Judge Denies Carjacking Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied a carjacking defendant’s release after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Sept. 23.

Martrail Cunningham, 26, is charged with two counts of armed carjacking and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence from his alleged involvement in multiple incidents, which occurred on Aug. 4 at the 1300 block of Wallach Place, NW, and on Aug. 25 at the 1300 block of Jasper Place, SE.

Cunningham was allegedly involved in two other charged armed carjacking incidents for which he is yet to charged with that took place on Aug. 17 at the 1000 block of Perry Street, NW, and on Aug. 14 at the 700 block of Newton Place, NW.

Cunningham’s lawyer, Susan Borecki, alerted the court that Cunningham was waiving his right to a preliminary hearing and requested Cunningham be released with GPS monitoring, arguing that has a stable living situation, three children, a job working in landscaping, and no prior history of failing to appear in scourt.

The prosecution disagreed arguing Cunningham would be a danger to society if released.

The prosecution noted that although Cunningham is only accused in connection to two incidents he’s facing additional charges. They also stated that during one incident a firearm was allegedly brandished and that in another a weapon discharged.

Additionally, the prosecution stated that the stolen vehicles were found at an address linked to Cunningham and that identifying materials were found in one of the vehicles as well as a handgun and ammunition.

The prosecution noted that Cunningham has a pending case in Maryland for robbery and a prior robbery case.

Judge Raymond ruled that Cunningham would continue to be held at the jail, finding that there were no conditions or combination of conditions of release that would ensure the safety of society.

“The weight of the evidence is exceedingly strong,” Judge Raymond said, adding that his employment is “erased by fairly consistent and nominally dangerous behavior during the month of August.”

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 17.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty during an arraignment on Sept. 23 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

Samuel Robinson, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon, allegedly committed during release from another criminal matter, for his alleged role in a stabbing at the Mount Vernon Square Metro Station on the 700 block of M Street, NW, on Feb. 6. One person sustained a stab wound to the back of the head.

According to court documents, two individuals, one later identified as Robinson, were in a physical altercation, which led to the stabbing.

At the hearing, Michelle Lockard, Robinson’s defense attorney, announced that he is pleading not guilty to all of the charges and that he asserts his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Moreover, Lockard asked the court to release Robinson, citing he is taking medication to treat his mental health issues. Judge Pipe denied the request, stating that he should still be detained to ensure he is able to take his prescription medication.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 1.

Carjacking Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

On Sept. 20, a carjacking defendant accepted a plea deal in front of Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Tony Walker, 28, was originally charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unauthorized use of a vehicle, first-degree theft, and unarmed carjacking for his involvement in a theft and carjacking incident on the 400 block of Marietta Place, NW on Jan. 10.

During the hearing, Terrence Austin, Walker’s defense attorney, alerted the court of Walker’s intent to accept a deal which required Walker to plead guilty to unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange of the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties are expected to reconvene for sentencing on Oct. 4.

Stabbing Case Continued Over Venue For Competency Treatment

On Sep. 20 DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park ordered a postponement to determine treatment options for competency restoration for a stabbing defendant currently in Massachusetts.

Michael Burke, 45, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing during a street fight on the 1700 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE on April 16.

According to court documents, the victim suffered a cut to the left side of his left jaw and was transported to the hospital with the blade still lodged inside his mouth.

Burke was released in April, and returned to his home in Massachusetts, with the condition that he would seek mental health assessments and competency evaluation.

When discussing the results of the examination and release status, defense attorney Thomas Healy stated that the doctor concluded Burke should continue competency restoration in Massachusetts.

The prosecution requested that Burke receive “local restoration” within DC, because that’s where he allegedly committed the crime.

Burke, who attended the hearing remotely, requested to speak with the judge, inquiring if he ordered officers to follow him, and expressed that he had “issues with the competency treatment” and was “going to complain to the FBI” alleging unfair treatment.

Judge Park responded that Massachusetts “wasn’t his [the judge’s] jurisdiction,” and ordered a continuance to allow Healy to determine Burke’s options for receiving competency restoration services in Massachusetts or other options than in DC.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Oct. 7.

Mental Competency Exam Requested for Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ordered a shooting defendant’s transfer to St. Elizabeths Hospital to receive a full mental competency examination during a hearing on Sept. 23.

Bryant Russell, 47, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 6, 2024 on the 5000 block of Just Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

A mental competency exam for Russell was previously requested on Aug. 14.

During the hearing, Judge Raymond revealed that the results of the exam were inconclusive and that it was recommended that Russell be transferred to St. Elizabeths for a full mental competency exam.

Judge Raymond ordered the transfer that said the court would wait 40 days to receive the results of the next evaluation.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 4.

Shooting Defendant Claims Self-Defense in Trial

A shooting defendant claimed he acted in self-defense before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s courtroom on Sept. 19.

Jerry Tyree, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of liquid PCP, and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged role in a Nov. 29, 2023, shooting on the 5900 block of Foote Street, NE. A transgender woman sustained injuries to her penis and groin during the incident.

Sara Kopecki, Tyree’s defense attorney, called on the defendant to testify about his recollection of the incident.

Tyree testified that after leaving a liquor store near his home, he encountered an individual he believed to be a woman who flagged him down. According to Tyree, the two agreed to exchange money for a sexual act, after which they proceeded to the crime scene. Inside an apartment building, Tyree said, the individual performed oral sex while placing her hand in his pocket and taking approximately 80 dollars.

Tyree said that the individual produced a firearm when he demanded his money back. He testified that in fearing for his life, he attempted to disarm her, and in the struggle, the gun discharged. Tyree emphasized that he was not trying to fire the weapon but only meant to twist it out of her hand. He explained that after the gun went off, he took the firearm and fled.

During his testimony, Tyree became emotional when asked why he hadn’t reported the incident to the police. He spoke of his long-standing distrust of law enforcement, recounting a previous incident in which he was allegedly robbed and falsely imprisoned by police officers.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 23.

Case Acquitted: Stabbing Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

Editor’s Note: Darryl Myers was acquitted of all charges by a jury on March 27, 2026.

A stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Sept. 19.

Darryl Myers, 51, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significantly bodily injury while armed, misdemeanor sex abuse, and simple assault, for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on June 7 at the Dupont Circle near the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and 20th Street, NW.. One person sustained four stab wounds to the neck, while another individual was allegedly groped.

According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Myers, approached a couple sitting at a park bench and began yelling slurs at them. Allegedly, he groped the woman, and, when the man tried to stop Myers, he allegedly stabbed him. Police detained him after someone matching his description was transported to the same emergency room as the stabbing victim.

At the hearing, Myers’ attorney, Alvin Thomas, announced that he intends to plead not guilty to all charges and requested a speedy jury trial.

The prosecution also alerted Judge O’Keefe they had extended a plea deal, which would require Myers to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Myers rejected the offer, and reasserted his constitutional rights.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 20.

Shooting Defendant’s Trial Postponed For Defense’s Ongoing Investigation

A shooting defendant’s attorney requested DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe delay trial, slated to begin in October, in order to continue investigating the case on Sept. 19.

Antonio Hawley, 21, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed , possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the murder of Aaron Wiggins, 26. The incident occurred on the 400 block of 13th Street, SE, on Oct. 6, 2021.

According to court documents, Wiggins sustained at least 12 gunshot wounds, injuring his body, including his elbow, arms, hands, legs, hips, and chest.

During the hearing, Julie Swaney, Hawley’s attorney, alerted Judge O’Keefe she was not prepared to go to trial, stating the defense is conducting its own investigation, which could end with a Winfield motion which provides information that may prove someone other than the defendant committed the crime.

Due to the defense’s ongoing investigation, Judge O’Keefe granted the request for a trial delay. A new trial date was scheduled for January 2026.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 20.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges in his arraignment hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Sept. 19.

Deonte Spicer, 37, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Tyvez Monroe, 27, on Dec. 26, 2023, on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were sent to the scene of the incident, where they found Monroe lying on a sidewalk by a bus stop. He was transported to George Washington University Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

During the hearing, his defense attorney, Marnitta King, announced that he intends to plead not guilty to all charges and invoked his right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 22.

‘He Was There Behind the Scenes,’ Judge Says in Sentencing Man to More Than 100 Years in Conspiracy, Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a defendant who provided the guns for a shooting to 108 years and six months in prison on Sept. 19.

Stephen Nelson, 22, was convicted on July 10 of conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, assault with the intent to kill while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of an unregistered firearm in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW. Another juvenile sustained injuries after suffering a gunshot wound to the leg.

Nelson was charged alongside Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, who were sentenced to 164 and 108 years of incarceration.

Judge Brandt said the jury found Nelson responsible for the shooting due to his role in providing the guns to Jackson, Freeman and the other co-conspirators. She said phone and text conversations showed he knew how the guns were being used.

“He was there behind the scenes,” Judge Brandt said.

Judge Brandt said that while Nelson did not pull the trigger, the jury found he was involved in the murder and conspiracy and she had to sentence him according to that. She laid out a sentence of 108 years and six months in prison.

“It would be unfair to give Mr. Nelson a different sentence than his colleagues,” Judge Brandt said.

Before the judge gave the sentence, Nelson turned to the victim’s family sitting in the gallery, and apologized.

“I’m sorry about your son,” Nelson said to the victim’s mother.

Prosecutors said Nelson has been in the criminal justice system his entire adult life and knows the consequences of his actions. They said Nelson was not an “unwitting participant,” but was the one supplying the guns and offering encouragement to the perpetrators of the shooting.

“The community should not have to take another chance on Mr. Nelson,” the prosecutor said.

Lisbeth Saperstein, one of Nelson’s attorneys, said Jackson and Freeman could have gotten the guns from another source if Nelson had not provided them. She asked the judge for a sentence that reflects his involvement in the crime, which did not involve actively shooting people.

Judge Brandt ordered Nelson to pay $2,200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund by Dec. 31, 2075.

Judge Brandt told Nelson that he has 30 days to file an appeal.

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.

Defense Asks for More Time Before Competency Reevaluation

A defense attorney requested a felony status conference postponement to allow more time to decide if the defendant needs a full mental competency screening in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Sept. 20.

Christopher Cary, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of one victim in the lower back on Feb. 29 at the 3600 block of 16th Street, NW.

Cary did not appear because he refused to allow US Marshals to transport him to court from the DC Jail. His appearance was waived by Janai Reed, his attorney.

Reed requested the felony status conference postponement because she needs to more time to speak to Cary and review the evidence obtained through discovery from the prosecution. Reed said that although Cary was found competent to stand trial in April, he was deemed incompetent in prior findings.

Reed informed the court that she wants more time to decide whether to file a motion to have Cary reevaluated for competency. She suggested a hearing “just to be safe” which Judge Pasichow denied.

Reed also mentioned that she is in contact with the prosecution about a potential plea offer but the terms were undisclosed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 11.

Parties Clash Over Witness Testimony in Mother and Son Murder Case

In a Sept. 20 motion hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective confirmed a suspect’s presence in surveillance footage.

Jaquell Jackson, 20, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and second-degree murder while armed.

Chakeatia Jackson, 39, Jaquell’s mother, is also charged with second-degree murder while armed. Jackson is not currently detained while Jaquell has been jailed.

The charges stem from the mother and son’s alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on the 1300 Block of Congress Street, SE, on Sept. 15, 2021, which resulted in the death of 37-year-old Tarshaqua Chappell.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective said Jaquell was identified from social media posts, surveillance footage and a witness who named Jaquell based on knowledge of his stature, clothing and build.

Defense attorney Brian McDaniel raised concerns about the identification due to grainy surveillance footage and that when the witness was questioned, the interview was not recorded, leaving what was said known only by the MPD detective and the witness.

Due to schedule conflicts and time restrictions, the hearing was continued to Oct. 9.

Victim Shouts ‘You Lose!’ to Defendant in Heated Testimony

A victim told a shooting defendant, “You lose!” during testimony before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian’s courtroom on Sept. 20.

Calvon Brown, 31, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on March 22 on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. One individual sustained injuries.

Prosecutors called on the victim of the shooting to continue his testimony during cross examination. Tammy Thom, Brown’s attorney, cross examined the victim.

During testimony, the victim claimed that he took a gun from Brown during the incident but discarded it in a nearby trash bin. Thom referenced a 911 call indicating the victim carried the gun away from the scene. The victim responded, “I am no liar,” leading to a heated exchange with the attorney.

Frustrated by Thom’s questioning the victim repeatedly shouted, “I am the victim!” After stepping down from the stand, he exclaimed, “You have to respect my fu***** word!” before addressing Brown directly, saying, “I am the victim. You lose!”

The prosecution called several witnesses to establish the context of the shooting and the investigation.

The lead detective testified that he obtained video footage of the interaction before the incident. He was able to post a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) for a suspect seen in the video. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer patrolling the area recognized the suspect as Calvon Brown.

Another MPD detective interviewed the victim to identify the shooter. She testified that the victim never mentioned the shooter’s wearing glasses or a head covering —both of which Brown was allegedly seen wearing on the day of the incident.

After the prosecution finished its case, Thom requested acquittal arguing that the victim, the sole witness, lacked credibility due to contradictions in his testimony and failure to accurately identify the shooter.

In response, the prosecution maintained that the victim was clear in identifying Brown as the shooter and he did not waver on that point throughout his testimony.

Judge Christian denied acquittal explaining that there was sufficient evidence for a jury to determine the defendant’s guilt.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 23.

‘I Took the Knife Out Myself,’ Stabbing Victim Tells Jury

A victim recalled his shock following a stabbing and told the jury he “took the knife out” himself, before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Sept. 19.

Amadelia Hernandez, 35, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing incident that occurred on March 29 on the 400 block of Emerson Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries from this incident.

In their opening statement, the prosecution said that on the night of the incident, the victim sustained a cut from a chef’s knife when Hernandez allegedly stabbed him.

According to the prosecution, some of the blood in the apartment where the incident occurred had been cleaned up before officers and medical services arrived.

Hernandez’s attorney, Damon Catacalos, argued that she acted in self-defense.

According to Catacalos, the victim is an alcoholic who acts aggressively when under the influence. He argued that is what happened on the night of the incident, as medical documents showed he had been under the influence at the time.

When the prosecution called the victim to testify, he recalled watching TikTok videos with his landlord on his cellular device and laughing at them. The victim said he was making a smoothie when he began to feel “heat” on his lower back.

The victim told the jury he realized he was stabbed when he pulled out the knife and threw it in the kitchen sink. He told the landlord to call 911, and the landlord identified the defendant as the one who allegedly stabbed the victim.

The victim testified while waiting for officers to arrive he watched the defendant and another tenant in the household clean up evidence.

During cross-examination, the defense asked the victim about his drinking problem. The victim said he spent approximately two weeks in rehab and hadn’t had anything to drink at the time of the incident.

The responding officer, in her testimony, described the victim’s demeanor as calm but shocked when he first talked to police and displayed his injury.

The defense asked about the night prior to the stabbing, when the victim allegedly waved a knife at the defendant’s belly and laughed. Although police were called, no arrests were made.

The victim denied the allegations.

Trial will resume on Sept. 23.

‘I Am Not a Violent Person,’ Says Shooting Defendant at Sentencing Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow sentenced a shooting defendant to 51 months of imprisonment with three years supervised release on Sept. 20.

Anthony Moten, 38, was convicted of aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in the non-fatal shooting of one victim in the stomach on April 12 at the 1600 block of 17th Street, SE.

At the hearing, the protection asked for Moten to be sentenced to 72 months, citing the seriousness of the offense. The prosecution raised concerns about Moten’s prior history of assaultive conduct and a prior misdemeanor for carrying a pistol without a license. They also noted that Moten has failed to comply with the terms of probation in the past.

The prosecution also shared a written statement from the victim who could not be present in court because the person is currently being held in jail facing felony charges.

“What he did still makes me scared to go outside with my daughter,” read the statement.

Camille Wagner, Moten’s attorney, said that Moten was acting in self defense and that the prosecution’s request for the highest range was not a just sentence. She said her client has a son who needs his father and that Moten is motivated to do better. Wagner asked for a 39 month sentence.

Moten also provided a statement and told the court that he wanted to let the victim’s family know he is sorry and he wants to make things right.

“I am not a violent person, I don’t believe in violence or harming people,” Moten said.

Before imposing the sentence, Judge Pasichow said when looking at Moten’s history, she began seeing patterns of assaultive conduct beginning 14-years-ago. She said she thought there must be something else going on because shooting is “a little bit” beyond what is tolerable.

Judge Pasichow noted that Moten had previously indicated that he was not involved with drugs but was positive for PCP at the time of his arrest. She said that Moten’s denial was a “patent lie” and that his disinterest in preventing another incident was unacceptable.

Judge Pasichow sentenced Moten to a 51 months in prison with three years of supervised release. He is required to pay 200 dollars to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund, register as a gun offender upon release, and complete an outpatient substance abuse program. Moten must also submit to regular drug and alcohol testing and seek as well as gain lawful employment.

No further dates were set.

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