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DC Jail Stabbing Defendant Sentenced to 48 Months Consecutive to Other Charges

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a stabbing defendant to 48 months on June 27.

Shaquille Bynum, 22, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Jan. 6, 2023, at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The incident left one individual suffering from nine wounds and a collapsed lung.

According to court documents, Bynum was involved with other inmates in the stabbing in the recreation room, attacking the victim while he was at a table playing cards. 

The prosecution argued Bynum had a leading role in assaulting the victim, then holding him while others also stabbed the victim. This incident occurred while Bynum was awaiting sentencing for voluntary manslaughter while armed in another case.

Stephen Brennwald, Bynum’s defense attorney, argued the nature of the stabbing was more nuanced than originally understood. Bynum said the victim was bullying him earlier in the day, and the incident was in retaliation.

Brennwald said he has seen growth in Bynum working with him on his previous case and believes enrollment in The Challenge Program to help rebuild inmate’s lives would be beneficial.

“Since then I have been trying to become a better person and make better decisions,” Bynum said after taking full responsibility for his actions.

Judge Brandt explained that Bynum’s actions were calculated and senseless, especially within the context of his other case. Technically, the stabbing sentence could have been higher but Judge Brandt made it clear that her decision was based on Bynum’s criminal history score before his most recent conviction. 

Bynum’s sentence is slated to run consecutive to his manslaughter sentence of 120 months. Bynum must also serve three years of supervised release and pay a $100 fine to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF). 

Judge Brandt will also recommend Bynum be placed in The Challenge Program at FCI Schuylkill in Pennsylvania. 

Judge Brandt told Bynum that she tries to give some hope to everyone who is facing lengthy convictions. She urged Bynum to take advantage of the time to “feed his mind” and prepare to put his best foot forward when he is released.

Carjacking Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Held for Trial

A carjacking defendant waived his preliminary hearing, foregoing his right to rebut facts presented by the prosecution, on June 27 before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond. 

Tony Walker, 28, is charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unauthorized use of a vehicle, first-degree theft, and unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a theft and carjacking incident on the 400 block of Marietta Place, NW on Jan. 10. 

Terrence Austin, Walker’s defense attorney, asked the judge to reconsider holding the defendant as the case continues. 

The prosecution asked for a continued hold considering the safety of the community, saying Walker was also a suspect in a theft that happened earlier that night. 

Judge Raymond ruled that presumption of dangerousness has not been rebutted based on the clear and concise evidence presented in court, and Walker will stand trial. She held him without bond. 

Parties are slated Aug. 6 for a status hearing. 

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian released a shooting defendant to home confinement and GPS tracking on June 27 after he pleaded not guilty.

Deion Hinnant, 29, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm after allegedly running from police while armed with a firearm on 2100 block of Bladensburg Road, NE Washington DC.

The prosecution motioned for a continuance, saying, “DNA results heavily encapsulate the defendant for possession of firearm on day of crime.”

Furthermore, prosecutors say drug testing results show a drug was found in Hinmant’s system, which may have affected his behavior at the time of the incident. As a result, the prosecution wants to bring in a chemist as an expert witness.

Hinnant’s defense attorney Theodore Shaw, said the prosecution is not properly disclosing evidence from the tests and he requested “information he is entitled to under Brady”–meaning the defense is entitled to see potentially exculpatory information held by the prosecution.

For this reason he asked to dismiss the defendant’s drug-related counts.

Hinnant was arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty.

Parties are set to reconvene July 12.

Prosecutors Extend Plea Deal to Homicide Defendant

Prosecutors extended a homicide defendant’s plea deal for two weeks in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on June 27.

Jaleil Jones, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting and robbery of 44-year-old Robert Lavender. The incident took place on the 600 block of Monroe Street, NE on July 17, 2023. 

At the hearing, Jones’ was not present due to a medical condition. His attorney, Kevann Gardner, requested that the prosecution’s plea offer be kept open for an additional three weeks. 

However, the prosecution stated that the plea offer will only remain open for two weeks. Both parties ultimately agreed. 

According to court documents, officers arrived at the location after receiving information on a reported shooting. They located an adult male victim, who died from his injuries.The cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head as well between his eyes and injuries to the back of both hands; and abrasion-type injuries to his left rear shoulder area, left forearm and near his elbow.  

A 9mm cartridge casing was also recovered from the scene. 

Parties are slated to return on July 11.

Defendant Sentenced to Six Months After Shooting in the Air

On June 27, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced a shooting defendant to six months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Anthony Calvin, 47, pleaded guilty to endangerment with a firearm. He was originally charged with endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and two misdemeanor counts for possession of a controlled substance.  According to court documents, he fired a shot in the air on the unit block of Quincy Place, NW.

“Mr. Calvin was house-sitting and his friend gave him a gun he thought was fake,” Calvin’s attorney, Joseph Fay said. “He made a really, really poor decision to fire a shot in the air.” .

The prosecution believes Calvin was under the influence of narcotics during the incident since he had drugs in his possession.

After being released, Calvin must register as a gun offender.

Document: MPD Seeks Suspect in a Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Thomas Carlos Felder, which occurred on May 1. The incident happened on the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

GPS Monitor Installed So Shooting Defendant Can Attend Grandmother’s Funeral

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea L Hertzfeld ordered the installation of a GPS monitoring device on a non-fatal shooting defendant, so he could attend his grandmother’s funeral. 

Diandre Caesar, 30, was convicted by a jury April 9 on two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm in a crime of violence. 

On June 27, Judge Hertzfeld granted permission for Caesar to be released from DC Jail on June 27 at 4 p.m. until June 28 at 8 p.m. to attend his Grandmother’s funeral amidst legal proceedings.

She initiated the in-court installation of the GPS monitoring device in accordance with his release order. 

Caesar was originally charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of second-degree cruelty to children with a grave risk, one count of carrying a pistol without license outside a home or business, one count of  possession of an unregistered firearm, and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 28, 2022, on the 2200 block of New York Avenue, NE.

Caesar’s case is pending sentencing, parties are slated to return on July 10.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Offered Plea Deal

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted a defense attorney more time to review a plea deal for a non-fatal shooting defendant. 

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

During the June 27 hearing, Ham’s defense attorney, Charles Haskel, said he received a plea agreement from the prosecution over the weekend. The conditions of the plea agreement were not disclosed to the court. 

Haskel requested more time to review the offer before making a decision. 

According to court documents, two individuals, one identified as Ham, fired ten shots at a blue truck, occupied by two individuals. No injuries were reported, but the truck sustained damage from five gunshots. At the time of his arrest Ham was allegedly in possession of two firearms. 

Ham was denied release at his last hearing  on June 5 and waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond. 

As Ham left the courtroom Judge Arthur wished him “good luck.” 

Parties are set to return on July 24.

Judge Denies and Defers Defense Motions in Carjacking

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz denied and deferred motions from the defense in a carjacking case on June 26. 

James Borum, 21, is charged with three counts of armed carjacking while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, receiving stolen property worth $1,000 or more, and conspiracy for his alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 1500 block of 30th Street NW, on Jan. 11 and 12, 2021. 

Defense attorney, Quiana Harris, filed a motion claiming the prosecution mishandled evidence.

During the hearing, she said AirPods and an eyeglasses case were found but destroy before they were tested for physical evidence.

She argued that the AirPods owner, who could have been determined from iCloud information, could have revealed another suspect in the carjacking. 

Judge Leibovitz dismissed the motion, saying the loss of the evidence is “mere negligence” not “gross negligence”, and would have a low impact on the trial when looking at guilt or innocence.

There was also a black puffy coat and black pants that were taken from the defendant’s hospital room and later lost at the police department. 

Judge Leibovitz deferred ruling on this piece of evidence until the prosecution makes every effort to find the items. 

Harris also filed a motion citing what she called the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) failure to preserve evidence. According to Harris, black socks were found in one of the cars that was stolen. 

The victim called the MPD but officers never came to pick up the socks.  Harris said the socks should have been in police custody and ready to be tested. 

Judge Leibovitz denied the motion and said the black socks, which looked unused, have a low exculpatory value on the trial. 

Additionally, Harris introduced a motion to dismiss the indictment based on false testimony. She argued that police grand jury testimony made got the car model wrong when testifying about a key fob. 

Judge Leibovitz denied the motion, noting that the MPD officer later corrected himself when talking about the car model of the key fob after checking his notes.

Finally, Harris moved to exclude parts of  911 phone calls by the victims. She argued the calls were not made in urgency, as you can hear the victims pausing to reflect on answers. 

Judge Leibovitz admitted parts of the calls that include identification, but deferred ruling until she can listen to the tapes fully

The parties are scheduled for trial on June 27.

Jury Finds Murder Defendant Guilty on Eight Charges

A jury found a shooting defendant guilty on eight charges during trial on June 26. The proceeding was overseen by DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Beysean Jones, 29, is guilty of  two counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence for shooting Ronald Brown, 19, and Tijuan Wilson, 41, on July 27, 2022, on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE. 

After the verdict was announced, the defense stated they plan to file a motion to appeal the verdict. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 20 for sentencing.

Defense Requests More Time to Review Plea Offer and Evidence 

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow granted a defense attorney’s request for more time to review additional evidence and a plea deal. 

Damien Walker, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Walker allegedly shot through the walls of his neighbor’s apartment, then 15 hours later when he ran into the victim again, allegedly brandished a firearm, asking the victim, “Did you miss me?” The incident occurred on the 100 block of Wilmington Place SE on May 23. 

On June 26, before Judge Pasichow, Walker’s defense attorney, Peter Cooper revealed that the prosecution had provided him with additional evidence and a plea deal that he needed more time to review.

The deal requires Walker to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a piston without a license. In exchange, the prosecution would not indict Walker on any greater charges and waive any enchantments of current charges. 

The parties did not discuss a possible sentencing range.

“It is not insignificant,” Cooper stated requesting more time to review the body- worn footage that the prosecution had provided earlier in the week. 

Judge Pasichow grated the request and parties are scheduled to meet on July 22. 

Defense Accuses Prosecution of Delaying Trial

At a status hearing in a murder case the defense accused the prosecution of intentionally delaying the trial.

Amarii Fontanelle, 20, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. 

The shooting took place on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE on Oct. 17, 2022. Davonte Berkley and Reginald Lamont Cooper Jr. were fatally shot. A third victim was also shot but survived.

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley expressed his frustration at the prosecution during a status hearing on June 26. He said the prosecution is joining an individual named Jahi Rapp as co-defendant to the case now–that despite his being “known to the government since November 2022” and still not indicted. Rapp allegedly drove Fontanelle away from the scene and was later charged with accessory to murder. 

Mosley said the prosecution has also failed to do DNA testing on the firearms and ballistics in a timely manner. 

The defense has been “sitting on their hands” waiting to go to trial, Mosley said.

The prosecutor denied intentionally delaying the trial. She hopes to join the co-defendant to the case before he is indicted. She is unsure if the co-defendant will be ready for trial, which is currently set for this October.

She requested they keep the current date and set another status hearing in the meantime.
DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan  ordered the prosecution to provide evidence requested by the defense by next July 3. Judge Raffinan also set a new motions deadline for July 19 with responses due Aug. 9, and kept the current trial date.

Stabbing Defendant Arrested on Outstanding Arson Warrant

US Marshals arrested a stabbing defendant after discovering she also had a warrant for her arrest in an arson case. The charges were presented in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on June 26.

Karelys Gonzalez, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly using a knife in an incident on the 300 block of Upshur Street, NW on April 7, 2024.

Gonzalez was not being held in the DC Jail for the stabbing charge. However, according to a pretrial document, Gonzalez was detained for allegedly committing arson in a separate case. 

Gonzalez’s scheduled arraignment for the arson charges is before the end of the week. 

Gonzalez broke down in tears during the proceeding.

Gonzalez’s attorney, Camille Wagner, requested a continuance for a preliminary hearing initially set for June 26, asking if she could address both of Wagner’s cases instead of having two separate hearings. Judge Raymond agreed. 

According to court documents, Gonzalez and the victim got into a verbal argument. The victim said the altercation was about whether their dog could sleep on the bed, while Gonzalez said the argument was over a refusal to have sex with the victim. 

Later when the victim woke up after the fight, Gonzalez allegedly stabbed him in the chest. 

“This is nothing compared to what I’m going to do to you later,” Gonzalez allegedly said according to court documents.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 1 for a preliminary hearing for Gonzalez’s stabbing and arson charges.

Judge Says Stabbing Defendant OK to Represent Himself

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted a defendant’s request to represent himself on June 26. 

James Campbell is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury in his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on July 10, 2023, that occurred near the intersection of Michigan Avenue, NW, and Warder Street, NW. 

In the hearing Campbell said he wanted to represent himself. After a series of questions, Judge Park granted the request with some reluctance since individuals who represent themselves may injure their case by not following proper legal procedure.

Campbell has also waived his right to a jury trial, opting for a bench trial instead. 

According to court documents, the victim was riding a bicycle when he noticed Campbell apparently in duress. After asking if Campbell needed help, the defendant allegedly attacked the victim.  The two became involved in a physical altercation in which both were injured. 

The victim in left forearm and Campbell in his forehead. Both received treatment at a nearby hospital.

The trial is scheduled for July 8.