severed from theirs in May of 2023. In February, Stevenson and Thomas were found guilty of first-degree murder, among other charges, and their cases are now on appeal.

The offer that Phillips rejected would have required her to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit a crime of violence. In return, the prosecution would have dismissed all other charges, and the defense would have been permitted to request a sentence below the sentencing guidelines.

Judge Demeo scheduled a trial for Phillips to begin on July 14, 2025.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 11.

‘I Want to Forgive Her But Not Forget,’ Says Stabbing Victim at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a stabbing defendant to 28 months on June 14. 

Donnell Jackson, 31, was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, four counts of threats to do bodily harm, and three counts of assault, for his involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on Oct. 2, 2023, on the 500 block of D Street, NW. One individual sustained stab wounds during the incident. 

Court documents say the issue between Jackson and the victim was a dispute over a man.

According to the judge, he carefully reviewed letters from Jackson’s family, friends, and her resume before deciding on the appropriate sentence. 

Jackson’s struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues were a significant part of her defense. Diagnosed with a mood disorder and bipolar disorder, she received treatment while waiting for the case to be resolved.

The victim described her ongoing struggle with the trauma inflicted by Jackson in a victim impact statement.  

“I want to forgive her but not forget what has happened to me,” the victim said, highlighting her need for frequent psychiatric support. “I just want to live my life,” she added, emphasizing the lasting impact of the assault. ab

The prosecution argued that Jackson has continually refused to accept accountability for her actions. They requested a comprehensive sentence of 24 months for assault with bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon, seven days for each threat charge, 90 days for one of the simple assault charges, 45 days for the other simple assault charge, and 12 months of supervised probation. They requested she serve the sentence immediately.

However, Jackson’s defense attorney, Gregg Baron, requested she serve a split sentence, considering Jackson’s seven months already served in the DC Jail. 

He proposed suspending the remaining time, with Jackson entering a bed-to-bed treatment program. He said Jackson’s status as a transgender woman could cause safety issues in the DC jail.

In her closing remarks, Jackson expressed deep remorse and claimed full accountability for her actions. “I’m extremely remorseful… I truly accept accountability for the situation that took place.”

Judge Ryan sentenced Jackson to seven days for each of the four counts of threats to do bodily harm misdemeanor, 30 days for each charge of simple assault, 30 days for assault with a dangerous weapon committed during release, and 28 months with 10 months suspended, resulting in 18 months for two merged counts of assault with a dangerous weapon committed during release and one count of assault with significant bodily injury committed during release. Judge Ryan also imposed three years of supervised probation following her release and required her to pay a $600 fine to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF). 

The judge also gave her credit for the time she spent in jail, acknowledging the gender-related concerns presented by the defense.

Document: MPD Seeks Vehicle in a Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying and locating a vehicle used in a shooting in which two individuals sustained injuries on June 14 on the 3800 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

Homicide Suspect, ‘Turned That Apartment Into a War Zone, Says Prosecutor

Parties delivered opening statements in a homicide trial before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe’s courtroom on June 12.  

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 fatal shootings of Ronald Brown, 19, and Tijuan Wilson, 41. The incident occurred on July 27, 2022 on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE. Another victim sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, but survived. 

Prosecutors allege that Jones killed Brown and Wilson in retaliation for a shooting that occurred five days prior. They argue that on July 22, 2022 Brown and Jones got into an argument at a local tobacco shop. After the altercation Jones followed Brown while he picked up family members. 

The prosecution suggested that after picking up family in the 4300 block of Livingston Street, SE shots were fired at Jones’ car without injury. 

However, Charles Murdter, Jones’ defense attorney, argued that there is no evidence nor eyewitnesses that connect Jones to the shooting on July 27. Jones was also unaware of any reason or person behind the shooting on July 22 according to his attorney. 

Prosecutors began their case in chief by bringing the victim’s family members to the stand, providing a glimpse of the victims were before they were killed.

Ronald Brown was a 19-year-old high school student and had plans to be an electrician.

Tijuan Wilson was an innocent bystander. He was standing outside of his car with his brother and wife when he was hit.

ShotSpotter reports indicate gunfire at 7:56 PM on July 22, with police arriving shortly after at 4300 block of Livingston Street, SE. Nine total bullet casings and one bullet fragment were recovered. When police showed up Jones was nowhere to be seen.

The prosecution went on to say that Jones, “Turned that apartment into a war zone.”

Video footage showed a car that prosecutors allege as Brown’s passing by Jones’ vehicle.

Although the shooting was not depicted in the surveillance footage, the timestamp of the cars passing each other on the footage approximately matches the time when ShotSpotter’s alerts were issued. Bullet casings were recovered from an area that matches the location of the passing of cars in the footage. All the rounds were shot from a .40 caliber gun.

The prosecution also presented Jones’ girlfriend and her mother, who confirmed that one of the cars in the video footage of the shooting scene was one that Jones drove. They also stated there was damage to the back left bumper of the car that was present prior to the July 22 shooting as well as bullet hole damage in the bumper. 

Jones’ girlfriend’s mother testified letting Jones borrow her car, which was identified as the car from surveillance footage both at the tobacco shop and on security footage for 4300 block of Livingston Street, SE. 

Trial is to resume on June 13.

At Sentencing, Homicide Defendant Can’t Explain his crime

A homicide defendant was sentenced to 30 years in prison by DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, on June 14.  It was an emotional proceeding as the victim’s brother cried out for justice.

Joseph Melton, 54, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and possession of a prohibited weapon, for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 48-year-old Kevin Chamberlain. The incident occurred on Jan. 14, 2020, on the 700 block of 24th Street, NW, and left another individual suffering from injuries.  

On March 25, Melton accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. 

At the sentencing hearing, prosecutors provided a recap of events, saying the defendant’s veneer of rationality belied the “horrific violence” he wreaked on his victims. Prosecutors urged for sentencing to be in the upper range for both of Melton’s charges. 

Chamberlain’s brother provided a victim impact statement, in which he  described Chamberlain as being a generous and loving father, and a teacher to his community. 

The brother repeatedly stated the utter terror of an innocent man’s getting viciously stabbed multiple times, along with Melton’s lack of remorse.

”Never let this man [Melton] see the light of day,” demanded Chamberlain’s brother. . 

Melton’s attorney, Thomas Healy, asserted that Melton was indeed very remorseful for what occurred on Jan. 14, 2020, and the cost of his actions would stay with him for a very long time. Healy argued that some leniency should be applied as Melton is already in his 50s, and at the time of potential release he would be in his 70s. 

Healy asked the court to “give him credit for accepting responsibility for what he did” to Chamberlain and the other victim. 

Healy advocated for 15 years in prison with supervised probation upon release, asserting that there are many mental health providers Melton could work with after release to ensure what happened to Chamberlain does not happen again. 

When asked by Judge O’Keefe if he had anything to say Melton quietly responded that he “didn’t know what came over [him] that day.” 

Judge O’Keefe found no comfort in the notion that Melton would not repeat his actions given the level of viciousness in this case and his prior criminal history. 

The judge agreed with the prosecution and sentenced Melton to 66 months with three years supervised probation for assault with a dangerous weapon and 300 months with five years supervised probation for second-degree murder. 

Melton’s sentence is to be served consecutively resulting in 30-and-a-half years in prison.

Judge Sentences Shooting Defendant to Seven-and-a-Half Years of Incarceration

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a shooting defendant to seven-and-a-half years of incarceration in connection to a shooting at an apartment complex, on June 14. 

Kamara Huffler, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that injured one on Sept. 16, 2022, on the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE. 

According to Jamison Koehler, Huffler’s defense attorney, his client and his girlfriend believed they were going to his friend’s apartment, and knocked on the door repeatedly with no answer. The victim then appeared from the hallway, went into the apartment, and returned with a gun telling Huffler and his girlfriend to leave. 

Koehler insisted that Huffler was unaware he and his girlfriend were at the wrong apartment, until the victim arrived with a gun and kicked them out.

In Huffler’s statements he recalls the victim putting the gun in his face and saying, “he was going to kill us.” 

Huffler said he took out his firearm in order to protect himself and his girlfriend. He only shot at the victim when he felt like his life was in danger after the victim pushed them and followed them out to their car. 

The prosecution stated the victim was trying to protect his family from these intruders which is why he got his “licensed” gun. 

The victim suffered from a gunshot wound to his knee which made him unable to walk after the incident. The prosecution argues that the victim still “has so many questions.”

Koehler stated that this was an “unfortunate misunderstanding” and that his client “wasn’t looking for trouble,” he just simply got the wrong apartment number. 

Judge Raffinan sentenced Huffler to seven-and-a-half years of incarceration, as well as three years of supervised release along with an intervention plan for his involvement in this shooting.

There are no further dates set. 

Defendant Files ‘Pro Se’ Motions Charging the Court With Fraud

A homicide defendant’s “pro se” motions to remove DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, the prosecution, and his defense attorney from his case, claiming they are conspiring to commit “fraud on the court,” was discussed in a June 14 hearing.  Pro se means an individual is acting as his own attorney.

Kevin Foster, 19, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23- year-old Dana Faulkner and 15-year-old Abdul Fuller at the 2700 block of Bruce Place, SE, on March 7, 2023. 

According to court documents, Faulkner died at the scene, and Fuller was located at the intersection of Mississippi Avenue and Wheeler Road, SE, on the day of the incident. He succumbed to his injuries on March 9.

During the hearing, Judge Raffinan brought multiple motions, filed by Foster himself, to the parties’ attention. 

According to Judge Raffinan, through the motions, Foster requested a new judge, prosecutor, and attorney be appointed, claiming the parties are “guilty of fraud on the court,” adding that “vindictive prosecution occurs where the prosecution, Judge, and Attorneys are pursuing charges against a criminal defendant out of spite, retaliation, or a desire to punish them for asserting their rights.” 

Matthew Davies, Foster’s recently appointed attorney, told the court he needs additional time to discuss the motions with his client. 

Judge Raffinan told Davies he needs to alert the court how they want to proceed.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 20. 

Victim’s Brother Testifies of Trauma in Double Homicide

A homicide victim’s brother explained the impact of the loss before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe’s courtroom on June 13. 

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 fatal 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. 

Wilson’s brother took the stand to recount the events of the shooting on July 27, as he was with Tijuan when the shooting occurred. “My whole life has changed,” he said.

According to Wilson’s brother, the shooting took place outside where Wilson, his wife, and Wilson’s brother were standing near his vehicle. Their car, a Dodge Hellcat, was parked in a lot that was occupied by multiple vehicles. 

The witness testified that a Kia parked in a spot near their vehicle. Wilson’s brother recounted seeing six men get out of the car including Brown, who he asserts was driving the car. 

While exiting the car, Wilson’s brother recalled Brown arguing with another passenger, overhearing that they were “into too much stuff” to be out. 

After overhearing the argument, Wilson’s brother testified, he noticed a dark-colored Honda parked in a nearby spot, which no one exited immediately. 

Wilson’s brother remembered looking back at the Honda a little later and seeing two men with firearms right before the shooting started. 

Upon hearing gunfire, Wilson’s brother testified, he dove to the ground and recalled that the shooting sounded faster than the “normal” rate of gunfire. When asked on cross examination by defense attorney Carrie Weletz, the brother claimed that he is “100 percent” sure that the men in the Honda shot first. 

An eyewitness testified to seeing a person sitting on the passenger side car door of the Honda, shooting towards the direction of where the Hellcat and Brown were. 

When the shooting stopped, Wilson’s brother testified, he could hear his sister-in-law screaming for help, but Wilson remained unresponsive. He then called 911 and went to help Wilson who was by the trunk of the Hellcat. 

According to the brother, when first responders arrived, Wilson was pronounced dead at the scene from his wounds and Brown died from his injuries later that night at the hospital. 

Wilson’s Brother stated that there was bullet hole damage to his car on the right side of the vehicle which was the side closer to the Kia Brown from which exited. 

Judge Sentences Murder Defendant to Nine Years in Prison 

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a defendant to nine years of incarceration as part of a plea agreement wiring two separate cases. 

Jermaine Harris, 22, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle-crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with prior conviction, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting with other suspects.

This incident led to the death of Lamar Walters, 38, and occurred on the 2400 block of Franklin Street, NE, on Jan. 6, 2020. 

Harris was also charged with four additional counts including conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution, and carrying a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the stabbing of another inmate with other suspects while being held in DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Jan. 6, 2023.

On March 21, Harris accepted a deal, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in connection to Walters’ death, and assault with intent to kill while armed, in connection to the stabbing, in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges against him. 

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of seven-to-nine years of incarceration. 

At the hearing, Walters’ dad gave the prosecution a statement to read expressing desire for the court to deny the plea agreement and open up the defendant to more severe sentencing, following the motto ,“If you take a life you should give up yours.” 

During the June 13 hearing, the prosecution played a video depicting the murder while citing the nature and brutality of Harris’ involvement. 

“He just went along with it” and then added “you don’t just ‘go along’ with a murder.” 

Furthermore, the prosecution claims Harris fails to show remorse and accept responsibility for his role in the murder.

The prosecution played another video of Harris’ role in a stabbing occurring in the DC jail, questioning his behavioral development. 

They claim that Harris should receive the more severe sentence of nine years and should not receive the benefit of the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a defendant’s conviction once they’ve successfully completed all sentencing requirements. 

However, defense attorney Jonathan Zucker claimed Harris has “tremendous potential” and should not have the YRA request denied.

During the hearing, Zucker discussed Harris’ involvement in the classroom and taking college level courses while tutoring others. 

Furthermore, Zucker reminded the court of Harris’ limited criminal history before the charges and discussed the absence of parental roles for the defendant while growing up. 

While Judge Brandt acknowledged progress in the classroom and involvement in educational programs, she drew attention to the video of the stabbing and questioned his growth relating to the incident.

Judge Brandt sentenced Harris to nine years of incarceration for the charges of voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed, with sentences for both charges running concurrently. She also denied his request to sentence him under the YRA. 

Additionally, Harris will have five years of supervision after being released.  

No further dates were set.