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Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Release From Solitary Confinement  

On July 31, a repeat homicide defendant requested DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun order the DC Jail to move him out of a year-long stay in solitary confinement to have better access to his attorney. 

Mussye Rezene, 31, is charged with first-degree premeditated while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 34-year-old Darrow Johnson, that occurred at the D.C. Correctional Treatment Facility on the 1900 block of E Street, SE on Aug. 17, 2023. 

Rezene was previously convicted of first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his involvement in the death of 17-year-old Brayan Villatoro on Sept. 18, 2021, on the 1300 block of Nicholson Street, NW. 

Rezene has also been charged in connection to a mass shooting that occurred on  the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and claimed the lives of 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Baxter, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner, and left three others suffering from injuries. 

In connection to the Sept. 2021 shooting Rezene has been charged as an accessory after the fact and has been dubbed by prosecutors as a “ring leader” in a street gang who organized the shooting. 

At the hearing, Rezene’s attorney, Kevin Robertson, requested that Judge Okun send a request to DC Jail to move Rezene, who has been in solitary confinement for the past year, to the general population. Roberts cites the reason behind the move to be due to the fact that he can not easily meet with Rezene to discuss the status of his cases. 

Prosecutors argued that due to the fact that Rezene is being charged with stabbing someone who was in DC Jail and that Rezene is charged in another matter with five other co-defendants who are also being held in DC Jail that he should not be moved to general population holding. 

Judge Okun stated he would not give a recommendation to move Rezene as he agrees with the point the prosecution made, but is concerned about Rezene not being able to communicate with Robertson. 

Judge Okun stated he would be reaching out to DC Jail to find out if some accommodation could be made so Roberts could more easily meet with Rezene. 

Parties also set a trial date for October 2025 in connection to the Johnson murder . 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 7, 2025. 

Victim Sends Rambling Texts in Final Minutes, Seconds Before His Murder

In a minute by minute account leading up to seconds before his death, a homicide defendant’s son testified before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on July 31 about provocative text messages he received from the victim.

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.

The prosecution brought Matthews’ son to testify about text messages he received from Green on the day of the incident, as well as surveillance footage that allegedly lines up with Matthews being at his son’s apartment and walking to the spot the murder took place.

According to phone extraction records, Green had been texting the witness repeatedly on Feb. 16, 2021. The witness claimed he never met Green in person but that he knew it was Green texting him on Instagram. 

At 3:20 p.m., almost 30 minutes before Green’s death, Green texted the witness “I’m out here meet Ina back,” through Instagram. 

Viewing apartment surveillance video, the witness identified himself and his father heading towards the back of the building after the text was received. In the video, the witness agreed he was holding his phone but could not remember why he was heading out of the apartment. 

Another call was initiated by Green at 3:21:38 p.m. and ended at 3:22:08 p.m. The witness said that he does not recall any of the phone calls or whether or not he picked up. At this point, the witness again identified himself in surveillance footage heading to the stairs in the apartment building and bringing the phone closer to his mouth. 

Then, the witness testified, he walked up the stairs and into his apartment when he received another call at 3:22:15 p.m. and ended at 3:33:46 p.m.

A text from Green at 3:22:57 p.m. read “come on all the way is back just u slim just u”. Another call was initiated by Green at 3:23:01 and it ended at 3:23:12 p.m. At 3:23:12 p.m., the witness identified himself walking out of his apartment and to the back door with Matthews.

In the footage, they are seen going out to the backyard of the apartment building before Matthews walks to the left and off screen towards an alley.  

Green sent the witness another text at 3:24:33 p.m. saying “u ah butch” and the witness and Matthews are seen walking back inside the apartment. 

At 3:24:37 p. m. Green texted the witness “b**** u ah butch” and “b****.” At that time, surveillance footage depicted the witness talking with his mother with his phone in hand. 

Green texted  again at 3:24:46 p.m., “u is a b**** u on some Hot shi**, “as the witness is seen in the footage walking away from his mom and back up the stairs while looking down at his phone. 

At 3:25:27 p.m., footage shows the witness, his mother, and Matthews all walk back into their second floor apartment. Green texted the witness at 3:30:37 p.m., saying “Bring your a** to the back u telling your people that’s I’m out here b**** they ain’t leaving come your a** to the back.” 

However, during his testimony, the witness denied telling anyone about the messages. 

The witness testified Green continued to text him as he was in his apartment, with text messages including:

3:32:04 p.m. – “u ah bitch cuh. Ah bitch come all the way down here to call your bluff u a b**** I’m see u out here”

3:32:09 p.m. – “on your grandmova soul”

3:32:14 p.m. – “Ima see u”

3:32:24 p m. – “u ain’t safe bullets ain’t got no name slim”

3:32:42 p. m. – “on your grandmova u ain’t”

3:32:50 p.m. – “u scary hog u scary is shit”

3:34:06 p.m. – “Bet that leave me no tf leaving I’m ready”

After sending those messages, the witness said Green initiated a video call at 3:34:12 p.m. which ended  at 3:34:29 p.m., during which Matthews was seen in footage and identified by the witness as leaving the apartment, having changed out of his white shoes into black ones. 

When Green texts at 3:35:09 p.m. saying “come on slim come on”, Matthews is out the front door of the apartment building.

Moments later, the witness testified, Green texted him saying “u bluffin” and asking “wya [where you at] bruh.”

According to the witness, Green initiated five more calls in the span of six minutes. 

At 3:47:18 p.m., the witness initiated a call with Green which ended at 3:48:36 p.m. He claimed to not remember what was said or remember the reason for the call.

Green initiated the last call with the witness which started at 3:48:47 p.m. and ended at 3:48:56 p.m. This was the last contact between Green and the witness. Green’s estimated time of death was 3:49 p.m., according to the prosecution. 

The witness denied hearing shots on the other end of the call or knowing where Matthews was going. However, he testified that Matthews left his phone at his apartment, which is why he was waiting by the window for him to come back. 

Surveillance footage depicted the witness’ mother letting Matthews back into the apartment building at 3:51 p.m. 

A moment later, Matthews can allegedly be seen in the footage leaving the apartment building with a backpack. The witness said he did not communicate with his father the rest of that day. 

Marnitta King, Matthews’ defense attorney, argued that he could’ve left the apartment building for a smoke, which he was known to do in 2021. 

She also argued that Green “was essentially talking to himself” because the witness never texted back. However, prosecutors reiterated the fact that the witness called Green moments before his death.

The parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 1.

Homicide Defendant Requests Judge Reconsider Severance Motion

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan told parties she needed additional time to reconsider a co-defendant’s motion to sever during an Aug. 1 hearing. 

Rafeal Stevens, 39, and Jermall Johnson, 40, are charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, attempted robbery – felony murder, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2700 block of 7th Street, NE. 

Johnson’s defense attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, discussed a motion for severance, in which he argued that the prosecution is relying on some type of conversation or pre-planned discussion between the defendants that led to the homicide. In the motion, LoGerfo stated Johnson wants Stevens to testify in his trial, which could be an issue if they’re tried together. 

However, the prosecution objected to the motion, stating that the video of the incident speaks for itself. 

According to the prosecution, at trial, they will provide the jury surveillance footage that shows the two defendants outside of a liquor store with several other individuals, including Umoh. The prosecutor alleged that the two defendants stare at each other and then walk away from the area, before returning and killing Umoh.

Because of the video, the prosecution argued, they have proof of co-conspirator liability, regardless of who’s the who fired the deadly shot, and insisted that severance is not appropriate in this matter. 

Jason Tulley, Stevens’ defense attorney, insisted there was no agreement or verbal exchange between Stevens and Johnson regarding the attack. 

However, the prosecution argued the video evidence shows an individual identified as Johnson standing behind the liquor store door and waiting to shoot until shots are fired by an individual identified as Stevens.

LoGerfo argued that Johnson only shot to protect Stevens, and that is the reason why “it is essential that [Stevens] testifies” in Johnson’s behalf. He requested Judge Raffinan reconsider the severance motion.

Judge Raffinan told parties she would issue a ruling before the next hearing. 

Parties are set to return on Sept. 12.

Shooting Case Dismissed, Proceeding Moves to District Court

A non-fatal shooting case was dismissed at the prosecution’s request before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan in a July 31 hearing, since the defendant is charged in the same matter in the DC District Court. The District Court has jurisdiction over federal matters whereas the DC Superior Court deals with local offenses.

Derval Nettles, 31, was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place on the 2700 block of Langston Place SE on June 15. An individual sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen during the incident.

According to court documents, four individuals drove to an apartment complex and fired multiple shots before someone fired back. Video footage captured an individual alleged to be Nettles fleeing the scene and dropping a gun in a nearby trash can.  

At the hearing, the prosecution formally submitted a motion to dismiss the charges against Nettles. Judge Raffinan released Nettles for this case, but he remains in custody in connection to the case in District Court.  It’s not clear why the case was moved to a higher court.

No further dates were set. 

Case Acquitted: ‘This Is Not a Murder Mystery,’ Says Defense Attorney of Prosecution’s Case

Editor’s note: On Aug. 1, a jury acquitted Jarvis Jackson of all charges connected to the homicide of Deont’e Minor. 

Through closing arguments, parties quarreled about a motive in a murder case before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on July 31.  

Jarvis Jackson, 42, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm from a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Deont’e Minor, 23, on March 20, 2021, on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Minor was in an Uber ride when he was shot in the backseat as the Uber was waiting to make a turn. The driver previously testified he took the victim to a nearby hospital immediately after the shooting. Minor later succumbed to his injuries.  

David Knight, one of Jackson’s defense attorneys, told the jury “He did not have a motive to do this, he is not guilty.”

“I wanna be clear about something, this is not a murder mystery,” Knight said, adding “It is not your job to figure out who did it, it was supposed to be their job,” pointing to the prosecution. 

Knight continued to cite what he saw as holes in the case stating that a knit hat and mask were found at the scene but the DNA was not Jackson’s. 

Furthermore, Knight believes that Minor’s “brothers” should be considered as possible suspects. According to Knight, Minor had said that if anything happened to him to investigate someone in his circle of friends.

In response, the prosecution said “Why are they [Minor’s Brothers] rushing to the hospital if they had this grand conspiracy against him.” 

However, prosecutors argued that Jackson did have a motive, a robbery allegedly committed by Minor weeks before his death. 

Prosecutors said that a small amount of weed was taken from Jackson by Minor and his cousin. The prosecution continued to argue that the defendant lied to the police about not knowing the victim.

Knight expressed doubt that the robbery had even happened but said that if it had “enough marijuana for one or two people to smoke is not enough for anyone, including [Jackson], to kill someone.”

Knight responded that in Jackson’s and Minor’s phone records there was “not a single call between them, not a single text between the two.” 

“No call means no robbery and no robbery means no motive, no motive means you should find Jackson is not guilty,” Knight insisted. 

“It was a cold, calculated murder… the person who did this murder is Jarvis Jackson, I ask you to hold him accountable,” the prosecution told the jury. 

Parties will reconvene once the jury has reached a verdict.

Victim’s Girlfriend Testifies in Homicide Case After Arrest for Contempt

A homicide victim’s girlfriend agreed to testify on July 30 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe after being arrested the previous day for contempt of court.

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.

Green’s girlfriend who was arrested on July 29 for refusing to testify, came back to court as a witness for the prosecution.

She claimed she had “safety concerns” about testifying because she had received “threats before”. 

During her testimony, she was presented with text messages she received from Green the day of the incident. According to the witness, he was getting increasingly angry and threatening and she felt “drained” having to deal with it so she didn’t tell her family. 

The witness said that Green thought she and her cousin, Matthews’s son, were dating behind his back. Her cousin called to tell her that Green was threatening him and she told him not to respond.

According to phone records, Green repeatedly called her and when she didn’t pick up he kept texting “b**** answer the phone”. 

Then he texted her a screenshot from Instagram of Matthews alleged Instagram account requesting to follow him and wrote “now u want to have who ever trying follow me b****”.  

When she didn’t reply, she testified, he used a different messaging application and said “tell him come outside,” referring to the witness’ cousin. The prosecution alleged that while he sent this threat, he was not actually outside the cousin’s apartment. 

The witness claimed she did not know a friend of Green’s friend lived in the area. The prosecution presented her with her grand jury testimony in which she stated “I know that [the friend] used to live there” when given the address of the shooting. The prosecutors wanted to show that the witness knew where the friend lived and that Green was at that address, which could be how Matthews knew where to find him.

The prosecution also called on a witness from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to testify about cell phone data for Matthews’ number. 

Using call logs, the witness said that Matthews was in the vicinity of the crime scene at the time of the shooting, but stated he could not identify a specific location.

Defense attorney Marnitta King questioned the validity of the cell site data, saying that Matthews’ son lived at an apartment in the vicinity of the crime scene and that is where Matthews could have been. 

The witness said this is correct but that the plot points of his cell phone moved which showed that it is likely the cell phone moved a long distance that would be bigger than from one end of an apartment complex to the other. 

A digital forensic specialist then testified about the cell phone extractions from the phones said to belong to Matthews’ son and the son’s mother.

The call logs from the extraction showed that the mother of Matthews’ son had called Matthews at least three times the day of the incident. 

The text exchange between Matthews’ son and the mother are inconsistent, which the witness said would happen if the mother had deleted some of the texts from her phone. 

On Matthews’ son’s phone, his mother texted him saying “whenever he send a message screen shot it but don’t respond”, in reference to Green.

To which Matthews’ son replied “delete”.

There were also texts on the sons phone from Green:

“Ima show how we step”

“f*** u think I’m coming to fight hog ima be right there kid be outside”

“Tell your b**** a** mova or who don’t call no police when I pull up hot a** family”

The parties are set to reconvene July 31.

Multi-Armed Robbery and Carjacking Defendant Wants to Review Plea Deal

An armed robbery and carjacking defendant was extended a plea offer, with some added charges, before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz on July 26.  

Kwesi Pyne, 18, is charged with four counts of robbery, unarmed carjacking, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in in the following incidents:

  • Armed carjacking at the 900 block of Randolph St NW on Oct 30 2023
  • Armed robbery on Jan 10, 2024 at the 3800 block of 5th St NW
  • Armed robbery on Jan 24 at the 500 block of Kenyon St NW
  • Armed robbery on Jan 29 at the 2000 block of 15 St NW 
  • Armed robbery on Feb 2 at the 1400 block of Irving St NW
  • Assault with intent to rob on Feb 7 at the 3100 block of Mount Pleasant St NW
  • Armed robbery on Feb 7 on the 3200 block of 16th St NW
  • Theft from auto with gun stolen on Feb 10 
  • Armed robbery on Feb 12 at the 3200 block of Mount Pleasant St NW

Pyne was arrested on February 15 on the 3100 block of 16th St NW. Police approached him for suspicious behavior and he allegedly fled the scene. After he was arrested, he was accused of a multiple robberies in the DC area.

According to police Pyne was allegedly targeting members of the Latino community.

At a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz the prosecution said they are extending a plea offer. As a part of the plea, they would be adding three counts of robbery, one count of carjacking, one count of unarmed robbery, and one count of assault with intent to commit robbery. If Pyne agreed the prosecution would not indict on nine other charges. They proposed a two week expiration date on the plea.

Pyne’s defense attorney Mark Rollins requested more time to look over the plea and for additional discovery in light of only receiving the deal that morning.  

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug 9. 

Judge Orders Juvenile Charged with Triple Shooting Detained 

DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell  granted the prosecution’s request for a juvenile charged with a triple non-fatal shooting to be detained by the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) in a July 31 hearing. 

The juvenile, a 16-year-old boy, is charged with three counts of attempted second-degree murder while armed and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured three women on July 23 on the 2900 block of Nelson Place, SE. 

According to the prosecution, at the time of the shooting the boy was released in connection to a case in which he’s charged with carrying a pistol without a license. 

During the hearing, Judge Crowell mentioned the parties’ request in June to release the defendant as he awaited trial in the possession case. However, the prosecution argued, the circumstances have changed due to his alleged involvement in the shooting. 

The prosecution requested Judge Crowell order the boy detained due to him being a “hyper-risk danger to the community.” 

James Brockway, the boy’s defense attorney, requested Judge Crowell deny the prosecution’s request, asking him to place the juvenile in a shelter house. He argued the boy had “perfect compliance,” while he was in a shelter house before his release in the possession case. 

“He is clearly a danger to the public,” Judge Crowell said, granting the prosecution’s request to detain the juvenile pending trial. He stated that he “poses an extreme risk of violence.”

Judge Crowell also ordered psychiatric and psychosocial evaluations for the boy. 

A trial date was scheduled for Sept. 9. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 16. 

Defendant’s Probation Revoked After Charges for New Crime  


Ronald Yarborough , 29, was re-sentenced July 26 by DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz after allegedly committing a new crime during his release.

In December, Yarborough pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession, in exchange for all other charges as well as charges in a misdemeanor case getting dismissed. DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced him to 36 months for assault, 18 months for unlawful possession, to be served concurrently.  Yarborough also had to serve two years of supervised probation after his release. 

Yarborough was initially charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict. The charges are in connection with his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 28, 2020 at the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW.

Yarborough allegedly violated his probation on Jan. 29 by carrying a gun. On July 10 a Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) probation officer recommended that Judge Leibovitz revoke his probation for the 2020 case.

At Yarborough’s sentencing on July 16, defense attorney Donna Beasley said that Yarborough had lived with his wife immediately after his release in March, and had sought employment. 

She also argued that Yarborough was otherwise in compliance with his release conditions and had only tested positive for alcohol once.

While discussing the new case, which resulted in his probation being revoked, Judge Leibovitz said “he certainly knew what it meant to carry a gun again.”

Leibovitz sentenced Yarborough to 48 months for assault with a dangerous weapon, 24 months for unlawful possession and 3 years of suspended release. Yarborough will be given credit for time served. 

Robbery and Carjacking Defendant Refuses to Appear in Court at Sentencing

A victim was unable to read an impact statement in court on July 26 before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz because the defendant refused to appear. 

James McNeil, 26, was found guilty of stealing a car from an individual while threatening him with a knife on Aug. 1, 2022, on the 200 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NE. That same day, on the 600 block of 21st St NE, McNeil attempted to steal someone’s purse with another suspect. The victim was pulled to the ground and kicked. 

On May 6, McNeil pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery while armed.

In court, one of the victims was present to read an impact statement but was unable to do so because McNeil refused to get off the bus. 

Judge Leibovitz moved the matter to later in the afternoon, but after two hours the defendant still refused to enter the courtroom. 

McNeil’s sentencing was rescheduled for July 31.

Trial Delayed in Homicide Case As Key Witness Unable to Testify

As a postponed homicide trial was expected to begin on July 31, the prosecution received information that a key witness was unable to testify causing DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo to reschedule the trial to Sept. 9. 

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 Israel Mattocks, 30, on June 15, 2022, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. 

On July 29, when the trial was supposed to start, Judge Demeo delayed the case by a day to discuss a dismissal motion regarding phone records the prosecution had received and presented the night prior.

The defense requested dismissal or alternatively the option of a continuance, as the prosecution had the phone record evidence since mid-2023.

On July 30, the prosecution argued against dismissal stating that it agreed that the material should have been provided to the defense sooner, saying the non-disclosure was minimal, and was not intentional. The prosecutor told Judge Demeo all material had been disclosed to the defense and did not believe any of it will be used during the trial. 

On July 31, the medical examiner who conducted the autopsy on Mattocks, was unable to testify due to a medical emergency. 

The prosecution proposed having an alternative expert testify or provide a stipulation to the jury. However, Falodun disagreed. 

Defense attorney, Wole Falodun, argued this “comes across as callous,” as the trial had already been delayed by a day and the jury had been picked. He also argued Anderson had been waiting in custody, and requested dismissal of the case.

Weighing the alternatives Judge Demeo granted a continuance and denied the request for dismissal.  

Falodun also requested Anderson be on house arrest until the trial, stating he is from the DC area, is part of the community, and Falodun has kept constant contact with his mother. 

The prosecution opposed the request arguing that, along with the weight of the evidence, Anderson had fled the scene and his residence following the incident. 

Judge Demeo denied the request for release as there were no conditions to ensure the community’s safety. 

Parties are slated to return on Sept. 3 for a trial readiness hearing.

Document: MPD Investigating a Fatal Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Ruben Jesus Munoz-Romero, which occurred on July 29. He was located on the 400 block of Michigan Avenue, NE, but MPD believes the shooting occurred elsewhere.

Defendant’s Ex-Girlfriend Testifies in Homicide Trial of Ten-Year-Old Victim

A homicide defendant’s ex-girlfriend finalized her testimony against him in front of  DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on July 30. 

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.

Price is also charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, threat to injure or kidnap a person, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and first-degree burglary while armed. These charges are connected to the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE. 

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

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

Judge Okun previously issued a warrant to the witness, who began her testimony on July 23, but refused to return following a medical emergency. The witness previously testified that she and Murchison were engaged at the end of 2018, before his arrest in 2019. 

During this hearing, the witness was shown a video of a group of men dancing and singing along to the lyrics, “We the reason why the murder rate high … we just want a homicide.” 

She identified her son in the video, who was around two years old at the time, sitting on the shoulder of her ex-boyfriend “Tony” — whom she later identified as Murchison. 

The prosecution called their second witness of the day, an investigator with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), to testify about Instagram direct messages and video evidence police say were among Murchinson and Price and other co-conspirators. The video evidence and direct messages were discussions about the Wellington Park neighborhood and methods for obtaining firearms. 

Finally, the prosecution called on a doctor from the D.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), to discuss Wilson’s autopsy report. According to the witness, the manner of death was a homicide and the cause of death was a gunshot to the back. 

Parties will reconvene on July 31. 

Case Acquitted: Prosecution Says Homicide Defendant Was, ‘Judge, Jury and Executioner’

Editor’s note: On Aug. 1, a jury acquitted Jarvis Jackson of all charges connected to the homicide of Deont’e Minor. 

Parties in a homicide case delivered closing arguments to a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein’s courtroom on July 30. 

Jarvis Jackson, 42, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm from a prior conviction for the alleged fatal shooting on Deont’e Minor, 23, on March 20, 2021, on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who testified on July 29, was brought back to the stand by the prosecution and said he knew of the allegation that Jackson was robbed several weeks before the homicide.

When Jackson was brought in for questioning said the detective security footage from the investigation room shows Jackson reacting in confusion to a picture of Minor, saying that he didn’t know who that is. 

Several other witnesses were brought to the investigation room and were all shown the same picture of Jackson, and all of them identified him as Jarvis Jackson, nicknamed “JV.”

On cross-examination, defense attorney, David Knight, asked the detective about his suspicion that “a snake” among Minor’s friends might have played a role in Minor’s death.

The witness testified that Minor told an individual at some point that if something ever happened to him, that people should “look to my brother,” meaning a friend turned against him. The detective also said no weapons were found when Jackson’s residence was searched.

On redirect, the prosecution noted the search warrant wasn’t executed until six months after the homicide. 

“Jarvis Jackson had the motive, had the opportunity, and had the determination to end the life of Deont’e Minor,” said the prosecution in their closing statements.  

The prosecution also described Jackson as Minor’s “judge, jury and executioner.”

Through a combination of phone records, cell tower connections, and security footage before, during, and after the homicide. the prosecution argued that Jackson allegedly planned the attack with his then love interest, who had a white Chevy Cruze, to kill Minor. 

Video footage revealed a person identified as Jackson in a white Chevy Cruze around the Arbor View apartments, the location where Minor was picked up by the Uber and near the homicide, less than half a block away.

The prosecution argued Jackson was seen later in the day as he was dropped off from a white Chevy Cruze, then walked to the crime scene and shot at the Uber Minor carrying Minor, and fled.

The prosecution said phone records and cell tower data indicate Jackson coordinated with his ex-girlfriend for a pick up location after the shooting, then drove away.

Due to time constraints, the parties were unable to conclude their arguments. 

Parties will reconvene on July 31. 

‘Your Role in Killing That Man Cannot Be Erased or Excused,’ Judge Tells Juvenile at Sentencing 

“He made a choice to participate in the gun violence that plagues our city,” a prosecutor told DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell as he ordered a juvenile convicted of murder to be detained by the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) until 21, during a July 30 hearing. 

The juvenile, a 16-year-old boy, was convicted of first-and-second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. 

The charges stemmed from his involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Jihad Darden, which occurred on Dec. 18, 2023, on the 5400 block of Illinois Avenue, NW. 

At the hearing, through victim impact statements, Darden’s family deemed him as “A young man whose life was senselessly cut short before he reached his full potential.” 

“What was stolen from me on Dec. 18 was my best friend, my soulmate, my love,” said Darden’s girlfriend in a letter read by a victim advocate. 

Likewise, Darden’s mom told the court she, “lost [her] precious kid,” and their “suffering goes past losing [her] son,” yet she still forgives the boy. 

The prosecution asked Judge Crowell to order the juvenile detained until his twenty-first birthday, stating that he “killed Jihad and took him from the people that loved him the most.” 

The prosecutor argued detention will guarantee the youth receives the rehabilitation and treatment he needs to be a productive member of society at the time of his release.

She also stated they want him to work to transition back to the community.

Amanda Epstein, the boy’s attorney, requested he be sentenced for a probationary period, stating the legal statute is not about punishment but rehabilitation in the least restrictive setting for juveniles. 

According to Epstein, the boy is in the bottom three percent of juveniles that pose a violence or danger risk. 

“He is not a danger to the community,” she told Judge Crowell, adding that he needs help to move past trauma. 

“He is much more than the charges,” Epstein said. She requested that, if Judge Crowell is opposed to a probationary period, he limits detention to his 18th birthday. 

She requested Judge Crowell craft a sentence to help him, but that is not long enough to hurt him. 

“This was a very challenging case,” Judge Crowell said, adding that, “this was a 15-year-old that committed a very serious adult crime.” 

“The focus here is the reformation of a wrong-doer,” he told the juvenile. “It is heartbreaking,” Judge Crowell said, adding that the juvenile’s “role in killing that man cannot be erased or excused.” 

No further dates were set.