Murder Defendant Sentenced to 25 years After Prosecutor Presents Crime Video

After reviewing video of a killing, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo deemed this “cold blooded murder” as a “brazen act” and sentenced the defendant to 25 years of incarceration for second-degree murder while armed.

Andre Hicks, 40, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Daniel Adams on Nov. 25, 2023, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

Hick previously accepted an offer from the prosecution, which required him to plead guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

On May 3, the prosecutor requested Hicks be sentenced to 26 years, stating the evidence of the case is “extremely strong,” as he played a video that showed Hicks pulling out a gun and shooting Adams multiple times in the back as he tried to run away.

The prosecution also noted Hicks’ extended criminal record going back decades. He has an assault conviction and multiple offenses, including drug trafficking.

“He is not going to conform to the law,” the prosecutor added.

A statement from the victim’s family, read by the prosecution, categorized the defendant’s actions as a “cowardly act.”

“[Adams] was ripped from us in senseless violence,” the Adams family stated.

Steven Kiersh, Hicks’ defense attorney, responded that Hicks acknowledges and understands the pain the family has endured.

Kiersh said 26 years of incarceration was “excessive” and requested a sentence on the lower end of the guidelines.

Hicks personally apologized to the court, the victim’s family, his family, and specifically mentioned his two children for “letting them down.”

“A cold blooded murder with many people around was a brazen act,” Judge Demeo stated.

However, she gave Hicks credit for taking responsibility and noted his potential for rehabilitation.

Judge Demeo ultimately sentenced Hicks to 25 years for second-degree murder while armed, allowing credit for time already served.

Along with five years of supervised release, Hicks will also be required to register as a gun offender, obtain a substance abuse and mental health assessment, and participate in an anger management program.

Due to a request from the prosecution, Judge Demeo will recommend Hicks be placed in a correctional facility 250 miles from DC.

No further dates were set.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Motion for New Counsel, Co-Defendant Refuses to Attend Court

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a homicide defendant’s request for a new attorney in a 2018 case, as his co-defendant refused to go to court.

Mark Price, 29, and Antonio Murchison, 31, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation. They are charged for their alleged involvement in the mass-shooting that killed 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson on July 16, 2018 on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE. The incident left four other individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.

Price is also charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threat to kidnap or injure 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, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018 at the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE.

According to a US Marshal, Murchison refused to get off the bus transporting him from the jail to the courthouse on May 3, leading to his presence being waived by his attorney, Michael Bruckheim.

However, Bruckheim made it clear they were ready to proceed, especially if Murchison’s failure to appear was a personal decision and not a medical emergency.

Parties were slated to hear testimony from two detectives regarding statements made by Murchison, in an attempt to exclude them from the upcoming trial on June 10.

On May 2, Megan Allburn, Price’s defense attorney, filed a motion to withdraw as counsel, after Price asked her to do so.

However, Judge Okun denied the motion, with the prosecution’s support, stating that the case has been ongoing for six years, Allburn has “done everything an attorney should be doing for their client,” and withdrawing would impose an unfair penalty on his co-defendant.

The evidentiary hearing was rescheduled to June 6.

Domestic Violence Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A homicide defendant who allegedly confessed to shooting his ex-girlfriend rejected a pre-indictment plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 3.

Desmond Thurston, 46, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 52-year-old Patricia Johnson on Oct. 1, 2023, on the 4000 block of 13th Street, SE.

The plea deal offered by the prosecution would have required Thurston to plead guilty to first-degree murder while armed. In exchange, the prosecution would not have requested a sentence in excess of 30 years and would not have sought indictment on other charges related to this case.

The prosecutor stated that he believed the combination of charges that could be indicted based on the facts of this case could lead to a sentence of 60 years to life if the case goes to trial.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 24.

Murder Defendant Requests New Trial Date Following Three Weeks in Coma

A murder defendant, recovering from a coma, motioned to postpone his trial for a later date before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on May 3.

Robert Henson is accused of shooting 37-year-old Richard Lee Dudley on Dec. 10, 2018, on the 2500 block of Elvans Road, SE. The 44-year-old defendant is charged with first-degree murder while armed, armed robbery, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm.

David Knight, Henson’s defense attorney, motioned to continue the trial date, which is set for July 8.

According to Knight, Henson’s mental and physical health has declined after being in a coma for about three weeks. He stated it’s “not feasible or practical” to move forward with the current trial date.

The prosecution stated that a trial “needs” to happen considering the murder occurred in 2018, almost six years ago.

Judge Demeo did not rule on the motion and asked Henson’s defense attorneys to come up with accommodations that would be appropriate for the defendant in order to keep the original trial date.

Parties are set to reconvene May 17 to hear the final ruling on the matter.

Shooting Defendants Arraigned, Release Conditions Modified for One

Daquawn Lubin and Jonathan Young pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, and Lubin’s release conditions were modified in a May 3 hearing.

Lubin, 29, and Young, 34, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals. The incident occurred on July 24, 2023 on the 4600 block of Benning Road, SE.

Lubin is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and possession of a prohibited weapon, while Young is additionally charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

Both defendants, through counsel, pleaded not guilty to all charges, and asserted their constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Kevin O’Sullivan, Lubin’s defense attorney, motioned for the court to modify his release conditions from home confinement to a curfew. According to O’Sullivan, Lubin has been fully compliant for six months, and has been working as a manager at a chain restaurant.

However, O’Sullivan stated his time in home confinement has been rough, citing his inability to spend time with his mother, who was recently diagnosed with end- stage cancer, as well as his young child, who is partially in his custody.

According to O’Sullivan, Lubin’s home confinement has led to a rift between him and his young child, stating that the kid has gone as far as claiming his father “doesn’t love me anymore,” because they are unable to do typical father-son activities.

The prosecution objected to the request, stating Lubin has now been indicted for a “very serious crime,” and adding that he was on release for a violent crime in Maryland at the time of the incident.

Judge Okun stated it was a “close call,” and ultimately sided with the defense. Lubin’s curfew will be 10 p. m. to six a. m., and will continue to be required to be on GPS.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 21.

‘Shooting Someone in the Genitals is Personal,’ Says Prosecutor in Love Triangle Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun heard closing arguments and expert testimony in front of a jury for a fatal shooting over an alleged jealous ex-lover who fatally shot his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend.

Marcus Walker, 23, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, second-degree cruelty to children, and several other firearm and ammunition possession charges for his alleged involvement in the death of 28-year-old Eric King. The shooting took place on the 800 block of 21st Street, NE, on October 11, 2022. One other victim had minor injuries.

According to court documents, Walker and his two infant children were living with his ex-girlfriend in her apartment. On the night of the incident, Walker, his ex-girlfriend, and her boyfriend were watching TV when the couple asked Walker to head to the living room so they could go to sleep.

After Walker returned to the living room, he allegedly sent the ex-girlfriend angry texts, accusing her of behaving disrespectfully towards him. When the ex-girlfriend stopped replying to the messages, Walker allegedly barged back into the bedroom with a gun while the couple was having sex shooting King on the chest and his genitals.

While his ex-girlfriend called the police, Walker reportedly fled the scene with his two children. The ex-girlfriend received minor injuries during the altercation, and her six-year-old daughter was present in the bedroom.

On May 2, the prosecution argued that Walker’s actions during the shooting were premeditated and deliberate, and that his “stream-of-consciousness” texts provided insight into his motive for shooting King.

“He did not act on impulse,” said the prosecution. “He doesn’t go in not knowing what he’s going to find. When you point a gun at point-blank range and pull the trigger, you intend to kill someone.”

Further, they argued that the second shot to King’s genitals was unnecessary, as the first shot had fatally struck his heart and lungs.

“Shooting someone in the genitals is personal,” the prosecution argued.

The prosecution also pointed out that Walker’s DNA was likely found on a shell casing used in the shooting, and that video surveillance showed an individual carrying two children down the street away from the ex-girlfriend’s apartment at the same time as she called 911.

“Don’t fall for smoke and mirrors,” said the prosecutor. “The truth is, [Walker] is the killer.”

The prosecution reminded the jury of the ex-girlfriend’s testimony, who was the primary eyewitness to the shooting, and argued her testimony corroborated all the evidence.

“This is a case where the eyewitness is clinging to the body of the victim!” said the prosecution, referencing a responding officer’s body-worn camera footage, which showed the ex-girlfriend attempting life-saving measures on King when officers arrived at the scene.

The ex-girlfriend also had to admit intimate details of her personal life while on the stand, which the prosecution argued meant her testimony of the shooting was credible.

“She told you everything, even if it didn’t make her look very good,” said the prosecution. “She didn’t shy away from any of it. Why would she lie?”

They asked the jury to find Walker guilty on all charges, reminding them that, “there were two other victims in the room that night,” in reference to the ex-girlfriend and her child.

“It is absolutely cruel to murder a man in front of a six-year-old girl,” said the prosecution.

Walker’s defense attorney, Jesse Winnograd, began his closing statements by telling the jury, “It’s not as open as shut as [the prosecutors] like to make it.”

He claimed the prosecution did not provide a substantial motive for Walker, arguing that King and Walker had known each other for weeks prior without any previous altercations, and that the texts Walker sent to his ex-girlfriend before the shooting did not threaten violence towards her or King.

“He knew that they were boyfriend and girlfriend,” said Winnograd. “There’s no motive.”

Further, he pointed out that no one had identified the individual believed to be Walker in video surveillance footage, and the firearm used in the shooting was never recovered.

He also pointed out that Walker had been living in the apartment for weeks before the shooting took place, which could explain why his DNA evidence was on the shell casing.

“That DNA evidence doesn’t sound too damning to me,” said Winnograd.

Walker also left all of his belongings in the apartment after fleeing, which Winnograd argued was inconsistent with premeditation.

“Why on Earth would he leave it there?” exclaimed Winnograd. “[The prosecution’s] evidence of premeditation doesn’t work!”

According to Winnograd, the ex-girlfriend was also an unreliable witness, citing minor inconsistencies in her story, and claiming she had accused a past boyfriend of assault with a firearm, but dropped the charges informing the boyfriend’s defense attorney that she had made false statements to the police.

“Who shot King? I don’t know,” said Winnograd. “Walker is the easy person to blame.”

He asked the jury to find Walker not guilty on all charges.

The prosecution then made their final argument by pointing out that the shell casing found at the scene did not likely have King’s DNA evidence on it, despite its being found next to his body on a bed where he had been having sex.

“DNA evidence is not biased,” said the prosecution. “Your verdict needs to be based on cold, hard facts.”

Earlier in the hearing, Winnograd had called a crime scene reconstruction expert. The witness explained that, based on the crime scene photos, the autopsy report, and the photos of the ex-girlfriend’s injuries, King was likely lying on the bed when the shooting occurred.

This report was inconsistent with the ex-girlfriend’s testimony, who testified that she was lying on the bed and King had been on top of her when the shooting occurred.

However, the witness claimed that two hours before his testimony, he found that the ex-girlfriend’s account of events was also consistent with the evidence, and concluded that both his report and her account of events were possible.

With closing arguments concluded, Judge Okun sent the case to the jury.

Judge Grants Additional Time for Competency Evals for Juveniles Charged as Adults

Doctors from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) requested additional time to further evaluate two juveniles charged as adults in a homicide case.

Marlan Smith and Anthony Monroe, both 17, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Antonio Cunningham on Sept. 11, 2023, on the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE.

According to court documents, the incident stemmed from a failed robbery attempt and injured a bystander that tried to intervene.

On May 3, parties reviewed the report created by DBH which stated they were unable to form an opinion on the defendants’ competency.

However, Stephen LoGerfo, Monroe’s attorney, alerted the court that he is currently in competency restoration classes through the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), due to a prior incompetent finding in a pending juvenile case.

“If he’s incompetent somewhere, he’s incompetent everywhere,” said LoGerfo.

Parties agreed to give the DBH additional time to further evaluate them.

“Keep your head up baby,” said Smith’s family member, as he was escorted out of the courtroom.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 26 in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom.

Prosecutors Call 98th Witness in Murder and Conspiracy Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt remarked on the 98th witness called by the prosecution in the case of three co-defendants accused of conspiracy and murder.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has alleged that Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson are connected to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, Feb. 24, and a third shooting on March 1, 2020.

On May 2, the prosecution called multiple Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers to testify in regards to the non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 22, 2020, on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW.

The officers testified to recovering multiple shell casings at the scene, which a firearms analyst previously testified were a likely match for the firearms used in Lukes’ the shooting. Two officers also testified to disseminating a “be on the lookout” (BOLO) broadcast for a suspected vehicle involved in the shooting, which they claimed to be a white Mazda SUV.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt noted when the prosecution called another witness, that it was the 98th they prosecution have called in this case. The prosecution speculated that they might rest their case next week.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 6.

Judge Sentences Shooter to Seven Years in What Came Within a ‘Hair’s Breadth’ of a Killing

Arnold Lawrance, 33, was sentenced to seven years in prison by DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan for a shooting the judge said came within a “hair’s breadth” of a homicide.

Lawrence was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to court documents officers of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a reported shooting on Nov. 25, 2023. When police arrived at the crime scene near the intersection of 14th and V Streets, NW, they found a victim shot in the neck.

Prior to the attack, as the victim was entering his apartment, he was confronted by Lawrence wearing all black clothing in what was an attempted burglary that turned into a shooting. The victim later identified Lawrence as the perpetrator.

In the May 3 hearing, Judge Ryan said, “When things didn’t go your way, you shot this guy.”

Lawrance had originally accepted a guilty plea last year but then changed his mind about agreeing to the charges. However, he told Judge Ryan now accepts the prosecution’s proffer of the facts as the truth.

Given the seriousness of the crime, the prosecutor asked for a sentence of eight years for what “very well could have been a homicide.” He noted that the bullet passed through the victim’s neck “miraculously” without killing him.

During the proceeding, Lawrence apologized to the victim, “I wish this never happened. I’m sorry for actions that I can’t change and want to move forward,”

Defense attorney, Wole Folondun, explained that the defendant had a challenged upbringing and “that unfortunately, Mr. Lawrence fell through the cracks.”

“The best we can do is throw ourselves on the mercy of the court,” said Folondun.

In passing a sentence of seven years “straight time” Judge Ryan noted that Lawrence had four previous offenses including a burglary in Prince George’s County, MD in 2011. The defendant is also required to be on three years of supervised release and register as a gun offender. Lawrance must also pay $100 to the victim’s crime fund.

Judge Ryan admonished Lawrence to take notice of inmates who turned into old men in the DC Jail. “It’s too late for them,” he said. “You’ve got to take charge of your life.”

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect Discharging a Firearm in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance to identify and locate a suspect in connection to the discharge of a firearm that occurred on May 1 on the 3700 block of 4th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of shots fired. When they arrived, they located evidence of a shooting but no victims.

The suspect and suspect vehicle were captured by surveillance footage. The vehicle is described as a as a Lincoln sedan with MD tags 4DN6297.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each violent crime in the District.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal North Capitol Street Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred April 30 on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 19-year-old Daquan Garner.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide in the District.

Suspect in Fatal Shooting Rejects Plea Deal

A homicide defendant rejected a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun in a May 2 hearing.

Pedro Funes, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Arnold Humberto Solis on the 2200 block of Champlain Street, NW, on July 26, 2023.

According to court documents, the pair had gotten into an argument outside a liquor store in close proximity to the crime scene. Upon exiting the store, Funes allegedly told Solis, “The next time you say that s**t, I’m going to make sure you leak out your f****g brain.”

The exchange was apparently recorded on video surveillance cameras an hour before Funes is allegedly seen walking with Solis towards the location of the shooting.

The prosecution informed the court that they extended an offer that required Funes to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

The prosecution indicated that based on their communication with defense attorney Dana Page, Funes rejected the plea, which he confirmed in court.

Parties will reconvene June 7.

Medical Examiner, DNA and Digital Analysts Testify in Homicide Trial

“The patient bled extensively from his chest and liver… that’s how he died,” said a DC Medical Examiner during testimony in a 2022 homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Marcus Walker, 23, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon against a minor, second-degree cruelty to children, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for his alleged role in the killing of 28-year-old Erik King, on Oct. 11, 2022. The shooting occurred on the 800th Block of 21st Street, NE.

According to witnesses, Walker got into a dispute with King prior to shooting him in his chest and groin. King was pronounced dead at the scene by DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS). It’s also believed that a child was in the room when the shooting occurred.

On May 1, prosecutors called a representative from the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), who performed King’s autopsy, and authored the report.

The witness explained he observed two gunshot wounds, one under King’s left armpit, and another in his groin area. Prosecutors then showed King’s autopsy photos to the court.

The images included different angles of King’s face, the two entry wounds, the organs that had been pierced by the bullet, the stippling pattern around the entrance wounds, and the bullets recovered from King’s body.

When asked to explain the meaning of “stippling,” the examiner explained that stippling results from fragments of gunpowder from a firearm at close range, which could embed around the wound, causing the body to react.

The prosecutor then explained there is a difference between the cause of death and the manner of death, and asked the witness to differentiate. “What was the cause of death?” he asked. “Two gunshot wounds, one to the armpit, and one to the groin,” said the witness.

He explained without hesitation in this case, the manner was homicide.

The defense asked the witness to confirm whether every bullet fragment recovered during the autopsy was from this incident, to which the doctor replied that no, one of the fragments recovered was found elsewhere on King’s body.

According to the witness, King was previously shot but the date is unknown.

Their next prosecution witness was a DNA analyst from Signature Science, the company tasked with testing selected items for this case. which included a large-capacity ammunition magazine, one round of live ammunition, and a spent shell casing, but only the magazine and spent shell casing produced adequate results.

According to the expert, the DNA recovered from both pieces of evidence was extraordinarily likely to belong to Walker and an unknown individual.

During cross-examination, Walker’s defense attorney, Rachel McCoy, questioned the expert, suggesting it’s possible her client’s DNA had been indirectly transferred onto the items.

“It is possible, yes,” the expert said.

Prosecutors then called an investigator from the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO), to detail text messages recovered from the defendant’s phone, as well as phone subscriber information.

The witness explained that Walker was using TextNow, a texting app which allows users to call and text for free, and create an additional phone number without having to pay.

Prosecutors then asked him to explain the different accounts and usernames it alleged were associated with the defendant. They included the TextNow account, a Google account, and a T-Mobile account, which bore different forms of the defendant’s legal name, and a phone number that Uber alleged to be registered in his name.

Jesse Winograd, Walker’s second attorney, asked the witness if, despite the multiple accounts bearing his client’s legal name and phone number, it was possible that somebody else was holding the cell phone when the text messages submitted to evidence were sent.

The witness explained that the evidence could only show who the account, email address, and phone number were registered to, and couldn’t show who specifically pushed “send.”

With that the prosecution rested their case.

Walker’s attorneys entered a motion for a judgment of acquittal, explaining that the evidence prosecutors presented was insufficient for a conviction.

They also submitted a motion to dismiss the defendant’s charge of possessing a large capacity magazine, claiming there was no testimony backed that up.

They further explained that since the magazine was found in a common area of the home where Walker was staying, it could belong to anyone there.

Prosecutors explained that Walker’s ex-girlfriend, who testified in court on April 30, corroborated the presence of the high-capacity magazine, along with multiple forms of identification belonging to him in the house.

Walker’s attorneys rested on all other charges.

Judge Okun sided with prosecutors, believing there’s enough evidence to show that the high-capacity magazine belonged to Walker.

Both defense motions were denied.

Parties are set to reconvene on May 2 to continue the trial.

‘Vile, Angry Man with an Ego,’ Sentenced to 85 Years, Co-Defendant Sentenced to 53 Years

Prosecutors deemed a homicide defendant a “vile, angry man with an ego,” as they requested DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentence him to 90 years of incarceration, and his co-defendant to 60 years.

Vorreze Thomas, 26, and his uncle, Delonta Stevenson, 29, were charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Terrance Allen. The incident occurred on Jan. 18, 2021, on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE, and left two other individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.

Thomas was also charged with carrying a rifle outside a home or business, while Stevenson was additionally charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict during offenses committed during release.

On May 2, Allen’s mother told Judge Demeo that he was a “family man,” who left three children behind. She added that the youngest, who had not been born at the time of his death, will only get to know him through pictures and stories.

“This Black on Black crime must stop,” said Allen’s mother, stating that Thomas and Stevenson had made the choice to pick up guns and unleash a barren of shots against her son and the two surviving victims.

“Be a productive member of society instead of a criminal,” she advised the defendants, adding “better your lives.”

“They [the defendants] are the problem in the community,” said a prosecutor, adding, “they bring violence and chaos,” to the Stanton Glenn Apartment complex, where the incident occurred.

According to the prosecution, the area “sounded like a war zone,” with 34 shots fired on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2021, when Allen was killed.

The prosecution claimed the defendants “inflicted trauma to the community,” causing ripples that continue to affect multiple people.

“Those two men,” said the prosecutor pointing at the defense table, “are responsible for that.”

“He [Stevenson] has done nothing to warrant any mercy from this court,” said the prosecution, as they requested Judge Demeo sentence him to 90 years of incarceration, citing his previous criminal history, which included an armed robbery and a domestic violence incident.

As for Thomas, the prosecution requested 60 years, stating that, although he wasn’t the shooter, he provided the rifle and vehicle used in the incident. They added that he evaded police and led them in a lengthy chase, as he drove the suspect vehicle.

“There is too much violence in this city,” said the prosecution, adding “this court must send a message” to the community.

Elizabeth Weller, Stevenson’s defense attorney responded stating that he is a victim of rippling trauma, and it has played a significant role in his decision making.

“His experience at the jail has been difficult,” Weller stated, elaborating that he continues to deal with “lingering medical effects of being shot,” in 2020.

She continued, while the prosecution has made Stevenson seem like an animal, she insisted that “there’s more to him than this.”

She requested Judge Demeo impose a 35 year sentence that “gives him hope for release,” as an incentive to continue improving himself.

“I sympathize with the decedent’s family… it wasn’t me, I didn’t do it,” said Stevenson to Judge Demeo.

Howard McEachern, Thomas’ defense attorney, cited Thomas’ “tough upbringing,” as a factor for the judge to sentence him more leniently.

According to McEachern, Thomas has no criminal history, and his maturity at the time of the incident was not that of a 23-year-old.

He requested Judge Demeo impose a 30 year sentence.

However, Judge Demeo stated that, due to the nature and circumstances of the event, “the court is to apply consecutive sentences,” as long as the sentence is not excessive to the nature of the crime, even if the terms become lengthy.

Thomas was sentenced to 36 months for conspiracy, 360 months for murder, and 120 months for each of the assault with intent to kill charges, which will run consecutive to one another, totaling 53 years.

He was also sentenced to 60 months for each of the possession charges, and 12 months for carrying a rifle, which will run concurrent to each other and all other charges.

Thomas will be required to register as a gun offender, get his GED, and receive drug, alcohol and mental health treatment.

Likewise, Stevenson was sentenced to 60 months for conspiracy, 540 months for the murder, 180 months for each of the assaults with intent to kill, and 12 months for the two offenses committed during release addendums, which will all run consecutively, totaling 85 years.

He was also sentenced to 60 months for each possession of a firearm charge, and 36 months for possessing a firearm as a convict, which will run concurrent to all charges.

Stevenson will be required to register as a gun offender, get his GED, and receive drug, alcohol and mental health treatment, as well as anger management counseling.

No further dates were set.

Judge Halts Proceeding After Tiff Between Lawyers in Murder, Conspiracy Trial

After a lengthy cross-examination by a defense lawyer, a frustrated DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt abruptly ended the May 1 proceeding in a murder and conspiracy trial. Tension had been building as defense and prosecution lawyers bickered about a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sergeant’s time on the stand.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, Feb. 24, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy of the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sergeant who responded to the Feb. 22, 2020 shooting that left two victims uninjured on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW.

The witness stated he talked to one of the victim’s mothers, but Judge Brandt ruled he could only characterize the mother’s demeanor and not her explanation of what occurred as possible hearsay . “She was distraught,” the witness stated.

According to the witness, one victim seemed upset while her boyfriend, the other victim, was calm. However, he “seemed like he was holding back.”

The prosecution then called an MPD detective that responded to the crime scene of the Feb. 24, 2020 shooting.

According to the detective, he went to Howard University Hospital to speak to two of the victims after he had accessed the crime scene.

The detective affirmed the first victim did not want to cooperate with the investigation, stating he didn’t “even care if they found out who shot him.”

The second victim declared to the detective he saw four black males in a newer model Mazda CX-9.

After reviewing surveillance footage from homes in the area presented by the prosecution, the witness identified the alleged suspect vehicle as a silver or gray Kia Soul that was seen driving at a high velocity.

The prosecution has previously identified a 2016 Kia Soul as the alleged suspect vehicle for most of the shootings allegedly linked to the three co-defendants.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, had difficulty getting the witness to answer a question with straight “yes” or “no” answers during cross-examination.

Multiple jurors laughed when Judge Brandt asked McDaniel to “move on.”

The prosecutor objected after McDaniel rephrased many of his questions and the two exchanged words.

Judge Brandt then excused the witness and the jury, saying, “I’m tired of these little micro-aggressions” and left the courtroom..

Previously, the prosecution recalled an MPD investigator with extensive experience to explain slang used in text messages allegedly linked to the defendants. The texts were sent on Feb. 24, 2020, the day of one of the shootings.

The first thread was between the owner of the phone and a contact named “Fully.”

“Y’all be careful we just slide dawged 9th,” the witness said as he read out the message sent by the owner of the phone.

The witness affirmed that “slide” refers to participating in criminal activity.

According to court documents, the Feb. 24, 2020 shooting occurred on the 1600 block of 9th Street, NW.

A second message from the owner stated “Christ we caught em in traffic stunna.”

Fully eventually responded “wya,” an acronym commonly used for “where you at.”

The following message from the owner stated “Den [then] back to it I ain’t stopping this week till I make dat [that] page.”

In reference to “dat page,” the prosecution asked the witness if he had ever heard of a “Murder Mayhem” social media account which to which the message referred. The witness confirmed the account was a popular social media page that posted criminal activity in D.C.

The prosecution presented an Instagram story from a “murder_mayhem_dc” account. The image depicted a crime scene blocked off with text stating three men were wounded in a shooting in the Shaw neighborhood. The detective confirmed this was the crime scene location of the Feb. 24, 2020 shooting.

The next thread of text messages was a group chat involving multiple phone numbers. The only text messages presented were between the owner of the phone and two contacts listed as “Fully” and “Fully B.”

Fully starts the thread by sending a picture that depicts a police car blocking the entrance to 9th street, surrounded by crime scene tape.

“Call me mr getactive” the witness said as he read out the response sent by the owner of the phone. “Christ two of em got hit,” the owner added.

“Make it count den,” Fully B responded.

In cross-examination by Nelson’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, the witness affirmed a contact named “Boogie,” which previous witnesses have testified to be Nelson’s nickname, was not part of these text threads.

Proceedings will continue on May 2.