Search Icon Search site

Search

‘Every day I Think of The Gun Being in My Face,’ Writes Assault Victim in Sentencing Statement


DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a shooting defendant to two-and-a-half years of incarceration on Aug. 9.

David Walls, 38, was originally charged with kidnapping while armed and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in two incidents, one on April 10 and the other on April 13. Both took place on the 2700 block of 30th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Walls was outside of his ex-girlfriend’s home at night when she walked outside with her new partner on April 10. Then Walls allegedly grabbed her at gunpoint and forced her into his car. She jumped out of the moving vehicle to escape.

On April 13, according to court documents, Walls went back to her home and fired a single shot at the premises. No one was injured. 

On May 21, Walls accepted an agreement that required him to plead guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment. 

During the hearing, the prosecutor read a victim’s impact statement, in which Wall’s ex-girlfriend wrote that “safe[ty] is no longer something I feel,” and stated she is baffled by his actions considering he has daughters.

“Every day I think of the gun being in my face,” she wrote. The victim said she will be traumatized for life.

The prosecution requested a sentence of 78 months, with 39 months each for both assaults. Despite the defendant’s lack of criminal history, the prosecution emphasized the severity of the crime, and how Walls attempted to harm the victim on two occasions. As a domestic violence prosecutor, he said that “these are the cases that keep us up at night.”

Walls’ defense attorney, Marnitta King, argued that seven years was too much jail time, and that it would be a “disingenuous” outcome to the criminal justice system. 

According to King, Walls had a clean record and was a good father, brother, son, and boyfriend prior to the crime. King argued that despite the prosecution’s claim, Walls and his ex-girlfriend were still dating at the time of the attack and she had asked him to pick her up when she walked out the door with another man. 

King also claimed that at the time of the event, Walls and the victim were texting “I love you” to each other, and he believed they were in a committed relationship. 

“His life changed in an instant. He was faced with realizing there’s another person there,” King said, referring to the other man in the woman’s house. “The family he had been planning with her . . . all gone,” she added.

King maintained that she wasn’t excusing his actions, but pointing out that it was an emotionally distressing situation and not Walls’ normal conduct.

She requested a sentence within the voluntary sentencing guideline, with the time suspended, in order to give him a chance to prove himself.  

“I was blown away because this is not the David Walls that I know. . . He’s so calm,” said Walls’ employer to Judge Arthur. 

Walls’ mother and sister also offered tearful statements. They said that Walls is a dedicated father to his daughters, and has taken care of both his mother and grandmother.

“I look up to my brother a whole lot,” said his sister, adding that as the only man in the house he is “their protector.”

“You will never see his face in a courtroom again, I promise you,” his sister said to Judge Arthur as she finished her statement.

Finally, Walls gave a statement saying he was sorry and that he “isn’t a bad person.” He said this was the first time he had ever sat in a jail, and that it would leave a lasting impression on him.

“Everybody’s in here talking about what you mean to them, but you chose to take yourself away from them,” Judge Arthur told Walls. 

Judge Arthur said he would take into account that this was his first conviction, and the support from his family. However, the fact that there were was two incidents is significant. 

Judge Arthur imposed a sentence of 36 months with all but 18 months suspended for one of the assault with a dangerous weapon charges, 36 months with all but 12 months suspended for the other assault charge, which will run consecutive to each other. Judge Arthur also sentenced Wall to 12 months, all suspended, for the possession charge. 

As part of the sentence, Walls is required to register as a gun offender and pay $300 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF). He is also required to participate in anger management and domestic violence classes, and must stay away from the victim. 

No further dates were set.

Murder Defendant’s Trial Rescheduled Deeper Into 2025

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt pushed a murder’s defendant’s trial even later into next year because of scheduling conflicts with another trial in a hearing on Aug. 12.

Howard Fritts, 58, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the murder of Charlie Miller, 46, on May 29, 2022, on the 900 block of 9th Street, NW. 

During the hearing, Judge Brandt said she needs to “pivot” Fritts’ trial date, originally set for April 7, 2025, because she has another trial set for April 8, 2025. Parties decided to reset the trial date for Nov. 17, 2025. 

According to court documents, Fritts allegedly shot Miller in the head in addition to inflicting other  abrasions to his elbows, knees and face and a laceration to his forehead ultimately killing him. When Fritts spoke with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers after his arrest on June 1, 2022, he said he got into a physical fight after he asked Miller to stop recording him on his phone. 

Fritts also denied having shot Miller, saying he had never “shot a gun a day in his life,” according to court documents. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 10, 2025, for a trial readiness hearing. 

Shooting Defendant’s Sentence Requires Drug and Mental Health Treatment

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow gave Dakia Thomas a suspended sentence on Aug. 9 that requires her to receive mental health and drug abuse treatment in order to stay out of prison.

Thomas, 43, was originally charged with four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm/unlawful possession of a firearm or destructive device, and unlawful possession of ammunition. These charges stemmed from her involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on Dec. 16, 2021, on the 3500 block of Albert Irvin Cassell Place, NE. No injuries were reported. 

On Feb. 20, Thomas accepted an agreement to plead guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges. 

The prosecutor asked Judge Pasichow to sentence Thomas to five years imprisonment for each of the two charges, noting that her shooting at multiple individuals on the street could easily have resulted in murder.

Brandon Burrell, Thomas’ defense attorney, requested a prison sentence totalling two-and-a-half years. He said Thomas has been addressing her problems with drug use and mental health, which were contributing factors in her offense.

Judge Pasichow sentenced Thomas to five years incarceration for each offense, to run concurrently, but suspended the sentence for time served and an additional three years supervised release.

During probation, Judge Pasichow said, Thomas must enroll and participate in mental health and drug treatment programs as directed by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

“There’s a lot to be done, and you have to take advantage of the resources that will be provided to you,” Judge Pasichow told Thomas. 

Thomas must also pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Fund and register as a gun offender in the District of Columbia. She must comply with a stay-away order from the shooting victims.

No more hearings are scheduled in this case.

Defendant to Spend 40 Months in Prison for Stabbing Security Officer

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow sentenced Alandon Jordan to 40 months in prison on Aug. 9 for stabbing a security officer at the parking garage of the Gallery Place shopping mall in Northwest DC.

Jordan, 33, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (knife) for a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Dec. 11, 2023, on the 700 block of 6th Street, NW. 

According to arrest documents, another security officer at Gallery Place told a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD officer) that the victim was monitoring the parking garage security cameras when he saw Jordan trying to open the door to the victim’s car.

After the victim left the security office to intercept Jordan, the witness heard the victim screaming, “I’m security.” The witness left the office and saw Jordan near the victim holding a knife. While the witness was calling 911, the victim returned to the office with stab wounds in his side. 

Court documents state that Jordan turned himself in to a Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) officer about six hours after the incident. Jordan told the officer he was hearing voices telling him to do dangerous things. He said he had stabbed someone he thought was a security officer, but he couldn’t remember what happened.

On March 12, Jordan accepted a pre-indictment offer that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury. 

On Aug. 9, Judge Pasichow sentenced Jordan to three years and four months imprisonment for assault with a dangerous weapon and two years for assault with significant bodily injury. The sentences are set to run concurrently, with credit for time served. Jordan was also sentenced to three years of supervised release for each charge, to run concurrently. 

Jordan addressed the court at the sentencing, expressing his remorse and apologizing to the victim.

“I turned myself in because I felt bad for what I did,” Jordan said. “I’ve been trying as hard as I can to get better. I can’t even find the words to say how bad I feel now and how bad I felt then.”

In a victim impact statement read by the prosecutor, the victim said that the stabbing has significantly harmed his health mentally as well as physically. 

“Get clean and lead a good life,” the victim urged the defendant.

Judge Pasichow ordered Jordan to undergo mental health and drug assessments and receive any treatment they indicate is needed. She required him to receive anger management counseling, employment assistance and vocational training.

“It’s not a matter of blaming the drugs. It’s a matter of blaming your ingestion of it. That’s voluntary,” Judge Pasichow told Jordan. “You’re not going to be in forever, so you’re going to have to make choices when you’re out also. Some of those choices will be hard for you.”

Judge Pasichow noted that violent crimes like Jordan’s, committed under the influence of drugs such as phencyclidine (PCP), demonstrate the seriousness of PCP possession charges, even when no victims are identified in the possession cases.

Jordan must pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Fund and comply with a stay-away order from the Gallery Place parking garage.

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.

Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A defendant accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Aug. 9. 

Raymond Watson, 45, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his involvement in a stabbing with a pocket knife on Feb. 16, on the 2000 block of Q Street, SE.

According to court documents, Watson told detectives that the victim threatened to stab everyone who was on the scene including him.

A witness to the incident and the significant other of the victim located and “positively identified” Watson, who they knew as “Ray,” for the police, who was then briefly detained, according to court documents.

Michael Bruckheim, Watson’s defense attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept a deal, which required him to plead guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. 

Parties are slated to return on Oct. 25.

Homicide Defendant Caught on Surveillance Video Accepts Plea

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Aug. 9.

Kyree Hairston, 24, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the shooting of 51-year-old David Coe on Feb. 4 on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE. 

At the hearing, Hairston’s defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, read out the agreement that stated he is pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 14-to-18 years of incarceration. 

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they could have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Hairston shot Coe multiple times on the back as he attempted to flee from the situation. 

A verbal altercation was picked up on audio surveillance footage nearby, according to the prosecutor, with Hairston saying “On my mother, you got 30 seconds, on my grandmother.” Coe could be heard calling Hairston “cuz.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Nov. 15.

Murder Defendant Acts Like He, ‘Runs this Courtroom,’ Prosecutor Says

A murder defendant refused to get off a bus and attend a court proceeding for the fourth time in a matter of three months before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Aug. 9. 

Ethan Cunningham, 20, is charged with three counts of felony murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, kidnapping while armed, attempted robbery while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old James Curtis on March 10, 2022, on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE. 

At the hearing, a US Marshal alerted Judge Epstein that Cunningham had refused to attend court. The prosecutor said Cunningham acts “like he runs this courtroom,” and requested that Judge Epstein order the Marshals to use force to get him to court. 

According to the prosecution, the victim’s family has taken off work each time there is a proceeding to no avail as the defendant keeps refusing to cooperate.

Thomas Healy, Cunningham’s defense attorney, said he is sorry for the inconvenience this has caused for the family, while suggesting that they alternatively attend virtually to avoid the commute.

“I need Cunningham to assist in his own defense,” Healy said regarding the importance of Cunningham’s presence.

Judge Epstein said if Cunningham chooses not to attend future hearings, the parties can still go on without him. He said he can’t “boycott” the proceedings. 

Prosecutors argued at a July hearing that every time a plea deal is about to expire, Cunningham misses his appearance in court.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 13.

Attorney Claims Stabbing Suspect Acted in Self-Defense, Waives Preliminary Hearing

A stabbing defendant’s attorney insisted his client acted in self-defense as he waived his right to a preliminary hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on Aug. 9. 

James Williams, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on Aug. 7 on the 1300 block of Missouri Avenue, NW. One individual sustained life-threatening injuries. 

According to court documents, Williams allegedly stabbed the victim in the back after getting into a verbal and physical altercation. The victim was later transported to a hospital and received emergency surgery. 

During the hearing, Williams waived his preliminary hearing rights. His defense attorney, Susan Ellis, said Williams acted in self-defense, adding that the only witness at the scene was not able to tell Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers who had started the fight.

According to Ellis, Williams has fractured ribs and an injury to his eyes caused by the fight. She requested he be released from jail.  

The prosecution disagreed stating Williams should be held in jail. They described the fight as a “heated” situation where the one witness had to run away and ask neighbors for help.

Judge Glover sided with the prosecution and said the defendant will be held. He also said in a case from 2010 involving a controlled substance, Williams did not comply with terms of release causing his probation to be revoked. 

Judge Glover said the self-defense argument extended by the defense can be heard at a different time.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 27.

Witnesses Attest to Homicide Defendant’s Character

A jury heard multiple witnesses testify that a homicide defendant is a peaceful man dedicated to helping youth. The testimony came in a case involving a juvenile shooting victim argued before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Aug 8. 

Jason Lewis, 42, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake on Jan. 7, 2023. The incident occurred on the 1000 block of Quincy Street, NE.

The doctor who performed the autopsy on Blake recovered two projectiles, one from the right side of the chest, another in the pelvis and a fragment from his left arm. She concluded the cause of death was gunshot wounds and the manner was homicide. 

A Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) analyst provided testimony on an Audi and Kia Sportage involved in the incident.

Security footage from a PNC bank and a dentist’s office down the street allegedly shows two young people get out of a gray Kia and break into several cars, one of which was Lewis’ gray Audi.

The questions were focused mainly on the Kia and the items recovered which she testified included a screwdriver, phone, clothing, and a black backpack. The defense confirmed that none of the items recovered was processed for DNA or fingerprints. 

An MPD Officer testified the black tactical backpack had a VELCRO triangular-shaped pouch attached and could be used as a holster for a gun. 

During a recess, the prosecution filed a motion to exclude evidence about Blake’s prior offenses since they were minimal and did not include violent acts. Judge Epstiein granted the motion given that Lewis only contends that Blake ran at him and did not hold a firearm that night. 

The defense called a woman who’d known Lewis for ten yearsto serve as a character witness, She said he worked at a recreation center and her kids participated in sports there. She recalled Lewis always interacting and helping kids with programs at the center. Further, she said he would often try and deescalate situation among the kids.

She considered Matthews one of the “most peaceful” individuals she knew at the recreation center.

The defense also called on a juvenile diversion coordinator, who testified he knew Lewis through work, specifically youth services and youth projects within the community. 

He testified that in his opinion, Lewis is a non-violent person, peaceful and law abiding, and has been truthful and honest. The witness also mentioned Lewis’ working on a non-profit landscaping program for kids, to teach them skills while getting paid. 

Another of Lewis’ co-workers also testified they had worked together for twelve years prior to the shooting. She described their relationship as having a “healthy competition” and at times were mentors for each other. 

She also recalled seeing Lewis’ interacting with kids and just being a “very loving person.” She added she had seen Lewis building and working on citywide programs, which she claimed helped reduce crime. when he operated them.  

She described Lewis as “a very level-headed man”who obeyed the law and taught kids to follow the law. 

The prosecution then asked whether she knew anything about the incident and the charges, and she responded wasn’t interested in the shooting but only came to testify about Matthews’ character. 

Parties are scheduled to return on Aug. 12. 

Shooting Defendant’s Case Dismissed For Lack of Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover dismissed a shooting defendant’s case on Aug. 9 due to the prosecution’s failure to conduct a preliminary hearing. 

Darrian Tabbs, 28, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and receiving stolen property worth $1000 or more for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident on July 30 on the 600 block of Florida Avenue, NW. No one sustained injuries. 

According to court documents, Tabbs allegedly fired a gun into the air before fleeing into an alleyway. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers spoke to witnesses who pointed toward Tabbs. Officers allegedly found a gun on Tabbs and arrested him on scene. 

During the hearing, the prosecution extended a pre-preliminary plea offer to the defense requesting Tabbs waive his preliminary hearing rights. It is unclear what charges Tabbs would be required to plead guilty to through the deal.

Tabbs’ defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, said his client rejected the plea offer. He also said the prosecution’s tolling time, which grants the prosecution an extension, ends today and requested Tabbs’ case be dismissed because he has the right to a preliminary hearing.

Judge Glover agreed with the defense and dismissed Tabbs’ case. According to court documents, Tabbs is set to be released from the jail. 

No further dates were set.

Kidnapping and Carjacking Defendant Will Independently Test DNA Evidence


A carjacking and kidnapping defendant alerted DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur of his intent to independently test DNA evidence recovered at a crime scene, during a hearing on Aug. 9. 

Winston Timoteo, 26, is charged with kidnapping while armed and unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Dec. 26 on the 1300 block of 4th Street NE. 

According to court documents, Timoteo was pulled over for driving in the wrong direction. Down the street, the victim was on the phone with the police, alerting them that an individual, later identified as Timoteo, had stolen his car and was driving it. He also alleged the defendant had a gun. The defendant fled the scene as an officer approached.

The victim alleged he was approached by two armed individuals as he got in his car for work. They demanded he get in the car and give them money. As they drove, the defendant allegedly demanded the victim jump from the car, and he complied, as per court documents.

During the hearing, Timoteo’s attorney, Terrence Austin, indicated his intention to conduct DNA testing on the victim’s car and an iPhone recovered at the scene. 

The trial is set to begin Sept. 18. 

Parties will reconvene on Aug. 13.

Defense Says Police ‘Helped Modify the Crime Scene’ in Murder Trial

A defense attorney claimed police manipulated evidence in a homicide investigation during closing arguments before  DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Aug. 8.

Bernard Matthews, 45, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvemsent in the shooting death of 22-year-old Diamonte Green on Feb. 16, 2021, on the 300 block of 33rd St, SE.

In her closing arguments, Matthews’ attorney, Marnitta King, said prosecutors “told [the jury] a story they made up,” and added “there’s so much that the [prosecution] didn’t tell you.” King has repeatedly stated during the trial that the prosecution has failed to provide all relevant evidence to the jury. 

King said there are other suspects that should be considered, namely the witness who called the police.

King also claimed that police assisted that witness and “helped modify the crime scene” including a cell phone and moving shell casings. 

In their arguments, the prosecution told the jury that King was telling them to “ignore the evidence of your eyes and ears.”

The prosecution showed screenshots of threatening Instagram messages that Green had sent to Matthews’ son. They also played footage of an individual, identified as Matthews, walking into the apartment complex where Green’s body was found.

In order to dispute the defense’s claims that one of the witnesses may have been the shooter, prosecutors played the 911 call of the witness asking for help and saying “hurry up, hurry up.” The witness had previously testified that he and Green were “best friends.”

They showed a photo of Green’s body and said he was bleeding internally, according to medical examiners.

The prosecution argued that Matthews had a motive citing that Green had been threatening the defendant’s son. They stated that Matthews “ took it upon himself to make himself the judge, the jury, and the executioner.”

“If you follow the evidence, you’ll find the defendant guilty,” the prosecutor told the jury. 

Parties will reconvene when the jury has reached a verdict.

Detective Provides Video Timeline of Mass Shooting And Aftermath

A homicide detective testified about his investigation of events leading up to and following a mass shooting and homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Aug. 8. 

Mark Price, 29, and Antonio Murchison, 31, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation. 

The charges stem from their alleged involvement into a July 16, 2018 incident on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. The highly publicized crime left 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.

Price is also charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, threat to injure or kidnap 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. These charges are connected to the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE. 

The third co-defendant, Quanisha Ramsuer, 31, is charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide.

Six other defendants were convicted in 2023 of charges related to the incident, including:

During the hearing, prosecutors displayed several compilations of surveillance footage from the evening of the mass shooting. Most focused on an apartment on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE, in the Wellington Park neighborhood a few miles away from the crime scene.

Police believe a rivalry between crews in the two neighborhoods may have precipitated the attack.

The detective identified numerous individuals entering, exiting and standing outside the building over several hours, including Price and Murchison. Two vehicles are visible in the footage — a silver BMW, and a carjacked black Infiniti, which was identified as the suspect vehicle used in the mass shooting. 

The footage shows both cars pulling out of the parking lot together, after six individuals, who prosecutors claim are Price, Taylor, Isaiah and Antonio, Thomas, and Michals get inside. According to the detective, only Michals returned in the silver BMW several minutes later, while Cobbs and Jeffers were identified sitting at a picnic table outside an apartment. 

In his testimony, the detective highlighted that between 7:35 p.m. and 8:18 p.m. on July 16, 2018, he did not identify Price, Antonio and Isaiah Murchison, Taylor or Thomas on any surveillance footage at the apartment complex. 

Prosecutors then showed footage of four individuals jumping out of the black Infiniti firing shots in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. They jump back in and the car quickly drives away. 

The detective testified that he attempted to locate CCTV or District Department of Transportation (DDOT) footage of the black Infiniti after the shooting, but was unable to find any. He created a possible route the vehicle could take from Clay Terrace back to Wellington Park, along I-295 where there were no cameras. The detective corroborated this by obtaining cell-site records, of a phone number he connected with Price, that hit a cell tower along the suspected route at Benning Road.

The prosecutors showed subsequent surveillance footage at the 2500 block of Elvans Road providing initial access to the Wellington Park parking lot. A black vehicle could be seen driving past. The black Infiniti did not return to Pomeroy Road, and the detective testified that one can travel by foot along a path from the apartment complex on Elvans Road, down to Pomeroy Road. No cameras surveilled this route in 2018. 

At 8:18 p.m., the individual identified as Price returned to the apartment building. The detective also identified Antonio Murchison, Michals, Cobbs, Jeffers, Ramsuer, and several others in the parking lot. 

The prosecution showed Instagram videos from that date, between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. of the individuals dancing and singing in the parking lot. They can be heard saying: “We the real reason the murder rate high … we just want a homicide.”  

According to the detective, the black Infiniti was dumped on the 3200 block of Burton Court, in Temple Hills, MD, which the detective testified can be reached from Wellington Park without being detected on CCTV cameras, by taking Suitland Parkway. 

He also reviewed several jail calls and visitation videos with Quincy Garvin, who was part of the Wellington Park Crew and convicted of a homicide, where a “terrorist attack” is mentioned. On a call between him and Thomas on July 20, 2018, Garvin said: “I heard they found the airplane.” In his testimony, the detective confirmed the black Infiniti had been recovered by that date.

The prosecution wrapped up its case and defense counsel is expected to call several witnesses before closing statements begin. 

Parties are slated to return on Aug. 12.

‘I’m Sorry,’ Shooting Defendant Says as He’s Sentenced to 18 Months 

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz sentenced a shooting defendant to 18 months of incarceration on Aug. 9. 

Raymond Robinson, 43, accepted an offer on May 20 to plead guilty to assault with significant bodily injury and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a shooting that injured one individual. The incident occurred on Feb. 10, on the 1800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. 

At the hearing, the prosecutor requested Judge Leibovitz sentence Robinson to 19 months, which was the limit the parties agreed for the sentencing through the deal. 

The prosecutor stated they were asking for that sentence because Robinson was “involved firing a firearm at the victim after a scuffle.” 

Nikki Lotze, Robinson’s defense attorney, disagreed with the prosecutor’s request, stating that Robinson had “been on a path to change his life around” before the incident occurred. She added he had been sober for one year before he reconnected with the victim and started using phencyclidine (PCP). 

According to Lotze, the victim provided contradicting statements to the police, claiming Robinson was a stranger that followed him into his apartment and shot him. However, Lotze stated, the victim and Robinson had an encounter the night before, in which the victim allegedly threatened Robinson with a machete and robbed him of his watch. 

“A 10 month sentence is appropriate in this case,” Lotze insisted. 

“I’m sorry for my actions,” Robinson told the court, adding that the victim had been like a nephew to him and he had attempted to be there for him as he was experiencing a loved one’s loss. 

“I was really trying to do right, but I slipped up,” Robinson told Judge Leibovitz, adding “I’m gonna stay away from negative people.” 

Judge Leibovitz imposed a sentence of 18 months for each charge, ordering the sentences run concurrently to each other. Robinson is also required to register as a gun offender when released. 

No further dates were set. 

Murder Defendant Testifies He Was ‘Nosy’ about Gunshots


A murder defendant testified he was “nosy” about the sounds of gunfire during a tense exchange with the prosecutor in closing arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Aug. 7.

Bernard Matthews, 44,  is charged with first-degree, premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges are related to his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Diamonte Green, 22, on Feb 16. 2021. The shooting occurred on the 300 block of 33rd Street, SE. 

According to court documents, Green was shot in the neighborhood where Matthews’ son lives with his mother. He was visiting his son at the time of the murder. Previously admitted evidence showed his son receiving threatening messages from Green on the day of the incident. 

At the hearing, Marnitta King, Matthews’ attorney, called him to testify. 

Matthews alleged the day of the murder, his son’s mother told him the boy was struggling in school and not attending class. Matthews testified he left work in the middle of the day and went to see his son to speak with him about his grades, adding that his son’s mother drove him to her house. 

Matthews alleged that he and his son heard gunshots in the neighborhood and Matthews went into the hallway to “be nosy.” He also testified they went outside to see the commotion because he was still feeling “nosy.”

Matthews claimed the police presence concerned him because he didn’t want to be questioned or spoken to, fearing his employer would find out he had left early. 

He also testified that he and son took a walk around the block to smoke, and some time later he took another walk by himself to smoke. During his walk alone, he alleged, he left his phone in his son’s apartment on a charger. 

According to Matthews, he was unaware of the threats his son was receiving during his visit and claimed that his son hadn’t shared any of the exchanges he was having with Green with him.

“Did you shoot and kill the decedent in this case?” King asked Matthews. 

“No,” Matthews responded, adding he had never met or spoken to Green. “That’s like looking for a ghost,” he stated.

During the prosecution’s cross-examination there were multiple tense moments when the attorney and the defendant spoke over each other. In one instance, King called out “let him answer the question,” to which the prosecution responded “he’s not answering the question.”

The prosecution asked why Matthews was apparently hiding from the police in the surveillance footage from the apartment building. Matthews repeated what he said during his initial testimony, that he was nosy about the gunshots but didn’t want to get in trouble for skipping work.

He confirmed that he did go for a walk around the time of Green’s death, and identified himself in one of the surveillance videos on the street. 

However, in another somewhat distorted security videos, Matthews denied he was the person walking in the direction of Green’s apartment.

He also denied he was the figure in a video of a person clad in black walking from a distance into the apartment. Matthews testified that he walked around the block, cut through an alley, and then went back inside his son’s apartment. 

He said he changed out of the white sneakers depicted in the video to his black work boots on his second solo walk because they were more comfortable. 

King then asked if Matthews knew why the prosecution was only showing certain security footage segments and not others. “What would that video have shown?” asked King.

“What I do best, smoking,” said the defendant. He said he had to smoke outside because his son’s mother wouldn’t allow it inside her home.

During their closing arguments, the prosecution presented a slideshow that purportedly matched up security footage to the threatening messages that Matthews’ son was receiving from Green. 

The prosecution argued that, despite what Matthews claimed, he had to have known about the messages his son was receiving. They insisted that the security footage matched with his son’s call log, and showed him on the phone with Green as he walked down the hallway with his dad. 

When Green sent a message saying he was outside of the apartment, the prosecution claimed, Matthews and his son are seen on the footage walking down the stairs of the apartment and looking outside– what Matthews testified was him being “nosy” after hearing gunshots. 

The prosecutor said she can understand why Matthews’ son and his mother would testify that Matthews didn’t know about that threat and that he was there to help his son do better in school. She compelled the jury to look at the “unbiased evidence” she was presenting. 

The prosecutor said Matthews didn’t change his shoes because they were more comfortable or because he needed to wear them for his next job. Instead, she claimed, he was “worried about getting Diamonte’s blood on his shoes.”

“One person had the motive, took action, and left the neighborhood immediately after the crime,” the prosecution ended. 

Parties will reconvene on Aug. 8 for the defense’s closing statement and jury deliberation.