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Manslaughter Defendant to Plead Guilty in Hit-And-Run Case

Defense attorney Kevann Gardner informed DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on July 24 of his client’s intent to agree to an extended plea offer, but requested additional time to fully discuss it.

Andre Johnson, 31, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the hit-and-run fatality of 18-year-old Madison Jones. The incident occurred June 8, 2023 near the intersection of 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Jones was in the car with her boyfriend and boyfriend’s mother when another vehicle ran a red light, crashed into the victim’s car, and the driver fled from the scene. The registered owner of the vehicle, reportedly Johnson’s foster sibling, reported to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that Johnson was allegedly driving the car at the time of the incident.

Johnson reportedly did not have a valid driver’s license. The car’s owner alleged Johnson was a regular drug and alcohol user and believed him to be under the influence at the time of the crash, according to court documents.

As per documents, at the time of the incident, Johnson was on release in two cases for driving without a valid license. 

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Okun that a plea offer had been extended to the defense but was going to soon expire. The offer required Johnson to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter, assault with intent to kill, and intended assault with intent to kill, which could result in a prison sentence of more than twenty years.

Through the deal, the prosecution would not seek any increased penalties – based on Jones’ age or Johnson’s not having a license or being under the influence – charges and would not seek indictment.

Gardner, stated that the defense waited this long to provide a response because Johnson needed to be certain about “the most important decision” of his life. Gardner then told Judge Okun that as of now, Johnson has agreed to accept the deal.

Parties are slated to return Aug. 2 for Johnson’s final decision.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer, Opts for Trial

A stabbing defendant formally rejected a plea offer in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow in a hearing on July 24.

Terrell Eisbey, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on May 1 at the intersection of 14th and Euclid Street, NW.

According to court documents, Eisbey assaulted the victim after demanding money and stabbed the individual around the knee and hand. The victim was able to get away from Eisbey by pretending to go to an ATM to get him money and then escaping in the car of a witness nearby.

The victim was transported to Howard University Hospital and treated for injuries, according to documents.

During the hearing, the prosecution stated they had extended an offer, requiring Eisbey to plead guilty to assault with significant bodily injury in exchange for not seeking indictment charges. 

This offer was rejected by Eisbey.

Sara Kopecki, Eisbey’s defense attorney, requested release for her client and recommended placing Eisbey on house arrest with GPS monitoring, arguing his criminal history was not recent and that he had the support of his fiancee and father, who was present in the courtroom.

Judge Pasichow denied the request due to the violent nature of the crime and his criminal record.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a trial readiness hearing on Aug. 30.

Stabbing Defendant Requests Time to Decide Plea Agreement

On July 24, a stabbing defendant requested additional time to consider a plea agreement, which was shared by prosecutors on July 23, before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno. 

Tyrone Graham, 42, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place on July 13 on the intersection of 12th and U Street in front of McDonald’s. One individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

According to court documents, Graham was standing at a bus stop when he and the victim got into a verbal altercation and the victim began punching Graham in the face. Then Graham reached into his bag, pulled out a knife, and allegedly began stabbing the victim. 

At the hearing, the prosecution stated they had extended an agreement to Graham, which requires him to plead guilty to assault with a deadly weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. 

Wole Falodun, Graham’s defense attorney, stated that he needed more time to review the plea with his client before moving forward. Judge Salerno granted his request. 

Though Falodun made no formal argument for release he emphasized that his client was “viciously attacked,” by a stranger and continued his claim that Graham acted in self-defense. However, Judge Salerno said “[his] hands are tied,” and there is nothing he can do for release at this time. 

Parties are slated to return on Aug. 7.

Case Acquitted: Defense Claims Motive in Homicide Case is ‘Made Up’ by the Prosecution 

Editor’s note: On Aug. 1, a jury acquitted Jarvis Jackson of all charges connected to the homicide of Deont’e Minor. 

Parties’ clashed over the motive in fatal shooting case before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on July 23. 

Jarvis Jackson, 42, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction for allegedly fatally shooting Deont’e Minor, 23, on March 20, 2021, on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Minor was in an Uber ride share when he was shot in the backseat as the vehicle was waiting to make a turn. The driver took the victim to a nearby hospital immediately after the shooting. Minor later succumbed to his injuries.  

During opening statements, the prosecution stated that Jackson had a motive to shoot Minor, detailing an alleged robbery Minor committed against Jackson months prior.

The defense stated that Jackson is not guilty arguing that the robbery prosecutors alleged never happened, close friends of Minor pointed the finger at Jackson, and DNA evidence found in the area of the crime scene did not belong to the suspect. 

Defense attorney, Madhuri Swarna, described the alleged robbery as “made up”, claiming Jackson had no motive to kill Minor. 

During the hearing, the Uber driver testified he heard a loud bang while waiting to make a turn. The witness said he saw the shooter standing outside the vehicle when he looked back and then drove away to the hospital. 

While the driver never looked back again to check on Minor, he testified he heard him “gagging” and presumed him to be injured. The witness testified that the shooter was wearing a black hoodie and black face mask but could not tell much else.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer reviewing body-worn camera footage, said he saw the injured victim lying outside the hospital receiving treatment and observed shooting damage to the vehicle damage.

The victim’s sister testified that she was in contact with Minor the day of the incident as they coordinated for him to arrive at her baby shower, the reason Minor was taking an Uber. 

On cross-examination, the witness revealed she and Minor were on FaceTime shortly before the incident took place.

Parties are slated to return on July 24.

Non-Fatal Stabbing Case Postponed Pending Further Investigation

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted the prosecution’s request for a continuance in a non-fatal stabbing case, citing a need to further investigate the defendant and the crime, on July 24.

Victoria Langley, 53, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that left one person injured. The incident occurred on Oct. 11, 2023 on the 1900 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE. 

According to court documents, Langley got into an argument with one of the victims accusing her of taking her cell phone. That led to Langley’s allegedly stabbing one of the victims multiple times, before fleeing the scene on foot. 

At the hearing, the prosecution requested a 45-day continuance, which would allow for further investigation of Langley’s case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 6.

Weapons Evidence, Testimony From Ex-Girlfriend Presented in Homicide Trial of Child Victim

Prosecutors introduced evidence of murder defendants allegedly with guns, then called the ex-girlfriend of a defendant to testify in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on July 23.

Mark Price, 29, and Antonio Murchison, 31, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018, on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. The incident left 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.

Price is also charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, threat to injure or kidnap a person, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and first-degree burglary while armed.

These charges are connected to the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE. 

The third co-defendant, Quanisha Ramsuer, 31, is charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide.

Six other defendants were convicted in 2023 of charges from the incident, including:

On July 22, prosecutors brought an expert in firearms to testify about the analysis he conducted on ballistic evidence collected from Clay Terrace. 

Based on a comparison of the cartridge casings the expert determined there were at least four guns fired on July 16 identified as from from a 5.56 x 45 rifle, a .45 auto handgun, and two 9mm Lugers.

His testimony that four firearms were utilized during the mass shooting corroborates the prosecution’s claim that there were four gunmen. 

On July 23, the expert was shown photos and videos from various Instagram accounts which showed several individuals, one of which appeared to be Murchison, with several different guns.

The expert said the individuals had an AK-47-type firearm, two AR-15 pistols, a “Draco” gun (AK-47-style pistol), a Glock with an extended magazine, and various Glocks and handguns.

During cross examination, Murchison’s defense attorney, Steven Ogilvie, said the accuracy of firearms analysis is a matter of scientific dispute.

Price’s defense attorney, Megan Allburn, presented the witness with photographs of advertised fake and look- alike guns the witness agreed resembled the real things.

The prosecution also called a witness with a past personal connection to Murchison, who she knew as “Tony.” She said due to a seizure condition, she struggles with long-term memories, so a large portion of her testimony was from her grand jury testimony in 2018.

The prosecution attorney read from the witness’ grand jury testimony that she had a sexual relationship with the defendant from December 2017 to April 2018 and became engaged in September 2018.

The grand jury testimony also revealed that she knew “Tony” to be Murchison and was familiar with his brother, Isaiah, who was convicted in 2023 for his involvement in the mass shooting.

However, the witness failed to identify Murchison in court and did not recognize him in video footage she was shown during her original interview in 2018.

On July 16, the prosecution called on an expert in cellular data history to testify to the phone records that belong to Taylor, Thomas, Michals and what the prosecution alleges to belong to Price.

The records showed the individuals’ phones in the general location of the shooting at the time of the incident. 

The expert testified that, according to the records, Price was in the same general area as the convicted defendants in the days leading up to Wilson’s murder, but that he was unable to provide an exact location.

Parties are slated to return July 24.

Judge Issues Warrant for Defendant’s Father in a Murder Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan issued a material witness warrant for a homicide defendant’s father who was supposed to testify on July 23, but failed to appear. 

Keanan Turner, 35, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, attempted first-degree murder against a minor, arson, second-degree cruelty to children, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, destruction of property of less than $1000 and tampering with physical evidence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Ebony Wright, 31, and her mother, Wanda Wright, 48, on April 12, 2021, on the 2300 block of Good Hope Court, SE.  

According to court documents, Turner is the father of Ebony’s child, who was an infant at the time of the shooting. The child survived the incident, as did Ebony’s sister, who was shot in the face.

The prosecutor says Turner urged Ebony to get an abortion when he learned she was pregnant and told her he didn’t want to be involved in the child’s life.

During the hearing, Turner’s father refused to show up to court to testify despite being subpoenaed by the prosecution. The prosecution said the witness had health issues preventing him from testifying. 

The witness’ defense attorney, Frederick Iverson, also said the witness, who lives in Virginia, should not testify based on potential self-incrimination. According to Iverson, the witness believes if he testifies he may run the risk of being charged with involuntary manslaughter because he’s alleged to have provided Turner the gun used in the crime.

According to the prosecution detectives went to the witness’ house to assist him but he wasn’t there. The prosecution said one of the neighbors told officers they saw the witness pack up his truck late last night and leave.

So, Judge Raffinan granted the prosecution’s request to issue a material witness warrant. 

At the hearing, a fingerprint expert revealed Ebony’s fingerprints were found on the scene, but was unable to identify any others.

The witness told the jury that, in general, gloves and fire can make fingerprints found on crime scenes virtually undetectable.  Officers found a fire in the kitchen when they responded to the scene.

Another forensic scientist, said she found a box of plastic gloves in Turner’s car when it was turned in for processing. The prosecution said Turner allegedly wore the same style of gloves during the shooting. 

A representative from Snapchat’s law enforcement operations testified that Turner and Ebony regularly communicated on the app, used to share self-destructing photos before the shooting incident, providing the jury with their usernames. 

The witness showed data detailing correspondence between Turner and Ebony during the course of their relationship. He also said the data reveals either Turner or Ebony “unadded” or removed the other.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 24.

‘Law-Abiding Citizen to a Certain Degree,’ Testifies During Carjacking, Burglary Trial

A victim’s family members and a”law-abiding” passenger in a stolen car testified during a carjacking and burglary trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on July 23. 

Kenneth Phillips, 24, is charged with carjacking, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, burglary second-degree, 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 a non-fatal armed robbery and carjacking on Nov. 15 and 16, 2021. The incidents occurred on the 2000 block of 4th Street, NE. 

According to court documents, on Nov. 15, 2021, Phillips allegedly assaulted a victim as he stole his key ring, which contained keys to two vehicles, a white Nissan and a brown Toyota, and the keys to the victim’s home, before fleeing the scene in the Toyota. 

On Nov. 16, 2021, Phillips was stopped in the early morning hours in the brown Toyota, while the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were canvassing the area looking for the stolen vehicle. He was allegedly found with the key fob for the white Nissan and a Penn State graduation ring, according to court documents. 

Per court documents, that same morning, the victim’s family member reported to MPD that someone had broken into their house and had stolen multiple items, including a Penn State graduation ring, a television, and three gold chains, among other items.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on an individual who was in the passenger seat during the recovery of the stolen Toyota and Phillips’ arrest. She stated that she saw the car parked with its hazard lights on and recognized the driver, having seen him in the area. According to the witness, Phillips was in the driver’s seat of the vehicle and he agreed to give her a ride homed and he obliged. She stated that two were driving for roughly five minutes being pulled over by police officers. 

The witness stated that she and Phillips were questioned separately, after she explained her situation she was free to go. Phillips was still speaking to police when the witness left. 

Defense attorney Joseph Yarbough asked the witness if she remembers telling police she is a, “law-abiding citizen to a certain degree.” Yarbough mentioned her past convictions for providing false identification to police with the attempt to deceive and possession of cocaine. 

Prosecutors also called on the neurosurgeon who treated the victim, who, based on a CT scan, suffered a subdural hematoma- a dangerous condition that occurs when blood collects between the skull and the brain. Yarbough pointed out the bones around the victim’s eyes weren’t broken nor did he sustain diagnosed skull injuries.

Prosecuting attorneys called the wife and daughter of the victim who were not present during the carjacking or burglary.

The daughter returned on Nov. 16 to change the locks but “by the time [she] got there it was too late.” According to the witness, when she arrived she found that all of the doors were opened and lights were on. 

The victim’s wife testified she arrived after her daughter alerted authorities and stated that her daughter’s Penn State ring, an emerald diamond ring, television, three chains, and a camera were all missing, The witness was shown the Penn State ring and confirmed it did belong to her daughter and was missing from her home but the emerald ring was not recovered.

The prosecution then called a Fifth District officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who performed a traffic stop on the stolen brown Toyota and arrested Phillips at the scene. 

The officer gave an in-court identification of Phillips,

The witness reviewed his body camera footage from the night of the arrest, in which an individual, identified as Phillips, turns the car off and holds out what appear to be the keys for the vehicle.

The officer also confirmed that “no chain necklace, camera or money,” was found in the car or on Phillips’ personally. However, he was arrested was because he was “operating a vehicle that was reported as stolen.” 

A criminal investigator attempted to execute a search warrant to swab Phillips for a DNA sample but he failed to cooperate.

Yarbough questioned the investigator about Phillips’ refusal to identify himself and the witness stated that “Phillips refused to say his name,” and “there was a verbal altercation that grew,” until Phillips told the witness that he “would not submit without his lawyer present.” 

According to the witness, it is common practice for lawyers to be present for DNA testing but was not required in this instance. 

Parties are slated to return on July 24. 

Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer, Request for Release Denied 

A shooting defendant rejected a plea offer and was denied a request for release by DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on July 24. 

Theodore Williams, 52, is charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 4000 block of Wahler Court, SE on April 18. No injuries were reported. 

During the hearing, Susan Borecki, Williams’ attorney, alerted Judge Christian of his intent to reject a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. 

Through the deal, parties would have agreed to a 60 month sentence. 

Borecki also reopened the defense’s prior motion for release, citing concern over the prosecution’s evidence. According to Borecki, the prosecutor’s evidence against Williams is weak, stating that the ShotSpotter system never alerted authorities to a shooting in the area, and the guns the prosecution claims they have as evidence do not match with evidence collected at the scene. 

Judge Christian denied the request, stating the concerns are factual based Williams’ alleged involvement, which will be decided by a jury at trial. 

Parties set a trial date for Nov. 7.

They’re slated to reconvene Oct. 24. 

Judge Gives Carjacking Defendant Last Chance to Stay on Release 

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian alerted a carjacking defendant he had one chance to prove he deserves to remain on release during a July 23 hearing following a non-compliance report from the DC Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). 

Richard Bates, 17, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on Sept. 13, 2023, on the 1600 block of Frankford Street, SE. 

According to court documents, two suspects, one of whom was identified as Bates, demanded a victim’s vehicle at gunpoint. It is alleged that Bates was in the victim’s vehicle when he was apprehended. Police have not arrested the second individual. 

On July 19, following 14 notices of non-compliance during release dating back to Oct. 12, 2023, prosecutors expressed concern about Bates’ release conditions. 

At the hearing, Christen Phillips, Bates’ attorney, presented Paul Thomas, a manager of professional development and enrichment at “Smart from the Start”, who spoke about a workforce development program for Bates. The organization promotes “healthy development” for children and families from the most underserved communities in several US cities.

Thomas said Bates would undergo life skills, job interview training, mentoring and coaching by staff and support to obtain his GED.

The prosecution pointed out that Bates was late for curfew twice after the last hearing on July 19. At that hearing, Bates was reprimanded for missing curfew and violating release conditions. The prosecution argued that he has not learned from his mistakes.

Pretrial services said Bates, along with missing curfew, was not participating in court-ordered drug testing.

However, Phillips argued he was late for curfew because the shelter where he currently resides does not let him in without his mother present, and she was not there.

Judge Christian weighed the options and said that Bates needs to be occupied and engaged “24/7” if he participates in the Smart from the Start program.

“Violations from this point on ‘That’s it,’” Judge Christian said to Bates, alerting him any further violations may result in his detainment.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 30.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Stabbing Case, Orders Defendant Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann found probable cause a suspect committed a stabbing after a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer testified on July 23. 

Junae Roberson, 37, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on July 20 on the 4000 block of 3rd Street, SE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

The officer testified that Roberson and the victim had a verbal altercation when the victim called another individual to pick them up from Roberson’s residence. The presence of the other individual aggravated Roberson which allegedly resulted in the stabbing, according to the officer. 

The officer added that the victim sustained a stab wound from a butcher knife through her left chest resulting in a punctured lung.

However, the officer testified, Roberson stated that she and the victim got into a physical altercation with another group of women then returning to Roberson’s residence before someone stole her money, leading to a verbal altercation that resulted in the stabbing. 

According to the officer, when interviewed by the same detective, the victim and another individual identified Roberson as the perpetrator.

Following the probable cause finding, Judge Herrmann also denied release for Roberson stating that there are no conditions of release that would ensure the safety of the community. 

Parties are slated to return July 31.