Amtrak Delays Postpone Sentencing in Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian ruled for a continuance in a stabbing case after the defendant missed a court appearance on June 26 due to Amtrak delays.

Gregory Edmonds, 26, was charged with significant bodily injury while armed. The incident took place on July 4, 2023 at 3:30 pm at the 2000 Block of Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, the attack involved one victim who sustained a non-life-threatening cut to the left side of his abdomen and a laceration to the upper mid-torso.

Edmonds, who was released from jail on July 10, 2023, lives in North Carolina and utilizes Amtrak to commute to his hearings.

Judge Christian rescheduled the hearing to allow Edmonds time to buy tickets and commute.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 12.

Trial Postponed for Motions Hearing in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

What was scheduled to be a jury trial became a motions hearing, as the defense filed a requests for delay and to suppress evidence in front of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on June 25.

Jerry Tyree, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of liquid PCP, and attempted unlawful possession of liquid PCP for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Nov. 29, 2023, on the 5000 block of Foote Street, NE. The victim’s injuries were not life-threatening.

Tyree’s defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, asked for the trial to be delayed until July 22 because the defense’s DNA expert testimony was not ready. Judge Arthur granted the continuance.

Kopecki also submitted two motions to suppress evidence against the defendant, arguing that the evidence is not directly related to the crime.

The prosecution opposed the motions and called the first witness, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer. The officer specifically recalled the events of Tyree’s arrest.

The officer stated that, when patrolling the 5200 block of Sheriff Road, NE, he spotted Tyree with his right hand about to reach in front of him. This led the officer’s “spidey” senses to lead him to make contact.

The witness along with other officers were in pursuit once Tyree started running. After placing Tyree in handcuffs, they allegedly recovered a handgun and suspected phencyclidine (PCP) from him.

Judge Arthur delayed ruling on the motions to give the defense an opportunity to cross-examine the witness at the next hearing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 26.

Parties Debate Trial Date for Carjacking Suspect

A trial date for a carjacking and burglary defendant remains uncertain after the defendant’s incomplete mental competency exam.

Kenneth Phillips, 24, is charged with unarmed carjacking, unauthorized use of a vehicle and second-degree burglary for his alleged involvement in a carjacking and burglary on the 2000 block of 4th Street, NE on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, 2021.

During the hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on June 25, Phillips’ attorney, Joseph Yarbough, told Judge Salerno that the defendant was unable to complete his ordered mental competency exam because the D.C. Department of Corrections (DOC) is not carrying out the order.

Yarbough requested Phillips be transferred to St. Elizabeths Hospital to ensure he receives the ordered exam. He said Phillips has been in solitary confinement for more than 400 days which is only worsening his mental status.

He also asked the trial date for Phillips, originally scheduled for July 8, to be moved to October to ensure Phillips receives the exam.

Judge Salerno agreed to vacate the July trial date and scheduled it on Oct. 7.

But, Judge Salerno rejected Yarbough’s request to move Phillips to St. Elizabeth’s because there is no explanation why Phillips has not received the study.

He said someone from the DOC could possibly say Phillips is not cooperating with them to take the exam.

Phillips asked why they could not just go to trial. “You don’t understand anything,” Phillips told Judge Salerno.

Yarbough requested the trial date be moved back to July, so Phillips could be moved out of solitary confinement sooner rather than later. He also asked Judge Salerno to cancel the exam so they could move towards trial.

Judge Salerno initially rejected the idea of canceling the exam, given earlier concerns, but then said he would accept it if Yarbough said Phillips no longer need a competency exam.

According to court documents, Phillips allegedly stole a victim’s car after knocking him onto the ground and taking his keys. The next day, the evidence shows he drove to the victim’s house in the stolen car.

Phillips allegedly broke into the victim’s house where he stole valuable items including a television, a ring, gold chains and a camera.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) found and arrested Phillips by tracking him through surveillance footage. They allegedly found the victim’s stolen car with the television from the burglary in the trunk.

Judge Salerno asked the prosecution if they could move the trial date back to July 8.

The prosecution said they are unsure and requested a continuance, which Judge Salerno granted.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 26 to discuss whether the trial will be in June or October.

Judge Denies Carjacking Defendant’s Motions to Alter Charges and Suppress Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz denied motions by a carjacking defendant’s attorney to dismiss a conspiracy charge and exclude various pieces of evidence from trial during a June 25 hearing.

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 $1000 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.

According to court documents, the victim reported that three suspects, armed with a black handgun, seized the vehicle from her while she was sitting in the driver’s seat. The suspects fled in the vehicle, followed by a gray Toyota sedan that reportedly brought them to the scene.

Court documents state that another carjacking occurred later that same night, on the 4000 block of Alton Place, NW. In this case also, the car owner told police that the carjackers used a black handgun to intimidate him into turning over his keys, and a dark-colored sedan followed the stolen vehicle as it was driven away.

According to arrest documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers eventually found the second victim’s vehicle and attempted to stop it. The vehicle crashed in Prince George’s County and the occupants, one of whom was allegedly Borum, were taken to the hospital.

At the hearing, Quiana Harris, Borum’s defense attorney, asked Judge Leibovitz to dismiss the charge of conspiracy, citing a lack of evidence.

Judge Leibovitz denied the motion, arguing that an “agreement to commit a crime can be inferred from circumstantial evidence.”

The defense made other motions to exclude some of the evidence from the upcoming trial, but Judge Leibovitz denied them all.

Parties are slated to return for trial on June 27.

Judge Sentences Stabbing Defendant to 24 Months

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced a stabbing defendant to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised probation on June 25.

James Crider, 45, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred at the intersection of G Street NW and 9th Street NW on Feb. 1. One individual sustained injuries from the incident.

In April, he pleaded guilty.

During Tuesday’s sentencing, Colin Dunham, Crider’s defense attorney, argued for a light sentence, given that Crider has mental health issues and was homeless at the time.

According to court documents, officers responded to a call of a victim suffering from stab wounds. Officers made contact with the defendant on the scene who stated that he was involved in a fist fight with the victim. The defendant was approached again later that day after the victim made contact with officers of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD. Crider allegedly confessed he had stabbed the victim stating “I beat that mother ***** up.”

Crider was arrested after officers found a knife in his left front pocket containing residue of dry blood and blood stains on his shirt.

The victim suffered from five stab wounds, but is in stable condition.

The prosecution said the victim was also homeless. They initially asked for 32 months, arguing that the victim now faces “a whole new universe of challenges.”

Judge Christain said he hopes Crider “returns under better conditions.”

No further dates were set.

Judge Lets Stabbing Defendant Get New Attorney

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted a defendant’s request for a new defense attorney during a felony status conference on June 25.

Michael Burke, 45, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing of the victim during a street fight on the 1700 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE on April 16.

Burke requested his current defense attorney, Martin Rosendorf, be removed stating that his constitutional rights were being violated.

Judge Park granted Burke’s request for new counsel but warned that he will be less inclined to do so again in the future.

Judge Park also ordered Burke to sign up for DC Pretrial Services and complete a psychological assessment, necessary to expedite the appointment of a new lawyer.

Burke is scheduled to return to court on July 8 for the assessment and July 11 for a status hearing.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty to All Charges

A shooting defendant pleaded guilty to all charges as part of a deal on June 25 in the courtroom of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Jamal Francis, 44, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 15 on the 300 block of Raleigh Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, the victim told officers of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that he and Francis had agreed to fight about a past dispute when Francis allegedly pulled a gun and shot multiple times in the victim’s direction.

For the charge of assault with a dangerous weapon, the plea offer states that the maximum sentence is 10 years imprisonment and/or $25,000 in fines. For the charge of carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, the maximum sentence is 5 years imprisonment and/or $12,000 in fines.

In exchange for Francis’ guilty plea, the prosecution has agreed not to request any sentencing enhancements or seek indictment on any other charges in this case.

The sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 23.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea, Nixing Co-defendant from Taking the Offer

Although James Outland‘s attorney, Michael Bruckheim, stated that his client would like more time to consider a plea deal offered by the prosecution, the deal’s rejection by Outland’s codefendant, Bobby Gupton, at a hearing on June 21 denied Outland that opportunity.

Outland and Gupton, both 26 years old, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn on June 28, 2023, on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE.

The prosecution extended a pre-indictment offer that would have required Outland and Gupton to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking indictment on any greater charges. The offer was wired, meaning that both defendants would have to accept it for it to take effect.

Gupton’s lawyer, Lisbeth Sapirstein, told DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on June 21 that her client rejected the plea deal.

Sapirstein requested that Gupton be released from DC Jail and given home detention pending trial, since he has no prior criminal record.

Bruckheim also requested home detention for Outland, stating that his only previous conviction was for possession of a BB gun, which Bruckheim said was a fine-only offense. Noting that Outland had multiple relatives attending the hearing virtually, Bruckheim argued that Outland enjoyed strong support from his family and could live with them.

Judge Demeo instructed the defense attorneys to file their motions for pretrial release in writing.

The next hearing for this case is scheduled for Aug. 15.

Judge Dismisses Case Over Delayed Indictment, Suspect Still Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow granted defense counsel’s request that a non-fatal shooting case be dismissed due to the prosecution’s failure to indict the case in a timely manner.

Anthrone Cabos, 27, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm due to his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Sept. 30 2022, on the 3700 block of 9th Street, SE. During the incident, a firearm was discharged causing a glass door to shatter in the lobby of an apartment building.

According to court documents, the defendant was allegedly aiming at a resident’s son, resulting in $500 worth of property damage. After the incident, all parties fled the scene.

During a felony status conference, Cabos’ defense counsel, attorneys Theodore Shaw and Kevin O’Sullivan, argued for the case to be dismissed due to the prosecution’s delay in indicting the case within the required timeframe.

The nine-month window for indictment ended just four days prior, on June 21.

The prosecution asked for more time to investigate the case and potentially bring more charges to the defendant.

Judge Pasichow was not privy to the prosecution’s request for an extension and dismissed the case.

The defendant remains in custody on a separate matter that is pending trial in September.

Judge Denies Defense Request for Continuance

A defense attorney requested a continuance due to a temporary halt in DNA testing at the DC Public Defender Service (PDS) office before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park in a hearing on June 25.

Demonte Gibson, 26, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW on Dec. 7, 2021. One individual suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Defense attorney Kevann Gardner requested to continue the case, stating that the Public Defender’s office has halted all DNA testing until Sept. 30, which prevents the defense from being able to test prior to an October trial date.

The prosecution argued that the defense’s request for continuance was invalid and was a strategy to delay the case until the defendant’s homicide case was resolved, in hopes of the defendant receiving sentencing benefits.

Judge Park stated that the defense was truthful in their testing limitations due to policy at the Public Defender’s Office. However, the judge denied the request for continuance, stating that alternative options for DNA testing were plausible.

Dates for the trial readiness hearing and trial were scheduled for October.

The parties are set to reconvene for a status hearing on July 8.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Request to Fire Lawyer in Non- Fatal Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denies a defendant’s request to fire his lawyer during a June 25 hearing.

Christopher Wise aka “Woo”, 35, is accused of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 12, 2024. According to court documents, the victim was shot outside a liquor store on the 4000 block of Hayes Street, NE, ultimately asking a bus driver to call an ambulance.

During the hearing, Richard Holliday, Wise’s defense attorney, requested a competency evaluation and for the preliminary hearing to be continued in two weeks.

Wise said he wanted to fire his attorney based on a conflict of interest and he wants to represent himself.

Wise also claimed that his situation in jail needs to be checked because he no longer has recreation time and he has been subject to excessive force from correctional officers who pepper sprayed him.

Judge Brandt affirmed that she would look into his complaints, but also told the defendant that it is too early in this case to entertain a dismissal of his attorney. She said he she couldn’t dismiss his lawyer because, “he just doesn’t like him”.

Judge Brandt let the defendant know that a mental competency evaluation was required if he decides to represent himself.

Parties are slated to return for preliminary and mental observation hearing July 12.

Judge Orders Complete Mental Competency Exam for Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian ordered a carjacking defendant to complete a mental competency exam by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBU) after a request from the prosecution.

Kevin Weaver, 32, is charged with unarmed carjacking for an incident that occurred on Sept. 10, 2023, at the intersection of 7th Street and Monroe Street, NE.

According to court documents, Weaver and another individual were in a ride-share vehicle which arrived at their destination. Weaver left the vehicle, but then returned to the rear seat and allegedly stuck an object on the victim’s back and stated, Drive where I tell you to drive or I will shoot you.”

The victim, according to the evidence, eventually drove past a police cruiser and fled the vehicle in fear for his life. Weaver then took control of the vehicle drove away.

Weaver and the other individual were seen exiting a nearby building after the vehicle was abandoned. The other person was released and Weaver was arrested for unarmed carjacking.

At the June 25 hearing, the prosecution requested another competency evaluation for the defendant’s behavior. Weaver’s defense attorney, Jay Myktiuk, requested that he be sent to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for proper treatment in a “therapeutic setting”.

Judge Christian said he would wait for a doctor’s evaluation before moving Weaver.

Parties are slated to return on Sept. 5.

Judge Lets Convicted Shooting Defendant Attend Grandmother’s Funeral

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea L Hertzfeld granted permission for a defendant convicted of a non-fatal shooting to attend his grandmother’s funeral during a hearing on June 25.

Diandre Caesar, 30, was 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 grave risk, one count of carry 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.

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

Judge Hertzfeld allowed Caesar to be released from DC Jail on June 27 at 4 p.m. until June 28 at 8 p.m.

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 the nearby parking lot.

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

An argument ensued, and dash camera captured Caesar and two victims exchanging insults. When the victims drove away, Caesar reportedly fired four shots at their vehicle. No injuries were reported.

While released Caesar will be placed on a GPS monitoring system.

Judge Hertzfeld said she has never done this before for an inmate and told Caesar, “Don’t blow it.”

If Caesar doesn’t turn himself in on time, Judge Hertzfeld said it will affect his sentencing.

Parties are slated to meet on July 10 for sentencing.

Document: MPD Seeks Suspect in a Northeast Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a stabbing that injured one individual on June 25. The incident occurred on the 800 block of H Street, NE.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in 2022 Homicide

Chanos Marcus Gillis, 42, was extradited and charged with first degree murder on June 25, 2024, in connection to a homicide that occurred on July 27, 2022, on the 4400 block of Benning Road, NE. The victim, 52-year-old Keith Sistare, was transported to the hospital for life-threatening injuries and died on September 11, 2022. An autopsy showed the cause of death was complications from blunt force injuries.

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