The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 22-year-old Tiffany Taylor Gray, who is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder. for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old Fasil Teklemariam. The incident occurred on April 5 on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW.
On June 21, 19-year-old Audrey Miller was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder.
A convicted shooter’s defense attorney requested DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian reconsider his “overly harsh” sentence during a July 2 hearing.
Marquette Brown, 37, was initially charged with charged with assault on a police officer while armed, unlawful possession of ammunition, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a firearm outside of a home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 11, 2022, at the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE. No injuries were reported.
According to court documents, the incident stemmed from an altercation between Brown and an officer after Brown refused to wear an appropriate COVID-19 mask required at the time in a Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) location.
During the altercation, the firearm fell from the officer’s belt, Brown picked it up and proceeded to discharge said firearm in the DMV, according to court documents.
On Oct. 20, 2023, Brown accepted a plea deal for attempted aggravated assault knowingly, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.
Brown was sentenced to 30 months on Feb 13.
On May 13, Brown’s defense attorney, Adgie O’Bryant Jr., filed a motion to reduce Brown’s sentence.
In his motion, O’Bryant asked the court to “reconsider the fairness of Brown’s sentence,” and called the sentence “overly harsh.”
According to O’Bryant, Brown was “sentenced for less time than suggested under DC Voluntary sentencing guidelines,” but O’Bryant argued in his motion that a combination of mental illness and drug abuse resulted in Brown’s offenses.
The motion insisted that “if [Brown] is given a second chance that he will take full advantage of it and not appear in the criminal justice system again.”
Brown is currently being held in a prison in Pennsylvania and was not present during the hearing.
All parties agreed that the hearing was unproductive without Brown, and Judge Christian ordered that he appear on Web-Ex during the next hearing.
Parties are slated to meet Sept. 6.
On July 3, the Metropolitan Police Department arrested 53-year-old Derrick Dion Gladden and charged him with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on April 14 on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE.
On July 2, 17-year-old Deshawn Harris was killed in a car crash on the 4100 block of Southern Avenue, SE. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested 19-year-old Demetri Koger, charging him with being a fugitive from justice.
A defense attorney said the person, who was with her client, was the real perpetrator in a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, during a July 1 hearing.
Vernon Parrish, 40, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 52-year-old Ronald Bailey, which occurred on Sept. 26, 2021, on the 5200 block of E Street, SE.
Parrish’s defense attorney, Nikki Lotze, said Adrian Tate, who passed away, was with Parrish at the time of the incident. She said he shot Bailey in self-defense, insisting Bailey shot first.
Lotze insisted Parrish is not guilty, arguing that he does not match the shooter’s description – but Tate did. She also questioned the prosecution’s inability to link the murder weapon to Parrish.
According to Lotze, ShotSpotter, a software used to detect and collect sounds of gunshots in the District, suggested two shooters. She argued two empty casings from a revolver were found in Bailey’s bedroom following his murder.
During opening statements, the prosecution displayed Bailey’s image, and asserted that Parrish was not acting in self-defense. They insisted Parrish was guilty.
According to prosecution, Parrish and Tate went searching for Bailey at his home.
The prosecution claimed the incident stemmed from jealousy, as Parrish and Bailey had been having relations with the same woman who was showing a greater interest in Bailey than Parrish.
After opening statements concluded, the defense objected to the prosecution’s opening statement relating to the wording of “causing” the death. While the prosecution’s main claim focused on Parrish being the shooter, they opened the possibility of Parrish still being guilty in “aiding” in the crime.
Judge Epstein sustained the objection discussing how the prosecution’s stance was out of scope of the charges.
Parties are set to return on July 2.
DC Superior Court Judge Arthur Errol denied defense requests to prevent extending the time for indictment as well as the release the co-defendants in a carjacking and robbery case on July 2.
Gregory Patterson, 41, and Jimmy Johnson, 43, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE, on July 11, 2023.
Patterson is also charged with armed robbery in connection to the incident.
At the hearing, the prosecution requested to extend the indictment deadline due to delays securing the victim’s testimony who’s been uncooperative.
Pattersons defense attorney, Alvin Thomas Jr., and Johnson’s defense attorney, Joseph McCoy, argued that there is no good cause to keep the co-defendants in jail while the prosecution continues to attempt to produce their witness.
The defense requested that the prosecution share any relevant communication they have had with the grand jury and asked the court to consider the time that the defendants have already spent in jail.
Both defense attorney’s requested to keep the previously set trial date of Aug. 8 or release both defendants, citing an increase of violent incidents in the DC jail.
Judge Arthur denied the release request based on the fact that the circumstances of this case have not changed and granted the prosecution’s request for additional time to indict.
Parties are slated to return on July 26 for a status hearing and arraignment.
DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro agreed on July 2 to reschedule a status hearing in a non-fatal stabbing case until the defendant’s competency is determined in a murder case.
Larry Odoms, 62, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing two people in a group home where he was living on the 5000 block of H Street, SE on July 28, 2019. One victim suffered a stab wound to the chest, the other suffered a stab wound to the neck. Both victims survived.
In a separate case, Odoms is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 81-year-old Dennis Stroy. Odoms metal status is being evaluated in that incident which occurred on Feb. 21, 2022, at the Deanwood Rehabilitation & Wellness Center on the 5000 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.
Prior to his arrest for the murder case in 2022, Odoms had been found “mentally incompetent to stand trial” in a stabbing case in September 2020.
Judge Di Toro postponed his hearing, stating she wants to determine the mental competency ruling in the murder case before continuing with the stabbing case.
Parties will reconvene July 15.
After a stabbing defendant requested new counsel and waived rights to a speedy trial, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz set a trial date for Aug. 13.
Antonio Nicks, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Feb. 16 at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.
During the hearing on July 2, Nicks voiced strong dissatisfaction with his attorney Stephen LoGerfo’s performance. The perceived grievances led him to file a formal request for new counsel, citing an alleged lack of communication and the attorney’s failure to act in Nicks’ best interest.
Nicks also accused LoGerfo of not visiting him frequently enough.
Acknowledging the importance of securing effective legal representation, Nicks agreed to waive his right to a speedy trial within 100 days of arrest to find a new attorney.
A trial readiness hearing is set for Aug. 2.
DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a murder defendant’s fourth motion for new counsel, asserting that he has the right to be provided counsel, but not necessarily one of his own choosing. The decision came in a July 2 hearing.
Sherman Holley, 46, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, arson, destruction of property, resisting arrest, and assault on a police officer for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old James Brooks Jr., which occurred on Jan. 15, 2023 on the 200 block of 37th Street, SE.
According to court documents, the stabbing occurred after a conversation between Holley and Brooks. Surveillance footage shows an individual approaching and “lunging” at Brooks, who was then stabbed in the chest, shoulder and back areas.
In a motion filed by Holley on June 24, he requested Judge Raffinan remove Megan Allburn as his attorney, stating her actions violated his right to a speedy trial.
“Denying my Due Process and Equal Protection of the Law rights under the Fifth and 14th Amendment of the United States,” Holley wrote in his motion, alleging Allburn has failed to effectively represent him.
Prosecution opposed the motion because the action would have resulted in his fourth counsel in this case, causing further delays.
Holley discussed his frustrations with Judge Raffinan, stating he had been waiting for the prosecution to provide evidence from the beginning.
“I have a right to a speedy trial. I’ve been here 19 months,” Holley said.
Judge Raffinan said she believed Allburn is competent and experienced to represent Holley fairly.
She said Holley’s motion was misguided since the issue was not the ability of his attorney to represent him fairly, but rather scheduling issues out of her control.
Judge Raffinan denied Holley’s request for new counsel and maintained the same trial date of Feb. 17, 2026.
Parties are slated to return for another hearing on Oct 4.
Social media evidence was presented to jurors in a co-defendant homicide, conspiracy trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on July 1 revealing the presence of firearms in the weeks leading up to a shooting.
Mark Price, 29, and Antonio Murchison, 31, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018, on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. The incident left 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.
The third co-defendant, Quanisha Ramsuer, 31, is charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide.
Six other defendants were convicted in 2023 of charges from the incident, including:
Additionally, Price is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, threat to injure or kidnap a person, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and first-degree burglary while armed. These separate charges come from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE.
At the hearing, the prosecution brought in a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) investigator who explained numerous slang terms and went through Instagram records of two accounts believed to belong to Murchison and Price.
Both Instagram accounts’ “followers” and “following” list, were disclosed to the jury and included several accounts with “df” in its username, which prosecutors claim proves the individuals’ allegiance to the Wellington Park Crew.
According to the prosecution, the defendants and their co-conspirators belong to the crew, which prosecutors argue is a criminal street gang operating throughout the city.
The investigator testified that one of the characteristics he looks for in a group includes a “vanity name,” which he described as a having specific facet, such as lettering or emojis, that would show an individual’s association with a group. He stated that the Wellington Park group’s “vanity name” was commonly referred to as “DF.”
Evidence presented by the prosecution attempted to corroborate the investigator’s statement. In an Instagram post from July 5, 2018, a caption stated, “Front line b*tch… df sh*t.” An individual in the scene, believed to be Murchison, is seen smoking marijuana and pointing a firearm with a flashlight attached to it at the camera.
As well, the prosecution presented Instagram evidence from Price’s alleged account where he states “I DO DIS SH*T FOR MY MAN F*CK THE GRAM #longlivepoppy” in August 2018.
A previous a witness stated that her 22-year-old brother, Maleak Coffin – also known as “Poppy” – was best friends with Price.
Coffin died on December 26, 2017, after being shot two days before Christmas on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. On December 12, 2019, 27-year-old Robert Washington and 28-year-old Derrick Hart pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for their role in the shooting.
The prosecution showed numerous Instagram posts showing an individual, believed to be Murchison, possessing firearms and in the Wellington Park area.
In numerous videos, the individual is either holding a firearm or showing a series of different firearms. Some of the firearms include a rifle with two ammunition drums and weapons with extended magazines.
For instance, Instagram evidence from July 18, 2018, after Wilson’s death, shows an individual in a sleeveless shirt believed to be Murchison, pictured with a firearm in his waistband area while holding a semi-automatic firearm.
Other evidence features clips allegedly of the entire crew hanging out in the Wellington Park apartments area, which the investigator confirmed.
The prosecution showed an Instagram picture of ten black males in a group signing “W” with their hands – referencing Wellington Park, according to the investigator – added by a caption stating, “Da gang.”
In addition to the cache of social media evidence, the prosecution also brought in a MPD detective who testified about Wellington Park and who would frequent the area.
When presented with various photographs, the detective was able to identify alleged Wellington Park crew members, including Antonio Murchison, Isaiah Murchison, 24-year-old Quincy Garvin, 22-year-old Saquan Williams, Cobbs, Jeffers, and Michals.
The officer also allegedly dentified Michals as a gunshot victim from security footage taken at George Washington Hospital on March 13, 2018.
The prosecution continues the rest of its case on July 3.
A shooting defendant was sentenced to 24 months of incarceration by DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro during a June 28 hearing.
Amante Concepcion, 24, was originally charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of a prohibited weapon, for his involvement in a shooting that injured one individual on Oct. 22, 2023, on the 1300 block of Irving Street, NW.
On March 22, Concepcion accepted an offer that required he plead guilty to carrying a pistol without a license in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.
During the hearing, Judge Di Toro noted the seriousness of the crime saying, “Gunfire in broad daylight, it’s not just illegal… so many could have been hurt.”
Furthermore, prosecutors argued, “The defendant’s consciousness of guilt was so high that he immediately threw his gun away.”
The prosecution requested a 12 month sentence with one year of supervised release.
However, the defense countered requesting nine months of incarceration with all suspended and a year of probation arguing Concepcion, “has shown that he can and will abide by the court.”
Furthermore, the defense argued the shooting was in self-defense saying, “Had he not had the gun, he may have been dead” because someone else had been firing at him.
In her response Di Toro said, “There’s an epidemic; it’s such a trite thing to say but there are so many guns.”
Judge Di Toro opted to sentence Concepcion under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a young defendant’s conviction once all sentencing requirements are met. She explained that the youth act “gives people a chance to get back to where they are,” adding, “if you’re asked if you’re convicted of a felony, you get to say no.”
After sentencing him, Di Toro told Concepcion, “My goal, and it should be yours too, is for us to never see each other again.”
A stabbing defendant was reminded he must comply with all release conditions during a June 28 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.
Billy Williams, 65, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, threat to kidnap or injure a person while armed, and aggressive panhandling, for his alleged involvement in a stabbing at Rock Creek and Virginia Avenue, NW, on Dec. 7, 2023.
At the hearing, a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) alerted Judge Di Toro that Williams has been non-compliant with release conditions, including his GPS monitoring.
Judge Di Toro reminded Williams he must follow all requirements, and ordered a drug test due to his previous positive results.
Camille Wagner, who was standing in as Williams’s attorney due to Henry Escoto’s absence, alerted the court he would check in with PSA.
Parties are slated to reconvene July 12.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced an assault defendant to six-and-a-half years in prison on June 28.
On April 23, Jeremiah Clark, 41, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing incident on March 17 on the 600 block of Chesapeake Street, NE, that left one person injured. He also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm for an incident on July 19, 2023, on the 600 block of Chesapeake Street, SE.
Judge Salerno sentenced Clark to 60 months for assault with a dangerous weapon and 18 months for possession of a firearm, to be served consecutively. Smith must also serve three years of supervised release and pay $200 to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund.
According to court documents, Clark stabbed the victim while released for the possession charge. Clark asked the victim to pay back two dollars Clark had loaned him, starting an argument that ended in Clark’s stabbing him.
At Clark’s sentencing, the prosecution played surveillance footage showing Clark stabbing the victim in the ear and the left side.
The victim’s injuries were so severe that he had to be treated in the intensive care unit, the prosecutor said.
The prosecutor said she spoke with the victim, who seemed “jovial” despite what had happened to him.
The prosecution requested that Clark serve 23 months for possession of a firearm and 49 months for assault with a dangerous weapon, to be served consecutively.
Clark’s attorney, Anthony Smith, did not specify the number of years Clark should serve, but simply asked that Clark receive mental health treatment. He described this case as a “progression of his past,” saying Clark first went to a psychiatric hospital when he was 15.
Smith said Clark’s fiance, who was present in the courtroom, agreed to take him to psychiatric appointments and help take care of his mental health.
Judge Salerno said that Clark has been on probation in the past, yet has not chosen to seek mental health. Instead, Judge Salerno said, Clark chose to stab an innocent victim.
Clark said he was sorry for his actions.
Judge Salerno left Clark’s treatment to be determined by the D.C. Department of Corrections (DOC).
DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur ruled against two motions to suppress evidence during a hearing on July 1 regarding a shooting that injured a sex worker.
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.
According to court documents, Tyree was smoking a PCP cigarette while performing sexual acts with the victim when he accused her of stealing his money. Tyree allegedly shot her in the groin, then fled the area on foot.
The first motion to suppress evidence pertained to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer’s testimony regarding Tyree’s arrest and the seizure of his alleged firearm.
D.C. Witness previously reported that an officer spotted Tyree reaching in front of him while he was patrolling the 5200 block of Sheriff Road, NE. The officer said his “spidey” senses led him to make contact.
Tyree started running. After placing Tyree in handcuffs, officers allegedly recovered a handgun and suspected phencyclidine (PCP) from him.
The area that officers were patrolling was deemed a high crime area by the MPD. Judge Arthur said that this statistic, combined with Tyree ‘s behavior on seeing the officers, gave them reasonable, articulable suspicion to stop him and a legal basis for patting him down.
The second motion pertained to a nine-panel photo array and the reliability of the victim’s identification of Tyree.
Judge Arthur observed that the victim correctly identified Tyree. It “looks just like him,” Judge Arthur said.
Both motions to suppress the evidence were denied.
Parties are slated to return July 18 to begin trial, but it may be set for July 22 due to scheduling conflicts for Tyree’s defense attorney, Sara Kopecki.
A discussion about a possible compassionate release for a mortally ill homicide defendant took place before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on July 1.
Joseph Ballard, 60, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Monte Daniels, 33, on July 28, 2023, on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE.
According to court documents, Ballard allegedly stabbed Daniels once in the chest killing him over an argument about drugs.
In September, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt released Ballard on conditions he would receive treatment for his drug use. He was re-arrested due to his failure to appear in court, and multiple issues with drug testing.
Ballard’s attorney, Dominique Winters, said Ballard was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer and heart failure. She told Judge Demeo he is currently receiving advanced care at a hospital, with his wife making most of his medical decisions.
Winters requested his release on compassionate grounds because he is no longer a danger to the community or a flight risk.
Winters claimed Ballard now weighs 101 pounds and showed two pictures representing his emaciated condition. The first picture was an image of his arm, and the second picture was a full-body image, both taken from his hospital bed, in which he looked frail.
“I am scared about him dying,” Winters said.
According to Winters, it is difficult for Ballard to receive treatment because whenever he needs to be transferred to another hospital or removed from handcuffs, the D.C. Department of Corrections (DOC) must approve the move. Winters said this limits the medical decisions Ballard’s wife can make.
She said Ballard has a tube inserted into his left lung, which is no longer functioning because of excess fluid, and his doctors have requested he begin occupational and physical therapy.
Winters said Ballard has not begun occupational and physical therapy despite the recommendation being made a month ago, citing the DOC’s restrictions.
Winters concluded Ballard’s being in custody is “complicating” his treatment plan and accelerating his “deterioration.”
An official, who represented the DOC, said Ballard discharged himself against medical advice. Without a proper discharge, the DOC can’t develop a reliable care plan.
“Discharge paperwork is the blueprint for care,” the witness said.
Meanwhile, the DOC does not have a hospice care plan for patients likevBallard.
A member of the Daniels family was present on Webex video, and said the defendant needs to be held accountable for his actions. The family member also said he once was very ill like Ballard and with proper treatment he was brought back to health.
Judge Demeo called this hearing “dire” and requested testimony from medical professionals aiding Ballard take place as soon as possible.
Parties are set to reconvene July 3.
