Search Icon Search site

Search

Victim’s Mother Sits ‘in Grief’ at Sentencing Hearing

A homicide defendant, who previously refused to appear, was sentenced to 45 years in prison by  DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe  on June 14. 

Terrell Poe, 37, was convicted by a jury on Feb. 15 of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Christopher Washington on Sept. 23, 2020, on the 400 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

At the hearing prosecutors informed the court that they had received multiple letters of support for harsh sentencing by the victim’s family.

Washington’s mother told the court of the deep pain she and her entire family feel, highlighting Washington’s role as a father and the immense loss his children are experiencing.

She described “sit[ing] in grief” and knowing that nothing was going to bring him back. 

Prosecutors recommended the top of sentencing guidelines for Poe stating that “society is simply not safe with the defendant [Poe] on the streets.”

They requested 62 years of incarceration, citing his criminal history and the nature and circumstances of the offense. 

Poe’s parents and sister spoke to the court asking for leniency in that they truly believed that Poe was incapable of killing Washington for no reason. 

Poe’s father stated he was the closest he had been to his son in five years. He urged his son to “be strong,” and cherish the fact that Poe could “still from time to time hold [them],” something Washington could no longer do with his family. 

As Poe’s father gave his statement to the court Poe could be heard saying “I love you” to him. 

Poe’s sister was the last family member to give a statement on his behalf. She described Poe as loving, caring, and goofy. She affirmed her belief in his innocence despite the guilty verdict handed down by the jury. 

In his statement to the court, Poe apologized to the Washington family, stating he understood the feeling of loss they were experiencing as he had lost his older brother to street violence.

Poe then reaffirmed his innocence stating that he would “never pull a trigger on someone without an apparent reason,” adding that the only way would be if he or his family were being threatened. 

Poe stated he was  “not going to take responsibility for something [he] didn’t do,” highlighting the fact that he has three prior convictions and that his family had not shown up on his behalf until this one, indicating his is taking responsibility for the consequences of one’s actions. 

Through tears Poe gave his love to his family, including his two young children who were in the courtroom. He warned his sons that “all they see is color,” and to be good.

Finally, Poe directly addressed Judge O’Keefe stating that he has already been waiting for almost five years in jail to prove his innocence. Poe acknowledged that Judge O’Keefe had a job to do, but to be understanding of why he was found guilty, which Poe believed to be his race. 

Judge O’Keefe told Poe that, “ [The jury] all concluded ‘yes’ [meaning a guilty verdict]. And I have to respect that.” 

He highlighted Poe’s prior arrests, warrants, and convictions and that Poe did not arrive at the sentencing with “clean hands.” 

“You’ve been found responsible for it and you have to be punished for it,” Judge O’Keefe told Poe.

Judge O’Keefe sentenced Poe to 45 years in prison with five years of supervised probation. 

Poe is to be incarcerated within 100 miles of DC per defense counsel’s request of staying close to the area so Poe may keep in contact with family. 

Judge Won’t Dismiss Shooting Case on Constitutional Grounds

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow denied a motion to dismiss an assault case involving two victims in a June 14 hearing. The judge disregarded the defense’s argument that their client’s constitutional right to a fair trial has been violated but acknowledged they are entitled to key prosecution evidence.

James Guillory, 24, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of 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, for allegedly shooting two individuals on June 15, 2023 at the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE. 

According to court documents, a male victim was shot in his upper right thigh and a female victim was shot in her nose during the incident. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective presented a photo array to the female victim and she immediately identified the shooter in a photograph, which showed an individual identified as Guillory.

At the hearing, Judge Pasichow heard arguments from both parties regarding the admission of evidence, which the defense argued the prosecution didn’t share by the deadline, negatively impacting Guillory’s right to a fair trial.

According to Guillory’s attorneys, Varsha Govindaraju and Gail Engmann, the prosecution has also failed to disclose impeachment material, which falls under exculpatory evidence, regarding the two victims’ criminal history, as well as their interactions with police. In other words, their evidence could be compromised.

“There has not been any bad faith,” said the prosecution in response to the defense’s statements.

The defense stated that both victims have “significant crime history,” involving domestic violence, and evidence could prove a motive to lie about the incident. They stated their goal is to illustrate the victims’ “corruption bias” and impeach their credibility. 

In turn, the defense attorneys requested body-worn camera footage, 911 calls, radio runs, police reports, and any statements made to officials involving the two victims. 

They argued that they need the evidence to build their case not just cross-examine the witnesses, as the prosecution claims.

According to the prosecution, they have given the defense a “wealth of impeachment information.”

In the end, Judge Pasichow acknowledged that the main witnesses in this case would be the two victims, and ruled that the evidence the defense requested could be considered exculpatory evidence and could serve as an important part of their defense case. 

Jude Pasichow also postponed the trial date by more than two weeks due to pending motions. She stated, “I think it’s going to be impossible” to start on the previously scheduled date.

Parties are slated to meet on June 27.

Judge Imposes Lengthy Sentence in Stabbing of Deaf Man

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow sentenced a deaf defendant to seven-and-a-half years for stabbing a deaf man, claiming the defendant “has presented a consistent danger” to society and “very little impulse control,” during a June 14 hearing. 

Ronald Washington, 28, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for stabbing a victim in the abdomen on Oct. 28, 2023 at the 2100 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE. Both the defendant and the victim are deaf.

According to court documents, the victim was taken to MedStar Hospital and underwent surgery for his injuries. He was able to name and identify the defendant as the perpetrator.

Per police reports, Washington turned himself in to authorities the day after the incident and was accompanied by his cousin who assisted in interpreting through American Sign Language (ASL).

On April 8, Washington accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 60-to-180 months of incarceration.

With four ASL interpreters and the defendant’s family present in the courtroom, the victim gave an impact statement via WebEx, contending the maximum sentence was “the only appropriate recourse” for the defendant’s actions. 

According to an interpreter, the victim said the incident “impacted him physically, emotionally, and mentally,” also stating “I will forever be a victim.” 

“I’ve never experienced an impact on my life this bad. Ever,” asserted the victim.  

Following the victim’s statements, the prosecution reaffirmed the severity of the case and its impact on the victim. According to the prosecution, the victim lost part of his bowel as a result of surgery, and the tip of the knife, which Washington used to stab the victim, broke off in the victim’s body.

“[The victim] could have died from what happened,” asserted the prosecution, backing up the victim’s desire for the maximum sentence.

The prosecutor also highlighted Washington’s prior criminal record and his history of mental health issues and drug abuse. There was “no justification for the defendant’s actions,” said the prosecution.

Washington’s defense attorney, Anthony Smith, stated his client “indicated to me his complete remorse” for his actions, and asked Judge Pasichow to provide his client the services he has shown he needs. 

He claimed Washington was seated in the courtroom “due to his mental health issues and anger issues,” in addition to not receiving necessary and adequate treatment throughout his childhood.

In response, Judge Pasichow reviewed the defendant’s criminal record and stated he was provided with many opportunities to receive help and work on himself.

“I was really struck by how many probation opportunities Mr. Washington had to receive the services that are now being recommended,” said Judge Pasichow.

Judge Pasichow agreed with the prosecution, stating there was no justification for the defendant’s actions. She added that Washington “has presented a consistent danger” to society and “very little impulse control.” 

While Judge Pasichow was speaking, Washington signed to one of the interpreters and asked for his girlfriend, who was in the audience, to make a statement. 

Through an interpreter, Washington’s girlfriend, who was present at the incident, claimed that her boyfriend “is not a bad person” and was trying to defend himself.

Subsequently, the victim asked to make further statements. He stated Washington “has shown no change of behavior,” acknowledging that this incident was not the first time the defendant has been violent. 

According to Judge Pasichow, Washington claimed in a report, “I used to think I had anger issues, but not anymore.” 

Judge Pasichow expressed her concern over Washington’s statement and conveyed hope he will take full responsibility for his actions.

Judge Pasichow ultimately sentenced Washington to 90 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release, also requiring him to receive anger management and mental health services, among others.

Homicide Defendant Will Do Independent DNA Testing

Before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, homicide defendant Dohn Harmon stated his intention to perform independent DNA testing on June 14.

Harmon, 24, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Kelvin Goggins on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE, on July 1, 2020. 

With a jury trial slated for Feb. 3, 2025, the prosecution alerted the court they have begun DNA testing of evidence. 

Judge O’Keefe informed Harmon of his right to independently perform DNA testing on evidence that either contained his DNA or evidence that the prosecution did not test. 

Harmon’s attorney, Steven Kiersh alerted the court that the defense intends to perform their own DNA testing. 

Courts will reconvene on Nov. 8. 

Shooting Suspect Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing 

Alphonso Oliver’s lawyer waived his right to independently test DNA evidence found at a crime scene in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on June 14.

Oliver, 34, is charged with second-degree 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, for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 16-year-old Levoire Simmons on July 5, 2022. The shooting occurred on the 700 block of Kenilworth Terrace NE.

With a trial slated for 2025, the prosecution announced to the court that they have not conducted DNA testing and have no intention to. 

Judge O’Keefe informed Oliver of his right to perform independent DNA testing but he declined.

The court is set to reconvene for a follow up on May 16, 2025. 

Defendant in Shooting Case Plans to Independently Test DNA

Before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, on June 14, the counsel for a homicide defendant stated an intention to perform independent DNA testing of evidence recovered at a crime scene. 

William Brock, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 68-year-old Nathaniel Martin on Nov. 15, 2021, on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

As both sides prepare for trial, the prosecution alerted the court they have begun DNA testing of evidence.

Judge O’Keefe informed Brock of his right to independently perform DNA testing on evidence that likely contained his DNA or evidence that the prosecution did not test. 

Brock’s attorney, Terrence Austin, informed the court that they would be conducting independent testing of DNA evidence. 

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 8.

Effects of Shooting Weigh Heavily on Children of Victim and Defendant

The children of Latasha Gray and Anthony Thomas were present in the courtroom on June 14, as Gray was sentenced to nine years’ incarceration and five years of supervised release by DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo for fatally shooting Thomas.

Gray, 37, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm in an intrafamily offense for her involvement in the fatal shooting of Thomas, 40. The incident took place on Feb. 6, 2023, on the 4200 block of 7th Street, SE.

On Feb. 13, Gray accepted a deal that required her to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges. The plea deal limited the sentencing range to seven-and-a-half to ten years in prison, plus five years of supervised release.

Arrest documents state that the shared children of Gray and Thomas were present in an apartment when the shooting occurred. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who investigated the case identified the voices on the 911 call from that incident as the children’s.

According to court documents, the MPD officers who responded reported finding only the children with their dying father in the apartment. They testified that Gray returned to surrender herself to the police while they were still on the scene.

At the sentencing hearing, the prosecution requested a sentence of 10 years for Gray, disputing the defense’s argument that the shooting was accidental.

“She is not owning up and taking responsibility for it, and that’s necessary to move forward,” the prosecutor contended.

One reason the prosecutor cited for requesting the maximum sentence was Gray’s behavior toward her children just after the shooting.

“Instead of doing everything she can to render aid,” the prosecutor narrated the scene, “she leaves. She leaves her children there to deal with it.”

Joseph Yarbough, Gray’s attorney, requested the minimum sentence of seven-and-a-half years.

“She came back,” Yarbough pointed out. “Her greatest regret is picking up that gun. Her second greatest regret is leaving her children in that terrible situation.”

Yarbough argued, “She has taken full responsibility for shooting Mr. Thomas. The question is how it occurred.” 

He attributed the gun’s firing to its lack of an external safety mechanism and having a hair-trigger.

Gray herself addressed the court, stating that she accepts full responsibility for Thomas’ death even though she didn’t intend to kill him. She apologized to Thomas’ children and grandchildren for depriving them of their father and grandfather.

To her children and her mother, Gray attested, “You have taught me the real meaning of unconditional love.”

Judge Demeo stated that Gray had taken responsibility for the incident to the extent that the charge of voluntary manslaughter requires, since that charge depends on negligence, not on intent to kill. 

Even though the defense was calling the gun’s discharge accidental, the technical definition of an accidental discharge is one that occurs without human intervention, so, by admitting to touching the gun, Gray was admitting to a negligent discharge.

As part of Gray’s sentence, Judge Demeo ordered her to complete a mental health evaluation, a life skills course, and the General Education Diploma (GED). Both Yarbough and a representative from the Office of Rehabilitation and Development (ORD) testified to the progress Gray had already made in self-improvement and training programs while held at the DC Jail.

More than a dozen members of Gray’s family were present at the sentencing hearing to support her.

“I think the sentencing wasn’t fair,” Gray’s brother told D.C. Witness. “It wasn’t fair at all. It wasn’t justice. I think the court portrayed my sister as a vigilante, as a killer, and she isn’t that. She’s responsible, but she’s a victim as well, and the kids are, and we all are. We all are victims.” 

“With the kids being adolescents, young adults, it’s a crucial time for them to have an adult around to raise them up as men,” Gray’s brother observed.

“The victim’s family lost a loved one. They’ll never see him again. I understand that,” Gray’s brother stated. “We’re also losing my sister, but we have a chance to see her again, and we all just hope that we’ll still be alive by the time she comes out.”

He concluded, “I extend my sincere condolences to the family of the victim, to all his family.”

Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

Through her attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, Brianca Phillips rejected a plea deal and requested a trial date before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on June 14.

Phillips, 27, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Terrance Allen on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE on Jan. 18, 2021. 

Phillips was previously a co-defendant with Delonta Stevenson, 29, and Vorreze Thomas, 26, but her case was severed from theirs in May of 2023. In February, Stevenson and Thomas were found guilty of first-degree murder, among other charges, and their cases are now on appeal.

The offer that Phillips rejected would have required her to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit a crime of violence. In return, the prosecution would have dismissed all other charges, and the defense would have been permitted to request a sentence below the sentencing guidelines.

Judge Demeo scheduled a trial for Phillips to begin on July 14, 2025.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 11.

‘I Want to Forgive Her But Not Forget,’ Says Stabbing Victim at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a stabbing defendant to 28 months on June 14. 

Donnell Jackson, 31, was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, four counts of threats to do bodily harm, and three counts of assault, for his involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on Oct. 2, 2023, on the 500 block of D Street, NW. One individual sustained stab wounds during the incident. 

Court documents say the issue between Jackson and the victim was a dispute over a man.

According to the judge, he carefully reviewed letters from Jackson’s family, friends, and her resume before deciding on the appropriate sentence. 

Jackson’s struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues were a significant part of her defense. Diagnosed with a mood disorder and bipolar disorder, she received treatment while waiting for the case to be resolved.

The victim described her ongoing struggle with the trauma inflicted by Jackson in a victim impact statement.  

“I want to forgive her but not forget what has happened to me,” the victim said, highlighting her need for frequent psychiatric support. “I just want to live my life,” she added, emphasizing the lasting impact of the assault. ab

The prosecution argued that Jackson has continually refused to accept accountability for her actions. They requested a comprehensive sentence of 24 months for assault with bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon, seven days for each threat charge, 90 days for one of the simple assault charges, 45 days for the other simple assault charge, and 12 months of supervised probation. They requested she serve the sentence immediately.

However, Jackson’s defense attorney, Gregg Baron, requested she serve a split sentence, considering Jackson’s seven months already served in the DC Jail. 

He proposed suspending the remaining time, with Jackson entering a bed-to-bed treatment program. He said Jackson’s status as a transgender woman could cause safety issues in the DC jail.

In her closing remarks, Jackson expressed deep remorse and claimed full accountability for her actions. “I’m extremely remorseful… I truly accept accountability for the situation that took place.”

Judge Ryan sentenced Jackson to seven days for each of the four counts of threats to do bodily harm misdemeanor, 30 days for each charge of simple assault, 30 days for assault with a dangerous weapon committed during release, and 28 months with 10 months suspended, resulting in 18 months for two merged counts of assault with a dangerous weapon committed during release and one count of assault with significant bodily injury committed during release. Judge Ryan also imposed three years of supervised probation following her release and required her to pay a $600 fine to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF). 

The judge also gave her credit for the time she spent in jail, acknowledging the gender-related concerns presented by the defense.

Document: MPD Seeks Vehicle in a Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying and locating a vehicle used in a shooting in which two individuals sustained injuries on June 14 on the 3800 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

Homicide Suspect, ‘Turned That Apartment Into a War Zone, Says Prosecutor

Parties delivered opening statements in a homicide trial before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe’s courtroom on June 12.  

Beysean Jones, 29, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shootings of Ronald Brown, 19, and Tijuan Wilson, 41. The incident occurred on July 27, 2022 on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE. Another victim sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, but survived. 

Prosecutors allege that Jones killed Brown and Wilson in retaliation for a shooting that occurred five days prior. They argue that on July 22, 2022 Brown and Jones got into an argument at a local tobacco shop. After the altercation Jones followed Brown while he picked up family members. 

The prosecution suggested that after picking up family in the 4300 block of Livingston Street, SE shots were fired at Jones’ car without injury. 

However, Charles Murdter, Jones’ defense attorney, argued that there is no evidence nor eyewitnesses that connect Jones to the shooting on July 27. Jones was also unaware of any reason or person behind the shooting on July 22 according to his attorney. 

Prosecutors began their case in chief by bringing the victim’s family members to the stand, providing a glimpse of the victims were before they were killed.

Ronald Brown was a 19-year-old high school student and had plans to be an electrician.

Tijuan Wilson was an innocent bystander. He was standing outside of his car with his brother and wife when he was hit.

ShotSpotter reports indicate gunfire at 7:56 PM on July 22, with police arriving shortly after at 4300 block of Livingston Street, SE. Nine total bullet casings and one bullet fragment were recovered. When police showed up Jones was nowhere to be seen.

The prosecution went on to say that Jones, “Turned that apartment into a war zone.”

Video footage showed a car that prosecutors allege as Brown’s passing by Jones’ vehicle.

Although the shooting was not depicted in the surveillance footage, the timestamp of the cars passing each other on the footage approximately matches the time when ShotSpotter’s alerts were issued. Bullet casings were recovered from an area that matches the location of the passing of cars in the footage. All the rounds were shot from a .40 caliber gun.

The prosecution also presented Jones’ girlfriend and her mother, who confirmed that one of the cars in the video footage of the shooting scene was one that Jones drove. They also stated there was damage to the back left bumper of the car that was present prior to the July 22 shooting as well as bullet hole damage in the bumper. 

Jones’ girlfriend’s mother testified letting Jones borrow her car, which was identified as the car from surveillance footage both at the tobacco shop and on security footage for 4300 block of Livingston Street, SE. 

Trial is to resume on June 13.