Document: MPD Searching for Suspect in a Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s help in locating and identifying a suspect in connection to a shooting that occurred on May 20 on the 800 block of Yuma Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect, who was in a moving vehicle, fired a handgun and struck the victim as they were walking at the location. The suspect fled the scene, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

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 violent crime in the District.

Shooting Defendant Found Incompetent to Stand Trial

In a mental observation hearing on June 5, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz addressed a defendant who was deemed incompetent to stand trial based on an evaluation from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Kevin Harrison, 23, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on June 26, 2023, on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW.

According to court documents, in an interview with a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, Harrison stated he was walking to a CVS store when a driver looked at him, turned his car around and came after him. The defendant stated he shot at the vehicle because he feared for his life.

At the hearing, Judge Leibovitz referred to a June 4 letter from the DBH which recommended a full competency evaluation of the defendant.

On May 29, a forensic psychologist evaluated the defendant, with his attorney present, in a 50-minute interview.

According to the DBH letter, “It is the [forensic psychologist’s] opinion that Mr. Harrison lacks a factual understanding of the proceedings against him, as well as the ability to consult with counsel with a reasonable degree of rational understanding.”

Additionally, the DBH letter stated that Harrison presented “slow processing speed” and “reported experiencing recent hallucinations.”

After addressing Harrison’s health assessment, defense attorney Patrick Nowak requested for his client’s release conditions to be modified, advocating for a curfew to be enforced as opposed to sole home confinement under GPS monitoring. Harrison has been placed under GPS monitoring since July 3, 2023.

Nowak also added that his client would like to get a job.

Judge Leibovitz was unwilling to change most of Harrison’s release conditions beyond GPS monitoring, however, she granted him the ability to leave his home to participate in any activities related to a job search.

Parties are slated to return June 11.

Judge Denies Triple Homicide Defendant’s Request for Release

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a homicide defendant’s request for release, deeming her a danger to the community, during a June 5 hearing.

Nakita Walker, 44, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder for allegedly crashing into a car occupied by Mohamed Kamara, 43, Johnathan Alberto Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22, on March 15, 2023, on Rock Creek Parkway near the intersection of 26th Street and P Street, NW. Walker is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and fleeing from an officer.

According to court documents, Walker was originally stopped by a police officer for recklessly driving on Rock Creek Parkway, before she allegedly fled the stop and crashed into the vehicle occupied by the victims. Walker’s blood alcohol level was reported to be well beyond the legal limit.

During the hearing, Albert Amissah, Walker’s defense attorney, requested she be released to 24-hour home confinement with GPS monitoring to allow her to access health care for injuries sustained during the incident.

“I’ve had enough time to reflect,” Walker told Judge Okun, stating that during the year of incarceration she has had limited access to the resources she needs to help her heal.

“I do my best,” she stated, adding “I’ve kept my head up and I know I’d do well in home confinement.”

“I suffered severe injuries through this accident as well,” she claimed, requesting he release her.

However, prosecutors objected to the request, stating that Walker was on probation for two prior driving under the influence (DUI) offenses at the time of the incident. She also stated the defendant knowingly fled a traffic stop in the minutes leading up to the crash.

Judge Okun sided with the prosecution, stating that he’s “pleased to hear” she’s participating in multiple programs at the jail, but that the circumstances of the incident, and her prior convictions, prove she continues to be a danger to the community.

Following Judge Okun’s ruling, Amissah told Judge Okun “she really just wants proper treatment,” and argued she had a valid license at the time of the crash but no longer.

“She almost hit and killed the police officer” before killing Kamara, Cabrera Mendez, and Torres Velasquez, Judge Okun retorted.

Parties are slated to return July 26.

Judge Warns Defense About Foregoing Preliminary Hearing if Delays Continue

DC Superior Court Renee Raymond advised a shooting defendant’s attorney he might have to waive his client’s right to a preliminary hearing if delays continue.

Michael Owusu-Sakyi, 48, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting which occurred on April 10 on the 1700 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE. One individual sustained injuries from the incident.

According to court documents, the suspect, later identified as Owusu-Sakyi, fired at a woman outside her residence. Following the shooting, the suspect told the victim he thought she was someone else.

Jeremy Feldman, Owusu-Sakyi’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Raymond in a June 5 hearing they were not prepared to go through with the hearing.

“This is a long time between when [the case] came in and a preliminary hearing,” Judge Raymond said, citing the five continuances since April.

The defense assured the court this would be the final postponement for the preliminary hearing, stating the parties continue to be in plea negotiations.

The judge was adamant about this being the last postponement, stating if they were not prepared by June 18, the defense should be “prepared to waive” the defendant’s right to a preliminary hearing.

Feldman affirmed he will be prepared by the next date.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 18.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing, Ordered Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ordered a shooting defendant remain held in jail as he awaits further proceedings, during a June 5 hearing.

Desean Delaney, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting which occurred on April 8 at the 200 block of Florida Avenue, NE within the NoMa-Gallaudet metro station.

According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Delaney, got into an altercation with a woman after she didn’t respond to his advances. He allegedly brandished a handgun; the victim then pushed his hand away, which caused the suspect’s gun to fire. No injuries were reported.

At the hearing, Elliott Queen, Delaney’s defense attorney, alerted the court he planned to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

Queen requested his client be released to 24-hour home confinement, stating he has abundant support in the community, pointing to eight of Delaney’s family members in the court, to ensure he complies with conditions set for release.

“This is his first contact with the criminal justice system,” Queen said, claiming Delaney does not have any prior criminal history.

The prosecution objected to the request, stating the nature and circumstances of the offense proves Delaney is a danger to the community.

“I was struck by the information in the[police report] and equally struck today,” Judge Raymond said, stating the prosecution’s evidence against Delaney is strong.

Judge Raymond denied the defense request.

Parties will reconvene on June 28 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld for a status hearing.

Double Homicide Trial Delayed for Want of DC Jail Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe granted a defendant’s request on June 5 for a short continuance in a double homicide trial due to the DC Jail’s alleged failure to give the defendant access to evidence in a hard drive in a timely manner.

Beysean Jones, 29, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shootings of Ronald Brown, 19, and Tijuan Wilson, 41. The incident occurred on July 27, 2022 on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE. Another victim sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, but survived.

Jones’ attorney, Carrie Weletz, requested a brief continuance for the trial, which was slated to begin June 10, since she didn’t have the a hard drive in question until morning of June 5. The hard drive supposedly contains new evidence only developed by the prosecution at the beginning of May.

Weletz stated that she would feel comfortable with one or two extra days for Jones to review the evidence. Judge O’Keefe granted the continuance.

Parties are slated to return June 11.

Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

A homicide defendant voluntarily waived his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a crime scene in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on June 5.

Vann Allen, 35, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Nov. 11, 2023, on the 1400 block on New York Avenue, NE. An individual sustained injuries from the incident.

During the hearing, the prosecutor alerted the court they had gone through with DNA testing of the evidence recovered at the crime scene.

However, Michelle Lockard, Allen’s defense attorney, alerted the court Allen was waiving his right to independently test the evidence.

Judge Raffinan was satisfied with Allen’s voluntary denial of DNA evidence.

Allen has been in compliance with the conditions of his release.

The parties are scheduled to return Oct. 15.

Data Shows Shootings Decreased by Fifty Percent from April to May

D.C. Witness data shows that in May there were 21 non-fatal shooting victims, a 50 percent decrease from April, which reported 42 non-fatal shooting victims in the District, as reported by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) .

Homicides decreased by 11 percent, May had 15 homicide victims, and April recording 17 homicides.

Among the non-fatal shootings, MPD officers wounded an individual who was experiencing a mental health crisis and allegedly stabbed a responding officer on May 18.

According to MPD documents in another incident, officers responded to the 2400 block of Virginia Avenue, NW, for a welfare check, and requested assistance from the Behavioral Health’s Community Response Team for an individual in crisis.

The individual, later identified as Jonathan Jefferson, 28, was determined an immediate danger to himself or others, and, as MPD officers attempted to handcuff him, he allegedly pulled a knife and stabbed an officer.

Another officer used a Taser on Jefferson, but it didn’t work. Finally, an officer had to shoot Jefferson to subdue him according to MPD documents.

Jefferson was arrested and charged with four counts of assault on a police officer.

The shooting remains under internal investigation.

On May 4, officers responded to Dunbar High School on the 1200 block of Kirby Street, NW, for the report of a shooting. According to MPD documents, a juvenile girl sustained a graze wound to the head after a stray bullet entered her classroom through the window.

Police arrested Azhari Graves, 18, and Saki Frost, 17, shortly after. Frost is being charged as an adult under Title 16. They are facing two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, for their alleged involvement in the shooting.

MPD is continuing its investigation of the fatal shooting of a toddler that occurred on May 3 on the 2300 block of Hartford Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the sounds of gunshots and a short time later, a three-year-old female was located at a nearby fire station on the 2400 block of Irving Street, SE, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Despite all life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead. The victim was identified as three-year-old Ty’ah Settles.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone who can provide information that leads to the arrest of conviction of any potential suspects.

Curfew Extension Denied for Jailhouse Stabbing Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied a stabbing defendant’s request to modify his curfew in a June 5 hearing.

Ndiaye Elhadji, 24, Dionte Anderson, 25, Tyrone Hawkins, 22, and Dion Lee, 24, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with a sharp object, unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution, and carrying a dangerous weapon.

According to court documents, the four suspects allegedly stabbed a fellow inmate. A corrections officer was injured trying to break up the melee at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The stabbing victim survived.

Marnitta King, Elhadji’s defense attorney, requested his release conditions be modified in order to attend work and night school. Elhadji is currently under GPS monitoring with a curfew.

King asked that the curfew be eliminated altogether while he remains on the GPS device as the four co-defendants await trial.

King argued that her client hasn’t been convicted of a crime since he was a juvenile in 2013, and has been compliant with all conditions imposed by the court.

The prosecution objected to the request, citing the dangerous nature of the offense.

Judge Arthur denied the defense request, but stated that he would “reconsider it at the next hearing.”

All parties are set to return on July 9.

Judge Denies Motion to Release Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian denied a motion to release a shooting defendant who is considering a plea deal during a June 5 hearing.

Kurtis Hubbard, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an attempted robbery on May 7 on the 3200 block of 20th Street, NE.

According to court documents, Hubbard and his co-defendant, Brian Richards, allegedly attempted to rob the victim at gunpoint. A struggle ensued, and a firearm was discharged. The victim sustained injuries not related to the shooting, and the suspects fled the scene.

At the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Christian they offered Hubbard a deal which would require him to plead guilty to robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Hubbard’s attorney, Charles Haskell, told Judge Christian he needed additional time to discuss the plea deal with the defendant.

Haskell also motioned Hubbard be released to 24 hour home confinement, stating, “No clear evidence exists showing what happened.” He further argued that there were witness inconsistencies, such as who had the firearm.

The prosecution rebutted, stating there was “no change in circumstance” from when Hubbard was arrested.

Judge Christian denied Haskell’s motion for release.

Parties are set to return on July 15.

Juvenile Shooting Case Dismissed Amid Plea Deal in Carjacking

A juvenile defendant accepted a plea deal in connection to a carjacking and associated shooting before DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell on June 4.

The juvenile, a 15-year-old boy, was originally charged with armed carjacking, assault with intent to commit robbery, and robbery for his involvement in a carjacking that occurred on Jan. 12 on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE.

He was also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred moments after the carjacking on the 3300 block of Benning Road, SE, which injured one individual.

Prosecutors previously filed to dismiss the shooting charges without prejudice, which would allow the prosecution to refile charges if there were any developments to the case.

During the hearing, the parties alerted the court they had reached a plea deal, which required the juvenile to plead guilty to unauthorized use of a vehicle as a passenger and a misdemeanor charge of receiving stolen property. All other charges would be dismissed.

Parties also agreed to dismiss the shooting charges with prejudice, essentially closing the case.

According to Howard Margulies, the juvenile’s defense attorney, the parties agreed that the juvenile be detained by the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) for six months in addition to the remaining month he has to serve in connection to four previous convictions.

In scheduling the sentencing, Judge Crowell stated it shouldn’t take long because “he’s been before me for some time,” referencing his previous convictions.

Parties are slated to return June 10 for sentencing.

‘Three Firearms Bring Terror Down on the DC Community,’ Says Prosecutor in Three Co-Defendant Homicide Case

Prosecution presented closing arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 4, which led to a mistrial motion in a murder conspiracy case.

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.

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

“Do guns kill or do people kill?” the prosecutor asked the jury as they began their closing arguments. According to the prosecution, over the course of an eight-day period one victim was killed, 10 more assaulted, seven cars damaged, and four communities terrorized by the use of three unregistered firearms by the defendants.

“Three firearms bring terror down on the DC community,” the prosecution added.

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 prosecution described all of the incidents in detail, referring back to text messages, cell site records, security footage and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) body cam footage to contextualize the order of events and corroborate witness statements. Much of the prosecution’s closing statement revolved around proving a planned conspiracy.

The prosecution alleges the motive for Lukes’ death was due to “rap beef.” They believe the feud from two groups from different DC neighborhoods over who was the true “Northwest Goon” rapper culminated in the death of rapper and close friend of the three co-defendants, Tahlil Byrd, 19.

Lukes had appeared in a music video made by “Slimegoon9”, who was alleged to be Byrd’s rival. Lukes’ cousin also appeared in the music video and was a victim of the Feb. 24, 2020 shooting.

The prosecutor, speaking on Luke’s death, said, “He tried to run, he couldn’t hide,” after receiving a gunshot wound to his back.

The prosecutor highlighted Nelson’s and Freeman’s criminal history, stating that they are “convicted felons” for firearm offenses leading Andrew Ain, Freeman’s defense attorney to request a mistrial. The defense attorneys on behalf of Jackson and Nelson also joined Ain’s motion to file for a mistrial.

Judge Brandt will rule on the matter during the next court hearing.

Due to time constraints, the prosecution was unable to conclude their closing arguments.

Parties are set to return June 5.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charges

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty during an arraignment in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun in a June 4 hearing.

Korriek Akinwale Akinola, 22, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Joshua White on June 6, 2023 on the 4700 block of South Capitol Street, SE.

According to court documents, the defendant allegedly shot the victim at a Shell gas station out of the front passenger window of a black sedan.

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley informed the court that Akinola was pleading not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Mosley also alerted Judge Okun that all discovery has been received and requested to set additional hearings.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 19.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Request for Release as Preliminary Hearing is Continued

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied a defendant in a non-fatal shooting release from jail during a June 4 preliminary hearing.

Markus Raynon Hodges, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 27 on the 3400 block of Baker Street, NE.

According to court documents, Hodges and his father were in an argument that allegedly resulted in Hodges pointing a gun at his father and shooting at him seven times. However, no injuries were reported.

Hodges’ father identified him as the shooter to police.

During the hearing, Hodges’ defense attorney Jalil Dozier motioned for a continuation of the case.

Dozier also requested for Hodges to be released from jail with GPS tracking, which was quickly denied by Judge Raymond due to the severity of the case. The prosecution further stated that they did not consent to a waive or the release of Hodges.

Parties are slated to return June 10.

Lost Evidence Dismissal Sanction Argued in Murder Case

A status hearing on June 3 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe was extended to debate a proposed sanction on lost video evidence used in the investigation of a murder case.

Ronnie Melson, 43, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the homicide of 41-year-old Demetrius Jones. The incident occurred Nov. 6, 2020 on the 1700 block of Gales Street, NE.

According to eyewitness testimony, Jones was seen being followed by the suspect, later identified as Melson. Jones was later seen lying unconscious on the sidewalk while the individual identified as Melson stood over him, extending his arm holding an object that looked like a firearm. Police responded to the scene and found that Jones had suffered sixteen gunshots.

The hearing convened to discuss various discovery items and evidentiary issues, most notably a specific piece of video footage. The video evidence allegedly contained footage of the suspect’s car parked in the area of the incident with Melson exiting the vehicle. However, this evidence was reportedly lost by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

At the hearing, defense attorney Jason Tulley requested a sanction of dismissal on the grounds of gross negligence based on the lost video footage not being available for discussion during trial.

The prosecution called the lead homicide detective on the case from MPD to testify on the lost footage. The detective stated that at the time, all video footage had been kept on various thumb drives and hard drives. The detective stated that he reviewed the footage but was not the detective that gathered the footage.

According to the detective’s testimony, MPD searched diligently for the lost footage but was unable to find it. Additionally, MPD attempted multiple times to retrieve the video footage from the original camera source, a church in the area, but was unsuccessful.

The detective also testified during cross-examination that the footage was of poor quality and investigators would be unable to see specifics such as a license plate or clear identification. They could, however, see figures.

Tulley also inquired about the video retention policies of MPD. The detective stated that at the time of the murder, MPD had no policy for what would happen to videos after review. However, MPD has now changed their policy due to the lost footage in this case.

Tulley emphasized the video footage was lost as a result of gross negligence of MPD. He argued that at the time, there were no policies, practices, or rules in place for the retention of video evidence.

However, prosecutors argued that the loss of evidence was an accidental loss. They stated that while the system was not centralized, MPD had systems in place for video retention. The detective had multiple cases at the time and was constrained by COVID-19 limitations.

Judge O’Keefe requested additional time to review the evidence before making a ruling on the sanction.

Parties are slated to return June 4.