Judge Continues Release for Homicide Defendant Who Severed Ankle Monitor

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz maintained the release conditions for a homicide defendant on June 12 after she removed her GPS ankle monitor and violated her home confinement requirement.

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

During the pretrial hearing, defense attorney Dominique Winters provided context to Aiken’s release violations laid out in four reports since May 6 from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). According to Judge Kravitz, it alleged that Aiken cut off her ankle monitor and left her home twice.

Aiken was released on May 1 to 24-hour home confinement at her mother’s house. Judge Kravitz granted release after Winters explained in that hearing that Aiken sustained years of domestic abuse from Walker.

Judge Kravitz decided to leave Aiken’s release conditions unchanged after a PSA representative said that there is “marginal compliance,” and that there have been no violations since May 19.

“I will not be as understanding if this happens again,” Judge Kravitz said.

According to Winters, Aiken removed her ankle monitor after a bath caused it to malfunction and she grew worried about electrocution.

Winters then claimed that Aiken left home to go to an AutoZone and to retrieve her belongings from a storage unit that were going to be auctioned off. Winters also said that the time since Aiken’s release was “not the smoothest transition,” since Winters was on leave for part of it, and so was Aiken’s case manager from the Public Defender Service’s Office of Rehabilitation and Development.

Winters said that Aiken was reminded that services and appointments will be set up for her. “Since we’ve conveyed that to her, we haven’t had any issues,” Winters said. Winters argued that Aiken was not intentionally defiant of her release conditions–she was just anxious about her appointments and treatment plan. Mental health and drug rehabilitation services were put in place, Winters said.

The prosecution filed a motion to revoke Aiken’s bond, which Winters said was inaccurate. She said the motion incorrectly stated that Aiken removed her GPS device within 24 hours of her release. According to Winters, Aiken removed her monitor multiple days after her release.

During the hearing, the prosecution argued that the defense was caught up in the details and asked the court to look at the bigger picture of Aiken’s alleged crime.

According to the prosecutor, who was standing in for the assigned attorney, the \indictment against Aiken is expected to be ready by the end of July.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 31.

Judge Won’t Release Defendant Accused of Shooting at Girlfriend

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ruled that a domestic violence shooting defendant would be held at the jail and required to stay-away from the victims after waiving his preliminary hearing on June 10.

Manuel Thomas, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting on May 13 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. No injuries were reported but Thomas allegedly fired one shot at his ex-girlfriend and another victim.

According to court documents, Thomas allegedly shot the living room wall after his ex-girlfriend reportedly told him that she wanted to end their relationship.

Thomas’ attorney, Charles Haskell, alerted parties that his client wanted to waive his right to a preliminary hearing of evidence that would determine if probable cause existed in his case. Haskell then asked for Thomas’ release. He said that Thomas would live with his mom and work during release at Safeway and a hotel.

The prosecution disagreed because of Thomas’ criminal record, including previous firearm, domestic violence, and marijuana possession offenses. According to the prosecution, Thomas was arrested for possessing a different firearm during the same incident.

Judge Raymond denied Thomas’ release because of the seriousness of the offense and his prior record. The judge also ordered Thomas to stay-away from both victims.

Thomas is scheduled for a felony status conference on July 20 before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Defense Challenges Mental Competency Finding For Fatal Stabbing Defendant

A defense attorney in DC Superior Court Neal Kravitz’s courtroom said she intends to challenge an evaluation by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) that found a stabbing defendant mentally competent to stand trial.

Leon Bryant, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Jonathan Simmons-Miller on the 700 block of V Street, NW on July 30, 2025. Simmons-Miller died from one stab wound to his abdomen.

In a separate case, Bryant is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that stemmed from an attempted robbery on Sept. 8, 2025 on the 1700 block of Lincoln Road, NE. The victim sustained a superficial puncture.

Bryant’s attorney, Christen Romero Philips, said an expert for the defense evaluated Bryant on June 5 and determined him not competent. The expert will have a report in about a month, Philips said.

To stand trial, Bryant must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense.

A contested competency hearing was scheduled for July 17, and the defense said their expert will be ready to testify.

Bryant is currently at Saint Elizabeths Hospital on psychiatric hold.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 15 to resume Bryant’s preliminary hearing for the murder case.

Judge Grants Defense More Time, Non-Fatal Shooter’s Sentencing Delayed

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt allowed a defense attorney two more months to prepare for sentencing a shooting case defendant on June 12.

Marcus Martin, 29, pleaded guilty on Jan. 29 to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left one individual injured on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on Jan. 11, 2024.

At Martin’s scheduled sentencing, his attorney, Quo Judkins, notified Judge Brandt that she was unable to prepare fully because of complications in her schedule. The prosecution did not object to the request to reschedule.

Additionally, Martin offered documents to the court containing several completed course certifications while being detained.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Sept. 11.

Judge Commends Youth Act Defendant For Probation Success in Gun Case

Court officials agree that a defendant charged with a possession offense is on track to benefit from the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on June 9.

Tyrhez Williams, 25, was sentenced on June 17, 2025 to one year of probation for carrying a pistol without a license in connection to an incident that occurred on July 8, 2024 on the 2600 block of Bowen Road, SE.

Court documents state that Williams was arrested by Air Force Security Forces for possession of a firearm on a federal military installation. A witness also reported a non-fatal shooting nearby on the same date, but prosecutors never attributed the shots to Williams.

At the probation show cause hearing, Williams’ attorney, William Howell, argued that his client has demonstrated remarkable growth and progress and he successfully maintained employment while on probation.

Howell recommended that probation be extended three months on account of the personal progress Williams demonstrated. Judge Di Toro agreed to this extension, implementing the YRA option.

The YRA is a law that gives sentencing flexibility for offenders under the age of 25 at the time of the crime. The defendants also receive the opportunity to have their convictions sealed following successful completion of requirements.

Considering the growth Williams displayed, both the defense and Judge Di Toro exhibited confidence in the results the YRA would have on his rehabilitation.

The judge was impressed with how Williams discharged his responsibilities while also suffering from an undisclosed personal loss. Of note, he maintained employment throughout probation despite a job loss. Following his layoff, Williams decided to start his own business.

Williams’ new probationary end date is set as Sept. 9, however the Judge mentioned this will function as a “control date,” speculating he will likely finish his probation sooner.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to All Charges in Bus Stabbing

A stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty on all counts during a felony arraignment held before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on June 10.

Troy Ivy, 57, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on April 14 on a Metrobus at the intersection of H and 2nd Streets, NE. The victim sustained an injury to his left upper shoulder.

The court formally arraigned Ivy reading the charges against him. Craig Ricard, Ivy’s attorney, entered into a plea of not guilty on his behalf, asserted his rights to a speedy trial, and requested all evidence in the case.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 6.

Judge Says Stabbing Defendant Made ‘Major Improvement’ in Probation Compliance

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean commended a stabbing defendant’s improvement with the terms of his probation on June 10.

Marshal Baxster, 39, was sentenced on March 14, 2025 to 18 months of probation for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing on Nov. 29, 2024 on the 3000 block of R street NW. The victim sustained a deep laceration to his wrist.

As part of Baxter’s probation he is required to complete treatment at a rehabilitation services center, mental health and substance use assessments, cognitive therapy, and verifiable employment.

At a hearing on April 9, parties discussed Baxter’s occasional non-compliance with his GPS monitoring.

Baxster’s probation officer from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) told the court that he was in contact with Baxster and noted that he was running late to the hearing. Baxster’s presence was waived by his attorney Shawn Sukumar.

Without objection from the prosecutors, Judge McLean discharged the show cause action against Baxster as he has made “major improvement” in probation compliance.

Judge McLean said Baxster will remain on GPS monitoring for 60 days and then have the opportunity for it to be removed if he has no new violation reports for non-compliance.

Parties are not scheduled to reconvene.

Judge Dismisses Stabbing Case For Failure to Indict

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno dismissed all charges against a domestic violence stabbing suspect on June 15 after the prosecution failed to meet its indictment deadline.

Carlos Blount, 47, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on July 31 2025, on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE.

The victim, who said she had been in a sexual relationship with Blount, sustained stab wounds to her back and leg. The victim told police that after their relationship ended Blount allegedly harassed and threatened her on multiple occasions.

The prosecution asked Judge Salerno to grant a continuance as they waited for the result of hospital records that would contain drug testing results. Prosecutors say the drug lab is currently a “mess” and they needed more time.

Judge Salerno pointed out that prosecutors said they were waiting on hospital records at the previous hearing on April 27, and “that was two months ago.”

He asked when the indictment deadline expired and the prosecutors were not immediately sure. Eventually they clarified that it was on June 6, then Judge Salerno noted the prosecutors had missed multiple deadlines to indict Blount.

Originally the matter had been set to be a 100 day case, which means that the defendant must be indicted within 90 days and have a trial within 100 days of their arrest.

However, after prosecutors were not ready to indict during the required period, the case had been extended to a nine month deadline. The judge pointed out it was now nine days after the extended deadline and he had no reason to believe the prosecutors were close to an indictment.

As a result, Judge Salerno dismissed the case.

No further dates were set.

Judge Delays Trial Amid Concerns About Dozing Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel delayed a jury trial for a domestic violence stabbing case due to worries that, given his mental state, the suspect, may not be able to assist his own defense on June 15.

Chauncey Liverpool, 33, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing with scissors on the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE, on Sept. 9, 2025. Liverpool’s girlfriend sustained injuries in her back and left arm.

Liverpool is also charged with two counts of felony contempt for attempting to contact the victim despite a judge ordering him to stay away from her.

In court, after discussions under seal, Judge Israel noted that Liverpool was having a hard time staying awake. Liverpool disputed this, exclaiming “I’m up” when his alertness was challenged.

In order to stand trial, Liverpool must be considered mentally competent, at least understanding the charges so he can work with his attorney. According to the judge, Liverpool appeared as though he was struggling to stay awake, therefore Judge Israel vacated the hearing.

She ordered a mental competency evaluation for Liverpool. The judge addressed Liverpool directly, letting him know that doctors would check on him soon.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a mental observation hearing on June 23.

Judge Delays Trial Amid Concerns About Dozing Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel delayed a jury trial for a domestic violence stabbing case due to worries that, given his mental state, the suspect may not be able to assist in his own defense on June 15.

Liverpool is also charged with two counts of felony contempt for attempting to contact the victim despite a judge ordering him to stay away and avoid any contact with her.

In court, after discussions under seal, Judge Israel noted that Liverpool was having a hard time staying awake. Liverpool attempted to rebut this, exclaiming “I’m up” when his alertness came into question.

In order to stand trial, Liverpool must understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyer in his defense. According to the judge, Liverpool appeared as though he was struggling to stay awake, therefore Judge Israel vacated the hearing.

Judge Israel ordered a mental competency evaluation for Liverpool to determine his ability to stand trial. The judge addressed Liverpool directly, letting him know that doctors would check on him soon.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a mental observation hearing on June 23.

Despite Witness Claims of a Confession, Jury Acquits Murder Defendant

A one-time convicted murderer was acquitted of all charges in a killing on New Year’s Eve–the very same day the defendant admitted involvement in another murder.

Much of the case hinged on the testimony of a prosecution witness whom the defense claimed was untruthful. The fatal shooting trial was argued before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman and the jury rendered its verdict on June 11.

Additional reporting of the outcome shows to what extent the defense was able to undermine a witness who claimed to hear Thomas confess to the crime.

Randolph Thomas, 43, was charged with felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and first-degree burglary while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Emmanuel Durant Jr., 19, on Dec. 31, 2009, on the 200 block of Webster Street, NE.

“This was a pre-planned home invasion,” said the prosecution, “but Randolph Thomas didn’t just take keys, cash, drugs, he took a life.”

The prosecution claimed Thomas was placed at the crime scene by cell phone tower data, evidence he possessed the muder weapon before and after the incident, and multiple correlating witness descriptions. The prosecution claimed this evidence left Thomas “buried in five feet of snow of circumstantial evidence.”

Cell tower data located the defendant near incident location, claimed prosecutors. From the data, the prosecution emphasized Thomas entering the area during a two week period within 40 minutes of the homicide.

The prosecution cited the two surviving victims’ descriptions of the two perpetrators, claiming various features matched Thomas, such as big lips, height, and facial hair.

The murder weapon was alleged to be Thomas’ firearm, which witnesses testified he called “his baby.” According to court records, ballistics comparisons linked the murder weapon to the fatal shooting of Chardale Bowe on Dec. 31, 2009 on the 4800 block of North Capitol Street, NE. Thomas accepted a plea deal for his involvement in Bowe’s murder in 2014.

Pierce Suen, Thomas’ attorney, accused the prosecution’s key witness of being, “a known obstructor of justice,” reportedly selling lies to reduce his own sentence.

According to Suen, the witness’ report of Thomas’ confession to him did not match physical evidence and eyewitness accounts. For example, Suen noted the witness claimed Thomas mentioned an unaccounted for vehicle and pillow case.

The defense then claimed that if true, Thomas’ alleged confession could be corroborated by another specific witness who was not located by investigators.

Suen pointed out that many details of the witnesses’ story could have been learned from a Washington Post article about the incident and the documentary, 17 Blocks, based on Durant’s family.

He also argued the witness had incentives to lie to reduce his own murder sentence and receive financial compensation. The defense asserted that the witness “made a deal with the devil” and the prosecution “bought [the] claims.”

In their rebuttal, the prosecution argued that if the witness was fabricating testimony, he had opportunities to create a more convincing story and also would not commit perjury at risk of increasing his current sentence. The prosecution reiterated the connection of Thomas to surrounding cell towers and witness descriptions.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

‘When You Come to Hell, I’ll be Waiting on You,’ Says Murder Victim’s Relative

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a domestic violence homicide defendant to 26 years in prison for descending to a “whole new depth of evil” on June 5.

Desmond Thurston, 48, pleaded guilty on Feb. 4 to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Patricia Johnson, 52, on Oct. 1, 2023. The incident occurred at the 4000 block of 13th Street, SE.

As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to a prison sentence of 24-to-26 years, subject to Judge Brandt’s approval.

At the sentencing, several of Johnson’s family members spoke.

Johnson’s aunt said that she “understood Patricia’s silence” because she was also a victim of domestic violence. She characterized Johnson as a “beautiful woman” and “not a pronoun.”

The aunt told Judge Brandt that Johnson’s mother only had one daughter and Johnson was “the air [her mother] would breathe.” The aunt described that Johnson’s mother mourned until she “couldn’t take it anymore.”

Ultimately, Johnson’s aunt said there would be no closure for her family and asked for Thurston to serve the maximum sentence.

Johnson’s first cousin said the family’s “lives [are] permanently changed by Patricia’s murder.” He characterized Johnson as a “proud Washingtonian,” a hard-worker, widely “respected,” and someone who “touched many lives through both her work and kindness.”

The cousin also said that there was an official police escort for Johnson’s funeral and over 100 people in attendance, emphasizing that “Patricia mattered.”

Another cousin of Johnson read a poem she wrote in the wake of Johnson’s death. Her poem, entitled “41 butterflies,” was inspired by butterfly decorations Johnson had on the staircase in her home. Her cousin detailed the grief that Johnson’s family suffered and remembered the butterflies as “41 tiny reminders of the beauty of transformation and hope.”

“Love survives,” proclaimed Johnson’s cousin,“souls are not measured by how they leave the world, but how they touch it.” She reminded Judge Brandt that Thurston walked around the scene after he shot Johnson and disposed of a handgun. She also asked for the maxmimum sentence.

Johnson’s other cousin addressed Thurston directly, telling him “When you come to hell, I’ll be waiting on you.”

The prosecutors argued that it was “strongly and clearly” a first-degree murder while armed, but the charge was reduced to second-degree murder. Johnson “did everything our system asked her to do,” concluded prosecutors.

According to prosecutors, Johnson “stood up for herself,” reached out to law enforcement for help, called police, and filed three protective orders before her murder. Prosecutors characterized the “horrible” nature of a situation in which a domestic abuser carries out their threats.

The prosecution said, prior to her murder, Johnson attempted to put her hands up to defend herself, but “her hand was not strong enough to block a bullet.”

They also noted that Johnson’s young family member was present at the scene. The prosecution said Thurston shot Johnson in front of the family member and left the scene while Johnson was “in a hallway full of blood dying.”

As a result and Thurston’s previous felony conviction for a violent drug-dealing conspiracy, the prosecutors asked for 26 years of imprisonment.

Brian McDaniel, Thurston’s attorney, clarified that Thurston “made himself available” to law enforcement by turning himself in and acknowledging his role.

McDaniel alleged there was toxicity on both sides of their relationship and asked the court to give Thurston credit for accepting responsibility. He argued that Thurston has shown remorse.

McDaniel reminded the court that, considering Thurston’s prior felony conviction, the minimum sentence for second-degree murder would be 13 years. Thurston’s sentence based on the plea deal would be “much higher” than the bottom of the guidelines, said McDaniel and asked for 24 years.

“Not a day that goes by that I don’t regret the hurt and the shame that I caused my family, Patricia[‘s] family,” Thurston said. Thurston expressed that he wished the incident “never would have happened.”

Judge Brandt addressed Johnson’s family as a “very strong, tight-knight family.” She reminded them that Johnson is still present with them, but in a “different form” and agreed with Johnson’s aunt that the sentence would not provide them closure.

Judge Brandt said that domestic violence is “about control” and Thurston’s actions presented a “whole new depth of evil” to shoot Johnson in front of a young child.

The judge sentenced Thurston to 26 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Thurston will also be required to register as a gun offender upon his release.

No further dates were set.

Victim Says Carjacking Was ‘Not Simply the Theft of a Vehicle,’ at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a carjacking defendant on June 12 to seven years in prison for an incident the victim said took away his sense of safety.

Da’Andre Pardlow, 31, pleaded guilty on March 12 to unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stemmed from an incident on Sept. 13, 2024 at Fort Dupont Park, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

According to court records, Pardlow forced a man to drive to an ATM and withdraw money at gunpoint after the two met in a park for a sexual encounter.

As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to a total seven years of imprisonment for Pardlow, subject to Judge Salerno’s approval.

The prosecutor read an impact statement to the court from the victim in which he described the traumatic incident. He told the judge how Pardlow forced him to ride naked in the passenger seat of his own car and withdraw money from an ATM machine, all while Pardlow held a gun with the handle wrapped with the victim’s own shirt.

The victim said when Pardlow later made him drive by his own house, he feared that Pardlow planned to attack him again. The victim stated that this crime was “not simply the theft of a vehicle” but rather the theft of his sense of security.

The prosecutor claimed Pardlow had extensive criminal history, and asserted seven years was a “very fair offer.”

Pardlow’s attorney, Patrick Nowak, said his client was “willing and able to accept responsibility” for the crime during the early stages of the investigation and the judge should take that under consideration when deciding to approve the plea deal.

Nowak directed the court to Pardlow’s family sitting in the courtroom gallery, whom he said had attended every one of Pardlow’s hearings.

Judge Salerno called the victim’s statement “fairly chilling” and reprimanded Pardlow for “self-destructive behavior.”

The judge said there were “reasons to accept” and “reasons to reject” the plea deal but ultimately approved it. He sentenced Pardlow to seven years for both counts to run concurrently.

Upon release, Pardlow must complete three years of supervised release and register as a gun offender in DC.

Pardlow elected not to make a statement before Judge Salerno handed down his sentence.

No further hearings are scheduled for this case.

Witness Says She Heard Fatal Shooting in a Phone Call

A witness said she heard gunshots linked to a homicide that her friend’s ex-boyfriend is accused of committing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 15.

Irv Duff, 35, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in the murder of Darnell Gibson, 26, on Aug. 1, 2023, on the unit block of Forrester Street, SW. Gibson sustained three gunshot wounds.

A friend of Duff’s former girlfriend claimed to have heard the entire conflict between Duff and Gibson while she was on the phone with Duff’s then girlfriend for approximately an hour. She described yelling and a loud bang.

Reportedly, the friend heard Duff tell Gibson to “go back in the house and mind [his] f***ing business.” The friend alleged that Duff told his girlfriend to go inside, grab her son, and get down before hearing five gunshots over the phone.

The friend claimed that Duff’s girlfriend felt “unsafe” before the incident occurred, so the witness called 911 preemptively.

During cross-examination, Duff’s attorney, Bernadette Armand, asserted that the friend could not call for help without an address, but text messages showed she did not receive one from the girlfriend until seven minutes after shots were fired. Armand argued the witness’ testimony was not credible because she inaccurately testified about when she called 911.

In the 911 phone call played in court, the friend stated that “somebody’s trying to hurt her” and she “didn’t know the full story.” Armand said the call sounded like the perpetrator could have been “any stranger” because the witness said no names.

“You called the police and didn’t mention anything about a shooting,” said Armand.

In grand jury testimony, the friend said she didn’t name Duff on the call because she didn’t know him. Armand highlighted that Duff had been dating his girlfriend for a month, had gone to the friend’s house, and hung out with both of them on occasion.

Armand implied that the friend wanted her testimony to help Duff’s girlfriend and asserted the lack of details in the 911 call was proof. Armand also contended in her testimony the witness was exaggerating her knowledge of the murder.

Armand asked if the witness saw Duff walking with a limp at any point, to which she confirmed that she had. Armand suggested this could have been a gunshot wound.

During additional questioning, the prosecution asked the friend about inconsistencies in the timing of the 911 call, to which she said, “there was a lot going on.”

The witness said she was repeatedly reminded of Duff’s name by his girlfriend and alleged that the incident details were described to her by the girlfriend, who also reportedly said Gibson had a gun.

The witness confirmed that she was not lying on behalf of Duff’s ex-girlfriend.

Gibson’s girlfriend also testified that she never met the other occupant of the apartment building or saw a gun in Gibson’s apartment.

Gibson’s girlfriend was staying at his apartment the night the altercation occurred but did not recognize the voice of the man he was arguing with. She reportedly thought it was going to be a “fist fight” before she heard gunshots.

When she discovered Gibson’s body after asking neighbors, she remembered his body had been moved, but didn’t remember anyone doing any chest compressions. The witness said she found Gibson face down and speculated that he was “turning around to run away when he was getting shot at.”

During cross-examination, Duff’s other attorney, Kevaan Gardner, claimed that Gibson “didn’t let [the argument] go,” and the girlfriend clarified “neither one of them let it go.” Gardner asserted that Gibson was doing most of the yelling, but the witness countered that “it was a conversation.” However, Gardner played a video of the girlfriend telling detectives Gibson did most of the talking.

Gardner established that Gibson was “rushing outside to be violent” after interacting with Duff.

Gardner argued that Duff did not point or shoot a gun at Gibson in the hallway, but the girlfriend countered that he was potentially trying to get one from his car. She also did not attempt to de-escalate the situation, saying, “I wanted [Gibson] to beat [Duff] up.”

Gardner attempted to challenge the girlfriend’s credibility that she knew Gibson did not possess a firearm, but prosecutors objected. The jury was dismissed, and Gardner asked the girlfriend questions about Instagram pictures that show Gibson with guns, which were not admitted.

When the jury returned, Gardner referenced grand jury transcripts, in which she said that it did not take much to get Gibson angry. The girlfriend clarified that it did not take much when it came to defending his family.

Gardner highlighted Gibson’s previous assault of his mother’s boyfriend, who was allegedly beating his mother, to which the girlfriend replied, “He got what he deserved.”

The girlfriend countered Gardner’s questions, saying, “I feel like you [are] trying to paint a picture and that’s not what it is.”

The girlfriend attempted to clarify the discrepancies between her grand jury testimony and statements in court, arguing that she “was under a lot of pressure, so [she] just said anything.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 16.

Two of Three Co-Defendants Waive DNA Testing in Congressional Intern Murder Case

Two out of three co-defendants waived their right to independent DNA testing in the murder of a congressional intern before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on June 5.

Naqwan Lucas, 19, his brother Jailen Lucas, 18, and Kelvin Thomas, 17, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed in a drive-by or random shooting, four counts of assault to kill while armed, three counts of aggravated assault while knowingly armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jackym on June 30, 2025 on the 1200 block of 7th Street, NW. Tarpinian-Jackym sustained a shot to his leg, hand, and two to his torso.

Jailen and Thomas are charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for certain serious offenses.

Jailen, represented by Terrence Austin, and Thomas, represented by Kevann Gardner, waived their right under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA) to independently test DNA evidence in their cases.

Naqwan, represented by Megan Allburn and Steven Kiersh, decided to submit an order for evidence to be delivered for testing on June 12.

The defendants confirmed that they were aware that testing could reveal information in their case that may not work in their favor, and a decision to not test on their own may not be able to be changed later on.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 28.

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