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Judge Disagrees with Competency Finding for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park disagreed with a report on a defendant’s competency in a mental observation hearing on June 26. 

Alicia Faison, 35, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on April 22 on the 4000 block of G Street, SE. The victim did not sustain life-threatening injuries. 

Judge Park said he did not believe Faison was competent. A restoration offer was placed. Faison will be transferred to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in an effort to restore competency.

The prosecution also mentioned that a plea offer is available for the defendant. Specifics of the offer were not mentioned during the hearing.

According to court documents, Faison let two homeless people into her apartment. She left and when she returned, started yelling, grabbed two knives from the kitchen, and stabbed one of the individuals multiple times in the hands, arms, and neck.  

Parties are scheduled to return on Aug. 8.

Prosecution Introduces Social Media Posts and Messages Between Co-Conspirators in Murder of 10-Year-Old Girl

On the third day of trial for a multi-defendant murder and gang affiliation case, prosecutors introduced online messaging and video evidence for past crimes of the alleged co-conspirators to a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom on June 26.

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. 

A 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 Maliyah Wilson incident, including:

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 stemmed from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE. 

The prosecution called on a custodian of records for Meta Platforms, Inc. the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The custodian identified several photographs, each believed to be related to the Wellington Park Crew, in relation to their Instagram usernames. These photographs were the same that Michals’ cousin used to identify the crew members during the June 25 hearing.

An MPD detective discussed multiple photos and videos, posted between June 2017 and January 2018, that were recovered during a search warrant of two crew affiliates’ – Saquan Williams, 23, and Quincy Garvin, 24 – Instagram accounts. All of the photos and videos featured an individual, identified as Garvin, holding different guns, ranging from small handguns to long guns and rifles.

The detective also went through a group direct message thread between some of the defendants and their alleged co-conspirators the custodian had previously identified. The messages contained numerous references to guns via slang terms such as “joint,” “ARP,” “glock 30,” and “drake.” 

A later group message thread had messages informing the others that certain group members had been “bagged,” a slang term for “got” or “arrested.” It was not specified as to why, but it was noted that the arrests would have only been for one day.

Parties are scheduled to resume trial on June 27.

It’s, ‘Difficult to Feel Safe and Secure,’ Shooting Victim Says

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced a shooting defendant to 24 months on June 26. 

Paul Poston, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 29, 2023, at the intersection of O Street and Carrollsburg Place, SW. No one was injured during the incident. 

According to court documents, Poston and his co-defendant, Gerald Day, 32, shot at the victim’s car after a fight broke out following a party. 

The victim’s impact statement shared the financial damages to her car and the emotional toll of the crime since she lost her father in a similar manner. 

“The more pressing matter is the fact that a threat on my life was made,” the victim said after discussing the $6,000 in damages she faces with her “bullet-ridden” car.

“It has made it incredibly difficult to feel safe and secure,” the victim continued.

The prosecution argued that Poston’s conduct was “extremely dangerous” and could have caused physical harm to many individuals since the shots were fired in a residential neighborhood. 

Peter Odom, Poston’s defense attorney, argued that Poston acknowledged he was in the wrong and has been remorseful since the beginning of the proceedings. Odom described Poston as hard-working, educated and a family man.

Poston is active in the lives of his four children and the children of his current partner, who was present at the sentencing, Odom said. 

Poston’s previous employment included working in the army national guard, as an armed security guard, and at the detention facility he is being detained in. Odom said Poston has experienced enough shame and remorse from this situation that a long sentence would not be required to avoid recidivism.

The prosecution argued Poston’s previous employment displayed how distressing the conditions of the incident were because the public trust Poston acquired from his previous positions was tarnished. 

“If I would have thought a little further, my children would still have their dad,” Poston wrote in a statement.

Judge Di Toro sentenced Poston to 24 months, suspending all but 10 months. He must also serve one year on supervised release. 

Judge Di Toro stated this was not an action of self defense and serious bodily harm could have been caused, but she took into account that this was Poston’s first felony and he has been a productive member of the community prior to the incident. 

Poston is also required  to register as a gun offender and pay a $100 fine to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF).

Defendant Rejects Wired Plea Offer in Attempted Robbery

Marcus Cunningham rejected a plea offer from the prosecution on June 26, which was connected to his co-defendant’s plea offer.

Cunningham, 19, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred at the intersection of 17th and Euclid Streets, NW on April 25. One individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

According to court documents, the shooting stemmed from a drug exchange and shoe transaction that went wrong.

Cunningham allegedly threw a gun on the ground after the shooting, and attempted to flee the scene before he was detained by officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). 

On June 6, the prosecution notified the court that they extended a plea offer, which required Cunningham to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Through the deal, parties would agree to a sentencing range of 36-to-84 months. 

Cunningham’s co-defendant, Marcell Cradle, 19, would also have to plead guilty to assault with intent to rob for the plea deal to be valid for both defendants. 

Cunningham’ and his’s co-defendant also rejected the plea offer. 

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz set the trial to begin on Oct. 16.

Additionally, the prosecution said they do not expect to test DNA on any physical evidence. But, as they are still unsure, Judge Leibovitz said she will wait to ask Cunningham if he wants to waive his right to independently test evidence. 

Defense attorney, Tammy Thom, also asked the judge to appoint the complaining witness an attorney so that they can request medical records. 

Judge Leibovitz informed defense counsel that she cannot do that but asked the prosecution to get in contact with the complaining witness so that the medical records request can be made before trial. 

The parties are scheduled to return July 8.

Document: Suspects Sought in a Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a shooting that injured multiple individuals on June 26. The incident occurred inside a residence on the 1400 block of 1st Street, SW.

Murder Defendant Refuses to Comply in Mental Health Evaluation

A murder defendant refused to comply with a Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) evaluator to determine his ability to represent himself at trial. 

Wonell Jones Jr., 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm (prior crime of violence) for the death of his ex-girlfriend, Audora Williams, 33. Williams was shot in front of her children, whom she shares with the defendant, 52 times. The fatal shooting occurred on July 19, 2022, on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE. Prior to the murder, Jones and Williams had a history of domestic disputes resulting in Williams getting multiple protective orders against him.. 

At a mental observation hearing on June 26, Jones’ attorney Carrie Weletz said that Jones had refused to cooperate with the DBH in an evaluation to determine his ability to represent himself. Jones had previously refused to comply with the DBH for another competency evaluation in March 2023. 

Weletz said that Jones and the evaluator had “got off on the wrong foot” and requested that another DBH evaluator attempt the evaluation. She emphasized that the evaluation was particularly necessary considering that Jones has been found incompetent in previous evaluations. 

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan  noted that the request was unusual but agreed to write the DBH requesting an alternate evaluator. 

“You need to participate in this evaluation for this case to go forward,” Judge Raffinan said. She added, “you don’t get to choose, Mr. Jones, who does your evaluation.” 

A trial date was set for March 2. Parties are slated to reconvene on July 25 to hear the results of the evaluation.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant’s Bail Request Denied

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian denied June 26 a defendant’s release and transferred the case to DC Superior Court Judge Demeo for trial.  

Jordan Therman, 25, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and assault with a dangerous weapon, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals on Feb. 7 on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW. 

According to court documents, the victims entered a 7-Eleven store to make a purchase. As they were leaving the store, they allegedly spotted Therman wearing a ski mask but didn’t feel threatened because they spotted a Metropolitan Police Department ( MPD) cruiser near the parking lot. 

As the victims entered their vehicle, Therman allegedly said “I’ll kill everybody in that car,” before shooting. 

Parties are slated to return June 28. 

Judge Asks Charges Be Clarified for Jury Deliberating Murder, Conspiracy Case

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt advised attorneys to “wordsmith” the language contained in the charges which would assist the jury in deliberations.  

Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24,Koran Jackson, 23, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with the intent to kill while armed, conspiracy, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW. This shooting left a second juvenile victim in the area  suffering from a gunshot wound to the right leg, according to court documents.

In the hearing on June 26, Judge Brandt briefly reviewed the explanation, finding minor problems that could lead to incorrect inferences.

Defense attorney Andrew Ain said there were issues with the indictment in that the term “conspiracy” was explained in two different ways that could ultimately confuse jurors. 

Judge Brandt said spelling out the five charges would clear up any confusion or misinterpretation. 

Defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein took the lead in tightening up the language for the charges, along with some added guidance from the prosecution, unnecessary phrases were removed, terminology was clarified, and more information was provided., 

The updated language was delivered to jurors on Wednesday. 

Parties are set to reconvene as deliberations continue on June 27.

Judge Denies Curfew Request for Murder Defendants 

Parties met on June 21 before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein to request a curfew instead of home confinement in a co-defendant shooting.

Charles Jeter, 38, and Kevin Sewell, 33, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, and Sewell is additionally charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 46-year-old Kevin Robinson on Nov. 30, 2014, on the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE. Robinson was Sewell’s father.

Both Jeter and Sewell have been released but are under home confinement and GPS monitoring. 

Joseph Fay, Sewell’s defense attorney, asked Judge Epstein to grant his client a curfew, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., which would allow him to leave his home to get a job and help out with his daughter.

Carrie Weletz, Jeter’s defense attorney, also requested that her client be granted the same curfew. 

According to court documents, Sewell and Robinson had been “beefing” for sometime before Robinson’s murder. Sewell allegedly said to a witness, “You know how he was treating me, bro,” and that Robinson had it coming. 

Judge Epstein denied the request, stating that “circumstances haven’t changed.” He said he would revisit this topic the next time the parties meet. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 20. 

Witness Says She Never Saw Co-Defendant With Firearm in Homicide Trial of a Ten-Year-Old

During the second day of trial for a multi-codefendant homicide case, the prosecution brought seven witnesses to the stand before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

One of the witnesses, who was familiar with one of the co-defendants, said she has never seen the defendant with a firearm, despite following him on Instagram where he is allegedly pictured with firearms.

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 another murder. Charges for the other incident include 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 Maliyah Wilson incident, including:

At the hearing on June 25, the witness, who was the sister of Price’s deceased best friend, Maleak Coffin, told Megan Allburn, Price’s attorney, that she had never seen Price with a firearm.

Price’s best friend, also known as “Poppy,” died in December 2017.

According to the prosecution’s opening arguments, Price became significantly more involved in the alleged “beef” between the neighborhoods after Coffin’s death.

Before her brother’s death, the witness said Price was in the hospital for a broken leg at the same time her brother was there. The reasons for Price’s injury were not disclosed in court.

The witness stated she is a cousin of Quentin Michals, and Quincy Garvin and that she knows of an individual that goes by the name “Goonie Moonie,” a suspect who is believed to be a member of the Wellington Park Crew.  Garvin was convicted of murder last year.

Michals, 26, and Garvin, 23, were found guilty of first-degree murder, criminal street gang affiliation, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill, and other charges regarding Wilson’s death.

The witness was able to identify individuals associated with Wellington Park, including an individual she knows as “Gizzle,” who has been identified as Gregory Taylor; an individual she knows as “Zay,” identified as Isaiah Murchison; an individual she knows as “Stello,” identified as Marquell Cobbs; and Qujuan Thomas and Darrise Jeffers. 

The witness stated she did not know the name of Isaiah ’s brothers, and failed to identify Antonio in the courtroom.

However, the witness was able to identify Price in the courtroom, stating that she went to school with him. She claimed that although she and Price followed each other on Instagram, she did not communicate with him frequently on the app.

Prosecuting attorneys asked the witness if she knew the man who allegedly sold a black Infiniti car to the Wellington Park Crew, which has been identified as the vehicle Price allegedly drove to and from the shooting. The witness stated he was an acquaintance of Maleak’s, saying she could identify him but did know him personally.

When testifying about the day of the incident, the witness stated it was her birthday and that she visited her brother’s grave before going to Wellington Park around 8 p.m.

She testified that she saw a group of guys “listening to music and dancing” in the parking lot of Wellington Park, adding that “everyone was having a good time.” She claimed she did not see Price, adding that she did not see Thomas or Taylor, either, but recalled seeing Michals. 

The prosecution showed images where the witness, Michals, and other individuals were pictured in Michals’ apartment in Wellington Park, but she was unable to identify everyone. The prosecution questioned her claiming to not know the individuals, given she was hanging out with them on her birthday. 

“Is [Michals] hanging out with me, or the people in the video?” the witness asked.

She also stated that although she was from another neighborhood, she was able to frequent Wellington Park without any problems. 

In addition to this witness, the prosecution also called five members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) – an officer, two detectives, a specialist in crime camera evidence, and an employee working in the Communications Department.

The officer’s body-worn camera footage was presented to jurors, which showed his arrival on the scene. Two victims were lying on the ground amidst a crowd of people chaotically surrounding them. In addition, a still shot photo of his body-worn camera was shown of Wilson receiving CPR, while her older sister, who testified yesterday, was holding her hand.

A detective testified about his knowledge of the Wellington Park area and identified a group of individuals that would regularly hang out with each other, including Michals, Aaron, Isaiah, and an individual known as “Goonie Moonie.”

In photographs presented to him, the officer allegedly identified Antonio, Taylor, Michals, Thomas, Jeffers, and Garvin. He also identified the individual known as “Goonie Moonie,” who he acknowledged as a rapper and resident of Wellington Park.

The detective said that the day before the shooting he observed “Goonie Moonie” and his friends with firearms in an Instagram post. While patrolling, he saw a vehicle that looked similar to the one he observed but stated it fled. Officers pulled “Goonie Moonie” over in his car, but no firearms were found. 

During cross examination, both Steven Ogilvie, representing Antonio, and Allburn clarified that their clients were identified as  passengers in “Goonie Moonie’s” car.

The other detective testified that he executed a search warrant on Sept. 28, 2017, at an apartment. He said  the “target” of the warrant was the individual known as “Goonie Moonie,” but stated that four individuals were found in the apartment, including Garvin.

The detective confirmed two iPhones, which were presented by the prosecution, were items recovered during the search. He also mentioned that three boxes of .57 caliber ammunition were also recovered.

Parties are slated to resume trial on June 26.

Defense Attorney Requests Emergency Release for Murder Defendant

Defense attorney Jason Tulley informed DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun of an emergency motion he recently filed for his client to be immediately released from the DC Jail during a June 25 hearing.

Jahi Settles, 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly killing 33-year-old Langston Sharps with a firearm. The incident occurred on July 3, 2023, on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.

According to court documents, a witness reported watching Settles and Sharps get into a verbal altercation about money, overhearing that Sharps owed Settles money. The witness then allegedly watched Settles pull out a gun and shoot Sharps. 

Sharps had one gunshot to the chest and was found dead when authorities arrived on scene. 

At the hearing Tulley stated that he had filed an emergency motion the night before, arguing for Settles’ immediate release from the DC Jail. 

“The DC Jail is horrible,” he told Judge Okun but did not elaborate on the conditions at the facility.

According to the written motion, Tulley claimed that the conditions of the DC Jail violate his client’s constitutional right to be protected against cruel and unusual punishment.

Tulley asserted that Settles is in immediate danger and must be released, citing the jail’s “cruel and failing suicide prevention policies,” “inhumane conditions of confinement,” and “lack of proper medical care.” 

Judge Okun gave the prosecution at least 14 days to respond to the motion, per their request.

Tulley further requested that Judge Okun reopen the preliminary hearing, stating that new evidence from the autopsy report and new witnesses would “undermine probable cause” for the case. 

Judge Okun granted the request.

Parties are scheduled to return Aug. 30.

Shooting Case Goes to Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian ordered a shooting case would go to trial after the prosecution decided to not extend a plea deal on June 26 

Tyquan Jennings, 25, is charged with carrying a dangerous weapon outside home or place of business, for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place on the 3000 Block of Stanton Road, SE, on March 8, 2023. 

On June 26, Jennings and his defense attorney, Nathaniel Mensah, motioned to set a trial date for the case. 

According to court documents, surveillance footage and witnesses identify Jennings shooting a large firearm. This evidence links him to a shooting that wounded a woman’s left leg. At the scene of the incident, a 9mm handgun and .40 caliber cartridge casings were found where Jennings was allegedly seen shooting. 

Parties are slated to begin trial on Oct. 8. 

Jury Out for Deliberation in Double Homicide Trial

On June 25, counsel tasked jurors with addressing a double homicide trial as a puzzle to determine innocence or guilt. 

Beysean Jones, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the shootings of Ronald Brown, 19, and Tijuan Wilson, 41. The incident occurred on July 27, 2022, on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE. Wilson’s wife sustained gunshot wounds during the incident but survived. 

The prosecution gave their closing argument by addressing how each piece of evidence presented during the trial fit into a puzzle depicting how and why Jones allegedly committed these crimes. 

“This is a classic circumstantial case,” the prosecutor argued. She told the jury that they should give “equal weight” to the circumstantial evidence as they would direct evidence. 

The prosecution began by addressing the June 22, 2022, incident between Brown and Jones. “We do know, without a doubt, that they had a confrontation that day,” she stated. 

After the confrontation, the prosecutor alleged that Brown waited for and targeted Jones at his home. She showed the shell casings from the shootout, proposing that Brown started shooting at Jones. 

She said Jones shot back at Brown to explain why police found two different shell casings at the scene. 

The same shell casings that were found from the shootout on June 22, 2022, were consistent with the gun that was found on Brown after he was killed during the July 27, 2022 shootout. 

According to the prosecution, Jones believed Brown had shot at him on June 22, 2022, and thus deliberately targeted Brown a little over a month later.

“There should be no doubt in your mind that Beysean Jones caused the death of Tijuan Wilson and Ronald Brown,” the prosecutor said.

Carrie Weletz, lead attorney for Jones, began her closing statement by pointing out  numerous “holes” and “missing puzzle pieces” within the story that the prosecution presented. 

Weletz, drawing on witness testimony, reminded the jury that the location of the homicide was a densely populated area that experienced high rates of crime. 

She referenced that Jones’ wife had testified to the common occurrence of hearing gunshots within the neighborhood, and a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer stated that they are called to the area almost daily. 

Weletz responded to eyewitness testimony from the July 22, 2022 shooting, informing the jury that two eyewitnesses “could not see anything” about the shooters including what kind of guns the shooters were using. The one eyewitness who said they were able to see a shooter could not see anything identifiable about them, she said. 

Weletz, referring to the prosecution’s own ballistic evidence, stated that “the evidence shows the people in the Kia are holding guns.” Casings were found near the Kia and bullet hole damage to vehicles in between the shooter’s vehicle, a dark Honda, and the Kia.

Casings for seven different weapons were recovered from the crime scene, yet Weletz said the prosecution in their “entire case, in [their] four-and-a-half day case, only one gun [had] been presented.” It was the gun that the prosecution claimed had not even been fired the night of July 27, 2022, she said. 

Weletz argued that there were at least seven weapons and that other individuals were also armed due to evidence presented by the prosecution, so they didn’t know who actually shot Brown. 

 “We don’t know” was a common phrase Weletz used in response to what she deemed questions the prosecution needed to answer to meet their burden of proof. 

Weletz urged the jury to truly look at what the evidence actually showed instead of the “leaps of logic” that the prosecution was trying to state as fact from the evidence. 

When examining the video footage prior to and during the July 27, 2022 shooting, Weletz stated that jury members could see that Brown had been the aggressor both in front of the smoke shop and when shooting at Jones’ home. 

 Weletz told the jury that they “get to put the puzzle together, and [they would] see that the puzzle doesn’t make sense.” She urged the jury to return with a not guilty verdict.

“She’s trying to confuse you,” the prosecution told the jury during rebuttal, referring to the narrative defense attorney Weletz presented. 

The “evidence may be complicated, but the heart of this case is simple,” the prosecution stated, “that’s how these cases work, they build and build.”

The jury began deliberating on Tuesday. 

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty 

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow accepted a guilty plea from a non-fatal shooting defendant on June 26.

Anthony Moten, 38, 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 on the 1600 Block of 17th St. SE on April 12.  

Moten pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury and carrying a pistol without a license. In exchange the prosecution will not seek an indictment on any greater charges, and would recommend that his sentencing for the two charges run concurrently. 

Both parties agreed that Moten’s sentencing would cap ten years but did not disclose an agreed upon minimum sentence. 

According to the proffer of facts, Moten, the victim and another individual had engaged in a verbal altercation when the individual punched Moten. Later that day Moten ran into the pair again. They began fighting and the the victim tried to deescalate the situation, but Moten told her to “Back the f*** up,” before shooting her in the stomach. 

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

Judge Grants Continuance for Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

The defense requested onJune 26 that DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo continue a preliminary hearing for four weeks in a non-fatal shooting case. 

Marcel Palmer, 16, is charged with assault with intent to commit any other offense while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting on June 12 on the 2700 block of Sheridan Road, SE. Injuries sustained were not life threatening. 

Elizabeth Weller, Palmer’s defense attorney, requested a continuance in this case. There was no objection from the prosecution. 

Parties are slated to meet on July 24.