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.

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 shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.

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.

Woman Pleads Guilty in Father’s Fatal Stabbing

Brittany Gaylor pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of her 70-year-old father in a May 2 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

During the brief proceeding Gaylor, 32, agreed with the prosecutor’s proffer of facts about the crime during which Brittany acknowledged she repeatedly stabbed James Gaylor in the “head, neck, stomach back and kidney.”

The victim, according to the prosecutor, also suffered from blunt force trauma in the incident that took place on Feb. 10 on the 1600 block of 6th Street, NW. James died the following day.

Judge O’Keefe asked Gaylor if the prosecutor’s proffer was “in its entirety” true to which she replied, “Yes.” He then asked if the defendant was voluntarily entering a guilty plea to second-degree murder and she agreed.

At that point Judge O’Keefe found Gaylor guilty and set July 12 as her sentencing date.

Gaylor was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for murdering her father.

In a hearing in February, the prosecution presented body-worn camera videos of James Gaylor telling police that his daughter, while holding a knife in her hand said, “I’m going to kill you before you get the chance to kill me.”

In another sequence after the attack the video captures James saying his daughter was the assailant.

The fraught relationship between father and daughter was highlighted when Gaylor’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, presented a text message from Brittany in the earlier hearing saying that if she died mysteriously her father was responsible.

Prior to sentencing, Judge O’Keefe said court officials would be evaluating Gaylor’s personal history and making recommendations about appropriate punishment based on their findings.

She is being held without bond.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Motion for Dismissal

A shooting defendant’s motion for dismissal based on the prosecution’s failure to indict by the deadline was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow in a May 1 hearing.

James Guillory, 24, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on June 15, 2023, on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE. Two people were injured in the incident.

On April 29, Varsha Govindaraju and Gail Engmann, Guillory’s defense attorneys, filed a motion to dismiss for a so-called abandonment of prosecution.

According to the defense, the prosecution missed their indictment deadline, which they allege was March 14.

However, the prosecution objected, stating that due to the defense’s waiving the 100-day trial deadline, the actual indictment deadline, based on statute 1322H, is at least 10 days before the trial, which is scheduled to begin June 20.

Govindaraju argued that the prosecution’s stance was incorrect because the defense had never agreed to “toll” or pause the indictment timeline, but had only waive the time to trial requirement.

Judge Pasichow sided with the prosecution, stating that the statute says that if one is “tolled”, the other is too. Thus, she denied the motion for dismissal.

“The case must go to trial, and it will not be dismissed on this basis,” Judge Pasichow said. When asked by the defense to release Guillory, she told them to file a written request which allows the prosecution two weeks to respond.

The defense also requested she set a mandatory deadline for the prosecution to indict the case.

Judge Pasichow agreed, and ordered the prosecution to present the indictment by May 23.

Parties will reconvene June 14 for a trial readiness hearing.

New Attorney Wants to Review Homicide Defendant’s Competency Finding

A homicide defendant’s newly appointed attorney alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe she needs time to review the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) a contested competency report for her client.

Deonte Spicer, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tyvez Monroe on Dec. 26, 2023, on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW. The incident occurred at a bus station.

A previous defense motion asked for a preliminary screening to determine Spicer’s mentally status because, “it has been apparent to counsel that Mr. Spicer is not able to competently assist counsel in his defense.” However, on April 5, Spicer was ruled competent to proceed with his case.

On April 18, Spicer filed a “pro se” motion, in effect representing himself, requesting a new attorney.

In his handwritten motion, Spicer stated, “[Russell Hairston, his previous attorney] refuses to go over the case with me and doesn’t tell me any plan or strategy he has for the case at all.”

He added that his attorney has “on several legal ‘visits’ and conversations, told me that I am guilty of this crime I am charged with, even though I have never said anything of the sort to him.” Spicer maintains his innocence.

Marnitta King, who was appointed as Spicer’s counsel on May 1, told Judge O’Keefe she would need time before a preliminary hearing to review the competency findings.

If she disagrees or opines that a new evaluation should be done, she will alert the court and the prosecution.

Parties are slated to return June 13.

Bullet Remnants From Earlier Shooting Linked to 2020 Homicide, Conspiracy Case

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony from a firearms examiner linking shell casings to three firearms, including a ghost gun, which were allegedly used in multiple shootings by three primary co-defendants.

Five casings were compatible with a 9mm Smith and Wesson M&P Shield handgun, six casings were compatible with a privately made firearm described as a 9mm Polymer 80 handgun, also known as a ghost gun, and 10 casings were compatible with a 9mm Glock 26.

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 shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.

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

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.

In an attempt to prove the conspiracy, the prosecution claims all firearms involved in the shooting are the “calling cards” of the defendants recovered from search warrants.

On April 30, the prosecution re-called the firearm’s analyst to testify about the shooting that occurred on the 1600 block of Ninth Street, NW, on Feb. 24, 2020.

The witness analyzed multiple bullet fragments and shell casings that were recovered from the crime scene to compare them to five firearms that are allegedly linked to the shootings.

The bullet fragments were deemed inconclusive from impact damage.

According to the witness, he was able to find a likely match from three of the five firearms to the casings.

In cross-examination by Freeman’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, the witness clarified that the casings are only “consistent” with the firearms and can’t prove they are the exact firearms used in the shooting.

Parties are slated to return May 1.

Former Lover Accused of Bedroom Murder Goes on Trial

A young woman who alleges she saw her boyfriend shot to death in her bedroom testified her ex-boyfriend was the killer.

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 reported minor injuries.

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

From the living room, Walker allegedly sent his ex-girlfriend angry texts before forcing his way back into the bedroom, where he caught the couple having sex. Walker allegedly produced a firearm and shot twice, striking King in the chest and genitals. The ex-girlfriend received minor injuries.

In opening statements on April 30, the prosecution argued the ex-girlfriend’s testimony would identify Walker as the shooter and is consistent with evidence found at the scene, which included Walker’s likely DNA on shell casings found in the ex-girlfriend’s bedroom and angry texts Walker sent his ex-girlfriend moments before the shooting took place.

“That murder was premeditated and deliberate,” said the prosecutors, allegeding that Walker was infuriated with his ex-girlfriend prior to the shooting. “This is about disrespect, and this is about control.”

Walker’s defense attorney, Rachel McCoy, argued that the prosecution was using “inflammatory material” to sway the jury and asked the them to “pay attention to the investigation, or to the lack of investigation” the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) conducted in determining the identity of the shooter.

“Marcus Walker is innocent,” said McCoy. “Do not let emotions be a substitute for logic and cold hard facts.”

The prosecution then called Walker’s ex-girlfriend to the stand.

She testified that she and Walker dated for a few weeks, but broke up when she caught Walker cheating. She claimed she allowed Walker to keep living with her out of concern for the safety of Walker’s young children.

“I didn’t want the kids on the streets,” she said.

According to the witness, she had been dating King for a month prior to the shooting. On the night of the incident, Walker, King, and the eyewitness were watching movies in the witness’ bedroom.

“Everything was fine, perfect, until we said we were going to bed,” said the woman. She testified that Walker left the room “with an attitude” and proceeded to send her angry texts from the living room.

“When I stopped replying, that’s when he barged through the door,” she said, she and King were having sex and when asked by King, Walker refused to leave.

The woman attempted to keep King from getting off the bed, claiming, “I didn’t want them to fight,” but Walker produced a firearm and allegedly shot King twice. The woman’s young daughter was also in the bedroom.

Walker then allegedly instructed the woman not to tell anybody about the shooting before absconding with his infant children. The eyewitness testified she immediately called the police, and responding officers pronounced King dead at the scene.

On cross examination, Walker’s other defense attorney, Jesse Winnograd, pointed out that King and Walker had met several times prior to the shooting without any violent altercations occurring, and that Walker’s texts to the eyewitness did not contain any threats of harm.

Further, Winnograd pointed out that the eyewitness had previously filed abuse charges against another ex-boyfriend, but dropped the charges after she wrote an email to the ex-boyfriend’s lawyer claiming her statements to the police were false.

“I wrote that email just to end the case,” the eyewitness explained. “I never wanted to proceed with [the charges].”

Parties are slated to reconvene May 1 in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss for Alleged Police Misconduct

A homicide defendant filed an unsuccessful motion to dismiss his case based on alleged police misconduct before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Lorinzo Thompson, 18, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 14-year old Niko Estep on the 2600 block of 14th Street, NW, on Nov. 3, 2023. The incident left another juvenile male suffering from gunshot wounds.

Thompson, who was 17 at the time of the incident, is being tried as an adult under Title 16, which allows prosecutors to charge juveniles as adults for serious crimes like murder.

On April 30, Thompson’s defense attorney, Joseph Yarbough, told the court there were instances of alleged misconduct committed by detectives during during Thompson’s interrogation on Nov. 9, 2023, when he was arrested, and on Feb. 12, when Yarbough alleges detectives interrogated Thompson at the DC Jail about two other homicides from 2023 without informing him of his right to counsel.

In addition, Yarbough claimed detectives kept questioning him after Thompson invoked his right to silence.

According to court documents, on Nov. 29 detectives told Thompson he was being arrested on an outstanding warrant for murder and, despite his age, he would be sent to adult jail.

Yarbough argued telling a juvenile, who is relatively inexperienced in the criminal legal system, that he is charged with murder and will be sent to adult jail could elicit self-incriminating comments.

According to Yarbough, police interviewed Thompson without counsel present about the murder of 16-year-old Mylaki Young, who was fatally shot while walking on the 200 block of V Street, NW on April 13, 2023.

Yarbough also contended detectives told Thompson that his current case was forensically linked to the murder case of 18-year-old Keni Edwards, who was shot and killed in the 2000 block of 10th Street, NW.

The defense requested the recorded interview of the interrogation where detectives mentioned that Thompson’s DNA was linked to Edwards’ case.

Yarbough called a Metropolitan Police Officer (MPD) from the Homicide Branch who was present during both interrogations. She stated that she questioned Thompson about Edwards and Young’s homicides, and mentioned that her superior had informed someone from the prosecution about the interview.

She testified that she did not recall mentioning shell casings or forensic evidence that possibly linked Thompson to Edwards’ case.

During cross-examination, the prosecution asked the witness whether Thompson was a suspect in both cases during his initial interrogation on November 9, 2023, which she denied.

After hearing both parties’ arguments, Judge Demeo acknowledged the potential seriousness of the alleged violations, but determined that they did not warrant immediate release.

Therefore, the judge denied defense’s request.

However, Judge Demeo granted the defendant’s motion to compel the prosecution to provide a portion of the recording of Thompson’s interrogation at the jail.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 11.

Preliminary Hearing Postponed Until Murder Defendant Gets New Counsel

A homicide defendant expressed frustration and motioned for new counsel before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe. in an April 30 hearing.

Deonte Spicer, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tyvez Monroe on Dec. 26, 2023, on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW. The incident occurred at a bus station.

On April 18, Spicer filed a “pro se” motion, in effect representing himself, requesting a new attorney.

In his handwritten motion, Spicer stated, “[Russell Hairston, his current attorney] refuses to go over the case with me and doesn’t tell me any plan or strategy he has for the case at all.”

He added that his attorney has “on several legal ‘visits’ and conversations, told me that I am guilty of this crime I am charged with, even though I have never said anything of the sort to him.” Spicer maintains his innocence.

Hairston, motioned to withdraw from the case on the basis that Spicer has been refusing his legal assistance.

“I have never refused no visits,” Spicer continued, “he never came to see me.”

Judge O’Keefe expressed his concern because Spicer has requested and has been appointed new counsel on several occasions.

Regardless, Judge O’Keefe granted the motion, and the preliminary hearing was postponed until Spicer is appointed new counsel.

Parties will reconvene when a new attorney is assigned.

Suspect in Stabbing Rejects Plea Deal

A homicide defendant rejected a plea extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo in an April 30 hearing.

Ravon Slye, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing his then-girlfriend, 30-year-old Andrea Bond, on March 7, 2023, on the 1100 Block of D Street, NE.

According to court documents, Slye has a history of domestic violence and was on probation at the time of the incident. Moreover, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) received multiple calls that identified Slye as the alleged killer.

According to the prosecution, they extended an offer that required Slye to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter, which would have resulted in the dismissal of the second-degree murder while armed charge.

Slye’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, informed the court of Slye’s decision to decline the plea deal.

However, Mosley expressed a desire to conduct DNA testing on evidence collected from the crime scene. As a result, Mosley requested an alternate trial date to accommodate the study and review its results.

Judge Demeo cautioned against prematurely changing the trial date, noting that the items tested by the prosecution might not necessarily yield Slye’s DNA.

She suggested waiting for the DNA results before finalizing any trial date adjustments, as Slye might opt out of further testing if initial results exclude his DNA.

“There is a hypothetical chance that the items that the prosecution tested exclude your client, at that point, your defendant might make the decision to not conduct additional testing. It is better to wait for the results before making a decision,” Judge Demeo advised.

The next hearing is scheduled on June 14 to consider the matter further.

‘Uncooperative’ Victim Testifies About a Shooting Linked to 2020 Homicide, Conspiracy Case

A homicide victim’s cousin was brought from DC Jail to testify before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt about a shooting the prosecution says is related to a murder case involving three primary co-defendants.

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 shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.

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

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 by the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

On April 29, the prosecution called a surviving victim from the Feb. 24 shooting to the stand who is currently in the DC Jail for undisclosed felony charges.

According to court documents, three individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

The witness, who is Lukes’ older cousin, stated “That’s family, that’s family,” when asked how he knew Malachi.

He had previously testified in the grand jury case against the defendants, including Steele and Brown, on Nov. 1, 2021.

According to the witness, he had left a recording studio and was walking on the 1600 block of ninth street, NW, towards a liquor store with his two friends when the shooting occurred.

When the prosecution asked how many times he was shot, he responded “I don’t know, once in my leg I think.”

However, the prosecution presented his grand jury testimony where he stated he got shot in both legs and once on his buttocks.

Additionally, he did not recall the color of the suspect vehicle or how many individuals were in it.

However, his grand jury testimony suggests otherwise in which he testified that “[The vehicle] was white or gray.”

The prosecution asked if it was possible that his memory about the incident was “more fresh” four years ago during his grand jury testimony. “It was all a blur,” he stated.

The witness, deemed uncooperative by the prosecution, testified during cross examination by Andrew Ain, Freemans’ defense attorney, that he had appeared in a friend’s rap video once. After being prodded by Ain, the witness acknowledged he was in a rap video with Lukes.

Prosecutors have previously presented testimony citing a motive for the multiple shootings as a “rap beef.”

Brian McDaniel, Jackson’s defense attorney, asked if it was correct to state that he had no description or identification of the individuals that shot him. “Yeah, I don’t know who shot me,” the witness responded.

The prosecution called a Department of Forensic Science (DFS) employee who analyzed bullet fragments from the Feb. 24 shooting.

There was no cross examination from defense attorneys after a ruling prohibiting any discussion about the DFS representative’s testing his own blood as part of this investigation–something the defense alleges. Judge Brandt said the defense couldn’t tie this issue to the lab’s earlier loss of accreditation which has since been partly resolved.

Parties are set to return April 30.

Judge Grants Homicide Defendant’s Motion to Amend Protective Order for Cell Phone Records

A homicide defendant’s attorney filed a motion to allow a defendant access to a witness’ cell phone records outside of the Public Defender Services’ (PDS) office, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Desmond Gaskin, 38, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree theft, and destruction of property, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 40-year-old William Whittington Jr. on July 19, 2022, at the 400 block of Burbank Street, SE.

On April 30, Jason Tulley, Gaskin’s defense attorney, orally motioned for Judge Raffinan to amend a protective order previously issued by the prosecution that prevented Gaskin from taking a specific piece of evidence outside of the PDS’ office.

Tulley argued that Gaskin, who has been on release and compliant since February 2023, would benefit from having access to a witness’ cell phone extraction to assist the defense team in their preparations for trial. He argued he should be able to review the evidence when he wants it at home.

However, the prosecution opposed, stating that as part of the cell phone extraction, the witness’ personal identifying information, including social security number, date of birth, and passwords, among other information, is visible and could be dangerous if Gaskin has access to it.

Tulley argued there is “no cause, no animosity, and no concern” to think Gaskin would release the information or use it for anything other than help in trial preparation.

He argued Gaskin will “remain a positive member of the community,” and is willing to follow all requirements that will allow him access to the evidence.

Judge Raffinan allowed Gaskin access to the extraction, but ordered him to not disseminate it or any sensitive information to anyone outside of the defense team, and reminded him that the document should be kept in a safe area.

Parties are slated to return July 19 to discuss results for the prosecution’s testing of DNA evidence.

Carjackers Are a ‘Real Threat’ But Data Shows Relatively Few Are Convicted

While carjackings have tripled in recent years and remain a “real threat,” says a source in the US Attorney’s office, most offenders don’t get caught. For the relatively few that are charged, conviction rates differ significantly and prosecutions can drag on for years, according to a D.C. Witness review of the data.

Out of 2,227 total carjacking offenses documented by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) from 2020 through 2023, 607 or just 27 percent end with an arrest or are closed for other reasons.

Only a fraction of these incidents resulted in convictions for adults while juvenile prosecutions seem more effective. according to D.C. Witness data and findings from the DC Sentencing Commission.

Though violent carjackings are rare, they do happen with consequences that one DC official called “horrifying.”

Two people were shot to death in a brazen carjacking that started near the city’s convention center on Jan. 29 and ended with the suspect killed by police in Maryland the following day.
A 15-year-old boy was charged for his alleged involvement in a carjacking and non-fatal shooting incident on Jan. 12.
Near the DC court complex, a 12-year-old boy was allegedly connected to a carjacking that ended in the shooting death of 13-year-old Vernard Toney Jr., on Oct. 28, 2023.

According to the MPD, between 2020 to March of this year, there were 569 actual carjacking arrests, 360 or 63 percent of which were minors between the ages of 12 and 17 years old.

Juvenile carjackings are handled by the Office of the DC Attorney General, which last year prosecuted 186 cases with an overall conviction rate of about 80 percent.

“Our office prosecutes every serious, violent case where we have enough evidence to do so. We don’t shy away from difficult cases, and we make sure that kids face consequences when they break the law and that victims see justice,” OAG spokesman Gabriel Shoglow-Rubinestein tells D.C. Witness.

As of March 31, according to the MPD, there have been 124 carjackings offenses so far in 2024, of which 66 percent were armed and 52 cases closed. That’s a 21 percent decline in carjackings from last year.

While the number is down this year, carjacking crimes have ballooned from 360 in 2020 to 958 in 2023, nearly a three-fold increase. According to the MPD, three-quarters of these crimes involve a gun, though only a handful end in shootings or homicides.

For those who are arrested, there is often a long road to conviction or acquittal. A DC Jail spokesman tells D.C. Witness 57 individuals are currently being held on carjacking charges.

The MPD says that between 2020 and 2023 there were 1661 armed carjackings.

D.C. Witness data for the same period shows out of 17 suspects in shooting-involved carjackings, there were nine convictions (53 percent) and one dismissal in the three years. For the five accused of homicide during a carjacking, there were two convictions (40 percent).

Data from the DC Sentencing Commission, which tracks adult arrest to sentencing trends shows in 2022 there were 45 adult arrests that included a carjacking charge.

Of those, 33 or 73 percent were sent to court for prosecution. In the end, 69 percent or 29 cases ended in a conviction.

Yet, only 24 percent (seven of 29 cases) resulted in a specific carjacking conviction.

The sentencing commission says that between 2016 and 2020, the average term for all armed carjackings was 180 months, or 15 years.

According to D.C. Witness data, the average sentence for homicides that stemmed from carjackings in 2020 to 2023 was 14 years in prison. For non-fatal shooting carjackings, the average sentence was five years.

Even though most carjackers are juveniles, it’s not immediately clear how many are tried under Title 16, which allows DC to charge them as adults. Some of these prosecutions include multiple serious crimes in addition to carjacking.

There is no simple explanation for the disconnect between carjackings and convictions, but the COVID years drastically affected the court’s operations overall.

“Due to the COVID pandemic’s effect on the criminal justice system, it is hard to draw conclusions from trends observed in 2020-2022,” Linden Fry, executive director of the commission tells D.C. Witness.

Other factors in delayed prosecution include the lag time between arrest and indictment for the most serious cases which can be nine months for the US Attorney’s Office to complete its investigation.

While more arrests is the goal, that is challenging because as DC Police Chief Pamela Smith testified before the DC City Council last December, her department is confronting the lowest staffing levels in the last five decades, down 460 personnel compared to three years ago. An MPD spokesman confirmed those numbers for D.C. Witness as of April 1.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in February Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a man in connection to a shooting that left a woman injured on Feb. 28 on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location to investigate the sounds of gunshots. They located an adult woman suffering from gunshot wounds. She was transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries.

On April 28, 33-year-old Scotland Alston was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill.

Document: Shooting Victim Dies, MPD Working to Upgrade Charges

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a man, who was a victim of a shooting on Jan. 30 on the intersection of Q Street and Connecticut Avenue, NW, has succumbed to his injuries and they’re planning to upgrade the suspect’s charges.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man inside a car suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

On April 29, the victim died from his injuries at the hospital. He has been identified as 28-year-old Rasheek Abdullah.

MPD is seeking to upgrade 56-year-old Rodney Baggott’s, who was arrested on April 15 and charged with assault with intent to kill.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on April 28 on the 2600 block of Bladensburg Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they found a man with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 72-year-old Larry Kiser.

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.

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