In Switch, Suspect Testifies He Shot Victim in Self-Defense

Prosecutors say a shooting defendant changed his story in court testimony from his initial police interview, now claiming self-defense before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sept. 19.

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

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident on April 18, 2023, on the 700 block of Gresham Place, NW, that left one person injured.

In his testimony, Lee said he got a call from his wife saying she’d had a car accident and needed him to bring her insurance car and driver’s license. He said when he went to the scene, a bigger man and a woman were in a Tesla talking to his wife. According to Lee, the man and woman quickly got aggressive and he thought he saw a gun in the man’s waistband.

“I need to get my wife out of here,” Lee said is what he thought at the moment.

According to Lee, the man reached for him, so he took off running and the man and woman in the Tesla started chasing him down the street. He said he heard the woman scream out of the car “Now I’m boutta dog you,” which he took to mean she was going to attack him.

Lee testified he ran to his house and got a gun from his friend living on the street. He said his pursuer and woman got out of the car and approached his house. Lee stated he told them to leave, and thought he saw the man reach in his waistband, so he fired a shot.

“I felt threatened and I was afraid,” Lee told the jury.

Lee said he lied to detectives when he was arrested a year after the incident, saying he didn’t know who shot the man. According to Lee, he lied because he wanted to be able to come home to his kids and thought the police would not believe his self defense story.

“I never had a good interaction with the police in my life,” Lee said and affirmed he was telling the truth in court.

Lee said he left DC to go to Florida after the shooting, not to evade the police, but avoid retaliation for the shooting. He said he stayed in Florida longer than he planned because his car broke down.

On cross examination, Lee said he did not tell detectives when he was arrested the man and woman involved in the accident threatened him nor did he say he saw the man with a gun. He said he told detectives the man was just standing there when he got shot.

Prosecutors asked if Lee felt bad about the incident, and Lee said he did, but he told detectives the man “got himself shot.”

“I feel bad for the whole situation,” Lee said in court.

Prosecutors asked if it was true that Lee told detectives “If I was the shooter, all I would have to do is scream self-defense,” which Lee admitted.

After Lee’s testimony, the defense rested its case.

Parties are set to reconvene for closing arguments on Sept. 23.

Defense to Challenge Defendant’s Competency Finding

The lawyer for a stabbing defendant said he intends to challenge his client’s mental competency finding in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on Sept. 19.

Kenneth Garner, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Jan. 17, 2023, on the 700 block of Brandywine Street, SE. One individual sustained life-threatening injuries.

According to court documents, Garner was found mentally competent to stand trial as long as he remains at St. Elizabeths Hospital receiving psychiatric treatment.

Defense attorney Janai Reed said an expert they hired to rebut that finding is not available to meet with and evaluate Garner until November. The prosecution had no objections to continuing the matter until an evaluation has been completed.

Parties are set to reconvene for a contested competency hearing on Jan. 17.

Stabbing Defendant Challenges Witness Identification

A stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges while contesting witness identification during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Sept. 19.

Warnell Reams, 57, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 5 on the 200 block of Vine Street, NW, that left one person injured.

Michelle Lockard, Reams’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

Lockard also filed a motion on Sept. 17 to suppress Reams’ identification made by the victim and the building’s property manager. According to Lockard, the photo identification procedure conducted with the victim was inappropriately suggestive and therefore unreliable.

Likewise, said Lockard the property manager’s identification violates due process and is unreliable because it was based on extraneous information provided by law enforcement.

The prosecution told the Judge they would respond by Sept 23.

Parties will reconvene on Sept. 30 for jury selection.

Female Stabbing Defendant Waives Right to DNA Testing

A stabbing defendant waived her right to independently test DNA evidence on Sept. 18, as trial was slated to begin before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno.

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

During the hearing, which was supposed to be the start of Hernandez’s trial, Damon Catacalos, her attorney, alerted the court of her wishes to waive her right to independently test DNA evidence.

The parties picked a jury and are slated to reconvene Sept. 19 for trial.

Detective Makes Courtroom ID of Suspect in Sex Worker Shooting

A lead detective in a shooting involving a transgender sex worker identified a defendant as the incident’s perpetrator before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s courtroom on Sept. 18. During the same proceeding, a doctor described the victim’s grievous injuries to the jury.

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.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has claimed that the shooting may have resulted from a transaction gone wrong with a sex worker. The defense contends the incident was the unintended result of a scuffle.

The prosecution called the doctor who removed a bullet from the victim. He testified that she appeared to be “obviously anxious and uncomfortable, relatively calm but clearly in distress.”

According to the doctor, the bullet entered the victim’s penis from the top closest to the body and passed through to the other side, barely avoiding the urinary tract and the testicles. The victim had to undergo two surgeries and was hospitalized for four days.

The prosecution also called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified he was present during a follow up interview with the victim in which she identified the defendant, Tyree, as the shooter from a photo identification. The detective was subsequently able to identify Tyree as the suspect in the courtroom.

Under cross examination by defense attorney Sara Kopecki, the detective acknowledged that when preparing documents for this case, he relied on the victim’s testimony and another witness present at the scene to describe the defendant.

However, he did not ask the witnesses how long they observed the defendant, saying it was about 15 minutes. Kopecki noted that the specific length of time is, “important for the reliability of the complaining witness.”

After testimony concluded, Kopecki filed a motion for judgment of acquittal, stating that the prosecution had failed to meet its burden of proof. Judge Arthur denied the motion, stating that a reasonable jury could find Tyree guilty of all charges.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 19.

Document: Updated with Video and Photos MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in Southeast.

The incident happened on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at approximately 2:43 a.m. in a residence located at the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, Southeast. The responding officers discovered an adult male victim who was unconscious and suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS pronounced the man dead at the scene after finding no signs of life.

The deceased individual has been identified as 36-year-old David Washington of Southeast, DC. Surveillance cameras captured images of the suspects, which can be viewed in photos and a video provided by the MPD.

The MPD encourages anyone who can identify the suspects or has any information about the incident to call police at (202) 727 -9099 or text their tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The department offers a reward of up to $25,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Document: Suspect Sought in a Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that they are seeking public assistance in locating a suspect connected to a homicide in Northeast DC.

The homicide incident occurred on Sept. 15, 2024, around 8:25 a.m., as MPD officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 400 block of 50th Street, NE. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found an unconscious male adult, later identified as 44-year old James Price with no fixed address, suffering from a gunshot wound in an alleyway. Despite efforts of DC Fire and EMS, Price was pronounced dead at the scene as his condition showed no signs consistent with life.

The MPD disclosed that the suspect in question was captured on surveillance cameras, and their images can be seen in photos and a video linked to in the press release.

Finally, the MPD urged anyone with information about the incident to call (202) 727-9099 or text a tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for any information leading to an arrest and conviction in the homicide case. The MPD stressed the importance of not taking personal action but instead reporting any knowledge about the case to the police.

Document: Suspect Charged in Chinatown Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a suspect has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon for a shooting incident that occurred in Chinatown. OnJuly 17, in an alley near the 600 block of H Street, NW, First District officers responded to a call for a shooting. An adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound was located and transferred to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The MPD revealed, from their detectives’ investigation, that the shooting was preceded by a dispute between the suspects and the victim in the alley.

On Sept. 14, 2024, 30-year-old Tyrice Sutton, of Northwest, DC, was apprehended by the Metro Transit Police Department. He was initially charged with Fugitive from Justice and a Parole Violation Warrant, but subsequent to MPD’s investigation, an additional charge of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was levied in relation to the July 17, 2024 shooting.

MPD disclosed that a second suspect was caught on a surveillance camera, with a photo included below in the release. The MPD expressed gratitude to the Metro Transit Police Department for their aid in this case and ongoing partnership.

The case remains under investigation, and the public is urged to help identify the remaining suspect or provide any additional knowledge of the incident. A reward of up to $10,000 is currently being offered by the MPD for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a violent crime committed in the District of Columbia.

Document: Updated MPD Investigating Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an ongoing investigation into a fatal shooting incident in Northeast DC.

The incident occurred on Sept. 15, at approximately 8:25 a.m. Officers responded to a shooting report in the 400 block of 50th Street, Northeast. On arrival, they found an unconscious adult male in the alley of the reported location, suffering from a gunshot wound.

The DC Fire and EMS also arrived on the scene, finding no signs of life on the victim. The man was pronounced dead thereafter.

The victim has been identified as 44-year-old James Price, who had no fixed address. The MPD urges anyone with knowledge of this incident to call police at (202) 727 – 9099 or text tip to MPD’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. A reward of up to $25,000 is offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the homicide.

Document: MPD Investigating Northwest Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that it is currently investigating a homicide in Northwest D.C.

On Sept. 16, at approximately 4:36 a.m., MPD officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 1700 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW. Upon their arrival, they discovered an unconscious adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Ifeanyi Maximus of Bladensburg, MD. DC Fire and EMS attended the scene and pronounced the man dead after they found no signs of life.

The MPD has urged anyone with knowledge of this incident to contact police at (202) 727-9099 or text tips to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. As part of their ongoing efforts, the MPD offers a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a homicide in the District of Columbia.

Document: MPD Seeking Suspects in Southeast Armed Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that it is seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects involved in an armed robbery in Southeast DC. The incident took place on Sept. 14, at approximately 3:41 p.m. on the 3100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. During the event, the suspects approached the victims and took their property. Before fleeing the area, one of suspects shot one of the victims.

The victim was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where they received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The suspects were caught on surveillance cameras, with their photos included within the announcement.

The MPD urges anyone with information regarding the suspects’ identities or the incident itself to contact police at (202) 727-9099 or text their tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The department currently offers a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for violent crimes in the District of Columbia.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Request for Release

A shooting defendant’s request for release was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur in a hearing on Sept. 18.

Keith Walker, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a March 7 shooting on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE, where an individual was shot in the ankle.

Walker, represented by defense attorney Tamara Jones, requested release on bond on Sept. 10, stating that prosecution’s decision to conduct DNA testing delayed the trial, which was previously scheduled to begin Aug. 20 and now is scheduled to begin Jan. 21. According to Jones, the delay is prejudicial to Walker’s case.

Judge Arthur denied the request for release, “to ensure the safety of the community.”

Prosecution expects to receive DNA test results at the end of October, after which defense will undertake its own DNA testing, which is predicted to take up to eight weeks.

Parties will reconvene on Jan. 3 for a trial readiness hearing.

Judge Modifies Carjacking, Shooting Defendant’s Release Conditions

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno modified a shooting defendant’s release conditions to allow him to participate in a work-study program on Sept. 18.

Elijah Hernandez, 19, is charged with unarmed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking turned shooting on June 21 on the 1300 block of 13th Street, NW.

According to court documents, officers responded to the scene, where they located the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his buttocks.

A witness told officers that the victim was pumping gas when two suspects, one of them later identified as Hernandez, according to court documents, approached the victim and jumped into the victim’s vehicle. The victim attempted to fight them off before being shot.

During the hearing, Hernandez’s attorney, Joseph Fay, requested his release conditions, which were implemented on Aug. 14 and required him to be on GPS monitoring and home confinement, be modified.

Fay told Judge Salerno that Hernandez wants to attend classes that will help with vocational training.

Judge Salerno granted the request, stating he does not want to interfere with someone’s work training. Hernandez’ case manager confirmed his involvement in the program and its time requirements.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 21.

Homicide and Conspiracy Retrial Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

A homicide and conspiracy defendant’s lawyers alerted DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo that their client was rejecting a plea deal during a hearing on Sept. 18.

Eugene Burns, 32, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in 2017 for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III, on Nov. 15, 2015, on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.

The conviction was overturned in 2020, when the DC Court of Appeals ruled that the search warrants for cell phones seized as evidence in the case were unconstitutional because they were overly broad.

In 2022, prosecutors updated the charges of first-degree murder, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence against Burns and added charges of conspiracy and two counts of obstructing justice.

Burns’ 24-year-old co-defendant, Tyre Allen, 24, was also charged with obstructing justice. The two allegedly attempted in 2020 to persuade and intimidate a witness into recanting testimony he gave against Burns in the original murder trial.

Burns previously requested an unwired plea deal because it would allow him to accept or reject a deal regardless of Allen’s decision to accept one.

According to Jocelyn Wisner, Burns’ attorney, the rejected deal required Burns to plead guilty to first-degree murder while armed, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy. Wisner told Judge Demeo Burns is ready to go to trial, which is slated to begin Sept. 23.

Wisner also raised an objection to newly submitted evidence by the prosecution. She disagreed with a firearm expert’s testimony, which was derived solely using images from Burns’ phone. According to Wisner, the images should be considered part of the unlawful search and should not be admissible.

However, the prosecution disagreed, arguing that the evidence is admissible because it stems from another search warrant that is legitimate. The prosecution also shared that they plan to reference further evidence that falls under the same rubric during trial.

Judge Demeo ordered the parties to write briefs outlining their stances on the evidence.

Parties are slated to reconvene for trial on Sept. 23.

Shooting Co-Defendants Accept Plea Deal

Two defendants involved in a robbery turned shooting accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Sept. 17.

Kurtis Hubbard, 23, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting on the 3200 block of 20th Street, NE which occurred on May 7, 2024. One individual sustained injuries.

Brian Richard, 21, was originally charged with assault with intent to commit robbery for his involvement in the incident.

According to court documents, Hubbard and Richard attempted to rob the victim, leading to a struggle, causing a firearm to discharge. The victim sustained injuries unrelated to the shooting.

During the hearing, Charles Haskell, Hubbard’s attorney, and Bryan Bookhard, Richard’s attorney, alerted the court of their intent to accept a plea deal extended by prosecutors.

The deal, according to Haskell, required Hubbard to plead guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Likewise, Richard’s agreement required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery and carrying a pistol without a license in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Jan. 8.

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