Judge Finds Probable Cause in Fatal Carjacking, Defendant’s Release Denied

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause on June 7 that a defendant was the perpetrator in a carjacking turned homicide.

Kayla Kenisha Brown, 22, is charged with unarmed carjacking for allegedly stealing a motor vehicle from a woman with the woman’s mother, 55-year-old Leslie Gaines, inside the vehicle on June 3 at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center on the 100 block of Irving Street, NW.

According to court documents, Brown crashed the vehicle into the United States Attorney’s Office on the 600 block of D Street, NW, and attempted to flee the scene with the vehicle’s keys in her hand. However, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer was able to stop her, and she was placed under arrest.

Gaines, who suffered from multiple sclerosis, was found unconscious and unresponsive at the car crash scene, as per court documents, and was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

At the hearing, the lead detective from MPD testified about information he has received from Gaines’ daughter. The detective identified Brown in all the evidence presented to him, in addition to identifying her in the courtroom.

The detective stated that he had limited video surveillance footage in his possession, including the footage from MedStar Hospital showing an individual, who he identified as Brown, walking towards a white Mazda, and then pulling away, which the prosecution showed.

During the detective’s testimony, the prosecution played a June 4 phone call interview between the detective and Gaines’ daughter.

According to the daughter in the phone call, her mother had just finished physical therapy at the hospital and was accompanying her back to her white Mazda vehicle when she said her legs could not move and her eyes felt blurry.

“She almost fainted getting in the car,” said the daughter to the detective in their phone call.

Subsequently, the daughter left her car in front of a hospital building to go to the emergency room to ask for assistance getting her mother out of the car.

When she returned back to the location of where she left her car, to the daughter’s surprise, her car had vanished with her mother last seen in the passenger’s seat, according to her statements to police.

In the phone call interview, the detective questioned the daughter on her mother’s state of being before going to physical therapy at the hospital. “She was herself,” said the daughter.

The daughter also stated that she left her key fob between the center armrest and car seat in her vehicle.

Additionally, the prosecution played a 911 call from Gaines’ daughter after she found her car missing from the hospital.

The detective stated that the time between the original hijack of the vehicle and the car crash was about 19 minutes. There has been no further video surveillance beyond the original hijacking of the vehicle and video footage of the car crash with a woman, identified as Brown, running from the scene.

Furthermore, in his testimony, the detective said he did not know the amount of time that occurred between the time the car was hijacked to the time of the 911 call from the victim’s daughter.

When questioned by the defense if the victim had died as a result of the car crash, the detective stated, “I’m not in a position to say.”

After both parties questioned the detective, Judge Raymond asked if the detective knew of any witnesses at the site of the car crash who were interviewed by the detective or any of his colleagues regarding whether or not the victim was alive. The detective was unsure, stating all he knew was that the victim was unresponsive and not breathing, requiring CPR.

Following the detective’s testimony, defense attorney Slyvia Smith argued that there was “very weak evidence” for this case to be considered a carjacking, saying that the vehicle was not taken in a violent manner.

Smith also argued that it could not be determined whether Gaines was alive when the car was taken. The prosecution disagreed saying, “If your mother had passed away in front of you, you would not get out of the car and wait in line.”

A June 4 autopsy was conducted, but the manner and cause of death has not yet been determined. Despite this, Judge Raymond told the parties she found probable cause for the carjacking and that the victim was alive when the car crashed.

Smith disagreed, stating “It’s incredibly weak with respect to a carjacking.”

She also argued for her client’s release, stating she has no criminal history, is a high school graduate, and is working on building a business.

“The jail is a dangerous place… [Brown] is not a person that needs to be detained,” asserted Smith.

Judge Raymond denied Brown’s release, recognizing the severity of the defendant’s behavior, adding “there appear to have been other things going on.”

Additionally, Judge Raymond argued that although she did not think Brown would be a flight risk, she has “to find that she’s a danger to the community.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 20.

Probable Cause Established in Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a shooting, during a June 10 hearing.

Jason Dyer, 26, is charged with aggravated assault while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured four on April 7, on the 4400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

Prosecutors called on an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who was one of the first responders.

Video surveillance footage, played in court shows a blue Acura on the 100 block of Elmira Street, SW, sitting on the side of the road for two minutes before making a wide left turn across an intersection, stopping in the middle of the intersection, where four individuals get out and start shooting towards a vigil.

The car then drives off and crashes into a tree in front of the 4400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW, before four individuals get out of the car and flee, one of which the prosecution claims to be Dyer.

According to the officer, as Dyer fled the scene, he sustained gunshot wounds to both legs, so he couldn’t run. The officer was able to locate Dyer and arrest him. There was a ski mask next to where was found behind the 100 block of Elmira Street, SW, and a blood trail from Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller claimed that there is no DNA evidence connecting Dyer to the shooting.

Despite Weller’s arguments, Judge Epstein found probable cause that Dyer was one of the shooters in the vehicle.

He said the occupants of the car had “clear intent to fire,” which is grounds for probable cause.

Due to Dyer’s injuries the defense argued for his release to home confinement so he could continue his physical therapy, which they claim is not possible to continue at the jail.

The prosecution responded, saying he should not be released due to the “heavily armed nature of the encounter,” and insisted he is a danger to the community.

Due to Dyer’s significant criminal record and the nature of the case, Judge Epstein ordered he must remain detained.

Parties are set to return Dec. 13.

Carjacking and Robbery Defendant Offered Plea Deal But Not Release

In a June 11 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro, a defendant in a carjacking and robbery case discussed a plea deal but remains held.

Michael Allen Hines, 36, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on March 28 at a gas station on the 900 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

He is also charged with armed robbery for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on March 22 at a gas station on the 400 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE.

According to eyewitness and police statements, the suspect–later identified as Hines in both incidents– initially asked the victims for cash before escalating the situation.

The prosecution says, the suspect choked the victim in the carjacking and threatened the robbery victim with a knife. Hines was identified by police as being allegedly involved in two other robberies as well.

The prosecution alerted Judge Di Toro that they had extended a deal, which required Hines to plead guilty to carjacking, three counts of robbery, as well as indecent exposure and lewd acts, in an unrelated matter. If Hines pleads guilty, the prosecution will not seek an indictment.

Defense attorney Adam Harris asked for additional time to review the plea deal and discuss it with Hines.

Hines then presented a letter he wrote to Judge Di Toro requesting his release. However, Judge Di Toro denied the request.

Parties are slated to return July 10.

Stabbing Defendant Testifies After Being Denied Acquittal

After DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied his motion for acquittal in a June 10 hearing, the defendant in a prison stabbing testified he feared for his life.

Antoine Donvell Johnson, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, and unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution, for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Jan. 15.

According to the prosecution, video surveillance footage from different perspectives in the DC Jail shows an individual, identified as Johnson, in a physical fight with the victim. Officers responded with pepper spray to calm the situation. However, the victim was found with stab wounds throughout his body, and was taken to the jail infirmary.

Matthew Rist, Johnson’s defense attorney, motioned for acquittal of all charges.

Rist argued the video evidence provided by the prosecution showed that Johnson did not possess a weapon nor was he the aggressor. Judge Di Toro denied the motion, stating that a jury could reasonably conclude the prosecution had met its burden of proof.

After the motionl was denied, Rist called Johnson to testify.

According to Johnson, he was in the TV room at the jail when the victim and three other individuals confronted him. Johnson stated he was “frightened” by their presence and felt that “something was about to transpire.”

Johnson said the victim began arguing with him, stating, “The men around you are saying you’re dropping notes on me.” Johnson then stated that the victim told him “you got to roll or yeah,” which Johnson understood as a threat that if he didn’t leave the area something would happen to him.

Meanwhile, the victim stated Johnson had been leaving anonymous notes stating that if the victim was not removed from the housing block, he would be killed.

Johnson said he was acting in self-defense, despite admitting to throwing the first punch, as seen in surveillance footage.

“I punched myself out of what I thought was going to be a four-on-one,” Johnson insisted.

Rist referred to the video footage again pointing out another individual near the fight who took an object out of his pocket that could have been the white handle of the knife the prosecution presented as evidence on June 6.

Johnson identified that individual as the one handing the victim the knife. Johnson stated that the victim was a lot stronger than he and was afraid if he did not get the knife that he “could end up dead.” He then testified that his arm was cut trying to grab the knife.

Johnson said being labeled as a “snitch” posed a threat to his safety. When asked if he still felt threatened by the victim, Johnson started shaking, “To even be testifying, I am in fear.”

During cross examination, Johnson denied ever writing or seeing a note about the victim, testifying that he “was not a snitch.”

“You did great, I know that was not easy for you,” said Rist to Johnson as he stepped down from the witness stand.

Following Johnson’s testimony, the defense rested their case.

Parties are slated to return June 11 for closing arguments.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on June 9 on the 800 block of Underwood Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots, where they located a man with gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 28-year-old Kaan Demir.

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 Seeking Person of Interest in Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a person in connection to a homicide that occurred on June 7, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of the sounds of gunshots. When they arrived, they located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died.

The victim was identified as 45-year-old Darryl Williams.

A person of interest was captured by a nearby surveillance camera.

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 Southwest Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect who shot a man on June 6 on the 4600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. There, they located an adult male with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was captured by surveillance footage.

Document: MPD Arrests Man for an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of an individual in connection to a shooting that occurred on May 11, inside of a residence on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect, who was inside of the residence, was arguing with the victims who were outside of the residence. During the argument, the suspect brandished a gun and shot at the victims, without striking them. The victims fled the scene.

On Jun 6, 22-year-old Dayquan Henderson was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. The investigation determined that the victims and suspects were known to each other.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Southeast Armed Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a man in connection to an armed carjacking that occurred on June 7 on the 200 block of Tingey Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect assaulted the victim in a parking garage at the location, before taking the victim’s keys. The suspect then fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle. A short time later, officers located the suspect and the vehicle in Northeast. The suspect was arrested.

Raymond Davese, 28, was arrested and charged with armed carjacking and driving under the influence.

Document: MPD Arrests Man for a Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that occurred on June 6 on the 5000 block of Just Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On June 7, 46-year-old Bryant Jerome Russell was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of unregistered ammunition, and felon in possession of a firearm.

The investigation revealed that the victim and the suspect were known to one another.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Crash Involving a Pedestrian in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a traffic crash that resulted in the death of a pedestrian on June 5 at the intersection of Q Street and Foxhall Road, NW.

According to MPD documents, the preliminary investigation determined that a car was waiting at a red light at the location. When the light turned green, the vehicle began turning left onto Foxhall Road before striking the pedestrian, who was in the crosswalk, causing the pedestrian to bump their head.

The striking vehicle remained on the scene and the pedestrian was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim succumbed to her injuries.

The victim was identified as 77-year-old Patricia Bullinger.

MPD requests that anyone with information regarding the incident reach out to them.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Shooting a Mother Holding Her Baby

A defendant in a non-fatal shooting pleaded not guilty of shooting at a mother and child in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 10.

Darrious Johnson, 22, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly, assault with intent to kill against a minor while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree cruelty to children, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 5, 2023, on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE.

According to court documents, Johnson allegedly shot a woman in her left arm while she was cradling her baby. The victim received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and the infant was unharmed.

In a felony arraignment hearing on June 10, Johnson and his attorney, Wole Falodun, pleaded not guilty to all charges, and asserted Johnson’s constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to return July 12.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on June 10.

Scotland Alston, 33, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Feb. 28, on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to court documents, Alston allegedly shot a woman in the chest, both legs, and buttocks.

An individual, later identified as Alston, got into an altercation with the victim in front of Benning Market, according to prosecutors. This led to Alston’s pushing the victim into a wall and fleeing the scene by bicycle. Alston then returned to the victim who was still arguing with him, then allegedly shooting her multiple times.

During the hearing, Wole Falodun, Alston’s defense attorney, alerted the court he was accepting a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 9 for sentencing.

Judge Orders a Third Mental Health Evaluation for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo ordered a third competency evaluation by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) for a defendant allegedly involved in a stabbing incident. The ruling came in a June 10 hearing.

Stephen Herring, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside his home or business for allegedly stabbing 30-year-old Marcus Thurman on Aug. 22, 2023 at the 100 block of M Street, NE. Thurman succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 4, 2023.

According to court documents, the defendant and Thurman were in a verbal altercation that led to the defendant stabbing the victim in the chest before fleeing the scene on foot.

At the hearing, Judge Demeo referred to a report conducted by the DBH to determine whether or not Herring would be ready to stand trial.

The report stated so far that’s not been possible.

“The inpatient setting will allow for a more comprehensive evaluation and documentation of Mr. Herring’s abilities and disabilities, which are difficult to ascertain within the setting of a time-limited interview,” said the report.

Following the DBH’s recommendations, Judge Demeo ordered Herring to a full competency evaluation in an inpatient setting at St. Elizabeths Hospital.

Defense attorney Joseph Yarbough stated he would wait to go over any potential plea offer from the prosecution until his client was deemed competent by the DBH.

The prosecution did not object to Yarbough’s abeyance hold.

Parties are slated to return on Aug. 9.

Judge won’t Modify Release Conditions for Stabbing Defendant

A stabbing defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing but didn’t get modified release conditions before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on June 10.

Sebastian Fonseca-Gomez, 25, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing, which occurred on the intersection of 7th Street and A Street, NE on May 15. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, Fonseca-Gomez followed the victim on his bike while she was walking a dog. After following the victim for a few blocks and taunting her, he allegedly pepper sprayed the victim and stabbed her in the buttocks area.

During the hearing, John Machado, Fonseca-Gomez’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Glover of the defendant’s plan to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and requested Fonseca-Gomez be taken off an ankle monitor because he works in maintenance for Capital Bikeshare. Machado said it is “impossible” for Fonseca-Gomez to ride his bike while wearing an ankle monitor.

Judge Glover denied the request to change the release conditions.

Parties are set to reconvene in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on June 21.