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Probable Cause Found for Defendant in Domestic Stabbing

At a preliminary hearing on July 12, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found probable cause a defendant should stand trial for a stabbing stemming from domestic violence.

Aron Williams, 33, was charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing that occurred on Feb. 24, on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE. A woman sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, O’Keefe cited the gruesome nature of the attack, the many months the defendant had to to think about how to respond before his arrest on July 1, and the fact that he was able to leave the crime scene as probable cause to support his ruling.

Prosecutors argued the attack which resulted in ten stab wounds, along with the fact that Williams was able to walk away while the victim was not able to move.

They argued that while the victim and Williams had been married since February 2022, they were on bad terms since November 2023 given that he mistreated her.

The lead detective on the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified that the victim told him in November 2023 she did not want to live with Williams any longer, but felt bad for him as he did not have family to house him, so she continued letting him live in their apartment. 

The detective testified that she had stab wounds all around her face and body, resulting in her gums and teeth showing. She was also stabbed on her wrists down to the bone. 

The detective also testified that when MPD officers responded to the 911 call, blood smears were found along the walls and the victim propped up in a chair covered in blood. The victim was immediately taken to Howard University Hospital where she needed immediate stitches and surgery. 

The victim told the detective while the couple was arguing one of Williams’ friends knocked on their apartment door to get something, and the victim remembered Williams looking enraged with his fists balled at his side. 

The prosecutor stated that based on the victim’s interview, Williams allegedly started to strangle her and the two fell back onto a chair collapsing while the victim tried to get away. Williams then allegedly reached for a hunting knife that was lying on a nearby chair. 

The prosecutor argued that the victim remembered asking Williams, “What are you going to do, stab me?” Williams allegedly began slashing and stabbing at the victim while she begged him to stop and to call an ambulance. The victim recalled feeling as if she would bleed to death. 

Williams’ defense attorney, Hannah Claudio, argued that both parties were heavily intoxicated at the time of the attack. According to Williams, both had been awake straight for the past four days and had been drinking alcohol, taking MDMA, and cocaine. 

Claudio argued that intent was negated because of intoxication. According to Claudio, Williams claimed that he did not realize what was occurring and when he “came to” stopped immediately, which Claudio argued meant there was no specific intent to kill. 

Claudio also stated that there was grounds for self defense as Williams recounted the victim holding the hunting knife first and sustained a slash wound on his arm. 

She argued that Williams recounted the couple had gotten into an argument over a relationship that he was in with another woman at the time.

Further, Claudio said MPD officers were unable to find surveillance footage or the hunting knife or witnesses.

The prosecutor said Williams was not so intoxicated that he continued the attack while the victim was begging him to stop and to call an ambulance because she was bleeding out.

Following the finding of probable cause, Claudio requested Williams be released on home monitoring to obtain mental health and substance abuse treatment unavailable in the DC Jail.

Prosecution argued Williams fled the scene and remains a threat to the community.

According to the prosecution, Williams was arrested at the DC Superior Court when he arrived for a divorce hearing. Williams also had prior a conviction for being armed.

Judge O’Keefe passed on ruling on Williams’ release status, as he needed more time to look at the operative law and figure out what ruling would best apply. 

Court is slated to reconvene on July 16. 

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 35-year-old Christen Borden, who is charged with first-degree murder for her alleged involvement in the death of five-month-old Kenneth Geo Walton. The incident occurred on Feb. 11, 2023, on the 4000 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

Walton succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 18, 2023.

Jury Convicts 3 Men with Conspiracy And Murder of 13-Year-Old Child

Following a multi-month long trial, a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom convicted three individuals for their involvement in a conspiracy, murder, and multiple non-fatal shootings on July 10. 

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 22, are three of five individuals charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, assault with the intent to kill 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. Another juvenile sustained injuries after suffering a gunshot wound to the leg.

Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson were also charged in connection to two additional incidents, including a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 22, 2020, on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW, that injured two individuals, as well as a shooting on Feb. 24, 2020, at the intersection of 9th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW. The second shooting injured three individuals. 

The incidents also allegedly involved 24-year-old Reginald Steele and 27-year-old Aaron Brown. A trial date has yet to be decided on for Brown. Steele’s trial is slated to begin March 31, 2025. 

“The time has come,” said Judge Brandt, as the jury presented a guilty verdict for all three defendants, for conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license in connection to Luke’s murder. 

All three were also convicted of three counts of tampering with physical evidence, and four counts of possession of an unregistered firearm. 

Freeman and Nelson were also convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. 

In addition, Jackson was convicted of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license in connection to the Feb. 22 incident. 

The jury also convicted Jackson of four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license in connection to the Feb. 24 incident. 

Likewise, Nelson was convicted of two counts of accessory after the fact in connection to the two non-fatal shooting incidents. He was also convicted of carrying a pistol without a license in connection to the Feb. 24 shooting. 

The jury was unable to unanimously conclude whether or not Nelson was guilty of four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed in connection to the Feb. 24 incident, so Judge Brandt granted a mistrial in connection to those charges on July 11. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 12 for sentencing. 

Judge Continues Sentencing In A Non-Fatal Shooting Case 

On July 11, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow continued a sentencing to a later date, stating “I want to take another look” at the defense’s sentencing memorandum.

Tyequan Taylor, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Aug. 22, 2023, on the 500 block of Taylor Street, NW. No injuries were reported. 

Tammy Thom, Taylor’s defense attorney, filed a memorandum of sentencing which detailed her guidelines for sentencing. 

The memorandum also addressed the prosecution’s concerns about the defendant’s criminal history score. 

Judge Pasichow stated she did not have a chance to review the memorandum before parties met on July 11. She said she didn’t want to rush the sentencing by not being able to give Taylor a fair assessment.

Parties are slated to meet on Aug 21. 

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Offer for Shooting at His Uncle

On July 11, in front of DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz, a defendant involved in a non-fatal shooting accepted a plea offer in a domestic violence-related case. 

Jaylon Deangelo Whack, 30, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for firing a single shot at his uncle following a verbal dispute in his relative’s home on May 29 on the 3700 block of Horner Place, SE. 

Whack, who is also known as Javon Whack, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. The charge has a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Whack expressed hesitation when asked if he had received “any promise” about the sentence he would receive.

After Judge Leibovitz halted the hearing to give Whack time to speak with his defense attorney, Matthew Hertz, Whack maintained his plea of guilty and affirmed that he did not receive a promise regarding sentencing.

According to a proffer of facts, the prosecution would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that after getting into a verbal argument with his uncle, Whack fired a gun in the direction of his uncle.

Whack and his uncle were arguing in the dining room when he told his uncle, “I’ve got something for you,” the prosecutor said. After saying this, Whack went to the second floor of the residence and came back with a firearm.

The prosecution stated that a bullet hole was found under a window in the dining room. 

Parties are scheduled to meet on Aug. 30 for sentencing.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Two Different Shooting Cases

A defendant pleaded not guilty  in two cases in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on July 11. 

Guy Q Johnson, 57, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, 2 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm in his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Kriston Robinson on March 25, 2020, on the 1600 block of 19th Street, SE. 

According to court documents, officers responded to the location and found Robinson sitting in the driver seat of a white Kia Forte, unconscious with a gunshot wound to the head. Robinson was taken to Prince George County Hospital where she was pronounced dead. 

Johnson pleaded not guilty to all five counts. The prosecution also mentioned his indictment in another case.

In the second case, Johnson pleaded not guilty for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on July 9, 2023, where he is being charged with assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm in a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm. 

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley requested information on the evidence the prosecution has collected in both cases be provided by the next status hearing date. 

Judge Epstein also inquired about Johnson’s knee, saying he was informed that the defendant would be receiving surgery in August. 

Given the surgery, parties are slated to return to court on Sept. 27. 

‘You Can Ghost Other People, But You Can’t Ghost Me,’ Judge Tells Late Defendant 

On July 11, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a second chance for a defendant who violated his release conditions. 

Dennis James Bowler, 56, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on May 24 at his apartment on the 3000 block of Rodman Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Part of Bowler’s conditions included weekly contact with Pretrial Services (PSA) and drug testing. Along with the weekly contact Bowler was to seek mental health care and wear a GPS monitor. 

At the first call of his case Wednesday, Bowler was not in the courtroom. His attorney, Jason Clark told Judge Brandt that he did not know where his client was. Bowler had yet to make contact with PSA and Bowler’s GPS monitor was at dead battery status. 

Judge Brandt issued a bench warrant for Bowler arrest. 

Approximately 30 minutes later, Bowler entered the courtroom.

The defendant said he was late for his hearing due to not having enough money to purchase train fare. HE said he needed to take time to panhandle for the fare. 

During the hearing, Clark explained that Bowler had tried to get in contact with PSA but did not know their address. He said when Bowler tried calling, he received no response. Bowler claimed that when released from DC Jail he had not been given any paperwork that had PSA’s information. 

Both PSA and the prosecution suggested that release be revoked as Bowler not only failed to uphold the conditions of his release, but also did not try to get the information he was missing. 

Clark asked Judge Brandt to grant Bowler a second chance. He said he would take Bowler to drug testing within the courthouse and then to PSA to meet with his case worker after the hearing. 

After careful consideration, Judge Brandt told Bowler that “he could ghost other people, but he couldn’t ghost [her].” She continued Bowlers release with the understanding that Clark would be assisting Bowler in getting set up with PSA and that Bowler would follow his release conditions. 

In order to further ensure that Bowler would meet his release conditions, Judge Brandt scheduled another status hearing next week.  

Parties are slated to return for a status hearing on July 18. 

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Fatal North Capitol Street Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 45-year-old Maurice Corbin, who is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Dequan Garner. The incident occurred on April 30 on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NE.

Judge Denies Defense’s Motion for Continuance 

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a homicide defendant’s motion to delay trial due to the defendant’s inability to hire an expert witness, during a July 10 hearing.

Keanan Turner, 33, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, destruction of property, carrying a pistol without a license, tampering with physical evidence, second-degree cruelty to children, attempted murder against a minor, and arson. 

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the shooting of Wanda Wright, 48, and Ebony Wright, 31, on the 2000 block of Good Hope Court, SE on April 12, 2021. 

During the hearing, Turner’s attorney Franz Jobson said the expert witness, who was testifying on behalf of the defendant, had not received payment and may not testify before a court in trial without it. He said a continuance is appropriate. 

The prosecution disagreed, arguing the court should not grant a continuance based on that matter because the defense knew about the solicitation for three years.

Judge Raffinan suggested the witness be paid through Criminal Justice Act funds as long as the defendant is unable to pay the expert and the expert is necessary for the trial.

She denied the motion to continue.  

Parties are set to reconvene for trial on July 17. 

Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty in Homicide Case, Judge Orders Them Detained

DC Superior Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered two defendants to remain detained following their not guilty plea during an arraignment on July 10. 

Darnell Resper, 31, and Michael Sanders, 29, are charged with first-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, attempt to commit robbery while armed, conspiracy, unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Youness Zarouaki on Feb. 18, 2021, on 1000 block of Thomas Jefferson Street, NW. 

During the hearing, Sander’s attorney, Kevin Robertson, and Jason Clark, Resper’s attorney, told Judge Raffinan that the defendants were pleading not guilty to all charges.

Robertson also requested for Sanders to be released with a GPS monitoring system, saying the defendant does not pose a danger to the community.

Prosecutors opposed the request, citing Sanders’ criminal history and lack of previous compliance.

Judge Raffinan sided with the prosecution. She denied Robertson’s request for release. 

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Zarouki was found on a sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his neck. Despite being transported to the hospital, the victim succumbed to his injuries. 

Parties are scheduled to return Aug. 28. 

Judge Denies Robbery and Murder Defendant’s Motion for Release

C Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe denied July 10 a second motion filed by the defense to reconsider release conditions for a murder and robbery defendant on July 10.

Darryl Little, 30, is charged with one count of conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, three counts of robbery while armed, four counts of first-degree murder while armed, and nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the death of 21-year-old Albert Smith Jr. on June 14, 2020, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. Three other individuals sustained injuries.

During the July 10 hearing, Little’s defense attorney, Wole Falodun, told Judge O’Keefe that there was no evidence that could convict Little. He stated that both parties agree that Little did not shoot or rob anyone during the incident.

According to court documents, the altercation occurred between two groups known as the “Congress Park Group” and another group who had traveled to DC from outside of the area called the “Georgia Group.” 

Documents report that members of the Congress Park Group assaulted members of the Georgia Group with guns and stole money from them before fleeing.

Other members Congress Park Group, including Johnny Wilkins, 34; Marcel Gavin, 37; Kharee Jackson, 31; and Earl Robinson, 32, were also charged for their alleged involvement in the incident.

On June 16, Falodun, Little’s defense attorney, filed the first motion to modify Little’s release conditions. In the motion, Falodun stated that while the video footage that led to Little’s arrest did in fact show him on video, he was not seen with a gun, participating in the robbery, or doing any illegal activities. 

The motion also included multiple letters from friends, family, and employers requesting his release, including a letter from his nine-year-old son stating that he and his siblings missed their father.

Falodun pointed out that Little has strong family support.

The prosecution objected to Little’s release, saying he posed a flight risk because he has the resources to leave. The prosecutor told Judge O’Keefe that it took two months to find and arrestLittle. The prosecutor also said video evidence showed Little with the co-conspirators and later picking up dropped money at the scene of the incident.

Falodun countered the prosecution’s last point, saying the police had already been at the scene when he picked up the money.

“You can’t tell me that somebody who was involved in an armed robbery is not a danger to the community,” Judge O’Keefe said.

Judge O’Keefe denied the motion, stating that a Grand Jury indicted Little, so he was liable for the other charges in the context of armed robbery. 

After the judge issued his ruling, Little asked to plead his case himself. 

He stated that he is currently studying law and that he has followed all steps of being compliant with release conditions. He further stated that he is a full-time dad and serves his community regularly.

Parties are slated to return April 18, 2025 to discuss trial readiness. Trial for all five defendants is slated to begin May 12, 2025.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to 17 Charges, Released on Curfew

On July 11, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, a non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to 17 charges. 

Nathaniel Arce-Washington, 28, is charged with two counts of assault to kill while armed, eight counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of significant bodily injury while armed, two counts of aggravated assault while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured two individuals on . Oct. 9, 2023 on the 1200 Block of Queen Street, NE. 

According to court documents, Arce-Washington allegedly fired ten shots at the two individuals, who are alleged to have robbed him earlier. 

During the hearing, Paulette Pagán, Arce-Washington’s defense attorney, alerted the court he was pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights.  

A motion to modify Arce-Washington’s release conditions was filed on March 3, in which Pagan stated that Washington has been compliant with his release conditions since Oct. 19, 2023.  

Through the motion, Pagan requested his release conditions, which have been set as 24-hour home confinement for nine months, be modified to GPS monitoring and a curfew, in order to allow him to search for a job and provide for his five-year-old child. 

The prosecuting attorney objected, arguing that “the evidence is strong,” and that they have clear video evidence of the robbery and Arce-Washington firing at the victims. 

According to the prosecution, one of the victims is paralyzed and the other had to have a large portion of their stomach removed. 

They also mentioned an incident in 2018 where Arce-Washington was charged, but later acquitted of attempted second-degree murder and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. 

“Arce-Washington is facing some of the most serious charges,” Judge Raffinan stated, but based on the defense counsel’s argument for Washington’s potential employment, the motion was granted. 

The prosecution requested his curfew be set to “whatever the hours he isnt working.” 

Based on the recommendations from a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and the prosecution, Arce-Washington’s curfew is set from 10 p. m. to 6 a. m. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 10.

Jury Convicts Homicide Defendant Hours After Parties’ Closing Arguments

On July 9, a jury delivered a guilty verdict for all charges in a homicide trial, hours after parties delivered their closing statements before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein. 

Vernon Parrish, 40, was found guilty for first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for shooting Ronald Bailey, 52, on Sept. 26, 2021, on the 5200 block of E Street, SE. 

According to court documents, the shooting occurred after an argument between the defendant and the victim over a former girlfriend. 

During the incident Parrish was accompanied by Adrian Tate, who was never charged due to his death 15 months after Bailey’s murder, according to the prosecution. 

During closing statements, the prosecution asked the jury to find Parrish guilty for all charges. In an attempt to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this murder was premeditated, and at bare minimum the defendant aided and abetted this crime, the prosecution presented evidence of motive by using video footage of the shooting and audio surveillance of the gunshots. 

The video footage showed Parrish driving the vehicle to the victim’s house with Tate in the passenger seat. An eyewitness said the driver is the one who shot at the house, however the witness also said the ‘taller’ one had the gun, whereas Parrish is 8 inches shorter than Tate.

The prosecution argued that the inconsistencies with eyewitness testimonies were due to heightened stress. “Eyewitness details are wrong but not incorrect,” the prosecutor said.

Prosecution also included Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) body cam footage of a dying declaration from the victim. Bailey told police officers that Parrish was the one who shot him.

“The simplest explanation (for all charges) is the truth,” the prosecution said. 

Nikki Lotze, Parrish’s defense attorney, argued that Parrish is innocent. She said the defendant’s companion, Tate, shot at the victim in self defense. 

Lotze said the jury should doubt the prosecution’s theory, insisting that the victim fired first during the argument. She urged the jury to question the witness’ testimony because it was inconsistent with the evidence that identifies Parrish as the perpetrator. 

“This isn’t some throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks”, Lotze said. “This decision will affect this man for the rest of his life.” 

The prosecution rebutted, claiming that Parrish’s “actions are consistent with intent to kill not with intent to talk.” 

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