Homicide Defendant Asserts Right to Independent DNA Testing

A homicide defendant asserted his right to independent DNA testing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Sept. 18.

Deonte Patterson, 28, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstruction of justice. These charges stem from Patterson’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Ali Jamil Al-Mahadi, on Aug. 23, 2021 at the 1800 block of 9th Street, NW.

According to court documents, Patterson allegedly shot Al-Mahadi five times–in the left arm, chest, and torso. Al Mahadi was pronounced dead after all life-saving measures failed.

Patterson allegedly fled the scene in a car with his girlfriend and godbrother, according to court documents. The suspect vehicle was found later that day after a car accident in which all individuals survived but sustained injuries.

During the hearing, Cheryl Stein, Patterson’s attorney, alerted the court of Patterson’s intent to assert his right to independent DNA testing of evidence in the case.

Judge Raffinan set deadlines requiring the defense to submit the name of the lab and the expert conducting the testing by close of business on Sept. 18. The defense is also required to file the order for the independent DNA testing by close of business on Sept. 19.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 21, 2025.

Neighbor Identifies Defendant as Car Accident Shooter

A neighbor, who witnessed a shooting, identified the defendant as the alleged perpetrator in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sept. 17.

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.

During the hearing, Lee’s neighbor testified that he called 911 after seeing a man shoot another man outside his house while they were arguing. The witness said he recognized the alleged shooter as his neighbor, and identified Lee in court.

The witness said Lee was standing about ten feet away on the sidewalk from a man and a woman and they were in an argument. He said the man and woman were not being “visibly aggressive” and did not appear to brandish a weapon.

On cross examination, the witness said he did not know what the argument was about and did not know whether the man that was shot and the woman lived in the area. He testified that he had never seen Lee act violently in the past, deeming him “friendly.”

An officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified that he responded to the scene where the victim was suffering from a gunshot wound and that he did not appear to have any weapons.

“He appeared to be in a lot of pain,” the officer said.

The officer testified that the victim’s wife, who was on the scene, later sent the police a video of the victim exchanging insurance information with a man after they got into a car accident.

Prosecutors said in their opening statement on Sept. 16 that Lee shot the victim after they got into an argument following a the accident when Lee fled the scene. Destiny Fullwood-Singh, Lee’s attorney, insisted he acted in self-defense thinking Lee was armed.

An investigative analyst from the US Attorney’s Office testified that Lee’s cell phone data showed the user reserved a room at a Red Roof Inn from April 18 to April 19. She said she used geolocation data and Cashapp transactions to show the phone had traveled from Maryland to Florida from April 19 to April 20 and the phone moved around Florida from April 20 to May 30. Prosecutors allege that Lee fled the District after the incident.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 18.

Officer Says Gun Recovered From Suspect in Sex Worker Shooting

An officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) present at the time of a shooting defendant’s arrest, said he saw a gun recovered from the suspect which was sent for evidence processing. The testimony was presented in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Sept. 17.

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 prosecution called a witness from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), and asked them about the process of examining the evidence, during which the rounds and magazine were removed from the firearm, and all material was marked and packaged in an envelope.

The witness noted that they did not process the gun for DNA or fingerprints because possession of the weapon was not in question, considering it was taken from the defendant directly.

Under cross examination, defense attorney Sara Kopecki questioned the witness as to why the envelope containing the firearm in was cut open, but the witness didn’t know.

Parties are set to reconvene Sep. 17.

After Defendant’s Outburst Judge Denies Mistrial in Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a stabbing defendant’s motion for a mistrial following an outburst by the defendant before the jury on Sept. 17.

Tanade Warsame, 32, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on May 4 on the 600 block of I Street, NW. One person was injured.

Brandon Burrell, Warsame’s attorney, filed a motion for a mistrial following a rambling outburst by Warsame on the grounds it could prejudice the jury against his client.

During the episode, Warsame voiced his dissatisfaction with conditions at the DC Jail claiming there was drug dealing at the facility, and that he was mistreated by US Marshals at the courthouse.

Judge Pipe and Burrell warned Warsame to stop multiple times, but he continued and was initially ejected but returned in the presence of his attorney.

The prosecution objected to the motion for a mistrial, arguing they had done nothing to provoke Warsame’s tirade.

Judge Pipe agreed with the prosecution, and denied the motion.

Prior to Warsame’s outburst, the prosecutor argued that Warsame’s actions could not be considered self-defense because he was not in imminent danger, never asked for help from nearby officers, and fled the scene showing consciousness of guilt.

According to court documents, two officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were approached by the victim, who stated he was stabbed in a dispute over the sale of a 10 dollar hat.

An officer, who testified on Sept. 16, stated the victim did not specifically name the suspect, but provided a description. Warsame was arrested shortly after, and the victim identified him from a photo.

Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Self-Defense Claim Disputed in A Homicide over A Pair of Shoes

A murder defendant testified in trial and changed his narrative multiple times before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Sept. 16.

Darius Anderson, 23, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Israel Mattocks, 30 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE that occurred on June 15, 2022.

Wole Falodun, Anderson’s defense attorney, called the defendant to the stand to tell his side of the shooting.

In his testimony, Anderson revealed Mattocks asked Anderson to buy him a pair of shoes. Anderson agreed for $10, but did not follow through, according to his testimony. Mattocks became angry and followed Anderson and they argued. In the moment, Anderson testified, he saw a bulge on Mattocks’ waistband which he believed to be a firearm.

According to Anderson, he walked home after buying the shoes, but quickly returned to inquire about a new pair. Then he saw Mattocks come out, look at him with an aggressive expression, and reach for a something in his waistband, which prompted Anderson to shoot Mattocks because he was afraid for his life.

The prosecution argued that Anderson’s narrative changed from the last time he spoke.

During a prior interview with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Anderson police showed Anderson pictures of himself at the crime scene.

He reportedly laughed and said, “I just didn’t want to throw myself under the bus.” He also told police officers, according to the prosecution, that he waited outside the store to shoot Mattocks because he did not want any “innocent bystanders,” to be affected.

Falodun asked for an acquittal saying the prosecution did not have enough evidence to prove Anderson was the aggressor, and insisted he acted in self-defense. Judge Demeo denied the motion, explaining that a jury could reasonably find Anderson guilty with the evidence presented.

The prosecution argued that Anderson planned Mattock’s death. He walked home and decided to return to the scene, looking to shoot Mattocks. At the store, the prosecutor argued, Anderson peaked inside to check if Mattocks was there and positioned himself out of view while waiting outside.

“Nothing caused him to fear Mr. Mattocks,” the prosecution insisted. They showed video of Mattocks walking out of the store while holding a phone up to his right ear carrying bags. The prosecutor argued that Mattocks could have never reached for a gun, because his hands were full.

Falodun said the self-defense claim was based on Anderson’s real fear of death.

The prosecutor rebutted by focusing on Anderson’s credibility and how he had changed his narrative.

Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Shooting Defendant Sentenced to Five Years Claims He was An Intoxicated Version of Himself

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a shooting defendant to 60 months in prison with three years of probation on Sept. 17.

On June 12, Alonte Miller, 21, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the shooting of two individuals on April 20 on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE.

Parties agreed that due to his criminal history, the sentencing guidelines required Miller to be sentenced to a range of 18-to-60 months of incarceration.

The prosecution read a letter written by one of the victims, who attended the proceeding remotely.

In the letter, the victim told Judge Salerno she now suffers from sleep problems, migraines, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a loss of trust in the community, a loss of her routines, and hearing loss.

She added she hopes Miller loses his sense of life, the way she has since the incident.

The other victim said that the trauma was too much for her, and she left DC after the attack.

The prosecution asked Judge Salerno to impose the maximum sentencing time of 60 months incarcerated and three years of probation, citing the severity of the attack. The prosecution presented photos of the victim’s injuries behind her ear and a video of the attack.

Stephen LoGerfo, Miller’s attorney, requested he receive a probationary sentence that considered the five months he’s already been incarcerated.

The defense claimed that the attack was out of character for Miller, that he had blacked out and had no memory of the event.

According to LoGerfo, when Miller first saw the footage of the incident, he was visibly shocked by his actions. LoGerfo stated Miller’s history of substance abuse and alcoholism should considered a pressing matter and requested he be given a chance to seek treatment in the community.

LoGerfo wanted Miller sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a young defendant’s conviction if they successfully complete their sentencing requirements.

In a letter written and read by Miller to Judge Salerno, he argued the person on the surveillance footage wasn’t him, arguing that the individual was an intoxicated version of himself. He claimed he would have never committed the crime had he been sober.

He further argued that he believes he is not a danger to the community and, after being incarcerated for multiple months, recognizes what a privilege it is to be free in the community. He spoke of his goals for the future, including completing schooling and being committed to his family. He requested that he be given a chance to serve the sentence in the community.

Judge Salerno denied the request for a YRA sentence, stating that the offenses were too severe. He argued Miller’s involvement in the shooting occurred two months after his probation was over in another matter.

Miller will be required to register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.

Stabbing Defendant Seeks In Patient Drug Treatment Placement

A stabbing defendant requested placement in an in patient drug program in front of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur at a status hearing held on Sept. 17.

On Feb. 29, Tina Calhoun, 65, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on Nov. 7, 2023 on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

She was sentenced to a year of probation, with a 12 month jail sentence suspended on April 30.

A bench warrant was issued after Calhoun’s failure to appear at a status hearing on Aug. 29 and she was detained.

Calhoun’s defense attorney, Bryan Bookhard, stated that she has been compliant with the terms of her probation up until now. He added that her housing has been challenging which caused the lapse. Calhoun previously completed an inpatient program with no issue.

Bookhard requested that Calhoun be put in an inpatient program.

However, the prosecution asked Judge Arthur to revoke her release, stating that inpatient programs are not secure, and they’re concerned Calhoun won’t be compliant.

During the April 30 sentencing hearing, Calhoun was ordered to complete mental health treatment, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, substance abuse testing, and grief counseling as a result of her conviction.

Judge Arthur ordered Calhoun remain detained and be screened to see if she is a candidate for an in-patient treatment.

Her probation officer told Judge Arthur he would send her referral after receiving paperwork from the DC Jail.

Parties will reconvene on Sept. 24.

Defendant Found Guilty in Stabbing Over ‘I ♥ MILFS’ Hat

Defendant Tanade Warsame was found guilty on Sept. 17 before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe for stabbing an individual who owed him money for a hat featuring a sexual reference.

Tanade Warsame, 32, was convicted of assault with significant bodily injury while armed for his involvement in an incident on May 4 on the 600 block of I Street, NW, that left one person injured.

According to court documents, Warsame stabbed the victim in a dispute over selling him a ten-dollar hat that read, “I ♥ MILFS.” The victim approached two police officers after the incident and provided a description, which led to Warsame’s arrest.

The prosecution argued in court that this incident happened over a “tragically minor dispute” and said the victim attempted to give the hat back to Warsame prior to the altercation.

Warsame’s attorney, Brandon Burrell, stated the surveillance footage showed the victim following Warsame and taking the first swing at him, justifying a claim of self-defense.

Before the verdict was rendered, Warsame made outbursts in court about his conditions at the DC Jail, and Burrell petitioned for a mistrial, arguing the outbursts would unfairly prejudice the jury against Warsame. Judge Pipe denied the motion.

The sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 15.

New Evidence in Stabbing Case Delays Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno delayed a stabbing trial by a day to allow the defense additional time to review newly shared evidence by the prosecution, which included the victim’s medical records, on Sept. 17.

Amadelia Hernandez, 35, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 400 block of Emerson Street, NE, on March 29.

Damon Catacalos, Hernandez’s defense attorney, requested Judge Salerno delay the trial in order to review the newly shared evidence. The prosecution did not object, and Judge Salerno granted the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 18.

Forensic Evidence Places Shooting Defendant at Crime Scene

Two forensic scientists provided testimony before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Sept. 16, explaining that DNA evidence taken from a shooting scene overwhelmingly implicates the defendant.

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 involvement in a shooting that left a transgender woman wounded. The incident occurred on Nov. 29, 2023, on the 5900 Block of Foote Street, NE.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was called to the scene after a shooting. MPD officers spoke to the victim and discovered that after Tyree allegedly propositioned her for sex. After the transaction, Tyree accused her of stealing money from him, produced a firearm, and allegedly shot her in the genitals.

The trial resumed with a forensic scientist from Bode Technology, a lab used by parties to DNA test evidence, stating that Bode evaluated a cigarette butt, suspected semen, and buccal swabs of the victim and Tyree. In her expert opinion, the witness stated there was at least one male contributor on the cigarette butt, and it is extremely likely that it was Tyree.

On cross-examination, Tyree’s attorney, Sara Kopecki, spent much of her time questioning the reliability of the machines that aid scientists in making their determinations, and how often they are calibrated which can affect the results.

Another witness, also employed at Bode Technology as a forensic serologist, confirmed they were responsible for conducting the tests. Kopecki focused on the fact that the witness did not do a confirmatory test on the semen and insisted no one was there to review a presumptive test, which ensures the bodily fluid is physically present.

Earlier in the day, the prosecution witness responsible for collecting evidence from the crime scene, testified about the items recovered, including a spent cartridge and a bloody shoe print. Kopecki pressed the witness on his qualifications and questioned the reliability of the evidence collection process, pointing out that a different officer had collected the bullet in question. The witness conceded that this “could have affected the preservation of the evidence.”

The trial is set to continue on Sept. 17.

Teen Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A teen homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Sept. 17.

Lorinzo Thompson, 18, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Niko Estep. The incident occurred on Nov. 3, 2023 at the intersection of 14th and Fairmont Streets, NW. Another juvenile individual sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.

Thompson, who was a juvenile at the time of the incident, is being tried as an adult under Title 16.

During the hearing, Joseph Yarbough, Thompson’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

The prosecution told Judge Demeo they have yet to begin DNA testing evidence.

Parties scheduled a trial for September of 2026.

They are slated to reconvene Dec. 13.

Murder Defendant Warned On Drug Testing

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan reminded a homicide defendant that he must comply with all release conditions, including testing negative for drugs, during a hearing on Sept. 17.

Terrance Barnes, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Barry Holmes, 57. Holmes succumbed to his injuries on Apr 17, 2019, on the 5100 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

During the hearing, a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) alerted Judge Raffinan that Barnes has been in compliance with release conditions, despite a slip up on drug testing.

Defense attorney Molly Bunke requested the court reduce his testing to once a week, instead of twice.

The prosecution stated they felt more comfortable with drug testing twice a week.

However, the judge denied the defense’s request to reduce testing, and ordered the release conditions remain the same.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 14.

Victims Narrate Events Surrounding A Car Crash, Shooting

Parties disagreed on whether a non-fatal shooting was assault or self-defense. Even the victim and his fiancée contradicted each other’s testimony on multiple points in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sept. 16.

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.

The prosecutor said the victim and his fiancée came from Maryland on the day of the shooting to eat at a DC restaurant in celebration of their tenth anniversary. On their way home, their Tesla collided with a Chevy Suburban driven by Lee’s wife, who called Lee to bring the victim his auto insurance card.

While the victim was on the phone with his insurance company, Lee’s wife drove away and Lee fled, the prosecutor said. The victim still had the insurance card with Lee’s name on it, which was expired and entered into evidence in the case.

The prosecutor said the victim found a police officer and asked how to report the accident. The officer told them to return to the location of the accident and then call for police help.

According to the prosecutor, the victim drove around until he saw Lee run into a house. The victim and his fiancée got out of their car to try to talk to Lee, the prosecutor said, but Lee came back out of the house with a gun.

“He ran towards [the victim] and [his fiancée], pointed the gun at her head, then turned and shot [the victim] in the stomach,” the prosecutor said. “[The victim] was immediately transported to Howard University Hospital, and that’s where he stayed for five months.”

The prosecutor told the jury they would hear testimony during the trial from the doctor who attended the victim.

“He’ll tell you how the bullet passed through his stomach, punctured his lung, ruptured his spleen, and lodged by his spine,” the prosecutor said.

According to the prosecutor, Lee fled to Florida after the shooting.

Destiny Fullwood-Singh, one of Lee’s defense attorneys, argued that Lee acted in self-defense.

Fullwood-Singh said Lee’s wife was pregnant at the time of the incident, and Lee told her to drive away out of concern for her safety because the victim’s fiancée was screaming at her after the collision.

“She got away. We’re going to f*** you up,” the victim and his fiancée shouted to Lee after his wife drove off, according to Fullwood-Singh.

“They chase him through the streets of DC. They chase him to his home,” Fullwood-Singh told the jury. She said Lee saw the victim or his fiancée take something from their waistband that Lee thought was a gun while approaching the house where Lee was, with his 18-month-old son, and his son’s grandmother.

“In a moment of fear and desperation, and in a moment he believed was life or death, Mr. Lee fired one shot,” said Fullwood-Singh. “Mr. Lee had run out of options and out of places to run, and he was forced to defend himself.”

According to Fullwood-Singh, Lee took his family to Florida after the incident due to fear of the victim and his fiancée, since they knew where he lived.

Following opening statements, the prosecution called the victim and his fiancée to testify. Since witnesses are not allowed in the courtroom during their case except while giving testimony, neither heard the other speak in court.

Both the victim and his fiancée identified Lee in court as their assailant.

The victim said all the interactions after the vehicle accident were calm until after Lee’s wife drove away.

“He held his hands up in a taunting fashion, like a fighting stance,” the victim said about Lee, after Lee’s wife left.

The victim said Lee asked, “Whatcha wanna do?” and the victim responded, “I could beat you.”

Both the victim and his fiancée testified that Lee then ran away.

“That truck that sped? We never saw that again,” the victim’s fiancée answered when Albert Amissah, one of Lee’s defense attorneys, asked if she thought she recognized Lee’s wife’s Chevy Suburban on the street.

According to the victim’s fiancée, she noticed Lee on the street and got out of the Tesla to try to talk to him, but an unknown individual got between them and said, “This isn’t called for.”

The victim and his fiancée testified that Lee went into a nearby house and came out with a gun, which he pointed at the fiancée before turning and allegedly shooting the victim. They said neither of them was armed.

“I put my hands up,” the victim said about the moments before he was shot.

“Isn’t it true that Mr. Lee allegedly only shot one time?” Amissah asked the victim.

“Yeah, he only shot once,” the victim said.

“I heard two,” the victim’s fiancée said when asked how many shots were fired. “As I was picking him [the victim] off the floor, I heard another one.”

She said the victim tried to drive away but quickly became too weak.

The prosecution played a recording of the victim’s fiancée on the phone with a 911 operator. When the operator asked what intersection she was at, she screamed, “I’m in DC.”

The trial is scheduled to resume on Sept. 17.

Defense Calls Victim An ‘Unreliable Narrator’ in Stabbing Over A 10 Dollar Hat

Jurors heard testimony and closing statements on the third day of trial in a stabbing case over an “I ♥ MILFS” hat, in DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe’s courtroom on Sept. 16.

Tanade Warsame, 32, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that left an individual injured on the 600 block of I Street, NW, on May 4.

The victim testified that he and the defendant decided to fight in a dispute about whether the hat, displaying an abbreviation for a sexual reference, was stolen or purchased. According to the victim, Warsame allegedly escalated the confrontation, pulling out a knife and stabbing him.

The victim also testified he and Warsame traded threats, and that Warsame did not say or do anything to suggest that he had a knife. The victim admitted that as he walked away from Warsame, he picked up a brick, assuming that the defendant would be following behind him.

The prosecution also called the first officer who was on the scene and his body camera footage was shown to the jury.

The officer testified that he saw both Warsame and the victim walking past him and his partner, whom Warsame greeted. A couple minutes later, he testified the victim returned, claiming “He stabbed me. He stabbed me for 10 dollars.”

The victim was taken by ambulance to George Washington University Hospital due to the severity of his injuries where the victim identified the attack knife as a black kitchen knife with a silver blade.

When questioned by the defense, the officer testified that he did not see the altercation, and was told by the victim that he had purchased the hat from Warsame.

Another nearby officer testified that Warsame, was placed under arrest and asked whether or not he was injured, to which Warsame replied that he was not. Upon searching his bags, the officer testified, he found a knife matching the description given by the victim, with the blade bent.

When questioned by the defense, the officer testified that he had no way of knowing if the blade was bent before the day of the incident.

During closing remarks, the prosecution stated that this case is over a “tragically minor dispute” and that the victim never thought there was going to be a knife drawn that day. The prosecutor reminded the jury that the victim attempted to give the hat back to Warsame prior to the altercation.

During the defense’s closing remarks, Brandon Burrell, Warsame’s attorney, reminded the jury that the surveillance footage showed the victim following Warsame and that the victim swung first, stressing that the victim was an “unreliable narrator.”

Burrell also said that the prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Warsame was not defending himself, which all the evidence points to, and “There is only one verdict that is demanded by justice.”

Parties will reconvene Sept. 17 for the prosecution’s rebuttal and jury deliberations.

Two of Seven Carjacking Defendants to be Tried Separately

Two of seven defendants in a carjacking will be tried separately due to the large number of suspects in the case facing with some different charges. The decision came in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe told parties on Sept. 16.

Taj Giles, 19, and Warren Montgomery, 19, are charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts armed carjacking, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, four counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery while armed, for their alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW, on May 16, 2023.

Giles faces additional charges of conspiracy, armed carjacking, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and receiving stolen property, in connection to the incident.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested that Giles’ and Montgomery’s cases be transferred to Judge Robert Okun, who is already handling the cases of the five other defendants allegedly involved in the carjackings.

Montgomery’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, and Giles’ attorney, Christopher Young, requested that they both remain with Judge Lynn Leibovitz who is the original judge in the case, because the pair has fewer charges than the other defendants and their trial is scheduled for a later date.

Judge Pipe agreed with the defense and denied the prosecution’s request, stating that Judge Okun’s calendar would be unable to accommodate the seven defendants in a five week trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 1.

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