The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Demetrius Creek on June 15 on the 1400 block of Howard Road, SE.
Judge Denies Juvenile Murder Defendant’s Request for Release
DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs denied a juvenile’s request to be transferred to a shelter from the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) in a June 18 hearing for the defendant.
The juvenile, a 13-year-old girl, is one of three children, aged 12 and 13, charged with second-degree murder, assault, and conspiracy for their alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 64-year-old Reggie Brown on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.
According to testimony by a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, Brown was physically handicapped and had no connection to the juveniles.
Howard Margulies, the juvenile’s defense attorney, requested Judge Briggs reduce the juvenile’s detention status from detainment at DYRS to a shelter house, arguing she could thrive there.
However, prosecutors opposed the request, stating the juvenile has a “long history of running away from home,” skipping school, and not telling her parents her whereabouts, adding she “made decisions to not be where she needs to be.” According to the prosecution, the girl’s parents have had to file multiple missing person reports with MPD in the last year.
The prosecution insisted the facts of the case prove the juvenile was not actively supervised by her parents. During the incident, the juvenile was out with her co-defendants at odd hours of the night on a school night.
“There is a different story to be told,” said Margulies, stating that her disappearances stemmed from a lack of communication between her parents.
“[She] needs the structure of a shelter house,” he said, emphasizing that it would help her prove she can do well in the community.
The prosecution reminded the judge that, at the time of her arrest, the girl was unsupervised at home with two other juveniles, one of them a co-defendant, when someone broke in and shot her friend.
Despite Margulies’ arguments, Judge Briggs denied the motion, stating that “detention is required” to guarantee the community’s safety and her return to court.
Parties are slated to reconvene July 12 with all three co-defendants.
Medical Examiner Testifies in Double Homicide Trial
A medical examiner delivered testimony describing fatal gunshot wounds sustained by two victims in a homicide trial before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe’s courtroom on June 18.
Beysean Jones, 29, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the shootings of Ronald Brown, 19, and Tijuan Wilson, 41. The incident occurred on July 27, 2022, on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE. Wilson’s wife sustained gunshot wounds during the incident but survived.
Prosecutors called on the deputy medical examiner that conducted the autopsy on Brown and Wilson to testify regarding her rulings.
During her testimony, she detailed the five gunshot wounds on Brown. According to the examiner, two gunshots had entered his back, one of which remained lodged in his body. Brown was also shot in his arm, his left buttock, and his foot.
However, she failed to specify which of the wounds led to his death.
She also described the single gunshot that fatally wounded Wilson, which entered his upper left shoulder. According to the examiner, the bullet traveled through his body, ending in his abdomen.
The cause of death for both men was due to their gunshot wounds, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
Trial is set to continue on June 20.
Judge Finds Probable Cause in Carjacking Case
DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause in a carjacking case during a June 18 preliminary hearing.
Maurice Edwards, 20, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking that took place on the intersection of 48th Place and Lee Street, NE on March 11.
Edwards is being charged alongside Azusa Beatty, 29, who is being charged with unarmed carjacking for her alleged involvement in the incident.
According to court documents, two individuals, identified as Edwards and Beatty, were driving in a black Nissan Kicks when they struck a red Toyota Rav-4. Edwards, Beatty, and the Toyota’s driver exited their respective vehicles and Edwards and Beatty began to yell and engage in a verbal altercation with the victim.
The victim said that the black Nissan had run the stop sign when Edwards pulled out a gun and the victim backed away from the door, according to court documents. Beatty allegedly drove the victim’s vehicle away while Edwards fled the scene in the Nissan
During the June 18 hearing, the prosecution presented a wired plea agreement, that requires both defendants accept the offer in order to be valid. The offer would require them to plead guilty to unarmed carjacking in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.
Edwards rejected the offer.
The prosecution called the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify regarding his involvement in the investigation that led to Edwards’ arrest.
According to the detective, surveillance footage captured the incident, depicting a verbal altercation between the victim and the suspects, before the victim’s car is driven away and she is left at the scene yelling, “I can’t believe this is happening.”
Due to the restrictive vantage point of the footage, the detective testified he was unable to advise whether or not the individual identified as Edwards was armed. However, he confirmed that the individual’s body language of reaching down towards his hip could indicate that Edwards could have been in possession of a gun.
According to the detective, the victim and an eyewitness stated they had seen Edwards’ gun in his pocket, before pointing it at the victim.
Raymond Jones, Edwards’ defense attorney, questioned the detective about his interview with Beatty. The detective said the interview was “erratic and inconsistent,” and that she “accused the victim of becoming argumentative.”
The detective confirmed that Beatty called 911 after the incident to report a hit-and-run incident, but failed to mention Edwards having a gun or their involvement in the carjacking.
Jones argued against the validity of the affidavit written by the detective, stating the detective inaccurately stated that Edward’s said “I did steal the car.” It should have been “I did not steal the car,” Jones said.
The defense asked Judge Raymond not to find probable cause stating “you can’t see what that officer was testifying on video,” adding that Beatty is the one that actually took the vehicle, claiming that Edwards was following in the black Nissan.
“This doesn’t look like an ‘oops’ to me,” said Judge Raymond, as she ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to meet the probable cause requirement.
Parties are set to reconvene July 12 with DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.
Carjacking Defendant Waives Prelim Hearing, Denied Release
DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied a carjacking defendant’s request for release June 18 after he waived his rights to a preliminary hearing.
Lamar Stephens, 37, is charged with unarmed carjacking, five counts of robbery while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on the 1600 block of V Street, SE on May 26.
According to court documents, a group of five individuals had been robbed at gunpoint by two suspects, who fled in the victims’ parked rental car. During the incident, the victims’ phone and wallet containing credit cards was also stolen. A black handgun was brandished, but never fired.
Officers were able to track the defendant’s location through the stolen phone. He was later detained after a brief foot pursuit, court documents stated.
Marnitta King, Stephens’ defense attorney, \requested he be released as he awaits further proceedings. King argued no one could identify Stephens, therefore he should not be held.
King also shared that Stephens has a prosthetic eye and memory loss, insisting the treatment he’s received at the DC Jail has been inadequate. She argued the community’s safety could be guaranteed if he were to be confined at his home, with limited permissions to leave for medical appointments.
The prosecution disagreed, stating that Stephens was “on probation for robbery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm and carrying a firearm without a license,” when he was arrested for this incident.
According to the prosecution, there has been “no period in the last two decades where he hasn’t been incarcerated or before a judge.” The prosecutor asked that Stephens remain held until his trial.
Judge Raymond agreed with the prosecution stating, “I will absolutely not be releasing him because of his medical conditions,” however, Judge Raymond agreed to recommend that Stephens be transferred to the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) to receive adequate treatment.
Parties are slated to return July 17.
Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Stabbing in Northeast
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal stabbing of 60-year-old Gary Ronald Day on June 18 on the 5200 block of Foote Street, NE.
Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Northeast Shooting
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Marcellus Jackson, which occurred on June 20 on the 4400 block of Hunt Place, NE.
Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Northwest Shooting
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Vaughn Dozier Jr, which occurred on June 19 on the 900 block of S Street, NW.
Sentencing in Carjacking Case Delayed for Educational Purposes
DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples granted a carjacking defendant’s request to delay sentencing to allow him to finish his education at the DC Jail during a June 18 hearing.
Marquis Funderburk, 21, pleaded guilty to carjacking on Dec. 15, 2023. He was originally charged with armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense, robbery while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon, for his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking. The incident occurred on May 16, 2022, on the 2400 block of 9th Street, NW.
According to court documents, Funderburk robbed the victim at gunpoint and took his car, phone, and other valuables.
At the sentencing hearing, Albert Amissah, Funderburk’s attorney, requested an educational hold on Funderburk’s sentencing. He urged Judge Staples to allow the defendant to remain in DC Jail to complete an educational program at Georgetown University that is scheduled to end in December.
The prosecution did not oppose this request, but mentioned they were unaware of how the court could move forward with this request as it is usually granted in juvenile cases.
Judge Staples requested additional time to investigate how to logically proceed with allowing the defendant to continue his education while in DC Jail, despite his case’s requirement for him to be sent to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
Parties are slated to reconvene July 31.
Judge Finds Probable Cause for Second-Degree Murder Suspect
DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein ruled that the prosecution’s evidence showed a defendant was the probable perpetrator in a homicide case, during a June 18 hearing.
Robert Lowe, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Kenneth Goins, 43, during a bar fight on the 1300 block of U Street, NW on April 27. He was arrested on May 20.
During the hearing, the prosecution called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify on his involvement in the investigation, which ultimately led to Lowe’s arrest.
According to the detective, witnesses told MPD Lowe initiated a fight with Goins at a bar, and they ended up on the floor. Multiple gunshots were then heard and the victim died on the scene.
Metropolitan police officers later conducted a double blind photo array–neither party knowing which is a suspect–with a witness, who identified Lowe as the one involved in the fight with Goins.
Lowe’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, questioned MPD’s knowledge of a backpack recovered at the scene.
According to Sapirstein, a backpack, which included a revolver, marijuana, “white powder”, and pills, was located shortly after the incident. She questioned how MPD identified its owner, arguing it was difficult to prove to whom it belonged.
According to court documents, the revolver, found in the backpack, had a missing bullet, with a leftover casing. Saperstein questioned when the gun was fired, what that specific bullet hit, and if the shot could have come from Lowe.
She argued that when a revolver is fired, the casing of the bullet is not expelled from the firearm like in a semi-automatic handgun, which would explain why no casings were recovered from the scene.
Saperstein wondered how Lowe could have shot Goins, if he was on the floor under Goins and a friend, who joined the fight as Lowe and Goins tussled.
According to the detective, a witness, who was identified as the bar’s bouncer, told MPD the situation “was crazy, I never saw a gun, I patted him down”, when talking about the suspect.
However, an eyewitness told MPD they saw Lowe stand up and allegedly fire a revolver-like gun.
According to the detective, other witnesses confirmed they didn’t see a gun or watch the shooting, but stated they heard shots fired as Lowe and Goins were tussling on the ground.
Judge Epstein concluded that he found the evidence to be suggestive that Lowe was the initial provocateur, he was the shooter, and there was no indication of self-defense for Lowe.
Parties will reconvene on Feb. 14, 2025.
Probable Cause Found in Stabbing Case
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found that the prosecution presented sufficient evidence to prove that a stabbing defendant may have been the perpetrator, during a June 18 hearing.
Dennis James Bowler, 56, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on May 24 at his apartment on the 3000 block of Rodman Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.
According to court documents, Bowler asked the victim if he had drugs and the victim said no, causing Bowler to ask him to leave. The victim then tried to retrieve a drug tablet in the apartment, which led to an altercation in which the victim allegedly hit Bowler in the head with a toilet tank cover. Bowler then allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times and the victim attempted to leave but the door was jammed. Eventually both left the apartment building.
At the hearing, a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified he interviewed Bowler at the scene of the crime where Bowler said the victim had hit him on the head with a toilet tank cover.
The witness recalled his interview with the victim at a hospital, in which the victim said he hit Bowler in self defense because he was being stabbed.
According to the detective, he obtained video footage from the lobby of the apartment building which showed the victim bleeding as he walked out of the building and Bowler dropping the knife in the lobby after coming down the stairs.
Based on the evidence, Judge Brandt ruled that the prosecution’s evidence presented the mandatory minimum to meet the probable cause ruling, adding that this case is an “elevated version of the classic he said, he said,” as the statements from the victim and Bowler were contradictory.
Judge Brandt said she inferred the intent to kill from the differing injuries sustained between Bowler and the victim, with the victim’s having multiple stab wounds and two collapsed lungs while Bowler had an injury to the head.
According to Judge Brandt, “Up close and personal force” was used by Bowler during the incident, arguing his actions may not have been in self-defense.
Jason Clark, Bowler’s defense attorney, requested he be released as he awaits further proceedings. However, Judge Brandt requested additional time to review all evidence and review the guidelines that apply to the case.
Parties are slated to reconvene June 21.
Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Request to Reinstate Release
DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied a defendant’s request for release for the second time on June 18, despite the defense adamantly asserting, “Every single thing you say to him, he will follow.”
Amonte Moody, 18, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly firing multiple gunshots at a car driving away on a public street at the 1700 block of Independence Avenue, SE on April 22. There were no injuries or property damage reported.
According to court documents, Moody allegedly disassembled his firearm and hid it in a ceiling following the shooting.
Moody was previously granted release by DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Urban Nolan, Jr. on May 3, requiring the defendant to be under electronic monitoring and subject to home confinement.
Three days after Judge Nolan’s ruling, the prosecution filed an emergency motion for review of a magistrate judge’s order granting the defendant’s pretrial release and request for an emergency hearing, in which they argue that “defendants charged with these offenses pose special risks of dangerousness.”
An emergency hearing was held on May 22, and Judge Arthur overturned Judge Nolan’s decision to release Moody, effectively ordering Moody’s detainment.
On June 18, Molly Bunke and Kavya Naini, Moody’s defense attorneys, requested Judge Arthur to reconsider Moody’s release, arguing for strict conditions, a 24-hour curfew, and a stay away order from DC – all while under electronic monitoring and home confinement.
Bunke highlighted her client’s lack of a criminal history, and additional family ties that would further assure his release with strict conditions would not be an issue.
“There will not be a threat to the community, there will not be any mistakes or missteps,” Bunke said in reference to Moody’s previous conduct in release agreements.
Bunke also added that Moody “went above and beyond” during his short time on release, stating he connected with a mentor and enrolled in online classes.
“There will not be any mistakes. We know he can comply,” contended Bunke.
“The jail is an extremely dangerous place,” stated Bunke, emphasizing that young men like Moody are routinely exposed to drugs and violence. She stated it took multiple weeks to move her client from the DC Jail to the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF), and added that there have been five deaths reported at the jail recently.
She added that Moody would only have the ability to receive a GED, as opposed to his high school diploma, if he were to remain in detainment.
Ultimately, Judge Arthur opposed the defense’s argument and denied Moody’s request for release.
He mentioned that the argument was “identical” to the defense’s previous argument, which occurred prior to Bunke being assigned to the case..
Parties are slated to return on July 26.
Judge Holds Shooting Defendant During Presentments
DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrman ordered a shooting defendant be detained during a presentment hearing on June 17.
Derval Nettles, 31, is 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. No injuries were reported.
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.
Police documents state they found Nettles near the trash can with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was transported to a hospital, where he is still receiving treatment.
During Nettles’ presentment hearing, the prosecuting attorney stated the incident was “premeditated.”
Judge Herrman decided there was enough evidence that showed probable involvement in the incident, and denied Nettles’ release.
Parties are set to return on July 1.
Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for a Murder and a Non-Fatal Shooting Committed a Month Apart
A homicide defendant accepted the prosecution’s plea offer for his involvement in two crimes before DC Superior Court Michael O’Keefe on June 14.
Riley Benjamin, 32, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in the murder of 31-year-old Maurice McRae on Feb. 19, 2022, on the 3000 block of Bladensburg Road, NE.
Benjamin was also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, threatening to injure or kidnap a person, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and fleeing a law enforcement officer for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 22, 2022, on the 1400 block of Okie Street, NE.
At the hearing, Julie Swaney, Benjamin’s attorney, alerted the court he was accepting a global plea deal extended by the prosecution, which required Benjamin to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with intent to kill, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.
Through the deal, the parties agreed to a sentencing of 15 years for manslaughter and a sentence within his applicable sentencing guidelines for the assault charge. The sentences will be served concurrently.
The court will reconvene for sentencing on Aug. 30.
Homicide Defendant’s Case Dismissed
Prosecutors in a homicide case alerted DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt during a June 18 hearing. they were dismissing a case against a defendant who allegedly aided and abetted her son.
Emerita Garcia, 45, was charged with second-degree murder for her alleged involvement in assisting her son in the fatal shooting of Larry Thomas, 27, on Aug. 24, 2023, on the 3600 block of 16th Street, NW.
Garcia is also facing deportation charges from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in Georgia.
Originally scheduled to be a status hearing regarding the trial dates and the possibility of expedited DNA testing for trial, the prosecution surprised the court with its request for dismissal of Garcia’s indictment without prejudice, meaning the prosecution can re-indict Garcia at a later date.
Garcia, emotionally embraced defense attorney Amanda Epstein, as Judge Brandt said, “Ms. Garcia, you are free to go ma’am.”
No further dates were set.