Victim’s Family Files Ethics Complaint Against Prosecution as Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

Both Shana Donahue’s step-mother and father addressed DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan with an “ethics complaint” in regard to poor communication between the prosecution and Donahue’s family in a homicide case.

The victim’s family claimed the prosecution disregarded their wishes, as a homicide defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on May 29.

Daniel Fleetwood, 28, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of 26-year-old Shana Donahue on May 28, 2020, on the 2900 block of N Street, SE.

According to court documents, Fleetwood and Donahue were involved in a romantic relationship.

On May 29, Fleetwood accepted a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of the first-degree murder charge.

The parties agreed on a sentencing range of 20-to-24-years of incarceration. If the court imposes a higher sentence, Fleetwood has the option to pull out of his plea agreement and go forth with a trial.

Donahue’s step-mother shared that the prosecution “ignored the families wishes” and disregarded what they wanted in the plea agreement.

She stated the family requested a jury trial in order for Fleetwood to get the highest sentence for first-degree murder.

The step-mother highlighted that Fleetwood was “accepted into the family and treated as our own,” as she addressed the defendant as he started crying.

“Something in you should’ve told you to stop,” she added.

She concluded saying, “He doesn’t get to have a life when my baby can’t have one.”

Donahue’s father addressed Fleetwood personally, stating “24 years isn’t enough,” he then went on to share how three days prior to the murder of Donahue, he had told Fleetwood to “let her go and not hurt her.”

Another member of Donahue’s family was also present during the status hearing and though she did not address the court personally she held an image of Donahue for the courtroom to see.

The father also argued for the case to be changed to first-degree murder, which could put Fleetwood in prison for life.

Judge Raffinan addressed the family members saying “I’m sorry for your loss. I will take into consideration all of your comments.”

Sentencing will occur on September 13.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearm But Not to Discharging It

“It was a mistake,” Daniel Fula told DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur in the process of accepting a plea deal from the prosecution on May 30.

Fula, 34, was indicted in April on charges of endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, unlawful possession of liquid PCP, and destruction of property less than 1,000 dollars for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE, on Feb. 28. No injuries were reported.

The plea deal required Fula to plead guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of one year and a maximum sentence of 10 years and/or a fine of $250,000. In return, the prosecution agreed to drop all other charges stemming from the incident.

According to the prosecution’s proffer of facts, Fula was knowingly and intentionally in possession of a handgun in a hotel parking lot on Feb. 28, in spite of his knowledge that it was unlawful for him to possess a firearm due to a prior conviction. The prosecution asserted that Fula discharged the firearm multiple times into the air.

“Was what she [i.e., the prosecutor] stated correct?” Judge Arthur asked Fula.

“Yes, well, it was a mistake,” Fula answered.

At the direction of Judge Arthur, Fula consulted briefly with his lawyer, Camille Wagner.

“He is not pleading guilty to unlawful discharge. It’s possession of a firearm,” Wagner explained to Judge Arthur. “He is just saying that the firing of the firearm into the air was a mistake, but the possession of the firearm was not a mistake.”

Judge Arthur accepted the plea deal and found Fula guilty.

The parties are scheduled to return on Aug. 6 for sentencing.

Jury Acquits Homicide Defendant of All Charges

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein’s courtroom acquitted a homicide defendant of all charges on May 30.

Devonte Brothers, 29, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 27-year-old Deron Leake, also known as “Snoop”, on Oct. 17, 2019, at the Cascade Apartment Complex on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE. The incident also left one individual with non-life threatening injuries.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors attempted to prove that Brothers was the perpetrator in Leake’s murder by presenting witness testimony, cell site data, and social media posts.

Three of Leake’s friends, who were with him at the time of his murder, testified during the trial about their relationship and their recollection of the incident.

However, only one of them was able to identify a shooter, 10 months after the murder, while he was facing an arrest for possessing a firearm.

Prosecutors also presented Brothers’ cell site data evidence that depicted him in the area of the shooting at the time of the incident, but their expert specifically stated that it is impossible to tell the exact location of the device.

Following half-a-day of deliberations, the jury concluded that the prosecution had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Brothers was the killer.

Despite the acquittal, Brothers will continue to be detained as he awaits further proceedings in another pending homicide matter.

Defendant in Hotel Murder Case Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

William Barrett, who is accused of strangling, then brutally beating a woman to death with a toilet tank lid, waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on May 30.

Barrett, 69, is charged with first-degree murder and second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 36-year-old Romaine Maddox on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE, on Feb. 23.

According to court documents, Maddox was found in a hotel room, not breathing and displaying multiple signs of trauma, and was pronounced dead at 11:28 a.m. on Feb. 23.

An arrest warrant document states that Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives reviewed CCTV video from the hallway outside the hotel room from the 16 hours leading up to the discovery of Maddox’s body. According to the detectives, no one entered or exited the room except the individuals they identified as Barrett and Maddox.

Court documents report that MPD detectives issued a Be on the Lookout (BOLO) for Barrett based on the ID card he provided in renting the hotel room. On his arrest, MPD reported seizing as evidence several items of Barrett’s clothing and possessions that appeared to have blood on them.

According to court documents, Barrett told MPD detectives that he and Maddox were in a romantic relationship and that she assaulted him verbally and physically during the night in the hotel room.

Court documents state that Barrett confessed to strangling Maddox with his belt until he thought she was dead. When she regained consciousness, he beat her in the face with the lid of the toilet tank, breaking it in the process, according to his confession as reported by court documents.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 29.

Judge Grants Trial Postponement Due To Defendant’s Slow Coma Recovery

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo granted a defendant’s motion to vacate a previously scheduled trial date in July due to his slow recovery from a comatose state.

Robert Henson, 44, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, three 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 the fatal shooting of Richard Lee Dudley, 37, on Dec. 10, 2018, on the 2500 block of Elvans Road, SE.

On May 29, David Knight, Henson’s defense attorney, argued that it was “not practical” to have a trial date in July due to Henson’s poor health. The defendant reported to court via WebEx speaking with a feeble voice.

The prosecution did not oppose, but added that they would like to bring Henson’s doctor to court in order to better understand his medical situation and determine the accommodations necessary for trial.

Judge Demeo agreed with both sides on postponing the trial date, citing the defendant’s medical records and his weak health condition. “It really is not feasible,” she stated.

A status hearing is scheduled for Oct. 4.

Judge Orders Competency Exam for Homicide Defendant Wanting to Represent Himself

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan reissued an order for a murder defendant to complete a competency test after failing to do so as required to represent himself, during a May 29 hearing.

Wonell Jones Jr., 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Audora Williams on July 19, 2022, on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE. The victim had 52 gunshot wounds to her entire body.

Jones and Williams were alleged to be involved in a romantic relationship.

According to court documents, Williams and Jones had a history of domestic violence disputes. Williams made multiple statements to police and was granted several protective orders against Jones, the most recent of which was requested less than a month prior to the incident.

The parties previously met on April 25 during which Judge Raffinan ordered that Jones undergo two mental competency exams before granting his motion to represent himself due to a past report that determined Jones incompetent to stand trial. She also cited this was a requirement of all those wishing to represent themselves in court.

Jones failed to comply with the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), and he reportedly remained silent during screenings and interviews.

On May 29, Judge Raffinan stated she would rule on his motion once a mental competency exam was conducted by the DBH.

Parties are set to return June 26.

Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on May 25 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, with no signs consistent with life. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 19-year-old Naheem Worley.

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.

Document: Suspect Extradited and Charged for Shooting at Off Duty MPD Member

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the extradition of a suspect in connection to a shooting that injured an off-duty MPD captain on May 20 on the 5800 block of 7th Street, NW. The second suspect continues in custody of PG County Police Department, awaiting extradition to the District.

According to MPD documents, officers received a call for a shooting at the location, as the off-duty MPD captain was driving his personal vehicle to work. He spotted a vehicle driving erratically in front of him. The car stopped, one suspect got out, and shot at the captain’s vehicle.

The captain was injured and drove his vehicle to a station for assistance, where he was transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries.

The captain was able to note part of the suspect vehicle’s license plate, which was relayed to the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). They located the vehicle near in NE, and alerted officers from the Fifth District, who pursued the vehicle into Landover, MD, where the vehicle was involved in a single-vehicle crash. Two suspects were taken into custody by PG County Police Department.

On May 23, William Walker, 21, was extradited to DC and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Emotional Victim of Shooting Testifies, ‘I Still Feel Pain To This Day’

The fifty-seven-year-old victim of a shooting incident testified on May 30 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo and his alleged perpetrator. He expressed his terror and shock in recollection of the events, stating everything “happened so fast.”

Tyrone Astorias Johnson, 43, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for allegedly firing multiple shots at the victim. The shooting occurred on Aug. 20, 2022 at a park on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, the victim told a detective that Johnson asked him for a cigarette, but the victim responded he did not have one. Johnson then allegedly removed a firearm from his waistband area and began firing at the victim.

At the hearing, the victim corroborated what he originally told police the day of the incident, claiming to have seen a black male, fire at him after asking him for a cigarette. Johnson was accompanied by a white female, believed to be his ex-girlfriend.

Throughout his testimony, the victim was visibly emotional when talking about the incident. The defendant did not look at the victim while he was giving his testimony.

According to the victim, he injured himself the day prior to the incident. While on a bus, a door closed on his arm, causing him to seek hospital treatment.

The victim stated that on his way home he went through the Starburst Plaza park, and noticed a man sleeping on a bench. Despite not knowing the man, the victim asked if he was okay.

During the encounter, an individual, identified as Johnson, walked past the victim, but shortly after, turned back around to the victim and asked him for a cigarette, to which the victim declined since he did not have one.

The victim testified that the shooter then walked away from the victim, but at some point turned back around and said “You think this is a joke.”

“I was surprised,” admitted the victim.

When questioned by the prosecution about the shooter’s tone of voice, the victim could not give a concrete answer, but said he did not say anything that would elicit a hostile response.

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

He testified that he watched the man shoot at him, and subsequently saw him and a woman take off towards the Pentacle Apartments, which has been displayed by surveillance footage.

Defense attorney Joseph Fay questioned the victim on his eyesight, but the victim said his eyesight was fine.

As well, Fay clarified with the victim that he saw a male fire a gun at him, in addition to confirming that he saw two individuals at the park, not including a man sleeping on the bench.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the victim told the court about the injuries he suffered and his difficult recovery process.

He had to spend a month in the hospital due to being shot in his legs and genitalia. Additionally, he received rehabilitation treatment and had to completely relearn how to walk.

“I still feel pain to this day,” stated the victim, adding that he continues medical treatment.

Prior to his testimony, a urologic surgeon who operated on the victim at MedStar Washington Hospital described the serious injuries the victim suffered to his genitalia prior to the operation.

According to the surgeon, the victim’s urethra, which acts as a tube critical for urination, had a large hole and he performed an invasive procedure to repair the penis in its entirety.

Trial is slated to resume May 31.

Emotional Shooting Victim Testifies, ‘I Still Feel Pain To This Day’

The 57-year-old victim of a shooting incident testified on May 30 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo and his alleged perpetrator. The victim expressed his terror and shock recalling the events, stating everything “happened so fast.”

Tyrone Astorias Johnson, 43, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for allegedly firing multiple shots at the victim. The shooting occurred on Aug. 30, 2022 at a park on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

Throughout his testimony, the victim was visibly emotional. He did not look at the suspect while he was testifying. Instead, he was looking in the direction of the podium where the prosecutors and defense were asking questions.

According to the victim, he injured himself the day prior to the incident. While riding on a public bus, a door closed on his arm, and he sought hospital treatment. Later he headed back home by bus.

The victim stated that on his way home he went through the Starburst Plaza park, and noticed a man sleeping on a bench. Despite not knowing the man, the victim asked if he was okay.

During the encounter, an individual, identified as Johnson, walked past the victim, but shortly after, turned back around and asked him for a cigarette, but he did not have one.

The victim testified that the shooter walked away from the victim, but at some point turned back around and said,“You think this is a joke.”

“I was surprised,” admitted the victim.

When questioned by the prosecution about the shooter’s tone of voice, the victim could not give a concrete answer,. “I was trying to help someone and then I got shot,” stated the victim.

He testified the shooter and a woman take off towards the Pentacle Apartments, which has been corroborated by surveillance footage.

Defense attorney Joseph Fay questioned the victim on his eyesight, suggesting he may not have been able to accurately see who shot at him. The victim shared that his eyesight was fine.

As well, Fay clarified with the victim that he saw the suspect fire at him, in addition to confirming that he saw two individuals at the park, not including the man sleeping on the bench.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the victim told the court about the injuries he suffered and his difficult recovery process.

He had to spend a month in the hospital due to being shot in his legs and genitalia. Additionally, he received rehabilitation treatment as he had to completely relearn how to walk again. The victim also mentioned that he lost certain functions in his genitalia for a time, such as being unable to urinate.

“I still feel pain to this day,” stated the victim, adding that he continues to visit the doctor frequently.

Prior to his testimony, a urologist surgeon who operated on the victim at MedStar Washington Hospital after the shooting was called to the stand.

The surgeon described the serious injuries the victim suffered to his genitalia prior to corrective surgery.

According to the surgeon, the victim’s urethra, which acts as a tube critical for urination, had a large hole. In addition, he stated he performed an invasive procedure to repair the victim’s penis.

Trial is slated to resume May 31.

Document: MPD Searching for Southeast Shooting Suspects

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating two suspects who shot a teenager on May 13 on the 3500 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a 16-year-old boy with gunshot wound injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Two suspects were 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.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on May 22 on the 4800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots, where they located a man suffering from gunshot wounds, with no signs consistent with life. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 35-year-old William Spriggs.

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.

Document: Wanted Suspect Apprehended for Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a suspect was apprehended in connection to a shooting that occurred on April 23 on the 4800 block of North Capitol Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male and a five-year-old girl suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On May 22, 29-year-old Alante Partlow was arrested in North Carolina, and charged with aggravated assault while armed. He will go through the extradition process and will be returned to the District.

MPD’s investigation revealed the suspect and the victims were known to each other.

Acquitted: ‘We Are at the Doorstep of a Wrongful Conviction,’ Says Defense Attorney in Homicide Trial

Editor’s note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Brothers is still being held on homicide charges in another case.

Parties delivered closing arguments in a homicide trial before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein’s courtroom on May 29.

Devonte Brothers, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 27-year-old Deron Leake, also known as “Snoop.” The incident occurred on Oct. 17, 2019, at the Cascade Apartment Complex on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE. One other individual sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Throughout the two-week trial, prosecutors claimed that the shooting stemmed from a disagreement regarding Leake “dapping up” Brothers without knowing him. Dapping is also known as a friendly handshake.

“This is a case about a man that felt disrespected… when Deron had the audacity to dap up the defendant just like he had everyone in that hallway,” insisted a prosecutor during closing arguments.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors called on three of Leake’s best friends who testified they were with him at the time of his murder, and belonged to an organization they named “Blood Brothers.”

According to the prosecutors and Leake’s friends, on the day of the incident, the group had visited one of the friends’ old neighborhoods, where they drank and smoked weed, before heading to the Cascade Apartment Complex, where Leake grew up.

There, prosecutors claimed, the group spent ten minutes before shots were fired.

“Deron died instantly, and you don’t shoot someone in the head unless you intend to kill them,” the prosecutor insisted, claiming that Brothers had sufficient time to deliberate and premeditated his actions.

One of Leake’s friends, the prosecution claimed, was able to identify Brothers as the shooter months after the homicide. In footage from the interrogation room at the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the witness is heard telling detectives that Brothers was “the person talking to Snoop and killed him over a handshake.”

“I was really thinking should I do this – but then I started thinking about Snoop mother, so I just – I picked it truthfully and honestly,” said the witness during his testimony.

Prosecutors claimed Brothers “had just enough time to walk around the apartment complex and avoid the police,” after shots were fired.

However, Dominique Winters, Brothers’ defense attorney, claimed that what the prosecution is requesting the jury to do, which is to convict Brothers, is “terrifying… we shouldn’t be willing to risk wrongful convictions.”

“Brothers is innocent,” Winters insisted, adding “There are tons of reasons to doubt in this case.”

Winters argued that the only individual who had been able to identify Brothers as the shooter was unable to do so in court.

“When you don’t have actual evidence that he’s the shooter, you turn to things like these,” Winters stated, citing the multiple images and videos that the prosecution provided, which depicted Brothers smoking and drinking at the Cascade Apartment Complex.

According to Winters, there was a sheer lack of investigation, stating “The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) failed to investigate this.”

Winters insisted the prosecution failed to subpoena the lead detective because he failed to ensure MPD acquired significant footage from a house that could have depicted the shooting.

“You should be angry and frustrated,” Winters told the jury when alleging that MPD failed to properly investigate the crime, adding “The investigation alone is the reason you should be out here in no time with an acquittal.”

“You have an obligation to return a verdict of not guilty,” Winters insisted, before crying “We are at the doorstep of a wrongful conviction.”

“Brothers’ fate lies on you guys… there’s only one fair and just verdict in this case,” she ended.

“This is not a soap opera, this is a homicide case,” said the prosecutor.

According to the prosecutor, when Leake’s friend testified and was unable to identify the shooter in court he stated being a snitch “is a death sentence.”

“Devonte Brothers is not the unluckiest man in the world,” insisted the prosecutor, adding “He sent a message to Deron Leake, his friends, and anyone, to not approach him.”

“It’s now time to send a message to Mr. Brothers,” claimed the prosecutor, asking the jury to convict him of all charges.

Parties are slated to return when the jury concludes deliberations.

Lead Detective Testifies in a High School Shooting Case

Video evidence was presented before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan in a co-defendants non-fatal shooting in a May 28 hearing.

Azhari Graves, 18, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting at Dunbar High School on the 1200 block of Kirby Street, NW on May 4. A juvenile sustained an injury to the head during the incident.

Saki Frost, 17, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to commit any other offense while armed, two counts of assault to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for the same crime.

Frost is charged as an adult under Title 16 giving prosecutors the option to charge juveniles with more serious crimes.

Under questioning from the prosecutor, the lead detective on the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) highlighted video surveillance footage from different angles on Kirby and Morgan Streets, NW where two individuals, later identified as the defendants, are seen aiming a firearm at a Chevy Cruze.

According to court documents, a juvenile female sustained a graze wound to the head after a bullet went through the window of a classroom at the school. The graze was deep enough that the skull was visible.

Video footage also reveals a group of 15 juveniles in an alley, where two individuals, allegedly Frost and Graves, are seen holding firearms.

Later in an interview with the passengers in the car, the detective revealed how they were looking to “talk to girls” when circling the block.

Bullet casings were found alongside bullet strikes to the driver door and ceiling of the car.

During cross-examination, Hannah Claudio, Graves’ attorney, pointed out there were several times where the group was not caught on surveillance and that both defendants were “definitely not” the only ones with firearms.

Due to time constraints, the detective was unable to conclude his testimony.

Parties are slated to return May 29.