Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Arraignment

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty during an arraignment in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom on June 13.

Jeremiah Evans, 20, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Khalliqo Ford on June 15, 2023, on the 200 block of K Street, SW.

Stephen LoGerfo, Evans’ defense attorney, alerted the court he was pleading not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties scheduled a trial for Aug. 25, 2025.

However, the duration remains uncertain, as the prosecution has not yet provided an estimate of how long their case might take.

The judge inquired about the status of the DNA testing of evidence recovered at the scene.

The prosecution acknowledged that the full DNA test results are not yet available, but indicated that they expect to receive them from the lab within the next 60 days. Once the results are received, they will be promptly turned over to the defense.

The next court date is scheduled for Aug. 16 for a status hearing.

Prison Stabbing Defendant Acquitted of All Charges

Deliberations concluded on June 12 after closing arguments in a prison stabbing case, with the jury in DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro’s courtroom acquitting the defendant of all charges.

Antoine Donvell Johnson, 28, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, and unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution, for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Jan. 15. One individual sustained injuries from the incident.

According to the prosecution, multiple video footage perspectives from the DC Jail depict an individual, identified as Johnson, in a physical fight with the victim. Officers went to the scene and used pepper spray to calm the situation. The victim was found with multiple stab wounds and was treated for severe injuries.

The prosecution further argued that the amount of force Johnson used against the victim was not reasonable, denying Johnson’s self-defense claim. They stated that Johnson was the aggressor and held the knife, so any other information– such as where the knife came from or what the victim said to Johnson –was a “distraction” to the facts of the case.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Matthew Rist, argued that the prosecution’s case was a “misinterpretation” of the incident. He said Johnson acted in self-defense, believing he was in imminent danger.

“I punched myself out of what I thought was going to be a four-on-one situation,” Johnson had stated. Rist asked the jury to consider Johnson’s unique circumstances as an inmate, that appearing fearful or weak would put him in more danger.

Following a day of deliberations, the jury found that the prosecution had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Johnson was the perpetrator in the incident.

Johnson has been released from custody for this case, but remains detained as he awaits future proceedings in a shooting matter.

Document: MPD Investigating Navy Yard Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is asking anyone with information regarding the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Michael Sebastian, which occurred on June 12 on the unit block of K Street, SE, to reach out to them.

Document: MPD Arrests Man for a Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 34-year-old Christopher Wise in connection to a shooting that occurred on June 10 on the 4100 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Wise is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A defendant in a shooting case accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors in the courtroom of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on June 12.

Alonte Miller, 21, was originally charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on April 20 on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE.

According to the prosecution, Miller struck two female victims on the head with his firearm. The first victim received a laceration on the head and the second victim’s face experienced swelling due to the hit. The gun went off once, but nobody was shot.

During the hearing, defense attorney Stephen LoGerfo alerted Judge Salerno that Miller was accepting a deal which required him to plead guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. In return, the government would not seek indictment or greater charges, as well as waive any enhancement charges.

Miller pled guilty and waived his rights to DNA testing, indictment, and a trial.

Per the plea agreement, both parties recognized a maximum sentence of ten years for Miller. Logerfo requested that parties consider Miller’s release because he has a significant leg injury and will need surgery in the near future.

Judge Salerno asked for time to consider Logerfo’s request who also filed for a Youth Rehabilitation Act Study Commitment which allows flexibility in sentencing youthful offenders.

Parties will return Aug. 16 for sentencing.

Concern Over Mental Competence Delays Co-Defendant Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz delayed a trial in a shooting incident to grant additional time for mental evaluations for one of two defendants, during a June 12 hearing.

Kevin Harrison, 23, and Christopher Hinton, 18, are charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside home or place of business and unlawful discharge of a firearm for their alleged involvement in an incident where shots were fired near Howard University Hospital on June 26, 2023 at the 2200 block of 10th Street, NW.

According to court documents, Hinton and Harrison were stopped by officers and patted down in which allegedly yielded a concealed firearm on Hinton. A firearm, allegedly thrown by Hinton under a nearby parked vehicle during the chase, was also recovered by officers.

The previously scheduled trial date of June 18, was vacated to allow time for Harrison’s mental competence to be evaluated.

The other defendant, Hinton, who remains on release, requested through his lawyer, Andrew Ain, to reduce his reporting requirements to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

Judge Leibovitz granted the request, ordering Hinton to check in once a week.

The new date for trial is scheduled for October 8 after Harrison’s mental competency has been determined.

Carjacking Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

A carjacking defendant voluntarily waived his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a crime scene in front of DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Lebovitz on June 12.

Hanif Brown, 18, is charged with two counts of robbery while armed, unarmed carjacking, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a carjacking and two armed robberies on April 9, 2023 at the 2700 block of 9th Street NW, 1100 block of U street NW, and the intersection of 11th Street and Wallach Place, NW.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court they had gone through with DNA testing of the evidence recovered at the scene.

However, Andrew Ain, Brown’s defense attorney, told the court Brown was waiving his right to independently test the evidence.

Judge Lebovitz was satisfied with Brown’s voluntary decision.

Parties are slated to return July 25.

Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing, Ordered Detained

A shooting defendant waived the right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on June 12.

Demarco Darrell Bates, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on April 10 on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE. Two individuals sustained injuries from the incident.

According to court documents, a bullet went through an apartment building, grazing a woman’s ankle, and another struck a Metro bus’ windshield, causing broken glass to imbed in the driver’s ear.

During the hearing, Cedric Miller, Bates’ defense attorney, alerted Judge Raymond he waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Miller also requested that Bates be released to home confinement, stating he wants to raise his children.

However, the prosecution objected to the request, stating that the nature and circumstances of the event prove he continues to be a danger to the community.

Judge Raymond denied the request for release, finding that Bates is an “overwhelming danger” to the community and will be held without bond. She also issued a stay-away order from the victims.

Parties are slated to return July 18.

Stabbing Defendant on Probation Transferred to Inpatient Treatment

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno ordered that a stabbing defendant on probation be moved to inpatient drug and alcohol treatment for concerns about further noncompliance, during a June 12 hearing.

Alphonso Thorne, 39, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Dec. 2, 2023 on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, the victim was stabbed in the arm after attempting to stop an argument that turned into a physical fight between Thorne and a third individual.

On Feb. 2, Thorne pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, and was sentenced to 18 months, with all suspended.

During the hearing a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) informed the court that Thorne’s overall compliance with probation services was poor.

According to the CSOSA representative, Thorne had multiple positive tests for PCP and alcohol, failed to report for testing, and was failing to appear for probationary meetings.

The CSOSA representative recommended that Thorne be transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility instead for closer supervision.

Thorne’s defense attorney, Darryl Daniels II, requested he remain in outpatient care. However, the prosecution requested a revocation, and insisted that Judge Salerno impose Miller’s original sentence.

Daniels explained that Thorne “had a bit of a spiral” in the last month, and needed more time to get back on his feet.

According to Daniels, Thorne had recently re-secured permanent housing and obtained required identification to find a new job. Daniels expressed concern that Thorne’s progress would be lost if he was transferred to an inpatient facility.

Judge Salerno responded that Thorne was “immediately noncompliant” with probation and that the progress that had been made was “only downhill.” He stated that he was not willing to continue Thorne’s sentence as it was and ordered he be transferred to the Re-Entry and Sanctions Center (RSC).

Parties are slated to return Aug. 6 to check in on his process.

Judge Sentences Manslaughter Defendant to Seven-and-a-Half Years

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a defendant to seven-and-a-half years for his involvement in a homicide during a June 12 hearing.

Clarence McKnight, 22, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Brandon Lewis. The incident occurred on the 900 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE.

On Feb. 2, McKnight accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to unarmed voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of six-to-12 years of incarceration.

On June 12, prosecutors read letters written by Lewis’ mother and brother, in which they expressed disdain for the plea offer made by the prosecution.

“There are so many young people killing and its plea offers like this that do not help,” the mother said.

Prosecutors requested Judge Epstein sentence McKnight to 12 years, arguing that the plea deal was beneficial and lenient to McKnight.

Joseph McCoy, McKnight’s defense attorney, requested Judge Epstein sentence McKnight to six years, arguing he takes full responsibility for his actions and “regrets the pain he caused to the people that loved him and he loved in return.”

The case was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals young defendant’s convictions once they successfully complete all legal requirements.

Judge Epstein deemed the shooting a “senseless killing, the kind we see all too often in our community,” telling the family that imposing sentences are “the hardest job judges have.”

McKnight was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years for manslaughter, with a concurrent sentence of five years for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. McKnight will also be required to serve five years of supervised release, and register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A shooting defendant accepted a plea extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on June 12.

Robert Crowder, 33, is charged with arson, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on Aug. 22, 2023 on the 1000 block of 2nd place, SE. No injuries were reported.

Crowder, who was present via WebEx was asked so-called Frendak questions referring to a court decision that prevents a judge from imposing an insanity defense against the defendant’s will.

During the hearing, John Sample, Crowder’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Di Toro that the parties had resolved the case through a plea deal. The deal required Crowder to plead guilty to arson and unlawful discharge of a firearm, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of 40 months with 24 months suspended.

Parties will discuss sentencing in further detail on Aug. 23.

Judge Says Defendant Struggling with Substance Abuse Needs More Help

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffian ordered a homicide defendant report to an urgent care clinic for in person rehab classes and ha e his pretrial release conditions reassessed during a June 12 hearing.

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

Barnes has been mostly compliant with the court throughout his four years on release and has attempted to control his addiction through online counseling, according to court records.

According to the prosecution, Barnes tested positive for amphetamines four times in April and May, which led the prosecution to request his pretrial release be revoked.

However, according to reports from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), his last two tests in June were negative.

Due to the improvement, defense attorneys Molly Bunke and David Knight insisted Barnes is no longer a danger to the community as the prosecution argues.

The defense argued that if his release is revoked, jail will only worsen their client’s substance issues. According to Bunke, this is demonstrated by “five people passing in jail from drug overdoses.”

The prosecution argued that Barnes’ testing positive along with failing to report to a drug test made him a danger to the community, as he had allegedly killed a stranger unprovoked while under the influence.

Judge Raffinan noted that Barnes has no convictions or other pending cases, but that addressing his substance use is “vital” to him staying in the community.

Judge Raffinan suggested that Barnes go to the clinic to sign up for help. She also ordered a new pretrial release assessment.

The prosecution’s request to revoke Barnes’ pretrial release was denied by Judge Raffinan.

Parties are slated to return July 9.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

Daquan Gray waived his right to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on June 11.

Gray, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of his home or business for his alleged involvement in the murder of 15-year-old Jaylyn Wheeler, on the 600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on May 16, 2018.

According to the prosecution, the police found multiple items at the scene of the crime that were recovered as evidence, including a firearm, which was tested by the prosecution.

Items they did not test included a white tank top, black shirt, and red and black Tommy Hilfiger jacket that all contained blood. There was also a Gatorade bottle found at the scene that was not tested, according to the prosecution.

At the hearing, Gray’s defense attorneys, Dana Page and Hanna Perry, alerted the court that Gray decided to waive his right to have the items independently tested.

Judge Raffinan found that Gray voluntarily and knowingly waived his right.

Parties are slated to return Feb. 2.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Arraignment

Before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, a homicide defendant pleaded not guilty in a felony arraignment on June 11

Jayden Bracey, 23, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Angela Washington, 41, on Sept. 2, 2021 on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE.

During the hearing, defense attorney Todd Baldwin entered a plea of not guilty and requested a speedy trial along with Bracey’s release.

The prosecution objected arguing the nature and circumstances of the offense prove Bracey a danger to the community. The prosecution reminded Judge O’Keefe that Bracey will be tried alongside his co-defendant, 24-year-old Jadohn Bracey.

Baldwin informed the court that Jayden Bracey is currently serving a sentence for a robbery charge in Prince George’s County and has four years left. He emphasized that the court will have to coordinate what dates Bracey can be transferred to DC for trial.

The parties will reconvene on June 17.

‘Don’t Let Your Lying Eyes Be Deceived,’ Says Defense Attorney in Stabbing Trial

“Don’t let your lying eyes be deceived by what the [prosecution] is going to ask you to assume,” said a defense attorney to a jury in the courtroom of DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on June 11.

Antoine Donvell Johnson, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, and unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution, for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Jan. 15. One individual sustained injuries from the incident.

“Do not check your common sense at the door,” defense Attorney Matthew Rist said. “Antoine Johnson acted in self-defense.”

“That defendant started it, escalated it, and finished it,” said the prosecution inclosing arguments.

The prosecutor encouraged the jury to pay special attention to three things in the video evidence–body language, the location of the fight, and the timing.

In recalling the responding officer’s testimony, the prosecutor said he saw Johnson on top of the victim with a knife in his hand. The officer also testified about attempting to pepper spray the individuals in the fight, but inadvertently sprayed himself.

Prosecutors also reviewed a correctional officer’s body-worn camera footage, which depicted Johnson throwing a knife and continuing the fight as the officer yelled, “Stop!”

Through their closings, the prosecution argued that the amount of force Johnson used was not reasonable at the time, as he was not in imminent danger, stating that any “threatening comments” made toward him only created potential future problems.

They also argued that his claims of self-defense were unfounded, adding that Johnson cannot use self-defense because he was the aggressor.

However, Rist, insisted the prosecution’s arguments were “misinterpretation and speculation.”

He pointed out that only one of the three individuals involved in the argument and fight were called to testify, the defendant, Johnson.

“I ask you to credit the only individual, who said he was scared to testify, right now,” Rist told the jury.

According to Rist, at the time of the incident, Johnson was in imminent danger due to a third individual attempting to give the victim a knife. He insisted that Johnson acted “under the heat of passion,” his fear justifying the use of force.

Johnson realized, Rist stated, he was surrounded with no escape. He allegedly overhead the victim say, “The men around you are saying you’re dropping notes on me” and “you got to roll or yeah” as potential threats.

He explained that Johnson felt he was in a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation, with no choice but to stand up for himself. He then asked the jury to consider, “Can you look afraid in jail?”

Appearing fearful or acting weak would not be tolerated by the other inmates, Rist explained. The only reasonable response to the situation, as described by Rist, was for Johnson to act in self defense as he was confronted by other inmates calling him a snitch.

“What Mr. Johnson was worried about at that time was not his personal safety, but his reputation,” the prosecution’s attorney responded to Rist, insisting Johnson was the aggressor.

Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Search