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Defendant Pleads Guilty in Marijuana Robbery Turned Shooting

A defendant accused in a robbery-turned-shooting case that was expected to go to trial accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on June 20.

Kevin Bailey, 24, was originally charged with conspiracy while armed, robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an armed robbery and shooting involving two male victims inside of a car on April 14, 2020.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Gallaudet Street and Central Place, NE. One of the victims was treated at a hospital for gunshot wounds to his right shoulder. 

According to a police report, one victim stated he organized a transaction through Instagram to sell marijuana, and would meet up with two Black males. He stated one of the men attempted to take the marijuana without paying, while the second man pulled a gun on him. He told police he attempted to flee, but heard two or three gunshots and realized he had been hit. 

Despite a hearing held on June 7, where the defense stated they were ready for trial and Judge Arthur denied their motion to dismiss, defense attorney Daniel Dorsey stated that Bailey had agreed to enter a guilty plea.

The prosecution stated they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Bailey stole marijuana and intended to steal, used physical force, and tried to injure and assault with a firearm an individual driving a car, in addition to the robbery and the shooting.

The deal required Bailey to plead guilty to robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license, dismissing all of the remaining counts of his indictment.

Judge Arthur read Bailey his rights to enter a plea agreement and reaffirmed that he could stay on release prior to sentencing as he remained in compliance with his conditions.

Parties are scheduled to return for sentencing on Aug. 20.

Document: MPD Searching for Shooting Suspect Vehicle

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect vehicle involved in a shooting that injured one individual on June 20 at the 1900 block of 18th Street, SE.

Juvenile’s Sentencing Delayed for Lack of Placement 

DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell granted the parties’ request to postpone sentencing for a juvenile found guilty of murder while authorities search for a suitable place the child can serve his sentence. 

Officials from the DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) told both parties they needed additional time to complete a pre-sentencing report and recommendation, in a June 20 hearing. 

On May 21, 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, for his 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. 

The boy was acquitted of carrying a pistol without a license. 

Amanda Epstein, the boy’s attorney, and the prosecution alerted Judge Crowell that DYRS had failed to complete a pre-commitment report, in which they typically recommend a place to serve the sentence, and a violence risk assessment.

Because of the delay, parties requested a 30 day continuance.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 30. 

Plea Deal Questioned in Shooting Case, Suspect Denied Release

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur, the lawyer for a shooting defendant discussed the status of a plea offer, and the suspect’s denied release on June 20.

Keith Walker, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting a male victim on March 7 at an apartment complex located near the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE. 

According to a police report, the victim stated he got into a verbal altercation with Walker because he did not want Walker to speak with the victim’s daughter. The victim stated Walker was dating his daughter’s mother, who lives with the victim.

Despite the shooter’s wearing a black ski mask, the victim allegedly identified him as Walker in a photo array presented by a detective. The victim stated he recognized Walker’s voice, noticed his dreads, and recalled that his eyes were red, which he claimed was a common occurrence, according to court documents.

Tamara Jones, Walker’s defense attorney, alerted the court he was rejecting an offer extended by the prosecution, which required Walker to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Jones stated they needed more time to consider the plea offer, adding this is Walker’s first time being incarcerated, and inexperienced with the legal system.

The prosecutor, meanwhile, stated the plea offer had expired, amidst Judge Arthur’s confusion that the offer was still open.

“I don’t mean to beat the dead horse here,” said the prosecutor, stating the prosecution would not be required to offer another plea deal because the defense had requested a trial date during the hearing.

Prior to addressing the plea offer, Jones requested her client’s release, claiming Walker is willing to comply with any conditions Judge Arthur would impose in order to mitigate the potential danger he may present to the community – for example, GPS monitoring and stay away orders from any witnesses.

She stated Walker had no criminal history or mental health problems, and highlighted his “deep family ties” and the fact that he was a “devoted employee.” She reminded Judge Arthur that a firearm has yet to be recovered. 

Additionally, Jones referred to the victim, as an “unreliable witness.” She claimed he was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the incident and “changed his story several times.” She also added that the victim has been “known to be jealous of his ex-girlfriend.”

The prosecutor stated the defendant fired at an individual in close range, presented himself as a dangerous threat, and caused significant injury to the victim. 

According to the prosecutor, the victim broken bones in his lower leg, underwent surgery, and has been receiving physical therapy. 

The prosecutor told Judge Arthur, the victim is in fear of returning to his home in DC because of possible acts of retaliation from Walker’s family or friends.

Judge Arthur denied the defense’s motion for release, stating that given “the nature of the allegations” there would be no conditions “that would assume the safety of the community.”

Parties are set to reconvene Aug. 2.

Stabbing Defendant Released, Waives Preliminary Hearing  

A stabbing defendant waived her rights to a preliminary hearing in front of  DC Superior Court Judge Renne Raymond during a June 18 hearing. 

Yolanda Denise Miles, 51, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 800 block of 19th Street, NE, on June 14. One individual sustained injuries from the incident. 

According to court documents, officers responded to the defendant’s apartment after receiving a call from Miles, in which she stated  she had stabbed the victim in the chest. At the apartment, officers found Miles and the victim hunched over on the hallway floor. A red handle knife that was folded up was retrieved from the scene. 

Miles’ defense attorney, Raymond Jones, alerted the court she was waiving her right to a preliminary hearing, and requested that Miles be released, without objection from the prosecution.

Judge Raymond granted the request for release, ordering Miles to check in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) biweekly. She is also prohibited from harassing, stalking, or assaulting the victim or any witness.

Parties are scheduled to meet on July 29.  

Carjacking Defendant Denied Release for the Second Time

A carjacking defendant was denied her request for release the second time, after a letter from the victim’s family was read before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on June 20.

Kayla Brown, 22, is charged with unarmed carjacking for an incident that occurred on June 3 at Washington Hospital Center on the 100 block of Irving Street, NW. Brown allegedly stole a motor vehicle from a woman whose mother, 55-year-old Leslie Gaines, was still inside the car. 

According to court documents, officers chased down the stolen vehicle, which had crashed into the US Attorney’s Office on the 600 block of D Street, NW. Gaines was found in the car, unresponsive. She apparently died moments later. 

During the hearing, Brown’s defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, requested that Brown be released from the DC Jail. 

Her first request for release, made June 7, was denied, after Brown was sent to St. Elizabeths Hospital for mental health evaluation. Smith asserted that the prosecution had not shown that Brown was a danger to the community and could therefore be released.

The prosecution argued the nature of the incident shows Brown is a danger, stating Brown’s alleged actions during the incident were “random and opportunistic.” According to the prosecution, taking a car with a woman inside shows that Brown is unpredictable and dangerous.

The prosecution also read a letter from Gaines’ sister to argue against Brown’s release. The sister wrote that she was upset to be writing both an obituary for Gaines and an impact statement to the court. 

“I’m asking you to deny her bond the same way [Brown] denied my sister care,” the prosecution read from the letter.

Judge Pasichow denied the request for release, stating that she believed holding Brown would be safest for the community and Brown herself.

Parties are slated to return July 15 to discuss Brown’s competency examination results.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Fatal Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 32-year-old Antonio Johnson, who was charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to 21-year-old Marcellus Jackson’s fatal shooting. The incident occurred on June 20 on the 4400 block of Hunt Place, NE.

Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A homicide defendant accepted a plea offer in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 20. 

Javon Duckwilder, 27,  was originally 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 involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Juwan Smith on Oct. 23, 2021, on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. 

According to documents, the shooting stemmed from a verbal altercation between Smith and Duckwilder at a gas station, which escalated to Duckwilder shooting Smith. 

During the hearing, Jesse Winograd, Duckwilder’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Epstein that his defendant accepted an offer extended by prosecutors, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. 

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of 12 years.

Winograd told Judge Epstein they’d be requesting Duckwilder be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a defendant that committed a crime under the age of 25 to have their case sealed from public view if sentencing requirements are met.

Parties are set to reconvene for sentencing on Sept. 27. 

Juror Facing Personal Emergency Replaced in Murder, Conspiracy Trial

In an ongoing conspiracy and homicide co-defendant trial DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt replaced an absent juror during a June 20 hearing and deliberations resumed as scheduled.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 22, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW.  

During the hearing, Judge Brandt alerted the parties that deliberations were temporarily halted due to a juror’s personal emergency, expressing this would have “no positive effect” on the rest of the panel, and it was unclear when that juror would return.

Andrew Ain, Freeman’s defense attorney, requested an alternate juror be called to continue claiming that resumption at a later date would “needlessly consume” deliberations.

Parties are slated to return June 24.

Carjacking Defendant Deemed Competent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz found an armed carjacking and robbery defendant competent to stand trial, despite his defense attorney’s objection, during a June 20 hearing. 

Taysean Juwan Hawkins, 20, is charged with conspiracy, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of armed carjacking, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and fleeing a law enforcement officer, for his alleged involvement in multiple carjackings between Jan. 11 and 12, 2021 at various locations, including

  • the 1500 block of 30th Street, NW, where an Audi SUV was stolen at gunpoint but then retrieved unoccupied on the 1200 block of Douglas Street, NE
  • the 4700 block of Alton Place, NW, a black Acura was stolen at gunpoint less than two hours after the first armed carjacking
  • the 4300 block of Alton Place, NW, where a bright blue Toyota Rav4 SUV was stolen at gunpoint, three minutes following, and less than a half mile from the previous armed carjacking
  • the 2600 block of Benning Road, NE, where Hawkins was arrested after being seen by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers driving recklessly at a high rate of speed in the carjacked Acura

A competency screening, originally ordered by Judge Leibovitz on June 14, found Hawkins competent, but his defense attorney, Janai Reed, requested an independent neuropsychologist to perform a separate evaluation of Hawkin’s competency.

Reed explained the independent expert was needed as Hawkins was still having trouble with recalling events and could not assist counsel in the case.

Judge Leibovitz found, regardless of any possible future independent expert diagnosis, Hawkins was currently competent.

However, she ordered a full competency examination to alleviate the concerns of the defense.

The mental observation hearing is set to continue on July 22.

Prosecution Questions Defense Attorney’s Ability to Provide ‘Proper Representation’

Prosecutors requested DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo appoint independent counsel in a homicide case, citing ineffectiveness by the Public Defender Service (PDS) during a June 20 hearing. 

Kenneth Stewart, 62, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Courtney Jones, 54. The incident took place on July 23, 2020, on I-295 southbound, just prior to the Pennsylvania Avenue exit.

According to the prosecution, there has been a lack of client communication between Stewart and his attorneys, Dominique Winters and Theodore Shaw, which is infringing on the defendant’s right to a speedy trial. The prosecutor said the defense is not prioritizing the case.

Additionally, the prosecution argued that the defense does not want independent counsel for Stewart as it would hurt Winters’ reputation. The prosecutor said the defense is acting in its own self interest.  

According to a motion to continue the trial, filed by the defense, on June 16, Winters acknowledges that she did not meet with her client between the dates of July 2020 and July 2022. She cites the pandemic, living in Georgia for those two years, difficulty to obtain medical records, and the PDS staff shortage as reason why she could not meet with Stewart.

The defense is also trying to hire an independent PTSD expert to evaluate Stewart.

Laura Hankins, PDS’ general counsel, told Judge Demeo that independent counsel is not necessary as it would create “arbitrary interference” and interfere with Stewart’s Sixth Amendment rights. 

Judge Demeo requested additional time to make a ruling, citing the need to review prior cases, and granting the parties the opportunity to submit their arguments in writing. 

Parties are slated to return Aug. 9.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a traffic crash that resulted in the death of a pedestrian, 67-year-old Fuyao Wang. The incident occurred on June 19 at the intersection of 6th Street and New York Avenue, NW.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Scooter Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal crash involving a single motorized scooter, which occurred on June 17 at the intersection of New Hampshire and Eastern Avenue, NE.

On June 19, 29-year-old Yeferson Josue Dominguez Valero succumbed to his injuries.

Jail Stabbing Case Further Delayed Because Defendant Refuses to Attend Court

A DC Jail stabbing case was further delayed, following a defendant’s fourth refusal to get off the bus for a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on June 20. 

Juvan Alston, 22, is one of four individuals charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a jail stabbing on Nov. 27, 2023, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. He is also charged with first-degree murder while armed in a separate case for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Dennis Simms on the 800 block of Yuma Street, SE, on July 1, 2022. 

This was not the first Alston’s refusal to get off the us halted progression in the case. He refused to get off the bus for previous hearings on:

  • March 16, 2024
  • Jan. 2, 2024
  • Dec. 18, 2023

According to court documents, Alston and his cellmate left their cell and walked towards a common area, where Alston allegedly attacked the victim.

Alston’s stabbing case continues to be delayed due to his refusal to show up in court. 

Parties are slated to reconvene at a later date, although it is unclear when.