Judge Releases Carjacking Defendant to Home Confinement

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel granted a carjacking defendant’s request for release to home confinement on Jan. 21.

Manuel Alvarado, 42, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 1500 block of 7th Street, SE, on April 26, 2023.

According to court documents, the victim was driving his car when he spotted a man in the middle of the street rolling on the ground, seemingly unwell. The victim exited the car to offer help when the suspect jumped into the driver’s seat and drove the car away.

During the hearing, Judge Israel granted the defendant’s request for release to home confinement and ordered him to participate in a substance abuse disorder assessment.

Alvarado’s attorney, Quiana Harris, alerted the court of the defendant’s previous lack of housing that led to his noncompliance. As such, Judge Israel granted the defense’s request that Alvarado be placed at a family member’s house.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 20.

Non Fatal Shooting Defendant Claims He’s ‘Not an Animal’ After Pleading Guilty

A defiant shooting defendant accepted a plea deal on Jan. 29, before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Marcus Martin, 30, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that wounded one individual on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on Jan. 11, 2024.

During the hearing, Quo Judkins, Martin’s attorney, alerted Judge Brandt of his intent to accept a plea deal from the prosecution, which required him to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges.

After accepting the plea deal, Martin told Judge Brandt he’d be writing a letter to her for his sentencing, stating he wanted her to know he’s “not an animal.”

Parties are slated to reconvene May 21.

Judge Allows Some Firearms Testimony in Fatal Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park ruled that some but not all testimony from a firearms’ expert would be admissible in a murder trial at a motions hearing on Jan. 22.

Dion Lee, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. Rashod Dunbar, 26, is charged with accessory after the fact. The counts stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Pamela Thomas, on Feb. 9, 2022 on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE.

At the request of Lee’s defense attorneys, Molly Bunke and Patrick Nowak, as well as Dunbar’s attorney, Carrie Weletz, Judge Park evaluated the qualifications of an expert witness the prosecution plans to call during their trial. Parties previously heard testimony from the specialist on Jan. 16, but Judge Park delayed his ruling and ultimately determined that the witness could testify, not about physics, but as a firearms expert.

Judge Park allowed the expert’s claim that a bullet’s speed could drastically decrease when it travels through a solid object, stating that it is a, “matter of basic physics.” In addition, the judge sanctioned the expert’s statement that when a bullet hits a hard surface, it could fragment, and injure someone.

Judge Park was skeptical that after a bullet exits an object, it could drop, instead of continuing its path. In addition, the judge did not agree with the expert’s claim that a fragmented bullet could cause a fatal injury. Judge Park said that those claims were not supported by research and based more on the expert’s experience and a set of assumptions. Therefore, he ruled they would not be admissible during his testimony at trial.

After a request from Weletz, Dunbar was removed from home confinement and Judge Park imposed a curfew instead. There was no opposition from the prosecution on this matter.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 30.

Shooting Co-Defendants Request Modified Release Conditions

Shooting co-defendants asked DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park to change their release conditions during a hearing on Jan. 23.

Gerald Jones-Hall, 25, and Jonah Harris, 49, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that resulted from an attempted robbery on July 10, 2023 on the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE. Two victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

At the hearing, Jones-Hall’s attorney, Destiny Fullwood-Singh asked to end his curfew and remove hisGPS because she said the restrictions interfered with his job. Judge Park denied the request due to what he described as the defendant’s “spotty” record, but he extended Jones-Hall’s curfew to accommodate his work schedule.

The prosecution asked for confirmation of Jones-Hall’s work hours and Judge Park asked for verification at the next hearing.

Similarly, Harris’ attorney, Christen Philips, asked for Harris’ GPS to be removed and his curfew canceled due to his compliance with his release conditions. The prosecution did not object and Judge Park granted the request to end Harris’ curfew due to reports of high compliance, but required him to continue wearing the GPS tracker.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 11.

Defendant Who Fatally Shot Service Dog Receives Fully Suspended Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe suspended imprisonment for a defendant who shot a dog, during a sentencing on Jan. 23.

On Oct. 3, 2025, Durojaiye Mawuli, 56, pleaded guilty to unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home/business, and destruction of property less than $1000 for his involvement in a shooting on the 1500 block of 17th street, SE on Nov. 24, 2024.

According to court documents, the victim was walking his service dogs when a black dog began attacking his dogs without provocation. Mawuli, identified as the owner of the black dog, attempted to break up the dog fight, to no avail, before discharging a firearm at one of the victim’s dogs, killing it.

During the prosecution’s recommendation for sentencing, the prosecutor said Mawuli “created this situation and made it worse by having a gun he shouldn’t have.”

Mawuli’s defense attorney, Erica Arensman, remarked that this was an extremely sad situation. She reiterated from her sentencing proposal letter that Mawuli was terrified for his dog and made a choice he deeply regretted. He has since reflected deeply on the situation and accepted responsibility, according to Arensman.

“This one moment, this bad choice,” Arensman said, “is not a reflection of his actions going forward.” Additionally, “he is not a violent person. He is deeply regretful, and he is going to have to live with this for the rest of his life.”

Arensman also emphasized that Mawuli is a full-time caretaker for his partner and works full-time to provide for his family. Mawuli is already in touch with mental health services and will work to get better, Arensman claimed.

While sentencing Mawuli, Judge Pipe said, “This is an extremely tragic situation.” She sentenced him to 12 months for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business and unlawful discharge of a firearm, as well as 180 days for destruction of property under $1000 and possession of an unregistered firearm. The sentences will run concurrently, with all time suspended.

Mawuli must comply with drug testing and treatment as recommended by the Court Services & Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) and register as a gun offender.

No further court dates were set.

Triple-Murder Defendant in Car Crash Complains of Ailments, Remains Jailed

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a homicide defendant’s motion to dismiss or release on Jan. 23, as she advocated for medical attention.

Nakita Walker, 46, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder, fleeing a law enforcement officer, and assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a car accident on March 15, 2023 that killed Mohamed Kamara, 43, Jonathan Alberto Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22, on Rock Creek Parkway.

Judge Kravitz asked Walker if she wanted the prosecution to conduct further DNA testing on the driver’s side airbags and other objects in the car.

Under the the Innocence Protection Act (IPA), a defendant has the right to re-test evidence for DNA. Walker waived that right.

Judge Kravitz denied the defense’s motion to dismiss, filed by defense attorney, Albert Amissah. In the motion, Amissah claimed that the prosecution destroyed the urine and blood samples obtained from Walker at the time of her arrest, arguing the action violated Walker’s right to due process.

Amissah further argued there was bad faith in the destruction of evidence because the blood-alcohol levels in the samples are so pivotal to this case. He said that officers, paramedics, and pedestrians said that Walker did not appear impaired.

Judge Kravitz ruled that the urine and blood samples were not destroyed in bad faith and were part of the standard retention procedure, denying the motion to dismiss the indictment.

The judge also denied the defense’s request for release because of Walker’s failure to comply with probation in the past, long history of DUI charges, and the incredibly serious and dangerous charges in the current case.

Amissah said that Walker has not received physical therapy in jail and has significant injuries sustained during the incident that need medical attention.

Judge Kravitz asked Amissah to email him specifics of the issues that are ailing Walker.

Walker said that a doctor recently looked at her injuries and put in an order for therapy but hasn’t seen a physical therapist yet. She said that she is in a lot of pain and can barely walk due to a broken upper leg and other bones damaged from the car accident. Walker has been contacting the American Disability Association (ADA) for help but they have not answered.

Again, Judge Kravitz said that he cannot email the Department of Corrections (DOC) without a detailed list of issues. He said that this is not a proper basis for release.

Amissah alerted the court of Walker’s intent to reject a plea offer from the prosecution, though the terms were not discussed in court.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 20.

Defendant Requests New Counsel After Judge Finally Deems Him Mentally Competent

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz deemed a defendant mentally competent to stand trial on Jan. 23 after receiving a conclusive report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Mario Kirksey, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 1300 block of Okie Street, NE on Feb. 28, 2024. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

At the hearing, Judge Kravitz alerted the parties of the report from DBH which deemed Kirksey competent to stand trial, ending a five month-long debate on Kirksey’s competency. In order to stand trial a defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and help his attorney.

His defense attorney, Terrence Austin, said that Kirksey asked for a replacement attorney. Austin said that Kirksey felt Austin had ulterior motives and lied to him. The defendant also told Austin that he wanted a lawyer outside of the Public Defender Service (PDS).

Kirksey spoke directly to Judge Kravitz saying nobody acknowledges his concerns and he is being forced into a guilty situation when he’s innocent.

Judge Kravitz reminded the defense that Kirksey requested different counsel in August of 2025, but then decided to keep Austin. He also told the defendant that he should have a lawyer that he feels is fighting for him, and recommended that he accept a lawyer within PDS because they have many capable individuals to take on his case.

Judge Kravitz asked Austin how long he would need to find a new lawyer for Kirksey. Austin estimated about a week.

Kirksey asked Judge Kravitz if Austin had demanded a speedy trial. The judge said that he was sure that Austin did so.

The prosecutor said that he wants to share new evidence and reopen a plea offer to the incoming attorney. The terms of the deal were not discussed in court.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 13.

Judge Weighs Release For Non-Fatal Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz requested additional time to review a defendant’s request to be released on Jan. 23.

Randy Brown, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Aug. 13 on the 1100 block of 7th Street, NW. One victim sustained injuries to the neck during the incident.

Brown’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, took over the case after Nicole Walton left on maternity leave. Thomas told Judge Kravitz that Brown would like to speak to the court. The judge advised Brown to speak strictly about the motion for release and not about the case.

Brown first thanked the judge for his time and letting him speak. He said that he followed all probation and house arrest rules in the past,has family support at home and they have been to all of his hearings. He requested the court give him a chance because his “background is messed up, but it ain’t too messed up.”

Judge Kravitz asked the prosecution about how strong the identification evidence was.

The prosecutor said they allegedly confirmed the suspect vehicle and clothing from surveillance footage was linked to Brown.

Judge Kravitz told parties he needed additional time to make a ruling on release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 13.

Defendant Considers Plea Deal for East Capitol Street Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt allowed a shooting defendant additional time to consider a plea deal during a hearing on Jan. 23.

Marcus Martin, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured an individual on Jan. 11, 2024, on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE.

According to court documents, police responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex.

At the hearing, prosecutors alerted Judge Brandt they had extended two plea offers, which would require Martin to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, or plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Prosecutors said that if either plea is accepted, they would dismiss the remaining counts and not pursue additional sentencing beyond the plea terms. If no deal is reached, the case will be set for a jury trial on Feb. 23, 2026.

Court records indicate that on Jan. 24, 2025, Martin rejected an offer that would have him plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In return, the prosecution would have dismissed all other charges in the case and requested a sentence at the bottom of the sentencing guidelines.

Quo Judkins, Martin’s attorney, requested additional time to review the offers with her client.

Martin must decide if he’ll accept the offer by Jan. 29, 2026, when the court has scheduled a status hearing to determine whether the case will resolve or proceed toward trial.

Judge Deems Carjacking Defendant Mentally Incompetent, Orders Restoration

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro ordered that a carjacking defendant undergo restoration after being deemed mentally incompetent on Jan. 22.

Demetrius Johnson, 27, is charged with armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Nov. 4, 2025 on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE.

According to court documents, Johnson allegedly pepper sprayed the victim and fought them before getting into the victim’s vehicle and driving away. The victim suffered minor injuries. Johnson did not know the victim.

During the hearing, Judge Di Toro alerted the parties of a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), which deemed Johnson incompetent. Judge Di Toro ordered he undergo restoration. In order to stand trial a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyer defend the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 27.

Shooting Defendant Granted Psychiatric Treatment While Considering Plea Deal

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe allowed bed-to-bed treatment for a shooting defendant during a hearing on Jan. 23. Bed-to-bed treatment refers to a seamless, direct transfer of a patient from one inpatient facility to another. Depending on the circumstance it can be legally required.

Jory Sydnor, 26, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 1400 block of Trinidad Ave, NE on April 10, 2025. Sydnor’s ex-step-father sustained injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) alerted Judge Pipe that Sydnor had previously missed two scheduled treatments at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW). Sydnor was asked to give any necessary information to his case manager and go straight to PIW to get started on residential treatment.

Andrew Ain, Sydnor’s attorney, said that drug treatment and mental health services would help the defendant get a “better understanding of the case” and the plea deal. He agreed with PSA’s request for bed-to-bed treatment.

If Sydnor were to accept deal, which was mentioned at a previous hearing on Oct. 8, 2025, he would plead guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and receive bed-to-bed treatment instead of imprisonment.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Jan. 28.

Defendant Charged in Neighbor’s Fatal Beating Rejects Plea Deal

A defendant rejected a plea to involuntary manslaughter at a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Jan. 23.

Jose Ramos, 35, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of his neighbor, Eduardo Cruz, 57, at their apartment building on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, on Jan. 25, 2022.

According to court documents, Ramos allegedly left Cruz in a parked car outside the Carter Barron Amphitheater on the 4800 block of Colorado Avenue, NW. Cruz died four days later from blunt force trauma.

The prosecutor offered Ramos the chance to plea down from second-degree murder, which can carry a sentence of up to 40 years, to involuntary manslaughter. Through the deal, parties would have agreed to a sentencing range of nine-and-a-half-to-17 years of imprisonment. Ramos, represented by Alvin Thomas, denied the plea.

Ramos also gave up his right to have evidence tested or re-tested by the defense. According to court documents, a pool of blood was found at Cruz’s apartment and there was more blood on blankets, towels, underwear, and beer cans. The prosecutor said Ramos’ DNA likely matched on a beer can at the scene.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 12.

‘I Wish Y’all Were Dead,’ Victim’s Mother Says to Defendant at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a defendant to seven years imprisonment on Jan. 23, after he pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter, while the victim’s family argued he should be charged for murder.

On Nov. 12, 2025, Keshawn Lavender, 24, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for his involvement in a mass shooting that killed 32-year-old Matthew Miller at an apartment on the 200 block of M Street, SW on Sept. 5, 2023.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of seven years.

“Seven years is not enough,” Miller’s mother said.

While the prosecutor acknowledged this was not what Miller’s family wanted, they said the plea was necessary to assure a conviction.

“The [prosecution] has to divorce that from the reality of what’s going to happen at a trial,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor said manslaughter was an accurate charge because Lavender and his co-defendants, Deandre Sams, 30, and Raymond Mathis, 39, went to the apartment intending to steal marijuana, not kill anyone.

“If you went there to purchase marijuana, why carry guns?” Miller’s mother asked.

Lavender’s attorney, Kevin Irving, presented Judge Edelman with letters describing his progress and activities while in jail.

“People come to you everyday saying they’re gonna change,” Lavender said to Judge Edelman. “I want to show you I’m gonna change.”

Lavender, who was shot in the arm during the altercation, apologized to Miller’s family.

“My actions were wrong and selfish,” Lavender said. “I know the victim’s family will never be in a forgiving mood.”

“You’re a career criminal,” Miller’s mother said. “I wish y’all were dead.”

Judge Edelman acknowledged that this was not the ideal sentencing for Miller’s family, but called it a “half-a-loaf the government is willing to take.” He approved the plea, imposed the seven year sentence, and said he will recommend Lavender be placed in a prison near the home of his one-year-old son, who Lavender said he has never met in person.

“They can go visit you,” Miller’s mother said of Lavender’s family. “I visit my son at a cemetery.”

“My sentence in this case or these cases is unlikely to heal any of the scars,” Judge Edelman said.

No further dates were set.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Burglary and Assault

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 29-year-old Odalis Cisneros in connection with a burglary and assault on Jan. 26 in Northwest, DC. Cisneros allegedly forced entry into a residence on the 500 block of Columbia Road, NW, and stabbed the victim following a verbal dispute. The victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Cisneros faces charges of Burglary One and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife).

Judge Denies Motion to Suppress Evidence in Carjacking Case

On Jan. 22, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied carjacking co-defendants’ motions to suppress evidence.

Hanif Brown, 20, and Deondre Rogers, 19, are charged with 17 counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, 35 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, 14 counts of robbery while armed, 12 counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, three counts of first-degree theft, two counts of armed carjacking, conspiracy, first-degree identity theft of a senior citizen, second-degree theft of a senior citizen, felony credit card fraud of a senior citizen, and unarmed carjacking of a senior citizen.

These charges are tied to two initial armed robberies at 11th and U Streets, NW, and 11th and Wallace Place, NW, and a carjacking on the 2700 block of 9th Street NW, all of which took place on April 9, 2023.

The evidence in question includes credit cards from one of the victims that were allegedly seized during the execution of a search warrant at Brown’s residence, and social media records obtained through a search warrant. The defense moved to suppress this evidence based on the argument that these specific credit cards were not explicitly listed on the original search warrant, and the inclusion of the social media records in trial would violate Brown’s privacy rights.

At the hearing, the detective that investigated Brown and Rogers testified that the evidence in question was obtained lawfully through the legal execution of search warrants. Judge Park agreed with the testimony and prosecution, stating there was no reason to dismiss any evidence. Prosecutors are allowed to present evidence to the jury.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 2.

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