Judge Delays Stabbing Plea Following Immigration Confusion

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno deferred a guilty plea in a stabbing case after the defendant appeared confused about the consequences the deal could have on his immigration status on Feb. 2.

Muhammad Abubakor, 25, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on Oct. 30, 2025, near the 3400 block of 14th Street, NW.

Before addressing the plea, defense counsel John Sample asked for the defendant’s release, arguing that Abubakor needed to care for a relative undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. Judge Salerno denied the request, citing a prior failure to appear in Maryland.

Sample also alerted Judge Salerno of Abubakor’s intent to accept a plea to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. Under the agreement, the prosecution would waive further indictment without recommending harsher penalties, with no sentencing cap. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years of incarceration and/or a $12,500 fine.

Judge Salerno questioned Abubakor to ensure he understood the rights he would give up by pleading guilty, including a jury trial. The prosecution then stated it would have proven at trial that Abubakor stabbed the victim in the back, relying on video footage and testimony. Abubakor agreed to waive these rights.

The judge halted the plea process when he advised Abubakor that a guilty plea could carry immigration consequences, including potential deportation. After conferring with Sample, Abubakor appeared uncertain about the agreement, suggesting he wanted to return to Nigeria.

Judge Salerno directed the defendant and counsel to discuss the issue privately. Defense counsel agreed to extend the mandatory deadline for the proceeding, and the prosecution agreed to keep the plea offer open.

The parties are slated to reconvene on March 6.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A jail stabbing defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Feb. 6.

Cedae Hardy, 21, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in stabbing another inmate on October 12, 2025 at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.

According to the court documents, the victim sustained 10 stab wounds, eight to his back and two to his arms.

During the hearing, Hardy’s attorney, Chidi Oglo, informed Judge Edelman of his client’s intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing. Judge Edelman ensured Hardy was aware of the rights he gave up by waiving the hearing and confirmed that his signature was on the document.

The prosecutors noted that the stabbing was recorded on the surveillance cameras in the jail and that a correctional officer allegedly identified Hardy as the perpetrator.

The prosecutor mentioned that Hardy was also charged with carjacking in DC District Court and could face life in prison for the offense. Ogolo mentioned that he did not represent Hardy in that case.

Parties indicated they were working toward a global disposition that would resolve both cases.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 6.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Fatally Shooting His Ex-Partner

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 4.

Desmond Thurston, 48, was originally charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and first-degree burglary for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Patricia Johnson, 52. The incident occurred on Oct. 1, 2023 on the 4000 block of 13th Street, SE.

Thurston’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, told the court that Thurston intended to accept a plea deal for second-degree murder while armed in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 24-to-26 years.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial they would’ve proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Thurston murdered Johnson in her residence after she filed an emergency temporary restraining order against him. The two were known to previously be in a relationship.

The defendant will also have to register as a gun offender.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 5.

Judge OK’s PTSD Evidence in Fatal Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz accepted expert testimony from a psychologist indicating a defendant’s alleged involvement in a shooting may have been imperfect self-defense triggered by a post-traumatic stress response, during a hearing on Feb. 3.

Khalid Claggett, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Isaac Aull Jr, 30, on the 1600 block of Franklin Street NE, on June 11, 2021.

All of Claggett’s charges have an aggravating circumstance of being committed during release for an unrelated matter during the incident.

The psychologist, called by defense attorney Howard McEachern, diagnosed Claggett with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2024. According to the expert, the diagnosis may imply that Claggett’s alleged involvement in the shooting was due to his misinterpreting the danger of the situation, a symptom of PTSD.

According to Judge Kravitz, Claggett had previously been diagnosed with PTSD in jail in 2003, but that cannot be discussed during the trial.

The prosecutors attempted to determine if Claggett could have been faking or exaggerating his PTSD symptoms in his evaluation. They pointed out how PTSD pretenders will often be very open about their symptoms and paint themselves as the hero of the situation without expressing guilt.

The witness said Claggett was open about his symptoms but did not use overly technical language, which is also common among malingerers according to the prosecutors. The witness said Claggett was able to describe his symptoms without being prompted.

“He was reluctant but compliant when talking about trauma,” the witness said.

While the witness could not recall whether Claggett expressed guilt over the shooting, he noted that he did express guilt over a fire that occurred in his childhood while he was playing with a lighter.

“He also blamed himself when his siblings died in a fire,” the witness said. “He was an unsupervised child.”

The witness did not perform symptom validity tests on Claggett and formed the diagnosis after a two-hour evaluation. Prosecutors questioned this practice, to which the witness stated that “Every psychologist makes a diagnosis after two hours.”

“It’s a necessary feature of the human psyche that not everything is objective,” he said. “There is no blood test for PTSD.”

The prosecutors noted that a diagnosis in 2024 can not prove what, if any, symptoms an individual was experiencing at a given moment in 2021. The prosecutors said they will call forth another psychologist during trial to evaluate the witness’ diagnosis.

Judge Kravitz found that there were no relevancy arguments against the witness’ testimony because “imperfect self defense has nothing to do with the defendant’s ability to form a particular mental state.” He granted the defense’s request to have the expert testify in trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 4.

Jury Convicts Defendant in Flag Football Murder

After less than a day of deliberations, a jury found a murder suspect guilty of all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Feb. 3.

Antonio Hawley, 22, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Aaron Wiggins, 26, on Oct. 6, 2021. The incident occurred on the 400 block of 13th Street, SE, on the field outside Watkins Elementary School, following a nighttime flag football scrimmage.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors presented witness testimony and surveillance footage that linked Hawley to Wiggins’ shooting. According to the prosecution, Wiggins and Hawley, who used to be friends, were part of two football teams playing against each other. After Wiggins scored the game-winning touchdown, disagreements ensued, which ended with Wiggins’ fatal shooting.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 10.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Teen’s Murder

A defendant pleaded not guilty in the fatal shooting of a teen before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 2.

Navar Rogers, 18, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Zyion Turner. The shooting took place in an apartment on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE, on Sept. 2, 2023. Turner suffered from two gunshot wounds to his face and neck.

During the hearing, Terrence Austin, Rogers’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty and asserted his constitutional rights.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene April 9.

Remorseful Stabbing Defendant Receives Suspended Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah J. Israel imposed a fully suspended sentence of six months for a stabbing defendant on Jan. 30.

On Nov. 3, 2025, Qwayne Patterson, 33, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that injured one man on Oct. 16, 2025 on the 4400 block of Barnaby Road, SE.

At the hearing, the prosecution suggested a sentence of six months’ incarceration followed by three years of supervised release due to the seriousness of the crime.

Patterson’s defense attorney, Daniel Kovler, requested a fully suspended sentence except for the 17 days that the defendant had already served at the DC Jail, and asked for 24 months of supervised probation. Kovler reported that Patterson had exhibited good compliance, and that the incident had been a matter of “two seconds” of uncharacteristic behavior for which Patterson immediately apologized and took responsibility.

Kovler also disclosed that although Patterson is a legal resident of the United States, he has not yet obtained U.S. citizenship, and this incident prevent his application for at least five years, which Kovler stated would be punishment enough for his client.

Patterson expressed his regret for the crime. Judge Israel acknowledged his statement as genuine, and commended his compliant and respectful behavior throughout the legal process following his arrest.

As a result, Judge Israel imposed a fully suspended sentence of six months in favor of 24 months of supervised probation, with the condition that it could be converted to unsupervised probation at 12 months if Patterson exhibited compliance.

Patterson received an additional, fully suspended sentence of 180 days in favor of 24 months of unsupervised probation for a misdemeanor charge stemming from an unrelated matter.

No further hearings have been scheduled at this time.

Document: MPD Makes Additional Arrest in 2023 Nightclub Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an additional arrest in the fatal nightclub mass shooting that occurred on Sept. 23, 2023 on the 1300 block of H Street, NE. Blake Bozeman, 31, was identified as the deceased victim, with three others suffering non-life-threatening injuries. Frank Johnson Jr., 43, was recently arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder While Armed, following the earlier arrest of Cotey Wynn, 44, for the same charge.

Parking Dispute Escalates to Gunfire in Shooting Case

Prosecutors say a parking dispute between neighbors led to a non-fatal shooting in opening statements of a jury trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Feb. 2.

Juwan Russell, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with firearm (public place), carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and destruction of property, for his alleged involvement in a June 25, 2025 non-fatal shooting on the 1000 block of 16th Street, NE.

During opening statements, the prosecution told jurors the case involved a long-running neighborhood conflict over parking that escalated into gunfire. Court records indicate, the victim and Russell were neighbors who shared a back alley behind their residences, and what began as a normal relationship became increasingly hostile over disputes about where they parked.

The prosecutor claimed the victim avoided confrontation whenever possible. The day of the shooting, the prosecution said Russell approached the victim with another male and threatened him. The victim left the area but later returned because his fiancée called, concerned about her safety when parking near their home.

Prosecutors said that as the victim walked toward his vehicle, Russell intentionally fired at the car while wearing a black and yellow hoodie.

The prosecution said jurors will hear testimony about cartridge casings recovered at the scene, see the damage on the vehicle, and watch surveillance footage of a person matching the shooter’s description. According to the prosecution, officers later searched Russell’s home and recovered clothing consistent with witness descriptions and video evidence.

Lisbeth Sapirstein, Russell’s attorney, told jurors that Russell was not guilty and argued the prosecutor’s version of events was not what actually happened. She asserted that the victim was the source of escalating tensions between the neighbors.

According to Sapirstein, in a separate incident, the victim brandished an object at a teenager, but later claimed it was not a gun. Sapirstein suggested jurors should question the victim’s credibility and reminded them that the burden of proof rests entirely with the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Trial is set to continue on Feb. 3.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Jan. 30.

Christopher Warren, 42, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and two counts of destruction of property for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Aug. 20, 2024, on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE.

According to court documents, the victim was delivering a DoorDash order when Warren allegedly shot him from another vehicle. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his arm and received medical treatment.

During the hearing, Warren’s attorney Emma Mlyniec entered a not guilty plea on Warren’s behalf to all charges. Mlyniec also raised concerns that she would not be ready for a jury trial that is scheduled for Feb. 17 because the defense had not received results from DNA testing and could not adequately prepare without the evidence.

Judge Arthur echoed Mlyniec’s concerns about whether the DNA evidence would be available in time for trial and noted that the pending results could affect the timing of proceedings.

Mlyniec also motioned for Warren’s release, arguing the defendant was compliant throughout pre-trial proceedings. Judge Arthur denied this motion, citing the impending trial date.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a trial readiness hearing on Feb. 6.

‘This Was an Execution,’ Prosecutors Argue in First Day of Homicide Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz heard opening arguments in which parties disputed if a fatal shooting was self-defense in a trial on Feb. 5.

Khalid Claggett, 41, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence , and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during Claggett’s release for another offense. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Isaac Aull Jr. on June 11, 2021 on the 1600 block of Franklin Street, NE.

In their opening statement, the prosecution argued, “an execution is not self-defense, this was an execution.” They alleged that Claggett murdered Aull while he was “unarmed and exposed,” laying crumpled on the ground. According to prosecutors, Aull shot at Claggett in the parking lot of a Walgreens, Claggett then “returned fire” and chased after Aull, after Aull stopped shooting.

The prosecutors said Claggett left the scene and returned wearing new clothes and with a different gun. Aull was lying in the street with wounds from a 9 mm gun, when Claggett returned to “execute him” and “finish him off,” prosecutors alleged.

Claggett’s defense attorney, Howard McEachern, argued that Aull’s murder was a result of self-defense. He explained that the jurors would see Aull shooting at Claggett in the parking lot, with no altercation of any kind occurring beforehand.

McEachern alleged that Clagett was “ambushed with gun fire” in the middle of the day. The real question was why the shooting happened, McEachern said. He argued that it was “kill or be killed” and that Claggett had a “fear for his life.”

After opening statements, Aull’s mother testified that she attended a hearing for the murder of her other son with Aull the day he was killed. She described Aull as “kind, silly, and a protector.”

The first Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer to arrive on scene testified that she saw a person laying on the ground and bleeding profusely. She explained that the person on the ground had “no signs of life” and did not move.

When cross-examined by McEachern, the officer said she did not know how long the victim had been in the street and was not present at the Walgreens when the first shots were fired.

An eyewitness testified that she called 911 after seeing a young man laying in the street. The prosecutors confirmed that when she first called the police the victim was still alive. The eyewitness also said that she saw a man come from behind a parked ambulance and shoot the injured man in the street. According to the eyewitness, the victim did not have anything in his hand when he was shot.

In her 911 call, the eyewitness said “he’s dead now” after she saw someone shooting the injured man.

A paramedic, whose ambulance dashboard camera caught the incident, testified that she saw the victim crawling on the ground, holding his leg. Moments later, she said the shooter returned, stood above the victim, and shot at him multiple times.

Another eyewitness said he was driving down Rhode Island Avenue when he saw the shooting. He said he saw the shooter in an “isosceles triangular] stance,” with his feet shoulder width apart, arms straight out holding the gun, and the gun brought up to eye level. The eyewitness testified that he saw the shooter in this stance for several moments as he heard gunshots.

Another eyewitness was a Special Police Officer (SPO) working security at the Walgreens. The SPO testified that he was in his car in the parking lot when the shooting began. He said he heard multiple rounds of gunshots, but did not actually see the shooter because he ducked down for safety.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 9.

Fatal Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea

Editor’s Note: Aillayh Carter was acquitted of all charges by a jury on March 19, 2026.

A murder defendant rejected a plea deal from prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan at a hearing on Feb. 5.

Robert Carpenter, 37, 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. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting of 43-year-old Tremaine Nicholson on May 7, 2024 on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE. Nicholson sustained five shots.

Aillayh Carter, 29, is also charged with two counts of obstructing justice for her alleged involvement in helping Carpenter cover-up the murder.

Carpenter’s attorney, Christen Romero Philips, told Judge Ryan that her client wished to reject a plea agreement the parties had previously discussed. The plea deal would have required Carpenter to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed. In exchange, prosecutors would dismiss the remaining charges and parties agreed to a sentence between nine-and-a-half-to-12 years in prison.

Judge Ryan ensured Carpenter spoke with his attorneys before rejecting the plea deal.

Philips said she planned to file a motion to sever the co-defendants. The prosecution said that since the trial is scheduled for March 12, the defense acted in an untimely manner not filing the motion already. Judge Ryan allowed Philips until the end of business hours on Feb. 6 to file a severance motion.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 17.

‘You Want to Be a Man, Own It’ Judge Says in Sentencing Shooter to 5 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied sentencing a shooting defendant under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on Jan. 30.

Nathaniel Washington, 21, pleaded guilty on July 14, 2025 to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 7, 2025, on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE. No injuries were reported, but approximately 15 shots were fired, striking a vehicle twice.

As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to a five year prison sentence, subject to Judge Arthur’s approval.

At sentencing, prosecutors played surveillance video depicting a white vehicle stopped in the roadway as two people walked behind it and began firing while the vehicle drove away. The driver, described by prosecutors as a senior citizen adjusting his seatbelt, was not injured.

Washington’s attorney, Chantal Jean-Baptiste, asked the court to apply the YRA, which allows people under 25 who are convicted of certain crimes to have their convictions sealed or cleared after they successfully complete their sentence and potentially offers sentencing flexibility for the defendant.

Jean-Baptiste said Washington experienced trauma from the violent neighborhood he grew up in. Regarding the offense, she said Washington misinterpreted the vehicle stopping as a threat and fired out of fear. Jean-Baptiste added that Washington previously took medication that affected his behavior.

Washington addressed the court, accepted responsibility for his actions, apologized to the victim, and said he wanted to take care of his family.

Prosecutors read a brief statement written by the victim, stating they were satisfied Washington was caught and had nothing further to add.

Judge Arthur rejected the defense’s explanation of events, stating the video evidence contradicted the claim that Washington acted out of fear. The judge said it made no sense for Washington to run toward a vehicle as it was driving away and fire multiple shots if he were scared. Washington fired repeatedly at an occupied vehicle in a public space, emphasized Judge Arthur, and noted the number of shots reflected a serious escalation of violence.

Judge Arthur told Washington that a prior firearm conviction should have served as a clear warning to change his actions. The judge said Washington instead chose to possess another weapon and fire at an innocent person, stating, “At some point this needs to stop.” He added that repeated behavior like this is “why people characterize the neighborhood as violent.”.

Finding the Youth Rehabilitation Act inappropriate, Judge Arthur sentenced Washington to five years of imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release. Washington will be required to register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.

“You want to be a man, own it!” said the judge.

No further dates were set.

From Touchdown to Gunfire–Closing Arguments Heard in Football Murder Trial

Before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson, jurors heard sharply contradictory closing arguments on Feb. 2 in a homicide trial. Prosecutors urged conviction, while defense attorneys argued the evidence fell short in a 2021 fatal shooting.

Antonio Hawley, 22, was accused of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, along with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Aaron Wiggins. The incident occurred on Oct. 6, 2021, at Watkins Elementary School on the 400 block of 13th Street, SE.

Prosecution argued Hawley shot Wiggins after tensions rose when he scored the winning touchdown. The prosecution told the courtroom that surveillance video showed Hawley as the last person on the field before walking away with one of his close friends, who later testified as a prosecutorial witness.

Prosecutors reiterated that the witness testified he saw Hawley retrieve a gun from a fanny pack resting on a tree and fire at Wiggins. Prosecutors said the firearm has been shared between Hawley and the friend. They also pointed to social media photos allegedly showing Hawley holding the gun earlier that day and witness descriptions allegedly matching his clothing.

“What is normally a celebration was turned into a funeral,” the prosecution said.

Julie Swaney, Hawley’s defense attorney, urged the jury to acquit, arguing the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. She questioned the credibility of key witnesses, highlighting inconsistencies in testimony, including claims that Hawley wore a black ski mask, while arguing that surveillance footage showed another individual. Several witnesses also could not definitively identify the shooter.

“There is no deposition from an unbiased witness that matches Antonio,” Swaney said.

Swaney continued to argue that the prosecution’s investigation developed a sense of ‘tunnel vision’ by focusing on Hawley.

“They only focused on Antonio because that is what they want you to focus on,” Swaney stated.

She ended by noting that the key witness admitted to buying and bringing the gun to the game.

“Don’t compound one tragedy into two,” Swaney said as she urged the jury not to send an innocent man to prison.

In rebuttal, the prosecution acknowledged that inconsistencies were expected given the trauma of the event and argued that the evidence clearly pointed to Hawley.

They rejected the defense’s suggestion that the wrong person was charged, telling jurors that witnesses were “trying their best” to recall a traumatic incident and emphasized that they were human beings, not “robots”.

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

Judge Delays Sentencing in Robbery Gone Wrong Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted a defense request to delay sentencing in a shooting defendant’s case on Jan. 30.

Roscoe Atchinson, 34, pleaded guilty on Sept. 11, 2025 to assault with intent to commit robbery and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on April 15, 2020, on the 4600 block of Livingston Road, SE.

According to court documents, Atchinson was shot after he attempted to rob a Special Police Officer. The officer disarmed Atchinson, fired at him, and struck him in his right thigh and lower back.

At the scheduled sentencing, Atchinson’s attorney, Raymond Jones, asked for a continuance to contact doctors and gather medical documentation for mitigation of the sentence, and Judge Arthur granted the request. The prosecutors did not oppose the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on March 27.

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