Document: MPD Arrests Man for October 2020 Triple Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a man in connection to a triple shooting on Oct. 10, 2020 on the 600 block of 19th Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located two men and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

On May 2, 30-year-old Earnest Dangelo Cleveland was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill, pursuant to an arrest warrant.

Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on May 1 on the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. There, they located a man suffering from gunshot wound injuries. He died at the scene.

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

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.

Judge Releases Defendant Expelled from Drug Treatment Program

Markeis Crandall was detained in October of 2023 for noncompliance with probation, but on May 3 he was released from jail by DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, despite infractions that cut short his participation in a substance abuse treatment program.

Crandall, 20, was originally charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left two individuals injured on Nov. 26, 2021, on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

In 2022, Crandall accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He received a suspended sentence of five years with two years of probation.

At Crandall’s probation hearing, the prosecution joined the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) in recommending that Crandall’s probation be revoked and that he serve the five years of his suspended sentence. They based this recommendation on Crandall’s early discharge from the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program that he entered in January to address his addiction to fentanyl.

According to Crandall’s Community Supervision Officer (CSO), Crandall was found with three iPads, a violation of regulations at the facility where he was being treated. He was discharged because he already had a disciplinary write-up for bringing Suboxone with him when he was admitted. The drug is used to opioid addiction but is not permitted on facility grounds.

Crandall and his attorney, Sellano Simmons, argued that Crandall didn’t do anything illicit with the iPads and wasn’t aware of a regulation against keeping them. Simmons explained that the facility had given Crandall the responsibility of distributing and collecting the iPads available for use by a number of prisoners.

Simmons asked that Crandall be allowed to read a letter he had prepared for the hearing, but Judge Brandt refused, saying she didn’t want to add emotion into her decision.

Her focus, she said, was on the administrative obstacles being placed in Crandall’s way while he tried to overcome an addiction that could kill him.

“A program that is supposed to help isn’t making things better by tossing someone out for an infraction that, if he had been given a hearing, might have been explained away,” Judge Brandt said.

She said she was saddened that no one had contacted her at the time of the iPad incident, so Crandall might have had a chance to complete the RSAT program.

Judge Brandt also criticized the decision to penalize Crandall for bringing Suboxone with him into the RSAT facility, since the purpose of the Suboxone was to treat the fentanyl addiction for which he was originally admitted to RSAT

“We all knew he was doing fentanyl, and we all knew that he was given Suboxone to deal with withdrawal,” Judge Brandt said.

Judge Brandt released Crandall on the same conditions as his probation before he was detained.

“The first sign I get of a positive drug test for anything, CSOSA may be asking for a revocation, as will the government, and I may listen to them at that time,” Judge Brandt warned Crandall.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 7.

Sentencing Postponed Again for Road Rage Shooter

After being convicted of shooting a woman who was driving with two young children, Kenneth Davis’s sentencing was delayed on May 3 because his pre-sentence report was inaccurate.

Davis, 45, was found guilty in January of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one person on May 19, 2021, on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. The altercation stemmed from a traffic accident.

Marnitta King, Davis’ defense attorney, told DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt that the pre-sentence report incorrectly stated that Davis refused to cooperate with the pre-sentence investigation. According to King, no one from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) ever contacted her client about the report.

King requested that Davis’ sentencing be postponed to allow CSOSA to interview Davis and to allow her to prepare for the sentencing hearing. King explained that she didn’t prepare because she wasn’t sure a sentencing would occur until Judge Brandt ruled on her motion for a new trial.

“Just because those motions were filed shouldn’t have been a signal to you to stop preparing for sentencing,” Judge Brandt replied. She pointed out that King received additional time to prepare when the court rescheduled the sentencing from March 29 to May 3, so as not to hold it on Good Friday.

Judge Brandt also questioned whether Davis himself wanted the sentencing to be postponed. Without his attorney’s involvement, he had filed an appeal, which is not permitted before sentencing.

“Mr. Davis clearly wants to appeal this case, and the only thing standing in his way is that he hasn’t been sentenced yet,” observed Judge Brandt.

Judge Brandt found it puzzling that the defense would try to delay sentencing given that Davis’ sentence is largely predetermined by mandatory minimums. Due to his extensive criminal history, said Judge Brandt, the shortest sentence Davis could receive is 32-and-a-half years.

“It has been ages since the court has seen a criminal history score of that much,” Judge Brandt said. “In the face of all that, I am stymied to wonder why you want to put that off.”

“If it would do me any justice to see the PSI [Presentence Investigation] people, I would like to,” Davis asserted. “I’m not trying to delay the process, but I’m not trying to speed through the process because I’m not just a number–I’m a person, too.”

In granting the defense’s request for a new sentencing hearing, Judge Brandt also ordered CSOSA to arrange an interview with Mr. Davis next week and provide the court with a new presentence report soon after.

“Ms. King, if anything goes sideways with the PS [presentence] report, it’s up to you to fill in the gap by July 12,” Judge Brandt declared.

The next hearing is scheduled to take place on June 14.

Murder Defendant Sentenced to 25 years After Prosecutor Presents Crime Video

After reviewing video of a killing, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo deemed this “cold blooded murder” as a “brazen act” and sentenced the defendant to 25 years of incarceration for second-degree murder while armed.

Andre Hicks, 40, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Daniel Adams on Nov. 25, 2023, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

Hick previously accepted an offer from the prosecution, which required him to plead guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

On May 3, the prosecutor requested Hicks be sentenced to 26 years, stating the evidence of the case is “extremely strong,” as he played a video that showed Hicks pulling out a gun and shooting Adams multiple times in the back as he tried to run away.

The prosecution also noted Hicks’ extended criminal record going back decades. He has an assault conviction and multiple offenses, including drug trafficking.

“He is not going to conform to the law,” the prosecutor added.

A statement from the victim’s family, read by the prosecution, categorized the defendant’s actions as a “cowardly act.”

“[Adams] was ripped from us in senseless violence,” the Adams family stated.

Steven Kiersh, Hicks’ defense attorney, responded that Hicks acknowledges and understands the pain the family has endured.

Kiersh said 26 years of incarceration was “excessive” and requested a sentence on the lower end of the guidelines.

Hicks personally apologized to the court, the victim’s family, his family, and specifically mentioned his two children for “letting them down.”

“A cold blooded murder with many people around was a brazen act,” Judge Demeo stated.

However, she gave Hicks credit for taking responsibility and noted his potential for rehabilitation.

Judge Demeo ultimately sentenced Hicks to 25 years for second-degree murder while armed, allowing credit for time already served.

Along with five years of supervised release, Hicks will also be required to register as a gun offender, obtain a substance abuse and mental health assessment, and participate in an anger management program.

Due to a request from the prosecution, Judge Demeo will recommend Hicks be placed in a correctional facility 250 miles from DC.

No further dates were set.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Motion for New Counsel, Co-Defendant Refuses to Attend Court

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a homicide defendant’s request for a new attorney in a 2018 case, as his co-defendant refused to go to court.

Mark Price, 29, and Antonio Murchison, 31, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation. They are charged for their alleged involvement in the mass-shooting that killed 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson on July 16, 2018 on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE. The incident left four other individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.

Price is also charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threat to kidnap or injure a person, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and first-degree burglary while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018 at the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE.

According to a US Marshal, Murchison refused to get off the bus transporting him from the jail to the courthouse on May 3, leading to his presence being waived by his attorney, Michael Bruckheim.

However, Bruckheim made it clear they were ready to proceed, especially if Murchison’s failure to appear was a personal decision and not a medical emergency.

Parties were slated to hear testimony from two detectives regarding statements made by Murchison, in an attempt to exclude them from the upcoming trial on June 10.

On May 2, Megan Allburn, Price’s defense attorney, filed a motion to withdraw as counsel, after Price asked her to do so.

However, Judge Okun denied the motion, with the prosecution’s support, stating that the case has been ongoing for six years, Allburn has “done everything an attorney should be doing for their client,” and withdrawing would impose an unfair penalty on his co-defendant.

The evidentiary hearing was rescheduled to June 6.

Domestic Violence Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A homicide defendant who allegedly confessed to shooting his ex-girlfriend rejected a pre-indictment plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 3.

Desmond Thurston, 46, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 52-year-old Patricia Johnson on Oct. 1, 2023, on the 4000 block of 13th Street, SE.

The plea deal offered by the prosecution would have required Thurston to plead guilty to first-degree murder while armed. In exchange, the prosecution would not have requested a sentence in excess of 30 years and would not have sought indictment on other charges related to this case.

The prosecutor stated that he believed the combination of charges that could be indicted based on the facts of this case could lead to a sentence of 60 years to life if the case goes to trial.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 24.

Murder Defendant Requests New Trial Date Following Three Weeks in Coma

A murder defendant, recovering from a coma, motioned to postpone his trial for a later date before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on May 3.

Robert Henson is accused of shooting 37-year-old Richard Lee Dudley on Dec. 10, 2018, on the 2500 block of Elvans Road, SE. The 44-year-old defendant is charged with first-degree murder while armed, armed robbery, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm.

David Knight, Henson’s defense attorney, motioned to continue the trial date, which is set for July 8.

According to Knight, Henson’s mental and physical health has declined after being in a coma for about three weeks. He stated it’s “not feasible or practical” to move forward with the current trial date.

The prosecution stated that a trial “needs” to happen considering the murder occurred in 2018, almost six years ago.

Judge Demeo did not rule on the motion and asked Henson’s defense attorneys to come up with accommodations that would be appropriate for the defendant in order to keep the original trial date.

Parties are set to reconvene May 17 to hear the final ruling on the matter.

Shooting Defendants Arraigned, Release Conditions Modified for One

Daquawn Lubin and Jonathan Young pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, and Lubin’s release conditions were modified in a May 3 hearing.

Lubin, 29, and Young, 34, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals. The incident occurred on July 24, 2023 on the 4600 block of Benning Road, SE.

Lubin is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and possession of a prohibited weapon, while Young is additionally charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

Both defendants, through counsel, pleaded not guilty to all charges, and asserted their constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Kevin O’Sullivan, Lubin’s defense attorney, motioned for the court to modify his release conditions from home confinement to a curfew. According to O’Sullivan, Lubin has been fully compliant for six months, and has been working as a manager at a chain restaurant.

However, O’Sullivan stated his time in home confinement has been rough, citing his inability to spend time with his mother, who was recently diagnosed with end- stage cancer, as well as his young child, who is partially in his custody.

According to O’Sullivan, Lubin’s home confinement has led to a rift between him and his young child, stating that the kid has gone as far as claiming his father “doesn’t love me anymore,” because they are unable to do typical father-son activities.

The prosecution objected to the request, stating Lubin has now been indicted for a “very serious crime,” and adding that he was on release for a violent crime in Maryland at the time of the incident.

Judge Okun stated it was a “close call,” and ultimately sided with the defense. Lubin’s curfew will be 10 p. m. to six a. m., and will continue to be required to be on GPS.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 21.

‘Shooting Someone in the Genitals is Personal,’ Says Prosecutor in Love Triangle Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun heard closing arguments and expert testimony in front of a jury for a fatal shooting over an alleged jealous ex-lover who fatally shot his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend.

Marcus Walker, 23, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, second-degree cruelty to children, and several other firearm and ammunition possession charges for his alleged involvement in the death of 28-year-old Eric King. The shooting took place on the 800 block of 21st Street, NE, on October 11, 2022. One other victim had minor injuries.

According to court documents, Walker and his two infant children were living with his ex-girlfriend in her apartment. On the night of the incident, Walker, his ex-girlfriend, and her boyfriend were watching TV when the couple asked Walker to head to the living room so they could go to sleep.

After Walker returned to the living room, he allegedly sent the ex-girlfriend angry texts, accusing her of behaving disrespectfully towards him. When the ex-girlfriend stopped replying to the messages, Walker allegedly barged back into the bedroom with a gun while the couple was having sex shooting King on the chest and his genitals.

While his ex-girlfriend called the police, Walker reportedly fled the scene with his two children. The ex-girlfriend received minor injuries during the altercation, and her six-year-old daughter was present in the bedroom.

On May 2, the prosecution argued that Walker’s actions during the shooting were premeditated and deliberate, and that his “stream-of-consciousness” texts provided insight into his motive for shooting King.

“He did not act on impulse,” said the prosecution. “He doesn’t go in not knowing what he’s going to find. When you point a gun at point-blank range and pull the trigger, you intend to kill someone.”

Further, they argued that the second shot to King’s genitals was unnecessary, as the first shot had fatally struck his heart and lungs.

“Shooting someone in the genitals is personal,” the prosecution argued.

The prosecution also pointed out that Walker’s DNA was likely found on a shell casing used in the shooting, and that video surveillance showed an individual carrying two children down the street away from the ex-girlfriend’s apartment at the same time as she called 911.

“Don’t fall for smoke and mirrors,” said the prosecutor. “The truth is, [Walker] is the killer.”

The prosecution reminded the jury of the ex-girlfriend’s testimony, who was the primary eyewitness to the shooting, and argued her testimony corroborated all the evidence.

“This is a case where the eyewitness is clinging to the body of the victim!” said the prosecution, referencing a responding officer’s body-worn camera footage, which showed the ex-girlfriend attempting life-saving measures on King when officers arrived at the scene.

The ex-girlfriend also had to admit intimate details of her personal life while on the stand, which the prosecution argued meant her testimony of the shooting was credible.

“She told you everything, even if it didn’t make her look very good,” said the prosecution. “She didn’t shy away from any of it. Why would she lie?”

They asked the jury to find Walker guilty on all charges, reminding them that, “there were two other victims in the room that night,” in reference to the ex-girlfriend and her child.

“It is absolutely cruel to murder a man in front of a six-year-old girl,” said the prosecution.

Walker’s defense attorney, Jesse Winnograd, began his closing statements by telling the jury, “It’s not as open as shut as [the prosecutors] like to make it.”

He claimed the prosecution did not provide a substantial motive for Walker, arguing that King and Walker had known each other for weeks prior without any previous altercations, and that the texts Walker sent to his ex-girlfriend before the shooting did not threaten violence towards her or King.

“He knew that they were boyfriend and girlfriend,” said Winnograd. “There’s no motive.”

Further, he pointed out that no one had identified the individual believed to be Walker in video surveillance footage, and the firearm used in the shooting was never recovered.

He also pointed out that Walker had been living in the apartment for weeks before the shooting took place, which could explain why his DNA evidence was on the shell casing.

“That DNA evidence doesn’t sound too damning to me,” said Winnograd.

Walker also left all of his belongings in the apartment after fleeing, which Winnograd argued was inconsistent with premeditation.

“Why on Earth would he leave it there?” exclaimed Winnograd. “[The prosecution’s] evidence of premeditation doesn’t work!”

According to Winnograd, the ex-girlfriend was also an unreliable witness, citing minor inconsistencies in her story, and claiming she had accused a past boyfriend of assault with a firearm, but dropped the charges informing the boyfriend’s defense attorney that she had made false statements to the police.

“Who shot King? I don’t know,” said Winnograd. “Walker is the easy person to blame.”

He asked the jury to find Walker not guilty on all charges.

The prosecution then made their final argument by pointing out that the shell casing found at the scene did not likely have King’s DNA evidence on it, despite its being found next to his body on a bed where he had been having sex.

“DNA evidence is not biased,” said the prosecution. “Your verdict needs to be based on cold, hard facts.”

Earlier in the hearing, Winnograd had called a crime scene reconstruction expert. The witness explained that, based on the crime scene photos, the autopsy report, and the photos of the ex-girlfriend’s injuries, King was likely lying on the bed when the shooting occurred.

This report was inconsistent with the ex-girlfriend’s testimony, who testified that she was lying on the bed and King had been on top of her when the shooting occurred.

However, the witness claimed that two hours before his testimony, he found that the ex-girlfriend’s account of events was also consistent with the evidence, and concluded that both his report and her account of events were possible.

With closing arguments concluded, Judge Okun sent the case to the jury.

Judge Grants Additional Time for Competency Evals for Juveniles Charged as Adults

Doctors from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) requested additional time to further evaluate two juveniles charged as adults in a homicide case.

Marlan Smith and Anthony Monroe, both 17, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Antonio Cunningham on Sept. 11, 2023, on the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE.

According to court documents, the incident stemmed from a failed robbery attempt and injured a bystander that tried to intervene.

On May 3, parties reviewed the report created by DBH which stated they were unable to form an opinion on the defendants’ competency.

However, Stephen LoGerfo, Monroe’s attorney, alerted the court that he is currently in competency restoration classes through the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), due to a prior incompetent finding in a pending juvenile case.

“If he’s incompetent somewhere, he’s incompetent everywhere,” said LoGerfo.

Parties agreed to give the DBH additional time to further evaluate them.

“Keep your head up baby,” said Smith’s family member, as he was escorted out of the courtroom.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 26 in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom.

Prosecutors Call 98th Witness in Murder and Conspiracy Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt remarked on the 98th witness called by the prosecution in the case of three co-defendants accused of conspiracy and murder.

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

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has alleged that Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson are connected to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, Feb. 24, and a third shooting on March 1, 2020.

On May 2, the prosecution called multiple Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers to testify in regards to the non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 22, 2020, on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW.

The officers testified to recovering multiple shell casings at the scene, which a firearms analyst previously testified were a likely match for the firearms used in Lukes’ the shooting. Two officers also testified to disseminating a “be on the lookout” (BOLO) broadcast for a suspected vehicle involved in the shooting, which they claimed to be a white Mazda SUV.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt noted when the prosecution called another witness, that it was the 98th they prosecution have called in this case. The prosecution speculated that they might rest their case next week.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 6.

Judge Sentences Shooter to Seven Years in What Came Within a ‘Hair’s Breadth’ of a Killing

Arnold Lawrance, 33, was sentenced to seven years in prison by DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan for a shooting the judge said came within a “hair’s breadth” of a homicide.

Lawrence was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to court documents officers of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a reported shooting on Nov. 25, 2023. When police arrived at the crime scene near the intersection of 14th and V Streets, NW, they found a victim shot in the neck.

Prior to the attack, as the victim was entering his apartment, he was confronted by Lawrence wearing all black clothing in what was an attempted burglary that turned into a shooting. The victim later identified Lawrence as the perpetrator.

In the May 3 hearing, Judge Ryan said, “When things didn’t go your way, you shot this guy.”

Lawrance had originally accepted a guilty plea last year but then changed his mind about agreeing to the charges. However, he told Judge Ryan now accepts the prosecution’s proffer of the facts as the truth.

Given the seriousness of the crime, the prosecutor asked for a sentence of eight years for what “very well could have been a homicide.” He noted that the bullet passed through the victim’s neck “miraculously” without killing him.

During the proceeding, Lawrence apologized to the victim, “I wish this never happened. I’m sorry for actions that I can’t change and want to move forward,”

Defense attorney, Wole Folondun, explained that the defendant had a challenged upbringing and “that unfortunately, Mr. Lawrence fell through the cracks.”

“The best we can do is throw ourselves on the mercy of the court,” said Folondun.

In passing a sentence of seven years “straight time” Judge Ryan noted that Lawrence had four previous offenses including a burglary in Prince George’s County, MD in 2011. The defendant is also required to be on three years of supervised release and register as a gun offender. Lawrance must also pay $100 to the victim’s crime fund.

Judge Ryan admonished Lawrence to take notice of inmates who turned into old men in the DC Jail. “It’s too late for them,” he said. “You’ve got to take charge of your life.”

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect Discharging a Firearm in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance to identify and locate a suspect in connection to the discharge of a firearm that occurred on May 1 on the 3700 block of 4th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of shots fired. When they arrived, they located evidence of a shooting but no victims.

The suspect and suspect vehicle were captured by surveillance footage. The vehicle is described as a as a Lincoln sedan with MD tags 4DN6297.

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.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal North Capitol Street Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred April 30 on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 19-year-old Daquan Garner.

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.