Document: MPD Arrests a Woman for an Armed Carjacking Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a woman involved in an armed carjacking on May 15 on the 100 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, the victim agreed to meet the suspect at the location to conduct a transaction. The victim exited their vehicle, and the suspect entered the vehicle, pointed a gun at the victim, before fleeing the scene with the victim’s vehicle. It has now been recovered.

She’ri Mykalie Bell, 20, was arrested and charged with armed carjacking. At the time of her arrest, she was found to be in possession of a handgun, which prompted additional charges of carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of unregistered ammunition.

Document: MPD Arrests Man for Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of an individual in connection to a shooting that left a woman critically injured on June 4 on the 1800 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots. There, they located a woman inside of a crashed vehicle with a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

As a result of the detectives’ investigation, 40-year-old Israel Beairs was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill while armed.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Southeast Gun Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of an individual in connection to an unlawful discharge of a firearm that occurred on May 12 on the 3200 block of 23rd Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location to investigate the sounds of gunshots. Officers recovered spent cartridge casings from the scene, and video of the offense.

The video, MPD says, showed the suspect exiting their vehicle and discharging a firearm into the air before entering a residence. No injuries or property damage were recovered.

On June 4, 33-year-old John Phillip Birdine III was arrested and charged with endangerment with a firearm and unlawful discharge of a firearm.

Document: Female Arrested in a Northwest Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a traffic crash that occurred at the intersection of 6th and D Street, NW, and killed one individual, on June 3.

According to MPD documents, a woman walked away from her family at Washington Hospital Center as a Mazda SUV pulled up to the front of the hospital and the driver exited to obtain a wheelchair for her passenger. As the driver obtained the wheelchair, the woman entered the vehicle and drove away with the passenger still inside.

A few moments later, the Mazda was traveling on the 400 block of 6th Street, NW. The suspect attempted to turn left onto D Street, NW, but failed to negotiate the turn and crashed into the building of the Offices of the US Attorneys. The suspect exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but was apprehended immediately by a MPD captain.

The passenger was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. She was identified as 55-year-old Leslie Marie Gaines.

Kayla Kenisha Brown, 22, was arrested and charged with felony murder, kidnapping, and carjacking.

The incident continues to be investigated. An autopsy will be conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) to determine the cause and manner of death.

Document: MPD Seeking to Identify a Suspect in Fatal Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is asking for the community’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. There, they located a man, on the road, with gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.

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

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 homicide in the District.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect in a Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s help in locating and identifying a suspect in connection to a shooting that occurred on May 20 on the 800 block of Yuma Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect, who was in a moving vehicle, fired a handgun and struck the victim as they were walking at the location. The suspect fled the scene, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for 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.

Shooting Defendant Found Incompetent to Stand Trial

In a mental observation hearing on June 5, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz addressed a defendant who was deemed incompetent to stand trial based on an evaluation from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Kevin Harrison, 23, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on June 26, 2023, on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW.

According to court documents, in an interview with a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, Harrison stated he was walking to a CVS store when a driver looked at him, turned his car around and came after him. The defendant stated he shot at the vehicle because he feared for his life.

At the hearing, Judge Leibovitz referred to a June 4 letter from the DBH which recommended a full competency evaluation of the defendant.

On May 29, a forensic psychologist evaluated the defendant, with his attorney present, in a 50-minute interview.

According to the DBH letter, “It is the [forensic psychologist’s] opinion that Mr. Harrison lacks a factual understanding of the proceedings against him, as well as the ability to consult with counsel with a reasonable degree of rational understanding.”

Additionally, the DBH letter stated that Harrison presented “slow processing speed” and “reported experiencing recent hallucinations.”

After addressing Harrison’s health assessment, defense attorney Patrick Nowak requested for his client’s release conditions to be modified, advocating for a curfew to be enforced as opposed to sole home confinement under GPS monitoring. Harrison has been placed under GPS monitoring since July 3, 2023.

Nowak also added that his client would like to get a job.

Judge Leibovitz was unwilling to change most of Harrison’s release conditions beyond GPS monitoring, however, she granted him the ability to leave his home to participate in any activities related to a job search.

Parties are slated to return June 11.

Judge Denies Triple Homicide Defendant’s Request for Release

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a homicide defendant’s request for release, deeming her a danger to the community, during a June 5 hearing.

Nakita Walker, 44, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder for allegedly crashing into a car occupied by Mohamed Kamara, 43, Johnathan Alberto Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22, on March 15, 2023, on Rock Creek Parkway near the intersection of 26th Street and P Street, NW. Walker is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and fleeing from an officer.

According to court documents, Walker was originally stopped by a police officer for recklessly driving on Rock Creek Parkway, before she allegedly fled the stop and crashed into the vehicle occupied by the victims. Walker’s blood alcohol level was reported to be well beyond the legal limit.

During the hearing, Albert Amissah, Walker’s defense attorney, requested she be released to 24-hour home confinement with GPS monitoring to allow her to access health care for injuries sustained during the incident.

“I’ve had enough time to reflect,” Walker told Judge Okun, stating that during the year of incarceration she has had limited access to the resources she needs to help her heal.

“I do my best,” she stated, adding “I’ve kept my head up and I know I’d do well in home confinement.”

“I suffered severe injuries through this accident as well,” she claimed, requesting he release her.

However, prosecutors objected to the request, stating that Walker was on probation for two prior driving under the influence (DUI) offenses at the time of the incident. She also stated the defendant knowingly fled a traffic stop in the minutes leading up to the crash.

Judge Okun sided with the prosecution, stating that he’s “pleased to hear” she’s participating in multiple programs at the jail, but that the circumstances of the incident, and her prior convictions, prove she continues to be a danger to the community.

Following Judge Okun’s ruling, Amissah told Judge Okun “she really just wants proper treatment,” and argued she had a valid license at the time of the crash but no longer.

“She almost hit and killed the police officer” before killing Kamara, Cabrera Mendez, and Torres Velasquez, Judge Okun retorted.

Parties are slated to return July 26.

Judge Warns Defense About Foregoing Preliminary Hearing if Delays Continue

DC Superior Court Renee Raymond advised a shooting defendant’s attorney he might have to waive his client’s right to a preliminary hearing if delays continue.

Michael Owusu-Sakyi, 48, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting which occurred on April 10 on the 1700 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE. One individual sustained injuries from the incident.

According to court documents, the suspect, later identified as Owusu-Sakyi, fired at a woman outside her residence. Following the shooting, the suspect told the victim he thought she was someone else.

Jeremy Feldman, Owusu-Sakyi’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Raymond in a June 5 hearing they were not prepared to go through with the hearing.

“This is a long time between when [the case] came in and a preliminary hearing,” Judge Raymond said, citing the five continuances since April.

The defense assured the court this would be the final postponement for the preliminary hearing, stating the parties continue to be in plea negotiations.

The judge was adamant about this being the last postponement, stating if they were not prepared by June 18, the defense should be “prepared to waive” the defendant’s right to a preliminary hearing.

Feldman affirmed he will be prepared by the next date.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 18.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing, Ordered Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ordered a shooting defendant remain held in jail as he awaits further proceedings, during a June 5 hearing.

Desean Delaney, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting which occurred on April 8 at the 200 block of Florida Avenue, NE within the NoMa-Gallaudet metro station.

According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Delaney, got into an altercation with a woman after she didn’t respond to his advances. He allegedly brandished a handgun; the victim then pushed his hand away, which caused the suspect’s gun to fire. No injuries were reported.

At the hearing, Elliott Queen, Delaney’s defense attorney, alerted the court he planned to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

Queen requested his client be released to 24-hour home confinement, stating he has abundant support in the community, pointing to eight of Delaney’s family members in the court, to ensure he complies with conditions set for release.

“This is his first contact with the criminal justice system,” Queen said, claiming Delaney does not have any prior criminal history.

The prosecution objected to the request, stating the nature and circumstances of the offense proves Delaney is a danger to the community.

“I was struck by the information in the[police report] and equally struck today,” Judge Raymond said, stating the prosecution’s evidence against Delaney is strong.

Judge Raymond denied the defense request.

Parties will reconvene on June 28 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld for a status hearing.

Double Homicide Trial Delayed for Want of DC Jail Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe granted a defendant’s request on June 5 for a short continuance in a double homicide trial due to the DC Jail’s alleged failure to give the defendant access to evidence in a hard drive in a timely manner.

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 fatal shootings of Ronald Brown, 19, and Tijuan Wilson, 41. The incident occurred on July 27, 2022 on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE. Another victim sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, but survived.

Jones’ attorney, Carrie Weletz, requested a brief continuance for the trial, which was slated to begin June 10, since she didn’t have the a hard drive in question until morning of June 5. The hard drive supposedly contains new evidence only developed by the prosecution at the beginning of May.

Weletz stated that she would feel comfortable with one or two extra days for Jones to review the evidence. Judge O’Keefe granted the continuance.

Parties are slated to return June 11.

Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

A homicide defendant voluntarily waived his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a crime scene in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on June 5.

Vann Allen, 35, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Nov. 11, 2023, on the 1400 block on New York Avenue, NE. An individual sustained injuries from the incident.

During the hearing, the prosecutor alerted the court they had gone through with DNA testing of the evidence recovered at the crime scene.

However, Michelle Lockard, Allen’s defense attorney, alerted the court Allen was waiving his right to independently test the evidence.

Judge Raffinan was satisfied with Allen’s voluntary denial of DNA evidence.

Allen has been in compliance with the conditions of his release.

The parties are scheduled to return Oct. 15.

Data Shows Shootings Decreased by Fifty Percent from April to May

D.C. Witness data shows that in May there were 21 non-fatal shooting victims, a 50 percent decrease from April, which reported 42 non-fatal shooting victims in the District, as reported by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) .

Homicides decreased by 11 percent, May had 15 homicide victims, and April recording 17 homicides.

Among the non-fatal shootings, MPD officers wounded an individual who was experiencing a mental health crisis and allegedly stabbed a responding officer on May 18.

According to MPD documents in another incident, officers responded to the 2400 block of Virginia Avenue, NW, for a welfare check, and requested assistance from the Behavioral Health’s Community Response Team for an individual in crisis.

The individual, later identified as Jonathan Jefferson, 28, was determined an immediate danger to himself or others, and, as MPD officers attempted to handcuff him, he allegedly pulled a knife and stabbed an officer.

Another officer used a Taser on Jefferson, but it didn’t work. Finally, an officer had to shoot Jefferson to subdue him according to MPD documents.

Jefferson was arrested and charged with four counts of assault on a police officer.

The shooting remains under internal investigation.

On May 4, officers responded to Dunbar High School on the 1200 block of Kirby Street, NW, for the report of a shooting. According to MPD documents, a juvenile girl sustained a graze wound to the head after a stray bullet entered her classroom through the window.

Police arrested Azhari Graves, 18, and Saki Frost, 17, shortly after. Frost is being charged as an adult under Title 16. They are facing two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, for their alleged involvement in the shooting.

MPD is continuing its investigation of the fatal shooting of a toddler that occurred on May 3 on the 2300 block of Hartford Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the sounds of gunshots and a short time later, a three-year-old female was located at a nearby fire station on the 2400 block of Irving Street, SE, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Despite all life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead. The victim was identified as three-year-old Ty’ah Settles.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone who can provide information that leads to the arrest of conviction of any potential suspects.

Curfew Extension Denied for Jailhouse Stabbing Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied a stabbing defendant’s request to modify his curfew in a June 5 hearing.

Ndiaye Elhadji, 24, Dionte Anderson, 25, Tyrone Hawkins, 22, and Dion Lee, 24, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with a sharp object, unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution, and carrying a dangerous weapon.

According to court documents, the four suspects allegedly stabbed a fellow inmate. A corrections officer was injured trying to break up the melee at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The stabbing victim survived.

Marnitta King, Elhadji’s defense attorney, requested his release conditions be modified in order to attend work and night school. Elhadji is currently under GPS monitoring with a curfew.

King asked that the curfew be eliminated altogether while he remains on the GPS device as the four co-defendants await trial.

King argued that her client hasn’t been convicted of a crime since he was a juvenile in 2013, and has been compliant with all conditions imposed by the court.

The prosecution objected to the request, citing the dangerous nature of the offense.

Judge Arthur denied the defense request, but stated that he would “reconsider it at the next hearing.”

All parties are set to return on July 9.

Judge Denies Motion to Release Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian denied a motion to release a shooting defendant who is considering a plea deal during a June 5 hearing.

Kurtis Hubbard, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an attempted robbery on May 7 on the 3200 block of 20th Street, NE.

According to court documents, Hubbard and his co-defendant, Brian Richards, allegedly attempted to rob the victim at gunpoint. A struggle ensued, and a firearm was discharged. The victim sustained injuries not related to the shooting, and the suspects fled the scene.

At the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Christian they offered Hubbard a deal which would require him to plead guilty to robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Hubbard’s attorney, Charles Haskell, told Judge Christian he needed additional time to discuss the plea deal with the defendant.

Haskell also motioned Hubbard be released to 24 hour home confinement, stating, “No clear evidence exists showing what happened.” He further argued that there were witness inconsistencies, such as who had the firearm.

The prosecution rebutted, stating there was “no change in circumstance” from when Hubbard was arrested.

Judge Christian denied Haskell’s motion for release.

Parties are set to return on July 15.