Search Icon Search site

Search

Prosecutors Present Weapons Evidence to Build Conspiracy Theory in Child’s Murder

Prosecutors presented evidence on Aug. 7 of an alleged co-conspirator’s prior arrest to show to what they describe as “storing and stockpiling” of weapons before and after a mass shooting. The case is being argued before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun. 

Antonio Murchison, 31, and Mark Price, 29, 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 in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018, on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood, which claimed the life of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson and injured four other individuals. 

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

Six other defendants were convicted in 2023 for multiple crimes stemming from the high-profile case and received prison terms ranging from six to 68 years.

During the hearing, the prosecution revealed photographs of a person identified as Antonio Murchison as he was arrested for an unrelated incident as evidence of an “active conspiracy” to possess a firearm among members of a group.

The arrest was not near the Wellington Park or Clay Terrace area where the murder took place, “or with anyone in conspiracy” according to Murchison’s defense counsel Michael Bruckheim.

However, prosecutors argued it shows suspects were already in possession of firearms, and were storing and stockpiling them before and after the mass shooting. 

Prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who arrived when Murchison was arrested on Aug. 28, 2018 and allegedly recovered a firearm from him containing six live rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. The prosecutors showed the officer’s body-worn camera footage and arrest photos of Murchison, and the officer was able to identify Murchison in court.

Murchison was arrested in June of 2019 in connection to the mass shooting. 

Bruckheim described the evidence as “far more prejudicial than probative,” but Judge Okun allowed it.

The prosecutor also showed pictures and body-worn camera footage to support the notion Muchison possessed a firearm and thus was “prepared” for an attack.

The prosecution also discussed a potential issue with a witness represented by the Public Defender Service (PDS) who is one of the surviving victims. Price wants the individual to testify but he has asserted his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent avoiding potential self-incrimination.

After speaking with the witness’ attorney, Kristen Williams, Judge Okun said that there is “a potential Fifth Amendment privilege if [the witness] testifies” and ruled that “Price will be precluded from calling this witness at the trial.”

Price and the individual grew up together, according to Bruckheim.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Aug. 8.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Southeast Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 16-year-old Shamard Miller, who is charged as an adult with first-degree premeditaed murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Demetrius Creek. The incident occurred on June 15 on the 1400 block of Howard Road, SE.

Creek was located on the 2400 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 21-year-old Karim Ibrahim, who is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Javonni Coleman. The incident occurred on Jan. 16 on the 2400 block of S Street, SE.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Metro Station Shooting

A defendant accepted a plea deal in connection to a Metro station shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Aug. 7.

Desean Delaney, 31, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting which occurred on April 8 at the 200 block of Florida Avenue, NE within the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro station. 

According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Delaney, got into an altercation with a woman after she didn’t respond to his advances. He allegedly brandished a handgun, before the victim pushed his hand away, which caused the suspect’s gun to fire. No injuries were reported. 

At the hearing, Delaney’s attorney, Elliott Queen, alerted the court of his intent to accept a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.  

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have been able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that when Delaney’s advances to the woman were turned down, he brandished a handgun, a struggle ensued and the gun was fired. 

“There are no legal justifications for his actions,” the prosecutor said.

Judge Hertzfeld asked Delaney to comply with interviews for the pre-sentence report so she could get a better understanding of his perspective and any additional details of the case.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Oct. 11.

He Was A Very Happy Teen Says Family Member of Shooting Victim

A homicide victim’s family member testified the boy was a very happy child in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Aug. 7. 

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 victim’s grandmother said Blake was very happy and a big jokester, pulled pranks and loved food.

When the prosecution asked how Blake’s mother reacted to the news of his murder she said she “shut down” and was “hurt and lost.”

According to the prosecution, Lewis heard noise outside of his house when he was about to go to bed, grabbed his .40 caliber gun and went to see what was going on. Prosecutors say surveillance footage will prove that Lewis shot at Blake and another young individual, ultimately causing Blake’s death.

The 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.

Prosecutors called on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, who continued his testimony from Aug. 6. The prosecution asked the officer to recall if Lewis mentioned anyone shooting at him when he was interviewed at the scene. According to the officer, Lewis had not. 

During cross-examination, Lewis’ defense attorney, Edward Ungvarsky, pressed the officer about why he didn’t do CPR on Blake when he arrived at the scene. The officer believed Blake was already dead and did not want to disrupt the bullet wound as evidence in the case.

Footage from his body-worn camera, which was shown in open court, depicts the officer feeling a faint pulse, stating he was unsure, and needing a second opinion from another officer. Ungvarsky went on to ask whether the officer knew of the life-saving efforts that occurred in the ambulance and at the hospital before Blake was pronounced dead.

A forensic scientist with the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) who processed the scene described the victim’s clothes including a hoodie, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and boxer shorts. She testified that they all had a hole. According to the witness, a black ski mask was also found on the victim. 

The forensic scientist also provided testimony on a Kia Sportage, which was located in an alleyway near the incident. When officers and the forensic scientist arrived on the scene, the Kia was still in gear with the driver’s side door open and the passenger’s side door bent in the opposite direction.

Prosecutors also called the owner of a Kia Sportage who said her car was stolen after parking it at a friend’s overnight. When she returned the morning of Jan. 7, 2023, it was gone. 

A witness to the shooting said he had been unable to sleep, when he had heard noises sounding like a metal shovel. A man’s voice was heard saying, “Hey,” followed by gunshots and an engine revving. 

He recalled the first shot being very loud and sounding like a rifle, followed by three-to-five more gunshots. 

He testified he saw two people, who he said appeared to be juveniles, run into the alleyway.  At one point while looking out his window blinds, he called 911.

Once the police arrived, the witness testified, he heard what he thought was the same voice say, “Over here, over here.”

Parties are slated to return on Aug. 8 to continue with trial. 

‘Shooting Was Unprovoked,’ Prosecution Says During Closing Statements in Shooting Trial

A defense attorney said even though his client ran away from police after a shooting, it’s not a sign of guilt in closing arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Aug. 6. 

Deon Cannon, 29, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, unlawful possession of ammunition and eight counts of destruction of property of less than $1000.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in an incident on Sept. 5, 2021, on the 2700 block of Terrace Road, SE. There were no reported injuries.

According to court documents, video surveillance footage from the scene shows an individual, later identified as Cannon, shooting multiple times at two victims, an adult male and his nine-year-old son, but missing them. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the scene and arrested him.

“Twenty-nine feet,” prosecutors stated, is how far away Cannon was from the victims when he shot at them. They recapped the nine-year-old’s testimony, in which he said he was walking to his grandmother’s home with his dad when an individual shot at them. He recalled he may have been hit by gunfire, mentioning a scar on his ankle, “that was not there before.”

The prosecution argued the surveillance video suggests Cannon was waiting for his victims to walk past before he started shooting. According to the prosecution, the victim shot back at Cannon, and something “a little more subtle” can be seen in the footage, which they identified as a second gunman also shooting toward the victim. 

Cannon is “not worried about friendly fire,” the prosecutors claimed, adding he is not shown hiding from this second gunman but only from the victim’s line of fire. 

The prosecution went on to say this was not a conflict, as “shooting was unprovoked.” There was “disregard” for the victim’s son’s presence, and insisted that Cannon “fired those rounds regardless.”

“The intention was to kill that day,” the prosecution insisted, adding that Cannon ran towards the victims with his gun. 

The prosecution argued trials are like puzzles, stating in this case,  “It is clear what the picture shows and that is [guilt].”

However, Jonathan Lanyi, Cannon’s defense attorney, argued the prosecution has “nothing to prove” that Cannon was the perpetrator.

Lanyi acknowledged Cannon ran away from the scene because he did not want to be considered a suspect. However, Lanyi stated, when officers told Cannon to stop, he did. 

Lanyi pointed out Cannon wasn’t clearly identified, so no one can say he was the shooter, and the nine-year-old couldn’t say what the shooter was wearing.

The lawyer argued that since there are questions about Cannon’s whereabouts during the shooting as well as a lack of credible identification, the jury should conclude there is reasonable doubt Cannon committed the crime.

The jury will begin deliberations on Aug.7.

Murder Trial Halted A Second Day Due to Jury Illness 

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun delayed an ongoing murder trial for the second day on Aug. 6 because a juror is sick. 

Antonio Murchison, 31, and his co-defendant Mark Price, 29, 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 in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018, on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. The highly publicized crime left ten-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.

Judge Okun postponed the proceeding until Aug. 7, in hopes the ill juror will be able to return to court and testimony can resume.

The prosecution alerted the court of a potential matter involving the Public Defender Service (PDS). Namely, a key witness may be asserting his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Judge Okun ordered a status hearing with PDS for Aug. 7 to reach a determination.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Aug. 7.

Shooting Defendant Requests Dismissal, Alleges Evidence Violation

A shooting defendant’s attorney filed a motion to dismiss his case due to alleged evidence violations before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Aug. 7. 

Keith Walker, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting in which an individual sustained an injury to the ankle. The incident occurred on March 7, on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE. 

On Aug. 6, Tamara Jones and James King, Walker’s defense attorneys, filed a motion requesting his case be dismissed or the prosecution be forced to comply with Brady rule, which obligates the prosecution to provide evidence favorable to the defense.

In the motion, the defense cites the prosecution’s alleged failure to divulge contradictory statements made by the victim and witnesses to the grand jury, which they need to accurately investigate and build their case.

King stated the prosecution told the defense they are unable to disclose the information since it involves an ongoing investigation. However, King says that puts Walker’s case at an unfair disadvantage.

“We need this information as soon as possible so [we] can investigate properly,” King told Judge Arthur. 

Judge Arthur granted the prosecution a week to respond to the motion in writing, and stated they would discuss the issue on Aug. 20. 

The defense also filed a motion to reconsider Walker’s detention, with King claiming, “This is an unlawful detention of [Walker].” 

According to the defense, Walker should be released because DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover and the prosecution failed to provide findings of fact during his preliminary hearing on May 15 that would prove detention is necessary. 

Jones argued Judge Glover stated Walker could be considered dangerous, but never discussed the less restrictive conditions that are available to guarantee the community’s safety.

Jones also claimed Walter has been illegally detained for three months. 

Judge Arthur stated he would listen to the recording of the May 17 hearing, and reach out to Judge Glover to hear his arguments about why Walker must remain detained, before he makes a ruling.

Furthermore, Walker asserted his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered at the crime scene. According to the prosecution, they recovered three cartridge casings that will not be tested.

Because Walker has chosen to do his own evidence testing, King stated the trial, which was previously scheduled for Aug. 20, will need to be delayed in order for a lab to analyze the samples before trial. 

The prosecution requested they hold off on setting a new trial date in order to check witness availability. 

King was also concerned the prosecution has yet to indict the case, and stated they could fail to meet the Aug. 15 deadline. However, the prosecution assured Judge Arthur that they will have an indictment in the next few days. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 20 to discuss the outstanding motions. 

Jury Convicts Shooting Defendant  

A jury found a shooting defendant guilty of 13 charges before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Aug. 5.

Deon Cannon, 29, was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The charges stem from his involvement in a shooting on Sept. 5, 2021, on the 2700 block of Terrace Road, SE. Serious injuries were reported for two victims, an adult male and his child. 

The jury convicted Cannon of all charges. 

During the trial the prosecution called on a nine-year-old victim to testify stating he was walking from the playground to his grandmother’s house when he and his father experienced gunfire with his father shooting back as they ran away.

“The intention was to kill that day,” the prosecution insisted, adding that Cannon ran towards the victims with his gun. 

In response, Jonathan Lanyi, Cannon’s defense attorney, stated that Cannon was not the shooter and only attempted to run away from the scene because he was afraid of being falsely accused. He insisted they arrested the wrong suspect.

Sentencing is set for Dec 18. 

Suspect Claims Self-Defense For Fatally Shooting 13-Year-Old 

Parties delivered opening statements in a homicide the defendant says was self-defense before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein’s courtroom on Aug. 6. 

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.

“Please no! I’m a kid! I’m only 13!,” prosecutors claim Blake said as he suffered a bullet wound to his right side torso area, and another to his hip. 

According to the prosecution, Lewis heard noise outside of his house when he was about to go to bed, grabbed his .40 caliber gun and went to see what was going on. Prosecutors say surveillance footage will prove that Lewis shot at Blake and another young individual, ultimately causing Blake’s death.

The 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.

According to the prosecution, a person identified as Lewis is seen coming out of his house shooting at one of the individuals running back to the Kia. Blake, prosecutors say, stayed still standing behind Lewis’ car for several moments, before running directly towards Lewis as he fired.

However, the defense believes Lewis’ actions were justified.

“Jason was defending his life and his family,” Julie Swaney, Lewis’ attorney, stated, adding that Lewis has a wife and four children.

Swaney claimed Lewis heard someone trying to break into his house, and was shot at by two people from a car, before shooting back. She argued this incident arose out of self-defense. 

According to Swaney, Blake ran at Lewis in a threatening manner, which led to Lewis shooting and killing the 13-year-old.

The prosecution called on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who responded to the scene seconds after the incident occurred. Body-camera footage, shown in court, depicts the officer walking up to the residence as Lewis was rendering aid to Blake.

The officer stated Blake was, “Dead. Wasn’t breathing, no life. He was gone.”  According to the officer, he did not find any weapons on Blake’s body when he searched it at the scene.

The officer testified that Blake was taken to the hospital but could not be revived.

According to the officer, when he talked to Lewis at the scene, he didn’t say other individuals were involved or shots were fired at him. However, the officer testified, Lewis did tell him about a nearby but did not give a precise description.

The officer also testified that Lewis told him Blake ran at him in a threatening manner leading to the shooting. He was able to provide MPD with his home’s security footage. 

Parties are set to return Aug.7.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 34-year-old Anthony Gary, who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured one individual on March 22 on the 1300 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspects in Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is asking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating suspects involved in a shooting that occurred on Aug. 2 on the 1100 block of Euclid Street, NW. An adult male was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Motion for Acquittal Denied in Homicide Trial 

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe denied a homicide defendant’s motion for judgment of acquittal during a hearing on Aug. 6.

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 for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 22-year-old Diamonte Green. The incident occurred on Feb. 16, 2021, on the 300 block of 33rd Street, SE.

Following the prosecution’s case, Marnitta King, Matthews’ attorney, filed an oral motion for a judgment of acquittal claiming that it failed to meet its burden to prove Matthews was involved in the incident.

The prosecution countered, stating that a reasonable jury could find him guilty of all charges based on the evidence and witness testimony they’ve presented. 

Judge O’Keefe agreed with the prosecution and denied the motion, stating that the jury could see that Matthews was caught by surveillance footage in the moments before and after the shooting, and traveling to and from the scene of the crime.

Judge O’Keefe then asked Matthews if he planned to testify, and he asserted his right to take the stand, although it is unclear when.

King called forth an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified she was off-duty in the vicinity of the incident when cruisers began to arrive at the scene. 

According to the officer, as she was in her personal vehicle preparing to leave the area, she witnessed an individual exit from a walkway behind the building where Green’s body was located and get into a white Cadillac Escalade, before leaving the scene.

In body-worn camera footage shown to the court, the witness can be heard telling officers she watched the individual “walking fast and holding it,” relating to his waistband.

King questioned if, based on her training as an officer, she took that as a sign of his concealing a weapon. The witness agreed.

However, the witness testified, she never saw the Escalade again and does not know if anything ever came of her observation.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 7.