Murder Defendant Arraigned While Facing Deportation Proceedings

Emerita Garcia was arraigned on a charge of second-degree murder while armed before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 7, after being released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody earlier in the week.

Garcia, 45, stands accused of aiding and abetting her son in allegedly murdering Larry Thomas, 27. The incident occurred on Aug. 24, 2023, on the 3600 block of 16th Street, NW.

According to court documents, camera footage shows Garcia allowing her son to take a gun from her bag, and later propping open a door to allow him to escape.

Jason Tulley, Garcia’s lawyer, informed the court that Garcia waived a formal reading of the indictment and pleaded not guilty.

Tulley reported that ICE has ordered Garcia to wear an ankle monitor and check in at their Chantilly office five days a week as part of an ongoing deportation case.

Judge Brandt released Garcia pending trial, instructing her to check in with the DC Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) by phone once a week and to seek and maintain employment with PSA’s help. Judge Brandt directed PSA to ask ICE to share information about Garcia’s compliance with their release conditions.

Tulley asked Judge Brandt to set Garcia’s trial date for Sept. 16, even though the prosecutor assigned to the case is unavailable then, since Tulley has no other time open on his schedule until 2027.

Tulley argued that the prosecutor should be willing to find a replacement who is available, given that prosecutors have frequently asked Tulley to turn his clients over to other defense attorneys for scheduling reasons, even though a defense attorney has a personal duty to each client that exceeds the duty a prosecutor has to any specific case.

The prosecutor objected that a trial date of Sept. 16 would not allow time for adequate preparation for a homicide case. She argued that scheduling the trial later would not be a hardship for Garcia, since the prosecution was not asking for Garcia to be detained pending trial.

“This case can’t wait until 2027,” Judge Brandt responded. “I’m asking you both to go back to the drawing board and find some time in 2025.” She directed both sides to agree on a trial date by the next hearing, which she set for June 21.

As the hearing was ending, the prosecutor suggested a trial date in 2025, which Tulley rejected.

Stabbing Defendant Found Competent to Stand Trial

Based on a report from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found Cristian Martinez competent to stand trial at a hearing on June 7.

Martinez, 18, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for allegedly stabbing another man in the neck on March 17. The incident occurred in the backyard of the victim’s apartment building on the 1700 block of Lamont Street, NW.

At the time of his arrest, Martinez told Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers that he attacked the victim because he saw the victim enter an alley alone, according to court documents. The officers reported that Martinez admitted to wanting to kill the victim, and mentioned previously hearing voices.

Lawyers for both sides told Judge Brandt that they are currently negotiating a plea deal. The prosecutor said he will place the plea offer on the record at the next hearing.

Alvin Thomas, Martinez’s attorney, asked Judge Brandt to release Martinez to home confinement so that Martinez can seek treatment at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW). Judge Brandt directed Thomas to file the motion in writing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 15.

Homicide Trial Delayed Due to Pending Motions

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo addressed multiple motions in a homicide case in advance of an originally planned trial date of June 10. However, parties left the June 6 hearing with many unresolved issues, causing Judge Demeo to delay jury trial by a day.

Aaron Murchison, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jamontate Brown, 32, on Oct. 16, 2022. The shooting occurred outside an apartment complex located on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

According to court documents, Brown sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was found on a sidewalk lying on his back with his hands above his head. There was a handgun found on the victim.

There were 80 spent cartridge casings, four live rounds of ammunition, and 22 fragments recovered from the scene, as per court documents.

The documents also stated that detectives located a vehicle believed to have been operated by the victim that had evidence of gunshot damage to the driver’s side.

Court documents stated that a witness claimed the victim must have fired first and then tried to run, which prompted the defendant to start shooting at him.

At the hearing, Judge Demeo was able to address three pending motions, despite hearing additional arguments for other motions.

Judge Demeo denied two of the defense motions – to suppress identification and bifurcate, or separate out, an element involving a prior conviction of Murchison’s.

The defense filed their motion to suppress identification on April 3, but added a supplemental filing of the matter on May 28.

Defense attorney Kevann Gardner argued about a photo procedure conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) being “suggestive” as detectives presented a single photograph to a witness who said he recognized Murchison in video surveillance footage, but never stated his name, claiming he knew him to be Murchison’s mom’s son.

According to Murchison, his mother has six sons, two of which were incarcerated at the time of the incident in connection to the murder of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson.

Regardless, the defense said photographs of both Murchison and his brothers should have been presented to the witness for proper identification purposes.

Judge Demeo stated the witness pointed the suspect out independently, and subsequently, although he never said the defendant’s name, he was knowledgeable that the defendant was the son of a woman who lived in a certain residence and drove a specific car.

Thus, Judge Demeo denied the motion to suppress identification, stating the witness was “able to identify the defendant not by name, but by association” in a “clear and well lit video of the suspect.” She added that she believed the witness had “sufficient familiarity” with Murchison and his mother.

As for the defense’s bifurcation motion, which was filed on June 2, the defense argued for a bifurcation of deliberation approach, meaning that deliberation would be split in parts to both the jury and the judge.

More specifically, the defense argued that the introduction of Murchison’s conviction of a prior felony offense would pose an unfair prejudice to Murchison.

Judge Demeo referred to case law, stating “without mention of prior conviction is flawed.”

Although she recognized it is “permissible but not required” for the jury and the judge to both deliberate, she ruled that the jury would be entitled to deliberating all the evidence.

Furthermore, Judge Demeo granted the majority of the prosecution’s motion for admission of other crime evidence, which shows Murchison’s involvement in prior incidents with beefing gangs.

The prosecution argued for evidence “closely intertwined with the charged conduct in this case” that would support the claims that an apartment Murchison frequented was a “trap house,” where illegal activities occur, and that he was involved in ongoing “beef” between the Wellington Park and Stanton Oaks crews.

Surveillance footage shows an individual, identified as Murchison, leaving an apartment building with a group of individuals during the time of the shooting.

According to Judge Demeo, there is “one coherent argument” – that Murchison “left the apartment to join the shooting.”

When addressing this motion, Judge Demeo stated “The central issue in this case will be identification.”

Ultimately, Judge Demeo decided to admit the majority of the prosecution’s evidence because of relevance for identification purposes. She stated it was “clear and convincing” that the defendant “was associated with the Wellington Park Crew,” to which his brothers have been proven to and alleged to belong.

Parties are scheduled to continue a motions hearing on June 10.

Judge ‘Extremely Troubled’ by Jail Calls, Sentenced Shooting Defendant to 15 Months

After multiple “disturbing” jail calls to a victim, a shooting defendant was sentenced to 15 months of incarceration by DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on June 7.

Christopher Rodgers, 46, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in a shooting on Feb. 14, on the 2700 block of Naylor Road, SE. There were no injuries reported.

According to court documents, the victims, whom Rodgers attempted to shoot, included his girlfriend and her children who lived with him. Rodgers shoved his girlfriend in the face and stated “I’ve got something for you,” while holding a firearm, before shooting multiple times.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found two handguns and one rifle at the residence, according to court documents.

On April 10, Rogers accepted a plea offer that reduced his charges to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm. In return, the prosecution did not seek an indictment.

On June 7, the prosecutor requested Rodgers be sentenced to two years of incarceration.

Stephen LoGerfo, Rodgers’ defense attorney, requested that his client be sentenced to one year and one day, citing the lack of significant criminal history, and added Rodgers has a lot of family support, but could benefit from alcohol treatment.

Rodgers addressed the court saying “sorry for all the trouble I caused or whatever. Thank you.”

Judge Di Toro stated she was “extremely troubled by all the jail calls,” made by Rodgers in an attempt to bar his girlfriend and her children from testifying in court.

They were “not subtle, disturbing, and inappropriate,” Judge Di Toro insisted.

She acknowledged Rodgers limited criminal history, but highlighted the fact that all of the offenses he does have involved firearms.

Rodgers was ultimately sentenced to 15 months of incarceration and will get credit for the four months he has served.

Upon release, he will serve three years of supervised release, be required to register as a gun offender in DC, and will pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF).

In addition, he will be required to receive alcohol treatment and be evaluated for any other mental health issues.

No additional dates were set.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Request for Modifications of Release Conditions at Arraignment

A homicide defendant’s request to modify release conditions was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun during an arraignment on June 7.

Lamar Wright, 20, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Derrick Thomas on May 2, 2023, on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, NE.

During the hearing, Sylvia Smith, Wright’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Okun he was pleading not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Smith also requested Judge Okun dismiss the home confinement requirement for her client, stating he’s been compliant since January and only missed multiple important events because of his inability to leave home. She requested he be put on GPS monitoring and curfew.

However, the prosecution opposed the request, stating Wright had changed homes in April and failed to alert anyone. She deemed his actions “extremely dangerous,” and requested time to give Thomas’ family a chance to speak their thoughts on his release.

Judge Okun denied the request, without prejudice, allowing Smith to file a motion in writing, and permitting the prosecution to draft a response.

Parties are slated to return Aug. 6.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A homicide defendant was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, and pleaded not guilty to all charges in a June 7 hearing.

Pedro Funes, 34, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Arnold Humberto Solis. The incident occurred on July 26, 2023, on the 2200 block of Champlain Street, NW.

According to court documents, the pair had gotten into an argument outside a liquor store in close proximity to the crime scene. Upon exiting the store, Funes allegedly told Solis, “The next time you say that s**t, I’m going to make sure you leak out your f****g brain.”

The exchange was apparently recorded on video surveillance cameras an hour before Funes is allegedly seen walking with Solis towards the location of the shooting, according to court documents.

At the hearing, Dana Page, Funes’ defense attorney, alerted the court he pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to return Aug. 23.

Judge Modifies Murder Codefendants’ Release Conditions

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun partially granted two codefendant’s motions to modify their release conditions during a June 7 hearing.

Ashton Inabinet, 17, and Na’eem Butler, 20, are charged with second-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Diamonte Lewis on Oct. 21, 2023, on the 900 block of U Street, NW.

Inabinet is charged as an adult under Title 16.

Kevann Gardner, Butler’s defense attorney, previously filed a motion requesting Judge Okun release Butler from the “home confinement condition and allow him to simply remain on GPS monitoring or, short of that, simply give him a nightly curfew.”

According to Gardner, Butler has been in home confinement for three months, and has “done very well,” at being compliant with his conditions. He requested the modification in order for Butler to attend aviation maintenance school in Virginia.

Likewise, Stuart Sears, Inabinet’s defense attorney, orally motioned for Judge Okun to release Inabinet from home confinement, and allow him to work full-time with his parents in an auto body shop in Maryland. He also requested for Inabinet to be allowed to go into his backyard while he remains at home.

Judge Okun expressed concern about his inability to use the backyard, arguing it counts as part of the house in home confinement.

“I am not a monster, they can go in the backyard,” said the prosecutor, adding “I would need a search warrant to get on it, he’s entitled to be on it.”

However, as for the modifications, the prosecutor argued “murder is the crime of all crimes,” and they are released to home confinement because it was the least restrictive condition for release.

She commended the defendants for wanting to put in the effort to move forward with their lives, but argued the supervision that Sears promises will be available by Inabinet’s parents was in place at the time of the incident.

Lewis’ mom addressed the court, and told Judge Okun “they should have no more privileges than they already do,” adding “my son isn’t here, but they are.”

“They should stay in their homes if they can’t be behind bars,” she argued, “that’s fair.”

“The current conditions are working,” the prosecutor insisted, adding “there is no returning to normal life after what happened.”

Despite the prosecutor’s arguments, Judge Okun granted Inabinet and Butler permission to attend their desired job and vocational training, but ordered they must be confirmed by the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) prior to starting. They will be expected to remain in home confinement aside from their participation in the programs.

Parties are slated to return Oct. 4.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty for Arson in His Own Apartment

A shooting defendant pleaded not guilty after being indicted on eight counts before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on June 7.

Robert Crowder, 33, is charged with arson, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, destruction of property, unlawful possession of a firearm, endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on Aug. 22, 2023, on the 1000 block of 2nd Place, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Crowder told the 911 dispatcher that he set his couch on fire and “was trying to save people and stop the violence,” leading him to fire the gun.

Responding officers found “baggies” that included a “green weed-like substance” and a “white rock-like substance” wrapped in a paper towel, where the defendant was sitting during police transport, according to court documents. The white rock-like substance allegedly tested positive for cocaine

After multiple mental competency exams, Crowder was ultimately found competent to stand trial on April 1. He is currently held at St. Elizabeths Hospital for prisoners with mental health issues.

John Sample, Crowder’s defense attorney, pleaded not guilty on behalf of his client to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are set to return June 12 to discuss a plea offer.

Defense Attacks Witness’ Credibility in Jail Stabbing Trial

The prosecution and the defense argued a case of jailhouse violence before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on June 6.

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 footage from the DC Jail depicts an individual, identified as Johnson, in a physical fight with the victim. Officers went to the scene and used pepper spray to calm the situation. The victim was found with multiple stab wounds throughout his body, and was taken to the infirmary.

The prosecution called four correctional officers and an intensive care physician who treated the victim at MedStar Hospital Center corroborating the multiple stab wounds found on the victim’s body, and the details of the fight.

One of the officers, a corporal assigned to the quadrant of the jail where Johnson and the victim were held, testified that at the time of the incident, he was making rounds around the floor as “something wasn’t right.”

When he heard the fight break out, the witness testified, he attempted to use pepper spray against Johnson and the victim to “gain control of the situation.” However, fans blew the pepper spray back into his face. The witness was temporarily blinded and called for backup.

According to the witness, after clearing his vision, he returned to the scene to administer pepper spray a second time, when he allegedly saw Johnson with a knife, stabbing the victim. The witness identified Johnson in the courtroom.

During cross examination, the witness stated that the victim had spoken with another inmate in an “angry tone” before confronting Johnson “in an aggressive manner.” Additionally, he stated that the third inmate – with whom the victim was previously arguing – approached the fight.

It was after the third inmate walked away that the witness saw the knife.

Prosecutors also called on an officer with the tactical response unit (TRU) of the DC Jail, who testified to the video footage from his body-worn camera at the time of the incident.

The footage, which was shown in court, showed the witness responding to an “all available” call, and arriving at the scene when the fight was happening. The witness pepper sprayed both the suspect and the victim before removing the victim from the situation.

The officer described the victim as appearing “distressed and disoriented.” He said he did not handcuff the victim because he was afraid he would pass out from losing so much blood. He then took the victim to the infirmary, who was later transferred to MedStar, according to the officer.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Matthew Rist raised questions about the officer’s credibility.

The officer stated that he did not recall talking to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) about the incident. This statement apparently contradicted his previous testimony given to a grand jury in January, where he confirmed that such a conversation had indeed taken place.

Another is an alleged phone call reporting charges of abuse against the officer by his signficant other. The officer said he was not informed about the report.

Judge Di Toro stated that Rist had the right to question the officer on his knowledge of the report at the time of Johnson’s investigation.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 10.

Defense Attorney Asks Jurors ‘to Kick the Tires,’ in Murder, Conspiracy Case

During closing arguments in a co-defendant murder and conspiracy trial defense lawyers say the prosecution failed to connect the dots by linking the defendants to a deadly crime spree. The pleadings were heard before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 6.

Stephen Nelson, 33, Koran Jackson, 23, and Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, are three out of five individuals charged with first-degree murder while armed, multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, carrying a pistol without a license and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in connection to the fatal shooting of Malachi Lukes, 13, on March 1, 2020. The incident occurred on the 600 block of S Street, NW. Another juvenile sustained injuries after suffering a gunshot wound to the leg.

The incident also allegedly involved 24-year-old Reginald Steele and 27-year-old Aaron Brown.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, 2020; Feb. 24, 2020 and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy among the defendants in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

Defense attorney Andrew Ain said Freeman was not a part of the conspiracy to possess firearms calling into question the extent of Freeman’s relationship with Steele. According to Ain, there is no record of firearms transactions conversations between the two.

The defense lawyer poked holes in the DNA evidence saying Freeman’s was virtually excluded from the sample tested.

Ain also claimed the police had mislabeled key evidence and urged the jury to “kick the tires” and dig deeper into all evidence they were presented with.

On Nelson’s behalf, defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein argued that the prosecution was overreaching by “trying to blend Mr. Nelson into the Malachi Lukes case” with overly broad legal theories.

She emphasized to the jury that Nelson should only be held accountable for what is proven, not any involvement in Lukes’ death. She disputed the prosecution’s theory that Nelson was at the “top of the pyramid” of the alleged conspiracy, instead pointing the finger at Steele.

In rebuttal, the prosecutor urged the jury to consider the evidence as a whole disputing arguments about misleading evidence and contradictory witness statements given the memories of four-year-old incidents.

The prosecutor also highlighted the relationship between Nelson and Jackson, disputing Ain’s claim that the three co-defendants were not closely tied. They played a jailhouse phone call, in which Jackson allegedly referred to Nelson as “Uncle Boog,” and saying, “That’s my man.”

In response to Sapirstein, the prosecutor noted the power of the conspiracy allegations is indicated by how eager the defendants are to distance themselves from collective actions.

In conclusion, the prosecutor pointed at Nelson saying, “He put the guns in their hands… he is on the hook for everything.”

The jury will begin deliberations on June 10.

Defense Attacks Notion Murder Suspects Engaged in Conspiracy

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied three co-defendant’s motions for a mistrial following the prosecution’s closing arguments during a June 5 hearing, before defense attorneys began closing arguments.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, on the 600 Block of S Street, NW. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, 2020 on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW; Feb. 24, 2020 on the 1700 block of 9th Street, NW, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020 at Channing Street, NE. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy of the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in all shootings.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

On June 4, Andrew Ain, Freeman’s defense attorney, filed a motion for a mistrial after the prosecutor used the term “felon” multiple times during closing arguments, and cited the defendants’ prior convictions. Defense attorneys for Jackson and Nelson joined in on the motion.

During the June 5 hearing, Shawn Sukumar, Freeman’s other defense attorney, argued that the jury could use the prosecution’s conviction statements as “foreseeability that there will be additional crimes.”

The prosecution stated that due to Freeman’s and Nelson’s prior convictions, they are “more likely to commit greater crimes,” and upholds the current charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.

Judge Brandt ultimately denied the motion stating “the jury is simply not going to remember” the amount of times the word ‘felon’ was used.

She will again instruct the jury that the mention of the defendant’s prior convictions does not mean they are guilty of a current crime and will reiterate that closing arguments should not be taken as evidence.

The prosecution buttressed their closing argument by providing evidence of texts, phone calls, and search history of information about Lukes as well as the Metropolitan Police Department ‘s (MPD) investigation of evidence from Steele’s phone.

The prosecutor claims the three co-defendants tampered with evidence by trying to sell and trade the guns used in the shootings. Text messages were presented of Steele telling Nelson that “17 gotta go,” allegedly referring to a Glock 17 connected to the homicide.

“Do guns kill, or people kill? In this case they kill, these people kill,” the prosecutor stated.

The prosecution proclaimed they have “proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt” as they ended their closing arguments, pleading with the jury to “find them guilty.”

Brian McDaniel, Jackson’s defense attorney, insisted Jackson is “presumed innocent until the government proves otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt.”

“Eighty-five percent of this case is about Mr. Steele, not about Jackson or his association with Mr. Steele,” McDaniel stated. “He should be treated as if he was being tried by himself. Much of the evidence didn’t include Jackson,” he added.

“There is no conspiracy between these gentlemen,” McDaniel said as he went on to argue that there have been no texts between Jackson and Freeman, or Jackson and Nelson, who “barely knew each other.”

McDaniel insisted no witness ever identified Jackson as a shooter or the driver of the suspect vehicle during Lukes’ murder.

McDaniel acknowledged that Jackson’s fingerprints were on the Kia Soul and that it didn’t come as a surprise since there is surveillance footage of Jackson at a BP gas station the day of the murder with the same car.

However, he insisted that Jackson was not involved in the shooting and had gotten out of the car at his grandmother’s house, as the GPS tracking implies.

The prosecution, along with multiple witnesses, have previously identified a 2016 Kia Soul as the suspect vehicle for most of the shootings. The vehicle has been specifically tracked to the alley of Luke’s homicide by surveillance footage and GPS tracking.

“Finish the job,” McDaniel told the jury, adding “Mr. Jackson asks you to find him not guilty, even if you don’t want to.”

Following McDaniel’s closing statement, Ain averred, “Freeman is innocent,” highlighting his absence during the Feb. 22, 2020 incident on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW, according to witness testimony.

As for one of the suspect vehicles the prosecution has attempted to connect to the co-defendants, Ain stated that, although there are messages between Freeman’s Instagram account and an account named “HL.Trey” about purchasing a stolen Mazda, there is no evidence that proves the transaction was completed.

A white Mazda SUV has been previously introduced as a suspect vehicle for the Feb. 24, 2020 on the 1700 block of 9th Street, NW, shooting by the prosecution.

Due to time constraints, Ain wasn’t able to conclude his closing arguments.

Parties are set to return June 6.

Stabbing Defendant Sentenced to 24 Months, All but Three Suspended

A stabbing defendant has been sentenced to 24 months with all but 3 months suspended by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on June 6.

Raeshell Lanier, 24, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for her involvement in a stabbing that occured on July, 15, 2023, on 1900 block of 9th Street, NW. Two individuals sustained injuries from the incident, with one victim being stabbed more than a dozen times and another being slashed across the face.

On March 8, Lanier accepted a plea offer that required she plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

At sentencing, the prosecution requested Judge Okun sentence her to 18 months of incarceration, followed by a year of probation.

Lanier’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, asked Judge Okun for a probationary sentence, citing her young age and lack of criminal history. He added that she was provoked and scared during the incident.

Judge Okun admitted difficulty in passing sentence, stating that “a certain level of self defense was warranted,” but the number of times the victim was stabbed was not .

“Incarceration would be deeply detrimental to Ms. Lanier,” said LoGerfo, adding that “she is going to lose everything, her job and her home.”

However, Judge Okun said that a completely probationary sentence would be inappropriate given the severity of the crime, and imposed the 24 month sentence, with all but three months suspended.

Lanier was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a young individual’s conviction once they have successfully completed all sentencing requirements.

No further dates were set.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A defendant in a stabbing case rejected a plea offer extended by the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on June 6.

Victor Mejia, 52, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Oct. 13, 2023 on the 4000 block of Cathedral Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, an individual identified as Mejia and a coworker were involved in an argument as co-workers in a restaurant kitchen. An individual identified as Mejia threatened the victim saying, “This is the day I stab you,” before swinging the knife and allegedly injuring the victim. The victim sustained a back injury.

During the hearing, Mejia’s defense attorney, Henry Escoto, told Judge Hertzfeld Mejia was rejecting a deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment that could include other charges.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 3.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Request for Modified Release

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied modifications for a shooting defendant’s existing curfew during a June 6 hearing.

Mekhi Wilkins, 18, is charged with unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on Jan. 20 on the 1100 block of Holbrook Terrace, NE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, 14 shots were detected at the location, and an officer allegedly observed Wilkins, who was apprehended as he fled the scene, discarding a firearm.

Madhuri Swarna, Wilkins’ defense attorney, requested Judge Park modify Wilkins’ existing curfew so that he can comply with work obligations.

Prosecutors objected to the request, citing the nature and circumstances of the incident.

DC Superior Judge Jason Park denied the request to modify his release conditions.

Swarna insisted the case was based on “constructive possession,” to which Judge Park responded, “Yeah, it’s a gun toss case.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 11.

Homicide Defendant Asserts Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

Before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on June 6, a homicide defendant asserted his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a crime scene.

Kevin Singletary, 46, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Delonte Hazel on Sept. 10, 2021 on the 100 block of Kennedy Street, NW.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a report of gunshots. Hazel was found by officers on the ground of a parking lot near a vehicle, wearing a ballistic vest and bearing a handgun in his waistband. He sustained ten gunshot wounds, including nine to his head and neck.

At the hearing, the prosecution stated that out of the ten cartridge casings recovered from the crime scene, they tested four of the casings for DNA results and provided the results to the defense. However, the results were not disclosed in court.

The prosecution also added that they do not intend to test other evidence.

Defense attorney Howard McEachern stated his client would like test one cartridge casing that the prosecution tested and a surgical mask.

Parties are scheduled to return on Oct. 4.

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