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Defense Counsel Seeks Severance, Classifies Other Defense Attorney As ‘Second Prosecutor’

Ahead of a trial scheduled for August, pending motions, including a motion to sever a co-defendant trial, led an attorney to state that he could exculpate his client by proving the co-defendant was the shooter.

Ky’lee Palmer, 25, and Aaron Adgerson, 20, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting that killed 60-year-old Barron Goodwin on Feb. 12, 2020 near a residence on the 800 block of 51st Street, SE. 

Palmer is also charged with destruction of property of $1,000 or more and tampering with physical evidence for allegedly burning the suspected vehicle, a black Nissan Altima, after the shooting occurred. 

At the July 8 hearing, parties addressed Palmer’s motion to sever from Adgerson.

Michael Madden, Adgerson’s defense attorney, stated he had not filed a written response to Palmer’s motion, but contended that having the same trial “is strategically to Mr. Adgerson’s advantage” because he could present exculpatory information for Adgerson, such as highlighting Palmer’s history of domestic violence with his ex-girlfriend, as it would show a motive for Palmer to commit the crime and act as the shooter.

According to court documents, Goodwin, who suffered from dementia, was sleeping upright on a couch when a bullet catapulted through a window and struck him in the back of his head. 

Goodwin was not believed to be the intended target of the shooting. Instead, the brother of Palmer’s then-girlfriend, who lived at the residence that was fired at, was believed to be the suspected target. According to a police report, the brother and Palmer got into an argument over Palmer taking his then-girlfriend’s phone and not returning it to her.

David Akulian, Palmer’s defense attorney, argued that it would be “twice as difficult” to have a joint trial because Adgerson’s defense would act as a “second prosecutor” in the case.

Completely opposed to Palmer’s motion, the prosecution argued that there was no basis to sever the trial based on the evidence linking the two defendants together, adding that video surveillance shows the shooting. It was clear the shooting occurred from the passenger’s side of the suspected vehicle, where Adgerson allegedly sat, the prosecutor said.

Judge O’Keefe did not rule on the motion. 

Akulian and Madden also argued against the prosecution’s motion to admit evidence of other uncharged conduct, specifically two different criminal activities related to Palmer. 

According to Akulian, prosecutors wanted to present evidence that Palmer allegedly stole the suspected vehicle three days before the shooting, as well as his domestic violence history against his former girlfriend.

Video surveillance shows an individual, identified as Palmer, in the vehicle near the 1300 block of Morris Road, SE, according to court documents. Data shows Palmer’s cell was also in that same location at the same time.

According to a witness, on the day of the shooting and three days prior, Palmer was observed in the suspected vehicle near the 800 block of Chesapeake Street, SE.

The prosecution stated that three shell casings were located inside the vehicle, which was examined by an expert who found that they were consistent with being fired from the same gun that was recovered outside the crime scene.

The prosecution also played a rap music video on YouTube where individuals identified as Adgerson and Palmer were seen holding and surrounded by firearms.

The defense teams opposed the prosecution’s admittance of evidence related to the defendants’ alleged involvement in a neighborhood crew known as “4DMG,” or “For Da Money Gang,” which associated itself with the 1300 block of Morris Road, SE.

In response, the prosecution stated they were “trying to minimize prejudice” while proving the dynamics of the co-defendants’ relationship and showing their association to the “4DMG” group.

The prosecutor added that Adgerson’s older brother, who was friends with Palmer, was a part of the group and went by the name, “Rich Gas,” which they believed was important to mention to jurors as Adgerson was similarly called “Baby Gas.” The prosecution further stated that Palmer was known as “XD.”

The prosecution was executing a “naked backdoor attempt” by seeking to admit “gang material,”Akulian said, adding that neither defendant is charged with being in a crew or gang.

“It’s just so prejudicial when you start bringing in gang stuff when it’s not a gang case,” said Judge O’Keefe.

“He wants to be like his brother and he wants to be in 4DMG,” asserted the prosecution, saying, “That’s why he did what he did.”

“They don’t have any evidence to back up [their] theory,” stated Madden.

Judge O’Keefe is slated to rule on the pending motions at a later date.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 2.

Judge Releases Shooting Defendant Due to Trial Delay 

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow released July 9 a shooting defendant and denied a motion to dismiss the case after the prosecution was unable to locate a witness, which prompted further delay in the trial. 

James Guillory, 24, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and carrying a pistol without a license for allegedly shooting and injuring two individuals on June 15, 2023 on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE. 

Judge Pasichow denied the prosecution’s request to delay the trial by another day to find the witness, stating that the motion to issue the material witness warrant should have been requested weeks ago.  

The trial, which was slated to begin arguments on July 8 was moved back one day to allow the prosecution to find the witness. 

Guillory’s defense attorney, Varsha Govindaraju, argued that because of the delays and the failure to locate the witness, the case should be dismissed. The motion to dismiss was denied after an objection from the prosecution. 

Judge Pasichow released the defendant under 24-hour home confinement and GPS monitoring. A stay away order from the two victims was also issued.

According to court documents, a male victim was shot in his upper right thigh and a female victim was shot in her nose during the incident. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective presented a photo array to the female victim and she immediately identified Guillory as the shooter in a photograph.

Parties are slated to return for trial on July 16.

Judge Delays Trial, Issues Warrant for Witness

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow delayed the start of a non-fatal shooting trial on July 8 in order for a material witness to be secured.

James Guillory, 24, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license.

The charges stem from an incident on June 15, 2023, on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE, which left two people injured. One victim had a firearm injury to the thigh, and the other victim sustained a BB gun injury to the face, according to court documents. 

The prosecution requested the case to be carried for a day to secure the missing witness. 

Guillory’s attorneys, Varsha Govindaraju and Gail Engmann, objected that the prosecution was not doing their due diligence to secure the witness in a timely manner.

Judge Pasichow granted a one-day continuance and issued a material witness warrant.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 9.

Both Sides Rest in Homicide Trial

On July 8, the prosecution and defense rested after five days of a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein. 

Vernon Parrish, 40, is charged with 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. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Ronald Bailey, 52, which occurred in a residence on Sept. 26, 2021, on the 5200 block of E Street, SE. 

According to prosecutors, Parrish was accompanied by an individual, who they identified as Adrian Tate. However, Tate was never charged in connection to the incident. According to a motion filed by the prosecution, Tate died 15 months after the homicide. 

On the final day of trial, the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) homicide detective, who arrested Parrish, said he found a revolver in the bottom drawer of Bailey’s bedside table.  The pistol had two empty cartridges and four that were unfired. 

There was no blood found on or near the revolver, which the detective said was of note because Bailey had been bleeding. 

The detective, when cross examined by Parrish’s attorney, Nikki Lotze, stated that the greenish Lexus that was connected to Tate and the shooting could not be found. 

Lotze questioned if there was any bullet damage to the Lexus, however, the detective was unsure as he was only able to see one side of the vehicle from surveillance footage. The side he could see did not appear to be damaged, he said. 

During the trial, a crime scene scientist and a forensic firearm analyst said that a few of the nine suspected bullet holes in Baily’s home, based on trajectory rods, had a slight eastward angle.  

The firearm analyst suggested that three of the cartridge casings found outside of Baily’s home were consistent with having been fired from the same weapon. The analyst said that due to the size of the casings, a larger gun needed to have been used. Likely the sizing would fit into an AR-15 or a longer barrel handgun with an extended magazine. 

A private investigator for the defense reiterated that Parrish does not match the shooter’s description. 

In a motions hearing held on July 5, Judge Epstein ruled that there would be no admittance of Parrish’s jail calls, in which he conversed with his girlfriend. Judge Epstein concluded that any limited probative value was significantly outweighed by the risk of prejudice towards the jury. 

Final jury instructions and closing statements are scheduled to occur on July 9. 

Prosecution Extends Plea Offer in a Domestic Stabbing Case

The prosecution extended a plea offer to a defendant in a case of domestic violence before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz on July 8.

Michael Alston is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (knife) of a senior citizen, kidnapping of a senior citizen, assault with significant bodily injury, strangulation, and threat to kidnap or injure a person for his alleged involvement in an incident on Feb. 4 on the 2100 block of I Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries. 

At the July 8 hearing, Alston said he wished to be represented by a different attorney. Judge Leibovitz stated he would continue to be represented by his current defense attorney, Veronice Holt, until another attorney can be found for him.

Judge Leibovitz continued the hearing to the following week to allow the defense time to consider a plea offer that was extended by the prosecution.

According to court documents, the incident occurred as a result of a domestic dispute. The victim fled the scene after the incident.

When Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived on the scene, Alston allegedly barricaded himself in the apartment, but left after an officer conducted a mediation with him.

The plea offer would require Alston to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon (knife) and strangulation in exchange for the prosecution’s waiving all other charges.

Parties are slated to return July 15.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing and Denied Release 

DC Superior Court Judge Judge Heidi Herrman accepted Stephan Ombolo’s waiver of a preliminary hearing and denied his release at a hearing on July 8. 

Ombolo, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place on March 26 on the 400 Block of Newton Place, NW.

According to court documents, Ombolo’s cousin’s roommate called the police for help when Ombolo’s cousin was having a mental health crisis. The roommate told a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective that Ombolo assaulted him after Ombolo’s cousin was transported to a hospital and the police left. 

Court documents state that Ombolo was angry with the roommate for calling the police regarding his cousin. Ombolo allegedly struck the roommate repeatedly with the butt of a gun and fired one shot towards him that didn’t hit him. 

At the July 8 hearing, Ombolo’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, requested Ombolo’s release, arguing that he has “three prior convictions in 2018, none of which were assaultive,” and that she “believe[s] [Ombolo] could comply.”

King said, if released, Ombolo would not come to DC unless he had a court hearing, “and the community will be safe.” 

The prosecution objected to Ombolo’s release, stating that there were “serious concerns about the defendant’s ability to abide by rules.” 

Judge Herrman said there were no conditions she could set that would ensure the safety of the community. 

Parties are slated to meet again on July 17. 

Judge Grants Release to Defendant Following Trial Delay

A defendant was put on house arrest on July 8 by DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian due to his trial date’s delay because of a scheduling conflict with the prosecution.

Calvon Brown, 31, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 22 at Lee’s Liquors located on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 

Due to a scheduling conflict, the prosecution requested additional time to investigate and indict the case in preparation for trial, requesting it be set in August which is not prejudiced against the defendant as it falls within the 100-day deadline. 

Judge Christian denied the request due to not being able to sit in August.

With no opposition from the defense, the trial date was moved to Sept. 16. 

However, defense attorney Tammy Thom requested Brown be released until the trial date, arguing the delay was not Brown’s fault. 

Judge Christian granted the request with the terms of Brown being on 24-hour house arrest. 

According to court documents, an individual, identified as Brown, allegedly confronted the victim in the store before engaging in a physical fight when Brown allegedly took out a gun and shot the victim once in the buttocks area. 

Parties are slated to return to court on Sept. 3. 

Prosecution Conducts DNA Testing in Shooting Case

The prosecution announced they would be conducting DNA testing on the physical evidence in a non-fatal shooting case before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz on July 8.

Marcell Cradle, 19, and Marcus Cunningham, 19, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred at the intersection of 17th and Euclid Streets, NW, on April 25. One individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

According to court documents, the shooting may have stemmed from a drug exchange that turned into a robbery.

Cradle and Cunningham allegedly threw a gun on the ground while attempting to flee the scene before they were detained by officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). 

At the Monday hearing, the prosecution asked for an extension on providing notice for the DNA expert. Judge Leibovitz granted the extension but retained the trial date of Oct. 16. 

Parties are slated to return Sept. 18. 

Case Acquitted: Judge Finds Probable Cause and Denies Stabbing Defendant’s Release 

Editor’s Note: Darryl Myers was acquitted of all charges by a jury on March 27, 2026. 

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrman found probable cause that a defendant is the likely perpetrator in a stabbing incident. She denied his request for release during a July 8 hearing. 

Darryl Myers, 51, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place on June 7 on the 1300th block of 17th Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

According to court documents, an individual, identified as Myers, approached a couple sitting on a bench and began to yell slurs and obscenities at the pair. He allegedly groped the woman, and when the man, who was with her, attempted to stop him, Myers allegedly stabbed him before fleeing the scene. 

At the hearing, the prosecution offered Myers a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill in exchange for them not seeking an indictment. 

Myers denied the offer and the hearing went forward. 

Following his rejection of the plea, the prosecution called an officer from the US Park Police who assisted in locating Myers after the stabbing.

The victims participated in separate identification procedures, the officer said. They were shown a different set of images of different individuals and were able to identify Myers as the individual who assaulted them.

The image of Myers, which was taken moments after the stabbing incident, was taken at a hospital in which Myers sought treatment for a “severe laceration,” according to the officer. 

Myers’ defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, argued that the victims should have been shown the same set of images of possible suspects. 

“Myers is the one with the cut on his hand,” Thomas said, asking the judge not to find probable cause. 

Thomas also requested that Myers be released and suggested the high intensity supervision program (HISP) or house arrest. 

However, due to the “disturbing” nature of the case and prior convictions in other jurisdictions including murder, armed robbery and theft, the prosecution objected to Myers release.

He “accosted two people who were enjoying a summer evening,” and “randomly sexually assaulted someone,” the prosecutor said. 

Judge Herrman denied the release, stating that Myers’ “history and characteristics are concerning,” and there are “no conditions or combination of conditions that [she] can set that reasonably ensure the safety of the community.” 

Parties are set to meet on July 24 

Document: MPD Investigating 2021 Shooting as a Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting that occurred on Oct. 18, 2021 on the unit block of Quincy Place, NE, as a homicide due to new findings by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME).

The victim was identified as 26-year-old Zachary Freeling.

Homicide Trial Delayed Due to Defendant’s ‘Illness’

A homicide conspiracy trial was postponed after a defendant failed to appear before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on July 8 due to “an illness,” according to US Marshals. 

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

Judge Okun delayed the trial after Murchison refused to leave his jail cell, claiming he was not feeling well. A representative from the Department of Corrections (DOC) confirmed his failure to appear was due to stomach issues

The prosecution expressed frustration, stating this was a delay tactic due to their intent to call a material witness. 

Prosecutors claimed Murchison and Price orchestrated their multiple failures to appear, citing a phone call from the jail between Price and a loved one, where he said he faked an illness to miss his hearing on June 11. The prosecutor claimed the defendants have been orchestrating ways to delay trial. 

“Of course he refuses, he got the playbook,” the prosecutor said, insisting Murchison was copying Price’s earlier refusal to appear, which allowed Murchison to observe the parties’ discussions on how to proceed. 

The trial is set to resume on July 9.

Defendant Pleads Guilty for Attempting to Shoot His Father 

A non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded guilty July 8 to shooting his father.

Markus Raynon Hodges, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 27 on the 3400 block of Baker Street, NE. No injuries were reported, though damages to the victim’s car were noted. 

Devon Dozier, Hodges’ defense attorney, said he was accepting a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.  

According to court documents, Hodges and his father got into an argument at a family cookout, which escalated to Hodges pointing a gun at his father’s head. Hodges then got into the car and shot at his father seven times while driving away. The defendant’s father later identified him to the police. 

Sentencing is set for July 25.

Judge Sets Trial Date for Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz set a trial date in a shooting case on July 8 after the prosecution announced that they would not be extending a plea offer, despite requests from the defense. 

Dayquan Henderson, 22, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on May 11 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. No injuries were reported. 

According to court documents, an individual identified as Henderson, who was inside of a residence, was arguing with two individuals who were outside. During the argument, Henderson allegedly shot at the victims without striking them. The victims fled the scene.

At the Monday hearing,Judge Leibovitz scheduled the trial to start Nov. 13 and ordered a competency screening for Henderson.

Parties are slated to return July 12.