At Arraignment, Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Firearm and Drug Charges

A shooting defendant was arraigned and pleaded not guilty in front of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur for firearm and drug charges.

Daniel Fula, 34, is charged with endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, unlawful possession of liquid PCP, and destruction of property less than 1000 dollars, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE on February 28. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Fula indiscriminately fired multiple shots into the air. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers later recovered multiple shell casings at the scene. Officers allegedly recovered a firearm from Fula’s pocket, as well as a vial of PCP.

On April 29, Fula’s attorney, Camille Wagner, asked the judge to waive the rule that misdemeanors must come to trial within 90 days. Since Fula is accused among other charges of possessing of PCP, which carries a felony sentence of three years, Judge Arthur granted the request.

Fula is expected to return to court for a status hearing on May 7.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

Accused of killing a senior citizen and injuring a minor while fleeing police, Benjamin Robertson pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan during his arraignment on April 29.

Robertson, 34, was arraigned on second-degree murder of a senior citizen, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, fleeing a law enforcement officer, tampering with physical evidence, and destruction of property less than $1000.

Robertson allegedly struck two pedestrians while driving a blue Honda through the intersection of 17th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, on July 12, 2023. One victim, 74-year-old Bing Wong, was pronounced dead at George Washington University Hospital later that day, while a 13-year-old victim surstained minor injuries.

According to court documents, eyewitnesses reported seeing the Honda speeding southbound on 17th Street, NW, through a red light and into the intersection. They said it collided with cross traffic before striking the pedestrians in the crosswalk on the south side of the intersection.

The Honda was allegedly fleeing a traffic stop initiated by a marked United States Secret Service (USSS) police cruiser that had turned on its emergency lights, according to court documents.

At the arraignment, the prosecutor suggested that Robertson’s attorney, Madalyn Harvey, might have a conflict of interest in representing Robertson.

Harvey works for the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDSDC), which previously provided counsel for Antonio Hensley as he faced charges in the murder of Robertson’s brother, Andre Robertson.

“It’s PDS’s position that there is no conflict,” Harvey stated. “I spoke with Mr. Robertson, and he is aware that PDS represented Mr. Hensley. It is Mr. Robertson’s wish to continue with PDS.”

Judge Raffinan scheduled Robertson’s trial for Feb. 23, 2026.

Parties will reconvene on Sept. 6.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Crash in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal car crash that resulted in the death of a pedestrian on April 27 on the 3100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, the man was found lying in between cars on the roadway at the location. He was pronounced dead.

The investigation determined an unknown vehicle, driving northbound on Georgia Avenue, drove over the pedestrian and fled the scene without making their identity known.

The identity of the pedestrian is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should call MPD.

Document: MPD Arrests Southwest Stabbing Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a suspect, who was taken into custody at a homicide scene, on April 27 on the 100 block of T Street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a stabbing, where they located an adult male suffering from multiple stab wounds. The man was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 41-year-old Marin Gross Jr.

Officers detained a suspect near the scene, who was identified as 49-year-old Wali Shabazz. He was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

The investigation revealed they knew each other, and the altercation was the result of a workplace dispute.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal U Street Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred inside a restaurant on April 27 on the 1300 block of U Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers on patrol in the area heard the sounds of gunshots and immediately responded to the establishment on that block. They located a man inside with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite all life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead on scene.

He was identified as 43-year-old Kenneth Goins.

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.

Document: MPD Quickly Arrests Man For Connecticut Avenue Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a shooting suspect, who was quickly apprehended after an incident on April 26 on the 1200 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots, where they located six adult victims with gunshot wounds. Three men and two women were transported to hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. A fourth man was treated on the scene for a graze wound and refused to go to the hospital.

Witnesses were able to direct officers to the suspect, 29-year-old Rennwel Mantock, who was quickly detained. A firearm was recovered on the scene.

The detectives’ investigation determined Mantock opened fire after employees removed him from a nightclub following a dispute.

Mantock was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill, possession of unregistered ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspects in a Firearm Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating two suspects involved in an unlawful discharge of a firearm that occurred on April 18 on the 1400 block of G Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, the two suspects were are the location when they discharged a firearm. There were no reports of injuries.

The two fled the scene, but were captured by surveillance footage.

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: Updated Reward MPD Seeking Man Wanted for Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a wanted suspect in connection to a shooting that occurred on April 23 on the 4800 block of North Capitol Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male and a five-year-old girl suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries.

The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Alante Partlow, and he has an arrest warrant charging him with aggravated assault while armed.

The investigation revealed Partlow and the victims were known to one another.

His photo can be seen below.

MPD is offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone that provides information.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Fairlawn Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of an individual in connection to a shooting that occurred on March 22 on the 2400 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, the victim was inside a business at the location when the suspect confronted them and a physical altercation ensued. The altercation continued outside of the establishment, where the suspect brandished a gun and shot the victim. They both fled the scene, and the victim sought medical attention at a police substation.

On April 25, 30-year-old Calvon Brown was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. A firearm and ammunition were recovered in connection with his arrest, which led to the additional charges of possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of unregistered ammunition, and felon in possession.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting that left one dead on April 25 on the 4500 block of Sheriff Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

He was identified as 38-year-old Ricky Canty.

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.

‘Giving You Freedom is What Gets You in Trouble,’ Judge Says to Homicide Defendant During Re-Arrest

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered the re-arrest of a homicide defendant on April 26 after multiple failures to show up to court and positive drug tests.

Joseph Ballard, 60, is charged with first degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 33-year-old Monte Daniels on July 28, 2023 on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE.

On Sept. 18, Judge Brandt released Ballard for drug treatment and warned him that if he violated any release conditions, he would be rearrested.

However, Ballard failed to appear in court, which prompted Judge Brandt to issue a bench warrant for his arrest on Jan. 18.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested Ballard’s re-arrest due to his failure to comply with his release conditions.

Ballard’s defense attorney, Pierce Suen, countered with a request for release on a GPS monitor. He said that Ballard has been doing well in the community and needs grief and trauma counseling to continue this positive progress.

“The charges are wildly out of character for him,” Suen said. “Ballard wants help and is committed to staying clean.”

A clinical expert said Ballard experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression while trying to maintain his sobriety. She said she believes longer treatment with different parameters would be effective.

The prosecution invited a relative of Daniels to deliver a victim impact statement.

“The defendant has shown his ability to fail at the opportunities given to him,” the family member said. “At some point, we all have to be held accountable for our actions.”

The prosecution said Ballard is not a good candidate for release due to his prior criminal history and the nature and circumstances of the crime.

Judge Brandt told Ballard that he is in clear violation of release conditions.

“The court gave you that opportunity on release, but you dropped the ball,” Judge Brandt said.

Judge Brandt said the prosecution has clear and convincing evidence that release is not appropriate, and she isn’t willing to risk the public’s safety or Ballard’s safety.

“Giving you freedom is what gets you in trouble,” Judge Brandt said. “Sometimes reality is the best medicine.”

Ballard was also arraigned during this hearing. He pleaded not guilty and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

Parties are expected to return to court on Sept. 15.

Non-Fatal Shooting Suspect Returns to Custody for Non-Compliance

A non-fatal shooting defendant’s probation was revoked after failing to comply with probation terms during release in an April 25 hearing.

Anthony Calvin, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of endangerment with a firearm, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges on Feb. 13 for his involvement in a shooting that occurred in an alleyway on Nov. 9, 2023, on the unit block of Quincy Place, NW.

He was originally charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, endangerment with a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license,carrying a pistol without a license outside home and business, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance, No injuries were reported.

“I am not going to comply; arrest me,” Calvin said before abruptly ending a call with probation officers during a discussion about his failure to adhere to his release conditions.

During Thursday’s hearing, a representative from Pretrial Services Agency informed DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian that Calvin was non-compliant with the terms of his probation. Reviewing Calvin’s records, Judge Christian noted his confrontational behavior towards probation officers over the phone, affirming he would not comply.

Calvin was released Nov.27 2023, under supervision with the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA).

According to court documents, on the day of the incident, camera footage provided to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) by a witness shows Calvin allegedly walking into an alleyway and firing a round from what appeared to be a handgun.

The witness was inside their residence when they heard a gunshot and saw Calvin outside their window holding a silver firearm.

According to court documents, as MPD was processing the scene, Calvin walked out of his residence and was stopped by responding officers because he resembled the individual captured in surveillance footage. When stopped, Calvin told officers he didn’t hurt anyone, but that he had shot a fake gun.

Due to his non-compliance with probation terms, Judge Christian ordered Calvin to be put back into custody.

Parties are set to reconvene June 27 for a full report and sentencing hearing.

Judge Denies Prosecution Request to Revoke Homicide Defendant’s Release Despite compliance Issues

On April 26, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied the prosecution’s request to revoke a defendant’s release after multiple positive drug tests for phencyclidine (PCP).

Dwayne Fountain, 44, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business with a prior felony conviction, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in a homicide of 47-year-old Marcus Carey that occurred on May 4, 2023, on the 3500 block of Hayes Street, NE.

Jason Tulley, Fountain’s defense attorney, stated that “Fountain has done very well,” even though “he has not been perfect.”

Tulley pointed out that Fountain has spent several months in home confinement without any violation of stay-away orders, violence, or arrests.

Prosecutors argued the seriousness of noncompliance by noting that this is a homicide case in which PCP may have been involved.

“Fountain has been fairly compliant,” said Judge Okun as he denied the prosecution’s request. However, Judge Okun warned Fountain that “It becomes more and more likely that I would revoke the conditions of release if you continue to test positive for PCP.”

Judge Okun ordered Fountain to report to the Pretrial Services Agency of the District of Columbia (PSA) weekly for drug testing.

Parties are slated to return May 23.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Request to Revoke Stay Away Order from Pregnant Daughter

On April 26, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a defendant’s request to dismiss the stay away order from her daughter, who is pregnant.

Lewis Jones, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 42-year-old Anthony Jordan on Aug. 4, 2023, on the 2500 Block of Pomeroy Road, SE. His co-defendant, Nichelle Thomas, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, accessory after the fact, and obstructing justice for her alleged involvement in the incident.

Prosecutors argued that Thomas, who has been on release for six months, should be incarcerated because she has failed to appear for her last two drug tests, and the previous tests showed continuous alcohol use.

Alvin Thomas Jr., Thomas’ defense attorney, noted that for the most part Thomas has been in compliance with the conditions of her release, and that she has no violations other than the drug testing.

Judge Okun denied the prosecution’s request under the condition that Thomas gets drug tested today and that she meets with the Pretrial Services Agency of the District of Columbia (PSA) for enhanced treatment.

Thomas Jr. then requested that the stay away order from Thomas’ daughter be revoked because the daughter is pregnant.

Prosecutors argued that the daughter is a minor, to which Thomas Jr. responded by noting that she will be 18-years-old in less than a month.

Prosecutors further argued that “the circumstances in this case warrant a stay away order,” especially because they plan to call the daughter as a witness.

Judge Okun denied the request to revoke the stay away. However, he said he would be willing to reconsider as the daughter gets closer to the baby’s due date.

Parties are slated to return June 17.

Jury Hears Jail Calls About Firearm Allegedly Used in 2020 Homicide

Text messages between a defendant and an alleged co-conspirator were reviewed, along with jail call recordings, regarding a firearm allegedly linked to a 2020 homicide, conspiracy case.

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 suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.

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

On April 24, the prosecution re-called an Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) investigator, who was not assigned to the case, but used his 20 years of experience to discuss slang terminology, such as “dog” or “slide” used in text messages between Steele and Nelson.

The investigator stated that it’s possible for terms to have multiple meanings depending on the context.

The investigator interpreted “I lost my man I can never chill,” which was a message Steele allegedly sent on the evening of March 1, 2020, plotting revenge for the death of Tahlil Byrd, 19, a rapper known as “Northwest Goon” who was shot on the 600 block of S Street, NW, Sept. 9, 2019.

Nelson allegedly replied, “think better, move better.”

The investigator emphasized that the text messages from Nelson tell Steele to be cautious with his actions, rather than take no action.

Two jail calls were also played for the jury. One made by an associate of Freeman’s who was arrested in Virginia on Aug. 1 on separate charges, talks about the use of a firearm.

The associate continued the call by stating he wasn’t going to be charged for Lukes’ murder since he was detained when it happened, but was concerned about the effect it might have on his bond.

In the second call, the girlfriend of Freeman’s associate says, “They sold us a bad gun and that’s what it was.” Prosecution alleges the associate’s girlfriend is referencing Freeman.

The prosecution alleges that because the girlfriend of Freeman’s associate is also the sister of a close friend of Freeman’s, she would have knowledge of Freeman’s intentions in selling a “bad gun” to his associate through her brother.

The parties stipulated that the calls were valid and that the data to obtain the jail calls was accurately depicted in court and identical to records drawn from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt said that while the jury was not allowed to consider statements in the first call as truth, statements made in the second call about a “bad gun” could be considered a statement of truth.

The jury had heard testimony from an Arlington Police Department (APD) officer who had been the one to arrest Freeman’s associate. After allegedly finding a firearm on Freeman’s associate, the officer traced the serial number of the gun back to Lukes’ homicide.

Past testimony from a forensic firearms analyst corroborated the APD officer’s suspicion and affirmed that the firearm found on Freeman’s associate was used in Lukes’ homicide.

More prosecution testimony is expected in the case.