Tyler, 46, is charged with first degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Nolan Edwards at the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE, on July 7, 2023.
At the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge O’Keefe they extended a plea offer to Tyler, which required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.
Tyler and his defense attorney, Frances D’Antuono, rejected the offer and did not make a counter offer. D’Antuono said that her client wants to go to trial.
The prosecution will now decide what, if any, additional charges they will bring against him.
James Toler, 45, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Feb. 20, on the 200 block of 8th Street, NE.
According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, an individual identified as Toler got into a verbal altercation with a victim that turned physical when Toler allegedly pulled a large knife and charged at the victim. Toler claimed that the victim threw a metal shopping cart at him and Toler continued the fight in self defense.
All parties agreed that Toler, who is on release with no conditions, needs to return to the Specialized Supervision Unit (SSU) of the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA). Now Toler is required to meet with a case manager, have weekly check-ins, and return to mental health programs.
In a July 24 proceeding before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, a fourth continuance was granted for a non-fatal shooting defendant’s preliminary hearing so plea negotiations can continue.
Donte Scott, 39, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 26 on the 1800 block of M Street, NW. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
On June 26, Scott requested for new counsel which Judge Brandt granted, moving the case to defense attorney Charles Haskell.
At the hearing, Haskell requested another continuance in order to fully review the presented plea offer and possibly prepare for a preliminary hearing. Haskell consented to extending the legally required deadline until the preliminary hearing.
Frustration about jail security boiled over during a hearing on June 25 in the DC Superior Court.
Arguing for his client’s immediate release under an emergency motion, Public Defender Jason Tulley told DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, “The DC Jail is horrible!”
Tulley said that murder suspect Jahi Settles, 23, is forced to live under conditions that violate constitutional provisions against cruel and unusual punishment.
According to Tulley’s June 24 motion, “People incarcerated at the DC Jail report that the jail is more dangerous than ever and the people stuck inside are in constant fear for their lives.”
The filing catalogs a litany of abuses at the jail that critics say has persisted even though the prison was put into federal receivership between 1995 and 2000.
One of the biggest measures are stabbings that took place at the DC Jail.
A review of D.C. Witness data as well as statistics from the DC Department of Corrections show that inmate stabbing attacks increased by 38.46 percent between 2022 and 2023, including one fatality. D.C. Witness counted an additional fatality in 2022 beyond the information supplied by the jail which has not been factored into the percentage increase.
DC Jail Stabbings
Non-Fatal
Fatal
Percent Increase
2022
13
0
2023
17
1
38.46
Sources: DC Department of Corrections, D.C. Witness
In a jailhouse attack, Mussay Rezene, 31, is accused of fatally stabbing fellow inmate Darrow Johnson, 30, in August of 2023. Security footage allegedly shows Rezene acting aggressively toward the victim during a confrontation after which he died from wounds to the back of his head and skull.
Earlier, Rezene was convicted of fatally shooting a 17-year-old boy and sentenced to 45 years in prison.
Marcel Jackson, 37, pleaded guilty to manslaughter for killing a cellmate by blunt force trauma after the pair ingested PCP in May of 2022. Jackson also pleaded guilty to manslaughter in another case.
D.C. Witness data for DC Jail stabbing prosecutions shows a big jump from 2020 to 2023 continuing in the current year.Overall,there are 31 total stabbing victims whose cases have resulted in charges filed between 2020 and April of this year.
DC Jail
Stabbing
Prosecutions
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
3
1
2
10
10
Source: D.C. Witness: A case may have multiple defendants.
According to D.C. Witness data, there have been 10 stabbings prosecutions in the DC Jail so far this year, the most recent on April 5.
“With over 20 percent of our population associated with groups or crews that present security concerns and approximately 35 percent of our population under ‘keep separate’ orders due to conflicts with other residents, our safety and security environment is complex and ever-changing,” said the DC Department of Corrections in a statement provided to D.C. Witness. “DOC is also continually evaluating and adopting new strategies and technologies to improve contraband detection.”
However, the motion Tulley filed says otherwise.
“The DOC has continued to show its utter disregard for the safety and humanity of the people held at the DC Jail,” according to the motion.
One of the examples Tulley cites are so-called “Safe Cells” that he says amount to solitary confinement without running water. “Oftentimes, the ‘Safe Cell’ is soiled with the feces and bodily fluids of prior occupants of the cell. People are left languishing in the cell for days, if not weeks,” says Tulley.
The DC Jail, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) website, has a capacity of 2,164 prisoners in what’s known as the Central Detention Facility (CDF).
“Throughout the history of the DC Jail, there have been bouts of overcrowding which spurred the building of the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF),” says the MPD. The CTF with a capacity of 1,500 is considered a medium-to-minimum security environment where all female inmates are housed.
According to the DOC, the census at the CDF as of June 28 was 1,328, while there are 627 people housed in the CTF, both units operating well below capacity at the moment.
However, DC Jail operations have long been under legal scrutiny. A 1998 lawsuit raised issues at the jail dating to 1975.
“[T] he district court found that the conditions did indeed violate the Constitution because of severe overcrowding, inadequate health care, unsanitary conditions, and unsafe facilities. The district court issued an injunction ordering the District of Columbia to improve the conditions for inmates,” according to a case summary from the Court Listener project.
An appellate judge hearing the case said, “The jail’s lack of compliance borders on bad faith.”
In 2021, the US Marshals Service determined after an inspection that DC Jail conditions “do not meet the minimum standards of confinement as prescribed by the Federal Performance-Based Detention Standards.”
Based on that review, the marshals removed 400 detainees in their custody from the facility.
Last April, the Washington Lawyers’ Committee filed another suit against the jail for allegedly denying inmates adequate health care as required by law.
Kristen McGough, one of the attorneys arguing the suit, says there is a connection between violence and health care problems at the jail in the sense that it shows an overall lack of operational accountability, good management and adequate staffing.
One of the biggest reform hurdles is that those in jail are stigmatized even though many have not been convicted, says McGough.
“Everyone should be able to get the basic medical care they need,” McGough tells D.C. Witness. “They should be able to serve time with dignity.” She says the lawsuit is in the early stages of mediation but there are “good signs.”
D.C. Witness reached out to the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Committee which represents corrections workers at the jail for comment but has not received a response before publication.
“In many ways the jail environment is a mirror of the community’s landscape, requiring vigilant efforts to maintain residents and staff safety,” the DOC said.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a 16-year-old boy for his alleged involvement in a triple shooting that injured three women on July 23 on the 2900 block of Nelson Place, SE.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Deangelo Jones, which occurred on the 600 block of O Street, NW.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of a man, who has yet to be identified by MPD. The incident occurred on July 25 on the 3900 block of 1st Street, SE.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 28-year-old Sean Butler, who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the shooting of a ride share driver’s vehicle which occurred on May 6 on the 2000 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE.
Defense attorney Kevann Gardner informed DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on July 24 of his client’s intent to agree to an extended plea offer, but requested additional time to fully discuss it.
Andre Johnson, 31, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the hit-and-run fatality of 18-year-old Madison Jones. The incident occurred June 8, 2023 near the intersection of 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
According to court documents, Jones was in the car with her boyfriend and boyfriend’s mother when another vehicle ran a red light, crashed into the victim’s car, and the driver fled from the scene. The registered owner of the vehicle, reportedly Johnson’s foster sibling, reported to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that Johnson was allegedly driving the car at the time of the incident.
Johnson reportedly did not have a valid driver’s license. The car’s owner alleged Johnson was a regular drug and alcohol user and believed him to be under the influence at the time of the crash, according to court documents.
As per documents, at the time of the incident, Johnson was on release in two cases for driving without a valid license.
During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Okun that a plea offer had been extended to the defense but was going to soon expire. The offer required Johnson to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter, assault with intent to kill, and intended assault with intent to kill, which could result in a prison sentence of more than twenty years.
Through the deal, the prosecution would not seek any increased penalties – based on Jones’ age or Johnson’s not having a license or being under the influence – charges and would not seek indictment.
Gardner, stated that the defense waited this long to provide a response because Johnson needed to be certain about “the most important decision” of his life. Gardner then told Judge Okun that as of now, Johnson has agreed to accept the deal.
Parties are slated to return Aug. 2 for Johnson’s final decision.
Terrell Eisbey, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on May 1 at the intersection of 14th and Euclid Street, NW.
According to court documents, Eisbey assaulted the victim after demanding money and stabbed the individual around the knee and hand. The victim was able to get away from Eisbey by pretending to go to an ATM to get him money and then escaping in the car of a witness nearby.
The victim was transported to Howard University Hospital and treated for injuries, according to documents.
During the hearing, the prosecution stated they had extended an offer, requiring Eisbey to plead guilty to assault with significant bodily injury in exchange for not seeking indictment charges.
This offer was rejected by Eisbey.
Sara Kopecki, Eisbey’s defense attorney, requested release for her client and recommended placing Eisbey on house arrest with GPS monitoring, arguing his criminal history was not recent and that he had the support of his fiancee and father, who was present in the courtroom.
Judge Pasichow denied the request due to the violent nature of the crime and his criminal record.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a trial readiness hearing on Aug. 30.
On July 24, a stabbing defendant requested additional time to consider a plea agreement, which was shared by prosecutors on July 23, before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno.
Tyrone Graham, 42, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place on July 13 on the intersection of 12th and U Street in front of McDonald’s. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.
According to court documents, Graham was standing at a bus stop when he and the victim got into a verbal altercation and the victim began punching Graham in the face. Then Graham reached into his bag, pulled out a knife, and allegedly began stabbing the victim.
At the hearing, the prosecution stated they had extended an agreement to Graham, which requires him to plead guilty to assault with a deadly weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.
Wole Falodun, Graham’s defense attorney, stated that he needed more time to review the plea with his client before moving forward. Judge Salerno granted his request.
Though Falodun made no formal argument for release he emphasized that his client was “viciously attacked,” by a stranger and continued his claim that Graham acted in self-defense. However, Judge Salerno said “[his] hands are tied,” and there is nothing he can do for release at this time.
Jarvis Jackson, 42, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction for allegedly fatally shooting Deont’e Minor, 23, on March 20, 2021, on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.
According to court documents, Minor was in an Uber ride share when he was shot in the backseat as the vehicle was waiting to make a turn. The driver took the victim to a nearby hospital immediately after the shooting. Minor later succumbed to his injuries.
During opening statements, the prosecution stated that Jackson had a motive to shoot Minor, detailing an alleged robbery Minor committed against Jackson months prior.
The defense stated that Jackson is not guilty arguing that the robbery prosecutors alleged never happened, close friends of Minor pointed the finger at Jackson, and DNA evidence found in the area of the crime scene did not belong to the suspect.
Defense attorney, Madhuri Swarna, described the alleged robbery as “made up”, claiming Jackson had no motive to kill Minor.
During the hearing, the Uber driver testified he heard a loud bang while waiting to make a turn. The witness said he saw the shooter standing outside the vehicle when he looked back and then drove away to the hospital.
While the driver never looked back again to check on Minor, he testified he heard him “gagging” and presumed him to be injured. The witness testified that the shooter was wearing a black hoodie and black face mask but could not tell much else.
A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer reviewing body-worn camera footage, said he saw the injured victim lying outside the hospital receiving treatment and observed shooting damage to the vehicle damage.
The victim’s sister testified that she was in contact with Minor the day of the incident as they coordinated for him to arrive at her baby shower, the reason Minor was taking an Uber.
On cross-examination, the witness revealed she and Minor were on FaceTime shortly before the incident took place.
DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted the prosecution’s request for a continuance in a non-fatal stabbing case, citing a need to further investigate the defendant and the crime, on July 24.
Victoria Langley, 53, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that left one person injured. The incident occurred on Oct. 11, 2023 on the 1900 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.
According to court documents, Langley got into an argument with one of the victims accusing her of taking her cell phone. That led to Langley’s allegedly stabbing one of the victims multiple times, before fleeing the scene on foot.
At the hearing, the prosecution requested a 45-day continuance, which would allow for further investigation of Langley’s case.
Prosecutors introduced evidence of murder defendants allegedly with guns, then called the ex-girlfriend of a defendant to testify in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on July 23.
Mark Price, 29, and Antonio Murchison, 31, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation.
The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018, on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. The incident left 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.
Price is also charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, threat to injure or kidnap a person, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and first-degree burglary while armed.
These charges are connected to the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE.
The third co-defendant, Quanisha Ramsuer, 31, is charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide.
Six other defendants were convicted in 2023 of charges from the incident, including:
Marquell Cobbs, 22 – sentenced to serve six years in prison
On July 22, prosecutors brought an expert in firearms to testify about the analysis he conducted on ballistic evidence collected from Clay Terrace.
Based on a comparison of the cartridge casings the expert determined there were at least four guns fired on July 16 identified as from from a 5.56 x 45 rifle, a .45 auto handgun, and two 9mm Lugers.
His testimony that four firearms were utilized during the mass shooting corroborates the prosecution’s claim that there were four gunmen.
On July 23, the expert was shown photos and videos from various Instagram accounts which showed several individuals, one of which appeared to be Murchison, with several different guns.
The expert said the individuals had an AK-47-type firearm, two AR-15 pistols, a “Draco” gun (AK-47-style pistol), a Glock with an extended magazine, and various Glocks and handguns.
During cross examination, Murchison’s defense attorney, Steven Ogilvie, said the accuracy of firearms analysis is a matter of scientific dispute.
Price’s defense attorney, Megan Allburn, presented the witness with photographs of advertised fake and look- alike guns the witness agreed resembled the real things.
The prosecution also called a witness with a past personal connection to Murchison, who she knew as “Tony.” She said due to a seizure condition, she struggles with long-term memories, so a large portion of her testimony was from her grand jury testimony in 2018.
The prosecution attorney read from the witness’ grand jury testimony that she had a sexual relationship with the defendant from December 2017 to April 2018 and became engaged in September 2018.
The grand jury testimony also revealed that she knew “Tony” to be Murchison and was familiar with his brother, Isaiah, who was convicted in 2023 for his involvement in the mass shooting.
However, the witness failed to identify Murchison in court and did not recognize him in video footage she was shown during her original interview in 2018.
On July 16, the prosecution called on an expert in cellular data history to testify to the phone records that belong to Taylor, Thomas, Michals and what the prosecution alleges to belong to Price.
The records showed the individuals’ phones in the general location of the shooting at the time of the incident.
The expert testified that, according to the records, Price was in the same general area as the convicted defendants in the days leading up to Wilson’s murder, but that he was unable to provide an exact location.
DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan issued a material witness warrant for a homicide defendant’s father who was supposed to testify on July 23, but failed to appear.
Keanan Turner, 35, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, attempted first-degree murder against a minor, arson, second-degree cruelty to children, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, destruction of property of less than $1000 and tampering with physical evidence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Ebony Wright, 31, and her mother, Wanda Wright, 48, on April 12, 2021, on the 2300 block of Good Hope Court, SE.
According to court documents, Turner is the father of Ebony’s child, who was an infant at the time of the shooting. The child survived the incident, as did Ebony’s sister, who was shot in the face.
The prosecutor says Turner urged Ebony to get an abortion when he learned she was pregnant and told her he didn’t want to be involved in the child’s life.
During the hearing, Turner’s father refused to show up to court to testify despite being subpoenaed by the prosecution. The prosecution said the witness had health issues preventing him from testifying.
The witness’ defense attorney, Frederick Iverson, also said the witness, who lives in Virginia, should not testify based on potential self-incrimination. According to Iverson, the witness believes if he testifies he may run the risk of being charged with involuntary manslaughter because he’s alleged to have provided Turner the gun used in the crime.
According to the prosecution detectives went to the witness’ house to assist him but he wasn’t there. The prosecution said one of the neighbors told officers they saw the witness pack up his truck late last night and leave.
So, Judge Raffinan granted the prosecution’s request to issue a material witness warrant.
At the hearing, a fingerprint expert revealed Ebony’s fingerprints were found on the scene, but was unable to identify any others.
The witness told the jury that, in general, gloves and fire can make fingerprints found on crime scenes virtually undetectable. Officers found a fire in the kitchen when they responded to the scene.
Another forensic scientist, said she found a box of plastic gloves in Turner’s car when it was turned in for processing. The prosecution said Turner allegedly wore the same style of gloves during the shooting.
A representative from Snapchat’s law enforcement operations testified that Turner and Ebony regularly communicated on the app, used to share self-destructing photos before the shooting incident, providing the jury with their usernames.
The witness showed data detailing correspondence between Turner and Ebony during the course of their relationship. He also said the data reveals either Turner or Ebony “unadded” or removed the other.
