The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting that fatally injured 19-year-old Demetrius Creek on June 15 on the 1400 block of Howard Road, SE.
Document: MPD Seeks Vehicle in a Shooting in Northeast
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect vehicle connected to a shooting that occurred on June 15 on the 1200 block of H Street, NW.
Document: MPD Arrests Man for an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 31-year-old Dervell Nettles for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 15 on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE.
Document: MPD Seeks Vehicle in a Northwest Shooting
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying and locating a vehicle used in a shooting in which two individuals sustained injuries on June 14 on the 3800 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.
Homicide Suspect, ‘Turned That Apartment Into a War Zone, Says Prosecutor
Parties delivered opening statements in a homicide trial before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe’s courtroom on June 12.
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.
Prosecutors allege that Jones killed Brown and Wilson in retaliation for a shooting that occurred five days prior. They argue that on July 22, 2022 Brown and Jones got into an argument at a local tobacco shop. After the altercation Jones followed Brown while he picked up family members.
The prosecution suggested that after picking up family in the 4300 block of Livingston Street, SE shots were fired at Jones’ car without injury.
However, Charles Murdter, Jones’ defense attorney, argued that there is no evidence nor eyewitnesses that connect Jones to the shooting on July 27. Jones was also unaware of any reason or person behind the shooting on July 22 according to his attorney.
Prosecutors began their case in chief by bringing the victim’s family members to the stand, providing a glimpse of the victims were before they were killed.
Ronald Brown was a 19-year-old high school student and had plans to be an electrician.
Tijuan Wilson was an innocent bystander. He was standing outside of his car with his brother and wife when he was hit.
ShotSpotter reports indicate gunfire at 7:56 PM on July 22, with police arriving shortly after at 4300 block of Livingston Street, SE. Nine total bullet casings and one bullet fragment were recovered. When police showed up Jones was nowhere to be seen.
The prosecution went on to say that Jones, “Turned that apartment into a war zone.”
Video footage showed a car that prosecutors allege as Brown’s passing by Jones’ vehicle.
Although the shooting was not depicted in the surveillance footage, the timestamp of the cars passing each other on the footage approximately matches the time when ShotSpotter’s alerts were issued. Bullet casings were recovered from an area that matches the location of the passing of cars in the footage. All the rounds were shot from a .40 caliber gun.
The prosecution also presented Jones’ girlfriend and her mother, who confirmed that one of the cars in the video footage of the shooting scene was one that Jones drove. They also stated there was damage to the back left bumper of the car that was present prior to the July 22 shooting as well as bullet hole damage in the bumper.
Jones’ girlfriend’s mother testified letting Jones borrow her car, which was identified as the car from surveillance footage both at the tobacco shop and on security footage for 4300 block of Livingston Street, SE.
Trial is to resume on June 13.
At Sentencing, Homicide Defendant Can’t Explain his crime
A homicide defendant was sentenced to 30 years in prison by DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, on June 14. It was an emotional proceeding as the victim’s brother cried out for justice.
Joseph Melton, 54, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and possession of a prohibited weapon, for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 48-year-old Kevin Chamberlain. The incident occurred on Jan. 14, 2020, on the 700 block of 24th Street, NW, and left another individual suffering from injuries.
On March 25, Melton accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.
At the sentencing hearing, prosecutors provided a recap of events, saying the defendant’s veneer of rationality belied the “horrific violence” he wreaked on his victims. Prosecutors urged for sentencing to be in the upper range for both of Melton’s charges.
Chamberlain’s brother provided a victim impact statement, in which he described Chamberlain as being a generous and loving father, and a teacher to his community.
The brother repeatedly stated the utter terror of an innocent man’s getting viciously stabbed multiple times, along with Melton’s lack of remorse.
”Never let this man [Melton] see the light of day,” demanded Chamberlain’s brother. .
Melton’s attorney, Thomas Healy, asserted that Melton was indeed very remorseful for what occurred on Jan. 14, 2020, and the cost of his actions would stay with him for a very long time. Healy argued that some leniency should be applied as Melton is already in his 50s, and at the time of potential release he would be in his 70s.
Healy asked the court to “give him credit for accepting responsibility for what he did” to Chamberlain and the other victim.
Healy advocated for 15 years in prison with supervised probation upon release, asserting that there are many mental health providers Melton could work with after release to ensure what happened to Chamberlain does not happen again.
When asked by Judge O’Keefe if he had anything to say Melton quietly responded that he “didn’t know what came over [him] that day.”
Judge O’Keefe found no comfort in the notion that Melton would not repeat his actions given the level of viciousness in this case and his prior criminal history.
The judge agreed with the prosecution and sentenced Melton to 66 months with three years supervised probation for assault with a dangerous weapon and 300 months with five years supervised probation for second-degree murder.
Melton’s sentence is to be served consecutively resulting in 30-and-a-half years in prison.
Judge Sentences Shooting Defendant to Seven-and-a-Half Years of Incarceration
DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a shooting defendant to seven-and-a-half years of incarceration in connection to a shooting at an apartment complex, on June 14.
Kamara Huffler, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that injured one on Sept. 16, 2022, on the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE.
According to Jamison Koehler, Huffler’s defense attorney, his client and his girlfriend believed they were going to his friend’s apartment, and knocked on the door repeatedly with no answer. The victim then appeared from the hallway, went into the apartment, and returned with a gun telling Huffler and his girlfriend to leave.
Koehler insisted that Huffler was unaware he and his girlfriend were at the wrong apartment, until the victim arrived with a gun and kicked them out.
In Huffler’s statements he recalls the victim putting the gun in his face and saying, “he was going to kill us.”
Huffler said he took out his firearm in order to protect himself and his girlfriend. He only shot at the victim when he felt like his life was in danger after the victim pushed them and followed them out to their car.
The prosecution stated the victim was trying to protect his family from these intruders which is why he got his “licensed” gun.
The victim suffered from a gunshot wound to his knee which made him unable to walk after the incident. The prosecution argues that the victim still “has so many questions.”
Koehler stated that this was an “unfortunate misunderstanding” and that his client “wasn’t looking for trouble,” he just simply got the wrong apartment number.
Judge Raffinan sentenced Huffler to seven-and-a-half years of incarceration, as well as three years of supervised release along with an intervention plan for his involvement in this shooting.
There are no further dates set.
Defendant Files ‘Pro Se’ Motions Charging the Court With Fraud
A homicide defendant’s “pro se” motions to remove DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, the prosecution, and his defense attorney from his case, claiming they are conspiring to commit “fraud on the court,” was discussed in a June 14 hearing. Pro se means an individual is acting as his own attorney.
Kevin Foster, 19, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23- year-old Dana Faulkner and 15-year-old Abdul Fuller at the 2700 block of Bruce Place, SE, on March 7, 2023.
According to court documents, Faulkner died at the scene, and Fuller was located at the intersection of Mississippi Avenue and Wheeler Road, SE, on the day of the incident. He succumbed to his injuries on March 9.
During the hearing, Judge Raffinan brought multiple motions, filed by Foster himself, to the parties’ attention.
According to Judge Raffinan, through the motions, Foster requested a new judge, prosecutor, and attorney be appointed, claiming the parties are “guilty of fraud on the court,” adding that “vindictive prosecution occurs where the prosecution, Judge, and Attorneys are pursuing charges against a criminal defendant out of spite, retaliation, or a desire to punish them for asserting their rights.”
Matthew Davies, Foster’s recently appointed attorney, told the court he needs additional time to discuss the motions with his client.
Judge Raffinan told Davies he needs to alert the court how they want to proceed.
Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 20.
Victim’s Brother Testifies of Trauma in Double Homicide
A homicide victim’s brother explained the impact of the loss before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe’s courtroom on June 13.
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. Wilson’s wife sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, but survived.
Wilson’s brother took the stand to recount the events of the shooting on July 27, as he was with Tijuan when the shooting occurred. “My whole life has changed,” he said.
According to Wilson’s brother, the shooting took place outside where Wilson, his wife, and Wilson’s brother were standing near his vehicle. Their car, a Dodge Hellcat, was parked in a lot that was occupied by multiple vehicles.
The witness testified that a Kia parked in a spot near their vehicle. Wilson’s brother recounted seeing six men get out of the car including Brown, who he asserts was driving the car.
While exiting the car, Wilson’s brother recalled Brown arguing with another passenger, overhearing that they were “into too much stuff” to be out.
After overhearing the argument, Wilson’s brother testified, he noticed a dark-colored Honda parked in a nearby spot, which no one exited immediately.
Wilson’s brother remembered looking back at the Honda a little later and seeing two men with firearms right before the shooting started.
Upon hearing gunfire, Wilson’s brother testified, he dove to the ground and recalled that the shooting sounded faster than the “normal” rate of gunfire. When asked on cross examination by defense attorney Carrie Weletz, the brother claimed that he is “100 percent” sure that the men in the Honda shot first.
An eyewitness testified to seeing a person sitting on the passenger side car door of the Honda, shooting towards the direction of where the Hellcat and Brown were.
When the shooting stopped, Wilson’s brother testified, he could hear his sister-in-law screaming for help, but Wilson remained unresponsive. He then called 911 and went to help Wilson who was by the trunk of the Hellcat.
According to the brother, when first responders arrived, Wilson was pronounced dead at the scene from his wounds and Brown died from his injuries later that night at the hospital.
Wilson’s Brother stated that there was bullet hole damage to his car on the right side of the vehicle which was the side closer to the Kia Brown from which exited.
Judge Sentences Murder Defendant to Nine Years in Prison
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a defendant to nine years of incarceration as part of a plea agreement wiring two separate cases.
Jermaine Harris, 22, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle-crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with prior conviction, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting with other suspects.
This incident led to the death of Lamar Walters, 38, and occurred on the 2400 block of Franklin Street, NE, on Jan. 6, 2020.
Harris was also charged with four additional counts including conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution, and carrying a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the stabbing of another inmate with other suspects while being held in DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Jan. 6, 2023.
On March 21, Harris accepted a deal, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in connection to Walters’ death, and assault with intent to kill while armed, in connection to the stabbing, in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges against him.
Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of seven-to-nine years of incarceration.
At the hearing, Walters’ dad gave the prosecution a statement to read expressing desire for the court to deny the plea agreement and open up the defendant to more severe sentencing, following the motto ,“If you take a life you should give up yours.”
During the June 13 hearing, the prosecution played a video depicting the murder while citing the nature and brutality of Harris’ involvement.
“He just went along with it” and then added “you don’t just ‘go along’ with a murder.”
Furthermore, the prosecution claims Harris fails to show remorse and accept responsibility for his role in the murder.
The prosecution played another video of Harris’ role in a stabbing occurring in the DC jail, questioning his behavioral development.
They claim that Harris should receive the more severe sentence of nine years and should not receive the benefit of the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a defendant’s conviction once they’ve successfully completed all sentencing requirements.
However, defense attorney Jonathan Zucker claimed Harris has “tremendous potential” and should not have the YRA request denied.
During the hearing, Zucker discussed Harris’ involvement in the classroom and taking college level courses while tutoring others.
Furthermore, Zucker reminded the court of Harris’ limited criminal history before the charges and discussed the absence of parental roles for the defendant while growing up.
While Judge Brandt acknowledged progress in the classroom and involvement in educational programs, she drew attention to the video of the stabbing and questioned his growth relating to the incident.
Judge Brandt sentenced Harris to nine years of incarceration for the charges of voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed, with sentences for both charges running concurrently. She also denied his request to sentence him under the YRA.
Additionally, Harris will have five years of supervision after being released.
No further dates were set.
Judge Grants Second Indictment Extension in Co-Defendant Homicide Case
DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe granted the prosecution’s request to extend the nine-month indictment deadline in a homicide case, a second time.
Aaron Walker, 20, and Dasani Dawson, 19, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 20-year-old Brian Buxton on Aug. 9, 2022, on the 100 block of Irvington Street, SW.
According to court documents, Buxton sustained what a physician termed as an “unsurvivable brain injury” after being shot in the head.
During the June 13 hearing, Judge O’Keefe granted the prosecutors’ request to extend the indictment window despite protest from the defense counsel for both Walker and Dawson.
The original indictment deadline was set for May 23, but an essential witness was unable to testify resulting in a 20-day extension, moving the deadline to June 13.
However, the prosecution reached out on June 12 alerting the Court, Lisbeth Stapirstein, Dawson’s attorney, and Brandi Harden, Walker’s attorney, that the problem persisted.
Stapirstein and Harden argued that prosecutors have had more than enough time to produce an indictment and should dismiss the case. Harden stated that it is prejudicial to have a looming murder charge over Walker for such a long time.
Walker is currently in DC Jail due to a separate ongoing case that is moving towards trial.
Walker’s defense attorney argues that if the case is dismissed Walker will still be in jail, if prosecutors wish to retry this case in the future. Therefore, there is no reason to continue extending the indictment deadline, she insisted.
Judge O’Keefe was in agreement with prosecutors in that each extension has been warranted due to special circumstances.
Prosecutors stated they are “ready” for indictment and just need the extension to accommodate essential witness testimony.
Court is slated to reconvene on June 28 to check in on the indictment progress.
Judge Deems Shooting Defendant ‘A Menace’ in Sentencing
DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a defendant who pleaded guilty for a shooting to three years of incarceration. The judge addressed him prior to sentencing on June 13, asserting “for some period of your life, you’ve been a menace.”
Kevon Austin, 30, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Feb. 21 on the unit block of M Street, NE. The detectives’ investigation revealed the individuals involved were shooting at each other.
According to court documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Austin and another shooter at the incident, Donte Brown, were injured and received treatment. Brown was shot on right side of his abdomen and buttocks, while Austin suffered wounds to his abdomen on the left as well as his right thigh, which resulted in a fracture of the bone.
Brown, 24, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana for the shooting incident. On May 21, he entered a guilty plea for assault with a dangerous weapon. He awaits his sentencing on August 6.
On March 29, Austin previously accepted a deal, which required him to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 18-to-36 months.
At the hearing, the prosecution argued that Austin serve the maximum sentence given the “pretty favorable plea agreement” he accepted. He highlighted the serious nature of the offense and the defendant’s criminal history, adding that Austin nearly stabbed an inmate to death at the DC jail on Dec. 20, 2014.
Gregory Copeland, Austin’s defense attorney, acknowledged the consistent presence of his client’s family members at every hearing. Austin’s twin sister, girlfriend, son, and nephew were pointed out by Copeland, among others.
Copeland stated his client has essentially been incarcerated for about ten years as he was convicted in 2014 as a 20-year-old for offenses related to firearms and drugs. He urged Judge Hertzfeld to consider suspending a portion of Austin’s sentence.
Copeland stated that Austin’s sentence “has to be just,” and claimed his client “is a different person” compared to his younger incarcerated self. “I can’t put my finger on it, I just like this guy,” said Copeland.
Despite this, Copeland also contended that “the punishment alone is not sufficient to stop his behavior,” to which Judge Hertzfeld immediately replied, “What is?”
According to Copeland, Austin’s emotional resources were lacking because he did not have adequate rehabilitation assistance or receive appropriate treatment. He also stated that his client should have access to resources for job training and the ability to obtain his GED.
When given the opportunity to speak on his behalf, Austin described himself as “a young man who made a mistake.” He stated he did not think a prison would help him re-enter society, adding that he knows he needs help to “better myself” and “actually rehabilitate myself as a man.”
No victims came forth to give an impact statement.
Ultimately, Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Austin to 36 months of incarceration, followed by three years of supervised release.
Following her ruling on the sentencing, Judge Hertzfeld appreciated Austin’s relatives in the audience, stating he has “more family here then almost anyone I’ve seen in this courtroom.” In reference to this, she told him, “you have a lot of reasons out there to turn it around,” pointing to his family.
Judge Hertzfeld also advised Austin to take advantage of his time in prison “to get [himself] straight.”
“You don’t want to waste your whole life locked up,” stated Judge Hertzfeld to Austin.
No further dates were set.
Judge Pushes Parties to Agree on Murder Trial Calendar
A homicide defendant’s lawyer informed DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt he will file a motion for a speedy trial, as both parties struggle to agree on a date for the proceeding.
Admonishing both parties in a June 13 hearing, the judge said “This is not a slam dunk case.”
Emerita Garcia, 45, is 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 filed by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in Georgia.
Judge Brandt told the parties “I was hot yesterday” as she informed them of what she termed an inappropriate letter she received from defense attorney Jason Tulley.
Judge Brandt hinted that the letter was political and pertained to Garcia’s deportation issue with ICE.
That letter, “should never cross into the judicial branch… and should never be politicized,” Judge Brandt added.
Judge Brandt also pushed for the parties to establish a trial date, stating that it was a disservice to both the victim’s family and Garcia to delay.
The prosecution requested the trial start January 2025 due the time required for DNA test results.
Tulley entered a motion against the prosecution’s consumption of DNA evidence, arguing it is excessive and limits the defense.
Tulley and Judge Brandt both asked the prosecution to see if expedited testing was possible and stated their desire to set a trial for September or October 2024.
The court will reconvene on June 18 to discuss the possibility of expedited testing and to set a trial date.
Judge Finds Probable Cause in Stabbing Case, Orders Defendant Detained
DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause in a stabbing case on June 13 and denied the defense’s request for release.
Hollyman McQueen, 59, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on May 8 at the Washington Nursing Facility on the 2400 block of 25th Street, SE.
According to court documents, McQueen was allegedly upset he got a roommate at the facility. The two got into a disagreement about the lighting in the room, and McQueen pushed the victim on his bed and stabbed him in the back of the knee.
At the hearing, the prosecution called an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who responded to the scene.
According to the officer, when she spoke to McQueen at the scene he claimed the victim had stabbed him. However, his statement was contradicted by multiple witnesses to the incident.
She also testified the knife McQueen allegedly used to stab the victim was a kitchen knife with a brass handle and silver blade. This knife was later found by detectives on the victim’s bed.
McQueen’s defense attorney, Henry Escoto, argued there was no probable cause that McQueen was the perpetrator. He said the victim bigger and stronger than McQueen, to which the officer agreed on cross examination. Escoto insisted McQueen acted in self-defense.
Judge Raymond disagreed and concluded there was probable cause that McQueen stabbed the victim with a knife.
Escoto then requested McQueen be released as he lives in the nursing facility, where he is actively receiving treatment for mental health issues. The prosecution disagreed, requesting McQueen be held in jail.
Judge Raymond denied Escoto’s request for release, citing McQueen’s prior convictions, which include multiple misdemeanor charges, sex abuse, indecent exposure and lewd acts. Judge Raymond deemed him a danger to the community.
Parties are set to reconvene on June 20 with DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.
Document: MPD Seeks Suspects in a Southeast Stabbing
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance to identify and locate two suspects connected to a stabbing that occurred on May 29 on the 1500 block of Savannah Street, SE.