Jail Stabbing Case Dismissed as Part of Homicide Plea Deal

Prosecutors alerted DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Feb. 2 they were dismissing a jail stabbing case following the defendant’s plea acceptance in a homicide case.

Antoine Turner, 32, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing of an inmate at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Jan. 1, 2024.

According to court records, Turner was involved in an altercation with another inmate over pre-existing tensions. The victim survived the attack but sustained a stab wound to his neck.

Judge Di Toro dismissed Turner’s stabbing case entirely following his guilty plea in the Nov. 29, 2020 murder of Demeitri Anderson, 23, on the 4500 block of B Street, SE.

As part of the plea deal all charges connected to this latest incident were dropped.

There are no further dates scheduled.

PDS Staffing Issues Delay Homicide Trial, Prosecutor Says it’s ‘a Little Ridiculous’

Parties discussed whether Public Defender Services (PDS) staffing issues will delay a murder trial again before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Feb. 3.

Joshua Franklin, 40, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Andrew Session on Jan. 21, 2021 on the 4400 block of 3rd Street, SE. Session sustained 12 gunshot wounds.

All of Franklin’s charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during his release for a prior offense.

According to court documents, Franklin’s prior attorney, Prescott Loveland left PDS and the case in March 2024. As a result, the court granted Joseph Yarbough’s unopposed motion to reschedule the trial to allow PDS to appoint and prepare a second attorney.

Almost two years later, Yarbough left PDS on Jan. 23, and Franklin’s new attorneys, Emma Mylniec and Terrence Austin, filed a motion on Feb. 2 seeking to reschedule the trial again. Franklin’s trial is currently scheduled to begin on April 13.

At the hearing, the prosecutor said the situation was “a little ridiculous” and strongly opposed rescheduling the trial again for the same reasons. The prosecutor argued that the transfer of counsel within PDS was not procedurally effective and Yarbough should have filed a motion asking Judge Edelman to dismiss him from the case.

Judge Edelman asked Mylniec and Austin to have a PDS deputy trial chief present at the next hearing so he could determine when PDS knew about Yarbough’s departure and if they could have appointed a new attorney sooner.

Parties are scheduled to continue discussing the issue on Feb. 6.

Defense Demands Full Evidence Disclosure in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz heard defense complaints on Jan. 30 that prosecutors failed to provide all potentially exculpatory evidence in a timely manner.

De’Angelo Goldston, 38, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for allegedly shooting and killing his father, 61-year-old Darryl Smith, on Feb. 4 on the 1000 block of First Street, SE.

Goldston’s attorney, Kevin Mosley, stated during the hearing that the prosecution provided jail calls and body-worn camera footage on Wednesday, Jan. 28. According to Mosley, the body-worn camera footage contains Brady information–which is exculpatory evidence.

In the footage, U. S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) overheaerd that Smith and Goldston were in a fight, according to Mosley. Mosley claimed that this would raise speculation that the murder is actually self-defense.

Mosley alleged that body-worn camera footage captured two witnesses at the scene. According to the defense, when officers initially entered the crime scene, a juvenile witness– Goldston’s child– remained silent, while Smith’s sister, and Goldston’s aunt, were emotionally distraught.

The defense claimed that the juvenile witness only said Goldston had shot Smith after she heard her great-aunt give her version of the events. Defense counsel argued that the statement was influenced by law enforcement and by her great-aunt’s emotional reaction, rather than originating independently.

Based on these assertions, Mosley asked for full discovery, which he contended the prosecution had not yet provided.

Judge Kravitz said that he had previously insisted that the prosecution turn over discovery.

The prosecutor stated that they had already turned over almost all discovery, including records, interviews, surveillance footage, and jail calls. The prosecutor said they would continue reviewing their records to ensure everything had been disclosed, but questioned why the defense was asserting that the prosecution had failed to turn over discovery.

Mosley argued that crucial information was disclosed only 48 hours earlier and that, aside from the body-worn camera footage and the defendant’s jail calls, no additional materials had been provided. “Almost” all discovery is not all discovery, Mosley insisted.

The prosecutor again disputed the defense’s assertions, stating that the parties could argue the issue all day. The prosecutor maintained that the body-worn camera footage shows only that the defendant was involved in a fight with his father. “

That’s it,” the prosecutor who added that it is police procedure to question witnesses and remove them from the crime scene, and that doing so does not constitute witness influence or absolve Goldston of responsibility.

Judge Kravitz reiterated his prior order requiring the prosecutor to provide full discovery to the defense and ordered that complete evidence be provided by Feb. 6.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 13.

Twenty-Year-Old Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 10 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno said “a person needs to decide for himself when it’s time to make a change,” as he sentenced a shooting defendant to 120 months in prison on Jan. 22.

Elijah Hernandez, 20, had previously pled guilty to aggravated assault while armed and one count of carrying a pistol without a license in relation to an April 23, 2024 non-fatal shooting incident. In that case one victim suffered a gunshot wound to the left leg, on the 3300 block of 14th Street, NW.

As part of the deal, Hernandez also agreed to plead guilty to armed robbery and one count of carrying a pistol without a license in connection to a Jan. 26, 2025 uncharged incident that took place on the 3300 block of 14th Street, NW.

The defendant was also allegedly involved in a June 21, 2024 non-fatal shooting and carjacking that occurred on the 1300 block of 13th Street NW. All other charges associated with this case were dismissed as part of the agreement.

During sentencing, the prosecution relayed Hernandez’s involvement in three different crimes, including two non-fatal shootings and one armed robbery. The defendant was under GPS monitoring during all offenses, evidence the prosecution used to place him at the crime scenes.

The prosecutor requested 120 months of incarceration pointing to Hernandez’s 11 previous arrests. She said Hernandez had failed to make changes and characterized the defendant’s behavior as “more aggressive” and “cyclical.”

Defense attorney Joseph Fay admitted Hernandez’s behavior in one the non-fatal shooting was “objectively unreasonable,” and that the armed robbery “is what it is,” but that Hernandez has potential to be a “productive member of society.”

Fay also requested Hernandez be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a young defendant’s conviction if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements and allowing flexibility in sentencing. The request was denied.

In a statement to the court, the defendant’s great-aunt expressed her remorse for victims impacted by the crimes. She also expressed disappointment as Hernandez’s guardian and expressed hope that he would be rehabilitated.

“He’s one of these innocent souls that if guided right, would be productive to society,” she said.

Hernandez apologized to the court while affirming that he intends to make changes in his life.

“I refuse to let my past determine my future,” Hernandez said.

Judge Salerno sentenced Hernandez to a collective 120 months for all four charges. He will face five years of supervised release, must register as a gun offender, and must pay $400 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

“The community is safer without Mr. Hernandez in it,” Judge Salerno said.

No further dates were set.

Document: MPD Investigating 16th Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Feb. 2 on the 3100 block of 16th Street, NW. The victim, identified as 27-year-old Nyesha Walden-Hatcher, was found deceased from a gunshot wound inside a residence. No suspect information is available at this time.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in ‘Fake Gun’ Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones found probable cause during a preliminary hearing for a shooting the defendant says came from a “fake gun” case.

Derrick Carter, 33, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a violent crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 1400 block of Canal Street, SW on Dec. 2, 2025.

According to court documents, the victim reportedly ran into Carter while making a food delivery and an argument ensued. After the victim left the building, she reportedly yelled at Carter, and he responded by pulling out a gun and allegedly firing once at her. The victim did not sustain any injuries and drove away.

At Carter’s preliminary hearing on Feb.2 , the prosecution extended a plea offer that would require him to plead guilty to possession of a firearm and unarmed robbery. In exchange, the prosecution would not seek an indictment for additional charges.

Emma Mlyniec, Carter’s attorney, said she sent a counter offer to prosecutors which they rejected. Parties decided to proceed with the preliminary hearing.

The prosecution called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who wrote the arrest warrant and interviewed the victim . The detective said she identified Carter as the person who shot at her and said they knew each other from the neighborhood and did not get along.

Additionally, the detective said the victim told him about a prior dispute between them involving a stolen gun, but the detective noted there was no proof of Carter’s involvement in that incident.

The prosecution said that Carter claimed the gun was fake. However, Carter still raised a firearm at the victim, and that it didn’t matter if the weapon was real. A suspect using a fake gun can be charged with a serious crime if the victim felt he was in danger.

Mlyniec pointed out the victim’s history of alleged credibility issues regarding the previous gun dispute. Myliec also pointed out that a witness in the building told the detective she didn’t hear an argument take place prior to the shooting. Myliec further emphasized that the ShotSpotter did not pick up any gunshots and the victim waited four hours to call 911.

Still, Judge Jones found probable cause Carter did the shooting. He agreed with the prosecution’s argument that it doesn’t matter if the gun was real or not, there was still enough evidence to support probable cause for all three charges.

Mylniec requested Carter’s release, citing strong community support and family responsibilities. According to Mylniec, Carter acts as a home health aide to his mother who just had her leg amputated. Carter is also an active father to his teenage daughter.

The prosecutors opposed his release due to the violent nature of the incident.

Judge Jones denied the defense’s request for release, ordering that he be held without bond.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 5.

Judge Considers Moving Accessory to Murder Suspect to a Lower Court

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz stated he would consult the presiding judge on whether to move a defendant’s case to a less serious felony calendar during a hearing on Jan. 30.

Nichelle Thomas, 38, is charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder while armed, six counts of tampering with physical evidence, four counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and three counts of misdemeanor credit card fraud. The charges stem from her alleged involvement in assisting her boyfriend with the fatal stabbing of 42-year-old Anthony Jordan on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE, on Aug. 4, 2023.

Nichelle’s boyfriend at the time of the murder, 29-year-old Lewis Jones, was sentenced on Jan. 9 to 14 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter while armed and obstruction of justice.

At the hearing, Judge Kravitz asked why Nichelle’s case was on his most serious felony calendar. According to the prosecutor, the DC Superior court wanted to keep Nichelle and Jones together, and classified both cases as of equal severity.

Judge Kravitz asked if parties wanted to move Nichelle’s case to a lower calendar or keep it as a felony one. Nichelle’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, requested that the case be moved, while the prosecutor deferred the decision to Judge Kravitz.

Judge Kravitz said he would consult the DC Superior Court’s presiding judge of the criminal division to make a decision.

Alvin also requested Judge Kravitz to remove Nichelle’s GPS monitor because of her compliance with the terms of her release. The defense previously made this request, and Judge Kravitz once again denied it.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 27 for an update on the case.

Defense Requests Stabbing Dismissal, Defendant Detained by ICE

A defense attorney requested the dismissal of a stabbing case before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Jan. 30, as she claimed her client was recently detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Edin Matute Bautista, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Aug. 28, 2025 at the 1400 block of Irving Street, NW. The victim and the defendant sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, the victim claimed he was riding his bike when he saw Bautista crouched, hidden among parked vehicles. Bautista allegedly approached the victim with a large knife and stabbed him until the victim dismounted his bike and fought back

Bautista’s attorney, Hannah Claudio, requested the court dismiss his case, arguing that the circumstances surrounding his detention by ICE and potential deportation overrule the rationale for prosecution.

The prosecution opposed the request and argued to proceed against Bautista for the stabbing. She requested additional time to decide her approach.

Judge Ryan did not make a decision, but advised the parties to file written motions and responses.

The parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 27.

Judge Denies Defense Request to Delay Murder Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied a homicide defendant’s attorney’s request to delay the trial by a few days on Jan. 30.

Christopher Tyler, 48, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Nolan Edwards at the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE, on July 7, 2023.

Kevann Gardner, Tyler’s attorney, requested to delay the trial by two days, which was originally to occur on Feb. 17. He said that his co-counsel, Elizabeth Paige White, will be in trial for one week for a different case and will not have a break in between the two trials.

Judge Park denied the defense’s request because the witnesses have limited availability and wants to accommodate their schedules.

The prosecution will file a supplemental Drew Johnson motion by Feb. 2, which contains information about the history of domestic violence between Tyler and another individual. This motion will detail evidence of prior bad acts or crimes that are independent of the crime in question.

Tyler’s presence was waived during the hearing because he was in a transport bus that was in an accident between the DC Jail and the courthouse.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 6.

Judge Denies Release For Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a motion for release filed by a fatal shooting defendant on Jan. 29.

Shawnta Aiken, 51, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in killing Richard Walker, 56, on the 3000 block of P Street, SE on Nov. 2, 2025.

During the preliminary hearing, a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified that Aiken allegedly called 911 and stated, “He told me he had HIV, now he’s dead.”

Aiken’s defense attorney, Dominique Winters, argued that the defendant does not pose a danger to the community. She explained that a “gradual release plan” would allow Aiken to be “the best version of herself.”

Winters provided the court with a plan that suggested releasing Aiken to live in transitional housing providing employment services and peer support groups, and 24 hour home confinement.

The prosecution opposed the request, citing drug abuse and the violent nature of the crime. They argued that Aiken is “no stranger to the criminal justice system,” highlighting a 2009 perjury conviction as a concern for Aiken’s willingness to comply with conditions of her release.

Winters argued that the perjury conviction is “outdated and old.” She explained that Aiken had no history of “violent or erratic conduct” in her 51 years of life, until this case.

Judge Kravitz explained it was important to understand the relationship between the victim and the defendant in order to determine if she is a danger to society.

The prosecution claimed that Aiken and Walker had been “romantically involved for a number of years.” Due to Walker’s being incarcerated, the two split up. Prosecutors claim they had recently rekindled their relationship at the time of the incident.

Winters argued that Walker had a “domestic violence history” against Aiken. She explained that she had “pursued protection orders” against him in the past. Winters went on to say that just because Walker’s last reported domestic violence case was in 2022, it doesn’t mean that was the last offense.

“It just doesn’t stop with abusers,” Winters said.

Judge Kravitz also heard from two family members of the victim. Walker’s daughter “believes that [Aiken] should stay detained.” His sister-in-law also claimed that she did not feel safe with Aiken’s being released.

Judge Kravitz ultimately denied the motion by the defense for release. He explained that even with access to resources, mental health and drug abuse issues do not go away immediately.

“I do not think the release plan proposed is sufficient to protect the community,” Judge Kravitz claimed.

Aiken blew a kiss to her family members sitting in the courtroom as she was escorted out by U.S. Marshals.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 27.

Union Station Killer Pleads Guilty

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Jan 23.

Faizon Mason, 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Wayne McDaniels on Feb. 10, 2025 at Union Station, on the unit block Massachusetts Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, officers located McDaniels at a parking garage, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back.

During the hearing, Destiny Fullwood-Singh, Mason’s attorney, told Judge Edelman that Mason was prepared to accept a guilty plea for voluntary manslaughter and carrying a pistol without a license, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Through the deal, the prosecutors agreed to limit their sentencing request to the middle of the guidelines.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 23.

Married Co-Defs Take Pleas in Robbery Turned Shooting Case

Married co-defendants accepted plea deals for an armed robbery that resulted in a non-fatal shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 29.

Bernard Vance, 31, and Nikia Cunningham, 31, were originally charged with robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, second-degree cruelty to children, carrying a pistol without a licence outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Cunningham also faced two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and three additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Vance was also facing two additional counts of possession of an unregistered firearm and an additional count of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

Vance was previously convicted of tampering with physical evidence by a jury, and they acquitted Cunningham of assault with intent to kill while armed.

Their charges stem from their involvement in a robbery and non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE, on March 28, 2023. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his face.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors attempted to prove that Cunningham, who had her child with her, accompanied Vance to an old friend’s apartment and shot the friend’s roommate in a robbery gone wrong. According to prosecutors, Cunningham was carrying the child on her hip as she allegedly shot the victim.

During the hearing, Vance and Cunningham accepted plea deals from prosecutors. Vance pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, and Cunningham accepted guilt for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the remaining charges against them.

Cunningham’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, requested that she be granted release while she awaits sentencing to deal with family issues. Winograd highlighted Cunningham’s cooperation with law enforcement while incarcerated, claiming she’s “done a complete 180.”

Prosecutors requested Cunningham remain detained, noting it was not her first firearm offense.

Despite acknowledging her progress, Judge Park denied Cunningham’s request for release and ordered that she remain held at the DC Jail. Vance and Cunningham are scheduled to be sentenced on March 24.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Fatal Shooting Case

A murder defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Feb. 2.

Tyree Irving, 29, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, and two counts of obstruction of justice for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Davane Williams, 22, on Jan. 15, 2019 on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

At the hearing, Irving entered an agreement with prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, and in exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop the remaining charges.

If the case had proceeded to trial, prosecutors said they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Irving approached Williams, who was conversing with peers. Irving yelled at Williams for roughly 10 seconds before removing a pistol concealed in his hoodie and firing five shots. All five shots hit Williams, who was found unconscious by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and pronounced dead 30 minutes later. The prosecutors said Irving’s actions were intentional and voluntary.

As a part of the plea agreement, parties agreed to a sentence of 18-to-21 years in prison with five years supervised release, subject to Judge Kravitz’s approval at sentencing. In addition, Irving will be required to register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.

The parties delayed sentencing to allow Irving to complete The A’Tonement Project at the DC Jail, a prison initiative that aims to decrease violence and mentor individuals. Irving’s attorneys, Andrew Ain and Joseph McCoy, expressed the importance of their client’s finishing the program.

Parties are set to meet on June 12 for sentencing.

Document: Second Arrest Made in Death of Missing Woman

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an update regarding the death of Chyna Crawford, 25, who was reported missing in October 2023. A second suspect, 31-year-old Bjarni Cooper, has been arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder-Felony Murder, Conspiracy, Armed Carjacking, and Armed Robbery. Previously, 32-year-old Lashawn Washington was also charged in connection with Crawford’s death.

Murder Defendant Receives 41 Year Prison Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a murder defendant to 41 years in prison on Jan. 30.

Julius Worthy, 42, was found guilty by a jury on Nov. 21, 2025 of second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. These charges stem from his involvement in the fatal shooting and stabbing of Orlando Galloway, 36, on April 2, 2023 at the 200 block of 14th Street, SE. Galloway’s girlfriend also sustained stab wounds during the incident.

At sentencing, Galloway’s daughter, aunt, and the mother of his child delivered victim impact statements. His aunt, who raised him, said that Galloway attended culinary arts school and wanted to start a business delivering food to senior citizens.

“You’re the dumbest criminal I’ve ever seen,” the mother of Galloway’s daughter said and added “That was vile of you, Julius.”

The victim’s family and friends attended the sentencing with booklets filled with his photos.

The prosecution asked Judge Park to sentence Worthy to 41 years of imprisonment for his brutal conduct.

Michael Bruckheim, Worthy’s attorney, said that he had strong family support and noted they attended almost every hearing. According to Bruckheim, Worthy was in the foster care system and exposed to drugs at an early age. Bruckheim requested a sentence not at the top of the guidelines so Worthy can look forward to rehabilitation after prison and become a better person.

Worthy spoke in court and thanked his family for showing up “during these trying times.”

Judge Park said that he didn’t notice any expressions of remorse from Worthy throughout the trial and the sentence should reflect the seriousness of the crimes. He sentenced Worthy to 25 years of imprisonment for Galloway’s murder and 16 years for stabbing his girlfriend. Worthy also received eight years for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and 28 months for unlawful possession of a firearm, which will run concurrently with the murder sentence.

After his sentence, Worthy will be required to complete five years of supervised release and comply with mental health evaluations and drug screening. Worthy also must also register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.

No further dates were set.

Search