Homicide Defendant Files Motion to Dismiss Case

A homicide defendant’s attorney filed a motion to dismiss the case, or reopen the preliminary hearing, based on a witness recanting statements to police, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Prashawn Brady, 31, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Michael James Quanders Jr. on March 31 on the 1100 block of 2nd Place, SE.

According to documents from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the incident was domestic in nature, as Quanders and Brady have a child in common.

On May 9, following a probable cause finding by Judge Raffinan during a May 7 hearing, Elizabeth Weller, Brady’s defense attorney, filed a motion to dismiss or reopen the preliminary hearing based on new information.

In the motion, filed by Weller, it states that probable cause was specifically found based on statements made by a witness to police, in which they stated he saw Brady shoot Quanders in the hallway where he was found.

However, according to Weller, the prosecution “has since disclosed to the court that [the witness] has recanted his statement to police and now states he did not see Ms. Brady shoot” Quander.

On May 13, the prosecution requested additional time to respond in writing, noting they were going to object to the motion filed by Weller.

Judge Raffinan reminded Brady she is prohibited from harassing, assaulting, threatening, and stalking any witness related to the case.

Parties are slated to return July 11.

Motion to Dismiss Charges Against Lead Defendant in COVID Juries Case Denied

Defense attorneys for Tony McClam,34, were back in court for a May 13 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe in a complex shooting case based on the constitutional issues of fair jury selection and double-jeopardy.

McClam, originally accused of killing 11-year-old Karon Brown in 2019 on the 2700 block of Naylor Road, SE, was found not guilty of first-degree murder in January of 2022 in a seven-count indictment, but the jury was hung on other six charges including assault with intent to kill and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. The prosecution intends to retry the case.

In motions filed in 2022, McClam’s attorney, Jason Tulley, argued that McClam, along with dozens of others convicted during COVID, were denied a fair trial, “based on the data analyzed so far, that the… jury selected for this trial [and others] will…violate…the Fifth and Sixth Amendment [guaranteeing the jury fairly represents the community].” The complaint is that there were not enough Black individuals in the jury pool.

That case has yet to be resolved although the DC Office of the Attorney General, which represents the DC Superior Court, denies any bias in jury selection and stands by its selection process.

However, the current proceeding was focused on another defense motion filed last September to dismiss the case against McClam on grounds of a double-jeopardy violation.

“Despite this principle’s role as a hallmark of the American judicial system, the government is putting Mr. McClam in jeopardy a second time for the same alleged offense-all because it could not carry its burden at his first trial,” according to a defense filing last September.

In a May 8 development, the DC Court of Appeals denied that motion, setting the stage for McClam’s new trial pending further appellate action.

Judge O’Keefe noted the trial will be expedited as required. “This is a case of special interest,” he said, setting the next hearing on the matter for Oct. 18.

Prosecution Seeks Timely Deposition for Witness in 1990 Cold Case Murder

A prosecutor in a decades-old murder case urged DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun to approve the deposition of a California witness, “the sooner, the better,” in a May 13 hearing.

Sheila Brown, 66, is charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in the fatal shooting of Noman Rich, 34. The homicide took place on March 28, 1990 on the 500 block of M Street, NE. According to court documents, the killing was domestic in nature.

Brown was taken into custody in Annapolis, MD by local police and the US Marshal’s service, on March 27, just one day short of the thirty-fourth anniversary of Rich’s death.

In a news conference announcing the arrest, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Inspector Kevin Kentish said new tools helped solve an old mystery.

“There were certain things that were present now that were not present in 1990 as far as DNA, witness statements,” said Kentish.

Brown was not present during the proceeding because her attorney, Thomas Healy, said has been in the hospital for about ten days and he expected her discharge by the end of the week. Brown has been on court supervised release since her arrest.

Meanwhile, prosecutors stressed the timeliness of arranging the deposition for the witness in California because she is under the care of a trustee who makes her decisions, and the witness has “good days and bad days.” The available time-frame for the deposition, said the prosecutors, is only a matter of weeks.

Given that the witness is unable to travel, parties discussed whether the court should pay for Brown and Healy to fly to California to participate in the deposition, rather than take part virtually.

“Normally, I don’t get involved,” said Judge Okun in terms of travel logistics, but he took a brief recess to consider the matter. Ultimately, he ruled that under the Criminal Justice Act that provides assistance for indigent clients, the court would bear the burden of travel costs.

A mutually agreed date of June 7 was set for providing the judge with a travel schedule.

The prosecutor also announced that the former leader detective in the case was available to testify and might be able to travel to DC.

The next hearing in the case is set for June 28.

Document: MPD Investigating 16th Street NW Fatal Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a traffic crash that resulted in a fatality on May 11 on the 3300 block of 16th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, the preliminary investigation determined that a Subaru was traveling northbound at the location at a high rate of speed and attempted to overtake a BMW. The Subaru struck the front of the BMW and lost control, traveling across the southbound lanes and striking a tree.

The passenger in the Subaru suffered severe injuries and died at the scene. The driver was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The occupants of the BMW were not injured.

The victim was identified as 24-year-old Jessica Luna Sanchez.

Anyone with information about the incident should call police.

Document: MPD Investigating Hayes Street NE Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on May 11 on the 3600 block of Hayes Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. They located two men suffering from gunshot wounds. One man was located conscious and breathing, and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The second man, who was also transported to an area hospital succumbed to his injuries despite all life saving efforts.

The victim was identified as 40-year-old Ellal Glover.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide in the District.

Document: MPD Looking for Driver Involved in Deadly Hit and Run

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is searching for a suspect and their vehicle that was involved in a traffic crash, which resulted in the death of a pedestrian on April 27 on the 3100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, a man was found lying in between cars in the roadway at the location. He died at the scene.

The preliminary investigation determined a car driving northbound on Georgia Avenue drove over the pedestrian and fled without stopping or identifying themselves.

The suspect vehicle was captured by nearby surveillance cameras.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Anyone with knowledge of the incident should contact police.

Document: MPD Investigating 2023 Assault as Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are now investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Oct. 12, 2023, on the 1800 block of 4th Street, NE, as a homicide.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an assault. Upon arrival, officers located three men who had been assaulted by a suspect using a shovel. All three men were transported to an area hospital conscious and breathing.

Responding officers located the suspect, 62-year-old Vincent Hemphill, on the scene, arrested and charged him with assault with intent to kill.

On Jan. 22, 81-year-old Charles Short succumbed to his injuries. The Office of the Medical Chief Examiner (OCME) in Maryland determined his death was from complications from blunt force trauma. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.

MPD is working with the US Attorney’s Office to upgrade Hemphill’s charges.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect Discharging a Firearm at a Rideshare Vehicle

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to the discharge of a firearm that occurred on May 6 on the 2000 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, the victim, a rideshare driver, dropped off the suspect at the location. As the suspect exited the vehicle, he produced a firearm and shot at the victim. The victim drove away and called the police from a safe location. The driver was not injured, but his vehicle was struck multiple times.

The suspect was captured by surveillance footage.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each violent crime in the District.

‘We Already Got Enough Violence in These Streets,’ Says Eyewitness in Shooting Trial

A defendant’s friend, who grew up in “a rough neighborhood” with him, testified she told him to turn himself in following a shooting, before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on May 8.

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

Prosecutors called a woman who watched the shooting happen. “We was just chillin’ and vibin’,” she said. “All hell broke loose.” The victim sustained a shotgun wound to the leg and suffered severe bleeding.

She explained during her testimony that she has known Edmunds, who she referred to as “Man-Man,” since they were children.

According to the witness, they both grew up in a rough neighborhood, and her parents tried to take Edmunds and other children to church in an attempt to keep them away from the violence the neighborhood experienced.

She testified they hadn’t seen each other as often in recent years, saying, “He moved differently than he used to.” However, she received a phone call from Edmunds the morning of the shooting after not hearing from him for months.

According to the witness, he asked her to have a drink with him in DC, to which she agreed. “I came 45 minutes to chill, I didn’t think I’d end up here like this,” she said.

The witness said there were multiple empty bottles of liquor lying around when she arrived, and everyone in the group was drunk.

She became agitated with prosecutors, claiming she didn’t remember much, and telling them she didn’t “want to deal with this, I’d rather just get locked up or whatever y’all do.”

However, she did testify to seeing Edmunds with a gun, despite not remembering what it looked like.

“It was real loud, I took off running,” the witness explained when asked how she reacted to the shooting.

“I told him he needed to turn himself in, and man up, instead of bringing everyone else into it,” she said, regarding her conversation with Edmunds following the incident. “We already got enough violence in these streets.”

“I’m terrified of retaliation that would come against me and my family,” she told prosecutors during questioning. .

During cross-examination, Mark Rollins, Edmunds’ defense attorney, questioned her drug use the day of the shooting. According to the witness, she smoked her medical prescription marijuana.

Rollins also questioned her regarding her schizophrenia diagnosis and medication. “If you don’t take Haldol[a prescription], is it fair to say you think you could see things and hear things that aren’t there?” asked Rollins.

“Maybe I’m hallucinating, maybe I have bipolar disorder, but I try to keep myself grounded,” she responded.

When questioned regarding her criminal history, the witness testified she has prior convictions, stating they’re “for narcotics distribution, but that was 15 years ago, and I ain’t done nothing since.”

Following her testimony, prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who explained that upon arrival to the scene, he and his coworkers canvassed for witnesses and physical evidence.

According to the detective, they recovered a shotgun wadding at the scene, which he testified separates gunpowder from the projectile inside the shell.

“We were like ‘Holy crap, that’s a lot of blood to have lost,’” said the detective regarding the blood stains inside the vehicle at the scene. He added that the vehicle was covered in defects consistent with gunshots.

Throughout the investigation, MPD detectives attempted to recover surveillance footage of the shooting but were unsuccessful.

However, the detective testified that surveillance footage was recovered from a liquor store less than a block from the crime scene. Footage of an individual identified as Edmunds was found, and still-images were used to help witnesses confirm the identity of the shooter.

During cross examination, Rollins claimed the investigation is not complete, stating the detective failed to identify two women who were present at the time of the shooting.

Prosecutors also called a friend of Edmunds, who was seen on surveillance footage in the liquor store and was present at the gathering, but left before the shooting occurred.

According to the friend, he has known Edmunds since 2018 when they were introduced through mutual friends, and explained they would occasionally drink together.

Prosecutors showed the witness video and still-images from the liquor store, and asked him to identify the individuals shown.

He identified himself and Edmunds, and explained that after they left the liquor store they drove in separate directions before meeting up at the house on Haynes Street.

When asked about the victim, he explained that he didn’t “remember exactly what he [the victim] said, but he was having a bad day,” adding, “Everyone made him mad.”

He testified he didn’t see Edmunds in possession of a weapon on the day of the incident.

Parties are set to reconvene on May 13.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Fatal Stabbing, but Grants Suspect’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein agreed there was probable cause that 49-year-old Wali Shabazz was the perpetrator in a fatal stabbing.

Shabazz is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 41-year-old Martin Gross Jr. outside a stadium on the 100 block of T Street, SW. The incident occurred on April 27.

According to court documents, Gross Jr. was rushed to the Washington Hospital Center where he died, unable to make a useful statement to officers.

At a May 8 hearing, prosecutors called on the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about video surveillance, which was shown at the hearing, depicting an individual identified as Shabazz sitting on a sidewalk bench when an individual identified as Gross Jr. approaches him in a confrontational manner. Immediately, a fist fight ensues with Gross Jr. apparently throwing the first few punches.

After trading punches, the individual identified as Shabazz takes a knife out of his pocket and begins stabbing the victim multiple times, causing Gross Jr. to fall to the ground. The suspect then wals away from the victim.

Although the detective never spoke to the defendant, she arrived at the crime scene and later observed him on surveillance video, which was used for identification.

According to the detective, an autopsy ruled that the victim suffered twelve stab wounds, mainly to the torso area. The cause of death was from stab wounds and the manner was deemed a homicide by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME).

The defense asked the detective if there was a toxicology report on Gross Jr., based on evidence suggesting that the victim was intoxicated, but the detective didn’t know.

Defense attorney Gemma Stevens argued that Shabazz’s actions were reasonable as he was acting in self-defense and believed to be in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.

According to Stevens, Shabazz feared for his life, noting that a fist fight can be fatal.

However, Judge Epstein argued Shabazz overreacted during the incident, stating he stabbed Gross Jr. multiple times despite the victim being unarmed, before ruling that he found probable cause.

Stevens argued for the release of her client on the basis that Shabazz has no violent criminal history prior to this incident, is an active member of the community, and has strong family and friend support. She pointed out three women at the hearing supporting Shabazz, including his fiancée.

Amidst the finding of probable cause, Judge Epstein granted the defendant release.

Shabazz will be under GPS electronic monitoring and is subject to home confinement, but will be able to leave for employment.

“I am trusting you to do the things Ms. Stevens said you would do,” Judge Epstein told Shabazz regarding his release.

Parties will reconvene Jan. 31.

Prosecutors ‘Don’t Care About the Delay,’ Says Defense in 2010 Murder Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein delayed a homicide trial, which was slated to begin May 20, by almost a year due to pending motions.

Kavon Young, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of John Pernell, 66, on July 3, 2010. The incident occurred at a cookout near the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE.

Young, who was charged with the killing in 2019, would have been 19-years-old at the time of the incident.

According to court documents, Young’s DNA profile was allegedly found in the victim’s right hand fingernail clippings, and on August 13, 2019, detectives interviewed Young about the shooting incident while he was serving time for an unrelated case in an Atlanta prison. He stated to have no knowledge of the killing or the victim.

At the hearing, Mani Gozari, Young’s defense attorney, discussed a previously filed motion to exclude a doctor’s testimony regarding Young’s DNA in Pernell’s nails, on the basis that the prosecution gave deficient notice. Gozari added that if the motion was granted, the defense would not be seeking a trial continuance.

According to Gozari, the prosecution was in possession of the doctor’s report on February 9, and did not submit it as evidence until March 22. Hence, he argued that the prosecution was aware of this evidence and elected to not give prior notice to the defense, despite the notice being filed by the required deadline.

Judge Epstein requested further briefing to go over the difference between two reports by the doctor although their content was unspecified.

Gozari also requested Young be released, stating that he has a family that is willing to support him to become a productive member of society.

Gozari added that Young has served his debt to society by being in custody for an incident that occurred after the 2010 shooting, adding he would not pose a flight risk if released.

Furthermore, the attorney emphasized that Young has the right to a fair trial, stating that the case has not been properly handled by the prosecution.

“It is not fair for this man to sit in jail for six years,” Gozari stated, claiming the year-long delay would violate his client’s rights.

According to Gozari, the prosecution lost an extract of critical DNA evidence from the victim that reportedly had the defendant’s DNA profile, which the defense could have retested. The defense also complains the prosecution lost important surveillance footage, and has not been transparent about information about significant witnesses – for instance, not communicating promptly with the defense that a witness from the 2010 incident is now deceased.

Additionally, the prosecution’s key witness suffered a traumatic brain injury, according to the prosecution. The prosecution says they found out in late March after speaking with a private investigator who had knowledge of the witness, adding they were not planning to rely heavily on the witness’ testimony at trial.

“They don’t care about the delay. They just want him to be locked up.” proclaimed Gozari.

In response, the prosecution urged Judge Epstein not to release Young as he would pose a danger to society given his history of gun possession, and an outstanding parole violation in Maryland.

Pernell’s daughter gave a statement via WebEx, encouraging the judge to not grant Young’s request for release.

Young’s counsel insisted to the court that the entirety of the prosecution’s case revolves around DNA evidence and general descriptions by witnesses, and claimed some descriptions don’t match Young’s appearance.

Judge Epstein needed more time to think about the case, but he acknowledged Young, saying, “I hear you loud and clear.”

Parties are slated to return May 17 to further discuss the motions.

Prosecution Says Slang Texts Describe Failed Shooting in Murder, Conspiracy Pattern

Prosecutors introduced text messages allegedly between a defendant and an associate regarding a “hit” connected to three co-defendants in a homicide and conspiracy trial . The evidence was presented before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 8.

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 of 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.

The prosecution says that the three co-defendants are responsible for the Feb. 22, 2020 shooting on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW, which was aimed at two individuals, but none sustained injuries.

Previous testimony alleges Steele’s rap name as “Gordo” and “fullygordo” as one of his usernames.

An investigator from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was brought in to explain slang found in text messages allegedly connected to the defendants and the shooting.

The text thread dated Feb. 22, 2020, was between the owner of the phone, allegedly Jackson, and a contact named “Fully,” who prosecutors say is Steele.

“Me and racks just rl [real life] hit at some [n-word] up Kennedy” the owner of the phone stated. “We just hit somebody car too” the individual added.

According to the witness, “Kennedy” would be referring to Kennedy Street, a couple blocks from the shooting address.

Fully responded “Yall aint hit nobody.” The witness affirmed “hit” refers to a shooting in this specific context.

“Nah dem [them] b***h as[s] [n-word] ran in da house,” the owner stated, following with, “We should’ve ran in there.”

The two uninjured victims of this non-fatal shooting have previously testified to running into the house upon hearing gunshots.

Parties are slated to return May 13.

Prosecutors Insist Juvenile is Guilty of Homicide, Despite Defense Attorneys Blaming Older Brother

During closing arguments in a juvenile homicide trial, prosecutors insisted the defendant is guilty of all charges, despite his attorneys blaming his older brother before DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell.

The juvenile, a 16-year-old boy, is charged with first-and-second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to kill, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Jihad Darden. The incident occurred on Dec. 18, 2023, on the 5400 block of Illinois Avenue, NW.

On May 8, prosecutors told Judge Crowell that Darden “was a friend, son, brother, and member of the community,” adding that he was “senselessly and tragically murdered,” when he was shot four times in the back.

According to the prosecution, while on his way to the crime scene, the defendant stopped to check his reflection on a car window to ensure his face was fully concealed.

“This was premeditation… [the juvenile] was preparing to commit the murder,” the prosecutor insisted, adding that bringing a gun is “highly probative of premeditation.”

She deemed the crime “calm, collected and preconceived,” adding that the defendant acted in a “calculated and purposeful” manner.

During the trial, the prosecution provided the court with multiple surveillance videos that depicted the suspect’s flightpath from the Lucky Corner Store on Illinois Avenue to the 1300 block of Missouri Avenue, NW, where they claim he changed his clothes before ordering an Uber to Bowie, MD.

They also presented evidence of the juvenile wearing a similar hoodie to the shooter’s, which he wore to school seven days before the incident.

“[The defendant’s] cell site data mirrors all movement by Darden’s killer, because he is the person who murdered Darden,” the prosecutor insisted.

However, Amanda Epstein, the juvenile’s defense attorney, claimed that the prosecution and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) had failed to fully investigate the incident, shifting blame to the defendant’s older brother.

“Nothing but common sense is needed to know that [the defendant’s brother] was the murderer,” Epstein said, explaining that Darden and the brother had a beef, and he had taken “all actions to hide behind the clothes of two 15-year-olds,” adding that the brother was also connected to the defendant’s friend.

“[The defendant] didn’t shoot or kill Darden,” she said.

Epstein told Judge Crowell he should doubt the prosecution’s theory and evidence, arguing that MPD failed to investigate a tip, received from someone close to the defendant’s family, that provided evidence his older brother was involved.

She also requested Judge Crowell regard the testimony of a woman, whose house the juvenile frequented, lightly, insisting her testimony was not credible as she was trying to protect her grandson.

During her testimony, the woman told Judge Crowell her grandson and nephew had been put in handcuffs during the execution of a search warrant at her home.

“She knew what she needed to say to make sure her grandson wasn’t arrested,” insisted Epstein.

“When evidence gives us more questions than answers, that gives us a reason to doubt,” she told Judge Crowell. “Even the [prosecution] has reasons to doubt,” she added.

Parties are slated to reconvene when Judge Crowell reaches a verdict.

Three Adolescents Accused in Senior Victim’s Fatal Beating Get a Trial Date

DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs set a murder trial date of June 24 for three girls, one 12-years-old and the other two, 13, in a May 8 hearing. Meanwhile, the juveniles will remain in custody.

They’re charged with second-degree murder, assault and conspiracy in the fatal beating of 64-year-old Reggie Brown. The incident occurred Oct. 17, 2023, on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective previously testified the victim was disabled with no apparent connection to his assailants.

Some of the suspects’ family members identified themselves in the courtroom including a father, mother and a grandmother.

An attorney for one of the accused asked that his client be “stepped down” from detention and placed under her father’s supervision based on additional information, some of which was under seal.

“Her father is in court and fully supports his daughter,” said the defense lawyer. Judge Briggs denied the motion saying the juvenile, along with the other two charged in the case, will remain detained.

Judge Briggs heard testimony from probation officers from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) who said there were no extraordinary events resulting from the defendants’ detention at the Youth Services Center (YSC).

The judge ordered a psychiatric evaluation for one of the girls and also expressed concerns that another defendant’s school records hadn’t been provided to the court but said that a court appointed education attorney would be provided. In an earlier proceeding, Judge Briggs ordered similar psychological studies performed on the other two suspects.

One of the defense attorneys said his client had already rejected a prosecution plea offer. No details were presented in court.

After calendar negotiations among the parties, Judge Briggs set a motions hearing for May 29, then a trial readiness hearing on June 14.

Not Guilty of Shooting Says Defendant

A shooting defendant was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur, on May 8.

Marvin Smith, 31, 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 that occurred on March 22, 2022, on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE. One individual sustained four gunshot wounds.

During the hearing, Smith’s defense attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, alerted the court he was pleading not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to return May 13.