Document: MPD Searching for Suspect Vehicle in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect’s vehicle involved in a shooting on May 16 on the 200 block of 37th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots. There, they located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect’s vehicle was captured by nearby 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.

Parties Introduce Last Minute Evidence in Three Co-Defendant Murder, Conspiracy Trial

At the culmination of a months-long murder conspiracy trial, both the prosecution and the defense submitted evidence at the last minute in hopes of bolstering their respective cases.

On May 16, the defense teams renewed their motion for judgment of acquittal shortly thereafter the presentation of new evidence, but DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt was quick in denying the motion on behalf of the co-defendants.

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, 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.

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

Nelson’s attorneys called on the mother of one of Nelson’s children. She testified to knowing him since 2016, and having a daughter with him in 2019.

Defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein questioned the witness about her relationship with Nelson, how often she would spend time with him, and whether or not she knew him under another alias, like his suspected nickname throughout the case known as “Boogie.”

The witness stated she did not know Nelson as “Boogie,” nor did she know of the alleged co-conspirators, including Freeman and Jackson.

The prosecution later pulled up a Facebook message exchange from November 2019 between the witness and Nelson, and pointed out that “Boogie” was in his username.

The witness stated that they were not Facebook friends at the time, so she wasn’t sure what any of his aliases may have been.

Additionally, the witness stated that she would see Nelson about “three to four days a week” in 2019 and 2020 because he would go over to her house and typically spend the night.

“I was in love [with Nelson],” the witness testified, adding that although she was “head over heels in love,” she had certain rules in her household because she is a mother and has young children.

“He know I don’t allow that,” the witness stated, addressing that Nelson’s friends would not be allowed in her house with Nelson because she did not want her children around them.

Images of an individual identified as Nelson pictured with guns in his possession were presented by the prosecution after the witness testified that she had never seen Nelson with a firearm in-person before.

The prosecution also mentioned that Nelson and another woman had a child one month after the birth of Nelson and the witness’ daughter. She was unable to identify Nelson’s location in a video of Nelson in another individual’s bed.

The prosecution suggested the witness was not exposed to Nelson’s “other side”, the “side where he carried guns,” in addition to not knowing where Nelson would be or what he would be doing the other “three to four days a week” that they were not together.

Freeman’s attorney, Andrew Ain, argued for the admission of a letter therefore, re-opening his case which he originally rested on May 15.

The letter claims two officers presented different stories about the retrieval of two items of evidence, including Freeman’s phone, that went missing in March 2024 when the prosecution was preparing to admit this evidence during trial.

In the letter, dated March 27, 2024, one officer stated that the missing evidence was later found in the evidence department of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) by another officer.

However, the officer who located the evidence had previously reported that it was found in a locked desk drawer in his office.

Freeman’s defense argued the letter should come in because it relates to the chain of custody during the investigation.

The prosecution stated that the letter should not come in “unsanitized,” arguing that parts of the letter should be redacted as they believed some of the information was redundant and irrelevant to the defense’s argument.

Judge Brandt stated she would choose which information would and would not be redacted from the letter “Because you guys can’t seem to do the one thing I need you to do – to work it out yourselves.”

“I take a more cautious, narrower view,” she stated.

However, Judge Brandt ultimately decided to admit the letter in its entirety. She would be “extremely surprised” if the document is the deciding factor for the jury, given the abundance of information that has been presented.

In response, the prosecution decided to reopen their case and called a forensic scientist with MPD.

The analyst stated that she extracted data from Freeman’s phone, creating a report on June 8, 2020 that was over 18,000 pages long. The report contains material such as location data, texts, videos, and call logs.

According to the witness, the analysis of Freeman’s phone and its original data does not change, reaffirming the prosecution’s assertion the chain of custody was intact.

With the new evidence, all three defense teams renewed their motion for judgment of acquittal.

Judge Brandt rejected the motion, stating that the new witness testimonies and new evidence do not pose great weight. She concluded, as before, the defendants would likely be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Parties will reconvene May 28.

Homicide Defendant After Rejecting Plea Asks For More Time

A homicide defendant was offered a plea, but requested more time to review, after originally rejecting it following a short discussion with his attorney at a May 17 hearing.

Charles Robert Lewis Jr., 33, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of Mark Carter, 55, on Oct. 15, 2022 on the 600 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, on the day of the incident, Carter was found lying flat and face downward in the middle of the street with his pants and underwear below his knees. The victim’s face was covered in blood and his eyes swollen shut.

The plea deal requires Lewis to plead guilty to second-degree murder, with a sentencing range of 12-to-18 years.

Defense attorney Brandi Harden requested more time with her client as she wants to make sure he understands the terms of the plea agreement, despite his original rejection of the deal before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Harden also stated that Lewis Jr. would like to make an inquiry about the first-degree murder charge versus the plea deal.

Parties will reconvene May 30.

Judge Sentences Murder Defendant to 24 Years, Victim’s Family Wanted More

A homicide victim’s brother told DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo , “It should be a life for a life,” before a homicide defendant was sentenced to 24 years of incarceration.

DaJuan Bell, 45, was originally charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, obstruction of justice, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict in connection to a shooting that claimed the life of 34-year-old Davon Childs on Dec. 10, 2021, on the 2000 block of 14th Street, NE.

Another individual reportedly lost his eye during the incident, which occurred after a dispute over the ownership of a shared apartment.

On March 1, Bell accepted an offer that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and aggravated assault while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

On May 17, Childs’ older brother delivered a victim impact statement, in which he told Bell, “You crushed me, man.”

“You should never see the light of day again, it should be a life for a life,” he added.

Judge Demeo intervened and told Childs’ brother to only direct comments to her.

He apologized and concluded by saying, “He took my heartbeat away.”

According to the prosecution, Bell was high when the incident occurred he be that he be sentenced at the high end of the guidelines.

“I don’t think Bell is a bad person, he just did a bad thing,” the prosecutor added. She also recognized Bell had just buried his child prior to the shooting.

Michael Bruckheim, Bell’s defense attorney, stated “How do you apologize for taking a life?”

“He knows that what he did was wrong and is going to take away a lot of his years,” he added.

Bell apologized to the victims and their families.

“I’m sorry to my family, I was inconsiderate, selfish frankly,” said Bell.

Judge Demeo stated Bell was taking a significant step by taking accountability. She also acknowledged that Childs’ family did not agree on the sentencing guidelines outlined in the plea agreement and asked the court for a higher sentence.

However, she ruled that the guidelines offered “a fair and appropriate sentence.”

Bell was sentenced to 24 years for the charge of second-degree murder while armed and 12 years for the charge of aggravated assault while armed, which will be served concurrently.

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

No further dates were set.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 13 Years Was Only Trying to ‘Scare’ Victim

A defendant was sentenced to 13 years of incarceration for the non-fatal shooting of a juvenile, ending his college football career.

Damar Whitley, 46, also known as Delmar Whitley, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed against a minor, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left a 17-year-old boy suffering from life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred on Aug. 31, 2022, on the 4700 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

On March 18, Whitley pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

On May 17, the prosecution read a letter to the court submitted by the victim’s mother who expressed sadness that her son’s college football career was over due to the serious injuries inflicted by the shooting.

According to the prosecutor, the juvenile victim had a bullet exit his neck after having his teeth and part of his jaw “blown out.” As he tried to run away, the defendant also shot him in the back.

Stephen LoGerfo, Whitley’s defense attorney, stated that the defendant was “not unsympathetic” and asked multiple times if, “the boy was okay.”

LoGerfo affirmed Whitley has accepted responsibility and “saved trauma” from the children that would’ve had to testify as eyewitnesses if the case had gone to trial.

Whitley apologized to the victim and his mother, stating “I wasn’t trying to kill him, only scare him.”

“I didn’t know he really got hit which is why I kept asking my lawyer,” he added.

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo acknowledged that Whitley took responsibility for his actions, but stated “this went way beyond trying to scare someone.”

Judge Demeo said she was surprised that someone, “would choose this kind of action at age 45.”

“It’s an inexcusable decision by a mature adult,” she added.

Judge Demeo sentenced Whitley to 13 years for the charge of assault with intent to kill while armed and 5 years to the charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, which will be served concurrently.

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

No further dates were set.

Defendant and Her Girlfriend Charged in Domestic Shooting incident

Co-defendants in a non-fatal shooting were arraigned on a 10-count indictment on May 17 while one of the defendants is denied release.

Tyshay Moore, 27, and Javonee Jackson, 25, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, conspiracy, and simple assault in connection to a non-fatal shooting on May 10, 2023, on 700 block of 7th Street, NW. The shooting left one victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the face, arm, and torso.

Jackson is currently released and was previously only charged with simple assault.

According to court documents, Jackson and the victim had a six year relationship and a child in common, with a history of domestic violence.

Additionally, Moore has been identified as Jackson’s girlfriend.

The co-defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges, asserting their constitutional rights, including a speedy trial.

Hannah Claudio, Moore’s defense attorney, requested Moore be released. Claudio stated there have been “significant changes in circumstances” and claimed Moore’s actions were in self-defense.

She added Moore has no criminal history besides a 2017 misdemeanor case in Maryland that has now been resolved.

Claudio also highlighted the “inhumane conditions” of the DC Jail that has damaged Moore’s mental health from multiple reasons in including missed meals and solitary confinement.

The prosecution opposed Claudio’s request by stating that the safety of the community “can’t be ensured.”

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo stated that these “new developments don’t change the probable cause” that she’s one of the perpetrators and denied Moore’s request for release.

A trial date has been scheduled for April 2025.

Parties are set to return Aug. 2.

Defense Requests Release of Homicide Defendant in Five-Year-Old Case

Defense attorney Mani Golzari renewed a motion for release on behalf of his client on May 17, arguing that with a trial date set in April of 2025, the defendant should be granted the opportunity to, “move forward with his life.”

Kavon Young, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of John Pernell, 66, on July 3, 2010. The incident occurred at a cookout near the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE.

Young, who was charged with the killing in 2019, was 19-years-old at the time of the incident.

At the hearing on May 17, Golzari responded to the prosecution’s claim that Young poses a danger to the community, stating his client has a supportive family with no physical or mental health issues.

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein stated, “I have not made my mind yet,” adding he needed more time to think about the motion, despite recognizing the strength of the prosecution’s evidence.

Golzari believed it was “quite clear” how the court would rule. In the previous hearing, Judge Epstein denied the same motion.

“I have my faults, but I don’t kick cans down the road,” said Judge Epstein.

According to the Judge, he will schedule an immediate hearing once he’s made up his mind.

Acquitted: ‘I’m Ready to Fight,’ Says Frustrated Homicide Victim’s Friend at Trial

Editor’s note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Brothers is still being held on homicide charges in another case.

A homicide victim’s best friend gave emotional testimony about events leading up to a murder before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein’s courtroom on May 16.

Devonte Brothers, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 27-year-old Deron Leake, also known as “Snoop”, on Oct. 17, 2019, at the Cascade Apartment Complex on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE. The incident also left one individual with non-life threatening injuries.

Leake’s friend, who identified Leake as his brother, stating they were part of an organization of four men known as the “blood brothers,” testified he was with Leake when he was shot to death.

During his testimony, the witness became visibly emotional and irate with prosecutors, stating multiple times, “I don’t want to be here,” and “this s**t hurts, man,” adding that his relationship with Leake was so close, “his mom is my mom.”

“It was just us. Everywhere we went, it was just us,” he explained about the group, emphasizing, “We all was close to Snoop.”

Throughout the prosecution’s questions, the witness told them “get straight to the point, man… y’all gotta stop playing with me,” as he grew more frustrated, stating they needed to “stop beating around the bush,” and ask direct questions.

According to the witness, the “blood brothers” were hanging out on the day of Leake’s murder, having gone to visit Leake’s mother and one of their friends’ “old hoods,” before arriving at the Cascade Apartment Complex, where Leake grew up.

The witness said they entered a building where a group of six to eight men were congregating. He testified that Leake had “dapped them up,” before getting into a disagreement with one of the individuals.

“Him [Leake] and one dude got into a little conversation,” the witness told the jury, adding he heard them involved in a “disrespectful conversation.”

According to the witness, when he realized things were heating up between the groups, he told the blood brothers “let’s get the f**k outta here,” before exiting the building.

As they attempted to walk toward the car, the witness testified, two individuals intercepted them.

“I seen one man come around the corner and another hand him a gun… I ran away,” he claimed, adding “I was getting the f**k out of the way,” as shots were fired.

“I knew motherf****r was dead based on the number of shots,” the witness cried.

According to the witness, he was the one to call Leake’s mom to tell her of his passing. “I couldn’t f*****g talk to her, man… I was choked up, I was f*****g scared,” he told the jury.

During the investigation, the witness testified, detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) talked to him about what he saw and had him participate in an photo array identification procedure. However, he was unable to identify the shooter.

As tensions flared between the prosecutor and the witness, the witness told the prosecutor “Now you got me ready to fight,” and threatened to walk out.

During cross examination, the witness told Molly Bunke, Brothers’ defense attorney, he “told [MPD] a lot,” during their investigation, adding, “I didn’t kill. I’m gonna tell them the good, the bad, and the ugly,” about the incident.

However, as Bunke attempted to review his answers from the prosecution’s questioning, the witness told her “I’m about to walk out on your a** too, ma’am,” adding, “Y’all don’t understand this is traumatizing.”

“Y’all might not know, but I’m ready to fight,” the witness told the parties.

When asked by the prosecution how he felt about having to testify, the witness said “I didn’t wanna relive what I’m living right now… It hurt badly.”

Prior to the witness’ testimony, the prosecution called a photographer for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) who testified to taking the autopsy photographs for this case on Oct. 18, 2019.

According to the photographer, Leake experienced a shot that entered through his left side of the head, and exited through the right side, a bit behind the ear.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 20.

Victim’s Family Taunts and Prays for Homicide Defendant at Sentencing

“I know my son wouldn’t hate you because I know his heart,” Antwon Duncan‘s mother said to Diamante Butler in a victim impact statement. She made the remarks at Butler’s sentencing for Duncan’s murder.

“You were friends once,” she said.

Duncan was shot to death at the age of 20 in the middle of the day on June 28, 2020, on the sidewalk in the 2600 block of Birney Place, SE.

Butler, now age 23, was arrested for the shooting within a few weeks and charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business.

Butler pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed on Nov. 20, 2023, as part of a plea deal in which the prosecution agreed to drop all other charges stemming from the incident.

While the voluntary sentencing guidelines call for a person with Butler’s criminal history to receive between 12-to-24 years incarceration, the prosecution requested 14-to-16 years imprisonment and five years supervised release.

“You killed him for literally no reason,” one of Duncan’s aunts castigated Butler in her victim impact statement. “You could have fought him like a man, but you killed him like a coward.”

“You were scared. You couldn’t face Antwon. You know this,” Duncan’s young female cousin taunted Butler. Then she began repeating, “I pray you come home, bro. I really pray you come home, bro.”

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, admonished her to address him rather than Butler.

“Vengeance belongs to the Lord,” said Duncan’s godmother. “We ask for justice, and hopefully his mother finds peace.”

“I pray you find peace,” Duncan’s mother told Butler when she took her turn to speak. “It’s sad to see my son gone, but it’s sad to see another young Black man sitting in jail.”

She testified she formerly worked with young people to improve their lives, but she no longer could because she was overwhelmed by the number of tragic outcomes.

“I’m broken. My life is broken,” Duncan’s mother admitted, yet she told Butler, “I still pray for you. Every time I pray, I pray for you.”

She urged him to use his time in prison to get the help he needed, saying, “Do good. Don’t let this second chance pass you by.”

“Amen to what my sister said,” another of Duncan’s aunts stated after Duncan’s mother, “but–I pray God forgive me–I want your family to feel the pain we feel. I hope you die in prison.”

Judge O’Keefe sentenced Butler to 16 years’ incarceration and five years’ supervised release. He ordered that Butler remain at the DC Jail until Aug. 31 to finish his high school diploma before being transferred to prison.

In Spite of Lawyer’s Fears, Juvenile Murder Suspect Remains in Custody

Defense lawyer Will Howell argued that a 16-year-old juvenile murder suspect currently in detention was,“not a danger. He’s in danger.”

Howell’s concerns were raised before DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs during a May 17 hearing before she ruled the youth should remain detained.

He’s accused of fatally shooting 14-year-old Avion Evans on April 4 during a fight between two groups at the Brookland Metro Station on the 800 block of Monroe Street, NE. Flanked by his lawyers, the defendant appeared at the hearing wearing a purple shirt.

The adolescent is formally charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of unregistered ammunition.

The prosecutor opposed release on the grounds that the shooting was in “broad daylight” and posed a threat to the public.

Arguing for release, Howell pointed out conditions at the DC Youth Services Center (YSC) pose “grave concerns” based on reports of assaults there and that the narcotic fentanyl is present in the facility.

He also noted there was a tip texted to a woman by her boyfriend saying that he was the Brookland shooter. Howell stressed there were many other boys at the crime scene in an attempt to “bag” their rivals. In the chaos, said Howell, it’s hard to determine the direction of the shooting.

On procedural grounds, Howell said any further delay would push the trial start day beyond the 45 day statutory limit.

Judge Briggs said there was “good cause” to delay the trial to accommodate a prosecution motion to wait for the autopsy report. “We saw that coming,” she said.

Meanwhile, the prosecutor said the report was received yesterday and would be provided to the defense.

Judge Briggs set the trial date for July 5 and the proceeding could take eight days spread out over the summer culminating around Labor Day.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect for Fatal Shooting in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a man involved in a fatal shooting that occurred on March 22 on the 2900 block of Gainesville Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots. Officers located an adult male shooting victim who was unconscious and not breathing in the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 29-year-old Dimitrious Brown.

On May 16, 21-year-old Monteze Morton was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Document: Decedent Identified MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred on May 15 on the 3300 block of D Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting inside of a residence. There, they found three victims with gunshot wounds. Two of the victims were transported to a hospital for treatment. One of them, an adult male, succumbed to his injuries at the scene despite all life saving efforts. The third victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

The victim was identified as 48-year-old Detrick Ealy.

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 Arrests a Man for a Shooting in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a man for a shooting that occurred on March 7 on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect and the victim were arguing at the location, when the suspect threatened the victim, brandished a handgun and shot him. The suspect fled the scene, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On May 15, 30-year-old Keith Walker turned himself in and was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred on May 15 on the 3300 block of D Street, SE.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

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 Arrests 14-Year-Old for Shooting Another Teen

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a 14-year-old in connection to a shooting that injured a 16-year-old on April 26 on the 1500 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a 16-year-old with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On May 12, the 14-year-old boy turned himself in, and was charged with assault with intent to commit murder.