Probable Cause Found in a Shooting Homicide

The defense’s request for a homicide defendant to be released on home confinement was denied after DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park made a probable cause ruling on March 6.

Melvin Lee, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the homicide of Matthew Ginyard, 22, on the 300 block of 59th Street, NE on March 22, 2024. Ginyard sustained four gunshot wounds, three to the right side of his torso and one to his right buttlock.

Judge Park ordered that Lee will remain in detention, stating that there was probable cause and evidence to argue that Lee was involved in the homicide. Judge Park also said Lee was a danger to the community, referencing two prior gun-related convictions.

At the hearing, the prosecution called a special agent, who works for the DC Office of Inspector General to testify in court about multiple pieces of evidence, including surveillance videos and maps of the area where the homicide occurred.

On the day of the incident, there was surveillance footage said to be Lee and Ginyard at Chick-fil-A. The two had spent the entire day together. The clothing Lee was seen wearing in that video was similar to the suspect’s clothing seen in surveillance footage of an alleyway after the homicide occurred.

During cross-examination, Jason Clark, Lee’s defense attorney, questioned the agent’s way of identifying the suspects in the surveillance videos and argued that a tip the agent received was not reliable.

According to the agent, the tip initially came in as a text but eventually became a phone interview.

In the phone interview, the tipster allegedly mentioned that Lee was upset with Ginyard after Ginyard allegedly went through Lee’s phone and sent himself a sex tape of Lee and Lee’s girlfriend. However, when Clark questioned the agent if there was any proof such as messages or social media posts that proved that Lee was upset with Ginyard, the agent stated that they did not. It was brought to his attention that Lee and Ginyard were friends, the agent said.

The tipster also mentioned there was some alleged plan made by Lee to rob Ginyard. When Clark asked the agent for details of this robbery, the agent did not recall any details of the alleged plan. The agent stated that he never asked the tipster on how the information was obtained.

It was clarified, that the agent never met the tipster in person. The agent said he later became aware that the tipster provided a fake name as well as a fake address that could not be verified.

Clark argued that the prosecution’s case heavily relied on the tipster’s information and that the clothing was not enough to identify Lee as the person who committed the murder since there was no clear image of the suspects faces.

Clark requested that Lee could be released on home confinement, acknowledging his supportive family, his work ethic, and his responsibilities as a father.

However, the prosecution opposed the defense’s request for release, arguing there was enough evidence to support that Lee was involved in the homicide.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 4.

‘The Damage is Not Momentary, it is Generational,’ Says Mother of Fatal Stabbing Victim

A fatal stabbing defendant was sentenced to 21 years of imprisonment by DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on March 6.

Stephen Herring, 26, accepted a plea deal on Nov. 7, 2025 for second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 30-year-old Marcus Thurman on the 100 block of M Street, NE, on Aug. 22, 2023. Thurman sustained injuries to the upper chest and succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 4, 2023.

According to court documents, Thurman was defending a woman and her baby from Herring when he was stabbed.

As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to a sentence of 18-to-22 years in prison, subject to Judge Dayson’s approval at sentencing.

Before requesting Herring’s sentence, the prosecutor called upon members of Thuman’s family to give victim impact statements.

“I stand before this court as a mother who lost her son,” Thurman’s mom said. She told Judge Dayson that Thurman “was loved deeply by everyone who knew him” because “he had a gentle spirit and a kind heart.”

“The loss is not temporary, it’s permanent,” Thurman’s mother said to Judge Dayson. “The damage is not momentary, it is generational.”

The prosecutor read a letter on behalf of Thurman’s sister, who was unable to give her statement in court. “The grief is constant,” she wrote. “It does not come and go, it lies within me.”

Thurman’s sister wrote to Judge Dayson that “no sentence will bring [Thuman] back,” but she asked the judge to consider the impact of the loss on the family when deciding the length.

The prosecutor asked for Herring to receive 22 years of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.

After playing a video of the stabbing before the court, the prosecutor explained how Herring hunted Thurman down. He explained that Herring stabbed Thurman “so hard the blade [got] stuck in” his chest. There was premeditation and a lack of remorse, he said.

The prosecutor said that Herring’s situation is not extraordinary. Many people have bad upbringings and mental health issues, and that doesn’t excuse his actions, he said.

Herring is capable of facing consequences, asserted the prosecutor.

Herring’s attorney, Hannah Claudio, asked for 18 years of imprisonment. According to Claudio, Herring showed remorse and was absolutely devastated by this incident.

Claudio contended that Herring wasn’t capable of making the cold, calculated decisions the prosecutor said he did. When he stabbed Thurman, she claimed, he was operating on “stress, irritability, and chaos.”

She respectfully disagreed with the prosecutor and said that Herring’s situation was not ordinary or run of the mill. Claudio told Judge Dayson that he has had mental health issues since the age of six.

“Where [Herring] was at the time of this incident was decades in the making,” Claudio insisted.

According to Claudio, Herring’s time at the DC Jail for almost three years since this incident occurred marked the longest housing stability Herring had since he was 15-years-old. Claudio said the treatment he received at Saint Elizabeths Hospital marked the most comprehensive mental health help he had received.

“I’m proud of Herring,” Claudio stated, because he is proof of the improvement people can make with the proper support.

Claudio also requested for Herring to stay at the DC Jail for around 90 more days to complete his GED. She explained how the completion of his GED was vital to his future success and would open many doors for other programs within the prison.

A representative from the Public Defender Service (PDS) Office of Rehabilitation and Development told the judge that Herring has “shown awareness and understanding of his mental health.” Another representative said he is “way more than the worst thing he’s ever done” and “has grown” since the incident.

In a statement from Herring, he apologized to his family and Thurman’s family. “My family lost a son too. I’m going to be gone for most of my life,” he said to Thurman’s family.

“It is clear that both families are very dedicated and that this represents a huge and permanent loss for [Thurman’s] family,” Judge Dayson said.

The judge noted that she disagrees with the prosecutor that Herring’s mental health challenges are run of the mill. Judge Dayson maintained that Herring’s problems “weren’t appropriately or consistently treated.”

Judge Dayson sentenced Herring to 21 years of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release.

While on supervised release, Judge Dayson said Herring should continue mental health counseling and substance abuse programs. Additionally, he should earn his GED, stable employment, and any other Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) recommended mental health evaluations.

Despite objections from the prosecutor, Judge Dayson granted Claudio’s request to delay the imposition of the sentence until after Herring completes his GED. Herring will remain held at the DC Jail until then.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 18.

Jury Acquits Defendant of First-Degree Murder

Before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park, a jury acquitted a homicide defendant on all charges except unlawful possession of a firearm on March 9.

Christopher Tyler, 48, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and first-degree burglary for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Nolan Edwards, 34. The incident occurred in an apartment complex on the 4000 block of Ames Street, NE on July 7, 2023.

Prosecutors argued that Tyler allegedly entered Edwards’ apartment and murdered him. Edwards grew marijuana in his apartment and they claimed Tyler killed him for access to “money, marijuana, or anything else.”

Tyler’s defense attorneys, Elizabeth Paige White and Kevann Gardner, claimed that there was no forensic evidence tying their client to the murder.

After less than two days of deliberations, a jury found Tyler not guilty of premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and first-degree burglary.

The jury found Tyler guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Parties are expected to reconvene for Tyler’s sentencing on May 1.

Stabbing Defendant Complies With Probation After Failed Drug Tests

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe checked in with a stabbing defendant’s probation officer to determine her compliance on March 9.

Sharae Hicks, 53, was sentenced to a suspended sentence with one year of probation on June 9, 2025 for simple assault and attempted bail violation. These charges stem from Hick’s alleged nvolvement in a stabbing that took place at the 1400 block of 12th Street, NW on July 29, 2024. The victim sustained a cut across his hand.

According to Hicks’ probation officer from The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), Hicks failed to report for drug testing on Jan. 13 and 15, and tested positive for cocaine on Jan. 10. Along with this, she submitted a non-human urine sample to be tested, said the CSOSA officer.

Despite the violations, the CSOSA officer told the court that Hicks regained compliance and submitted negative drug tests, as well as attending anger management classes.

The CSOSA officer asked Judge Pipe to schedule another hearing in 60 days to allow for Hicks to complete the requirements of her supervision.

Hicks probation is scheduled to end in June and Judge Pipe noted that she hoped Hicks will continue to comply with the terms of her supervision.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 11.

Judge Delays Shooting Defendant’s Motion to Attend Grandfather’s Funeral

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson didn’t grant a shooting defendant’s emergency motion for release, which would allow him to attend his grandfather’s funeral on March 9.

Zion Greely, 19, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and four counts of destroying property less than $1,000 for his alleged involvement in a shooting.

The incident occurred on Oct. 14, 2024 on the 700 block of N Street, NW. No injuries were reported, but three vehicles were stuck with bullets. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) allegedly recovered 27 shell casings and two bullet fragments from the scene.

Lorenzo Covington, 20, and Gregory Nelson, 19, are co-defendants charged for their alleged involvement in the same incident. Covington and Nelson were not present at the hearing.

Prosecutors opposed the motion and claimed that Greely is a danger to the community. Although, they did offer their condolences for his loss.

Greely’s defense attorney, Diana Yu, explained that the release would be “very brief.” She said Greely would be willing to wear a GPS monitor to attend his grandfather’s funeral.

According to the motion filed by Yu on March 6, “this loss has been extremely difficult for Mr. Greely.”

Judge Dayson said she was “not inclined to grant the motion.” She suggested Yu go through the administrative process with the DC Jail. The jail made arrangements in the past for inmates to attend funerals remotely, according to Judge Dayson.

Requests for escorts to attend funerals are “not granted often” due to staffing issues, said Judge Dayson. She said she would “be inclined to grant” the motion if an escort was provided.

For now, Judge Dayson denied the motion for temporary release.

“I love you, Zion,” his mother said as he was escorted out of the courtroom by US Marshals.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 1.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Global Plea Offer

Before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson, a homicide defendant rejected a plea offer that would resolve two of his cases on March 9.

Jordan Therman, 27, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, robbery, three counts of 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 33-year-old Denzel Greenwood. The incident occurred on the 1900 block of 13th Street, NW, on Aug. 4, 2023.

For his alleged involvement in a separate shooting, Therman is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, armed carjacking, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and endangerment with a firearm in a public place. This occurred on Feb. 7, 2024 in a 7-Eleven parking lot, on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW. One person was shot.

At the hearing, prosecutors said they offered Therman a global plea offer to reasolve both of his cases. If accepted, Therman would plead guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. This offer would also include that Therman’s total sentence in both cases would be between 20-to-24 years of imprisonment.

Kevin Irving, Therman’s attorney, said Therman rejected the global plea offer on record.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 24.

Suspect Says Victim ‘Antagonized’ Him Questioning Third Time Plea

A stabbing defendant said his actions were justified while disputing a plea deal for the third time before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 6.

Corey Bridges, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, tampering with physical evidence, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE on June 7, 2025, which left one victim injured with multiple lacerations to his neck.

The prosecution presented the terms of an agreement that would require Bridges to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges.

According to court records, Bridges started accepting this agreement on Jan. 2 and again on Feb. 6, but requested more clarity on the details of the agreement from his defense attorney, Molly Bunke.

At the hearing, Bridges said he was “satisfied to a degree” with Bunke’s work on the case so far, but was frustrated at how long it took to appear in court again. Judge Kravitz confirmed with Bridges that this situation did not affect his desire to enter the plea, and Bridges said he was “just ready to put forth the plea offer.”

The prosecution presented their factual basis for the plea agreement, saying they had evidence that would prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Bridges deliberately stabbed the victim in the neck and caused a serious, life-threatening injury with no legal justification for his actions.

When questioned by Judge Kravitz and Bunke about these facts, Bridges said that his actions were justified because he was “antagonized” by the victim, who he was living at a transitional home with the victim. Bridges said that due to this ongoing dispute, the stabbing was done “rightfully.”

Bunke suggested that Bridges might still be confused about the questions asked due to his not understanding some of the legal terminology, and requested additional time to speak with her client about how to move forward with the plea agreement. Judge Kravitz agreed and passed the case until a later time in the day, during which Bunke said she would waive Bridges’ appearance and request another hearing be scheduled to continue with this matter.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 11.

Defendant Was a Domestic Violence Victim, Defense Claims

The defense claimed on March 6 a stabbing defendant was a victim, not the aggressor in an incident before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

Thelma Speed, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in connection to her alleged involvement in the stabbing of a man on the 200 block of 51st Street, NE on Feb. 6, 2026. The man sustained injuries to both his hands and his forearm.

According to court documents, the man told police the stabbing occurred after a verbal argument with Speed. He said he fled to a neighbor’s apartment in the same building until police arrived on scene.

In court, Speed’s attorney, Darryl Daniels, requested the defendant be released. Daniels argued that she was actually a victim of domestic violence, not the aggressor in the situation, although their relationship was not clear.

“You can’t see it now, but she had a shiner on her eye,” Daniels said about Speed.

Judge Pipe reminded the parties that Speed had reported to officers that the lacerations on her face had nothing to do with the incident. Speed also has a history of assault charges in New Jersey and the facts of this case present her conduct as “very concerning,” Judge Pipe said.

When denying her release, Judge Pipe said “there are no conditions or combination of conditions” that could warrant releasing Speed and ensuring the safety of the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 30.

Defendant Accepts a Plea Deal for 2020 Murder

A defendant accepted a plea deal for a 2020 homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 6.

Taiyonne Goggins, 28, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in a shooting at the 1600 block of W Street, SE on Oct. 9, 2020, that killed Yisa Jeffcoat, 28. Jeffcoat sustained a single gunshot wound to his chest.

At the hearing, Goggins’ attorney, Wole Falodun, confirmed toJudge Ryan that his client accepted a plea deal from prosecutors. The agreement required Goggins to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to not seek an indictment with additional charges and limit their sentence to eight-to-nine years of imprisonment, subject to Judge Ryan’s approval at sentencing. Goggins must also register as a gun offender in DC.

The prosecutors said that if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have proven that Goggins exited a car with two other armed individuals and fired into a crowd of people in a residential area. There was no legal justification for Goggins’ actions.

Judge Ryan questioned Goggins to ensure that he knowingly and willingly pleaded guilty.

Goggins’ sentencing hearing is set for June 5.

‘I had to Fight Back,’ Attempted Carjacking Victim’s Daughter Said

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel sentenced an attempted carjacking defendant on March 6 to one year in prison and two years of supervised probation following his release.

John Gainey, 52, accepted a plea deal for assault with intent to commit robbery and unauthorized use of a vehicle on Dec. 17, 2025 stemming from an incident that occurred on the 2000 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE on Aug. 30, 2025. Gainey assaulted the victim while attempting to carjack them. The daughter and husband of the victim were able to pin him down for police officers.

Judge Israel imposed a sentence of three years incarceration, suspending all but one year for the assault charge. In addition, Judge Israel sentenced Gainey to one year incarceration, suspending all time, for the unauthorized vehicle charge. After Gainey is released he will serve two years on supervised probation.

Friday, the prosecution began with two victim impact statements given by the victim and her daughter.

The victim’s daughter, who pinned Gainey down during the incident, recalled that Gainey did not look like a threat at first. The victim’s daughter stated she reacted when she saw her mother looking visibly upset.

“[I] did not want to become another statistic.” stated the victim’s daughter during her statement. “I had to fight back.”

The victim’s daughter ended her statement by stating that she felt helpless to moderate her mother’s continuing fear.

The victim, also gave a statement. She was visibly upset while giving her statement in court, and was hesitant to give a statement in front of Gainey.

She recalled the day that the incident happened, stating that she was giving out food to homeless individuals when the incident occurred. The victim stated she was unable to leave her house for a while or sleep following the incident.

Prosecution asked for Gainey to be sentenced to three years of incarceration for the assault charge and two years of incarceration for the unauthorized use charge. The period of incarceration is to be followed by a period of two years supervised probation.

Gainey’s defense attorney, Sellano Simmons, called up Gainey’s daughter for a character statement and noted that seven character letters had been sent in from family and friends on Gainey’s behalf.

Gainey’s daughter was crying while on the stand, upset by her father’s actions that led him here. She stated that her mother, Gainey’s wife, passed away a couple years ago and Gainey used drugs a couple times to cope with the loss.

“This is not who he is.” Gainey’s daughter stated as she ended her statement.

Simmons argued for a sentence of two years incarceration, suspending all but time served for the assault charge and six months, all suspended for the unauthorized use charge. Upon release Gainey would begin a period of two years on supervised probation.

That based on Gainey’s lack of a criminal record and the fact that he committed this crime while on PCP, a hallucinogenic drug that can cause aggressive behavior.

Gainey apologized to his family for putting them through this and to the victim for his actions.

No further dates have been set.

Defendant Accused of Father’s Stabbing Can See His Family on Conditional Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz modified a domestic violence stabbing defendant’s probation conditions to allow him to see his family in a hearing on March 6.

On Sept. 15, 2022, Gabriel Esquina, 23, was sentenced to five years in prison with all but four suspended, followed by probation for aggravated assault knowingly while armed. The sentence stemmed from his involvement in a stabbing on Jan. 26, 2022 on the 2800 block of Myrtle Avenue, NE. The incident left Esquina’s father injured.

At the hearing, parties addressed Esquina’s recent violation of a stay-away order imposed by Judge Kravitz as part of his probation conditions. The prosecution requested a revocation of Esquina’s probation, and that he serve one year in prison as a consequence of the violation.

Esquina’s attorney, Henry Escoto, told Judge Kravitz that the violation, which involved Esquina going to his parents’ house, began as a consensual interaction after was invited. However, something occurred while Esquina was there that led to his parents calling the police.

Escoto said that because the interaction began consensually and Esquina’s parents expressed interest in maintaining contact with Esquina, his probation should not be revoked.

Parties also noted that Esquina was currently serving a 120 day sentence at the DC Jail for a separate matter in DC.

After assessing the arguments presented by the parties, Judge Kravitz said that Esquina had “already been punished” with his sentence in the other matter. In addition, Judge Kravitz acknowledged the unique circumstances surrounding Esquina’s probation violation.

In accordance with suggestions from both parties, Judge Kravitz ruled to modify the conditions of Esquina’s probation so that he could see his parents and talk to them, but was not allowed to be at their home, and would have to meet them elsewhere if they wanted an in-person interaction.

No further hearings were set.

Carjacking Co-Defendants Request Separate Trials

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur heard requests for severance in a three co-defendant carjacking case on Feb. 26.

Omari Dantignac, 20, Ion Cooper, 21, and Javard Harris, 22, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in two incidents that took place on the 1700 block of Bay Street, SE and on the 900 block of 3rd Street, NE on Dec. 1, 2023.

Cooper’s attorney, Thomas Healy, argued for Cooper’s case to be severed from his co-defendants due to the fact that Dantignac and Harris are requesting DNA testing in this case and Cooper is not. Healy asserted that his client is ready for trial and was already held for a significant amount of time. According to court records, Cooper has been incarcerated since the case was filed on Dec. 2, 2023.

Harris’ attorney, Santia McLaurin, stated that she also wanted her client’s case to be severed in order for time for DNA testing to be done.

Dantignac’s attorney, Molly Bunke, requested a new trial date as well regarding DNA testing. Dantignac is not held in this case.

Judge Arthur stated that he would not rule on severance requests at this hearing, and will convert the current trial date on April 8. into a status hearing to discuss these motions further.

The prosecution opposed severing the cases so that the defendants can go to trial together, noting that it would be difficult for the victims to testify more than once if the cases were separated.

Healy also asked for Cooper’s release with home confinement. He explained that Cooper has a place to live with his mother and wants to continue his education.

The prosecution requested that Cooper remain held due to the facts of the case, describing him as the “getaway driver” in the carjacking spree. Judge Arthur agreed that the facts of the case were serious enough to maintain Cooper’s detention.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 20.

Judge Denies Suspect’s Transfer to Juvenile Court in Union Station Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied the defense’s request on March 5 to transfer a shooting case from adult to juvenile court after the case was dismissed for lack of probable cause.

A 17-year-old juvenile defendant was originally charged with assault with intent to murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to his alleged involvement in a shooting at Union Station at the unit block of Massachusetts Avenue, NE on Feb. 6. There was one victim, a juvenile, who sustained a gunshot wound to his ankle.

The defendant was originally charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for certain serious offenses.

According to court documents, a witness reported seeing a large group of individuals engaging in an argument. At some point in the argument, a member backed out of the group, pulled a black firearm from his waistband, and fired three rounds.

Two individuals from the group were reportedly seen fleeing and hid behind planters by the sidewalk, one was allegedly the defendant. When the two individuals were detained by police, the defendant allegedly told a detective that he simply heard gunshots and ran.

At the preliminary hearing on March 2, the defendant’s attorney, Terrence Austin, argued his client acted in self-defense after the victim punched him twice in the head.

In court, Austin requested the case be transferred from adult to juvenile court. Judge Kravitz failed to find probable cause for assault with intent to murder and dismissed the case without prejudice in that hearing meaning the prosecution could refile if new evidence arises.

The prosecution objected to Austin’s request then spoke to Judge Kravitz under the husher without the defense.

Judge Kravitz denied Austin’s motion after a confidential conversation with prosecutors. Additionally, Judge Kravitz said he would not transfer the case without a request from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) which handles most juvenile cases.

Since the case was dismissed without prejudice, Judge Kravitz’s denial of Austin’s motion means the defendant can be tried as an adult if prosecutors refile the case.

After Judge Kravitz’s decision, Austin requested the prosecution cease their search and seizure of the defendant’s cell phone and return the device to him since the case was dismissed.

The prosecution argued the cell phone seizure and case dismissal are separate events and should not be conflated.

Judge Kravitz instructed the prosecution to pause their search of the defendant’s phone until Austin could file a motion regarding the cell phone seizure.

No further dates were set as of March 5.

Judge Denies Release for 2019 Homicide Defendant Despite Maryland Case Dismissal

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied releasing a homicide defendant who argued that a related Maryland case tied to his arrest had been dismissed on March 6.

Alonzo Brown, 29, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Michael Taylor, 21, on Jan. 12, 2019 on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to court documents, investigators reportedly identified Brown as a suspect through a photo identification procedure, and evidence recovered during searches included ammunition and firearm-related items linked to the homicide investigation.

At the hearing, Brown’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, argued that Judge Park should not consider Brown’s arrest in Maryland because the case was dismissed after a judge ruled the pat down that led to the firearm recovery violated the Fourth Amendment protection against illegal search and seizure.

Kiersh likened the dismissal to a “not guilty” verdict and said Brown already spent approximately four years detained because of that arrest. He also argued Brown was previously on release in the DC case without significant issues complying with release conditions. However, Judge Park noted Brown had problems meeting curfew requirements.

The prosecution opposed the release motion. Prosecutors argued that Brown was not fully compliant while on release and emphasized that he was allegedly rrested in Maryland with a firearm while facing a homicide case in DC.

They also cited the seriousness of the homicide charges and argued that no combination of release conditions would sufficiently protect the community.

Judge Park denied the motion for release. He stated that probable cause had been found for the Maryland case before its dismissal and said the material evidence remained the same. Brown allegedly possessed a firearm while on release in a homicide case, even though the Maryland case was later dismissed, said the judge.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 27.

Witness Waffles Over Shooting Suspect’s Demand for Money

Prosecutors introduced video evidence of a witness allegedly saying she heard a shooting defendant demand money from the victim before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 5.

Derrick Gladden, 55, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one victim on April 15, 2024 on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. The victim sustained one gunshot wound.

The victim’s former girlfriend and Gladden’s neighbor testified to hearing one gunshot from her apartment the afternoon of the shooting.

The prosecution presented video clips from police body-worn camera footage in which the victim’s former girlfriend said “I heard Derrick say ‘you’re gonna give me my money.’” However, the witness said she did not remember saying that due to increasing memory problems.

Gladden’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, pointed out that in the victim’s former girlfriend testimony to the grand jury, she did not mention hearing a conversation before the gunshot.

The witness said she knew Gladden since he was a child, and would most likely recognize his voice.

Thomas also asked the victim’s former girlfriend about an incident in which the victim attempted to take knives from her apartment to confront someone. Thomas asked if it was potentially Gladden. The witness said she remembered this happening less than a month before the shooting, but cannot remember who the victim planned a confrontation.

She clarified to prosecutors that to her knowledge the victim did not usually carry weapons.

The victim’s former girlfriend also said that the victim suffered from severe brain cancer at the time of the shooting.

Another witness called by the prosecution lived across the hall from Gladden and his mother in the apartment complex where the incident occurred. The prosecutors questioned the neighbor on photos and videos of Gladden leaving the apartment that he was staying in at the time of the incident. The neighbor identified Gladden said to be the man shown on his Ring camera and the man in the courtroom.

The prosecution also called an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to confirm the presence of physical evidence allegedly founed in Gladden’s apartment, including various types of ammunition, firearm accessories, and a handgun holster.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 6 to discuss evidence, the jury is scheduled to return March 9.

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