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No Contact Order Upheld in Shooting Case to Protect Children, Despite Victim’s Wishes

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro ordered that a no contact order remain in place and without modification during a July 18 hearing. 

David Blanks, 38, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on June 21, on the 1600 block of V Street, NE. No injuries were reported. 

According to court documents, Blanks’ significant other alerted officers that Blanks had fired a gun five-to-six times outside of their home, after she had asked him to not point it at her. During a search warrant, a handgun was found in the residence, with seven rounds of ammunition. 

A stay-away and no contact order from the victim and Blanks’ children was imposed on June 22. 

At the July 18 hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Di Toro that the victim reached out to them requesting a modification to the no contact order involving herself, her two children, and the incident address. 

However, the prosecution stated that considering the facts of this case they would oppose any modification to the no contact order. Specifically due to the fact that “the defendant is seen on video racking the firearm in front of the woman and her two younger children that they share in common,” going on to say that the defendant, “proceeded to shoot that same firearm.”

The prosecution also stated that while the firearm was not pointed at the victim, it does show a danger to the victim and the children in the home and that modifications to the no contact would not be appropriate at this time.

Angela Ramsay, Blanks’ defense attorney, requested Judge Di Toro do what the victim wants and revoke the stay away and no contact order. 

The parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 23 for another status hearing. 

‘None of His DNA Was Found,’ Says Defense Attorney as Trial Begins for Man Accused of Killing the Mother of His Infant Child

Keanan Turner started his trial before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on July 18 for allegedly killing the mother of his infant son along with her mother, as well as gravely wounding her sister.

Turner, 35, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, second-degree cruelty to children, first-degree attempted murder against a minor, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, destruction of property, carrying a pistol without a license, tampering with physical evidence, and arson. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Wanda Wright, 48, and Ebony Wright, 31, on the 2300 block of Good Hope Court, SE on April 12, 2021. 

According to court documents, Turner is the father of Ebony’s child, who was an infant at the time of the shooting. The child survived the incident, as did Ebony’s sister, who was shot in the face.

In his opening statement, the prosecutor said that Turner and Ebony had been classmates in high school and had been conducting a secret affair since 2018, while Turner was married with a child. According to the prosecutor, Turner urged Ebony to get an abortion when he learned she was pregnant and told her he didn’t want to be involved in the child’s life.

The prosecutor told the jury that Ebony filed for custody of their child and child support in March of 2021. After Turner received court notification of the suit, he made plans with Ebony to see their child for the first time.

According to the prosecutor, Turner’s arrival at Ebony’s apartment on the evening of the incident was captured on surveillance camera and Ring doorbell camera footage, as was his departure shortly before Ebony’s surviving sister called 911.

The prosecutor told the jury that they would hear Ebony’s sister testify that Turner shot her. The sister didn’t see the shootings of her mother and sister because they were in a different room of the apartment.

The prosecutor said that the surveillance footage would show a hand in a rubber glove reaching out the door of the apartment and attempting to remove the Ring camera just before the individual identified as Turner left the apartment. 

According to the prosecutor, when the police searched Turner’s car, they found an open box of rubber gloves.

K. Lawson Wellington, one of Turner’s defense attorneys, pointed out that no DNA evidence from Turner was discovered at the crime scene, even though the prosecution alleged that Turner spent an hour and a half there.

“They have a whole apartment, and from all that activity, none of his DNA was found,” Wellington said. “No one is that careful.”

Wellington cast doubt on the identification of Turner as the perpetrator, noting that witness descriptions of him varied between “medium height” and “tall,” and between “heavy” and “slim.” According to Wellington, the individual in the camera footage was wearing a head covering and a mask that obscured much of his face.

Wellington argued that Ebony’s apparent surprise in the surveillance footage at seeing the perpetrator was inconsistent with her close familiarity with Turner.

“[Ebony’s sister] had never met Keanan Turner before that day,” Wellington said, questioning her ability to identify Turner as her assailant.  

According to court documents, arson investigators found that someone had tried to burn a pile of papers in the apartment, including paperwork from Ebony’s custody and child support suit.

A lieutenant from the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS) said that he found Wanda outside the apartment with a gunshot wound in her forehead and determined that she was deceased. He discovered Ebony in the apartment kitchen, near death from a gunshot wound to her head. 

The officer observed blood splattered on the walls and ceiling of a room with a crib, but no one else was present in the dwelling.

The prosecution called one of Ebony’s neighbors as a witness. When the fire alarm went off in the apartment complex on the day of the incident, he said, he entered Ebony’s apartment before first responders arrived and dragged Wanda’s body outside, thinking she might still be alive.

As he was leaving the apartment, the witness said, he saw a woman running toward the arriving paramedics, carrying a baby.

“Blood was gushing from her face,” said the witness.

The prosecution called a forensic scientist from the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) as a witness. She testified that she collected evidence from the apartment on the night of the incident. Items collected on scene included an iPhone, cartridge casings, and two projectiles that had embedded in the walls.

“So, of all the evidence that was collected, you would agree none of it was contaminated?” asked Franz Jobson, a defense attorney for Turner, in cross examination.

“Contaminated? I don’t know,” said the witness.

On redirect, the prosecution confirmed with the witness that no one had entered the apartment while she was waiting for a search warrant, and that she didn’t know of any breaks in the chain of custody for the evidence.

The trial is scheduled to continue on July 22.

Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a quadruple shooting that left two men dead, and a man and young child injured, on July 18 on the 2200 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

The victims have been identified as 29-year-old Lamont Street and 50-year-old Jermaine Proctor.

Document: MPD Investigating Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting that injured three individuals, an officer and two women, which occurred on July 18 on the 1200 block of Canal Street, SW.

Document: MPD Arrests Additional Teenagers in Northwest Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a 13-year-old girl and a 15-year-old female, who are charged with second-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 64-year-old Reggie Brown. The incident occurred on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

Three girls, a 12-year-old and two 13-year-olds, were previously arrested in connection to the incident.

Judge Finds Probable Cause and Denies Release for Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause to proceed with a non-fatal shooting case.

Santos Duarte, 24, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 5 at a restaurant and bar on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW. The victim, the owner of the establishment, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

During the hearing, a responding police officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified to the events of that night with the assistance of video surveillance footage from inside of the restaurant.

The video showed an individual, which the officer identified as Duarte, speaking with two unidentified individuals in the upstairs section of the restaurant. Duarte began walking in circles around the two with his fists up and moving in what the officer said was a “boxing motion.” One of the individuals pushed Duarte into a nearby booth and put him into a headlock-like position.

According to the officer, Duarte was then seen pulling a gun out of his pocket. The officer described that it looked like the gun was pointed at the individual. The individual pulled away from Duarte, who was grabbing at his crotch area. The officer stated that Duarte had been shot in the penis when found at the scene.

The officer testified that Duarte was asked to leave the restaurant and was escorted out of the building. The two individuals were speaking with the owner of the establishment at the top of the stairs when Duarte returned and began shooting at them from the bottom of the stairs.

As per the officer, six shell casings were recovered on the floor and the victim was hit once in the leg. Nobody else was harmed during the incident.

During cross examination, the officer testified that upon arriving at the scene, Duarte was found restrained by ropes with a nose bleed. Duarte told the officers that he was hit in the face and “was shot in the d***” during the altercation.

The officer also testified that he was aware Duarte was treated by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) at the scene and was in the hospital for a week due to the gunshot wound.

Following the officer’s testimony, the prosecution stated that Duarte was drunk and shot himself in the penis. They argued that Duarte cannot seek to claim self-defense as he was the first aggressor, shown by the boxing stance, and returned to the scene after being escorted out.

The prosecutor also stated that the proximity to the victim and the number of shots fired caused this incident to fall under the case law that defines assault with intent to kill.

Duarte’s defense attorney, Jonathan Lanyi, recalled the officer’s testimony that Duarte was found bound and bloody with an “egregious” bullet wound that required him to be in the hospital for a week. “He was manhandled, shot, and manhandled again,” Lanyi stated, requesting Judge Brandt not find probable cause.

Judge Brandt stated the prosecution had established substantial probability that a reasonable jury would find Duarte guilty. 

Duarte “can’t cloak himself in self-defense,” she stated, as he withdrew from the situation before returning as an active shooter. She additionally agreed with the prosecution that Duarte was the aggressor.

After probable cause was found, Lanyi requested that Duarte be released from jail on electronic monitoring. He argued that Duarte has ties to the community through his family, pointing out that his mother, sister, children, and the mother of his children were in the courtroom. He also stated that Duarte has a full-time job and supports his family, and he would like Duarte to have the chance for sobriety.

The prosecution disagreed, stating that the nature of the incident showed Duarte is a danger to the community. The prosecutor argued that Duarte shot at the individuals in a crowded restaurant on a Friday night after the Fourth of July, which was “clear evidence” that Duarte is dangerous.

Judge Brandt denied the request for release, stating that the law presumes him dangerous due to the nature of the charges. She agreed with the prosecution that Duarte was an active shooter in a “very public space,” and many could have been injured. 

She also relied on a past conviction of assaulting a family member, as well as a current open case against him for violating two protective orders. With these, she stated she believed him to be untrustworthy in the eyes of the court and a danger to the community.

Parties are scheduled to return Aug. 30.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Release for ‘Cold-Blooded Killing of a Friend’

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found probable cause to proceed with a second-degree murder case and denied the defendant release during a July 18 hearing.

Antonio Johnson, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 21-year-old Marcellus Jackson. The incident occurred on June 20 on the 4400 block of Burroughs Avenue, NE. Jackson suffered one fatal gunshot wound to the back of the neck.

According to court documents, during Johnson’s initial interview, he stated that the incident resulted from a fight over a gun. Johnson stated that Jackson was under the influence of marijuana and speaking about suicidal thoughts. He said the gun went off by accident.

During the hearing, the prosecution called a detective in the homicide branch from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to establish probable cause. The detective was the head investigator for Jackson’s homicide.

The prosecution played surveillance footage from the night of the incident, in which an individual, identified as Johnson, was conversing with Jackson before Johnson pulled a firearm, seemingly from his waistband or pocket.

A voice was heard saying, “Stop playing with me now,” as Jackson was seen walking back from Johnson. The two exited the view of the camera. A single gunshot was heard before Johnson ran into the nearby apartment building covering his face with his shirt. He returned to the scene less than a minute later, and ran outside of the frame of the camera again.

On the video footage, another voice is heard saying “run, bro, run” before picking up audio of a car starting and tires screeching.

The detective testified that a witness reported Johnson entering her apartment and stealing the keys to her car immediately after the shooting. Johnson was found later that day in the witness’ car.

During cross examination, the detective agreed with defense attorney Kevin Mosley that the shooting itself was not captured on camera, as Johnson and Jackson stepped outside of camera view. However, she stated that they were only off camera for less than five seconds.

When asked about the relationship between Johnson and Jackson, the detective stated that the two were “good friends” with no previous “ill will or animosity” towards each other.

Mosley asked Judge O’Keefe to not find probable cause, arguing that the shooting itself was not recorded on video and no witnesses were able to testify to what happened during the shooting, only before and after.

The prosecution claimed that probable cause had been established, arguing that Johnson’s account of the event was inconsistent with the video footage.

In his interview with police, Johnson said there was a fight over the gun, but the gunshot was heard only two to three seconds after Johnson and Jackson left camera view.

Judge O’Keefe found there was probable cause to continue with the case due to the physical evidence, timing of the gunshot, and the fact that Johnson ran away covering his face with his shirt.

Following the finding, Mosley requested that Johnson be released on 24-hour home confinement, arguing that he would not be a flight risk and would be able to stay with his mother. He did admit that Johnson is currently on probation for an incident in Virginia and does not have “the best criminal history.”

Judge O’Keefe denied the request, stating “this appears to be the cold-blooded killing of a friend.”

Parties are slated to return Jan. 17.

Document: Arrest made in Fatal Northwest Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 34-year-old Khalil Khalilov, who is charged with second-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 36-year-old Anvar Guliyev. The incident occurred on July 17 on the 1800 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW.

Attorney’s Concerns of Stereotyping Postpone Non-fatal Shooting Trial

A shooting defendant’s trial was delayed after he requested to appear more presentable before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on July 18.

Jerry Tyree, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of liquid phencyclidine (PCP), attempted unlawful possession of liquid PCP and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Nov. 29, 2023, on the 5900 block of Foote Street, NE. 

His trial was set to begin on July 18 with jury selection.

However, his defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, requested to postpone the trial, since Tyree’s hair had not been cut. The DC Jail only does haircuts on Thursdays, and due to the hearing, Tyree was unable to get one, according to Kopecki.

When Judge Arthur claimed he thought Tyree looked presentable, Kopecki immediately disagreed, and Tyree shook his head. Kopecki mentioned potential jury stereotyping and requested a continuance. 

Parties agreed on a new trial date of Aug. 26.

Tyree is scheduled for a status hearing on Aug. 6. 

Document: MPD Searching for Suspects in Chinatown Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects in a shooting that occurred on July 17 in Chinatown on the 600 block of H Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

‘Numerous Notices of Noncompliances’ Causes Judge To Hold Carjacking Defendant 

A carjacking defendant’s request for release following a seven-year-old bench warrant for a 2017 case was denied July 18 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno. 

Lakeesa Cambridge, 37, is charged with conspiracy, carjacking, assault with intent to commit robbery, robbery, unauthorized use of a vehicle- crime of violence, and first-degree theft in her alleged involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on Jan. 28, 2017 on the 100 block of Joliet Street, SW.

According to court documents, the victim met with Cambridge and another person, when the victim was struck on the head multiple times with a handgun inside his car. The victim fled the car seeking help. 

In court, Michael Bruckheim, Cambridge’s defense attorney, brought up that his client has two bench warrants against her in Virginia and North Carolina and claimed she didn’t know she had these against her. 

Bruckheim requested for Cambridge to be released and put on home confinement, to which the prosecution opposed stating Cambridge has “numerous notices of noncompliances.” 

Parties are slated to meet on July 29.

Dept. of Behavioral Health Says Carjacking Defendant is Competent for Trial

A carjacking defendant was deemed competent after an evaluation by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), according to DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on July 18.

Javard Harris, 23, Omari Dantignac, 19, and Ion Cooper, 20, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for two carjackings on Dec. 1, 2023. The incidents occurred on the 1700 block of Bay Street, SE and the 900 block of 3rd Street, NE.

During the hearing, Judge Arthur alerted the parties that a report from DBH had found Harris to be competent to stand trial. 

Ralph Robinson, Harris’ defense attorney, and the prosecution did not object to the findings of the report. 

Molly Burke, counsel for Harris’ co-defendant, Dantignac, also negotiated for his release conditions to be modified, citing his perfect compliance report, the completion of his first semester of college and his work with a local school’s football team. 

Bunke mentioned that Dantignac hopes to work a new job and cannot do so under the terms of home confinement. She requested that her client be given a curfew, instead. 

Despite the prosecution’s objection, Judge Errol agreed to impose a curfew of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Parties are slated to return for a status hearing on Sept. 20.

Prosecution Says Defendant ‘Brought a Knife to a Fist Fight,’ During Discussion of Release 

On July 18, a stabbing defendant waived his preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrman and was denied release.  

Tyrone Graham, 42, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place on July 13 at the intersection of 12th and U Street, NW in front of a McDonald’s restaurant. One individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

Graham previously had his preliminary hearing scheduled for July 16 and 17 but was unable to attend both hearings due to a medical scratch on July 16 and a non-compliant scratch on the 17.

At the hearing, Graham’s defense attorney Wole Falodun also requested the defendant’s release, requesting that Judge Herrman place him on electronic monitoring. 

According to court documents, Graham was allegedly standing at a bus stop when he and the victim got into a verbal altercation and the victim began punching Graham in the face. Video footage shows Graham reach into his bag and pull out a knife. He is seen allegedly stabbing the victim. 

Graham was “attacked out of nowhere,” and had no connection to the victim, arguing that video footage revealed that “at no point does Graham fight back,” Falodun said. 

“Just because you have a hammer doesn’t mean everything you see is a nail,” Falodun stated, arguing that though video footage may show Graham stabbing the victim, it was an effort of self defense. Falodun also said the victim had a weapon on him, which is why Graham used a knife.

The prosecuting attorney objected, saying “it is incorrect to blatantly assume the victim was at fault,” and the security camera footage shows Graham following the victim for roughly half a mile. 

The prosecution went on to say that even if Graham was acting in self defense he “brought a knife to a fist fight,” and demonstrated excessive force, highlighting the fact that the victim had a “left kidney and spleen laceration.” 

The prosecution also argued that Graham’s criminal history is extensive, citing several bench warrants, and a prior charge of assault with a deadly weapon that Graham was released for in 2022. 

Judge Herrman denied Falodun’s request for release but acknowledged that “it is going to be a close call,” if it goes to trial and “another judge may look at the video and not think it’s a close call.” 

“This very well could be self defense,” Judge Herrman stated, but said the pretrial report which cited two instances where Graham’s supervised release was revoked is reason enough to hold him. 

“I want to do what [Falodun] is asking, but I cannot,” Judge Herrman stated. 

During his two previous hearings it was announced that Graham requested new counsel, but Falodun stated that he would be staying on the case on July 18.

Parties are slated to meet on July 24.