Shooting Defendant who Previously Confessed Accepts Plea Deal

A shooting defendant, who previously confessed to participating in an incident, accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein while family members were escorted out.

Kamaree Robinson, 20, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that injured one individual. The incident occurred on Aug. 23, 2023, outside a Subway sandwich shop on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

Court documents allege that Robinson confessed to the incident soon after it had occurred through a text message. Following earlier hearings, both parties agreed regarding global plea negotiations.

On April 26, Robinson’s defense attorney, Wole Falodun, stated that Robinson would plead guilty to one charge of assault with intent to kill and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for this incident, and second-degree burglary in connection to an unrelated matter.

Through the deal, parties agreed to follow the sentencing guidelines, which require Robinson to serve between five-and-15 years of incarceration.

Judge Epstein then enquired to the defendant’s willingness to plea, to which Robinson affirmed that he is knowingly waiving his rights and pleading guilty.

Family members and friends of Robinson were present at the hearing, and some were seen taking photos and laughing . Two of them were asked by US Marshals to stop communicating with Robinson, and were later escorted out of the courtroom.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 12.

Attorney Claims There Was a ‘Failure to Investigate’ Fatal Shooting at Preliminary Hearing

Parties argued for probable cause in a fatal shooting that killed one teenager and seriously injured another in an April 25 hearing.

Tyree Bratcher, 17, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 18-year-old Tyreek Moore on Jan. 22 on the 4600 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. One other individual received non-life threatening injuries.

Bratcher is tried as an adult under Title 16, which allows the US Attorney’s Office to prosecute juveniles as adults for serious crimes, such as murder and severe shootings.

According to court documents, Moore and several other individuals were on a “joyride” through their neighborhood when they were pursued by a vehicle allegedly driven by Bratcher. Video surveillance showed an unidentified individual hanging out the rear passenger window of Bratcher’s vehicle with their arm pointed at Moore’s vehicle. After both vehicles drive out of sight, three shots are captured by surveillance audio.

The lead detective on the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified that video surveillance also showed an individual identified as Bratcher allegedly speaking to the driver of a black BMW after leaving school. A few minutes later, an individual believed to be the shooter exits the BMW and enters Bratcher’s car moments before the shooting.

The shooter in this case has yet to be identified by MPD.

Bratcher’s defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, argued that there was not enough evidence to prove Bratcher had any idea a shooting was going to occur. Specifically, the detective was not able to provide any evidence of Bratcher and Moore interacting before the shooting or provide a definitive motive for Bratcher’s involvement in the incident.

According to Smith, there was a “lack of motive, lack of reason to carry out the shooting” for Bratcher’s involvement based on the evidence.

Smith also claimed there had been a “failure to investigate” by the MPD because several witnesses were identified by MPD but were never interviewed.

In Bratcher’s interview with the police, he admitted he did know the shooter was armed, but maintained he had no idea a shooting was going to occur. Smith also pointed out that, at the time of the shooting, Bratcher’s view of the firearm was obscured as the shooter leaned out of the window.

“Bratcher is not the shooter,” concluded Smith. “He did not know the shooter was going to shoot.”

The prosecution refuted Smith’s claims, pointing out Bratcher’s car was identified on video surveillance, Bratcher admitted to being the driver in the vehicle, and he knew the shooter was armed.

According to the prosecutor, it was Bratcher’s decision to continue pursuing Moore’s vehicle knowing the shooter possessed a firearm, which made him culpable for the shooting.

“To suggest he didn’t know that goes against the evidence and facts of the case,” said the prosecutor.

Due to time constraints, parties will reconvene on April 26.“There are some additional matters to address,” said DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Homicide Victim’s Friend Testifies He Returned Fire Against Alleged Juvenile Killer

A homicide victim’s “close friend,” told DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell he shot back at his friend’s killer as the suspect fled the scene.

The juvenile, a 16-year-old boy, is charged with first-and-second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to kill, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of ammunition, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Jihad Darden. The incident occurred on Dec. 18, 2023, on the 5400 block of Illinois Avenue, NW.

On April 25, the prosecution called Darden’s best friend, who said he knew him “basically my whole life,” and was with him at the time of the murder, to testify regarding his experience.

According to the friend, he and Darden had gone to the Lucky Corner Store on the 5400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, to “buy some stuff,” before going to get food.

As the two left the store, Darden stopped to speak with multiple people before heading back to their car, which was parked on Illinois Avenue, the witness said.

As they made their way to the car, an individual ran up behind them, shot at Darden multiple times, before running the opposite way on Georgia Avenue. The witness testified that, after Darden was shot, he returned fire at the suspect as he ran away. The witness’ testimony was corroborated by surveillance footage presented by prosecutors.

“He looked at me,” said the witness, stating that Darden was on the ground, but still alive.

When asked how his relationship with Darden was, the witness stated he was a “good friend of mines… he’s like fam.”

According to the witness, people in the area helped him load Darden in his vehicle as officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrived. He testified to seeing “holes in his back,” when they loaded Darden in the vehicle.

He told officers he “had to take him to the hospital quick,” said the witness.

“Everything was blurry to me,” he said, continuously stating he had to act fast.

The first-responding officer from MPD said he was in the area of the incident when he heard gunshots. He and his partner began to canvass the area, before ShotSpotter alerted the shots had been at Kennedy Street and Illinois Avenue, NW.

The officer told Judge Crowell that multiple people led them to the vehicle where Darden was lying in the back seat.

He testified that he let the friend rush him to the hospital and sent out a lookout for the vehicle, which was later found at Howard Hospital.

According to the officer’s body-worn camera, which was displayed to the court, the officer arrived at the scene, approached the vehicle, opened the back door, causing Darden’s legs to fall out of the vehicle, before shutting it and sending the car on its way.

According to the officer, he went to the Lucky Corner Store to request access to their cameras to review what had occurred. The surveillance footage, which has been presented in court multiple times, showed the shooter run up to the victim and his friend, open fire, and run away.

Prosecutors also called an assistant principal from Prince George’s County, MD Public School System, who interacted with the defendant on multiple occasions throughout this school year, including multiple disciplinary issues.

According to the witness, the defendant’s attendance records showed he was absent from Dec. 15 to Dec. 18. As of now, the defendant is no longer enrolled in school.

Surveillance footage from one of the school’s staircases, in the weeks leading up to the murder, showed an individual, who the witness identified as the defendant, walking up and towards a hallway.

According to the witness, officers from MPD met with him at the school and had him identify an individual in two images. He told Judge Crowell the individual in both images was the defendant, and identified him in court.

Parties are slated to return May 6.

Defendant Accused of Shooting Ex-Girlfriend 52 Times Wants To Represent Himself

A homicide defendant dismissed his counsel after informing the court he wished to represent himself in his upcoming trial in DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan’s courtroom.

Wonell Jones Jr., 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Audora Williams on July 19, 2022, on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE. No other injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Williams and Jones had a history of domestic violence disputes. Records showed Williams made multiple statements to police and took out several protective orders against Jones, the most recent of which was reported less than a month prior to the incident.

At the time of the shooting, Williams’ and Jones’ two children were inside the apartment, along with three other children.

Jones allegedly called the police after fleeing the scene, identifying himself as the shooter and asking the police if Williams was still alive. Jones and Williams’ son, who was present for the shooting, also identified his father as the shooter to the police.

Jones motioned to dismiss his counsel and represent himself in his trial. No reason was given in front of the court.

His current defense attorney, Carrie Weletz, however, did not oppose this. “I would ask to be excused,”Weletz said, if Judge Raffinan were to approve the motion.

Judge Raffinan ordered Jones to undergo two more mental competency exams before granting his motion due to a past report that determined Jones incompetent to stand trial. She also cited this was a requirement of all those wishing to represent themselves.

“My suggestion to you is to have Ms. Weletz continue to represent you,” said Judge Raffinan in the April 25 hearing.

Jones maintained his desire to represent himself.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 29.

Judge Grants Homicide Defendant Modified Release Conditions

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo agreed to modify the release conditions of a homicide defendant from home confinement in an April 26 hearing.

Gregory Smithwick, 32, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Vernon Davis, 34, on Sept. 13, 2013, near the 1900 block of Third Street, NE.

Smithwick’s defense attorney, James King, motioned to modify Smithwick’s release conditions so he could attend work for a landscaping company. King is requesting Smithwick to be allowed to travel to designated job locations from Monday through Saturday from 8 a. m. to 6 p. m.

According to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), Smithwick has been compliant with his release conditions and has been regularly reporting to his PSA officer since Jan. 30.

Of note, according to PSA, Smithwick has other cases against him in Maryland, however, the details of those charges were not specified during the proceeding.

According to Smithwick’s Maryland probation officer, he has been compliant with his supervised release conditions. Smithwick’s PSA representative did not request or recommend any changes to his conditions.

The prosecution also did not oppose the modification of Smithwick’s release conditions.

Judge Demeo granted the modification of release conditions and Smithwick is permitted to leave his residence to attend work at the designated list of locations.

Parties are slated to return on June 6.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to 12 Count Indictment

A shooting defendant pleaded not guilty and asserted her constitutional rights during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Angela Milhouse, 58, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, simple assault, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and destruction of property, for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on Dec. 13, 2023, on the 5000 block of Astor Place, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Milhouse allegedly shot at a sliding glass door of an apartment’s balcony, causing it to shatter. The complainant stated that she wasn’t home when her sliding glass door was shot out, but she returned in response to a phone call from her fiance. He told police that he had heard a gunshot while seated in the living room, before the sliding glass door broke.

On April 26, Milhouse’s defense attorney, Ferguson Evans, alerted the court she was pleading not guilty to all charges and asserting her constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

The prosecution told Judge Hertzfeld they had sent over a plea offer, but the defense needed additional time to review it.

Parties are slated to return May 8.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Five Indictment Charges

A defendant, charged in connection to a 2017 shooting, was arraigned in front of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur, following the conclusion of a sentence in Montgomery County, MD.

Marcus Nicholson, 35, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement on March 11, 2017, in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrived on the scene after a ShotSpotter monitoring device reported the sounds of eight gunshots.

Nicholson was allegedly sitting inside a Ford Ranger pickup truck located in the parking lot. Detectives searched the vehicle and reportedly found several shell casings and a black and silver covered semi-automatic in plain view.

On April 26, Elizabeth Weller, Nicholson’s attorney, alerted the court he was pleading not guilty to all five charges in the indictment and asserted his constitutional rights, including a speedy trial.

The trial is set for Oct.15.

Homicide Case Delayed Due to Defendant’s Refusal to Appear in Court

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo continued the case of a homicide defendant following his refusal to appear in court in an April 26 hearing.

Darius Anderson, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Israel Mattocks. The incident occurred on June 15, 2022, on the rear of the 3900 block of Minnesota Ave., NE.

According to Anderson’s defense attorney, Wole O. Falodun, Anderson decided not to appear in court. Falodun didn’t specify why Anderson refuse.

Due to his failure to appear, the case was delayed.

Parties are slated to return on May 17.

Non-fatal Shooting Defendant Granted Time to Consider Plea

A non-fatal shooting defendant was granted additional time to consider a plea deal by DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Jordan Therman, 25, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and assault with a dangerous weapon, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals on Feb. 7 on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

During an April 25 hearing, defense attorney Claudine Harrison informed the judge that a plea deal was offered by the prosecution; however, Therman has not made up his mind because need more time to understand the terms.

If Therman pleads guilty to one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence all other charges would be dismissed.

According to court documents, the complainants entered a 7-Eleven store to make a purchase. As they were leaving the store, they allegedly spotted Therman wearing a ski mask but didn’t feel threatened as they spotted a Metropolitan Police Department ( MPD) cruiser near the parking lot.

As they entered the vehicle, Therman allegedly said “I’ll kill everybody in that car,” before shooting.

Harrison also told Judge Christian that she wanted to withdraw from this case due to the lack of communication with her client. She said she believes that another defense attorney would be able to explain the terms of the plea to make it easier for Therman to understand.

Judge Christian denied Harrison’s request to withdraw from the case and granted Therman additional time to consider the plea.

Parties are set to reconvene May 20 for a status hearing.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on April 25 on the intersection of 10th and Spring Road, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots, where they located three victims. An adult male was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, and after all lifesaving efforts failed, he was pronounced dead. An adult female and a teenage male were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

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 Investigating Fatal Shooting in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred on April 24 on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE.

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

He was identified as 17-year-old Quentin Brown.

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 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.

‘Hitting Someone With a Fist and Hitting Someone With a Gun Are Two Very Different Things,’ Says Judge

A defendant charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly “pistol whipping” two victims was denied release in an April 25 hearing.

Alonte Miller, 21, is accused in a shooting that took place on April 20 on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE, injuring two women. One’s face was swollen face and the other suffered from a laceration on her ear from getting “pistol whipped.” According to court documents, Miller allegedly hit the two women with his firearm after they claimed they didn’t want to have sex with him.

In the proceeding, Miller waived his right to a preliminary hearing and his defense attorney, Stephen Logerfo, requested his release.

Logerfo argued Miller never shot the gun and only hit the women with it, comparing it to punching someone in the face with a fist.

The prosecution objected on the basis that Miller was on probation for a conspiracy to carjack charge and is a danger to the community.

DC Superior Court Magistrate Judge Heide Herrmann claimed this is “a very violent offense” and denied Miller’s release.

“Hitting someone with a fist and hitting someone with a gun are two very different things,” Judge Herrmann stated.

Parties are slated to return on May 8 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno.

‘Hostile’ Witness Testifies in Juvenile Murder Trial

Prosecutors in a juvenile murder trial moved to deem a man as a “hostile witness,” saying he changed his statements and avoided questions during his testimony.

During the prosecution’s opening statements on April 24, counsel claimed that the boy had arrived at the Lucky Corner Store on the 5400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW in the moments leading up to the shooting. He went into the store, interacted with one of the workers, and left the location before opening fire on Darden, who was with a friend around the corner, the prosecutor said.

According to the prosecution, Darden’s friend, who was in possession of his own firearm, shot back at the juvenile before rushing Darden to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

After the shooting, the juvenile rushed back to a woman’s house, where he is alleged to have frequented, before getting an Uber to his home in Maryland.

The prosecution told DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell that evidence included surveillance footage, witness identification and statements, cell site data, and items of the shooter’s clothes that were recovered from the defendant’s home and the woman’s house he frequented.

These items would be key evidence that would prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the juvenile is responsible for the murder, the prosecutor said.

The boy’s defense attorneys, Amanda Epstein and Matt Besman, reserved their right to deliver their opening statements when they present their own evidence.

During the trial, prosecutors called on the owner of the Lucky Corner Store, who testified that he provided the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) with video evidence of the moments leading up to the incident.

However, the owner, who spoke through an interpreter, said he was not at the store on the day of the incident.

Prosecutors questioned his knowledge of the shooting suspect’s identity, which he claimed was difficult to determine due to the clothing the suspect was wearing, adding he has multiple frequent shoppers.

Surveillance footage shows the suspect wearing a camouflage hoodie zipped to the chin, a medical face mask, black coat, and red and white Jordan sneakers. The only visible parts of the shooter were their hands, eyes and forehead.

According to the witness, officers from MPD showed the owner images of the defendant’s friends, who he frequented the store with, and a family member. However, the owner was unable to identify any of them by name.

Despite not knowing their names, he made an in-court identification of the defendant, not as the suspect, but rather as a kid who frequented his store.

Prosecutors moved to deem him a “hostile witness,” alleging that he was changing the information he had previously provided to MPD, and avoiding questions.

Judge Crowell did not rule on the request.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for trial on April 25.

Judge Denies Motions to Dismiss and Release in a Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan rejected two motions, one to dismiss a case against a murder defendant and the second to release him in an April 24 hearing.

Franklin Dorn, 44, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Antonio Brown. The incident occurred on Aug. 6, 2023, on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

The defense argued that Dorn shot Brown in self-defense. According to the defense, Brooks pointed a gun at another individual who hit Dorn over the head and pointed a gun at him. Dorn then allegedly fired at Brown by mistake.

“Prior to Dorn extending his arm out, there is no evidence on the [surveillance] video of [the individual] extending, displaying a gun or making any statements,” Judge Raffinan said after referring to surveillance footage of the incident.

“Mr.Dorn was preventing [the individual] from leaving”, said the judge, adding that he “provoked the gun battle,” turning down Dorn’s requests for dismissal of the case and release.

Before concluding, Judge Raffinan stated that Dorn’s actions were the primary reason for the ensuing conflict. She said “But for [Dorn’s] actions, the decedent would not have been killed,” and that the matter would be continued.

The next hearing is scheduled for May 24.

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