Stabbing Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

On July 10, before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea L Hertzfeld, Jabed Sami pleaded not guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, and possession of a prohibited weapon in connection to a stabbing incident.

Sami is alleged to have thrown a knife at the victim’s head, causing a laceration, after he believed he was stealing from his store on Oct. 4, 2023 on the 5000 Block of Benning Road SE.

According to court documents, Sami allegedly followed the victim around the store with a knife in hand. After exchanging some words, the victim moved towards the exit of the store and knocked some items onto the ground and attempted to flee. Sami then allegedly threw the knife at the victim.

However, according to Sami’s statement to police, when he confronted the victim, he told Sami he was going to kill him. As the victim was leaving, according to Sami, he tried to steal more items and that is when Sami accidently threw the knife at him, and the victim fell and hit his head on a pillar.

Parties are set to meet on Aug. 23.

Homicides Increase 20 Percent from May to June

In DC, there has been a 20 percent increase in homicides from May to June, according to D.C. Witness data.

As of July 11, D.C. Witness data shows 18 homicides in June, an uptick from the 15 homicides recorded in May. Among the 18 homicides, 16 currently have no suspects.

Of the eight wards, the most homicide incidents happened in Ward 7.

Ward 1 – One homicide
Ward 2 – One homicide
Ward 3 – Zero homicides
Ward 4 – Two homicides
Ward 5 – Two homicides
Ward 6 – Two homicides
Ward 7 – Six homicides
Ward 8 – Four homicides

Leslie Gains, 55, who was in her daughter’s car when Kayla Brown, 22, allegedly stole the car on the 100 block of Irving Street, NW on June 3. Brown, 22, is charged with unarmed carjacking.

According to court documents, officers chased down the stolen vehicle, which had crashed into the US Attorney’s Office on the 600 block of D Street, NW. Gaines was found in the car and died moments later.

On June 1, Victor Bolden, 15, was shot and killed on the 600 Block of 18th Street, NE. Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department responded to reported gunshots and found Bolden suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The MPD has yet to name a suspect.

In June, there were also 20 non-fatal shooting incidents with 25 victims, including an incident on June 23 at approximately 2:10 a.m. The MPD responded to the report of a shooting on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE, finding a juvenile male suffering from a non-fatal gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Shooting Defendant Receives Approval for 60-day Drug Treatment Program

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun granted a Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) request to transfer a shooting defendant to an in-patient treatment, during a July 10 hearing.

Tejan Bah, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 27, 2021, on the 2200 block of 25th Place, NE. One individual sustained gunshot and stab wounds during the incident.

A representative from PSA requested Judge Okun order Bah be placed in a 60-day drug treatment program.

Michelle Stevens, Bah’s defense attorney, requested that her client be released, so he could self-report to treatment.

The prosecution objected, arguing Bah has failed to self-report in the past.

Bah is scheduled to start his treatment at the facility on July 12.

A new court date will be scheduled when Bah concludes his treatment.

Witness, Who Drove Surviving Victim to Hospital, Testifies to Being Homicide Defendant’s ‘Good Friend’

A witness, who testified to driving a surviving victim of a mass shooting to a hospital, testified to being friends with defendant before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom on July 10.

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 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.

Prosecutors called an individual, who is currently incarcerated for unrelated reasons, to testify to driving a surviving victim to the hospital, as he was trailed by police officers.

According to the witness, he and the victim grew up in Clay Terrace together.

The police searched the witness’ car at the hospital and no weapons were seized.

The witness said he’s known Price since middle school, adding they are “good friends,” despite not talking since before 2018.

Prosecutors also called a resident from Clay Terrace whose younger brother was friends with Wilson. According to the witness, she was in the area at the time of the shooting, but cannot identify the shooters because they were wearing masks.

Trial is slated to resume July 11.

Stabbing Defendant Enters Not Guilty Plea at Arraignment

During his arraignment, one of four co-defendants entered a not guilty plea July 9 for a jailhouse stabbing before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Dionte Anderson, 25, was arraigned on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon with a sharp object, unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution, and carrying a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on May 5 at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.

Anderson is charged alongside Ndiaye Elhadji, 24, Tyrone Hawkins, 22, and Dion Lee, 24.

According to court documents, the four suspects allegedly stabbed another inmate, and a corrections officer was injured trying to break up the melee at the jail.

Anderson’s defense attorney, John Machato, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

The prosecuting attorney offered Anderson a wired plea agreement that requires all four co-defendants to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange all other charges will be dropped.

If the offer is rejected, the prosecution may seek to charge the defendants with assault with intent to kill given the victim was stabbed in the head.

Anderson was being held at the DC jail while he awaited trial for the murder of 31-year-old Adrian Mack, but he has since been transferred to Northern Neck Regional Jail.

All four defendants were slated to meet for a status hearing before Anderson’s arraignment, but Lee is currently being held in Kentucky and Hawkins refused to get on the bus.

Parties are set to return on Aug. 5.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Motorcycle Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal crash, involving a motorcycle, that led to the death of the motorcycle driver – 33-year-old Marvin Anthony Williams. The incident occurred on June 27 on the 500 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.

Document: MPD Seeking Suspects in Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating two suspects in connection to a shooting that injured an individual on July 10 on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect in Triple Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a triple shooting that occurred on June 30 on the 6100 block of Banks Place, NE.

Stabbing Defendant Found Guilty Less Than 30 Minutes After Closing Statements

On day two of a bench trial, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park found a defendant guilty of stabbing a person who was trying to offer the defendant help.

James Campbell, 43, was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on July 19, 2023, that occurred near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Warder Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to witness testimony, Campbell was found sitting near a roadway in a state of apparent medical duress. The victim, who was riding his bike in the area, approached Campbell in an attempt to help him, but the interaction quickly became physical. Campbell allegedly went after the victim.

According to the victim, Campbell grabbed the victim’s bike, but the victim pushed it against him and hit Campbell in the head, causing a laceration. Campbell then pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in the arm.

On July 9, the prosecution closed with saying that while Campbell may not have wanted help, many in the area could tell he needed it. The victim tried to help Campbell, the prosecution stated, “but his reward was a stab wound to the arm.”

The prosecution recounted the victim and eyewitness’ testimonies, focusing on the witness’ account, stating that it corroborated the victim’s story.

The witness said he was on a walk near the scene when he saw Campbell under some sort of medical duress. He said he went to help but the victim got there first.

He said he heard the victim asking Campbell if he was okay, needed help, or needed water. He said the victim sounded concerned, not threatening.

The witness said he watched Campbell jump up and start going at the victim. He saw the victim back up into the street, Campbell followed. The witness said he watched as Campbell brandished a knife to stab the victim.

The incident was recorded on the witness’ phone, and correlates directly with the victim’s testimony.

The prosecutor argued that Campbell’s actions were voluntary and on purpose. He said Campbell was aware of what he was doing, which was proven by the witnesses’ description of Campbell consistently following and going after the victim.

The victim’s injuries were found to be significant because it required hospitalization, as well as four internal and six external stitches for the stab wound.

After the prosecution, Campbell gave his closing argument, restating that he acted in self-defense. He argued that the victim used his bike as a weapon against him, repeatedly.

According to Campbell, he tried to withdraw from the altercation, telling the victim “you hit me, you touched me, you can’t do that, just leave me alone, get away.”

Campbell said he was pushed to the ground and pinned down. He said the victim was the aggressor.

The prosecution responded with video footage that showed that Campbell was “clearly the aggressor.” The victim had tried to leave by riding away on his bike, but Campbell would not let go of the bike.

Judge Park stated that if only the victim and Campbell had testified, his decision could have been different because both accounts of the story were strong. However, he stated the witness account was “the most important testimony,” as it corroborated the victim’s story.

Parties are scheduled to return Sept. 9 for sentencing.

Victim Shares Disbelief that ‘Milk Crate Would Lead To A Life Or Death Situation’

On July 10, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea L Hertzfeld imposed an eight year prison sentence for a defendant convicted in connection to a non-fatal shooting that stemmed from a disagreement regarding a milk crate.

Diandre Caesar, 30, was convicted by a jury on April 9 of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm in a crime of violence for a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 28, 2022, on the 2200 block of New York Avenue, NE.

Video surveillance showed an individual, identified as Caesar, throw a milk crate over a fence and into the drive-through lane of a McDonald’s while he was mowing the lawn of a nearby parking lot.

One of the victims, who found his path blocked by the milk crate, left his car to throw the crate back over the fence. He attempted to drive away, but Caesar allegedly retrieved the milk crate and threw it back over the fence, striking the victim’s vehicle.

An argument ensued, and dash camera footage from the victim’s car captured Caesar and two victims exchanging insults. When the victims, who were in the car with their infant, drove away, Caesar fired four shots at their vehicle. No injuries were reported.

At the sentencing, prosecutors asked Judge Herzfeld to sentence Caesar to 11 years in prison due to the severity of his crime, stating Caesar was a “grown man who knows the difference between right and wrong.”

To support the sentencing request, the prosecution called one of the victims to give a witness impact statement. The victim emphasized that his infant child was in the car when the shooting occurred and that Caesar “knew my son was in the car — a one-and-a-half year old baby.”

The victim admitted that he “[wasn’t] victimless” in what happened and had his child not been in the car he too would be advocating for Caesar to receive the minimum sentence of five years.

“One of those bullets was five inches away from my child’s car seat,” the victim stated. He emphasized that despite the jury finding Caesar not guilty of child cruelty, the child’s life was put in danger.

Both the prosecutor and victim in their statements emphasized that the argument that preceded the shooting was “silly” and did not justify Caesar’s actions.

Prosecutors argued that even though Caesar claimed that he had been spit on by the victim, his reaction was “not rational.”

“Never did I think a milk crate would lead to a life or death situation,” the victim told Judge Hertzfeld.

Caesar’s defense attorney, Joseph Fay, stated that going from never having been incarcerated to “a five year minimum [was] a steep price to pay.”

Fay went on to say that the pre-sentencing report recommended therapy and mental health services, which were appropriate. However, the sentence that was recommended was not, and that the representations of Caesar’s character were not accurate.

Fay argued that because Caesar had no prior convictions the prosecution’s recommendation of 11 years was unreasonable. Fay stated that Caesar did “nothing that would warrant the sentence [that] the [prosecution] is asking for.”

Fay emphasized that the five year mandatory minimum sentence “more than met the requirement for society.”

Caesar’s sister, who appeared via WebEx, gave a statement in support of her brother.

His sister, a recent graduate of Berkeley Law School, said Caesar’s run in with the justice system in 2011, where he was falsely accused was the “reason why [she] went to law school in the first place.”

She asked Judge Hertzfeld to employ the minimum sentence sharing that he has “fought hard not to become a stereotype,” and emphasized that he is “not a threat to the community and more importantly not a threat to children.”

She shared that their mother has been on dialysis for 16 years and her family “needs him home.”

“Anything beyond the minimum is excessive,” but, “no matter what time he gets he is going to come out a better man,” she stated.

A friend of Caesar also gave a statement, requesting that the minimum sentence be imposed, stating that he “know[s] how important every minute of every day is for him.”

A pastor and youth leader connected to Cesar’s family also requested that Judge Hertzfeld impose the minimum sentence.

In her ruling, Judge Hertzfeld recognized that it was difficult “to square [the statements] with what happened,” but that what Caesar did was incredibly dangerous. She stated that the “fact of the matter is there could’ve been a dead child” due to Caesar’s actions.

Judge Hertzfeld imposed a sentence of 60 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and 18 months for each count of assault with a dangerous weapon. The sentences would be served consecutively. Cesar must also serve three years on supervised release.

Caesar is also required to register as a gun offender in DC within one year of his release.

Judge Hertzfeld told Cesar he “was very lucky” for all the family support that he had with him in court and in his life. She said that such support could bode well when he is released back into the community.

‘His Jaw Was Just Hanging,’ Officer Describes Shooting Victim During Homicide Trial

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom heard July 9 testimony from an officer who described the injuries of another victim regarding a 2018 mass shooting that claimed the life of a 10-year-old girl.

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 the 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.

During the hearing, the prosecution called an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who said he escorted a surviving victim to the hospital.

According to the officer, the victim was shot in the mouth, resulting in his inability to cooperate with MPD.

“His jaw was just hanging,” recalled the MPD officer of the victim’s injury.

Through body-worn camera footage, which was shown in court, the officer can be seen collecting a bullet fragment, which was recovered by surgeons from the victim’s face.

The prosecution then called on a resident from Clay Terrace who was present the night Makiyah was killed.

According to the witness, she had arrived home moments before the incident occurred. As she was closing her front door, a bullet hit the glass of her storm door, causing it to shatter. She testified she allowed people to take shelter in her home from the gunfire.

“All I heard was screaming,” said the resident.

The neighbor could not recall much else from the night and was not able to testify to anything else.

Trial is slated to resume July 10.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Domestic Homicide

Desmond Thurston pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on July 10.

Thurston, 46, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, burglary, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his romantic partner Patricia Johnson, 52, on Oct. 1, 2023, on the 4000 block of 13th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Thurston and Johnson had a history of domestic disputes, including calls to the police 48 hours before the alleged incident. Johnson had also filed a restraining order that Thurston had not yet been served.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 5.

Judge Revokes Shooting Defendant’s Probation Due To Guilty Verdict in Federal Case

On July 10, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz revoked a defendant’s probation due to his recent conviction in an unrelated federal case.

Ronald Yarborough, 29, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction on Dec. 22, 2020. He was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 28, 2020 on the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW. He was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for being in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest on July 23, 2020, at the same location.

On May 3, 2021, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced Yarborough to 36 months for assault with a dangerous weapon, with 12 months suspended, and 18 months for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, with six months suspended. He served the terms concurrently and was also required to be on supervised probation for two years upon release.

However, on Jan. 29, Yarborough allegedly violated his probation, and was detained in connection to an unrelated US District Court case.

When asked by Judge Leibovitz for guidance regarding Yarborough’s probation, a Court Services & Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) probation officer recommended revocation of Yarborough’s probation due to his conviction. The prosecution also agreed.

Judge Leibovitz concurred, stating that given the defendant’s guilty verdict, she would order for the revocation of Yarborough’s probation.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 26 for a re-sentencing.

Defense Requests 3rd Continuance for Double Homicide Trial

A homicide defendant’s attorney asked DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on July 9 to consider a third continuance for trial due to expert witness issues.

Keanan Turner, 33, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, destruction of property, carrying a pistol without a license, tampering with physical evidence, second-degree cruelty to children, attempted murder against a minor, and arson.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Wanda Wright, 48, and Ebony Wright, 31, on the 2000 block of Good Hope Court, SE on April 12, 2021.

Turner’s defense attorney, Franz Jobson, requested a continuance for the trial that is slated to begin July 17.

Jobson pointed to issues revolving around an expert witness the defense needs to testify in relation to the prosecution’s cell phone data evidence.

The prosecution had entered three cell phone plot points into evidence that allegedly show the defendant in the general area at the time of the murders.

According to Jobson, their witness was set to testify until he received a notification from Turner’s family that they were unable to pay the expert’s invoice, therefore delaying their appearance at trial.

When asked for specifics, Jobson told the court the expert witness is $390 an hour and they have already worked eight hours in preparation for trial.

Additionally, Jobson mentioned that Turner’s family is already in debt to him for around $50,000.

“I don’t think this is an unreasonable request,” Jobson said.

The prosecution objected to this continuance, claiming that this issue should have been brought up sooner than a week before trial, as the witness was contracted by the defense almost a year ago.

According to the prosecution, this trial had already been continued twice and is now over three years old. The prosecutor also stated that this case involves a child and should be moving expeditiously.

Additionally, the prosecution said the defense attorney’s bill should not be delaying the trial as it is a separate matter. If this is a money issue, delaying the trial does not solve that, the prosecutor said.

Judge Raffinan ordered the defense team to file a specific, detailed motion for continuance before 6 p. m. on July 9.

The parties are set to meet again July 10.

‘Today Marks the First Day of the Rest of Your Life,’ Judge Tells Shooting Defendant as She Terminates His Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt terminated a shooting defendant’s probation following his “progression with some bumps on the road,” during a July 9 hearing.

Markeis Crandall, 20, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in 2022 for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left two individuals injured. The incident took place on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, on Nov. 26, 2021.

Crandall received a suspended sentence of five years with two years of probation.

He was originally charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license.

During Crandall’s term of probation, he was detained at the DC Jail for multiple violations and repeatedly admitted into court-ordered residential substance abuse treatment programs.

At the hearing, a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) alerted Judge Brandt that Crandall had been a victim of a shooting. According to the representative, Crandall endured an injury to his leg, which has required and will continue to need multiple surgeries, including an upcoming skin graft.

The representative deemed probation “no longer accommodating” to Crandall and his family, stating he has shown improvement. “I want him to have a chance,” the representative said, adding “He’s thinking of big life decisions right now,” following his shooting.

She requested Judge Brandt terminate the probation with the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) sentencing, which will seal his conviction.

The prosecution did not oppose the request, stating they defer to the court on the decision based on his record of improvement. Sellano Simmons, Crandall’s defense attorney, agreed with CSOSA.

“I’ve spent the last two years trying to save you from a drug addiction,” Judge Brandt told Crandall, congratulating him on his progress.

“We have to do better,” she proclaimed, arguing that shootings have become a societal issue.

However, she stated, his shooting gave him an “up close and personal vantage point of what the victim in [this] case felt.”

“Today marks your first day of the rest of your life,” Judge Brandt told Crandall, as she terminated his probation under the YRA.

No further dates were set.