Defendant Accepts Guilt in Gas Station Shooting

A gas station shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 1.

Brandon Ross, 33, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a nonfatal shooting at a BP Gas Station on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on Dec. 17, 2024. A victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds during the incident.

All of Ross’ original charges had an aggravating factor of being committed after he was convicted of at least two felonies.

Ross’ attorney, Carrie Weletz, notified Judge Brandt of Ross’ intent to accept a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a range of eight-to-10 years of confinement.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing July 2.

Prosecutors May Provide Evidence of Defendant’s Work as Violence Interrupter in a Murder Trial

A homicide defendant’s attorneys raised concerns before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 1 about the prosecution’s usage of his prior statements and work as a violence interrupter.

Cotey Wynn, 45, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a mass shooting at CRU Lounge on the 1300 block of H Street, NE on Sept. 23, 2024 injuring three and killed one. Blake Bozeman, 31, sustained two gunshot wounds to his chest, and died on Sept. 24, 2024.

Wynn’s attorney, Brian McDaniel, raised concern the prosecution will use Wynn’s previous homicide cases against him. According to court records, in 2020, Wynn was charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 53-year-old Eric Wright. However, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found no probable cause on Feb. 8, 2021.

The prosecution said they intend to use a statement reportedly made by Wynn at CRU. According to the prosecution, Wynn told someone at CRU “I beat a murder,” allegedly referencing the ruling by Judge Dayson in 2021.

Additionally, McDaniel said the defense is concerned the prosecution will use Wynn’s history working as a violence interrupter against him. A violence interrupter is an outreach worker, responsible for de-escalating incidents and serving as mentors to high-risk members of the community.

Reportedly, there were recovered text messages in evidence between Wynn and co-defendant Frank Johnson, 44, thanking Wynn for “putting him on.”

Judge Brandt told the defense that they cannot prevent the prosecution from using any relevant evidence in their case. However, she acknowledged the prosecution using the statement may be problematic as it deals with an unrelated case. She warned the prosecution not to use any evidence that falls into the “other case’s bucket.”

The judge told the defense to file a motion, detailing their arguments against the usage of statements at trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 5.

Judge Tells Hung Jury, ‘You Have Not Failed,’ Declares Mistrial in Catholic University Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz declared a mistrial in a homicide case on May 4 after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on four out of the five counts.

Jaime Macedo, 25, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Maxwell Emerson on The Catholic University of America campus, on the 600 block of Alumni Lane, NE on July 5, 2023. Emerson sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen.

After approximately eight days of deliberations, the jury unanimously found Macedo guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Although the defense objected, Judge Kravitz declared a mistrial on the remaining counts because of the “unacceptable risk” of coercion if he instructed the jury to continue their deliberations. The jury sent Judge Kravitz a definitive note that they made “every reasonable effort possible” to reach a verdict.

“You have not failed in your mission in this case,” Judge Kravitz told the jury. He explained that the legal issues are complicated, especially in Macedo’s case, and the length of their deliberations reflected their effort.

More than a month prior, on March 24, parties presented opening statements. Throughout the trial, the prosecution attempted to prove Macedo shot and killed Emerson during an attempted robbery. Macedo’s attorneys, Rachel Cicurel and Jessica Willis, argued the incident was an accident that “haunted” their client.

Judge Kravitz speculated that jurors disagreed on whether the evidence proved there was an attempted robbery. At the request of the defense, Judge Kravitz inquired whether the jury could reach a unanimous verdict as to the lesser-included offenses of second-degree murder or involuntary manslaughter while armed. The jury responded that they could not reach a verdict on any of the three homicide counts.

After Judge Kravitz dismissed the jurors, Willis noted her intent to file a motion for Macedo’s release. Cicurel, who is leaving the Public Defender Service (PDS) for the District of Columbia, will not be present for the next hearing.

The parties scheduled a status hearing for May 29.

Judge Orders Mental Competency Exam For Defendant Accused of Fatal Beating and Strangulation

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ordered a mental competency examination for a homicide defendant at the request of his attorney on May 1.

Rico Barnes, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 40-year-old Syed Hussain on Feb. 11 on the 1400 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW. Hussain died from blunt force trauma and ligature strangulation, meaning tying something around the victim’s neck.

Alphonso Walker, 39, is also charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the same incident.

According to court documents, DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) responded to a report of smoke detection. When they arrived, they extinguished a small fire and found Hussain bound at the wrists and ankles by neckties.

According to court records, Carrie Weletz, Barnes’ attorney, filed a motion on April 15 requesting a forensic competency screening for her client. To stand trial, Barnes must understand the charges against him and be able to assist his attorney in his defense.

At the hearing, Judge Kravitz apologized for the delay in the order. When Weletz filed the motion, Judge Kravitz said he was on leave and it “fell through the cracks.”

Judge Kravitz ordered a preliminary competency screening for Barnes and parties scheduled a mental observation hearing for May 12.

A preliminary hearing for Barnes and Walker is also scheduled on June 2.

Eyewitness Testifies About U Street Bar Homicide

An eyewitness to a fatal bar shooting testified she was intoxicated at the time of the incident in a homicide trial in DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman’s courtroom, April 30.

Robert Lowe, 42, 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 greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Kenneth Goins inside Desperados Burgers & Bar, at the 1300 block of U Street, NW on April 27, 2024. Goins sustained a gunshot wound to the middle of his abdomen.

The prosecution called an eyewitness who reported seeing the fight between individuals who prosecutors identified as Lowe and Goins. The eyewitness, a Howard alumna, testified she was familiar with U Street and frequently went out with her best friend to the clubs and bars. The night of the incident, she was highly intoxicated on Tequila, the only type of alcohol she drinks. The eyewitness claimed she, despite being intoxicated, was able to stand, see, and understand what was going on around her.

She recalled the events before the incident, testifying that she and her best friend were outside of the bar when a Black man with dreads, Goins, approached and invited them inside. They did not know the Goins prior to that night.

The group went inside the bar. The eyewitness described the establishment as very small with the tops at the entrance only eight feet from the bar in the back. The group was at the high top nearest to the door. The eyewitness said she faced the bar, her best friend faced her, and Goins was between them, facing a wall, reportedly having a good conversation.

“Out of the blue,” the eyewitness testified, Goins was punched in the right side of the face by a White man, who prosecutors claim was Lowe. The men began fighting.

The eyewitness could not recall whether words were exchanged prior to the punch but assumed they were talking while fighting. She testified that security likely got involved and she, after prompting from the prosecution, was certain a woman was kicking the person prosecutors claim was Lowe while he was on the ground under Goins. She said Goins was winning the fight.

After a time, the eyewitness decided to leave with her best friend, saying the fight took too long. When they were in the doorway of the establishment, she testified hearing gunshots. She took off running with her best friend.

In cross-examination, defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein challenged the credibility of the witness’ testimony. She began, asking the witness whether her best friend was old enough to enter the clubs and bars on U Street that night. The eyewitness claimed she could not recall. Sapirstein asked if the best friend had a fake ID. The eyewitness again claimed she could not recall. Finally, Sapirstein, frustrated with the perceived evasions, said the eyewitness was 23-years-old at that night making her best friend only 20-years-old.

Sapirstein then brought up that on June 24, 2023, the eyewitness totaled her car. Sapirstein questioned her, bringing up the police report which stated the eyewitness claimed the accident was actually an armed carjacking by three-to-six unknown individuals. Sapirstein noted the eyewitness’ attorney in that case was present in the courtroom and claimed she concocted a false story to police. The witness claimed she could not recall ever speaking to police. Further she claimed she could not remember anything more than totaling her car.

“So you drank so much that you could not remember and do not remember now?” Sapirstein questioned, inferring the eyewitness was drunk when she totaled her car.

A medical examiner, called by the prosecution, testified she performed an autopsy on Goins. The prosecution presented images of Goins’ autopsy. The medical examiner reported he had a gunshot wound just above his naval. She recovered bullet fragments from within Goins’ body and he had 1250 milliliters of blood in his abdominal cavity. Goins also had noticeable bruising on his right and left eyes along with on his shin.

The prosecution asked if the wound could have occurred with Goins positioned on his knees, bent at a 45 or 90 degree angle. The medical examiner said it was possible.

Sapirstein then asked the medical examiner if it was possible for Goins to have been in any position for the wound to appear as such. The medical examiner said Goins could have been in any position so long as the gun was in front of him.

A firearms specialist was called as a witness, he reported he processed a firearm provided to him by the prosecution. He said his results came back that a G2 RIP 9 millimeter bullet was likely used in the incident. “RIP” stands for “radically invasive projectile.” The specific type of bullet has petals, or legs, that upon impact with a hydraulic target expands and fragments the petals for multi penetration within the target.

The firearms specialist noted that it is possible for this bullet to fragment upon hitting a solid, but the copper, being a soft metal, in the bullet would likely crush into a ball rather than fragment.

A DNA analyst was called by the prosecution. The analyst reported the lab was sent a backpack, two bottles, swabs from a revolver, a buccal swab from Lowe, nail clippings and a blood stain card from Goins.

She reported the results from the backpack straps were inconclusive. The revolver test results were found incompatible, meaning not suitable for any reference. The buccal swabs, nail clippings, and blood stain card traced back to their original contributors. Finally, the second bottle rim traced back with an octillian chance of including Goins than not.

The prosecution also called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to testify. She created an array of suspects for a witness to identify. The witness reportedly identified Lowe from the array.

Sapirstein pointed out that a few of the suspects on the array looked very similar to Lowe, to which the detective agreed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 4.

Judge Releases Domestic Violence Homicide Defendant Claiming Years of Abuse

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted a homicide defendant’s request for release to home confinement during a hearing on May 1.

Shawnta Aiken, 52, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 56-year-old Richard Walker on Nov. 2, 2025 on the 3000 block of P Street, SE.

Dominique Winters, Aiken’s attorney, filed a motion to reconsider release, after Judge Kravitz denied her original motion on Jan. 29, stating they had failed to provide sufficient information for a release plan.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman had also denied release on Nov. 18, 2025 after he found probable cause that Aiken was the perpetrator. According to a detective’s testimony on Nov. 18, Aiken allegedly told a 911 dispatcher “he told me he had HIV, now he’s dead.”

At the hearing on May 1, Winters requested Aiken be released on 24 hour home confinement at her mom’s house, which is located outside of DC.

Winters provided context into Aiken and Walker’s relationship, which she described as tumultuous, highlighting recurring allegations of domestic violence. According to Winters, six days before the shooting, Aiken went to a domestic violence organization seeking emergency housing for fear of Walker.

Winters argued Aiken has no violent, assaultive, or weapon related history, and Aiken had attempted to do everything she could to get away from the relationship with Walker while he was allegedly incarcerated in 2022.

Winters cited records from domestic violence organizations that provided Aiken resources when Walker allegedly repeatedly threatened Aiken while he was in prison, and she attempted to divorce him.

Winters also highlighted Aiken’s front teeth missing, stating she lost them when Walker allegedly hit her face with a gun, telling her “if I can’t have you, no one can.”

“This is a woman that was doing everything in her power to get away from him,” Winters cried. She further argued that Walker, who was allegedly known to be a drug dealer, worsened Aiken’s substance abuse by using her to test laced drugs.

According to Winters, Walker would force Aiken “to test the laced drugs to see the effect it would have on her before selling it on the streets.” Winters stated Aiken’s medical records show multiple overdoses.

“What was particularly sickening, is we have information that he would keep Narcan to bring her back so she didn’t have to go to the hospital as frequently,” Winters told Judge Kravitz.

She presented the court with a certificate of completion, which stated Aiken successfully completed a 120-day in-patient treatment plan while she was detained at the Central Treatment Facility (CTF) in the Department of Corrections (DoC).

“She’s been incredibly proud of the work she’s been putting in to get sober,” Winters stated about Aiken, adding “I think because [Walker] is no longer in her life, she has a much better chance at staying sober. It’s something she cares about and has been working really really hard to achieve it.”

The defense requested Aiken be given the chance to work with health services for domestic violence survivors in the community, which would include access to psychiatrists, case managers, weekly therapy appointments, employment services, and referral to additional resources as needed.

The prosecution disagreed with the request for release, stating “to the government’s view, this is murder,” and “there is no meaningful argument against those facts.”

The prosecution further stated, “no one has meaningfully refuted that in a house with at least eight people, four of which were children, [Aiken] picked up a gun and shot someone.”

According to the prosecution, not a single witness in the house has stated they heard arguing, conversations, scuffles or a commotion prior to the shooting. “They all woke up that morning to two gunshots, and they saw the defendant standing near [Walker] with a firearm.”

“Anger and weapons resulted in a murder, or at least the death of someone, in a house,” the prosecutor continued, highlighting Aiken’s criminal history, which includes a conviction for attempted perjury.

Walker’s daughter, who provided a statement to the court, stated she is “overwhelmed with grief,” adding, “the harm that was done cannot be undone.” She further stated she lives with fear, because she has allegedly seen Aiken’s aggression and anger, and she’s worried about her family and the community’s safety.

Judge Kravitz stated the defense “has made a very strong presentation that Aiken’s relationship with [Walker] was a uniquely toxic relationship,” adding that it makes it less likely that Aiken, who doesn’t have assaultive convictions, would attack anyone else in the community.

“Her violence towards [Walker], I feel comfortable saying on this record, is not likely to be repeated towards anyone else,” Judge Kravitz stated.

“This is the opposite of an invitation to be loose about how you’re doing. This is an expression on my part, that because you’ve done well at CTF and the drug program, and additional information has been presented to me that I wasn’t aware of three months ago, I now trust that you’ll be able to comply with these conditions,” Judge Kravitz told Aiken, adding, “If I were to learn that I was wrong about that, I’m going to change my mind.”

Judge Kravitz released Aiken to home confinement with the Specialized Supervision Unit (SSU) through the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), and GPS monitoring.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 31.

Prosecutors Allege Vehicular Homicide Defendant Turned Away From Victims ‘Clinging to Life in the Streets’

Parties disagreed about whether a defendant’s apparently reckless choices or his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) led to a fatal crash in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 28.

Spiro Stafilatos, 38, is charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault knowingly grave risk while armed, and fleeing a law enforcement officer for his alleged involvement in a pedestrian crash at the intersection of New York Avenue and 14th Street, NW on Dec. 30, 2022 that resulted in the death of 31-year-old Shuyu Sui also known as Sophie and life threatening injuries to a second victim, Sui’s wife.

“It should have been an ordinary afternoon” for Sui and her wife, said prosecutors in their opening statements. The couple walked down 14th Street where “their lives would be changed forever.”

According to prosecutors, the United States Secret Service (USSS) stopped Stafilatos because he had no front license plate and an out of date registration. At the traffic stop, Stafilatos kept his vehicle running and in drive. In a “critical 15 seconds,” prosecutors said Stafilatos fled the traffic stop, turned into a gap in traffic, collided with another vehicle, and “launched [the victims] down New York Avenue.”

The prosecutor inquired what jurors would do if they were involved in a crash and argued it would differ from Stafilatos’ response. Stafilatos looked at the “shattered bodies of the two women who were clinging to life in the streets” and turned his back on them, said the prosecutor.

Prosecutors said telematics evidence shows that Stafilatos accelerated over 50 miles per hour—twice the speed limit— and video footage offers proof he ran a red light.

The jury will not see evidence of Stafilatos’ intent to kill, but prosecutors said that doesn’t matter for second-degree murder. The case is about a series of Stafilatos’ choices that led to Sui’s death, concluded prosecutors.

Brian McDaniel, Stafilatos’ attorney, emphasized the presumption of innocence and argued that prosecutors “overcharged Stafilatos.” According to McDaniel, it is relevant that his client didn’t intend to cause harm.

When Stafilatos was detained in April 2020, McDaniel said he was “assaulted by law enforcement, beaten by police.” As a result, Stafilatos has PTSD from his interactions with authorities. McDaniel asserted that Stafilatos’ PTSD informed his decisions as he tried to escape the police when the crash occurred.

The video of the crash is “hard to watch, it’s bad,” said McDaniel, and emphasized it’s “a sad case all around” but asked the jury to consider “the good, the bad, the ugly,” and find Stafilatos not guilty of the charges against him.

The prosecutors called the surviving victim to testify. “My memory is super bad,” said the victim and noted she carries a notebook to help her recall. The victim does not remember the crash but from photos, she knows she celebrated her wedding anniversary with Sui that day.

“Whenever I think of her I start crying,” said the surviving victim about her wife. She described Sui as nice to everyone and mentioned a cat they adopted together.

A doctor and expert in the field of trauma surgery who treated the surviving victim also testified. The expert said the victim’s probability of death was extremely high and without care, she would have died within an hour of the crash. The expert said the victim sustained a very severe brain injury with bleeding, a broken skull, punctured lungs, and fractured hands, among other injuries.

According to the expert, the victim spent approximately six months in the intensive care unit (ICU) and approximately 12 months at George Washington University Hospital.

The prosecution also called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective on the case from the Major Crash Investigations Unit to testify. The detective said he responded to an incident involving two pedestrians in an area with a speed limit of 20 miles per hour. According to the detective, the distance from where the vehicle impacted the victims to their final resting place was between 80-to-100 feet.

The detective identified the suspect vehicle’s path in video footage played by prosecutors. In the videos, officers on bikes conducted a traffic stop, the vehicle pulled away, and a police vehicle turned on their lights and followed the vehicle. Then, the video showed that the suspect vehicle drove through a red light and was hit by another vehicle that had a green light.

The suspect vehicle then hit two pedestrians as they walked across the street. The driver exited the car and started to run away before police arrived and the suspect raised his hands in the air as he dropped to the ground.

In cross-examination, McDaniel noted that police found three prescription bottles in the suspect vehicle and one nearby, all labeled with Stafilatos’ name. The detective said he was unsure what the prescription was. McDaniel confirmed that the detective took notes on elements of importance in his investigations. Therefore, McDaniel concluded if the detective did not write the prescription down it was not important.

McDaniel asked the detective whether Stafilatos would have struck the victims if the other car had not hit the back of his vehicle. The prosecution objected to the question and after a brief conversation, Judge Brandt struck the question from the record.

The accident was not a high speed chase but it occurred about a block away from the traffic stop, McDaniel confirmed with the detective.

An eyewitness who drove the other vehicle involved in the crash also testified. The eyewitness described the accident–she was in stop-and-go traffic and as she hit her breaks another vehicle hit hers. Her car was toatled and she was “shaken but physically okay,” said the eyewitness.

McDaniel asserted that the eyewitness hit the other car, not the opposite. She affirmed her previous statement that a vehicle from her right hit her front passenger side. The eyewitness said she had a green light and confirmed she never watched a video of the crash.

The trial is scheduled to resume on April 29.

Judge Orders Full Evaluation For Stabbing Suspect Claiming Mental Incompetence

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ordered a full mental competency examination for a stabbing defendant who voiced that he does not understand his case on April 30.

Corey Bridges, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 7, 2025 on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE. The victim sustained multiple lacerations to their neck and bled severely.

At a hearing on April 3, Judge Kravitz granted a defense request for a preliminary evaluation of Bridges’ competency at the DC Jail. To stand trial, Bridges must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense.

A report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), filed on April 9, found Bridges met those criterial. His attorneys, Molly Bunke and Theodore Shaw, asked for additional time to consider the report.

At the hearing, Bunke informed Judge Kravitz that the defense had no information to add to the DBH findings.

Bridges then said, “I feel incompetent” and continued, “Judge Kravitz, I feel kinda unknowledgeable of everything that’s placed in front of me. I feel that I’m incompetent to the proceedings.” In addition, Bridges expressed “I’m just trying to get everything over with” and asked Judge Kravitz for a ruling.

Bunke said she was happy Bridges was able to make his position known.

Judge Kravitz inquired about the specific aspect of his case Bridges did not understand. Bridges responded that he did not understand most of the plea deal offered to him.

Judge Kravitz concluded that the most appropriate course of action was to order a full competency evaluation to determine whether Bridges understands the proceedings. The evaluation would take 30 days and the case could not move forward until it was completed, Judge Kravitz noted to Bridges.

Bridges asked “Can you send me to Saint E’s for the 30 days. I’m tired of that jail.” Bridges described his experience at the DC Jail as “claustrophobic, vomiting, [and] discomfort.”

Bunke reiterated Bridges’ request for his transfer to Saint Elizabeths Hospital and noted his long-standing schizophrenia diagnosis.

The prosecutor said the full evaluation should be completed at the jail unless DBH said the transfer was necessary.

Bunke said they would receive more information from the observations at Saint Elizabeths and the law allows for Bridges’ transfer if the judge found that placement at an in-patient facility is necessary for an adequate examination.

Judge Kravitz acknowledged it was possible to complete an evaluation at the jail but he was not confident it would be reliable. The prior DBH report relied on the examiner’s opinion that Bridges malingered and feigned a lack of understanding. Judge Kravitz concluded that the ability to constantly observe Bridges would likely reveal whether he is malingering.

As a result, Judge Kravitz orders Bridges’ transfer to Saint Elizabeths for a full competency evaluation.

“Thank you, your honor,” said Bridges.

A mental observation hearing is scheduled for May 29.

Judge Calls Support Program ‘Brilliant’ for ‘Ding-Dong-Ditch’ Shooter

Balancing punishment with compassion, DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel imposed a minimal jail sentence while endorsing a detailed plan to support a shooting defendant’s fragile mental health in a May 1 hearing.

Darryl Wood, 65, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm with a conviction of more than one year, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm for a non-fatal shooting incident on Aug. 23, 2025 on the 4600 block of Martin Luther King Avenue, SW.

In what started as a prank, known as “ding-dong ditch,” two girls rang the doorbell of an apartment where Woods was living with his cousin and ran down the building’s hallway.

In what he admitted was a dangerous overreaction, Wood fired a shot at the pranksters leaving a bullet hole in a nearby apartment’s dining room wall. No injuries were reported.

”Kids do stupid things. But it does not warrant being shot at,” said the prosecutor, calling it an “Incredibly reckless” offense. He called for a sentence of 32 months in jail, the mandatory minimum for assault with a dangerous weapon based on Wood’s previous run in with the law during the 80s and 90s.

Wood pleaded guilty to the shooting in February, however at the sentencing defense attorney Erin Girffard explained the unusual circumstances surrounding the crime. Wood suffers from a degenerative mental condition that not only affects his memory but also creates a heightened sense of danger.

“Mr. Wood would take it back in a heartbeat if he could,” said Griffard. She said the interruption left him confused and disoriented, so he reached for a gun. In a letter to the court Wood expressed remorse for his actions and called his state of mind “a delicate balance” between independence and care since he lost his wife of 20 years.

“If I could do it all over again, it never would have happened. What I did was wrong and my reaction was wrong,” wrote Wood.

“Thank God nobody got hurt,” he said.

Griffard said Wood had lived a “remarkable life” working at Gallaudet University for the deaf in DC for 15 years. She argued for a sentence of one year of supervised probation. Going forward, Griffand suggested the appointment of a dementia navigator for Wood who would provide structure and day-to-day support, transitioning to an assisted living facility.

Judge Israel said the plan was “brilliant” and makes “so much sense” in that it’s a holistic approach that includes medical and mental health treatment as well as housing. However, the judge said it would have to be under the supervision of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) as well as the Public Defender Service (PDS).

However, the judge said she couldn’t get around the mandatory minimum for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge. Still, she suspended all but six months with credit for time served, calling for six months of supervised release and nine months of supervised probation.

Wood must also register as a gun offender and pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

“I’m worried about your health,” said Israel regarding the 115 days Wood had left to serve. She, admonished him to call his lawyer when released.

Homicide Defendant Arraigned, Sent to Women’s Halfway House

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sent a homicide defendant to a halfway house based on mental health issues after she pleaded not guilty at an arraignment on April 28.

When Anna Hyman, 23, was arrested on July 26, 2025, she was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Robert Dent, 63, that occurred the same day at the unit block of Galveston Street, SW. Dent sustained 55 stab wounds all across his body.

The court arraigned Hyman on the charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed that she now faces and her attorneys, Jesse Winograd and Elizabeth Weller, entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf.

Judge Ryan reminded the parties of his intention to send Hyman to Fairview, a women’s halfway house under the Department of Corrections’ (DOC) custody. He asked the prosecution to explain their opposition.

The prosecutor argued Hyman continues to pose a danger to the community. She said Hyman showed the actions she is capable of. “Quite frankly, [Dent] was butchered,” the prosecutor said.

Additionally, the prosecutor argued Hyman should not be at Fairview as she is a healthy young person, and the physical issues the defense claimed to warrant her transfer were medically unfounded. Hyman reportedly gained a concerning amount of weight since her arrest. The prosecution argued the weight gain was typical of defendants when they are initially incarcerated.

Judge Ryan told the prosecution he is concerned about Hyman’s mental health which could directly relate to the weight gain. He also assured the prosecution Hyman would be placed under high security at the halfway house.

Weller requested Judge Ryan consider allowing Hyman to visit with her family and obtain a job.

Judge Ryan denied the changes, stating family visits and employment are out of the question at this time. The judge said he continues to be concerned about the safety of the general public, but more specifically the safety of Hyman’s children.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 27.

Judge Orders Third Mental Competency Exam For Defendant Accused of Shooting Police

At a hearing on April 28, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered a third full mental competency examination for a defendant accused of shooting police officers.

Stephen Rattigan, 50, is charged with six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, six counts of assault on a police officer while armed, 15 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, five counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, misdemeanor cruelty to animals, and destruction of property that cost $1,000 or more. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured three victims at the 5000 block of Hanna Place, SE on Feb. 14, 2024.

According to court records the victims were officers from the Metropolitan Police Department Criminal Apprehension Unit (CAU). The CAU officers reportedly responded to Rattigan’s residence to serve an arrest warrant for cruelty to animals when Rattigan allegedly fired multiple shots through the door.

At the hearing, Judge Ryan informed the parties that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) could not draw a conclusion on Rattigan’s competency at this time. To stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against them and be able to assist their attorney in their defense.

According to court records, a full competency examination was ordered for Rattigan on March 8, 2024 and again on March 6 of this year.

The report from DBH recommended he be placed at Saint Elizabeths, a psychiatric hospital. Judge Ryan proposed he order a third full mental competency evaluation of Rattigan while he’s at the hospital. Neither Rattigan’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, nor the prosecution objected.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 27.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal For Stabbing Leaving Victim Hospitalized

A defendant who stabbed a victim in the neck multiple times accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on May 1.

Randy Brown, 34, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Aug. 7, 2025 on the 1100 block of 7th Street, NW.

The prosecutor said if the case had proceeded to trial they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that following an altercation, Brown rushed towards the victim, held him down on a bench, and stabbed him with a knife in the neck multiple times. The victim sustained lacerations with significant bleeding that required emergency medical treatment and surgery.

The agreement required Brown plead guilty to aggravated assault. In exchange, prosecutors will not seek an indictment with any additional charges and agree to limit their sentence request to five years of imprisonment.

Judge Kravitz noted that without the deal, Brown could face a maximum of 10 years in prison for the charge.

Alvin Thomas, Brown’s attorney, asked for his client’s release on home confinement while he awaits sentencing. Thomas argued Brown accepted responsibility and is not a flight risk.

The prosecutor opposed the request since Brown admitted guilt in the case and his sentence will require prison time.

After reviewing Brown’s criminal record and the facts of the case, Judge Kravitz denied Thomas’ request for release. The judge also noted the presumption in favor of detention while a defendant awaits sentencing.

Brown’s sentencing is scheduled for July 10.

‘Five Percenter Muslim, a Career Criminal, and a Junkie’ Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a homicide defendant to seven years in prison on May 1.

On Feb. 6, Raymond Mathis, also known as Raymond Jenkins, 39, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Matthew Miller on Sept. 5, 2023, on the 200 block of M Street, SW. The incident also injured two additional individuals, but they survived.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a seven year sentence.

De’Andre Sams, 30, and Keshawn Lavender, 24, both previously pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for their involvement in the incident. Sams was sentenced on Oct. 17, 2025 to 11 years in prison and Lavender was sentenced on Jan. 23 to seven years in prison.

During the hearing, Miller’s mother delivered a victim impact statement, in which she called Mathis a “five percenter muslim, a career criminal, and a junkie,” arguing that Black men that find themselves incarcerated will sometimes try to act like muslims and read the Quran in an attempt to make themselves appear better.

She accused Mathis of having committed another murder in his twenties, though both parties stated this was the first time they’d heard of that and it was not in his criminal history report.

Miller’s mother continued, stating she often hopes and prays that Mathis will die in prison. “If God can’t forgive me [for wishing Mathis death], I’ll see you at the gates of hell.”

The prosecutor urged Judge Edelman to accept the plea deal parties agreed to, stating the evidence in this case was far from overwhelming, and the scene was “very chaotic.”

“The evidence brought the real risk of a complete acquittal,” had the case gone to trial, according to the prosecution.

Carrie Weletz, Mathis’ attorney, also urged Judge Edelman to accept the agreement, stating “this was a big messy case,” that was in regards to a “very large scale” drug operation apartment, that spanned multiple units in the building.

Weletz further argued there is no evidence that Mathis ever zip tied or touched Miller at all. She argued Mathis was seriously injured during the incident, having been shot, and immediately sought medical attention.

Mathis asserted his Fifth Amendment right during the hearing.

Judge Edelman accepted the agreement, and sentenced Mathis to seven years. He cited the serious violent crime, “that involved a large amount of premeditation, use of weapons, and the tragic consequence of Miller’s death.”

He highlighted Mathis’ criminal history, which include multiple drug convictions, weapon offenses, and multiple revocations of release and probation due to re-arrests.

“I don’t know much about Mr. Mathis other than he has these prior convictions and a GED,” Judge Edelman stated.

Mathis is required to serve five years of supervised release, must undergo vocational training, mental health and substance abuse assessments, and register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.

Late Evidence Disclosure by Prosecutors Delays Homicide Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman denied a defendant’s motion to exclude a key witness’ testimony in a homicide trial, but granted a continuance due to the prosecutor’s late disclosure, during a hearing on May 1.

Joshua Stephenson, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Khalil Jones. The incident occurred on Nov. 17, 2022, on the 1500 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Stephen LoGerfo, Stephenson’s attorney, recently filed a motion to exclude testimony for a key prosecution witness due to the prosecution’s late notice. According to LoGerfo, the prosecution alerted the defense about the key witness, who is incarcerated, two months before trial was slated to begin on May 11. However, he stated, they didn’t provide any of the witness’ jail calls and other substantial information until later.

LoGerfo stated the prosecution had known about the witness, their statements and claims, including information allegedly provided to the witness by Stephenson regarding the shooting, as early as March of 2024, and they failed to give proper notice to the defense.

He further argued that the prosecution had previously delayed an April 2025 trial date due to their unavailability, and had not provided the witness information prior to the original trial date.

LoGerfo stated a lot of the information provided for the witness is exculpatory to Stephenson, and may prove the witness’ lack of credibility. LoGerfo cited the witness’ multiple convictions and possibility of cooperation in exchange for lighter sentences.

The prosecution insisted the defense could go to trial without reviewing all jail calls made by the witness. However, LoGerfo strongly disagreed, insisting “I’d be ineffective [counsel].”

Judge Edelman denied the motion to exclude the witness testimony, but granted a continuance in the trial date, highlighting the significance of the witness. Judge Edelman stated that this is a case that relies vastly on circumstantial evidence, and the witness “can put a whole lot of meat on the bones about what happened.”

“Obviously, this is an essential ground for defense investigation,” Judge Edelman stated, adding “it was a situation that could’ve been avoided.”

A new trial date was scheduled for Aug. 2, 2027.

Judge Edelman further ordered the prosecution to file a supplemental Drew Johnson notice, which is prior bad acts by the defendant, stating their original notice was “imprecise and scattershot.”

LoGerfo also requested Stephenson be released pending trial, citing his three-and-a-half year detention as he awaits trial. LoGerfo highlighted Stephenson’s frustration with the violation of his right to a speedy trial, arguing that both delays have been caused by the prosecution.

Judge Edelman stated he’d be happy to revisit the request once Stephenson’s District Court case is concluded, for which he is set to go to trial later this summer. The allegations surrounding the case were not discussed in court.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 13.

Repeat Homicide Perpetrator Takes Plea Deal 1 Month Before Trial

A homicide defendant, who is already serving a sentence for another murder, accepted a plea deal one month prior to his trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on May 1.

Mark Price, 31, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, first-degree burglary while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. The charges stem from his involvement in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Young on July 30, 2018 on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE.

Price’s trial was scheduled to start on June 1. At the hearing, the prosecutor said if the case had proceeded to trial they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Price drove to the incident location in a silver BMW and fired repeated shots at Young, striking him once in the head. Price acted knowingly and intentionally and not by accident, mistake, or in self-defense.

The deal Price accepted from prosecutors required he plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for prosecutors dismissing all remaining charges. Parties agreed to a 12-year prison sentence, subject to Judge Kravitz’s approval at sentencing.

In addition, Price’s sentence will run concurrently with the 50-year prison sentence he’s currently serving for his involvement as the getaway driver in the mass shooting that fatally injured 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE on July 16, 2018.

Judge Kravitz noted that without the agreement, voluntary manslaughter while armed carries a maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment.

Price’s attorney, Destiny Fullwood-Singh, asked to delay sentencing because her client was on the waitlist for the “Lead Up” program at the DC Jail, a workforce development and education program. The prosecutor had no objection.

Price’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 25.

Search