Family of Hit-and-Run Victim Asks for Maximum Sentence

On Sept. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a man convicted of manslaughter to nine years with two years of probation for one count of involuntary manslaughter.

Eric Beasley, 33, was initially charged with first-degree murder, but pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a hit-and-run incident on the 2100 Block of Young Street, SE on Sept. 4, 2020, resulting in the death of 45-year-old David Farewell.

According to court documents agreed to a sentence ranging from six-to-nine years in prison.

The prosecution argued for the maximum sentence, saying the act was done with malice and, by reducing the sentence from first-degree murder to involuntary manslaughter, the justice system was doing a disservice to the grieving family.

In an impact statements Farewell’s family members said Beasley should be given life without parole. “His life is worth more than six-to-nine years your honor,” one family member said.

Defense Attorneys Madalyn Harvey and Patrick Nowak acknowledged the damage Beasley caused, but argued for a lesser sentence since prosecutor’s dropped the murder charge as part of the plea. Since then Beasley has been attending classes and is becoming more “thoughtful with age,” the defense said.

Beasley addressed the grieving family, saying he wished he could have done better instead of fleeing the scene.”

Considering the facts, Judge Raffinan sentenced Beasley to nine years, suspending one.n.

Beasley must also follow a specialized intervention plan including anger management, substance abuse and mental health evaluations.

Beasley’s sentence is set to run consecutively to any other pending confinement.

Murder Co-Defendant’s Request to Sever Denied

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan in a hearing on Sept. 20. denied Tony Morgan’s request to sever his case from his co- defendant Martinez Raynor prior to a trial on Nov. 12.

Tony Morgan, 29, and Martinez Raynor, 23, are charged with six counts of conspiracy, first degree-murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with the intent to kill while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a shooting incident on the 3500 Block of Wheeler Road, SE, on Oct. 20, 2018, which resulted in the death of 19-year-old Malik McCloud.

Defense Attorney’s Steven Kiersh and Megan Allburn presented arguments on the behalf of Morgan stating that the firearm evidence that was retrieved from the vehicle used at the crime scene does not provide a strong enough link to Morgan’s being involved.

That led to a motion for severance.

The prosecution disagreed, saying social media records allegedly show countless interactions between Morgan and Raynor.

In addition, the prosecution also showed evidence that the vehicle used at the crime scene was allegedly linked to Morgan, as well as his cell phone pinging near the crime scene and vehicle recovery scene.

Given the arguments Judge Raffinan found that there was not grounds for severance as the evidence against Morgan is not insignificant and that it does indicate a link between Morgan and the crime.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 24. A trial date was set for Nov. 12, 2024.

Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

On Sept. 18, a shooting defendant waived his right to have a preliminary hearing in DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond’s courtroom.

Rashid Shabazz, 25, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in multiple shootings on March 4 on the 200 and 300 block of 50th Street NE.

According to court documents, there were reports of three different shooting incidents during which officers got multiple calls describing the shooter, later identified as Shabazz, standing in the street, firing a gun and screaming. A few minutes after officers got the third call they located Shabazz who fit the suspect’s description.

During the hearing, Erin Scialpi, Shabazz’s defense attorney, alerted the court he planned to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

The defense requested for this case to be handled by DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow, since she is handling two other matters involving the defendant.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 20.

Victim Claims ‘I am Not a Liar!’ During Heated Shooting Trial Testimony

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian excused a shooting victim from testifying in court after refusing to answer questions on Sept. 19.

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.

The prosecution revealed the victim’s prior criminal history including a conviction in Maryland for third-degree burglary. He is currently incarcerated in the DC jail for allegedly kidnapping his own son.

During testimony, the victim explained that Brown prevented him from entering a store to buy marijuana supplies. He revealed that he told Brown, “I swear to God, I will f*** you up,” before the incident. He had previously testified that he always carried a hammer, just in case he needed to defend himself.

During cross examination, the victim stated he didn’t see any guns on the day of the incident, but defense attorney Tammy Thom referenced grand jury transcripts where he previously said he saw individuals carrying guns inside the store.

“I’m not a liar! I’m not a p***!” the victim said to the jury after being asked about the inconsistency. “If I knew he had a gun, I would take out my hammer,” he added.

The victim also testified to losing a speaker he had after the incident, but Thom presented video evidence apparently contradicting his claim.

“I say the truth! The truth and the truth and the truth!” the victim shouted into the microphone.

After further questioning, the victim said, “I’m not going to talk anymore. I win the case.” The jury was then excused from the courtroom.

Prior to trial, parties debated the admissibility of a screwdriver that was found in a clothes bag the victim’s girlfriend had.

Thom said it was crucial the jury know about the screwdriver since it suggested a predisposition. Judge Christian denied the request.

Following the outburst, the prosecution requested a pause in the victim’s testimony so he could consult his attorney, but the judge denied the request.

Thom then sought a mistrial, arguing the defense was not allowed to fully cross-examine the witness–that request was also denied. She subsequently asked that the victim’s testimony be excluded from the record.

Judge Christian instructed both parties to submit briefs before he makes a decision.

Court Denies Reconsideration of Release for Non- Fatal Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied a request for release on Sept. 20 for non-fatal stabbing defendant Chackell Anderson.

Anderson, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery, and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Sept. 3 on the 1900 block of 17th Street, SE. There were two victims, one who sustained stab wounds, and another who was assaulted.

Defense attorney Thomas Healy requested that Judge Park reconsider the defendant’s release conditions because the victim allegedly recanted some of the statements that were used to establish probable cause.

The victim also requested that the stay away order be lifted so that Anderson “could come home.” Healy requested that given that new pieces of information, the case be open for further investigation.

The prosecution argued against Anderson’s release and the judge decided to continue to hold Anderson at the DC Jail.

The prosecution is expected to use DNA evidence, however due to “some delays” results would not be available for two weeks.

Judge Park said he expects to receive updates about testing on Oct. 8.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Dec. 12 for trial.

Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer, Judge Finds Probable Cause

A shooting defendant rejected a plea offer in a preliminary hearing on Sept 19, before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond.

Donnell Wells, 36, is being charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 500 block of Newcomb Street SE,. The incident occurred on Aug. 1, 2024, with two of the victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

According to court documents, the defendant was smoking and being loud with some of his friends when a witness came to the door and asked them to be quiet. The allegedly started to yell at her. When the woman’s son asked the defendant to stop disrespecting his mother Wells allegedly reached for a gun, and the mother yelled “he has a gun”, while she and the son wrestled for the gun.

The mother said she also saw a third individual enter the apartment who was shot. When Wells broke free, the mother ran back into her apartment. The son suffered a gunshot wound to his left of the chest and required surgery. The third individual suffered a gunshot wound to the left side of his neck.

At the hearing, Brennan Burrell, Wells’s attorney, told Judge Raymond that the defense intended on rejecting the plea deal.

The deal required Wells to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for dismissing the indictment on greater charges.

Burrell said the defense was ready to move forward with proceedings.

The prosecution called one of the lead detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who identified Wells as the defendant and affirmed everything in the search warrant was accurate.

Under cross-examination, when the defense questioned the consistency of the victims’ testimonies.

According to the detective, one victim said the defendant “didn’t aim it [the gun] good.”

The mother told the detective that she was unsure of who shot her son, but her son believes it was one of the defendants’ friends in the apartment.

Additionally, the detective said he was unaware of how the landlord saw the three victims with firearms before reaching the apartment. The third individual refused to cooperate with police.

Nonetheless, Judge Raymond ruled there was still probable cause based on the prosecution’s presenting strong physical evidence.

Parties are set to reconvene Oct. 11.

Judge Dismisses Two Firearm Charges For Lack of Probable Cause

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond waived both firearm charges for a stabbing defendant on Sept. 19 after the prosecution failed to prove probable cause for gun possession during the crime.

Michael Fenwick, 34, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, a knife, assault with a dangerous weapon, a gun, and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an Aug. 21, 2023, stabbing on the 4400 block of Quarles Street, NE. The victim sustained cuts to the back of her head, swollen hands, and a cut on her left thigh.

During the hearing, the prosecution called one of the lead detectives to identify Fenick in court.

Prosecutors also showed surveillance footage of the physical altercation between the victim and Fenwick, without a clear of both individuals are fighting over the a gun.

Under cross-examination, the detective acknowledged that there was no footage of the defendant assaulting the victim with a gun. The defense said the surveillance footage shows the victim with the gun as Fenwick walks out first with no gun visible.

Additionally, the detective was told by the victim that when she walked out of an apartment with the gun, she put it in front of the building.

After the detective testified, Judge Raymond ruled there is only probable cause on assault with a dangerous weapon, knife.

Parties are set to reconvene Oct. 8.

DNA Testing Requested by Murder Suspect

A defendant in a homicide case asserted his right to independent DNA testing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Sept. 20.

Ranje Reynolds, 27, is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting and killing Tarek Boothe, 27, on Jan. 31, 2022, on the 3200 block of M Street, NW.

During the status hearing, Cheryl Stein, Reynolds’ defense attorney, told the court that the defendant planned to assert his rights to independent DNA testing.

Parties are to reconvene on Nov. 20.

Judge Approves Cost For Arson, Murder Defendant’s Disputed Mental Evaluation

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein approved a voucher on Sept. 20 to pay an independent expert to evaluate D’Aundrey Scott‘s mental competency after the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found him competent to stand trial.

Scott, 30, is charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and two counts of arson after allegedly igniting multiple fires on May 13, 2020, on the 900 block of H Street, NE. The fires injured one individual, 62-year-old Darryl Finney, who died of burns on May 15, 2020, from a firebomb that Scott allegedly threw at him.

“I don’t agree that DBH is correct that the symptoms are entirely malingering,” said Scott’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd of the notion that Scott is faking mental illness.

DBH based their conclusions on a preliminary screening of Scott. Winograd chose not to request a full mental evaluation of his client by DBH.

“My experience is that, once DBH makes a finding of competence, it doesn’t matter how many DBH evaluations are done. The outcome will always be to find the defendant competent,” Winograd said. “I’m going to ask for funds to hire my own competency expert.”

“It’s not my experience that DBH is necessarily dug in on any competency finding,” said Judge Epstein as he granted a voucher to pay an outside expert.

“I have continued to receive letters from the defendant as recently as last week,” the prosecutor told Judge Epstein, noting he had previously warned Scott not to write to her.

“You’re not helping yourself by sending letters to [the prosecutor],” Judge Epstein told Scott. “She has an ethical duty not to communicate with someone who has a lawyer. If you have something you think should be communicated to the prosecutor, talk to Mr. Winograd.”

The next hearing in this case will be scheduled once Scott’s mental evaluation is complete.

Medical Condition Delays Hearing for Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum granted a continuance for a carjacking defendant during a hearing on Sept. 20.

Charles Holt, 68, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Sept. 2, 2024, at the intersection of 30th Street, SE and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

According to prosecution, Holt was found unconscious at the scene and has been in the hospital since the incident.

Holt’s appearance at the hearing was waived, but his attorney, Karen Minor, asked for his preliminary hearing to be delayed due to Holt’s hospitalization.

The prosecution had no objections, and Judge Hildum granted a continuance.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 26.

Judge Says His Jail Transfer Request Will Likely Be Ignored

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein advised a defense attorney on Sept. 20 that his recommendation to transfer a defendant from DC Jail to the medium security Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) for health reasons was unlikely to influence the DC Department of Corrections (DOC) which manages inmate housing.

Keith Robinson, 57, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a domestic non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 23 on the 3000 block of B Street, SE. The shooting left the victim, his girlfriend, with four gunshot wounds in the chest and four gunshot wounds to the arm.

“Would the court consider recommending CTF placement?” asked Brandon Burrell, Robinson’s defense attorney, noting that Robinson has been suffering from multiple health problems.

“As far as I know, my recommendation doesn’t count for anything with the [DOC]. Their position is that the standard of medical care at the jail is exactly the same as it is at CTF,” Judge Epstein told Burrell, while agreeing to make the recommendation.

Parties notified the court they expect to have a plea agreement soon.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for Oct. 18.

Trial Set Nearly Three Years After Double Murder

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan notified a double murder defendant of his arraignment charges and set a trial date for 2026 in a Sept. 20 hearing.

Kevin Foster, 20, is accused in six counts of of first-degree murder premeditated, second-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with the intent to kill while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement on the 2700th block of Bruce Place, SE on March 7, 2023, which took the lives of both Dana Faulkner, 23, Abdul Fuller, 15, and injuring another.

Foster’s defense attorney Matthew Davies said the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges and requested his release. The prosecution opposed this request as they believe he is a danger to society.

Judge Raffinan denied the release as she believes he does pose a danger to society and the defense arguments presented do not give enough assurance for Foster to be safely released.

A trial date was set for March 23, 2026,

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 11.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

A homicide defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence during a Sept. 20 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

David Pena, 47, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm. Pena’s charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Maurice Robinson on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE, on June 12, 2023. Robinson later succumbed to his injuries in a local hospital.

Dana Page, Pena’s defense attorney, told the court during the hearing he would waive his right to independently test any of the prosecution’s DNA evidence in his case.

The prosecution said the scope of the physical evidence in the case is limited, explaining most of the evidence remains on the victim’s clothes. The prosecution further stated that they would not DNA test the evidence.

When Judge Brandt informed Pena of his rights and the rights he was waving through removing the opportunity to independently test for DNA evidence, Pena said, referring to the limited scope of evidence, “If I’m not mistaken, there’s nothing to test.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 16, 2025.

Shooting Defendant’s Wife Feared Retaliation After Car Accident Confrontation

In a trial before, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sept. 18, the jury heard the defendant’s pregnant wife say that a confrontation after a car accident left her in fear.

Adrian Lee, 49, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on the 700 block of Gresham Place, NW, on April 18, 2023. One individual sustained serious injuries during the incident.

Defense attorney Destiny Fullwood-Singh called Lee’s wife, who told what happened after a car accident in which her vehicle, a Chevy Suburban collided with a Tesla carrying two passengers.

She stated that the victim and the woman in the Tesla were both “hostile” towards her and Lee when he arrived to provide insurance information requested by the victim but it had expired.

Lee said earlier he ran to his house and got a gun from a friend living nearby. He said the victim and the woman passenger got out of their car and approached his house. Lee told them to leave, and thought he saw the man reach in his waistband, so he fired a shot.

Lee’s wife claimed she fled because she was “scared,” since she was pregnant and previously had a miscarriage.

“I thought they would hurt me, I didn’t know what they would do,” she said. According to the witness, she heard a gunshot after she went home.

The witness testified that she feared her husband had been shot, saying she and her family left home that night, fearing that the individuals involved in the accident would retaliate. Lee said he left DC for Florida after the shooting, not to evade the police, but avoid retaliation. He said he stayed in Florida longer than he planned because his car broke down.

Lee was arrested about a year after the incident.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, assigned to the case Lee can be heard on video during a police interview saying multiple times “I’m not the shooter”.

The prosecution then called the doctor who said the victim’s wounds were life-threatening and required surgery. He confirmed that the bullet was fired “into the abdomen area near the spine.”

Following the testimony, the defense filed a motion for judgment of acquittal, stating that the prosecution failed to meet their burden of proof. Judge Brandt denied it, stating that a reasonable jury could find Lee guilty of the charges.

Parties are scheduled to resume trial on Sept. 19.

Victim Claims He Was Shot For Playing ‘Tupac’ Too Loudly

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian presided over opening day of trial for a defendant who allegedly shot a victim during an argument about playing loud music on Sept. 18.

Prosecutors called on the victim who testified he was going to the store to buy marijuana materials when he encountered Brown, who seemed angry about the speaker volume level of the music the victim was playing.

“I don’t know why they don’t like Tupac,” the victim told the jury, a reference to Tupac Shakur, the famous rap artist who was gunned down in 1996. After an argument, the victim testified, he challenged Brown to a fight, expecting a hand-to-hand altercation.

“He is not a man. If you’re a man, you fight with hands,” the victim told the jury. He said he was shocked when Brown pulled out a gun and allegedly fired three times, one of which hit him on the hip. The victim stated he managed to wrestle the gun away and tried to shoot back, but the gun jammed. Afterwards, the victim said, he threw the gun in a trash bin and fled.

“You cannot bring a gun to a fist fight,” the prosecution told the jury in their opening statements prior to the victim’s testimony, claiming that is exactly what Brown did.

The prosecution stated the confrontation resulted in a decision to “take it outside,” for what the victim thought would be a fist fight.

Tammy Thom, Brown’s attorney, countered the prosecution’s opening by saying it was, “based on lies and deceit.” Thom highlighted inconsistencies in the victim’s testimony. She referred to the victim’s police statements, noting he initially refused to identify the shooter and only did so after a lengthy interview.

The prosecution also called the victim’s girlfriend, who recalled receiving a call from the victim saying he’d been shot. She stated she met him at a nearby police precinct. According to the witness, the victim looked”bad,” stating his pants were soaked with blood. She also explained how the victim’s wound dressings had to be changed regularly the following days.

During cross examination, the witness stated she didn’t recall if the victim had his speaker with him at the precinct, but stated he must have been carrying it.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 19.

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