Defense Attorney Requests Mental Exam for Armed Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover accepted a postponement and ordered a forensic mental exam for an alleged armed carjacking defendant on June 10.

Raysean Brown, 28, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident which occurred on May 23 at the 5000 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Brown, got into an altercation with the victim, who was allegedly pushed up against his car by the suspect holding a black handgun to his face. The individual’s car keys fell out of his pocket, causing the suspect to grab his keys and allegedly drive off with the individual’s car.

Brown was later arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on May 25.

At the hearing, Brown’s defense attorney, Susan Ellis, requested a continuation of the preliminary hearing and a forensic exam for Brown, which will be used to determine if he’s mentally competent to stand trial.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 14.

Lost Video Evidence Leads to Murder Case Dismissal

Prosecutors in a homicide case alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe that they were dismissing a defendant’s case following allegations of lost evidence, during a June 10 hearing.

Ronnie Melson, 42, also known as “Snobs”, was charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting 41-year-old Demetrius Jones. The incident occurred on Nov. 6, 2020 on the 1700 block of Gales Street, NE.

According to court documents, Melson had an altercation with Jones a week prior to the incident. A witness overheard Jones stating he allegedly had plans to stab Melson due to a previous dispute. In the incident relevant to this case, and allegedly in retaliation for the stabbing, Jones suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the chest, abdomen, back, arms, and left leg.

The request for dismissal stemmed from a June 3 hearing where Melson’s defense attorney, Jason Tulley, urged for dismissal of the case citing unavailability of lost evidence, including surveillance footage of the shooting. He stressed that the footage was lost due to MPD’s gross negligence.

At that hearing, prosecutors contended that the video evidence was lost accidentally.

However, due to the evidence issue, the prosecution proposed dismissing the case, and that outcome was accepted by the court and defense.

As for the motive behind the dismissal, the prosecutor simply stated that after a review of all matters of the case, they would like to dismiss without prejudice.

Judge O’Keefe granted the dismissal, which still allows the prosecution to refile charges against the defendant if any updates are made.

Convicted Shooter Assigned One More Hearing Before Probation Ends

Despite a report from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) recommending the termination of probation, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt scheduled Markeis Crandall to an additional hearing on June 7.

Crandall, 20, was originally charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left two individuals injured. The incident took place on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, on Nov. 26, 2021.

In 2022, Crandall accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He received a suspended sentence of five years with two years of probation.

During his term of probation, Crandall was detained at the DC Jail for multiple violations and repeatedly admitted into court-ordered residential substance abuse treatment programs.

At the June 7 hearing, a Community Supervision Officer (CSO) reported that Crandall had made progress on all the conditions of his probation. Although Crandall had failed two drug tests in May, the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) recommended that his probation be concluded.

The prosecutor requested another hearing before terminating probation, in light of the failed drug tests.

Judge Brandt noted that Crandall would have finished probation by now, if not for all the show cause hearings he had required for noncompliance.

“I want to make sure that Mr. Crandall isn’t falling back into his bad behavior with drugs before I close this case,” Judge Brandt said.

She ordered a subsequent hearing so that Crandall could provide more convincing assurance of abiding by the terms of his probation.

“I look at the young man that you have become–that you are becoming–and you are miles away from the young man I saw before me years ago,” Judge Brandt told Crandall. “I am scared to death what will happen if I’m removed from your life, and I’m just your judge. I can’t imagine what your mother must feel.”

Alvin Thomas, who was standing in for Crandall’s attorney, Sellano Simmons, proposed that Crandall’s appearance could be waived for the next hearing.

“I want to see him in person one last time,” Judge Brandt protested. “Don’t deprive me of that.”

“I tried to save you. I think I saved you. I’m not sure yet,” Judge Brandt said to Crandall.

To Thomas, she said, “Let me see him one last time.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 9.

Vehicular Homicide Defendant’s Driving Privileges Extended

Olivia Ayong, who is on release pending a trial for vehicular homicide, is now allowed to drive two hours longer each day, ruled DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt at a hearing on June 7.

Ayong, 49, is charged with negligent homicide of a pedestrian for her alleged involvement in the traffic death of Ralph Williams, 72. The incident occurred on the 900 block of K Street, NE, on Nov. 25, 2022.

Arrest documents report that Williams was unloading groceries from the rear of his vehicle when Ayong drove into him and his vehicle, causing him to be pinned between the two cars. Williams was transported to Medstar Washington Hospital Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

According to court documents, Ayong, who works as a home health care provider, was transporting a patient at the time of the incident. Court documents state that Ayong tested negative for alcohol or drug use, and the patient in her vehicle said she was not using her phone at the time.

Alvin Thomas, who was standing in for Ayong’s lawyer, Maria Mena, at the June 7 hearing, asked Judge Brandt to extend Ayong’s permitted driving hours by four hours on weekdays and to allow her to drive on weekends. Thomas argued that Ayong was prevented from accepting many job assignments because of her driving restrictions.

The prosecutor objected to Ayong being allowed to drive at all, even for work, given that she was driving as part of her job at the time of Williams’ death.

Judge Brandt extended Ayong’s permitted driving hours by two hours on weekdays but did not allow her to drive on weekends. Judge Brandt stated that she would consider more significant changes to Ayong’s release conditions after the preliminary hearing.

Alvin Thomas requested that the preliminary hearing, which had been scheduled for June 7, be delayed to allow for the possibility of plea negotiations.

The prosecutor stated that the prosecution has not extended a plea offer and won’t do so before speaking with the victim’s family.

The next hearing is set for July 9.

Shooting Defendant’s Probation Hearing Delayed Pending Federal Case

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz postponed the probation show cause hearing on June 10 for a shooting defendant due to an unrelated federal case.

On Dec. 22, 2020, Ronald L. Yarborough, 29, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on June 23, 2020, on the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW.

Yarborough was sentenced to 36 months for assault with a dangerous weapon and 18 months for possession of an unlawful firearm, served concurrently. At sentencing he was required to be on two years of supervised probation upon release.

On Jan. 29, as Yarborough served his probation, he was arrested in connection to a federal firearm case.

Donna Beasley, Yarborough’s defense attorney requested additional time to allow the federal case to be resolved before dealing with the possibility of a revocation of probation.

Yarborough is set to return to court on July 10.

Mother and Son Murder Co-Defendants Request Severance

Defense attorneys representing a mother and son duo, alleged to have perpetrated a homicide, filed a motion to sever their cases before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan during a June 7 hearing.

Jaquell Jackson, 20, and Chakeatia Jackson, 39, are charged with second-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Tarshaqua Chappell on Sept. 15, 2021, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

According to court documents, the murder stemmed from a verbal altercation between Chakeatia and Chappell at Ballou High School on the 3400 block of 4th Street, SE. Following the altercation, Chakeatia and Jaquell were allegedly seen pointing at Chappell’s vehicle and shots being fired on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

Brian McDaniel, Jaquell’s attorney, and Errin Scialpi, Chakeatia’s attorney, expressed concern regarding a joint trial, arguing that if the mother-and-son are tried together, it could cause prejudicial or misleading testimony by one defendant or the other due to their relationship.

However, the prosecution argued that since this is a mother-and-son relationship, a son would listen to his mother’s directions. Judge Raffinan rebutted, stating that this is the exact prejudice that the defense is worried about.

Prosecutors also requested Chakeatia, who is released, be required to attend hearings in person due to alleged misconduct during her remote appearance, including driving while she was participating in the hearing, and making threatening statements.

Parties are slated to return to further discuss the severance motion July 2.

Judge Denies Release of Suspect Accused of Shooting at Uncle

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied the release of a defendant allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting with a family member after he waived a preliminary hearing on June 7.

Jaylon Deangelo Whack, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm for allegedly firing a single shot at his uncle following a verbal dispute in his relative’s home on May 29 on the 3700 block of Horner Place, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, the defendant and his uncle had been arguing on the first-floor about various issues in the home. Whack allegedly went upstairs and came back with a firearm, pointing it directly at his uncle and shooting his gun, missing him.

At the hearing, after waiving the preliminary hearing, defense attorney Matthew Hertz recognized the seriousness of his client’s charges, but argued for Whack’s release on GPS monitoring.

Hertz emphasized Whack’s lack of criminal history, adding that his client would have a place to stay in the area and is involved with Project Empowerment, a job readiness training program in DC.

The prosecution objected and restated the alleged facts of the case, noting that Whack’s 81-year-old grandmother was at the scene when he fired his gun.

“It is lucky that no one was hit,” said the prosecution.

Despite the defense’s argument, Judge Raymond sided with the prosecution and denied Whack’s release acknowledging there is “significantly more than probable cause.”

Judge Raymond also imposed a stay away order from Whack’s uncle and the location of the incident.

The parties are slated to reconvene on July 11.

Metro Attack Defendant Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a stabbing defendant to seven years of incarceration in connection to an assault aboard a Metro train, on June 7.

Michael Harrington, 43, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing aboard a Metro train at the Navy Yard Station on the 1200 block of Half Street, SE, on Sept. 3, 2023. A woman sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, Harrington attacked the victim unprovoked, stabbing her multiple times in the head and body, telling her he would kill her.

On March 5, 2024, Harrington accepted an Alford plea deal, which required Harrington to agree that the prosecution could establish his guilt but he did not have to admit to the facts of the case. The plea required Harrington to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

During the hearing, the prosecution told Judge Raffinan that the victim “thought she was going to die” during the offense, and continues to be extremely vulnerable

According to the prosecution, at the time of the incident, Harrington, who is known to struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues, was intoxicated, which caused his perception of the incident, and has played a role in his inability to recall what happened.

However, Jesse Winograd, Harrington’s defense attorney, told Judge Raffinan Harrington is a “completely different person” when he takes medication that helps his mental health issues. According to Winograd, Harrington’s mother had previously attempted to provide help, but was unable to.

As per Winograd, Harrington was enduring a “dissociation from reality” at the time of the incident, which he argued was caused by intoxication.

“I wanted to apologize to the victims. I’m very sorry,” Harrington said to Judge Raffinan.

Aside from the 84 months of incarceration, Judge Raffinan also sentenced Harrington to three years of supervised release along with an intervention plan.

There are no further dates set.

Stabbing Suspect Held After dispute Over Money

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied a stabbing defendant’s release after he waived a preliminary hearing on June 7.

Everette Eugene Johnson, 49, is charged with first-degree burglary while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on June 4 on the 2700 block of Wade Road, SE. A woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, the victim stated Johnson followed her home because she owed him money, and broke into her residence. At some point, while in the victim’s home, Johnson allegedly stabbed her.

At the hearing, Johnson’s defense attorney, Susan Ellis, alerted the court he was waiving his preliminary hearing, and requested for his release under electronic monitoring or home confinement.

Ellis stated her client has a stable address and a supportive family, who she pointed out in the courtroom. In addition, Ellis acknowledged Johnson’s prior criminal record, with his most recent conviction in 2018.

The prosecution opposed the defense’s request, adding that Johnson currently has a misdemeanor case set for arraignment.

Judge Raymond denied Johnson’s release, referring to his criminal history in a pre-trial servicing report. She cited a previous supervised release of his that was revoked to incarceration and a probation which was classified as “unsatisfactory.”

Parties are slated to return on June 28.

Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Denied Release

After waiving a preliminary hearing, a defendant was denied release for his alleged involvement in a “dangerously reckless” act, according to DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on June 7.

Dayquan Henderson, 22, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on May 11 at the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Henderson fired a gun from his relative’s balcony after a verbal argument with a group, and shortly after an individual sprayed mace into his relative’s apartment.

Defense attorney Michelle Lockard alerted the court Henderson waived his right to a preliminary hearing, and requested for her client’s release, stating he has zero criminal convictions, awaits the birth of his child, and is employed with a waste company. She also pointed out his mother and sisters in the courtroom supporting Henderson.

The prosecution opposed the request for release, emphasizing the “strength” of their evidence. They also mentioned that the individual who was shot identified Henderson in a photo array.

Judge Raymond sided with the prosecution and denied the request, stating no combination of conditions would assure the safety of the community.

“Bullets don’t come with names on them, and this was phenomenally reckless, for this reason, you’ll be held without bond,” stated Judge Raymond.

Parties are scheduled to return June 17.

Document: MPD Seeks Suspect in a Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a stabbing that occurred on the 1100 block of 45th Street, NE, on June 5.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a stabbing, where they located a man suffering from stab wounds. The victim was transported to a hospital for the 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.

Document: Updated w/ Video MPD Seeking to Identify a Suspect in Fatal Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’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, where they located a man on the road with gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.

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

The suspect was captured by surveillance footage.

Judge Considers Delaying Trial Date Until Jury Bias Case Resolves

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt put off a trial date for Willie Byrd on June 7 based on how it might be affected by an ongoing case regarding alleged racial bias in DC jury selection.

Byrd, 61, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of another man who required surgery and intensive care as a result. The incident took place on Feb. 28, 2023, at the intersection of D Street, SW, and 2nd Street, SW.

Arrest documents report that surveillance camera footage from the Federal City Shelter, where Byrd was a resident, shows an individual identified as Byrd among a group of people appearing to push the victim onto the ground and rob him.

According to the arrest documents, the footage shows the victim trying to stand when the individual identified as Byrd appears to stab the victim in the chest.

In the hearing, Byrd’s lawyer, Camille Wagner, told Judge Brandt DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo had accepted a motion to delay Byrd’s trial until the jury bias case concluded.

That case is being heard by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein. Dozens of defendants represented by the DC Public Defender Service are challenging their convictions during the COVID pandemic, alleging their juries did not include a proportionate numbers of Black residents given DC’s minority population.

The DC Superior Court, meanwhile, says its jury selection process is unbiased and every reasonable effort is made to ensure that DC juries are racially balanced.

Judge Brandt was reluctant to make the date of Byrd’s trial contingent on the outcome of the jury bias case because she believed it might extend into 2026. She proposed to speak with Judge Epstein and Judge Demeo before scheduling Byrd’s trial.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 14.

Document: MPD Releases Additional Photos of Homicide Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) have released additional images of a suspect who is sought in connection to the fatal shooting of a juvenile on May 18 on the 1200 block of V Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. There, they located 16-year-old Devon Sharp with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on May 20.

The suspect was last seen fleeing the scene in a red Dodge Charger. He 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.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan issued a bench warrant for Jayvon Thomas due to his failure to appear in court on June 7.

Thomas and Lavar Hunter, both 20, are charged with first- degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Anwar Wingate. The incident occurred on Nov. 19, 2023, on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW.

On June 7, Thomas did not appear in court due to being arrested in Maryland for a gun charge. –

Defense attorney Sylvia Smith argued that they have no probable cause for his new arrest and claims her client does not own a gun.

Due to his absence, Judge Raffinan issued a bench warrant as a detainer, which states that law enforcement is ordered to arrest Thomas and bring him before the court in the District.

Parties are slated to return to court on October 25 for an arraignment.

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