Based on ‘Totality of Evidence’ Judge Denies Acquittal for Three Co-Defendants in Murder, Conspiracy Case

In an ongoing three co-defendant murder, conspiracy case, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied a defense motion to acquit the trio. It was the second time in a week the judge failed to dismiss the case.

On May 15, before jurors entered the courtroom, the defense argued that all counts against the defendants be dismissed.

Defense attorneys Andrew Ain, Brian McDaniel, and Lisbeth Sapirstein – representing Freeman, Jackson, and Nelson, respectively – went through all the charges and, ultimately, argued that the prosecution presented insufficient proof for conviction of any crime.

There’s “no evidence of putting a firearm on Freeman’s hand,” said Ain.

However, in her ruling, the judge said based on the “totality of evidence” she reasonably inferred that the defendants intentionally joined a conspiracy and committed a dangerous and violent crime.

Judge Brandt went on to recapitulate the abundance of prosecution evidence including 101 witnesses, photographs, videos and clothing descriptions linked to the suspects.

In addition, the judge cited surveillance footage as well as text messages, fingerprints, Instagram and Facebook records and DNA on bullet remnants.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, 2020, Feb. 24, 2020, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy among the defendants in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

After Judge Brandt denied the acquittal motion, Freeman’s defense brought in its only witness, a friend of his who has previously testified.

When questioned by the prosecution, the witness referenced his relationship with Freeman, saying, “He’s like my little bro.”

Ain presented an Instagram post that included the witness’ sister’s ex-boyfriend pictured with alleged co-conspirator Steele, also known as “Gordo.”

According to previous testimony, the witness sold the firearm used in Lukes’ murder to his sister’s then boyfriend, who has claimed to have no knowledge of the March 1 incident.

The witness stated that he did not have much of a relationship with Steele or his sister’s boyfriend at the time.

“I don’t deal with them guys. I don’t mess with them like that”, stated the witness.

Freeman’s defense rested their case. He asserted his right to not testify on May 14.

McDaniel rested his case, after Jackson confirmed he did not want to testify.

Meanwhile, Nelson’s defense will call one witness. Nelson will decide whether or not he wants to testify in the coming days.

Proceedings resume on May 16.

In Fatal Stabbing, Judge Upholds Premeditation Charge Despite Self-Defense Claim

A jury heard testimony about an interaction between a homicide victim and a friend hours before his murder, after defense attorneys argued unsuccessfully to dismiss a premeditated charge in a fatal stabbing trial.

Aaron Jackson, 30, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Damohn Gill. The incident occurred on June 24, 2021, on the 3600 block of 22nd Street, SE.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Wole Faludun, motioned to dismiss the premeditated first-degree murder while armed charge after the prosecution rested its case on May 15.

Falodun argued that Jackson didn’t have enough time for his actions to be premeditated. He stated the defendant was seeing his family and “didn’t know Gill was going to be there.”

Falodun has previously stated Jackson acted in self-defense out of fear based on alleged prior altercations between him and Gill–one of which left the defendant in the hospital with three gunshot wounds in 2016.

“Premeditation can take place in a second or two,” the prosecution argued in response.

DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe stated “the nature and deepness of the wounds show there was intent to kill.”

The prosecution has previously stated Gill sustained nine stab wounds to his face, back, and torso. One of these lacerations were three inches deep and caused his “intestines to spill out.”

The medical examiner previously testified that any of the stab wounds could have caused “death by itself.”

Judge O’Keefe denied the request to dismiss the charge based on the possibility premeditation was involved and that decision is ultimately up to the jury.

The defense later called a friend of Gill’s as their first witness.

The witness affirmed the last time she saw Gill was at a shopping mall parking lot on June 24, 2021, hours before his murder.

She confirmed that as she hugged Gill to greet him, she “felt something hard on his waistband.”

The witness stated Gill pulled up his shirt and revealed part of a firearm.

The defense has alleged Jackson saw Gill with a firearm on his waistband the day of the incident and his actions that followed were intended to protect his life.

The witness added she has no type of relationship with Jackson and had never heard about him at the time of the murder.

Falodun confirmed Jackson will be testifying on his own next time the court is in session.

Parties are set to return on May 20.

Acquitted: Federal Agent Says Surveillance Network Video Captured Homicide Scene

Editor’s note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Brothers is still being held on homicide charges in another case.

A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent testified about a national network of surveillance cameras that prosecutors say captured a 2019 fatal shooting incident in the District. The trial testimony was presented before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on May 15.

Davonte Brothers, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 27-year-old Deron Leake, also known as “Snoop”, on Oct. 17, 2019, on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE. The incident also left one individual with non-life threatening injuries.

The witness explained the DEA has telephone pole-mounted cameras that watch neighborhoods throughout the United States where there is suspected drug-related crime.

He said the DEA had a camera facing the area where the shooting occurred, and that Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives wanted to review footage around the time of the incident.

Prosecutors played the footage in court which allegedly shows Brothers and the victim in the courtyard of an apartment complex, before what prosecutors say is Brothers fleeing the scene and jumping into a car.

According to prosecutors, Leake and three of his closest friends, who all claimed to be “blood brothers,” were hanging out on the day of the incident, before ending up at the Cascade Park Apartments and getting into an argument.

Leake and his group left the area following the dispute in an attempt to go back to their vehicle. However, prosecutors claim Brothers shot Leake in the head, killing him instantly, then shot one of his friends twice in the legs.

Prosecutors claim Brothers fled to Maryland.

Prosecutors also showcased multiple pieces of evidence recovered from the scene by MPD and the DC Department of Forensic Sciences (DCDFS), including two firearms, one of which was found in the victim’s hand, as well as numerous cartridge casings, and discarded clothing.

Parties will return for further witness testimony on May 16.

Metro Bus Footage Captures Fatal Stabbing During Tussle

Prosecutors presented Metro bus video surveillance footage allegedly showing a suspect chasing, then fatally confronting a murder victim. The testimony came in a May 15 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan who found probable cause in the case.

Christian Wilkerson, 21, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the Nov. 11, 2022, stabbing death of twenty-year-old Rashawn Phifer on the 500 block of Riggs Road, NE.

Under questioning from the prosecutor, the lead detective on the case from the Metropolitan Police (MPD) detailed the chronology of the assault, highlighting video surveillance footage from different angles of a moving Metro bus near the Riggs LaSalle recreation center in Northeast Washington, DC.

The video, played in court, shows an altercation among a group of three people on the sidewalk. Then the victim runs across Nicholson Street, NE with a suspect, identified as Wilkerson, wearing a red-hooded sweatshirt in pursuit. When the suspect catches up with Phifer, he pins him to a fence; the victim breaks away, then collapses though the stabbing is not seen on camera.

According to court documents, one of the witnesses told Wilkerson, “Bruh, you just stabbed my man!”

The detective said two witnesses identified Wilkerson as the perpetrator.

A police report claims Wilkerson later boasted about the killing online.

The lead detective said along with eyewitness accounts, they were able to trace Wilkerson through his cell phone number with records subpoenaed from T-Mobile.

During cross examination, defense attorney Joseph Caleb pointed out that the suspect was wearing a Sheisty mask covering the face except for the eyes, but the mask dropped off during the melee.

“I can’t recall the first time [the witnesses] saw the suspect’s face,” said the detective. Nor could the detective identify the origin of the altercation though, he said, it may have stemmed from an earlier attempt to buy shoes from Wilkerson.

“Did Wilkerson have a beef with the defendant?” asked Caleb. The detective said he was not aware of any conflict between the two.

However, Caleb pointed out that Phifer stole Wilkerson’s phone during the incident. The detective acknowledged that the video shows an object on the ground thought to be a cellphone. Further, he said there was an Instagram post indicating an attempt to steal the defendant’s phone.

In her finding of probable cause, Judge Raffinan released Wilkerson to home confinement and GPS monitoring.

A felony status conference was scheduled for July 2.

Mass Shooting Suspect Vacillates on Plea Offer, Then Detained

A non-fatal mass shooting defendant, who planned to accept a prosecution plea offer, rejected it during a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Rennwel Mantock, 29, is charged with six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that injured six individuals. The incident occurred on April 26 on the 1200 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, outside of Decades nightclub.

On May 14, parties told Judge Okun they had reached an agreement, which required Mantock to plead guilty to one count of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges and the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Mantock had signed all waivers and the agreement, and Judge Okun asked Mantock if he understood the plea.

Throughout the inquiry, Mantock hesitated to answer, before interrupting and stating “I’m confused. It wasn’t my intention to kill anybody,” while questioning why the assault charge included the intent to kill.

“You shouldn’t plead guilty if you don’t think you’re guilty of these charges,” Judge Okun told him, offering to give him a chance to further discuss the plea and his decision with his attorney, William Patzig.

Then Mantock told the court, “I’d like to apologize to the victim, her family, and anyone this may affect… I apologize deeply.”

One of the victims, who was celebrating her bachelorette party and sustained a gunshot wound to her calf, was present.

Following a break, Mantock’s family members repeatedly stated, “Don’t plead guilty, please.” Moments later, as the prosecution finished reading the proffer of facts, Mantock told the court “I want to apologize to the victims once again. I don’t think I’m going to plead guilty.”

Due to his rejection of the plea deal, prosecutors called the lead detective on the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified that Mantock had been arrested minutes after the shooting, “about half a block away” from Decades.

Prosecutors presented body-worn camera footage from a responding officer that showed Mantock being taken into custody. As he was arrested, a security guard from Decades came running, telling MPD, “That’s him right there,” and adding, “We’ve got somebody shot.”

According to the detective, Mantock was arrested on the 1700 block of N Street, NW, and a security guard from Decades, who had followed Mantock from the club, sustained an injury to the leg and was receiving aid from his boss at the other end of the block.

“Go back to Decades, there’s more people there that are shot,” the manager can be heard telling MPD.

The detective also testified that, as the officers ran to Decades, a bystander pointed out that the suspect had disposed of his firearm under one of the cars on the 1700 block of N Street, NW.

The bystander, who told police he watched the shooting happen, told them “[Mantock] was irate and started shooting into Decades,” after he was forcibly removed by security.

Prosecutors also provided surveillance footage from the entrance of the club, which depicted two security guards dragging an individual identified as Mantock out of the club, before putting him on the street.

As the security guards walk away, the individual identified as Mantock can be seen removing a gun from his waistband and opening fire at the crowd of people by the front door. In visible fear, the victims can be seen ducking for safety.

Footage also depicts the individual identified as Mantock running back into the club as he continued to open fire, before walking away from the scene.

Prosecutors also presented the court with video of an interview of Mantock conducted by the detective and his partner.

In the footage, Mantock can be heard telling the detectives, “I was just there having a few drinks… I didn’t do nothing wrong,” before claiming that, as he was dragged out of the club, the security guards punched his face multiple times.

However, the detective stated there were no visible signs of injury. According to the detective, security told MPD Mantock had been removed from the club due to “erratic behavior.”

“Defensive reflexes…” Mantock told detectives, “As soon as I’m free, I defend myself.”

“I just reacted, I never know what’s going to happen next,” he claimed.

“Everything was happening so fast, I’m in this adrenaline rush,” he said, adding “I shot at these guys… two or three times, and then I just go away.”

“I was trying to defend myself,” Mantock can be heard telling detectives. “When I got free, that was my first thought,” he said.

When detectives asked if he had intended to strike the bouncer that dragged him out of the club, Mantock replied “If I say no, I’m lying.”

Following the witness’ testimony, the prosecutor argued that they had “provided more than enough evidence to prove probable cause” that he was attempting to kill the victims, adding that he injured or attempted to injure a specific person by using force.

According to the prosecution, the defendant “appears to be smiling as he’s carried out [by security], almost nonchalantly.”

“He continued to fire the gun, shooting at least ten rounds into the club,” the prosecution insisted.

However, Patzig claimed “[Mantock] was afraid for his own safety,” insisting that his running away from the scene proved his fear, and only shot in an attempt to defend himself.

Despite Patzig’s self-defense argument, Judge Okun found probable cause for all charges, explaining that Mantock’s use of violent force, voluntarily and not by accident, meets the requirement for probable cause.

Judge Okun also said that Patzig’s self-defense argument is “exceedingly weak,” insisting there was no proof that Mantock was in imminent danger, as the security guards had placed him on the ground and walked away from him.

“It is a miracle this case is not a multi-homicide case,” insisted the prosecution, as they requested Judge Okun to order Mantock detained.

Patzig argued Mantock has two young children, with a third on its way, and has no criminal history that shows he would be a danger to the community or a flight risk.

However, Judge Okun ruled that because of the nature and circumstances of the incident, he continues to pose a danger to the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 5.

Defendant Rejects Second Plea Deal Linked to Brutal Shooting Murder

A homicide defendant rejected a second plea deal and scheduled a trial date before DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe.

Jaykell Mason, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and assault on a police officer while armed in connection to the death of 29-year-old Terence Dantzler that occurred on Feb. 13, 2020, on the 700 block of 8th Street, NW. Following an exchange of gunfire with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, Mason was taken into custody.

According to court documents, Dantzler had brain matter all over his face due to multiple gunshots to his head and body.

On June 23, 2022, Mason rejected a plea deal that would have reduced his charges to two counts of second-degree murder while armed and one count of felony assault on a police officer while armed.

On May 14, Mason rejected a second plea deal.

If the offer was accepted, Mason’s charges would have been reduced to one count of second-degree murder while armed and one count of felony assault on a police officer while armed.

Jackson’s trial is now scheduled for September 2025.

Parties are slated to return Aug. 8, 2025.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing, Ordered Detained

A homicide defendant waived his preliminary hearing, and DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo denied his request for release in a May 14 hearing.

James Outland, 25, and Bobby Gupton, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn on June 28, 2023, on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE.

According to court documents, a suspect fired 44 shots at the location, fatally injuring Glenn, before getting in an orange Dodge Charger and fleeing the scene.

At a hearing on Jan. 10, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found that Gupton was one of the perpetrators for the shooting and ordered him detained.

During the May 14 hearing, Michael Bruckheim, Outland’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Demeo he was waiving his right to a preliminary hearing, and requested he be released pending future proceeding dates.

However, prosecutors argued based on the nature and circumstances of the incident, he remains a danger to the community, and no combination of conditions can guarantee its safety.

Judge Demeo agreed with the prosecution, and ordered Outland remain detained.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 21.

Bad Blood Between Two Friends Leads to Stabbing Homicide

Attorneys in a homicide trial argued on May 14 their client acted in self-defense after the prosecution showed footage of a fatal stabbing during opening statements before DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe.

According to the prosecution, Gill and his pregnant girlfriend were spending the day together when they decided to make a quick stop at the crime scene where Jackson stabbed his childhood friend, Gill, nine times, with the lacerations being three inches deep, causing his “intestines to spill out.”

A surveillance video showed an individual identified as Jackson getting into a physical altercation with Gill as he tries to get away from him after Jackson allegedly pulled out a knife.

Gill eventually falls to the ground out of camera range after being stabbed multiple times. Several people were seen nearby as the individual identified as Jackson fled.

The defense’s opening arguments shed light on the history between the defendant and Gill.

According to Wole Faludun, Jackson’s defense attorney, Jackson and Gill were best friends from childhood until 2013, when Jackson refused to provide his brother’s location to Gill, who was deemed “a snitch.”

Falodun stated that the defendant had been a victim of a shooting in 2016, during which he sustained three gunshot wounds to the stomach. The shooter was allegedly Gill, but Jackson never revealed this information to the police because, “snitches get stitches.”

Jackson was allegedly the victim of a second shooting in 2017 committed by Gill. He never disclosed Gill’s identity for the same reason.

According to Falodun, on the day of Gill’s death, he refused to shake hands with Jackson and stated “What the f**k are you doing around here?” claiming Jackson had been barred from the neighborhood.

Faludun affirmed that after Jackson pulled out a knife and his mother tried to hold him back, Gill stated “Don’t hold him, he’s about to die anyway.”

According to the defense, Jackson saw that Gill had a firearm on his waistband that day and his actions were not intended to kill Gill, but to protect his life.

Following opening statements, the prosecution called the defendant’s mother as an eyewitness to the fatal stabbing.

The witness confirmed Jackson had arrived in the neighborhood to get marijuana from her nephew, who was living with her at the time.

The defendant’s mother testified that Jackson and Gill arrived almost at the same time, but she was on the phone with her boyfriend and wasn’t paying much attention to the situation.

When she eventually looked over, she allegedly noticed Jackson had a knife in his hand and proceeded to try to pull him away from Gill.

“He wasn’t him,” the witness stated. As she tried to pull Jackson back, he told her, “Get the f**k off of me.” Frightened, she proceeded to walk away, still on the phone with her boyfriend.

The witness also stated she “couldn’t stand” Gill and had told Jackson to “stop hanging out” with him because “they were always getting into trouble.”

In cross-examination by Falodun, the witness confirmed she had visited Jackson in the hospital in 2016, due to gunshot wounds.

After being asked as to why she didn’t move until after the incident knowing it was a dangerous neighborhood by Falodun, she affirmed witness protection had moved her away. The witness stated she was getting threatened the day after the incident.

She said she didn’t want to be present and “go against her own son,” but had to in light of a subpoena.

Parties are set to continue witness testimony May 15.

Prosecutors Rest Following a Three Month Trial Focusing on Guns, Texts

In a three month murder, conspiracy trial against three co-defendants, the prosecution rested its case after reintroducing its final three witnesses before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

On May 14, the prosecution called back to the stand a forensic firearm examiner who analyzed firearm evidence seized in this case. The examiner stated he received the five firearms allegedly used to advance the defendants’ conspiracy. The weapons include a Polymer 80, Glock 19, Glock 22, Glock 26, and M&P 40.

According to the examiner, there were eleven nine-millimeter cartridge casings recovered from one shooting. After analyzing the evidence, the examiner stated that three of the cartridge casings retrieved were consistent with what would have been fired from a Polymer 80 and the remaining eight cartridge casings were consistent with what would have been fired from a Glock 26.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, argued that one cannot be certain the casings were fired from one specific firearm, and that this does not show that the same individual fired the guns.

Prosecutors have previously provided evidence that none of the defendants were licensed to carry firearms in the District.

Before resting their case, the prosecution called an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who works in the Violent Crimes Department. He testified regarding the apparently coded text messages and Instagram direct message exchanges among phone numbers and social media accounts registered to the defendants and associates about getting and selling firearms.

The witness was questioned about the semantics of the messages – for instance, “stick,” “dog,” and “joints,” which the officer interpreted as referring to firearms.

The prosecution rested its case.

Proceedings will continue on May 15.

Acquitted: ‘This is the Kind of Case That Wrongful Convictions are Made of,’ Insists Defense in Homicide Trial

Editor’s note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Brothers is still being held on homicide charges in another case.

Parties delivered opening statements before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein’s courtroom on May 14.

Devonte Brothers, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 27-year-old Deron Leake, also known as “Snoop”, on Oct. 17, 2019, on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE. The incident also left one other individual suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

“Pride. This man chose his own pride over the life of Deron Leake,” claimed the prosecution in their opening arguments.

As they walked around, prosecutors claim, Leake “dapped up,” or “fist-bumped” a lot of the people whom he knew from his childhood. They ended up going into one of the buildings, where they encountered a group of five-to-eight individuals.

According to the prosecution, Leake dapped up everyone in the group, which included Brothers. “You don’t know me like that,” prosecutors said Brothers told Leake, which led to a verbal altercation.

Leake and his group left the area following the dispute in an attempt to go back to their vehicle. However, prosecutors claim Brothers intercepted the group in the yard, shot Leake in the head, killing him instantly, before shooting one of his friends twice on the legs.

Prosecutors claim that, following the shooting, Brothers left the area on foot, before getting in a car and fleeing to Maryland.

Evidence, prosecutors say, “is going to tell [the jury] beyond a reasonable doubt that this man, the defendant, shot Deron Leake and [his friend]… hold this man accountable for his actions.”

However, Molly Bunke, Brothers’ defense attorney, claimed “this is the kind of case that wrongful convictions are made of,” adding that physical and forensic evidence exonerates him of all charges.

“This is terrifying,” she said of the possibility that Brothers could be wrongfully convicted, “[He] is innocent.”

According to Bunke, Brothers grew up in the complex and still has family and friends that live in the area. “There is nothing sinister or criminal about that,” she said.

She insisted, “the science tells [the jury] he had nothing to do with this incident,” adding that “this is a classic case of misidentification.”

“An innocent man sits before you… I cannot think of anything more terrifying,” she insisted, adding “put an end to the nightmare he’s lived.”

Following opening statements, prosecutors called on the first responding officer at the scene.

According to the officer, who is now a detective sergeant, he was in the area when he heard gunshots.

In his body-worn camera, which was shown to the court, the witness can be heard on the radio “I’ve got two people down,” before telling Leake’s friend “I see you man,” as he attempted to toss a firearm.

According to the witness, Leake’s friend was arrested that day for carrying a pistol without a license.

“Is he dead?,” Leake’s friend could be heard asking the witness. “He’s struggling right now,” the officer replied.

The witness testified to not being able to render aid to Leake concerned that his two friend were still able to get the surviving victim’s firearm . He added he called for backup, but it was too late. Leake was dead.

He also located a firearm and a black face mask in Leake’s possession.

A woman who had known Leake since his childhood in the complex testified to seeing him in the morning leading up to the shooting.

“He was happy, he was smiling… I told him to be safe,” she said of their interaction and his demeanor.

However, a few hours later, as she was leaving her mom’s apartment at the Cascade Park complex, she heard shots fired, and in an attempt to ensure her niece was safe she went out to the courtyard. There, she testified, she looked at the victim and “realized it was Snoop.”

Prosecutors also called on an officer who collected a bullet fragment recovered from the surviving victim at a local hospital.

According to the officer, he rode on the ambulance to the hospital with the victim because he was under arrest and to ensure his safety.

Body-worn camera footage from the hospital showed a nurse showing the surviving victim the bullet fragment that was removed from his legs before putting it in an evidence cup and giving it to the officer.

According to the officer, he took the fragment to the Homicide Branch of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) to pick it up.

Following his testimony, prosecutors called a special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), who was deemed a cell site expert, and testified that Brothers’ cell-phone was in the area leading up to and during the shooting. However, he said, his phone began to flee towards Maryland in the moments after the shooting.

During cross examination, Dominique Winters, Brothers’ other defense attorney questioned whether or not the cell site data could prove that he was in the exact location of the incident. According to the special agent, the exact location of the phone cannot be tracked.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 15.

Shooting Suspect Rejects Plea Offer, Gets Modified Release

A non-fatal shooting suspect rejected a prosecution plea offer, but in the same hearing on May 14 was granted modified release terms.

Vann Allen, 25, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence,for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on the 1400 block of Okie Street, NE, on Nov. 11, 2023. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

During the brief proceeding before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, the prosecutor explained its offer that would require Allen to plead guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed to resolve the other outstanding charges.

Represented by his attorney, Michelle Lockard, Allen stated, “I reject the plea.”

Judge Raffinan set a trial date for Allen’s case of June 30, 2025. A hearing to review defendant access to DNA evidence in the case is scheduled for June 5.

Meanwhile, Allen was released to home confinement with a GPS monitoring device on April 10.

Lockard requested a modification to Allen’s release conditions that would enable him to attend job interviews in person.

Judge Raffinan granted the request, saying it would hopefully help Allen find employment.

Murder Defendant Waives Right to Test Some Items for DNA Evidence

Prosecutors told DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo, in a May 14 hearing, they have already tested key pieces of evidence in a fatal stabbing, including three knives allegedly used in the attack.

Warren Tyson, 54, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon and enticing a child in connection to the fatal stabbing of Michael Johnson, 21, on Oct. 22, 2021, on the 4900 block of East Capitol Street, SE. Tyson is alleged to have sent inappropriate material to a minor and that led to an altercation with Johnson.

In addition to genetic material on the knives, prosecutors have collected DNA from reddish brown stains, a blue and white face mask and a sleeveless shirt. Prosecutors also collected DNA from the vehicle in which Tyson was arrested as well as two cell phones.

Under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA) defendants have the right to test biological material independent of the prosecution to establish their innocence.

Tyson’s defense acknowledged that his team had performed its own tests on the knives but not everything the prosecution has tested. While Tyson said he had just gotten the report detailing the prosecution’s results, he waived the right to analyze other evidence for DNA, which all but precludes him from doing so in the future.

Judge Demeo set a trial date for Nov. 14. In the interim, she scheduled a motions hearing for July 26 to discuss a defense request to sever the charges against Tyson into separate trials.

In an outstanding motion filed July 7, 2023, Tyson’s attorney, Julie Swaney argued, “A joint trial on these counts would substantially and unfairly prejudice Mr. Tyson…Furthermore, the nature of the enticement charge is extremely prejudicial and will inflame the jury to such a degree that an impartial verdict regarding the murder will not be able to be rendered.”

The prosecutor called the motion “highly dispositive.” Judge Demeo said the issue was “ripe for a ruling.”

Earlier in the hearing, Tyson rejected a prosecution offer to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed in return for dismissing the other charges against him.

‘I Saw Him Cock the Shotgun Again, and I Knew, Okay, This Dude’s About to Kill Me,’ Victim Testifies

The victim of a shooting testified before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld’s courtroom on May 13.

Marcedes Edmunds, 38, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, carrying a shotgun or rifle outside a home or business, destruction of property worth $1,000 or more, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on the 4000 block of Haynes Street, NE, on May 1, 2019. One individual sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.

According to court documents, Edmunds and the victim got into a verbal altercation over a woman, causing Edmunds to retrieve a firearm from his car, allegedly telling the victim “I’ll give you five seconds to get off my block,” before shooting.

Prosecutors called the victim to testify, who was escorted into the courtroom by US Marshals in a wheelchair due to paralysis from unrelated injuries.

According to the victim, Edmunds became verbally aggressive during their interaction, telling the victim “you’re a b***h a** [n-word].”

The victim testified that he saw Edmunds leave the scene, and return with a shotgun.

“I’m frustrated now, cause I realize he had a weapon,” the victim said, adding he walked towards his car to avoid the situation. According to the victim, he was not in possession of a weapon at the time of the incident.

“As I’m getting in, I hear a boom. I didn’t feel anything. I saw him cock the shotgun again, and I knew, okay, this dude’s boutta kill me this time.”

According to the victim, Edmunds continued to shoot at his vehicle as he drove away, damaging his door and striking his leg a second time.

He testified that he drove to a fire station, where he sought medical attention and was transported to the Prince George’s Hospital, where he received further assistance.

Afterward he needed to complete eight months of physical therapy following multiple surgeries to help repair the damage sustained in the shooting.

Although he said he hadn’t consumed any narcotics on the day of the incident, the victim testified to using PCP and marijuana two days earlier.

Edmunds then took the stand.

According to Edmunds, he had arrived at the liquor store two hours prior to the victim arriving, and talked to multiple people in the area.

He testified that, upon arrival, the victim appeared agitated to everyone present. “He was hostile, he was buggin’, he was reaching for something,” he said.

According to the defendant, he didn’t own a car at the time of the shooting, contradicting multiple testimonies that he had retrieved a firearm from his vehicle.

“I never shot anybody in my life, in fact, I’ve been the victim of gun violence,”claimed Edmunds, insisting he didn’t have a firearm on the day of the incident.

During cross examination, prosecutors displayed surveillance footage and asked Edmunds to identify himself. However, he was unable to do so.

“If you tell me that’s me, that’s me, ma’am,” he told the prosecutor.

Edmunds insisted he was never part of the altercation, but rather left with friends when they realized the victim was agitated and causing a scene.

Prior to Edmunds’ testimony, prosecutors called the victim’s girlfriend to testify, though she wasn’t at the scene at the time of the shooting, having left shortly before.

According to the girlfriend, the victim called her and explained that he had just been shot.

Upon returning to the neighborhood, she claimed she found her boyfriend’s vehicle in front of the neighborhood fire station, where he had fled to in order to seek medical treatment.

“There was blood pooled everywhere,” she said, stating she went to the hospital with him and stayed by his side as he was rendered aid.

“He was mad, he was upset, his emotions were all over the place,” she stated.

During cross-examination, she claimed that, despite not being at the scene during the shooting, she was sure her boyfriend was involved in a dispute with the individuals that were present when she was there.

Prosecutors called two detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). One of them testified that the victim had described the shooter as a tall, heavy-set man with facial hair.

The second detective was asked to confirm the victim’s reaction when he was shown still images from a surveillance video taken in a local liquor store.

“When I showed him the photos, he became wide-eyed, and said, ‘Yes, that’s him, that’s the guy who shot me.’” However, he testified he didn’t present a photo array as part of the identification process.

“It’s obvious this is my client,” defense attorney, Mark Rollins, said in spite of how Edmunds testified regarding the images and surveillance footage presented during trial. “We know that’s Edmunds because the victim identified him.”

However, he argued that the jury should consider that the witnesses may have been responsible and Edmunds had simply been a bystander. “I want you to use common sense,” said Rollins.

“The evidence shows without a doubt that on May 1, 2019, Marcedes Edmunds got in an argument with the victim, and for reasons unknown, retrieved a shotgun, and shot him in the leg,” insisted the prosecution.

The jury was sent to deliberate, and parties will reconvene when they reach a verdict.

Judge Won’t Dismiss, ‘As Clear As They Come,’ Conspiracy Charges Against Three Co-Defendants

With the jury absent, defense attorneys argued to dismiss conspiracy charges against their clients, while opposing the prosecution’s request to admit statements that allegedly link three co-defendants to a teen’s homicide and a related shooting spree.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, 2020; Feb. 24, 2020 and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy among the defendants in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

On May 13, defense attorneys in the case motioned to dismiss conspiracy charge against the trio detailed in their respective indictments.

Lisbeth Sapirstein, Nelson’s defense attorney, stated that the prosecution has failed to present evidence of an arrangement that the firearms described in coded text threads were used to commit the crimes of murder and conspiracy.

“Boogie,” previously identified as Nelson by witnesses, was allegedly engaged in a series of text messages to sell firearms on Feb. 9, 2020 that have been linked to a series of shootings and a homicide.

After trying to sell an M&P Shield handgun and a Glock 26, the text sender identified as Boogie stated that “ty” had grabbed “the 26.” Freeman has been previously identified as “ty” by witnesses.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied the defense dismissal motion, stating “the court will not disturb the indictment” because the charges are as “clear as they come.”

Judge Brandt later ruled that Feb. 9, 2020 is the first day Nelson and Freeman were considered part of the conspiracy due to the text messages linking “Boogie” and “ty” to the firearms used in multiple shootings.

Jackson allegedly entered the conspiracy on Feb. 13, 2020 via text messages confirming loyalty to his ‘crew’ or neighborhood gang, after an unrelated shooting left a friend injured on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

The prosecution has previously alleged the shooting of the mutual friend as the motive for the defendants’ shooting spree.

Additionally, Judge Brandt granted the prosecution’s motion for the admission of an Instagram exchange between Freeman and an Instagram user allegedly selling a stolen vehicle, on the basis that the exchange was admissible as co-conspirator statements.

According to Freeman’s Instagram direct share, from Feb. 18- to- 21, 2020, he allegedly negotiated the purchase of a stolen vehicle, and on Feb. 21, Freedman agreed to pay $150 for a Mazda truck.

A white Mazda SUV has been introduced as a suspect vehicle for multiple of the shootings alleged in the conspiracy.

The prosecution argued the deal furthered the defendants’ objective in building a conspiracy by purchasing a vehicle that could easily flee the scene of a crime and would be helpful in the carrying, possessing, and transferring firearms.

Judge Brandt allowed all the evidence from the Instagram exchange.

Proceedings will continue on May 14.

Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

Scotland Alston, who is accused of shooting a woman in the chest, legs and buttocks during an argument on a street corner, waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on May 13.

Alston, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place on Feb. 28 on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to court documents, security footage from a nearby business showed the victim approaching her assailant on the street and starting a conversation with him that led to both of them shouting and pushing each other. When the victim followed the assailant as he began to ride away on a bicycle, the assailant dropped the bicycle and walked back toward the victim allegedly to shoot her.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers reported that they were responding to gunshots detected by ShotSpotter shortly after midnight on the morning of Feb. 28, when they found a woman injured by gunfire. The officers reported that the victim identified her assailant as “Scottie Alston.”

According to the officers, a witness present at the scene testified to observing the argument and the shooting but would not name or describe the shooter. This witness referred the police to another individual who was not present at the shooting but who identified Alston as the assailant based on a still photo from the security footage.

A warrant was issued for Alston’s arrest on March 20. MPD officers apprehended him on April 28.

At the hearing on May 13, Judge O’Keefe denied the request of Alston’s lawyer, Wole Falodun, that Alston be released pending trial.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 10.

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