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Closings in Double Homicide Trial Present Conflicting Accounts of Shooting

The prosecution and defense offered contradictory explanations of a fatal shooting in their closing arguments in DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan’s courtroom on July 25. 

Keanan Turner, 35, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, second-degree cruelty to children, first-degree attempted murder against a minor, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, destruction of property, carrying a pistol without a license, tampering with physical evidence, and arson.

The charges relate to his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Ebony Wright, 31, and her mother, Wanda Wright, 48, on the 2300 block of Good Hope Court, SE on April 12, 2021. 

According to court documents, Turner is the father of Ebony’s child, who was an infant at the time of the shooting. The child survived the incident, as did Ebony’s sister, who was shot in the face. 

According to previous testimony by Ebony’s sister, Turner had been invited to Ebony’s home to meet their child, despite his request for her to get an abortion.

When police arrived at the scene the apartment was on fire. Turner is accused of starting the fire before he fled.

The prosecution closed by saying Turner was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and “told on himself” when committing the crimes through his actions.

“The defendant tried to quite literally burn his second life to the ground,” the prosecution said in reference to their theory that Turner was attempting to rid himself of the consequences of his affair with Ebony, including their child.

The prosecution focused on five main things as identification evidence including: Turner’s potential motive as he was served custody papers along with a lawsuit Ebony filed against him a few weeks before; cell site data from his seized phones; surveillance footage of the apartment complex and Ring camera attached to apartment door; and after the homicide when he visited his estranged father unannounced.

The main point of the prosecution centered on the testimony given by Ebony’s sister claiming Turner was the individual who shot her in the face. At the end of their rebuttal, the prosecution urged the jury to “hold the defendant accountable.”

Franz Jobson, one of Turner’s defense attorneys, argued that the jury should remember that Turner is “cloaked with innocence” until and unless the prosecution proves their case for his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Jobson accused the witnesses and investigators of targeting Turner as the main suspect and “piecing together a flawed theory irrespective of the facts.” Jobson called this phenomenon cognitive dissonance or holding irreconcilable ideas.

Jobson went on to argue that Turner was not the perpetrator pointing to inconsistencies in the testimony of Ebony’s sister and incomplete DNA and fingerprint evidence.

“The tunnel vision approach cannot work in our justice system,” Jobson said.

The prosecution rebutted, stating that if Turner was innocent it would “have to be coincidence after coincidence after coincidence.”

Jury deliberation began immediately after closing statements and rebuttal.

Parties will reconvene when the jury finishes deliberations.

Case Acquitted: DNA Analyst Says Clothing Evidence Points Away From Homicide Defendant

Editor’s note: On Aug. 1, a jury acquitted Jarvis Jackson of all charges connected to the homicide of Deont’e Minor. 

A DNA analyst testified before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on July 24 relating her findings about two piece of clothings in a murder case.

Jarvis Jackson, 42, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction for allegedly fatally shooting Deont’e Minor, 23, on March 20, 2021, on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Minor was in an Uber ride when he was shot in the backseat as the vehicle was waiting to make a turn. The Uber driver took the victim to a nearby hospital immediately after the shooting. Minor later succumbed to his injuries.  

At the hearing, a DNA analyst testified about two pieces of clothing found in the area of the crime scene, which were identified as a black face mask and gray knit cap. The analyst stated her analysis very likely excluded Jackson’s DNA from being on the gray knit cap.

She also testified there is “very strong support” for Jackson’s DNA not being on the black face mask. 

Prosecutors also called on a friend of Minor’s, who testified that he was with Minor the day of the incident. According to the witness, they were driving around town and smoking marijuana in the witness’ car. The friend was originally going to drive Minor to his sister’s baby shower, however, his car was experiencing transmission trouble which led to Minor’s calling an Uber.

Shortly after Minor left in the Uber, the witness testified, he heard gunshots but did not initially believe Minor was involved. According to the witness, he attempted to contact the victim with no response and rushed to the hospital soon after.

Another of Minor’s friends testified he briefly saw the victim twice the day of the incident. He said that he was with the other witness after the victim left, also smoking marijuana. He also heard gunshots shortly after Minor left in the Uber and tried to contact him sometime after hearing the shots before going to the hospital as well.

When the prosecution asked both of these witnesses about their relationships with the victim, they both described Minor as a “brother.” They both testified to not having seen the shooter or the shooting occurring. 

Parties are slated to return on July 25.

Headache Keeps Murder Co-Defendant From Appearing for Trial

Defense attorneys Megan Allburn and Michelle Stevens alerted DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun their client did not intend to come to court because of medical issues based on an examination by DC Jail medics on July 24.

Mark Price, 29, and Antonio Murchison, 31, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018, on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. The highly publicized crime left 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.

Price is also charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, threat to injure or kidnap a person, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and first-degree burglary while armed. These charges are connected to the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE. 

The third co-defendant, Quanisha Ramsuer, 31, is charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide.

Before the jury was called, Price’s attorneys, Allburn and Stevens, told the court that Price was not present due to a medical issue. Allburn stated that Price had been feeling lightheaded for the past several days and informed his attorneys that he would not appear in court if his ailment continued. DC Jail medics sent official notice to the attorneys that Price had a “moderate headache.”

This is not the first instance of Price has failed to appear for the trial. While this incident was confirmed as a medical issue, Price has failed to appear several times for alleged ailments or simply refusing to appear.

The prosecution believes Price is willfully making himself ill by not eating in an attempt to delay trial proceedings. They argued that a “moderate headache” is not sufficient cause to avoid court and this should be regarded as a voluntary waiver of his right to appear.

They asked Judge Okun if Allburn and Stevens would present Price with the option of voluntarily waiving his presence in court.

The defense told Judge Okun they would not be willing to proceed without Price, as they anticipated key DNA and jail visit evidence would be admitted.

Judge Okun stated that he was concerned that Price’s behavior would continue, but agreed to not hold trial without Price and sent the jury home.

Parties are slated to return July 25.

Plea Offer Rejected by Murder Defendant

Christopher Tyler rejected a plea offer in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on July 24, opting to take his homicide case to trial.

Tyler, 46, is charged with first degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Nolan Edwards at the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE, on July 7, 2023. 

At the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge O’Keefe they extended a plea offer to Tyler, which required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. 

Tyler and his defense attorney, Frances D’Antuono, rejected the offer and did not make a counter offer. D’Antuono said that her client wants to go to trial. 

The prosecution will now decide what, if any, additional charges they will bring against him.

The parties are slated to meet again Oct. 18.

Stabbing Defendant’s Release Conditions Modified

A non-fatal stabbing defendant’s release conditions were modified by DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on July 24.

James Toler, 45, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Feb. 20, on the 200 block of 8th Street, NE. 

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, an individual identified as Toler got into a verbal altercation with a victim that turned physical when Toler allegedly pulled a large knife and charged at the victim. Toler claimed that the victim threw a metal shopping cart at him and Toler continued the fight in self defense. 

At the hearing, both parties requested a trial date be set as they have moved beyond any plea negotiations. DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, who was standing in for DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro set a trial date in November. 

All parties agreed that Toler, who is on release with no conditions, needs to return to the Specialized Supervision Unit (SSU) of the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA). Now Toler is required to meet with a case manager, have weekly check-ins, and return to mental health programs.  

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 29. 

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Granted Fourth Continuance

In a July 24 proceeding before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, a fourth continuance was granted for a non-fatal shooting defendant’s preliminary hearing so plea negotiations can continue.  

Donte Scott, 39, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 26 on the 1800 block of M Street, NW. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. 

On June 26, Scott requested for new counsel which Judge Brandt granted, moving the case to defense attorney Charles Haskell.  

At the hearing, Haskell requested another continuance in order to fully review the presented plea offer and possibly prepare for a preliminary hearing. Haskell consented to extending the legally required deadline until the preliminary hearing. 

Parties are slated to return on Sept. 11.

D.C. Witness Exclusive: Increase in Stabbings Only Part of Inmate Safety Problem at DC Jail

Frustration about jail security boiled over during a hearing on June 25 in the DC Superior Court. 

Arguing for his client’s immediate release under an emergency motion, Public Defender Jason Tulley told DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, “The DC Jail is horrible!” 

Tulley said that murder suspect Jahi Settles, 23, is forced to live under conditions that violate constitutional provisions against cruel and unusual punishment.

According to Tulley’s June 24 motion, “People incarcerated at the DC Jail report that the jail is more dangerous than ever and the people stuck inside are in constant fear for their lives.”

The filing catalogs a litany of abuses at the jail that critics say has persisted even though the prison was put into federal receivership between 1995 and 2000.

One of the biggest measures are stabbings that took place at the DC Jail. 

A review of  D.C. Witness data as well as statistics from the DC Department of Corrections show that inmate stabbing attacks increased by 38.46 percent between 2022 and 2023, including one fatality.  D.C. Witness counted an additional fatality in 2022 beyond the information supplied by the jail which has not been factored into the percentage increase.

DC Jail StabbingsNon-FatalFatalPercent Increase
2022130 
202317138.46

Sources:  DC Department of Corrections, D.C. Witness

In a jailhouse attack, Mussay Rezene, 31, is accused of fatally stabbing fellow inmate Darrow Johnson, 30, in August of 2023.  Security footage allegedly shows Rezene acting aggressively toward the victim during a confrontation after which he died from wounds to the back of his head and skull. 

Earlier, Rezene was convicted of fatally shooting a 17-year-old boy and sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Marcel Jackson, 37, pleaded guilty to manslaughter for killing a cellmate by blunt force trauma after the pair ingested PCP in May of 2022. Jackson also pleaded guilty to manslaughter in another case. 

D.C. Witness data for DC Jail stabbing prosecutions shows a big jump from 2020 to 2023 continuing in the current year.Overall,there are 31 total stabbing victims whose cases have resulted in charges filed between 2020 and April of this year.

DC JailStabbingProsecutions
20202021202220232024
3121010

Source: D.C. Witness: A case may have multiple defendants.

According to D.C. Witness data, there have been 10 stabbings prosecutions in the DC Jail so far this year, the most recent on April 5.

“With over 20 percent of our population associated with groups or crews that present security concerns and approximately 35 percent of our population under ‘keep separate’ orders due to conflicts with other residents, our safety and security environment is complex and ever-changing,” said the DC Department of Corrections in a statement provided to D.C. Witness. “DOC is also continually evaluating and adopting new strategies and technologies to improve contraband detection.” 

However, the motion Tulley filed says otherwise.

“The DOC has continued to show its utter disregard for the safety and humanity of the people held at the DC Jail,” according to the motion. 

One of the examples Tulley cites are so-called “Safe Cells” that he says amount to solitary confinement without running water.  “Oftentimes, the ‘Safe Cell’ is soiled with the feces and bodily fluids of prior occupants of the cell. People are left languishing in the cell for days, if not weeks,” says Tulley.

The DC Jail, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) website, has a capacity of 2,164 prisoners in what’s known as the Central Detention Facility (CDF).  

“Throughout the history of the DC Jail, there have been bouts of overcrowding which spurred the building of the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF),” says the MPD.  The CTF with a capacity of 1,500 is considered a medium-to-minimum security environment where all female inmates are housed.

According to the DOC, the census at the CDF as of June 28 was 1,328, while there are 627 people housed in the CTF, both units operating well below capacity at the moment.

However, DC Jail operations have long been under legal scrutiny.  A 1998 lawsuit raised issues at the jail dating to 1975. 

“[T] he district court found that the conditions did indeed violate the Constitution because of severe overcrowding, inadequate health care, unsanitary conditions, and unsafe facilities. The district court issued an injunction ordering the District of Columbia to improve the conditions for inmates,” according to a case summary from the Court Listener project.

An appellate judge hearing the case said, “The jail’s lack of compliance borders on bad faith.”

In 2021, the US Marshals Service determined after an inspection that DC Jail conditions “do not meet the minimum standards of confinement as prescribed by the Federal Performance-Based Detention Standards.”  

Based on that review, the marshals removed 400 detainees in their custody from the facility. 

Last April, the Washington Lawyers’ Committee filed another suit against the jail for allegedly denying inmates adequate health care as required by law. 

Kristen McGough, one of the attorneys arguing the suit, says there is a connection between violence and health care problems at the jail in the sense that it shows an overall lack of operational accountability, good management and adequate staffing. 

One of the biggest reform hurdles is that those in jail are stigmatized even though many have not been convicted, says McGough. 

“Everyone should be able to get the basic medical care they need,” McGough tells D.C. Witness.  “They should be able to serve time with dignity.”  She says the lawsuit is in the early stages of mediation but there are “good signs.” 

D.C. Witness reached out to the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Committee which represents corrections workers at the jail for comment but has not received a response before publication.  

“In many ways the jail environment is a mirror of the community’s landscape, requiring vigilant efforts to maintain residents and staff safety,” the DOC said. 

Manslaughter Defendant to Plead Guilty in Hit-And-Run Case

Defense attorney Kevann Gardner informed DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on July 24 of his client’s intent to agree to an extended plea offer, but requested additional time to fully discuss it.

Andre Johnson, 31, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the hit-and-run fatality of 18-year-old Madison Jones. The incident occurred June 8, 2023 near the intersection of 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Jones was in the car with her boyfriend and boyfriend’s mother when another vehicle ran a red light, crashed into the victim’s car, and the driver fled from the scene. The registered owner of the vehicle, reportedly Johnson’s foster sibling, reported to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that Johnson was allegedly driving the car at the time of the incident.

Johnson reportedly did not have a valid driver’s license. The car’s owner alleged Johnson was a regular drug and alcohol user and believed him to be under the influence at the time of the crash, according to court documents.

As per documents, at the time of the incident, Johnson was on release in two cases for driving without a valid license. 

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Okun that a plea offer had been extended to the defense but was going to soon expire. The offer required Johnson to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter, assault with intent to kill, and intended assault with intent to kill, which could result in a prison sentence of more than twenty years.

Through the deal, the prosecution would not seek any increased penalties – based on Jones’ age or Johnson’s not having a license or being under the influence – charges and would not seek indictment.

Gardner, stated that the defense waited this long to provide a response because Johnson needed to be certain about “the most important decision” of his life. Gardner then told Judge Okun that as of now, Johnson has agreed to accept the deal.

Parties are slated to return Aug. 2 for Johnson’s final decision.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer, Opts for Trial

A stabbing defendant formally rejected a plea offer in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow in a hearing on July 24.

Terrell Eisbey, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on May 1 at the intersection of 14th and Euclid Street, NW.

According to court documents, Eisbey assaulted the victim after demanding money and stabbed the individual around the knee and hand. The victim was able to get away from Eisbey by pretending to go to an ATM to get him money and then escaping in the car of a witness nearby.

The victim was transported to Howard University Hospital and treated for injuries, according to documents.

During the hearing, the prosecution stated they had extended an offer, requiring Eisbey to plead guilty to assault with significant bodily injury in exchange for not seeking indictment charges. 

This offer was rejected by Eisbey.

Sara Kopecki, Eisbey’s defense attorney, requested release for her client and recommended placing Eisbey on house arrest with GPS monitoring, arguing his criminal history was not recent and that he had the support of his fiancee and father, who was present in the courtroom.

Judge Pasichow denied the request due to the violent nature of the crime and his criminal record.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a trial readiness hearing on Aug. 30.

Stabbing Defendant Requests Time to Decide Plea Agreement

On July 24, a stabbing defendant requested additional time to consider a plea agreement, which was shared by prosecutors on July 23, before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno. 

Tyrone Graham, 42, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place on July 13 on the intersection of 12th and U Street in front of McDonald’s. One individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

According to court documents, Graham was standing at a bus stop when he and the victim got into a verbal altercation and the victim began punching Graham in the face. Then Graham reached into his bag, pulled out a knife, and allegedly began stabbing the victim. 

At the hearing, the prosecution stated they had extended an agreement to Graham, which requires him to plead guilty to assault with a deadly weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. 

Wole Falodun, Graham’s defense attorney, stated that he needed more time to review the plea with his client before moving forward. Judge Salerno granted his request. 

Though Falodun made no formal argument for release he emphasized that his client was “viciously attacked,” by a stranger and continued his claim that Graham acted in self-defense. However, Judge Salerno said “[his] hands are tied,” and there is nothing he can do for release at this time. 

Parties are slated to return on Aug. 7.

Case Acquitted: Defense Claims Motive in Homicide Case is ‘Made Up’ by the Prosecution 

Editor’s note: On Aug. 1, a jury acquitted Jarvis Jackson of all charges connected to the homicide of Deont’e Minor. 

Parties’ clashed over the motive in fatal shooting case before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on July 23. 

Jarvis Jackson, 42, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction for allegedly fatally shooting Deont’e Minor, 23, on March 20, 2021, on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Minor was in an Uber ride share when he was shot in the backseat as the vehicle was waiting to make a turn. The driver took the victim to a nearby hospital immediately after the shooting. Minor later succumbed to his injuries.  

During opening statements, the prosecution stated that Jackson had a motive to shoot Minor, detailing an alleged robbery Minor committed against Jackson months prior.

The defense stated that Jackson is not guilty arguing that the robbery prosecutors alleged never happened, close friends of Minor pointed the finger at Jackson, and DNA evidence found in the area of the crime scene did not belong to the suspect. 

Defense attorney, Madhuri Swarna, described the alleged robbery as “made up”, claiming Jackson had no motive to kill Minor. 

During the hearing, the Uber driver testified he heard a loud bang while waiting to make a turn. The witness said he saw the shooter standing outside the vehicle when he looked back and then drove away to the hospital. 

While the driver never looked back again to check on Minor, he testified he heard him “gagging” and presumed him to be injured. The witness testified that the shooter was wearing a black hoodie and black face mask but could not tell much else.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer reviewing body-worn camera footage, said he saw the injured victim lying outside the hospital receiving treatment and observed shooting damage to the vehicle damage.

The victim’s sister testified that she was in contact with Minor the day of the incident as they coordinated for him to arrive at her baby shower, the reason Minor was taking an Uber. 

On cross-examination, the witness revealed she and Minor were on FaceTime shortly before the incident took place.

Parties are slated to return on July 24.