Murder, Conspiracy Trial Delayed by Co-Defendant’s Absence in Court

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun further delayed a homicide trial due to the “involuntary absence” of one of the co-defendants during a June 11 hearing.

Mark Price, 29, and Antonio Murchison, 31, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018 on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE. The incident left 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.

Additionally, Price is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, threat to injure or kidnap a person, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and first-degree burglary while armed. These separate charges come from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018 on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE.

According to a US Marshal that interacted with Price on the transport bus from DC Jail to the courthouse, Price stated that he was feeling ill. The US Marshal stated that their policy is to not force defendants off the bus, since medical aid cannot be provided at the courthouse.

Price’s defense attorney, Megan Allburn, also stated that she had received a voicemail during court proceedings from Price at DC Jail. He stated that he had intended to come to court, but had a migraine.

Judge Okun ruled that Price’s absence was not voluntary, so the motions hearing, jury selection and trial will all be postponed another day.

The parties are slated to resume on June 12.

Judge Rules ‘No Probable Cause’ in DC Jail Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found the prosecution had failed to prove that a defendant was the perpetrator in a DC Jail stabbing during a June 11 hearing.

Jadohn Bracey, 24, was charged with aggravated assault while knowingly armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on April 5 at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The incident left one individual suffering from 12 stab wounds.

Prior to the hearing, the prosecution offered Bracey a deal, which required him to plead guilty to aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

The plea deal was rejected by Bracey.

The prosecution called the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify about jail surveillance footage allegedly depicting Bracey walking down the stairs to the showers and the victim following behind him. The victim waits outside the showers for the defendant to walk out. When Bracey walks out, an altercation breaks out between the two.

That is when the victim is stabbed 12 times by the defendant, according to the detective. The individual identified as Bracey then runs away from the altercation, and the complainant runs after him.

Preston Smith and Nathaniel Mensah, Bracey’s defense attorneys, argued the video did not show the whole story, and questioned the witness about an earlier altercation that occurred between Bracey and the victim.

According to Smith, 15-to-20 minutes before the video altercation, Bracey was in a cell that was not his own where the victim hit the defendant on his head with an unidentified sharp object.

After this confrontation, Smith stated, Bracey washed out his cut before going down the stairs to the shower area – which is corroborated by surveillance footage.

Smith argued that because the complainant then followed Bracey to the shower area and blocked the only exit, Bracey used necessary force in self-defense when he stabbed the victim.

However, the prosecution argued that the defendant could not have been acting in self-defense due to the amount of time between the altercations, which they deemed a “cooling off” period.

They also argued there is no way to tell if words were exchanged between the defendant and victim by the shower area.

As for the self-defense claim, the prosecution insisted that 12 stab wounds show the use of unnecessary force that goes beyond self-defense, claiming that Bracey was not in imminent danger or facing serious bodily harm.

According to the prosecution, a third individual handed the knife to Bracey as he was in a physical altercation with the victim. They insisted there is no proof that the victim was armed during the fight, despite the allegations of having cut the defendant earlier.

Following the parties’ arguments, Judge Raymond stated she could not find probable cause “at this early juncture,” that Bracey was the perpetrator and did not act in self-defense.

Due to the ruling, the case was dismissed. However, prosecutors are able to reopen the case through an indictment.

No further dates were set.

Carjacking Defendant Found Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz determined a carjacking defendant competent after a mental observation hearing on June 11.

Kevin Settles, 37, is charged with four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, armed carjacking, attempted unarmed carjacking, assault on a police officer while armed, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of his home or business.

He is charged for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 3000 block of B Street, SE, and proceeding to 100 block of Ridge Road, SE, where he allegedly shot at police as they attempted to stop him.

Settles was previously found incompetent to stand trial in May of 2022. However, as of January of 2024, he has been deemed competent by doctors at the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Brian McDaniel, Settles’ defense attorney, alerted the court he wanted to challenge a recent report by DBH regarding Settles’ competency.

Due to the challenge, Judge Leibovitz ordered further evaluations.

Parties will reconvene Aug. 29.

Defense Frustrated by Delays in Murder Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo granted the prosecution’s motion for continuance in a homicide trial due to multiple outstanding legal issues.

Aaron Murchison, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jamontate Brown, 32, on Oct. 16, 2022. The shooting occurred outside an apartment complex located on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

According to court documents, Brown sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was found on a sidewalk lying on his back with his hands above his head. There was a handgun found on the victim.

On June 9, prosecutors filed a motion to continue the trial date, stating the outstanding motions would cause further delays in the trial. Judge Demeo argued the request resulted from “a flurry of briefs filed over the weekend.”

On June 10, defense attorney Kevann Gardner argued that any postponement was unnecessary and detrimental to their client’s right to a speedy trial. In a bid to counter the prosecution’s argument, the defense offered to withdraw any motions that could potentially cause a delay in the proceedings.

Adding to their frustration, the defense cited several issues that had already complicated trial preparation, including alleged Brady violations, referring to the prosecution’s obligation to disclose exculpatory evidence, were highlighted as a significant concern.

The judge ruled in favor of the prosecution, granting the continuance to address the numerous motions that have been filed. No new motions were presented in court, as the defense noted that they now have seven months to do so, given that the court date has been rescheduled to Jan. 21, 2025.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause in a murder case on June 11.

Emmanuel Lewis, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Kwame Keith on the 1800 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE, on Oct. 24, 2023.

According to Metro Police Department (MPD) documents, officers responded to the report of found human remains, where an adult male’s body was located in a trash bin near the scene.

According to a report from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), a doctor ruled the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds and the manner of death as a homicide.

During the hearing, a MPD detective was questioned about surveillance footage captured on the day of the shooting.

According to the detective, the footage depicts multiple individuals, including Lewis, interacting frequently throughout the day. These interactions included entering and exiting the building where the murder was believed to occur.

During cross examination, Russell Hariston, Lewis’ defense attorney, questioned the detective’s knowledge of Keith’s presence at the scene. Hariston argued cameras never captured Keith at the scene, only cell phone data placed him near there.

Hariston further questioned the credibility of a witness interviewed by detectives on the scene who stated that Lewis specifically told him he murdered Keith. Hariston referenced the witness’ drug use as impacting their credibility.

Hariston also argued that multiple witnesses, who had previously seen Keith and Lewis interact with each other, claimed there was never any tension or animosity between them.

The prosecution rebutted, stating that the witness who implicated Lewis correctly gave a timeline of events consistent with what the video captured, suggesting the witness is credible.

Despite Hariston’s arguments, Judge Epstein ruled for probable cause, arguing that the witness’ drug use did not compromise his credibility.

Even so, Hariston requested Judge Epstein release Lewis to live with his mom, stating he’s not a flight risk or a risk to the community.

However, the prosecution argued against the release of Lewis, citing the “nature and circumstances of the crime”.

Judge Epstein ordered Lewis remain detained pending further proceedings, deeming him a danger to the community due to his extensive criminal history.

Parties are slated to return on Jan. 31.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Fatal Carjacking, Defendant’s Release Denied

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause on June 7 that a defendant was the perpetrator in a carjacking turned homicide.

Kayla Kenisha Brown, 22, is charged with unarmed carjacking for allegedly stealing a motor vehicle from a woman with the woman’s mother, 55-year-old Leslie Gaines, inside the vehicle on June 3 at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center on the 100 block of Irving Street, NW.

According to court documents, Brown crashed the vehicle into the United States Attorney’s Office on the 600 block of D Street, NW, and attempted to flee the scene with the vehicle’s keys in her hand. However, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer was able to stop her, and she was placed under arrest.

Gaines, who suffered from multiple sclerosis, was found unconscious and unresponsive at the car crash scene, as per court documents, and was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

At the hearing, the lead detective from MPD testified about information he has received from Gaines’ daughter. The detective identified Brown in all the evidence presented to him, in addition to identifying her in the courtroom.

The detective stated that he had limited video surveillance footage in his possession, including the footage from MedStar Hospital showing an individual, who he identified as Brown, walking towards a white Mazda, and then pulling away, which the prosecution showed.

During the detective’s testimony, the prosecution played a June 4 phone call interview between the detective and Gaines’ daughter.

According to the daughter in the phone call, her mother had just finished physical therapy at the hospital and was accompanying her back to her white Mazda vehicle when she said her legs could not move and her eyes felt blurry.

“She almost fainted getting in the car,” said the daughter to the detective in their phone call.

Subsequently, the daughter left her car in front of a hospital building to go to the emergency room to ask for assistance getting her mother out of the car.

When she returned back to the location of where she left her car, to the daughter’s surprise, her car had vanished with her mother last seen in the passenger’s seat, according to her statements to police.

In the phone call interview, the detective questioned the daughter on her mother’s state of being before going to physical therapy at the hospital. “She was herself,” said the daughter.

The daughter also stated that she left her key fob between the center armrest and car seat in her vehicle.

Additionally, the prosecution played a 911 call from Gaines’ daughter after she found her car missing from the hospital.

The detective stated that the time between the original hijack of the vehicle and the car crash was about 19 minutes. There has been no further video surveillance beyond the original hijacking of the vehicle and video footage of the car crash with a woman, identified as Brown, running from the scene.

Furthermore, in his testimony, the detective said he did not know the amount of time that occurred between the time the car was hijacked to the time of the 911 call from the victim’s daughter.

When questioned by the defense if the victim had died as a result of the car crash, the detective stated, “I’m not in a position to say.”

After both parties questioned the detective, Judge Raymond asked if the detective knew of any witnesses at the site of the car crash who were interviewed by the detective or any of his colleagues regarding whether or not the victim was alive. The detective was unsure, stating all he knew was that the victim was unresponsive and not breathing, requiring CPR.

Following the detective’s testimony, defense attorney Slyvia Smith argued that there was “very weak evidence” for this case to be considered a carjacking, saying that the vehicle was not taken in a violent manner.

Smith also argued that it could not be determined whether Gaines was alive when the car was taken. The prosecution disagreed saying, “If your mother had passed away in front of you, you would not get out of the car and wait in line.”

A June 4 autopsy was conducted, but the manner and cause of death has not yet been determined. Despite this, Judge Raymond told the parties she found probable cause for the carjacking and that the victim was alive when the car crashed.

Smith disagreed, stating “It’s incredibly weak with respect to a carjacking.”

She also argued for her client’s release, stating she has no criminal history, is a high school graduate, and is working on building a business.

“The jail is a dangerous place… [Brown] is not a person that needs to be detained,” asserted Smith.

Judge Raymond denied Brown’s release, recognizing the severity of the defendant’s behavior, adding “there appear to have been other things going on.”

Additionally, Judge Raymond argued that although she did not think Brown would be a flight risk, she has “to find that she’s a danger to the community.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 20.

Probable Cause Established in Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a shooting, during a June 10 hearing.

Jason Dyer, 26, is charged with aggravated assault while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured four on April 7, on the 4400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

Prosecutors called on an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who was one of the first responders.

Video surveillance footage, played in court shows a blue Acura on the 100 block of Elmira Street, SW, sitting on the side of the road for two minutes before making a wide left turn across an intersection, stopping in the middle of the intersection, where four individuals get out and start shooting towards a vigil.

The car then drives off and crashes into a tree in front of the 4400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW, before four individuals get out of the car and flee, one of which the prosecution claims to be Dyer.

According to the officer, as Dyer fled the scene, he sustained gunshot wounds to both legs, so he couldn’t run. The officer was able to locate Dyer and arrest him. There was a ski mask next to where was found behind the 100 block of Elmira Street, SW, and a blood trail from Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller claimed that there is no DNA evidence connecting Dyer to the shooting.

Despite Weller’s arguments, Judge Epstein found probable cause that Dyer was one of the shooters in the vehicle.

He said the occupants of the car had “clear intent to fire,” which is grounds for probable cause.

Due to Dyer’s injuries the defense argued for his release to home confinement so he could continue his physical therapy, which they claim is not possible to continue at the jail.

The prosecution responded, saying he should not be released due to the “heavily armed nature of the encounter,” and insisted he is a danger to the community.

Due to Dyer’s significant criminal record and the nature of the case, Judge Epstein ordered he must remain detained.

Parties are set to return Dec. 13.

Carjacking and Robbery Defendant Offered Plea Deal But Not Release

In a June 11 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro, a defendant in a carjacking and robbery case discussed a plea deal but remains held.

Michael Allen Hines, 36, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on March 28 at a gas station on the 900 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

He is also charged with armed robbery for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on March 22 at a gas station on the 400 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE.

According to eyewitness and police statements, the suspect–later identified as Hines in both incidents– initially asked the victims for cash before escalating the situation.

The prosecution says, the suspect choked the victim in the carjacking and threatened the robbery victim with a knife. Hines was identified by police as being allegedly involved in two other robberies as well.

The prosecution alerted Judge Di Toro that they had extended a deal, which required Hines to plead guilty to carjacking, three counts of robbery, as well as indecent exposure and lewd acts, in an unrelated matter. If Hines pleads guilty, the prosecution will not seek an indictment.

Defense attorney Adam Harris asked for additional time to review the plea deal and discuss it with Hines.

Hines then presented a letter he wrote to Judge Di Toro requesting his release. However, Judge Di Toro denied the request.

Parties are slated to return July 10.

Stabbing Defendant Testifies After Being Denied Acquittal

After DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied his motion for acquittal in a June 10 hearing, the defendant in a prison stabbing testified he feared for his life.

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.

According to the prosecution, video surveillance footage from different perspectives in the DC Jail shows an individual, identified as Johnson, in a physical fight with the victim. Officers responded with pepper spray to calm the situation. However, the victim was found with stab wounds throughout his body, and was taken to the jail infirmary.

Matthew Rist, Johnson’s defense attorney, motioned for acquittal of all charges.

Rist argued the video evidence provided by the prosecution showed that Johnson did not possess a weapon nor was he the aggressor. Judge Di Toro denied the motion, stating that a jury could reasonably conclude the prosecution had met its burden of proof.

After the motionl was denied, Rist called Johnson to testify.

According to Johnson, he was in the TV room at the jail when the victim and three other individuals confronted him. Johnson stated he was “frightened” by their presence and felt that “something was about to transpire.”

Johnson said the victim began arguing with him, stating, “The men around you are saying you’re dropping notes on me.” Johnson then stated that the victim told him “you got to roll or yeah,” which Johnson understood as a threat that if he didn’t leave the area something would happen to him.

Meanwhile, the victim stated Johnson had been leaving anonymous notes stating that if the victim was not removed from the housing block, he would be killed.

Johnson said he was acting in self-defense, despite admitting to throwing the first punch, as seen in surveillance footage.

“I punched myself out of what I thought was going to be a four-on-one,” Johnson insisted.

Rist referred to the video footage again pointing out another individual near the fight who took an object out of his pocket that could have been the white handle of the knife the prosecution presented as evidence on June 6.

Johnson identified that individual as the one handing the victim the knife. Johnson stated that the victim was a lot stronger than he and was afraid if he did not get the knife that he “could end up dead.” He then testified that his arm was cut trying to grab the knife.

Johnson said being labeled as a “snitch” posed a threat to his safety. When asked if he still felt threatened by the victim, Johnson started shaking, “To even be testifying, I am in fear.”

During cross examination, Johnson denied ever writing or seeing a note about the victim, testifying that he “was not a snitch.”

“You did great, I know that was not easy for you,” said Rist to Johnson as he stepped down from the witness stand.

Following Johnson’s testimony, the defense rested their case.

Parties are slated to return June 11 for closing arguments.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on June 9 on the 800 block of Underwood Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots, where they located a man with gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 28-year-old Kaan Demir.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide in the District.

Document: MPD Seeking Person of Interest in Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a person in connection to a homicide that occurred on June 7, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of the sounds of gunshots. When they arrived, they located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died.

The victim was identified as 45-year-old Darryl Williams.

A person of interest was captured by a nearby surveillance camera.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide in the District.

Document: MPD Searching for Southwest Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect who shot a man on June 6 on the 4600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. There, they located an adult male with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was captured by surveillance footage.

Document: MPD Arrests Man for an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of an individual in connection to a shooting that occurred on May 11, inside of a residence on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect, who was inside of the residence, was arguing with the victims who were outside of the residence. During the argument, the suspect brandished a gun and shot at the victims, without striking them. The victims fled the scene.

On Jun 6, 22-year-old Dayquan Henderson was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. The investigation determined that the victims and suspects were known to each other.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Southeast Armed Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a man in connection to an armed carjacking that occurred on June 7 on the 200 block of Tingey Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect assaulted the victim in a parking garage at the location, before taking the victim’s keys. The suspect then fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle. A short time later, officers located the suspect and the vehicle in Northeast. The suspect was arrested.

Raymond Davese, 28, was arrested and charged with armed carjacking and driving under the influence.

Document: MPD Arrests Man for a Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that occurred on June 6 on the 5000 block of Just Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On June 7, 46-year-old Bryant Jerome Russell was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of unregistered ammunition, and felon in possession of a firearm.

The investigation revealed that the victim and the suspect were known to one another.