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Document: MPD Seeking Suspect in Kansas Avenue Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a shooting that occurred on June 11 on the 4000 block of Kansas Avenue, NW.

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

The suspect was captured by nearby surveillance cameras.

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 Searching for Vehicle in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect vehicle involved in a shooting on June 10 on the 600 block of 24th Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, the victims were at the location when the suspect began discharging a firearm towards them. An adult male and female were struck by gunfire and transported to local hospitals for treatment.

Surveillance footage captured the suspect vehicle.

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: Wanted Suspect Apprehended in Fatal Northwest Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 19-year-old Audrey Miller for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old Fasil Teklemariam, which occurred on April 5 on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW.

Miller was charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Request for Competency Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied a defendant’s request to have an evidentiary hearing to discuss his competency finding during a June 14 hearing. 

Lawrence Cummings, 31, is charged with unarmed carjacking, two counts of robbery, simple assault, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on Feb. 19 on the 300 block of 51st Street NE.

Cummings had allegedly forced an individual out of his Toyota Prius and drove off with it. No individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

Cummings’s attorney, Joseph Yarbough, argued that an insanity plea would be warranted due to Cummings’ history of mental health issues. In a motion filed on May 28, Yarbough requested to have a competency hearing “concerning Mr. Cummings’ lack of memory of the incident.” 

Judge Salerno denied the motion arguing that, “There have been six competency evaluations in this case, each one saying he was competent.” He added that there is “nothing to be achieved by another competency evaluation.”

“Drug use was a factor in their analysis,” the prosecution stated, regarding the doctors’ evaluations of Cummings’ competency.

However, the prosecution added that although all drug tests were negative, “drug use cannot be ruled out” as tests may not “capture all drugs or results may be distorted as a result of water loading.”

Water loading is a method used to “defeat” drug tests in that drinking large amounts of water can dilute a urine sample.

Yarbough argued that Cummings was not trying to defeat the drug test and added that before being tested, “He got one small cup of water, and that’s it.”

He insisted expert opinion can be unreliable, stating that “This evidence is solely trying to get the jury to speculate that he was trying to defeat the drug test.”

However, Judge Salerno wanted to include expert opinion stating that, “I’m not a mental health professional, I don’t give opinions on whether or not someone was sane at the time of an event.” 

Parties are slated to reconvene July 19.

Defendant Who Allegedly Put Murder Victim in Dumpster, Pleads Not Guilty

Through his defense attorney, David Knight, Lewis Jones pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun at an arraignment hearing on June 17.

Jones, 28, was arraigned on charges of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a prohibited weapon, six counts of tampering with physical evidence, and obstructing justice for allegedly stabbing 42-year-old Anthony Jordan to death. The incident occurred on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE on Aug. 4, 2023. 

Court documents state that Jordan’s friends and relatives reported him missing to members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on Aug. 8, 2023. MPD officers obtained records from Jordan’s cell phone, which showed all outgoing calls ceasing after Aug. 3, 2023.

Additionally, the records show Jordan’s last communication with location data, which reports his phone utilizing a cell tower nearly one mile from the scene of the incident.

According to court records, MPD officers interviewed a witness on Aug. 11 and 12, 2023, who testified to seeing Jones stab Jordan to death. 

The witness said Jones and his girlfriend, Nichelle Thomas, put Jordan’s body in a suitcase, which they deposited in a dumpster, along with objects stained with blood from the incident.

Thomas, 36, is a co-defendant for the incident, facing charges of accessory after the fact for first-degree murder while armed, six counts of tampering with physical evidence, three counts of credit card fraud, two counts of threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and four counts of obstructing justice.

According to court documents, the witness who gave evidence to the police feared violent reprisals from the defendants for testifying. The witness alleged receiving death threats from Thomas.

Court records reveal that Thomas previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for stabbing Jordan in 2016. They also state that Jones has a medical history of schizophrenia, and that Jordan was reported by his housemate to suffer from mental illness.

Arrest records show that Jordan’s body had still not been recovered as of Sept. 16, 2023, when warrants were issued for Jones’ and Thomas’ arrests.

Parties are slated to return on Oct. 4.

Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing, Granted Release

An 18-year-old defendant in a shooting case waived his rights to a preliminary hearing and was released by DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on June 17.

Owen Mendez, 18, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Dec. 17, 2023 at a parking garage on the 1600 block of L Street, NW. No individuals were injured during the incident.

According to court documents, officers responded to a phone call from the garage, in which an individual reported a gunshot that hit their vehicle. A garage attendant stated that he heard a gunshot in the garage and officers requested video footage from the time of the incident. 

Court documents state that the footage showed two male individuals, the complainant and an individual identified as Mendez, arguing before breaking out into a fight. 

The complainant apparently brought Mendez to the ground and kicked him in the face. Mendez allegedly returned a few moments later with a gun, pointing and firing at the complainant, but missing him and hitting the caller’s car.

During the hearing, Mendez waived his right to a preliminary hearing and requested release from the DC Jail.

Defense attorney Kibria Nabeel argued that Mendez had no criminal record and he had acted out of fear of being “jumped” by a larger group. 

Nabeel also stated that Mendez was the sole provider for his family and children. Mendez’s entire family – including parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins – was present in court to show their support.

The prosecution argued against release, stating the nature of the charges indicate that Mendez has impulsive behavior that would endanger the community if he were to be released.

Judge Raymond granted conditional release under electronic monitoring.

Parties are slated to return Aug. 1.

Despite Clean Record, Judge Denies 21-Year-Old Homicide Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a 21-year-old homicide defendant’s request for pretrial release on June 17, despite his lack of a prior criminal history.

Shannon Updike is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Chidozie Njoku, 23, to death at the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on May 27. 

According to documents from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) the victim was shot in his face and chest, and found unconscious when officers responded to the scene.

Updike reportedly told a MPD detective that there was an altercation between Njoku and his girlfriend. Updike stated he only met Njoku once, but knew the boyfriend was abusive toward his girlfriend. 

Police documentation states that a witness to the incident took photos of the shooter, allegedly identified by MPD officers as the defendant, as he left the scene.

At the hearing on June 17, Updike waived his right to a preliminary hearing. His defense attorney, Stuart Johnson, requested Updike’s release under high intensity supervision and GPS electronic monitoring.

Johnson acknowledged the seriousness of the case but argued for his client’s release, noting that he does not have a criminal record and has never been arrested. Johnson said Updike would reside with a family member in Largo, Maryland, and find employment.

Referring to the charge against Updike, Johnson stated, “My client went to the assistance of a woman who was allegedly being beaten by the decedent.”

Johnson also pointed to the large number of family members present in the courtroom to support Updike.

“They’re also shocked at the allegations,” Johnson said.

Moreover, he attested to Updike’s character, stating he does not use “hard drugs,” and described him as a “polite, calm, respectful, [and] well-spoken” young man.

Meanwhile, the prosecution argued that the defendant should remain in detention, emphasizing the strength of the evidence in the case and Updike’s “way overreaction” to the incident.

“This situation could arise at any time. He could see an altercation and think he’s doing the right thing,” the prosecutor maintained, arguing that Updike would be a danger to the community if released.

The prosecutor described the defendant as “extremely dangerous,” having no “strong ties to the community.” He claimed that the defendant built his own rifle, the alleged weapon, and that the incident was caught on video surveillance.

Judge Okun described the three conditions he must look for when considering release: the nature of the offense, weight of the evidence, and the personal qualities and criminal history of the defendant. 

Referring to the case’s evidence, Judge Okun stated that a purple firearm was found in a black bag, believed to be the defendant’s, which has been consistent with witness statements and video surveillance footage.

“The nature of the offense weighs in favor of detention, and the nature of the evidence does, too,” Judge Okun stated, despite admitting that the defendant’s personal qualities and criminal history weighed in favor of release.

Ultimately, Judge Okun ordered that Updike remain in detention, asserting he could not find any release conditions that would protect the safety of the community. 

At Johnson’s request, Judge Okun assigned Updike to the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) rather than the DC Jail due to his age and lack of prior criminal history.

Parties reconvene on July 26.

Preliminary Hearing for Murder Defendant Delayed for Competency Test

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted a defense attorney’s request to evaluate a homicide defendant’s mental competency in what was supposed to be a preliminary hearing on June 17. 

Ted Brown, 54,  is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his  alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Tommy Hudson, 58. The incident occurred on May 26 on the 500 block of Harvard Street, NW. 

According to court documents, Brown allegedly killed Hudson by stabbing him with a knife on his right shoulder then dragging the knife down and hitting an artery, on the porch of his home. 

During the hearing, Brown’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, requested the preliminary hearing be continued and a competency test for Brown, citing concerns for his mental status and apparent inability to understand the legal proceedings against him. Judge Epstein granted the request. 

Parties are set to reconvene on July 11 for a rescheduled preliminary hearing.  

Probable Cause Found in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found probable cause that the defendant in a homicide case is the perpetrator during a June 14 hearing. 

Trenton Collins, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder for his alleged involvement in a robbery turned homicide that resulted in the death of 41-year-old Philip Prendergast on March 27 on the 5100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. 

The prosecution brought forth the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who recounted the search of Collin’s home and evidence collected. 

The officer described finding clothing in Collins’ and his roommate’s bedroom that appeared to match the clothing that the assailants were wearing during the robbery.  Most identifiable were a pair of white Air Force 1’s that were found in Collins’ bedroom that appear to match one of the assailants based on video footage of the robbery. 

According to the witness, MPD officers found a black ski mask, latex gloves, and a handgun with a magazine and ammunition within Collins’ bedroom. 

As per the officer, MPD reviewed video footage that documented the robbery and showed the alleged assailants leaving the scene of the crime and returning to Collins’ residence.   

Prosecutors asserted that with the evidence found at Collins’ residence and the video footage MPD reviewed that probable cause was apparent.  

Collin’s attorney, David Akulian, argued that the evidence the prosecution presented was circumstantial, and that when interviewing a witness who saw another unknown individual other than Collins, police did not gather any identifying information other than short hair. 

Akulian said that based on what the prosecution presented the assailant could have easily been someone else. 

After hearing both sides, Judge O’Keefe found probable cause Collins is the perpetrator.

Court is set to reconvene on Sept. 13. 

Road-Rage Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 32-and-a-Half Years

A shooting defendant was sentenced to 32-and-a-half years for a road-rage incident by DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 17. 

Kenneth Davis, 45, was found guilty in January of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one person on May 19, 2021, on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. The altercation stemmed from a traffic incident.

A prosecutor claimed that Davis displayed a “total lack of accountability” and remorse, despite his impact on the victims. They explained that one of the victims still has nightmares, and can barely drive due to post-traumatic stress. Their son, who was six-years-old at the time of the incident, could not sleep in his own bed for a year and could not stand the sound of fireworks on July 4th.

According to the prosecutor, Davis had not been taking his case seriously. He has filed a civil suit for $19 billion against one of the government’s witnesses “because they testified,” according to a prosecutor. 

The prosecution proposed a sentence of 360 months and claimed this reflects the defendant’s actions and decisions.

Defense attorney Marnitta King said the sentencing guideline the prosecution recommends does not fit the defendant. She requested that the judge not “lump him into” a “number of time.” Instead, she asked the court to focus on the “positive light” he has been in the community, citing his involvement in the music industry throughout the DC area. 

King asked the court to consider an 11-and-a-half-year sentence, a departure from the sentencing guidelines.

The defendant told the court the prosecution wants a sentence that does not take the low “severity” of the crime into account. He said, “I’m a father, I’m a brother, I’m a son,” and am trying to “do better.” 

Davis said that he is “praying for the best” and thanked Judge Brandt for reading letters of support from his friends and family. 

Judge Brandt acknowledged that the defendant has “always stuck up for himself” throughout the case, but that is where the “accolades end.” She claimed that the defendant sees the case and his criminal history differently than the court, as he has been convicted for other serious crimes. 

“This case kind of speaks for itself,” Judge Brandt said. “Four people on that fateful day could have ended up dead.”

Judge Brandt sentenced Davis to a total of 32-and-a-half years. He received 11-and-a-half years for assault with intent to kill, which carries a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence, and 21 years for three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. Concurrently, he received 21 years for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. 

Davis will have to register as a gun offender for two years after his supervised release ends. He has 30 days to appeal his case. 

Shooting Defendant of Mother Holding Child Accepts Plea Deal 

A shooting defendant who endangered a child accepted a plea deal set forth by the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 17.

Darrious Johnson, 23, was originally charged with three counts of intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly, second-degree cruelty to children, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident occurring on May 5, 2023, on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries from the incident.  

According to court documents, an individual identified as Johnson allegedly shot a woman, holding her child, in a residence. The incident stemmed from a dispute over money. 

The prosecution said the mother sustained injuries which permanently caused her to lose mobility in two fingers on her left hand. 

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court they had extended an offer, which required Johnson plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed, second-degree cruelty to children, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. 

Through the deal, the parties agreed Johnson will be required to serve six years of incarceration and five years of supervised release.

Wole Falodun, Johnson’s defense attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept the deal. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 23.

Carjacking and Robbery Defendants Waive Rights to DNA Testing

Co-defendants in a carjacking and robbery case waived their rights to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on June 17.

Gregory Patterson, 41, and Jimmy Johnson, 43, are charged with unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE, on July 11, 2023. 

Patterson is also charged with robbery in connection to the incident. 

According to court documents, the victim stated that two suspects assaulted him and robbed him of his jewelry before attempting to carjack his vehicle. During the struggle, a gun was allegedly brandished, but never fired. The victim fought back, causing the suspects to run off and allowing the victim to drive himself to a local hospital.  

Camera footage from the area was recovered, which showed what appeared to be a robbery and a still image of the suspect who was later identified as Patterson. 

The victim sustained a large laceration above his left eye, requiring 10 stitches, along with scratches and small lacerations on his right hand.

At the hearing, both Patterson and Johnson waived their rights to independent DNA testing for the evidence the prosecution recovered from the scene including various swabs from the car and a handgun.

Parties are slated to return on July 15.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty But Considers Plea Deal

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo in a felony arraignment on June 17.

Damion Brown, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of large capacity feeding device, and unlawful possession of firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year old Jordan Coates on the 1200 block of Duncan Place, NE, on Sept. 9, 2023.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to an incident where Coates was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Brown was later identified as the alleged shooter through Ring camera footage and witness testimony. Life-saving measures for Coates were unsuccessful. 

Todd Baldwin, Brown’s defense attorney, alerted the court he was pleading not guilty to all indictment charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial. Meanwhile, he is considering an unspecified prosecution plea offer.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 23.

Judge Denies Release for Shooting Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz denied a shooting defendant’s request to be released as he awaits further proceedings on June 17. 

Dayquan Henderson, 22, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on May 11 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. No injuries were reported. 

According to court documents, an individual identified as Henderson, who was inside of the residence, was arguing with two individuals who were outside nearby. During the argument, Henderson allegedly shot at the victims, without striking them. The victims fled the scene.

Michelle Lockard, Henderson’s defense attorney, submitted a motion for Henderson’s pretrial release based on his residing with his pregnant girlfriend, who is not involved in the dispute, and remaining gainfully employed. 

Judge Leibovitz denied the request, citing the nature of the offense, adding that bystanders could have been allegedly injured by Henderson. 

Parties are slated to return July 8.