The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal crash that led to the death of 16-year-old Da’Ron Ross. The incident occurred on July 11 on the 3800 block of South Capitol Street, SW.
To Proceed with Sentencing, Counsel Confirms Defendant’s Completion of High School
On July 12, defense counsel for a shooting defendant confirmed that the defendant would be concluding his education shortly.
On June 15, 2023, Martel Howard, 24, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and possession of a firearm in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Howard’s accomplice, 23-year-old Jinmar Fuentes, accepted the same plea offer.
Howard was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for assaulting a male victim in a robbery attempt on July 31, 2022, on the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW.
At the hearing, Martel’s defense attorney Terrance Austin affirmed that he was doing well in school and was on track to graduate by September. Austin had previously requested a continuance for sentencing in order for Martel to receive his high school diploma.
Austin added that his client “has been working very hard” in the meantime and has been receiving various certifications.
According to court documents, the victim and another male individual exited a bar at the location shortly before Howard and Fuentes approached them and shots were fired. Video surveillance captures the shooting.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived at the scene and located the victim, who was later transported to George Washington Hospital for emergency surgery, with two gunshot wounds to his right arm and one gunshot wound to his chest, according to court documents.
Parties are scheduled to return before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan for sentencing on Sept. 6.
Defendant Receives Suspended Sentence for Stabbing Father
DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced an individual to a suspended sentence in connection to a stabbing on July 12.
Gregory Edmonds, 34, was originally charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for stabbing his father on July 4, 2023, on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.
According to court documents, Edmonds got into an argument with his father, before stabbing him in multiple places including the back of the head, neck and abdomen. As Edmonds was being transported by police he said the victim, “gave me syphilis.”
On April 18, Edmonds accepted a plea deal requiring him to plead guilty to assault with significant bodily injury in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.
At the hearing, Edmonds’ attorney, Lauren Morehouse, said this is the first crime Edmonds has committed, and he is receiving mental health treatment in North Carolina where he lives.
She also said Edmonds has been taking his case seriously, as he takes the 2:30 a.m. Amtrak from his hometown to make it to court on time.
Morehouse also said the victim requested Edmonds not serve any time in prison and instead continue to receive mental health treatment in North Carolina. She requested a one year probation period for Edmonds with his supervision occurring in North Carolina.
The prosecution then read a direct testimony from the victim where it was again requested Edmonds does not serve anytime in prison. The prosecution requested three years of probation.
Judge Christian sentenced Edmonds to two years of incarceration, with all time suspended. He is required to serve two years of probation. If he is unsuccessful, Edmonds can be required to serve the two suspended years in prison.
Attorney Calls Stabbing Defendant’s Cases ‘Forgotten’ As Delays Continue
Two cases against a stabbing defendant, which have been experiencing delays for months, were further delayed in front of DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on July 12.
Shawn Dyson, 43, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing incident on Aug. 29, 2023, on the 1400 block of Park Road, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.
At the hearing, Sharon Weathers, Dyson’s attorney, raised concern and frustration regarding the prosecutor’s failure to indict Dyson in a timely manner. According to Weathers, Dyson has been awaiting an indictment since September of 2023.
According to court documents, Dyson got into an argument with the victim and began swinging a knife. The victim suffered a large cut in his upper left arm.
The prosecution said Dyson’s indictment was coming soon but requested another status hearing before securing the indictment.
In April, Dyson was also convicted by a jury of assault with a dangerous weapon for another stabbing incident on Sept. 10, 2023, on the 3300 block of 14th Street, NW. The victim sustained life threatening injuries.
According to court documents, Dyson got into an argument with the victim and followed him out of a sandwich shop. Dyson came up behind the victim stabbing him in the head right behind the ear.
Weathers also raised concerns regarding Dyson’s pre-sentencing report in connection to the Sept. 10 incident, stating the charges listed were inaccurate.
She insisted his sentencing should not be delayed further, and requested a quick turnaround to fix the report.
Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 4.
Prosecutors Withdraw Plea Offer After Shooting Defendant Does Not Appear in Court
Prosecutors in a murder case withdrew a plea offer, which was slated to expire on July 12, following the defendant’s third time refusing to appear in court before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.
Ethan Cunningham, 20, is charged with first-degree burglary while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of felony murder while armed, kidnapping while armed, attempted robbery while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for allegedly shooting 38-year-old James Curtis on March 10, 2022, on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE.
Thomas Healy, Cunningham’s defense attorney, alerted told Judge Epstein that he met with Cunningham on July 11 and stated, “I fully expected to see him here today.”
Prosecutors argued that every time a plea deal is about to expire, Cunningham misses his appearance in court. They said this is the third time this has happened.
Due to this repeated delay, the prosecution withdrew their plea deal.
Judge Epstein alerted the parties that he wants to move forward with the trial, but Healy said his client isn’t prepared.
“He had eight months to get ready for this trial,” said Epstein, “it needs to get resolved.”
Parties are slated to meet on July 18.
Judge Denies 18-Year-Old Carjacking Defendant’s Request for Release
Ahead of a trial date expected to begin in August, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz denied an 18-year-old carjacking defendant’s release from the DC Jail on July 11.
Hanif Brown, 18, is charged with unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly stealing an individual’s car on April 9, 2023, on the 2700 block of 9th Street, NW.
Brown is also charged with two counts of robbery for his alleged involvement in separate robberies of two individuals’ belongings on April 9, 2023, at the intersection of 11th Street and U Street, NW and the intersection of 11th Street and Wallach Place, NW.
At the hearing, Brown’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, referred to his motion filed on June 26, arguing for his client to be placed under house arrest while on GPS monitoring.
In his written motion, Ain stated that at the time of the offenses, Brown had no criminal record and was living with his mother after graduating from high school.
Ain also mentioned that Brown had a child born while incarcerated and “remains on good terms with the child’s mother.”
“It has been a year since Brown’s arrest and he has had time to mature and to reflect on his goals,” wrote Ain in his filed motion.
At the hearing, Ain asserted that Brown has “had [a] wake up call,” referring to his client’s time spent in jail.
In opposition, the prosecution did not support the release of Brown into the community and stated that his place of residence has been a location where he has stored weapons, which they said was “deeply troubling.”
Despite Brown’s bleak criminal record prior to this case, Judge Leibovitz stated that given his charges in three violent offenses while allegedly possessing a firearm, she would deny his request for release.
Parties are slated to reconvene on July 25.
Man Receives 30 Month Sentence for Stabbing
DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a stabbing defendant to 30 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and other charges related to the incident.
Walter Portillo, 27 is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (knife), simple assault, and third-degree theft for his involvement in an incident that occurred on Sept. 20, 2023, on the 1300 block of Park Road, NW. One individual sustained a laceration to their forearm.
According to court documents, Portillo and multiple individuals got into a verbal altercation, leading to Portillo throwing a punch at the victim, drawing a knife, and assaulting the victim who had also drawn a knife. The knife Portillo used was found in a trashcan on the north side of the 1300 block of Park Road, NW.
The prosecution told Judge Arthur that the victim’s forearms were slashed, preventing the victim from using their arm for a yea. The victim is still unable to write.
“If you let this man free, then I am in danger,” read the victim’s impact statement, “he hates me because I’m trans.”
According to the statement, the victim lives in fear of Portillo being released because there are many ways for the defendant to find out where the victim lives. “I am asking you not to let him out,” the victim stated.
The prosecution asked the judge to sentence Portillo to 40 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon, concurrent to 90 days in prison for simple assault and two second-degree theft charges.
Defense attorney Gregg Baron asked Judge Arthur to make a request that while Portillo is incarcerated, he be placed in an institution where his mental health and substance abuse problems could be addressed.
“He’s someone who’s trying to change the course of his life,” Baron stated.
Baron asked the judge to sentence Portillo to 30 months in prison with 10 months suspended while he’s on probation. He claimed that it is his experience that his clients receive more help on probation than on supervised release.
“I need help with substance abuse,” Portillo said, acknowledging it had played a part in the incident.
Along with the 30 months in prison, Portillo must also serve 18-months on probation for assault with a dangerous weapon. Judge Arthur suspended 10 months of the probation. He also gave Portillo 90 days for simple assault and two theft charges, which is slated to be served concurrently.
Additionally, Portillo will have to get help for his mental health and substance abuse issues, as well as take anger management courses. He will also have to pay $200 to the victims of violent crimes fund.
“You’ll spend your next birthday incarcerated… unfortunately, for something that was avoidable,” said Judge Arthur during sentencing. “Imagine the fear that person has…because of your actions.”
Defendant Pleads Guilty to 2 Counts of Negligent Homicide
On July 11, a homicide defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of negligent homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.
Melvin Conley, 63, is charged with two counts of negligent homicide for his involvement in a fatal car accident that killed Rhonda Whitaker, 55, and Waldon Adams on April 24, 2021, on the 4000 Block of Dubois Place, SE.
At the hearing, Kevin Mosley, Conley’s defense attorney, said he intended to accept a plea deal, which requires Conley to plead guilty to two counts of negligent homicide in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.
According to the prosecution, Conley, who had been on dialysis and endured coughing fits that caused him to black out, told police that he had no recollection of hitting the victims and that he “must have blacked out.” After the accident, Conley drove to his sister’s house and backed into a fenced yard behind the residence.
Conley noticed the damage on his car but did not alert the police.
According to court documents, Conley’s blood sugar levels were low, and it was reported he had been “nodding off” during the interrogation.
The prosecution shared that Conley had never told his doctor about his blacking out.
Conley said that all the facts the prosecution shared were true.
Judge Raffinan accepted Conley’s plea.
Conley is set to be sentenced on Nov. 5.
Parties Share Frustration Regarding Homicide Defendant’s Detention in Another Jurisdiction
A mass shooting defendant’s counsel expressed her frustration with a defense attorney in another jurisdiction where he is being held, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on July 11.
Gerald Thomas, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted kidnapping while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and seven counts of possession of a firearm, for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that resulted in the death of Dasha Cleary, 20, on Jan. 27, 2022, on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. The incident left four others injured.
According to court documents, five women and six men attended a party at a Days Inn hotel at the location. Thomas’ then-girlfriend had organized the party for one of the witnesses. When Thomas allegedly arrived, he fired multiple rounds into the room, striking his girlfriend, three other individuals, and killing Cleary.
At the hearing, Dominique Winters, Thomas’ defense attorney, waived his presence, citing his detention in Prince George’s County in connection to an unrelated matter.
Winters expressed frustration with Thomas’ attorney in the Maryland matter, stating that she as not been able to get in contact with her regarding a plea deal, which would resolve all cases.
“It has been difficult for me to get in contact with the Maryland attorney,” Winters stated. The prosecution agreed stating that they “share [her] frustration.”
The parties expressed that they are uncertain if the plea deal has been disclosed to Thomas’ defense counsel in Maryland. Thomas is scheduled for a hearing on Aug. 16 in Prince Goerge’s County, where parties expect he will be transferred to DC.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 23.
Tensions Rise About Undisclosed Documents During Murder Trial
On July 11, defense counsel in murder trial continued to argue for the dismissal of a murder case before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, citing the prosecution’s failure to provide all evidence in a timely manner.
Antonio Jackson, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the murder of Maria Antoinette Evans, 59. Jackson is alleged to have stabbed Evans 19 times on March 29, 2018, on the 500 block of Oakwood Street, SE.
At the hearing, Molly Bunke and Jessica Willis, Jackson’s defense attorneys, alleged the prosecutors failed to disclose all of the evidence they collected. The attorneys said that evidence could be exculpatory to the defendant.
Willis cited two main subjects that she argued prosecutors failed to provide, including video footage of a white van and an anonymous tip provided to law enforcement, which the prosecution thinks is insufficient information to this case.
The prosecutor argued that the surveillance footage of the white van was not favorable to the defense and that there was “nothing any more significant about this car than any other car.”
The prosecutor insisted that if the white van was an evidence dislosure violation, “every other car is Brady.”
“Movements of this vehicle and proximity to the crime,” are imperative to the investigation, Willis said. According to Willis, the prosecution withheld the significance of the vehicle in the pretrial report.
In a written motion, Willis also argued that an anonymous call to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was not properly preserved by the prosecution and therefore is in direct violation of evidence law.
The prosecution also stated that in regards to the anonymous tip line “any favorable information that came out of that call was handed over.”
Willis gave an oral request that the case be dismissed due to the misconduct and violation of evidence laws.
Judge Raffinan did not give an answer, requesting that all parties file another written motion for her to analyze and consider.
Parties are slated to meet on Oct. 1.
Competency Concerns Jeopardize Carjacking Trial
A carjacking defendant’s refusal to show up to court, coupled with competency concerns, has jeopardized his trial, according to DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on July 11.
Kenneth Phillips, 24, is charged with armed carjacking, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, burglary two, first-degree theft, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, receiving stolen property of $1,000 or more and no permit for his alleged involvement in an armed robbery on Nov. 15 2022. The incident occurred on the 2000 block of 4th Street, NE.
Phillips has not shown up for his scheduled court proceedings more than he has been present, according to Judge Salerno.
Phillips’ defense attorney Joseph Yarbough disagreed with the competency concerns during a mental observation hearing on June 25, and requested to move forward with trial as soon as possible.
At the June hearing, Yarbough set forth accommodations to ensure his client would be more inclined to show up for court proceedings, such as more breaks.
Judge Salerno agreed and set a July 11 motions hearing to ensure the accommodations would work as needed – otherwise, the trial date would be vacated.
Phillips refused to attend court on July 11, Judge Salerno determined that a full mental competency evaluation was necessary. He issued a new order for the initial screening.
Parties are scheduled to return on the trial date, July 16, for a mental observation hearing.
On that date, if Phillips is cooperating with the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), comes to court and is found competent, parties may proceed with trial.
Despite the judge’s warning of vacating the trial, parties agreed to keep a trial date of July 16, “just in case.”
Defendant Pleads Guilty To Voluntary Manslaughter
A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on July 11.
Jaleil Jones, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a robbery, which led to the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Robert Lavender. The incident took place on the 600 block of Monroe Street, NE on July 17, 2023.
Kevann Gardner, Jones’ defense attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept a plea deal.
According to Gardner, the plea deal requires Jones to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.
Through the deal, the parties agreed on a sentencing range of nine-to-13 years of in prison.
According to the prosecution, at the time of the incident, Jones and another individual were walking back from a gathering when they approached Lavender outside of a Potbelly restaurant.
The pair struck Lavender multiple times, the other individual walked away but Jones stayed for an undisclosed amount of time, according to the proffer of facts.
Lavender then got up to follow the two. When Jones noticed that Lavender was following them, he turned around and shot Lavender, killing him with one shot.
Jones stated that all the facts were true.
Gardner requested that Jones’ sentencing date be scheduled 120 days out, as opposed to the standard 60 days, so that Jones can complete his education classes at the jail.
Sentencing for Jones is set for Dec. 13.
Probable Cause Found for Defendant in Domestic Stabbing
At a preliminary hearing on July 12, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found probable cause a defendant should stand trial for a stabbing stemming from domestic violence.
Aron Williams, 33, was charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing that occurred on Feb. 24, on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE. A woman sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident.
During the hearing, O’Keefe cited the gruesome nature of the attack, the many months the defendant had to to think about how to respond before his arrest on July 1, and the fact that he was able to leave the crime scene as probable cause to support his ruling.
Prosecutors argued the attack which resulted in ten stab wounds, along with the fact that Williams was able to walk away while the victim was not able to move.
They argued that while the victim and Williams had been married since February 2022, they were on bad terms since November 2023 given that he mistreated her.
The lead detective on the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified that the victim told him in November 2023 she did not want to live with Williams any longer, but felt bad for him as he did not have family to house him, so she continued letting him live in their apartment.
The detective testified that she had stab wounds all around her face and body, resulting in her gums and teeth showing. She was also stabbed on her wrists down to the bone.
The detective also testified that when MPD officers responded to the 911 call, blood smears were found along the walls and the victim propped up in a chair covered in blood. The victim was immediately taken to Howard University Hospital where she needed immediate stitches and surgery.
The victim told the detective while the couple was arguing one of Williams’ friends knocked on their apartment door to get something, and the victim remembered Williams looking enraged with his fists balled at his side.
The prosecutor stated that based on the victim’s interview, Williams allegedly started to strangle her and the two fell back onto a chair collapsing while the victim tried to get away. Williams then allegedly reached for a hunting knife that was lying on a nearby chair.
The prosecutor argued that the victim remembered asking Williams, “What are you going to do, stab me?” Williams allegedly began slashing and stabbing at the victim while she begged him to stop and to call an ambulance. The victim recalled feeling as if she would bleed to death.
Williams’ defense attorney, Hannah Claudio, argued that both parties were heavily intoxicated at the time of the attack. According to Williams, both had been awake straight for the past four days and had been drinking alcohol, taking MDMA, and cocaine.
Claudio argued that intent was negated because of intoxication. According to Claudio, Williams claimed that he did not realize what was occurring and when he “came to” stopped immediately, which Claudio argued meant there was no specific intent to kill.
Claudio also stated that there was grounds for self defense as Williams recounted the victim holding the hunting knife first and sustained a slash wound on his arm.
She argued that Williams recounted the couple had gotten into an argument over a relationship that he was in with another woman at the time.
Further, Claudio said MPD officers were unable to find surveillance footage or the hunting knife or witnesses.
The prosecutor said Williams was not so intoxicated that he continued the attack while the victim was begging him to stop and to call an ambulance because she was bleeding out.
Following the finding of probable cause, Claudio requested Williams be released on home monitoring to obtain mental health and substance abuse treatment unavailable in the DC Jail.
Prosecution argued Williams fled the scene and remains a threat to the community.
According to the prosecution, Williams was arrested at the DC Superior Court when he arrived for a divorce hearing. Williams also had prior a conviction for being armed.
Judge O’Keefe passed on ruling on Williams’ release status, as he needed more time to look at the operative law and figure out what ruling would best apply.
Court is slated to reconvene on July 16.
Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting in Northeast
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Danzell Hall, which occurred on July 12 on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE.
Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 35-year-old Christen Borden, who is charged with first-degree murder for her alleged involvement in the death of five-month-old Kenneth Geo Walton. The incident occurred on Feb. 11, 2023, on the 4000 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW.
Walton succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 18, 2023.