Defense Attacks Notion Murder Suspects Engaged in Conspiracy

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied three co-defendant’s motions for a mistrial following the prosecution’s closing arguments during a June 5 hearing, before defense attorneys began closing arguments.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, on the 600 Block of S Street, NW. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, 2020 on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW; Feb. 24, 2020 on the 1700 block of 9th Street, NW, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020 at Channing Street, NE. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy of the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in all shootings.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

On June 4, Andrew Ain, Freeman’s defense attorney, filed a motion for a mistrial after the prosecutor used the term “felon” multiple times during closing arguments, and cited the defendants’ prior convictions. Defense attorneys for Jackson and Nelson joined in on the motion.

During the June 5 hearing, Shawn Sukumar, Freeman’s other defense attorney, argued that the jury could use the prosecution’s conviction statements as “foreseeability that there will be additional crimes.”

The prosecution stated that due to Freeman’s and Nelson’s prior convictions, they are “more likely to commit greater crimes,” and upholds the current charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.

Judge Brandt ultimately denied the motion stating “the jury is simply not going to remember” the amount of times the word ‘felon’ was used.

She will again instruct the jury that the mention of the defendant’s prior convictions does not mean they are guilty of a current crime and will reiterate that closing arguments should not be taken as evidence.

The prosecution buttressed their closing argument by providing evidence of texts, phone calls, and search history of information about Lukes as well as the Metropolitan Police Department ‘s (MPD) investigation of evidence from Steele’s phone.

The prosecutor claims the three co-defendants tampered with evidence by trying to sell and trade the guns used in the shootings. Text messages were presented of Steele telling Nelson that “17 gotta go,” allegedly referring to a Glock 17 connected to the homicide.

“Do guns kill, or people kill? In this case they kill, these people kill,” the prosecutor stated.

The prosecution proclaimed they have “proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt” as they ended their closing arguments, pleading with the jury to “find them guilty.”

Brian McDaniel, Jackson’s defense attorney, insisted Jackson is “presumed innocent until the government proves otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt.”

“Eighty-five percent of this case is about Mr. Steele, not about Jackson or his association with Mr. Steele,” McDaniel stated. “He should be treated as if he was being tried by himself. Much of the evidence didn’t include Jackson,” he added.

“There is no conspiracy between these gentlemen,” McDaniel said as he went on to argue that there have been no texts between Jackson and Freeman, or Jackson and Nelson, who “barely knew each other.”

McDaniel insisted no witness ever identified Jackson as a shooter or the driver of the suspect vehicle during Lukes’ murder.

McDaniel acknowledged that Jackson’s fingerprints were on the Kia Soul and that it didn’t come as a surprise since there is surveillance footage of Jackson at a BP gas station the day of the murder with the same car.

However, he insisted that Jackson was not involved in the shooting and had gotten out of the car at his grandmother’s house, as the GPS tracking implies.

The prosecution, along with multiple witnesses, have previously identified a 2016 Kia Soul as the suspect vehicle for most of the shootings. The vehicle has been specifically tracked to the alley of Luke’s homicide by surveillance footage and GPS tracking.

“Finish the job,” McDaniel told the jury, adding “Mr. Jackson asks you to find him not guilty, even if you don’t want to.”

Following McDaniel’s closing statement, Ain averred, “Freeman is innocent,” highlighting his absence during the Feb. 22, 2020 incident on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW, according to witness testimony.

As for one of the suspect vehicles the prosecution has attempted to connect to the co-defendants, Ain stated that, although there are messages between Freeman’s Instagram account and an account named “HL.Trey” about purchasing a stolen Mazda, there is no evidence that proves the transaction was completed.

A white Mazda SUV has been previously introduced as a suspect vehicle for the Feb. 24, 2020 on the 1700 block of 9th Street, NW, shooting by the prosecution.

Due to time constraints, Ain wasn’t able to conclude his closing arguments.

Parties are set to return June 6.

Stabbing Defendant Sentenced to 24 Months, All but Three Suspended

A stabbing defendant has been sentenced to 24 months with all but 3 months suspended by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on June 6.

Raeshell Lanier, 24, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for her involvement in a stabbing that occured on July, 15, 2023, on 1900 block of 9th Street, NW. Two individuals sustained injuries from the incident, with one victim being stabbed more than a dozen times and another being slashed across the face.

On March 8, Lanier accepted a plea offer that required she plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

At sentencing, the prosecution requested Judge Okun sentence her to 18 months of incarceration, followed by a year of probation.

Lanier’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, asked Judge Okun for a probationary sentence, citing her young age and lack of criminal history. He added that she was provoked and scared during the incident.

Judge Okun admitted difficulty in passing sentence, stating that “a certain level of self defense was warranted,” but the number of times the victim was stabbed was not .

“Incarceration would be deeply detrimental to Ms. Lanier,” said LoGerfo, adding that “she is going to lose everything, her job and her home.”

However, Judge Okun said that a completely probationary sentence would be inappropriate given the severity of the crime, and imposed the 24 month sentence, with all but three months suspended.

Lanier was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a young individual’s conviction once they have successfully completed all sentencing requirements.

No further dates were set.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A defendant in a stabbing case rejected a plea offer extended by the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on June 6.

Victor Mejia, 52, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Oct. 13, 2023 on the 4000 block of Cathedral Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, an individual identified as Mejia and a coworker were involved in an argument as co-workers in a restaurant kitchen. An individual identified as Mejia threatened the victim saying, “This is the day I stab you,” before swinging the knife and allegedly injuring the victim. The victim sustained a back injury.

During the hearing, Mejia’s defense attorney, Henry Escoto, told Judge Hertzfeld Mejia was rejecting a deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment that could include other charges.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 3.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Request for Modified Release

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied modifications for a shooting defendant’s existing curfew during a June 6 hearing.

Mekhi Wilkins, 18, is charged with unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on Jan. 20 on the 1100 block of Holbrook Terrace, NE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, 14 shots were detected at the location, and an officer allegedly observed Wilkins, who was apprehended as he fled the scene, discarding a firearm.

Madhuri Swarna, Wilkins’ defense attorney, requested Judge Park modify Wilkins’ existing curfew so that he can comply with work obligations.

Prosecutors objected to the request, citing the nature and circumstances of the incident.

DC Superior Judge Jason Park denied the request to modify his release conditions.

Swarna insisted the case was based on “constructive possession,” to which Judge Park responded, “Yeah, it’s a gun toss case.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 11.

Homicide Defendant Asserts Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

Before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on June 6, a homicide defendant asserted his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a crime scene.

Kevin Singletary, 46, is charged with first-degree premeditated 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 31-year-old Delonte Hazel on Sept. 10, 2021 on the 100 block of Kennedy Street, NW.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a report of gunshots. Hazel was found by officers on the ground of a parking lot near a vehicle, wearing a ballistic vest and bearing a handgun in his waistband. He sustained ten gunshot wounds, including nine to his head and neck.

At the hearing, the prosecution stated that out of the ten cartridge casings recovered from the crime scene, they tested four of the casings for DNA results and provided the results to the defense. However, the results were not disclosed in court.

The prosecution also added that they do not intend to test other evidence.

Defense attorney Howard McEachern stated his client would like test one cartridge casing that the prosecution tested and a surgical mask.

Parties are scheduled to return on Oct. 4.

‘I Won’t Get Convicted,’ Stabbing Defendant Says in Court

A stabbing defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a crime scene, claiming “I won’t get convicted,” before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz, on June 6.

Samuel Robinson, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred at the Mount Vernon Square Metro Station on the 700 block of M Street, NW, on Feb. 6.

According to court documents, an individual who was later identified as Robinson was in a physical altercation with the victim on the Metro platform who sustained a stab wound to the head.

Robinson received a cut finger in the fracas and both individuals were transported to a hospital.

Parties are slated to return Aug. 26.

Prosecutors Offer Wired Plea in Shooting After a Robbery Gone Wrong

Prosecutors alerted DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz they’ve offered a wired plea deal to shooting defendant Marcus Cunningham and his co-defendant.

Cunningham, 19, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying of a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on the intersection of 17th and Euclid Streets, NW, on April 25. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, the shooting stemmed from a drug exchange and shoe transaction that went wrong.

Cunningham allegedly threw a gun on the ground after the shooting, and attempted to flee the scene before he was detained by officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) after running west on Euclid.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Leibovitz they extended a plea offer which required Cunningham to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Through the deal, parties would agree to a sentencing range of 36-to-84 months.

Defense attorney Tammy Thom was unable to speak to her client about the plea offer prior to the hearing and requested a continuance.

The plea offer is wired to Cunningham’s co-defendant, Marcell Cradle. Prosecutors agreed to keep the offer which must be agreed to by both parties open until the next hearing.

The defense agreed to toll the indictment time, which allows the prosecution an extension to the indictment deadline for the amount of time the defense tolls.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 26.

Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing, Remains Detained

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond, on June 6.

Koby Ham, 25, is charged with endangerment with a firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting. The incident occurred on June 2 on the 1300 block of Savannah Street, SE.

Prosecutors displayed surveillance footage of the incident, which depicted two individuals, one identified as Ham, shooting at a blue truck, occupied by two individuals ten times. No injuries were reported, but the truck sustained damage from five gunshots.

According to the prosecutor, at the time of his arrest, Ham was in possession of two firearms.

During the hearing, Charles Haskell, Ham’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Raymond he waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Haskell requested Ham be released to his mother, claiming “he has never been in any trouble in his life.”

Haskell also highlighted his client had no violent history and being in jail was an “eye-opening experience.”

His lawyer wanted Ham released under GPS surveillance, pointing to his mom and sister who were in the court, and stated they are willing to assist him.

The prosecution argued the nature and circumstances of the shooting proves Ham poses a threat to the community. They said the shooting was a “random act of violence,” and Ham should not be released.

Judge Raymond denied the request stating she “agrees with the prosecution,” and there are “no conditions or combination of conditions [she] can order, which satisfies the safety of the community.”

Judge Raymond stated it was “fortuitous” no one in the vehicle was injured or killed during the shooting and found probable cause he shot at the victims.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 27 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Arthur Errol.

Jury Finds Shooting Defendant Guilty on Most Charges

Jurors in DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo’s courtroom reached a verdict on June 5 in a non-fatal shooting incident finding the defendant guilty on ten-out-of-12 charges. Ultimately, jurors acquitted Johnson of assault with intent to kill while armed and one possession charge, while convicting him of all others.

Tyrone Astorias Johnson, 43, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, possession of a firearm by a convict,, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of ammunition, for his involvement in a shooting that injured one individual. The incident occurred on Aug. 30, 2022, at the Starburst Plaza Park, a busy public space, on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

According to court documents and witness testimony, the victim suffered injuries to his legs and genitalia. He was wheelchair bound for a month and had to relearn how to walk again.

On June 3 in closing arguments, the prosecution stated it was a “grave misfortune” the victim encountered the defendant that morning.

The victim testified he went through the park because he was going home after seeking hospital treatment for an unrelated matter.

According to the victim he noticed a man sleeping on a bench and asked if he needed help.

During the encounter, the victim testified Johnson came along asked him for a cigarette but he declined saying he didn’t have any which triggered the shooting.

“I was trying to help someone and then I got shot,” said the victim.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented a large amount of video surveillance and body camera footage to jurors.

Body camera footage minutes after the shooting shows the victim saying a Black man, accompanied by a White female with blonde hair, shot him. In the footage, he can be heard telling officers he saw the Black man and White woman take off towards the Pentacle Apartments, which was corroborated by surveillance footage.

Despite being presented a photo, the victim never identified Johnson as the shooter, according to a detective’s testimony. The photo array was shown to the victim by the detective less than three hours after the shooting as the victim lay in a hospital bed.

Johnson’s ex-girlfriend’s was largely uncooperative during testimony

She said, “I’ve tried to block this out of my brain and move on,” stating lost her son and is homeless because of the incident.

In openings, defense attorney Joseph Fay claimed the only reason Johnson was at the park to begin with was because his girlfriend at the time, although trying to quit smoking, wanted a loose cigarette.

Fay said the ex-girlfriend suffers from memory loss. When asked by the prosecutor if she could see and locate Johnson, she stated, “I don’t see him at all.” “No sir, he’s not in this courtroom,” she said.

In video surveillance, the ex-girlfriend is identified with an individual said to beJohnson before, during, and after the shooting. She testified to having never seen Johnson with a gun, and claimed she had her back turned away from Johnson when she heard the sound of gunshots at the park.

In his closing remarks, Fay reminded the jury that Johnson was “in the wrong place at the wrong time,” emphasizing that a gun was never recovered in connection to the incident.

Fay also claimed that there was insufficient evidence to prove that Johnson had an intent to kill the victim. Conversely, the prosecution cited the gruesome injuries suffered by the victim.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing Sept. 6.

Defense Says Jail Stabbing Defendant ‘Cloaked in Innocence’ During Trial Opening

In opening arguments before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro’s courtroom on June 5 the defense claimed a stabbing suspect is “cloaked in innocence.”

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. The incident occurred on Jan. 15.

Both parties agreed that the victim would not be testifying in the trial and they would instead rely on eyewitness testimony and the video footage.

According to the prosecution, video footage from the DC Jail depicts an individual, identified as Johnson, in a physical fight with the victim with Johnson throwing the first punch. Officers went to the scene and used pepper spray to control the situation. The victim was found with multiple stab wounds, in his arms, stomach, face and sustained very large gash on his head. He was treated in the jail infirmary.

Both parties agreed that the victim would not be testifying in the trial and they would instead rely on eyewitness testimony and the video footage,

The prosecution stated that throughout the trial, the jury will see video footage of the fight, a knife thrown, and officers running to the scene as well as the victim’s blood “spilling onto the floor,” and covering his clothes.

Matthew Rist, Johnson’s defense attorney, reminded jurors that “the Constitution cloaks [Johnson] in innocence” even when incarcerated and that he will hold the jury to its promise of impartiality.

He requested that the jury pay attention to the body language of the victim who made a “visible gesture” when Johnson entered the hallway and “aggressively confronts him” before the fight occurs.

Rist also described a third inmate that approached Johnson and the victim while fighting who looked like he was “holding something in his pocket.”

Finally, Rist stated that Johnson had no motive to harm the victim and only acted in self-defense.

Parties will return June 6 to begin presenting evidence and witness testimony.

Document: MPD Arrests a Woman for an Armed Carjacking Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a woman involved in an armed carjacking on May 15 on the 100 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, the victim agreed to meet the suspect at the location to conduct a transaction. The victim exited their vehicle, and the suspect entered the vehicle, pointed a gun at the victim, before fleeing the scene with the victim’s vehicle. It has now been recovered.

She’ri Mykalie Bell, 20, was arrested and charged with armed carjacking. At the time of her arrest, she was found to be in possession of a handgun, which prompted additional charges of carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of unregistered ammunition.

Document: MPD Arrests Man for Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of an individual in connection to a shooting that left a woman critically injured on June 4 on the 1800 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots. There, they located a woman inside of a crashed vehicle with a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

As a result of the detectives’ investigation, 40-year-old Israel Beairs was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill while armed.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Southeast Gun Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of an individual in connection to an unlawful discharge of a firearm that occurred on May 12 on the 3200 block of 23rd Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location to investigate the sounds of gunshots. Officers recovered spent cartridge casings from the scene, and video of the offense.

The video, MPD says, showed the suspect exiting their vehicle and discharging a firearm into the air before entering a residence. No injuries or property damage were recovered.

On June 4, 33-year-old John Phillip Birdine III was arrested and charged with endangerment with a firearm and unlawful discharge of a firearm.

Document: Female Arrested in a Northwest Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a traffic crash that occurred at the intersection of 6th and D Street, NW, and killed one individual, on June 3.

According to MPD documents, a woman walked away from her family at Washington Hospital Center as a Mazda SUV pulled up to the front of the hospital and the driver exited to obtain a wheelchair for her passenger. As the driver obtained the wheelchair, the woman entered the vehicle and drove away with the passenger still inside.

A few moments later, the Mazda was traveling on the 400 block of 6th Street, NW. The suspect attempted to turn left onto D Street, NW, but failed to negotiate the turn and crashed into the building of the Offices of the US Attorneys. The suspect exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but was apprehended immediately by a MPD captain.

The passenger was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. She was identified as 55-year-old Leslie Marie Gaines.

Kayla Kenisha Brown, 22, was arrested and charged with felony murder, kidnapping, and carjacking.

The incident continues to be investigated. An autopsy will be conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) to determine the cause and manner of death.

Document: MPD Seeking to Identify a Suspect in Fatal Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred on May 29 on the unit block of Hanover Place, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. There, they located a man, on the road, with gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 34-year-old Maurice Downing.

The suspect was captured by surveillance footage.

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.

Search