41 Years For Mother Convicted in Baby’s Murder

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a homicide defendant to 41 years in prison for the death of her young daughter on Oct. 24.

Faneshia Scott, 38, was convicted of first-degree felony murder, first-degree cruelty to children, and second-degree cruelty to children for her involvement in the death and assault of her 16-month-old daughter, Rhythm Fields on the 5400 block of C Street, SE, on March 21, 2017.

The sentence came after an emotional hearing in which family members delivered impact statements and attorneys debated whether the punishment should exceed the mandatory minimum of 30 years. Prosecutors presented three statements from the victim’s paternal grandmother, godmother, and father. All expressed grief and forgiveness while emphasizing the life that Rhythm lost.

“Rhythm deserved to grow up with her brothers and sisters,” said her grandmother, adding tearfully, “I will never hear her call me grandma” and “I do forgive you… there’s no justice in this world to bring Rhythm back.”

She implored Scott to apologize, saying, “All we wanna hear is that you’re sorry.”

The godmother described Rhythm as “the light of our life,” and said she is “haunted by the last images of Rhythm.” She told the court, “I forgive you in my heart… you have not taken accountability,” and asked for a life sentence without parole.

Rhythm’s father also spoke, saying, “Not only did our kids lose their mom but their sister,” and, “I forgive you, I don’t hate you. Nothing’s gonna bring our daughter back.”

Prosecutors argued for a 51-year sentence—21 years above the 30-year minimum, adding an extra year for each rib the child suffered fractured. They emphasized that the case was not a typical felony murder but one involving repeated abuse toward multiple children.

The prosecution cited prior warnings to Scott from family, neighbors, and police, and described the conditions in which Rhythm was found, saying the child had been unattended and “left in a pack and play to die”.

Defense attorneys Megan Alburn and Steven Kiersh requested the minimum 30-year sentence, arguing that 51 years would effectively be a life sentence, releasing Scott at around age 80.

They noted the prosecution had previously offered a plea deal of 15 years, contending that 30 years should therefore suffice. The defense described Scott as a “God-fearing woman” who has been “a light” in her prison unit and a confidant to other women.

They said she will “grieve for the rest of her life” and asked that she be allowed to write to her surviving children, who could decide whether to have a relationship with her once they turn 18.

Scott’s parents were present in the courtroom. Before sentencing, Scott addressed the court through tears, asking for mercy and expressing her desire to maintain a relationship with her children.

Judge Park called the case “an unspeakable travesty” that everyone involved would carry with them. He noted that despite repeated warnings and offers of help from loved ones, the abuse persisted for weeks, ultimately leading to the child’s death. He acknowledged that Scott had no prior criminal history and found no evidence of intent to kill, but said the severity and duration of the abuse warranted a substantial sentence.

Judge Park said the defense’s argument regarding the earlier plea offer was not persuasive and emphasized that the sentence reflected the gravity of the evidence. The court’s stay-away order was dropped at the conclusion of the hearing, allowing Scott to reach out to the children’s grandmother, in her custody of, to decide if they can communicate with her.

The parties are not slated to reconvene.

Shooting Defendant on Release Warned Non-Compliance

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe warned a shooting defendant of the consequences he could face if he continued to ignore the conditions of his release on Oct. 27.

Jory Sydnor, 26, is charged with aggravated assault while knowingly armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is alleged to be the perpetrator of a shooting at the 1400 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE on Apr. 10. One individual suffered a gunshot wound.

On Oct 27, Sydnor arrived at the court house late. Judge Pipe was moments away from calling the case without him when he entered the courtroom.

Judge Pipe, who permitted Sydnor’s release on Oct. 10, stated at the hearing that Sydnor was not fully in compliance with the release requirements.

According to Judge Pipe, he reportedly did not check in on the day he was told to, but did when he was contacted the following day. She also reported he was not testing for drugs as he was instructed.

Judge Pipe called Sydnor’s case “complicated” in regards to the community’s safety with his release, but she acknowledged no issues from Sydnor while he was on release.

Judge Pipe allowed Sydnor to remain on release, but warned him that, should he continue not drug testing as he was told, he could be held until his trial and its resolution.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 19.

Judge Halts Jury Trial For Defendant Who Wants to Represent Himself

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro paused a jury trial and ordered a mental competency hearing for an assault defendant who requested to represent himself for the remainder of the case on Oct. 21.

Christopher Samuels, 38, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred at the 100 block of Atlantic Street, SW on Sept. 3. One individual was injured.

During the second day of trial, Samuels requested to represent himself, or proceed ‘pro se’, claiming that his defense attorney, Brandon Burrell, was not adequately representing him. In response, Judge Di Toro ordered a mental evaluation to determine if Samuels was competent enough to proceed pro se.

After evaluating Samuels, a clinical social worker testified indicated he had a “thought disorder,” meaning that Samuels could talk about the court proceedings, but his explanations didn’t make sense.

Based on these findings, the analyst recommended Samuels complete an outpatient competency evaluation administered by a psychologist and psychiatrist.

Judge Di Toro ordered Samuels to complete a competency review. Based on results, parties will determine whether the trial will resume with the same jury, which was dismissed until Oct. 27, or start an entirely new trial.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Oct. 24 to discuss the evaluation results.

Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park ruled that a shooting defendant will stay in jail on Oct. 23, following his waiver of a preliminary hearing of the evidence.

Jermaine Brown, 21, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that injured two individuals on June 9 on the 3500 block of Wheeler Rd, SE.

Defense attorney Mieko Judkins had Brown sign the waiver in court.

Judkins noted that the case will be expedited to Judge Salerno’s caldendar and that the matter is tolling–meaning the deadline clock for the proceedings is being extended.

The prosecution requested Brown remain detained due to the seriousness of the case. Judkins did not object to the detention.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 30.

Shooting Suspect’s Clean Record May Work Against His Release

Defense attorney Emma Mlyniec requested a bond review for a shooting defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Oct. 23. However, his clear record is a concern for prosecutors

Christopher Warren, 43, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE, on Aug. 20, 2024.

According to court documents, the victim was a DoorDash delivery driver, who sustained a gunshot wound to the right arm.

At the hearing, Mlyniec requested Warren be released. She argued, “the prosecution’s main argument is the strength and nature of the case.”

However, she continued, “The prosecution relied on Mr. Warren’s lack of a criminal record as a reason to hold him.”

“ Mr. Warren has continued to work, has not made any attempts to flee from this case, and has kept a clean record” Mlyniec emphasized.

The prosecution explained that Warren’s lack of criminal history is what makes this a serious case. They explained, “We mentioned Mr. Warren’s lack of a criminal record because of the randomness of the case. He shot a person who was a stranger to him.”

The prosecution stated, “It is harder to know what conditions of release can be made to protect the community.”

The prosecution also mentioned that multiple firearms, in addition to the one used in the shooting, were allegedly found in Warren’s mother’s home, where he resided. Mlyniec rebutted that the firearms were passed down to Warren from his father.

Mylniec made it clear that she is not arguing against probable cause, but wants a release decision. She also stated that the defense is accepting any conditions acceptable to the court.

Judge Arthur stated he needed more time to review the arguments.

Parties are slated to reconvene for a bond review hearing on Oct. 24.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Ayers Place Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 61-year-old Matthew Lee Murphy in connection with a shooting on Oct. 27 on the 4900 block of Ayers Place, SE. The incident involved 1 surviving victim who was found with a gunshot wound and transported to a hospital. Murphy was apprehended on the 4500 block of Benning Road, NE and charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) after a search of his residence revealed a loaded firearm.

Document: MPD Investigating Columbia Heights Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Oct. 25 in Northwest. Jermaine McGee-Holmes, 27, was found with gunshot wounds in an apartment on the 3200 block of Hiatt Place and later died from his injuries on Oct. 27. No suspect information is available at this time.

Carjacking Victim Testifies at Trial, Suspect’s ID Disputed

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld heard contrasting views and testimony from the victim in an armed carjacking case on Oct. 28.

Marcus Tucker, 30, is charged with armed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, robbery while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from Tucker’s alleged involvement in the armed carjacking of a victim at the intersection of 30th and Hartford Streets, SE, on April 17.

Prosecutors allege that Tucker was one of two men who held the victim at gunpoint, robbing him of his phone, money, and car before fleeing the scene. Defense attorneys Laura Roman and Jason Tulley contend that Tucker was misidentified and had no involvement in the crime.

“Don’t move, give me that sh**,” prosecutors claimed Tucker told the victim moments before being robbed. According to the prosecution, the victim was standing outside with friends when two men approached him, one masked and one unmasked, pointed guns at his head and chest, and demanded his belongings.

The attackers allegedly took the victim’s phone, wallet, and car keys before driving off in his vehicle and another black Kia parked nearby. Investigators later identified Tucker as the owner of the Kia.

Prosecutors said that the victim used a friend’s phone to contact police and track his stolen iPhone through the “Find My iPhone” feature, which eventually led officers to Tucker. Police detained him after the victim confirmed that Tucker matched the description of the unmasked gunman—specifically noting his “all white clothing” and black jacket.

Investigators reported finding the victim’s personal items, including his Social Security card, driver’s license, and credit cards, inside Tucker’s vehicle. Prosecutors also stated that Tucker’s phone records placed him near the crime scene around the time of the incident.

The prosecution warned jurors that the defense might focus on the victim’s prior criminal cases but argued that the evidence, including cell-site data, recovered belongings, and police body-camera footage, would corroborate the victim’s account.

Defense attorneys Roman and Tulley maintained that Tucker was not involved in the carjacking or robbery, arguing that another individual had borrowed his vehicle that night. They emphasized that no forensic evidence, such as fingerprints, DNA, or surveillance footage, links Tucker to the crime.

Roman and Tulley argued that the victim’s identification of Tucker was unreliable, claiming that he had been drinking earlier that evening and had changed his description of the suspects multiple times. Initially, the victim told police both gunmen wore all black, but later said they were dressed in white, blue, grey, and black.

Roman and Tulley also presented a photo of another man whom the victim allegedly identified at one point as the assailant. This man, the defense noted, has no tattoos and different facial features from Tucker. They argued that police procedures may have influenced the victim’s identification, since he was shown only Tucker, surrounded by police, when he confirmed that Tucker was the gunman.

The defense further questioned the police investigation, noting that the lead detective had not reviewed all available video evidence and asserting that the cell-site data contradicts the prosecution’s timeline, showing Tucker’s phone connecting to a different cell tower than the one nearest the crime scene.

Following opening statements, prosecutors called on the victim to testify.

According to the victim, earlier on April 17, he was briefly detained by police for possessing an open container of tequila. Video shown to the jury depicted his arrest and subsequent release at a nearby station, where he was issued a citation. The victim said he was not charged and later met friends and relatives that evening.

The victim stated that while talking with a cousin near his parked car, two men rushed him with guns. He described one man as masked and the other, whom he identified in court as Tucker, as unmasked. According to the victim, the robbers took his wallet, keys, and phone before fleeing in two vehicles.

After the incident, the victim used his cousin’s phone to call 911, telling police that both assailants were Black, dressed in black and armed with black pistols. Police body-camera footage and subsequent recordings show the victim giving height and build estimates for the suspects.

He testified he later tracked his stolen phone using “Find My iPhone” and relayed its location to detectives. A detective contacted him with a description of Tucker, and the victim confirmed that it matched the unmasked gunman before visually seeing him. A video played in court showed the victim in a police vehicle identifying Tucker from a distance and saying he was “100% confident” in his identification.

Prosecutors noted that the victim was not wearing his glasses during the carjacking but said he did not need them to recognize the suspect.

Before beginning the jury selection process, parties discussed the suppression of cellphone evidence for a witness. Defense attorneys Tulley and Roman requested that a photo of a cellphone’s location, which was a screenshot of an iPhone’s location, be adjusted so only the exact pinpointed location was shown, and not a broader circle that accounted for location error.

“I’m not going to alter evidence at the defense’s request,” Judge Hertzfeld said.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 29.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Fatal Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause in a fatal shooting case on Oct 23.

Jaheim Brown, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Christopher Robinson, 28, on the 5500 block of B Street, SE, on Nov. 20, 2024.

In a hearing to determine probable cause, the prosecution claimed that it had “more than established” the that Brown shot Robinson.

According to the prosecution, there was a series of text communications between “Heim,” who they claim is the defendant’s nickname, and an eyewitness who was present during the shooting and had attempted to de-escalate the situation. These communications placed both individuals at the crime scene in the hours before the shooting. They also placed both individuals fleeing the scene immediately after the crime.

The prosecution also addressed an argument the defense made in a prior hearing, which was that the shooting was done in self-defense because Robinson had turned around to face the shooter before being shot, as shown in recovered Ring camera footage.

The prosecution argued the shooter had “pursued” Robinson, who was walking away from him, and that Robinson’s walking away would not have created the fear that would support a self-defense argument.

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley argued that the prosecution had “failed to meet even the very low threshold” for probable cause. Regarding the text conversations, Mosley stated that they only placed Brown near the crime scene, but did nothing to prove that he shot Robinson.

Mosley also argued against the eyewitness testimony. He claimed that the witness had “significant credibility issues” and was “deeply compromised,” having lied during a police interview and given officers three different accounts of the incident.

He also claimed that there was no physical evidence linking Brown to the offense, such as DNA. or images of him holding a firearm, and that there was no history “suggesting hostility or conflict” between Brown and Robinson that would implicate Brown.

Mosley responded to the prosecution’s arguments against self-defense, claiming that the witness described Robinson’s behavior as “strange,” and noted that drugs had been found in Robinson’s system.

Judge Ryan claimed that the Ring camera footage from the incident “establishes a number of things.” According to Judge Ryan, the footage disproved the defense’s self-defense argument because it showed Robinson walking away before being shot. He noted that Robinson turning around is “hardly indicative of self-defense,” and that the shooter following Robinson before shooting him was “gratuitous” and without an “obvious antecedent.”

Judge Ryan said that the “real question” in the case was whether to believe the eyewitness’ statements and identification of Brown as the shooter. Judge Ryan agreed that the person “lied several times” and was a “reluctant witness.” However, he found that the court could “look at the points of independent corroboration” to decide whether to believe the witness.

According to Judge Ryan, the witness claimed Robinson was “on some junky shit” but didn’t have a gun, and also stated that Brown did have a weapon that he pointed at Robinson, which the video also corroborated.

The judge noted that the witness accurately identified Robinson, another witness, Brown, and Brown’s car, which they would have no way of knowing without knowledge of the incident.

Regarding the witness’ unreliability, Judge Ryan noted that the witness said that he would die when he went home, “presumably for making the statement.”

Judge Ryan ultimately found that the witness’ statements were “quite consistent” with the footage from the Ring camera, and that the “points of independent corroboration” were “significant.”

He found probable cause for first-degree murder, and further found that Brown went to the scene “intending to kill Mr. Robinson.”

The prosecution argued against Brown’s release, citing the nature of the charge and the defendant’s past criminal history, which included a firearm conviction, and argued that firearm convictions are often “prerequisites” and “resume points” for homicide defendants. The prosecution also noted that, despite Brown’s “great and loving family,” he still allegedly decided to kill Robinson.

Mosley requested Brown’s release on 24-hour home confinement. He showed the judge seven letters of support from Brown’s family, and noted that the family had attended multiple hearings, calling Brown “well-surrounded.” He also explained that Brown worked willingly with the police during the investigation and was not a flight risk.

Judge Ryan responded that the defendant was actually not cooperative with the police, noting that, during an interview, Brown had “suddenly” forgotten the name of his child’s mother.

Regarding his flight risk, Judge Ryan claimed that Brown has a “significant incentive” to flee now that he is facing murder charges. While he appreciated the letters of support, Judge Ryan noted that he was not locking Brown up for his character, but for his crime.

Judge Ryan found that there were no conditions he could enforce to release Brown, and that watching the video of the shooting made it very difficult to imagine that Brown is not a danger to the community.

Parties are set to return on Jan. 16.

Judge Allows Stabbing Defendant to Remain on Release, Despite Violations

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz allowed a stabbing defendant to remain on probation, despite multiple violations on Oct. 24.

On May 25, 2022, Gabriel Esquina, 23, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly for his involvement in the stabbing of his child’s mother that occurred on Dec. 29, 2022 on the 2800 block of Myrtle Avenue NE.

On Sept. 15, 2022, Esquina was sentenced to 60 months confinement under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) with all but 48 months suspended. The YRA allows for a defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Esquina was also required to take anger management classes, complete a mental health assessment, and was given a special stay away order from his parents as part of his sentence.

Esquina appeared for his first probation show-cause hearing on Aug. 20, and was given an opportunity by the Community Service Officer (CSO) to work on his compliance for 60 days.

After 60 days, Esquina’s CSO said that she had seen improvement with Esquina’s compliance, and that he had been making strides in keeping appointments and maintaining communication and that Esquina had also successfully completed his mental health assessment on Oct. 16.

However, she noted that Esquina had missed a virtual visit on Oct. 22, and had a questionable drug test result on Oct. 21 that was not within the normal range. Esquina’s most recent drug test from Oct. 23 came back negative.

It was recommended by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) to Judge Kravitz that another show-cause hearing be scheduled in 60 days in order to ensure full compliance, to which there were no objections.

Esquina’s defense attorney, Henry Escoto, requested that Esquina’s current stay-away order from his parents be lifted. Escoto told Judge Kravitz that he had spoken with them multiple times within the past week, and both of them were adamant to keep the order in force.

Judge Kravitz notified the defense that as a late entrant, he did not have enough information to properly rule without a written motion from the defense, to which they agreed.

Parties are slated to convene on Jan. 16.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect in Two Homicide Investigations

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are searching for 18-year-old Naqwan Antonio Lucas, who is wanted in connection with two homicide investigations. On June 30, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, was fatally shot in the 1200 block of 7th Street, NW, and two others were injured. Lucas is also a suspect in the July 4 death of 17-year-old Zoey Kelley, who was found with a gunshot wound in a residence on Benning Road, NE. Lucas faces charges of First-Degree Murder while Armed in both cases.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Sursum Corda Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 55-year-old Thurman Williams, who was allegedly involved in a shooting incident on Oct. 17 in the 1100 block of 1st Street, NW. Williams was charged with Assault With A Dangerous Weapon, Carrying A Pistol Without A License, and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition after officers identified and apprehended him following a positive identification.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Released on Electronic Monitoring

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur released a stabbing defendant on electronic monitoring on Oct. 23, after he waived a preliminary hearing.

Daniel Crook, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on Oct. 19, on the 1900 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE.

During the hearing, defense attorney Everland Thompson alerted the court of Crook’s intent to waive.

The prosecution requested that the defendant be held due to the nature of the case. The defense opposed detention, arguing that a hold was unnecessary because of conflicting accounts of the incident and emphasizing that Crook is employed, has a GED, no prior criminal convictions, and has no previous contact with the criminal justice system.

The prosecution rebutted, citing that the defendant allegedly charged at the victim with a knife, thus highly concerning and indicative of a risk of re-offense if released.

Judge Arthur ruled that the defendant released, subject to GPS monitoring, and a stay-away order from both the complainant and the incident location.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 24.

Department of Behavioral Health Requests More Time For Mental Eval

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) additional time to evaluate the state of mind of a shooting defendant on Oct. 23.

Jonathan Jones, 39, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 700 block of 8th Street, NW, on Feb. 8, 2023. No injuries were reported.

At the hearing, Judge Arthur informed Jones and his defense attorney, Henry Druschel, that the mental observation hearing would be continued for a new date.

According to Judge Arthur, the DBH requested additional time in completing a mental competence examination of Jones.

According to court documents, “the court, having found that the defendant’s placement in an inpatient treatment facility is necessary in order to conduct an adequate examination, or that the defendant is unlikely to comply with an order for an outpatient examination, this examination shall be conducted on an inpatient basis, and the defendant is committed to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for the purpose of such examination.”

Judge Arthur granted the DBH’s request for more time.

In order to stand trial, a person must understand the charges against him and be able to help his attorney defend the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 14.

Bench Warrant Issued After Missed Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro issued a bench warrant for a shooting defendant after he failed to appear for a scheduled re-sentencing hearing on Oct. 22.

On Jan. 31, 2023, Joseph Washington, 22, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Oct. 8, 2022 on the 5000 block of Astor Place, SE.

On April 20, 2023, he was sentenced to 21 months of imprisonment, with all but three months suspended.

However, Washington faced multiple probation violations. In July 2025, a notice of noncompliance and order to show cause were filed, followed by a bench warrant in August that was later quashed after he appeared in court.

Judge Di Toro previously warned Washington about continued probation violations.

Judge Di Toro issued another bench warrant after Washington failed to appear for sentencing in court for his scheduled hearing. The court cited his prior Youth Rehabilitation Act(YRA) sentence– meaning that a conviction will be sealed upon successful completion–repeated probation violations, and prior failure to appear as justification for the warrant.

The judge ordered that sentencing will be rescheduled upon Washington’s arrest.