Teen Carjacking Defendant Receives Fully Suspended Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Di Toro imposed a suspended sentenced of two years to a carjacking defendant on Jan. 21.

On Oct. 28, 2025, Dekhyri Greene, 17, pleaded guilty to robbery, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his involvement in an armed carjacking on Aug. 8, 2025 on the 1200 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE.

Greene is charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be charged as adults for certain serious offenses.

At sentencing, the victim said that at the time of the offense, she was homeless and living in her car. In addition, the victim said her grandfather’s ashes were destroyed during the carjacking.

Judge Di Toro said the victim’s statements moved her.

The prosecutor requested Greene serve five years in prison for how his actions impacted the victim.

Varsha Govindaraju, Greene’s attorney, requested a sentence that would avoid the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Greene was set to be transferred to the DC Jail on his 18th birthday next month. Govindarju said, if released, Greene would live with his father and his father’s fianceé.

A social worker for the Public Defender Services (PDS) also expressed concern about the lack of mental health services and high school classes available at the jail and BOP. Bresnahan said Greene expressed interest in graduating high school and attending college.

Greene’s family, coaches, and a mentor also wrote letters supporting him to the court. Judge Di Toro read a handwritten letter from Greene that he was too nervous to read aloud. In the letter, Greene took responsibility and expressed his deep regret.

When the social worker said that Greene’s family was extremely open to continuing his therapy, Greene’s father spoke up and said “Me,” pointing at himself.

Govindaraju also requested a sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows people under 25 who are convicted of certain crimes to have their convictions sealed or cleared after they successfully complete their sentence and potentially offers sentencing flexibility.

Judge Di Toro found it appropriate to apply the YRA and sentenced Greene to two years for each charge, all suspended, in favor of one-and-a-half years of probation. Greene must also register as a gun offender in DC.

Requirements of Greene’s probation include alcohol and drug testing, educational and vocational training, and 90 hours of community service. If he fails to complete the requirements, Greene will be required to serve the two years of imprisonment.

A probation review hearing is set for Feb. 27.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A defendant who shot at his child’s mother accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Jan. 21.

Darnell Morgan, 35, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a shooting on Oct. 13, 2025 on the 700 block of Brandywine Street, SE. There were no injuries reported, but three individuals were shot at.

According to court documents, one of victims was his child’s mother.

At the hearing, Morgan’s attorney, Courtney Vaughn, told Judge Di Toro that her client accepted a plea deal from prosecutors. The agreement required Morgan to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, prosecutors agreed not to seek an indictment with additional charges and limit their sentening request to the bottom third of the guidelines.

Judge Di Toro questioned Morgan to ensure that he knowingly and willingly pleaded guilty.

Morgan’s sentencing hearing is set for April. 7.

Judge Finds Probable Cause For Shooting Defendant Who Says, ‘Gun Jammed by The Grace of Allah!’

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a shooting incident during a hearing on Jan. 23, and denied his request for release.

Matthew Murphy, 61, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured a child on Oct. 27, 2025 on the 4900 block of Ayers Place, SE.

According to court documents, officers located the victim a block away from the incident at a church on the 4900 block of East Capitol Street, SE.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on a responding officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who recalled receiving simultaneous calls for the sounds of gunshots, and for assistance needed for a male gunshot victim. She rendered aid to the victim when she arrived on the scene, stating there was a trail of blood between the incident location and the church steps where the victim was found.

According to the officer, the victim told police that “[Murphy] had been harassing his family on multiple occasions” and that the “he lives in their apartment building near the laundry room.”

The officer stated the victim identified the shooter as “a Black male, approximately six feet in height.”

The officer testified that about three hours later, Murphy called 911 to identify himself as the shooter.

“My mind was so messed up I tried to kill them this morning, my gun, I tried to shoot them, but the gun jammed by the grace and mercy of Allah didn’t let the bullets go,” Murphy told police during an interview, according to the officer.

During her testimony, the officer told the parties that Murphy told police that he shot because the victim and another individual, who Murphy claimed are homosexuals, were looking into his window on the first floor of the building.

Prosecution requested Judge Dayson find probable cause for assault with intent to kill and aggravated assault, arguing that Murphy followed the victim and his companion out of the building and shot at them.

Murphy’s attorney Molly Bunke argued against probable cause, claiming that the officer did not seem credible, stating that she was unaware and did not remember a lot about the investigation. Bunke further argued Murphy suffers from mental health issues, and there was no photo identification done in order to identify Murphy as the perpetrator.

Judge Dayson sided with the prosecution and found probable cause, arguing Murphy knew what he was doing even though he claimed his “gun jammed by the grace of Allah.”

Bunke requested the release of Murphy, citing his old criminal history that consists of misdemeanors dating back to almost twenty years ago, arguing he needs mental health treatment through a community, and claiming he is not a threat to the community.

The prosecutor refuted this, highlighting the nature of his offenses, his mental health concerns, and his criminal history, which included assaultive behavior. They further argued that being at the jail provides a structure for him that he cannot achieve anywhere else, and that he is deemed as a threat to the general public.

Judge Dayson granted the prosecution’s request to continue holding Murphy.

Parties are set to meet on April 3.

Judge Grants Partial Severance For Defendant in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan partially granted a homicide defendant’s motion to sever his charges on Jan. 30.

Sherman Holley, 48, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old James Brooks Jr. on the 200 block of 37th Street, SE on Jan. 15, 2023.

Holley is also charged with arson, destroying property more than $1,000, and resisting arrest for allegedly barricading himself inside an apartment and starting a fire on Jan. 16, 2023 on the same block as the murder. According to court documents, Holley was then taken to an area hospital for smoke inhalation where he allegedly assaulted a police officer for which he was also charged.

According to court records, Holley’s attorney, Kevin Irving, filed a motion on Aug. 29, 2025 asking to sever the arson, assault on an officer, from the murder charge.

At the hearing, the prosecutors opposed severance for any of the counts. According to the prosecution, within 24 hours of the stabbing, police found Holley “barricading” himself in an acquaintance’s apartment, screaming and throwing objects out of the windows. The apartment then erupted into flames leading to Holley’s arson charge.

The prosecution claimed when Holley finally left the burning building, first responders took him to a hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. At the hospital, Holley allegedly argued with an officer and started a physical altercation.

The prosecution argued the arson and assault charges are directly linked to Holley’s consciousness of guilt in murder from the day prior. They characterized Holley as non-compliant with officers.

Irving argued the arson and assault are unrelated to the murder charge. Regarding the assault on a police officer, Irving said the altercation “could have happened anywhere.”

The prosecution was attempting to “have their cake and eat it too” by combining Holley’s charges, said Irving. Irving claimed that the argument between Holley and the officer was not resistance of arrest but simply an altercation that could occur outside the context of the case.

Judge Ryan asserted Holley’s actions, barricading himself in the apartment and the apparent arson, within the 24-hour period showed consciousness of guilt. The judge denied the motion to sever the arson charge and ruled it will be tried at the same time as the murder.

Judge Ryan reiterated the prosecution’s argument and said “[Holley’s] trying to get away by setting the house on fire,” and setting himself on fire as well.

The motion was partially accepted by Judge Ryan, who agreed to sever the assault on an officer charge from the case after Irving’s argument.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 5.

Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

At a felony arraignment on Jan. 30, a stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel.

Warren Rainner, 30, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon, and misdemeanor threats to do bodily harm. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a stabbing on July 5, 2025 that left one victim injured on the unit block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

At the hearing, the court arraigned Rainner on the indictment charges against him. Afterword Rainner’s attorney, Branden Burrell, informed Judge Israel that his client accepted a plea deal from prosecutors. The agreement required Rainner to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and, in exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss the other charges.

As part of the deal, prosecutors also agreed to limit their sentence request to the bottom third of the applicable guidelines.

The prosecution presented the factual basis for the plea, which included video footage of Rainner’s involvement in the offense. They said if the case had proceeded to trial, the evidence would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Rainner assaulted and injured the victim.

Judge Israel was satisfied with the factual basis provided by the prosecution and accepted Rainner’s plea as knowing and voluntary.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 10 for sentencing.

Judge Allows Stabbing Defendant More Time to Consider Plea

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted a stabbing defendant additional time for plea negotiations on Jan. 30.

Darryen Kenney, 24, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing on Aug. 23, 2025, on the 3400 block of 18th Street, SE.

According to court documents, the incident reportedly occurred inside an apartment after a verbal dispute between Kenney and his stepfather over household responsibilities. Kenney allegedly entered a bedroom holding a knife, punched his stepfather, and during the struggle, the stepfather sustained a laceration to his hand.

At the hearing, the prosecution placed an offer on the record that would require Kenney to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and assault on a police officer – which is connected to an unrelated matter. In exchange, the prosecution would not seek an indictment with additional charges in this matter.

Kenney’s attorney, Sharon Weathers, told Judge Arthur she was in discussions with prosecutors about a global plea deal, one that would also resolve Kenney’s other cases. Weathers said she needed additional time to review the offer with Kenney and requested Judge Arthur set a new hearing date.

Judge Arthur granted Weather’s request and continued the case to allow plea consideration.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 27.

Judge Finds Post-Conviction Plea Proposal Confounding

At a motions hearing for a non-fatal shooting defendant on Jan. 23, DC Superior Court Judge Deborah J. Israel expressly told parties that the post-conviction plea offer they proposed was unusual and confounding.

On March 11, 2025, Diamond Early, 33, was convicted of assault with significant bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon, simple assault, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Early was involved in a shooting that injured one woman on July 31, 2023 on the 4000 block of Kansas Avenue, NW.

The case, which was supposed to go to sentencing on July 25, 2025, has been delayed multiple times since the conviction.

During the hearing, defense attorney Antoini Jones, in agreement with the prosecution, presented a plea agreement that would require Early plead guilty to four of her charges while the remaining four were dismissed – it is unclear which ones would be dismissed. Judge Israel stated that this plea agreement is occurring under unique circumstances, since there has already been a jury trial and guilty verdict for Early’s case.

Additionally, Judge Israel emphasized that there is not yet a solid basis of fact for the plea offer, and the parties are to work towards establishing one before the next hearing so that they can move forward with the plea.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 20.

Stabbing, Robbery Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Jan. 21.

Romel Sawyer, 39, was charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed and armed robbery for his involvement in a robbery-turned-stabbing that injured one individual on Aug. 1, 2025 on the 6600 block of Georgia Avenue, NW .

During the hearing, Sawyers’ defense attorney, Kevin Roberston, alerted the court of Sawyer’s intent to accept a deal, which required him to plead guilty to his charges in exchange for the prosecution not seeking a more punitive indictment. Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to limit their sentencing request to the bottom of the guidelines, and will not oppose concurrent sentences.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would’ve proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Sawyer took a knife and stabbed the victim in the back, while demanding the victim’s backpack.

Sawyer threatened the victim, stating “I’ma kill you, give me the bag.” After the attack, Sawyer and another individual walked away with the victim’s backpack, which contained cash, a cellphone, and identification documents. The prosecutor claimed that Sawyer acted voluntarily with intent and not in self-defense.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 26.

Compliant Armed Carjacking Defendant Wants More Lenient Probation

An armed carjacking defendant asked to check in less with his probation officer during a probation show cause hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Jan. 29.

Anardo Little, 19, was sentenced on Dec. 12, 2025 to a fully suspended sentence in favor of 18 months probation for unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges stem from his involvement in an armed carjacking at the intersection of 12th and H Streets, NE, on Oct. 14, 2024.

At a probation review hearing, Little’s defense attorney, Susan Ellis, said he had been “doing great” on supervision and was compliant. Little’s officer from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) emphasized his compliance and said he checked in twice a week in person.

Ellis and Little’s other attorney, Morgan Crawford, requested that Little be required to check in less frequently because they said it interfered with his education. They suggested that some check-ins could be over the phone.

Little’s CSOSA officer said that this was the first time she had heard that the frequency of his check-ins were an issue. Judge Pipe asked parties to determine a solution amongst themselves, but said she was “happy” to issue an order if needed.

No further dates were set.

Jury Acquits Homicide Defendant of Retaliation Murder

A jury acquitted a murder defendant of all counts before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Jan. 22.

Malik Seltzer, 30, also known as “Freak,” was charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. Seltzer was allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Paris Odemns on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on Sept. 15, 2021.

After closing arguments, the panel returned the same day with a verdict of “not guilty,” acquitting Seltzer of all charges.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution argued Seltzer had committed the murder as revenge on behalf of a friend who was allegedly stabbed by Odemns.

The key witness, an acquaintance of Seltzer who was hanging out at the apartment Seltzer visited frequently the night of the incident, claimed Seltzer had identified Odemns as “the dude that stabbed [Seltzer’s friend].”

Seltzer allegedly mouthed “I’m gonna bag him,” before taking off with Odemns.

However, defense lawyer, Kevann Gardner noted the witness’ pending charges and detention under a bench warrant at the time of his initial interviews as undermining his credibility.

Throughout the trial, the defense criticized the investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the prosecution’s alleged failure to deliver adequate evidence to prove Seltzer’s involvement.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene Feb. 13.

Prosecutors Dismiss Some Carjackers’ Charges After Hung Jury

Prosecutors alerted DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz of their intent to dismiss certain charges after a jury agreed on conspiracy but was deadlocked on some counts in a multi-defendant carjacking case on Jan. 30.

Byron Gillum, 20, Jaelen Jordan, 20, Isaiah Flowers, 20, Jahkai Goff, 21, Warren Montgomery, 20, Taj Giles, 20, and Irshaad Ellis-Bey, 20 were charged in a 19 count indictment connection to what prosecutors called an armed carjacking ring.

The crimes occurred on Feb. 27, 2023 at the intersection of 20th Street and Sunderland Place, NW, on April 27, 2023 at the intersection of K and 8th Streets, NE, and May 16, 2023 on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW.

On Jan. 6, a jury alerted the parties they had reached a guilty verdict for conspiracy but not unable to reach a unanimous verdict for others. Judge Kravitz gave the prosecution time to decide how to move forward with the remaining counts.

During the hearing, the prosecutor requested dismissal for the counts the jury was unable to resolve. Judge Kravitz granted the motion without prejudice, meaning the prosecution can re-open the case at a later date if they wish. Flower’s defense attorney, Gretchen Franklin, initially objected, asking to dismiss the charges with prejudice, but later withdrew her objection.

The sentencing of the seven co-defendants was further delayed while the court awaits the results of Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) studies. These studies will determine each defendant’s eligibility to be sentenced under the YRA, which allows people under 25 who are convicted of certain crimes to have their convictions sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements and potentially offers sentencing flexibility for the defendant.

Judge Kravitz emphasized that although the defendants are applying for the YRA consideration their eligibility is not guaranteed. If any of the defendants don’t meet the qualifications, they would face the standard sentencing guidelines.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 27.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in 8th Street Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 35-year-old Ashleigh Hale, alleged to be involved in a shooting incident on Dec. 28 on the 400 block of 8th Street, SE. The altercation began inside an establishment and escalated when Hale allegedly struck the victim with a pistol and later discharged the weapon, causing property damage. Hale was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

Homicide Defendant Sentenced to 26 Years Imprisonment

DC Supreme Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a homicide defendant to 26 years of imprisonment in a hearing on Jan. 29.

On Aug. 21, 2025, Walter Jenkins, 37, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 52-year-old David Williams, on Nov. 14, 2021 in the 2000 block of Bruce Place, SE. Two other individuals sustained injuries, but survived.

In a statement to the court, Williams’ niece said that Jenkins did not have to do this and that, “anybody who thinks this is okay is crazy.” According to the niece, their whole family has been suffering since Williams’ death. Williams’ mother has had a significant health decline since the incident, she stated, adding that every holiday and birthday is a reminder that Williams is not there.

Prosecutors played surveillance footage that depicted the incident to the court including Jenkins walking around the front of the car that Williams occupied. Jenkins briefly conversed with the passengers, before shooting at them and the car behind them. According to the prosecution, around 20 shots were fired.

Given the seriousness of the conduct and the long delayed plea agreement, the prosecution asked Judge Brandt to deliver justice in this case because, “Jenkins is sorry that this happened to him, but does not feel that he is wrong.”

Dominique Winters, Jenkins’ attorney, contended that Jenkins acted out of fear in the moments leading up to the shooting, and has been remorseful since the beginning. According to Winters, Jenkins himself had lost his little brother just months before Williams’ shooting, and he is regretful that he put another mother in that position. Winters argued that he should be held accountable for his actions but also shown mercy for the fact that he has shown remorse and that he wants to do better.

Judge Brandt considered the injuries sustained by the second victim, Williams’ niece’s impact statement, the video evidence of the crime, and a video sent into court by Jenkins’ family that was privately viewed by the judge.

Given the totality of the evidence, Judge Brandt sentenced WaJenkins to 26 years of confinement. She ordered him to register as a gun offender, and undergo mental health counseling.

No further dates were set.

Girlfriend of Fatal Shooting Victim Testifies in Jury Trial

At a jury trial on Jan. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson oversaw the testimony of six witnesses in a fatal shooting case, including that of the victim’s girlfriend who was present during the shooting.

Antonio Hawley, 22, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the Oct. 6, 2021 fatal shooting of Aaron Wiggins, 26, on the 400 block of 13th Street, SE, after a recreational football game.

Prosecutors called Hawley’s best friend’s former girlfriend to testify. The witness drove Hawley and her then-boyfriend to and from the football game on the evening of Oct. 6, 2021.

The witness testified that Hawley would often hang out at her apartment in the months leading up to the incident. Prosecutors presented a screenshot of an Instagram post said to be Hawley in the witness’ apartment holding a firearm and wearing a crossbody Champion bag.

The witness confirmed that she had seen Hawley and her then-boyfriend hold a gun with a green light many times. This gun was often accompanied by the Champion bag, which defense attorney, Albert Amissah, alleged belonged to her ex-boyfriend. The witness denied this, insisting it belonged to Hawley.

Wiggins’ girlfriend, who was on the field with Wiggins when he was shot, gave an emotional testimony recalling the incident.

“I’m not okay,” she said after being asked how Wiggins’ death has affected her.

The witness said that while everyone, including Wiggins, was collecting their belongings and preparing to leave the field, she heard multiple gunshots. She immediately ran to her boyfriend and called 911, at which point she believes the shooter left with the rest of his football team.

The prosecution played recordings from the witness’s initial police interview, in which she described the person she saw shooting. She said the shooter was wearing a black ski mask that covered his face and head. She also described the shooter as around age 18 and of average height and build.

The prosecution also called a Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) detective who, at the time of the crime, was an officer with the bike unit. The officer responded to gunshot sounds heard on the night of the incident, and at her time of arrival, Wiggins was unconscious with several people gathered around him, including an off-duty detective and a friend of the victim. The witness and other observers made efforts to treat Wiggins’ injuries, but ultimately were unable to do so.

The witness reported that many of the people gathered around the victim were in shock and unwilling to speak with her. According to the detective, a witness described the shooter as a light skinned Black male that looked 15-to-16-years-old, wearing a white tank top.

Prosecutors also called an officer MPD’s K9 Unit who responded to the scene on the night of the incident. Accompanied by another officer, the witness testified he did a thorough walk-through of the location and found a dark piece of clothing that contained a ghost gun– a firearm that does not have a traceable serial number. The prosecution presented photographic evidence showing the witness’ discovery of these items.

Another MPD officer testified that Hawley did not have a license to carry a firearm in DC, and the gun was unregistered.

After dismissing the jury, the defense argued for a motion of judgement of acquittal due to lack of evidence for a first-degree murder charge. Judge Dayson determined that the prosecution had met their burden of proof, that a reasonable jury could convict Hawley of the charges, and denied the motion.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 2.

Judge Allows Prosecutor’s Expert to Evaluate Homicide Defendant’s State of Mind

During a hearing on Jan. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted the prosecution’s motion to conduct a mental health evaluation on the defendant. A defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges he faces and be able to help his attorney before he can stand trial.

Christopher Patrick Haynes, 33, is charged first-degree premeditated murder while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, carrying a pistol without a license, and escaping from an officer for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Brent Hayward, 33, on Aug. 12, 2023, on the 1500 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE. A second individual sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Prosecutors requested another mental health evaluation of Haynes be performed by a doctor of their choice, in order to compare it to the defense expert’s report. Defense attorney Nikki Lotze requested that the prosecution’s doctor not ask questions about the charges against Haynes. She also requested she be present during the evaluation.

Prosecutors also requested to limit the defense’s expert witness from testifying about Haynes’ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a factor of self-defense.

Judge Park ordered that the expert witness may testify to PTSD’s involvement on Haynes’ perception of the incident, subjective evidence, but not the direct facts of the event or objective evidence.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Feb. 3.

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