Mother and Son Murder Co-Defendants Request Severance

Defense attorneys representing a mother and son duo, alleged to have perpetrated a homicide, filed a motion to sever their cases before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan during a June 7 hearing.

Jaquell Jackson, 20, and Chakeatia Jackson, 39, are charged with second-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Tarshaqua Chappell on Sept. 15, 2021, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

According to court documents, the murder stemmed from a verbal altercation between Chakeatia and Chappell at Ballou High School on the 3400 block of 4th Street, SE. Following the altercation, Chakeatia and Jaquell were allegedly seen pointing at Chappell’s vehicle and shots being fired on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

Brian McDaniel, Jaquell’s attorney, and Errin Scialpi, Chakeatia’s attorney, expressed concern regarding a joint trial, arguing that if the mother-and-son are tried together, it could cause prejudicial or misleading testimony by one defendant or the other due to their relationship.

However, the prosecution argued that since this is a mother-and-son relationship, a son would listen to his mother’s directions. Judge Raffinan rebutted, stating that this is the exact prejudice that the defense is worried about.

Prosecutors also requested Chakeatia, who is released, be required to attend hearings in person due to alleged misconduct during her remote appearance, including driving while she was participating in the hearing, and making threatening statements.

Parties are slated to return to further discuss the severance motion July 2.

Judge Denies Release of Suspect Accused of Shooting at Uncle

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied the release of a defendant allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting with a family member after he waived a preliminary hearing on June 7.

Jaylon Deangelo Whack, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm for allegedly firing a single shot at his uncle following a verbal dispute in his relative’s home on May 29 on the 3700 block of Horner Place, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, the defendant and his uncle had been arguing on the first-floor about various issues in the home. Whack allegedly went upstairs and came back with a firearm, pointing it directly at his uncle and shooting his gun, missing him.

At the hearing, after waiving the preliminary hearing, defense attorney Matthew Hertz recognized the seriousness of his client’s charges, but argued for Whack’s release on GPS monitoring.

Hertz emphasized Whack’s lack of criminal history, adding that his client would have a place to stay in the area and is involved with Project Empowerment, a job readiness training program in DC.

The prosecution objected and restated the alleged facts of the case, noting that Whack’s 81-year-old grandmother was at the scene when he fired his gun.

“It is lucky that no one was hit,” said the prosecution.

Despite the defense’s argument, Judge Raymond sided with the prosecution and denied Whack’s release acknowledging there is “significantly more than probable cause.”

Judge Raymond also imposed a stay away order from Whack’s uncle and the location of the incident.

The parties are slated to reconvene on July 11.

Metro Attack Defendant Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a stabbing defendant to seven years of incarceration in connection to an assault aboard a Metro train, on June 7.

Michael Harrington, 43, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing aboard a Metro train at the Navy Yard Station on the 1200 block of Half Street, SE, on Sept. 3, 2023. A woman sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, Harrington attacked the victim unprovoked, stabbing her multiple times in the head and body, telling her he would kill her.

On March 5, 2024, Harrington accepted an Alford plea deal, which required Harrington to agree that the prosecution could establish his guilt but he did not have to admit to the facts of the case. The plea required Harrington to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

During the hearing, the prosecution told Judge Raffinan that the victim “thought she was going to die” during the offense, and continues to be extremely vulnerable

According to the prosecution, at the time of the incident, Harrington, who is known to struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues, was intoxicated, which caused his perception of the incident, and has played a role in his inability to recall what happened.

However, Jesse Winograd, Harrington’s defense attorney, told Judge Raffinan Harrington is a “completely different person” when he takes medication that helps his mental health issues. According to Winograd, Harrington’s mother had previously attempted to provide help, but was unable to.

As per Winograd, Harrington was enduring a “dissociation from reality” at the time of the incident, which he argued was caused by intoxication.

“I wanted to apologize to the victims. I’m very sorry,” Harrington said to Judge Raffinan.

Aside from the 84 months of incarceration, Judge Raffinan also sentenced Harrington to three years of supervised release along with an intervention plan.

There are no further dates set.

Stabbing Suspect Held After dispute Over Money

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied a stabbing defendant’s release after he waived a preliminary hearing on June 7.

Everette Eugene Johnson, 49, is charged with first-degree burglary while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on June 4 on the 2700 block of Wade Road, SE. A woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, the victim stated Johnson followed her home because she owed him money, and broke into her residence. At some point, while in the victim’s home, Johnson allegedly stabbed her.

At the hearing, Johnson’s defense attorney, Susan Ellis, alerted the court he was waiving his preliminary hearing, and requested for his release under electronic monitoring or home confinement.

Ellis stated her client has a stable address and a supportive family, who she pointed out in the courtroom. In addition, Ellis acknowledged Johnson’s prior criminal record, with his most recent conviction in 2018.

The prosecution opposed the defense’s request, adding that Johnson currently has a misdemeanor case set for arraignment.

Judge Raymond denied Johnson’s release, referring to his criminal history in a pre-trial servicing report. She cited a previous supervised release of his that was revoked to incarceration and a probation which was classified as “unsatisfactory.”

Parties are slated to return on June 28.

Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Denied Release

After waiving a preliminary hearing, a defendant was denied release for his alleged involvement in a “dangerously reckless” act, according to DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on June 7.

Dayquan Henderson, 22, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on May 11 at the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Henderson fired a gun from his relative’s balcony after a verbal argument with a group, and shortly after an individual sprayed mace into his relative’s apartment.

Defense attorney Michelle Lockard alerted the court Henderson waived his right to a preliminary hearing, and requested for her client’s release, stating he has zero criminal convictions, awaits the birth of his child, and is employed with a waste company. She also pointed out his mother and sisters in the courtroom supporting Henderson.

The prosecution opposed the request for release, emphasizing the “strength” of their evidence. They also mentioned that the individual who was shot identified Henderson in a photo array.

Judge Raymond sided with the prosecution and denied the request, stating no combination of conditions would assure the safety of the community.

“Bullets don’t come with names on them, and this was phenomenally reckless, for this reason, you’ll be held without bond,” stated Judge Raymond.

Parties are scheduled to return June 17.

Document: MPD Seeks Suspect in a Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a stabbing that occurred on the 1100 block of 45th Street, NE, on June 5.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a stabbing, where they located a man suffering from stab wounds. The victim was transported to a hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was captured by surveillance footage.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each violent crime in the District.

Document: Updated w/ Video MPD Seeking to Identify a Suspect in Fatal Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred on May 29 on the unit block of Hanover Place, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man on the road with gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.

The victim was previously identified as 34-year-old Maurice Downing.

The suspect was captured by surveillance footage.

Judge Considers Delaying Trial Date Until Jury Bias Case Resolves

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt put off a trial date for Willie Byrd on June 7 based on how it might be affected by an ongoing case regarding alleged racial bias in DC jury selection.

Byrd, 61, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of another man who required surgery and intensive care as a result. The incident took place on Feb. 28, 2023, at the intersection of D Street, SW, and 2nd Street, SW.

Arrest documents report that surveillance camera footage from the Federal City Shelter, where Byrd was a resident, shows an individual identified as Byrd among a group of people appearing to push the victim onto the ground and rob him.

According to the arrest documents, the footage shows the victim trying to stand when the individual identified as Byrd appears to stab the victim in the chest.

In the hearing, Byrd’s lawyer, Camille Wagner, told Judge Brandt DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo had accepted a motion to delay Byrd’s trial until the jury bias case concluded.

That case is being heard by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein. Dozens of defendants represented by the DC Public Defender Service are challenging their convictions during the COVID pandemic, alleging their juries did not include a proportionate numbers of Black residents given DC’s minority population.

The DC Superior Court, meanwhile, says its jury selection process is unbiased and every reasonable effort is made to ensure that DC juries are racially balanced.

Judge Brandt was reluctant to make the date of Byrd’s trial contingent on the outcome of the jury bias case because she believed it might extend into 2026. She proposed to speak with Judge Epstein and Judge Demeo before scheduling Byrd’s trial.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 14.

Document: MPD Releases Additional Photos of Homicide Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) have released additional images of a suspect who is sought in connection to the fatal shooting of a juvenile on May 18 on the 1200 block of V Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. There, they located 16-year-old Devon Sharp with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on May 20.

The suspect was last seen fleeing the scene in a red Dodge Charger. He was captured by surveillance footage.

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.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan issued a bench warrant for Jayvon Thomas due to his failure to appear in court on June 7.

Thomas and Lavar Hunter, both 20, are charged with first- degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Anwar Wingate. The incident occurred on Nov. 19, 2023, on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW.

On June 7, Thomas did not appear in court due to being arrested in Maryland for a gun charge. –

Defense attorney Sylvia Smith argued that they have no probable cause for his new arrest and claims her client does not own a gun.

Due to his absence, Judge Raffinan issued a bench warrant as a detainer, which states that law enforcement is ordered to arrest Thomas and bring him before the court in the District.

Parties are slated to return to court on October 25 for an arraignment.

Murder Defendant Arraigned While Facing Deportation Proceedings

Emerita Garcia was arraigned on a charge of second-degree murder while armed before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 7, after being released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody earlier in the week.

Garcia, 45, stands accused of aiding and abetting her son in allegedly murdering Larry Thomas, 27. The incident occurred on Aug. 24, 2023, on the 3600 block of 16th Street, NW.

According to court documents, camera footage shows Garcia allowing her son to take a gun from her bag, and later propping open a door to allow him to escape.

Jason Tulley, Garcia’s lawyer, informed the court that Garcia waived a formal reading of the indictment and pleaded not guilty.

Tulley reported that ICE has ordered Garcia to wear an ankle monitor and check in at their Chantilly office five days a week as part of an ongoing deportation case.

Judge Brandt released Garcia pending trial, instructing her to check in with the DC Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) by phone once a week and to seek and maintain employment with PSA’s help. Judge Brandt directed PSA to ask ICE to share information about Garcia’s compliance with their release conditions.

Tulley asked Judge Brandt to set Garcia’s trial date for Sept. 16, even though the prosecutor assigned to the case is unavailable then, since Tulley has no other time open on his schedule until 2027.

Tulley argued that the prosecutor should be willing to find a replacement who is available, given that prosecutors have frequently asked Tulley to turn his clients over to other defense attorneys for scheduling reasons, even though a defense attorney has a personal duty to each client that exceeds the duty a prosecutor has to any specific case.

The prosecutor objected that a trial date of Sept. 16 would not allow time for adequate preparation for a homicide case. She argued that scheduling the trial later would not be a hardship for Garcia, since the prosecution was not asking for Garcia to be detained pending trial.

“This case can’t wait until 2027,” Judge Brandt responded. “I’m asking you both to go back to the drawing board and find some time in 2025.” She directed both sides to agree on a trial date by the next hearing, which she set for June 21.

As the hearing was ending, the prosecutor suggested a trial date in 2025, which Tulley rejected.

Stabbing Defendant Found Competent to Stand Trial

Based on a report from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found Cristian Martinez competent to stand trial at a hearing on June 7.

Martinez, 18, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for allegedly stabbing another man in the neck on March 17. The incident occurred in the backyard of the victim’s apartment building on the 1700 block of Lamont Street, NW.

At the time of his arrest, Martinez told Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers that he attacked the victim because he saw the victim enter an alley alone, according to court documents. The officers reported that Martinez admitted to wanting to kill the victim, and mentioned previously hearing voices.

Lawyers for both sides told Judge Brandt that they are currently negotiating a plea deal. The prosecutor said he will place the plea offer on the record at the next hearing.

Alvin Thomas, Martinez’s attorney, asked Judge Brandt to release Martinez to home confinement so that Martinez can seek treatment at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW). Judge Brandt directed Thomas to file the motion in writing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 15.

Homicide Trial Delayed Due to Pending Motions

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo addressed multiple motions in a homicide case in advance of an originally planned trial date of June 10. However, parties left the June 6 hearing with many unresolved issues, causing Judge Demeo to delay jury trial by a day.

Aaron Murchison, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jamontate Brown, 32, on Oct. 16, 2022. The shooting occurred outside an apartment complex located on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

According to court documents, Brown sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was found on a sidewalk lying on his back with his hands above his head. There was a handgun found on the victim.

There were 80 spent cartridge casings, four live rounds of ammunition, and 22 fragments recovered from the scene, as per court documents.

The documents also stated that detectives located a vehicle believed to have been operated by the victim that had evidence of gunshot damage to the driver’s side.

Court documents stated that a witness claimed the victim must have fired first and then tried to run, which prompted the defendant to start shooting at him.

At the hearing, Judge Demeo was able to address three pending motions, despite hearing additional arguments for other motions.

Judge Demeo denied two of the defense motions – to suppress identification and bifurcate, or separate out, an element involving a prior conviction of Murchison’s.

The defense filed their motion to suppress identification on April 3, but added a supplemental filing of the matter on May 28.

Defense attorney Kevann Gardner argued about a photo procedure conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) being “suggestive” as detectives presented a single photograph to a witness who said he recognized Murchison in video surveillance footage, but never stated his name, claiming he knew him to be Murchison’s mom’s son.

According to Murchison, his mother has six sons, two of which were incarcerated at the time of the incident in connection to the murder of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson.

Regardless, the defense said photographs of both Murchison and his brothers should have been presented to the witness for proper identification purposes.

Judge Demeo stated the witness pointed the suspect out independently, and subsequently, although he never said the defendant’s name, he was knowledgeable that the defendant was the son of a woman who lived in a certain residence and drove a specific car.

Thus, Judge Demeo denied the motion to suppress identification, stating the witness was “able to identify the defendant not by name, but by association” in a “clear and well lit video of the suspect.” She added that she believed the witness had “sufficient familiarity” with Murchison and his mother.

As for the defense’s bifurcation motion, which was filed on June 2, the defense argued for a bifurcation of deliberation approach, meaning that deliberation would be split in parts to both the jury and the judge.

More specifically, the defense argued that the introduction of Murchison’s conviction of a prior felony offense would pose an unfair prejudice to Murchison.

Judge Demeo referred to case law, stating “without mention of prior conviction is flawed.”

Although she recognized it is “permissible but not required” for the jury and the judge to both deliberate, she ruled that the jury would be entitled to deliberating all the evidence.

Furthermore, Judge Demeo granted the majority of the prosecution’s motion for admission of other crime evidence, which shows Murchison’s involvement in prior incidents with beefing gangs.

The prosecution argued for evidence “closely intertwined with the charged conduct in this case” that would support the claims that an apartment Murchison frequented was a “trap house,” where illegal activities occur, and that he was involved in ongoing “beef” between the Wellington Park and Stanton Oaks crews.

Surveillance footage shows an individual, identified as Murchison, leaving an apartment building with a group of individuals during the time of the shooting.

According to Judge Demeo, there is “one coherent argument” – that Murchison “left the apartment to join the shooting.”

When addressing this motion, Judge Demeo stated “The central issue in this case will be identification.”

Ultimately, Judge Demeo decided to admit the majority of the prosecution’s evidence because of relevance for identification purposes. She stated it was “clear and convincing” that the defendant “was associated with the Wellington Park Crew,” to which his brothers have been proven to and alleged to belong.

Parties are scheduled to continue a motions hearing on June 10.

Judge ‘Extremely Troubled’ by Jail Calls, Sentenced Shooting Defendant to 15 Months

After multiple “disturbing” jail calls to a victim, a shooting defendant was sentenced to 15 months of incarceration by DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on June 7.

Christopher Rodgers, 46, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in a shooting on Feb. 14, on the 2700 block of Naylor Road, SE. There were no injuries reported.

According to court documents, the victims, whom Rodgers attempted to shoot, included his girlfriend and her children who lived with him. Rodgers shoved his girlfriend in the face and stated “I’ve got something for you,” while holding a firearm, before shooting multiple times.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found two handguns and one rifle at the residence, according to court documents.

On April 10, Rogers accepted a plea offer that reduced his charges to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm. In return, the prosecution did not seek an indictment.

On June 7, the prosecutor requested Rodgers be sentenced to two years of incarceration.

Stephen LoGerfo, Rodgers’ defense attorney, requested that his client be sentenced to one year and one day, citing the lack of significant criminal history, and added Rodgers has a lot of family support, but could benefit from alcohol treatment.

Rodgers addressed the court saying “sorry for all the trouble I caused or whatever. Thank you.”

Judge Di Toro stated she was “extremely troubled by all the jail calls,” made by Rodgers in an attempt to bar his girlfriend and her children from testifying in court.

They were “not subtle, disturbing, and inappropriate,” Judge Di Toro insisted.

She acknowledged Rodgers limited criminal history, but highlighted the fact that all of the offenses he does have involved firearms.

Rodgers was ultimately sentenced to 15 months of incarceration and will get credit for the four months he has served.

Upon release, he will serve three years of supervised release, be required to register as a gun offender in DC, and will pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF).

In addition, he will be required to receive alcohol treatment and be evaluated for any other mental health issues.

No additional dates were set.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Request for Modifications of Release Conditions at Arraignment

A homicide defendant’s request to modify release conditions was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun during an arraignment on June 7.

Lamar Wright, 20, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Derrick Thomas on May 2, 2023, on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, NE.

During the hearing, Sylvia Smith, Wright’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Okun he was pleading not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Smith also requested Judge Okun dismiss the home confinement requirement for her client, stating he’s been compliant since January and only missed multiple important events because of his inability to leave home. She requested he be put on GPS monitoring and curfew.

However, the prosecution opposed the request, stating Wright had changed homes in April and failed to alert anyone. She deemed his actions “extremely dangerous,” and requested time to give Thomas’ family a chance to speak their thoughts on his release.

Judge Okun denied the request, without prejudice, allowing Smith to file a motion in writing, and permitting the prosecution to draft a response.

Parties are slated to return Aug. 6.

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