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‘His Generosity Ultimately Led to His Demise,’ Says Prosecutor at Murder Sentencing

A homicide defendant was sentenced by DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on July 12, to 10 years in prison with five years of supervised release for the murder of her father. 

Brittany Gaylor, 32, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for her involvement in the fatal stabbing of her 70-year-old father, James Gaylor. The incident occurred on the 1600 block of 6th Street, NW, on Feb. 10. James succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 11. 

According to court documents, James was able to tell officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that Brittany had been the one to stab him, before succumbing to his injuries. 

At the hearing, the prosecution requested that Gaylor be sentenced above the minimum sentencing guideline of 90 months. The prosecutor acknowledged that mental health played a large part in Gaylor’s actions towards James. 

James’ niece offered a written victim impact statement that was read aloud by the prosecutor. She stated that she had been “devastated and in complete turmoil” since the death of her uncle. 

“For him [James] to be taken by the hands of his own daughter is something that haunts me,” wrote James’ niece in her letter. 

The prosecutor, in his request to Judge O’Keefe, highlighted that Gaylor had threatened James with a knife before,  stating that James’ “generosity [in letting Gaylor continue to stay with him] ultimately led to his demise.” 

Gaylor’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, requested that Gaylor be sentenced to 90 months, emphasizing the clear mental health struggles that Gaylor was experiencing at the time. 

Baldwin argued that during her pretrial sentencing evaluation, Gaylor spoke of hearing voices and that those voices told her to harm her father. Baldwin stated that Gaylor felt a tremendous amount of guilt and “everyday that [went] by [Gaylor] miss[ed] her father.”

Judge O’Keefe insisted there is a legitimate concern that Gaylor could attack another individual in the future, as there was no clear explanation as to why it happened on Feb. 10. 

He sentenced Gaylor to ten years incarceration with five years of supervised probation under the supervision of the mental health unit. 

Gaylor must take part in multiple mental health programs.

Judge Orders Additional Mental Competency Exam for Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz ordered a shooting defendant receive additional examination of his mental competence based on a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), on July 16. 

Kevin Harrison, 23, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on June 26, 2023, on the 2200 block of 10th Street, NW. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Harrison is charged alongside Christopher Hinton, 18, was found in possession of a firearm when Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers patted them down after the incident. 

Both defendants were arrested on scene, but later released.

During the hearing, parties agreed Harrison needs additional evaluation, citing a report from DBH that stated they were unable to determine his competency. Judge Leibovitz told Harrison he would need to continue online classes supporting his mental health. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 16. 

‘I Don’t Think You Went in Thinking You Were Going To Kill Your Friend,’ Says Judge at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced a homicide defendant to 13 years with five years of supervised release at a July 12 hearing.

Jordan Jones, 23, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Noel Nicol on Oct. 11, 2021, on the 2000 block of Savannah Place, SE. 

On Dec. 5, 2023, Jones accepted an offer that required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of ten-to-13 years of imprisonment. 

At the hearing, Jones provided a statement before Judge O’Keefe in which he took full responsibility for his actions and said he was sorry. 

The prosecution requested a sentence of 13 years, due to Jones’ admission and the nature of the incident. 

Jones’ attorney, Todd Baldwin, requested that the court sentence Jones to ten years. Baldwin read a message of support from a longtime friend emphasizing that Jones “had a long hard life, yet kept” goodness “bound to his soul.”

The friend urged the shorter sentence, stressing that Jones dealt with severe difficulties growing up, writing that he had been shuffled among 51 foster homes. 

Judge O’Keefe noted that the plea was extremely favorable and he was smart to take it. After hearing both sides Judge O’Keefe remarked that the “way this reads to me, and I was a defense attorney for a long time, was like a robbery gone bad someone ended up dead.”

Judge O’Keefe told Jones, “I don’t think you went in thinking you were going to kill your friend,” but “you took another person’s life because you wanted to rob them.” 

Jones was sentenced to 13 years of imprisonment, with five years of supervised release and the additional requirement that Jones register as a gun offender. 

Judge Sentences Defendant for ‘Egregious’ Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a shooting defendant to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release on July 12.

Andre Harvey, 29, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, on Dec. 2, 2022. An individual sustained injuries during the incident and later died due to unrelated causes.

On April 1, Harvey accepted an offer to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment. 

The parties also agreed the prosecution would not seek a sentence longer than 42 months. 

At the hearing, the prosecutor requested Harvey serve a fully executed 42 months to satisfy the safety of the community and provide “appropriate” accountability based partly on previous assault convictions.

In turn, Harvey’s attorney Gail Engmann requested that Harvey be sentenced to 24 months on the basis of past life trauma as a mitigating factor; but Judge Park said that was too low given Harvey could have de-escalated the altercation.

Judge Park described it as an “egregious” shooting with the evidence showing Harvey enticed the victim to come back.

On release, Harvey will be required to register as a gun offender.

Stabbing Case Delayed for Plea Negotiations, Mental Evaluation

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt postponed proceedings to allow ongoing plea negotiations and satisfy a defense attorney’s request his client meet with an expert to address mental health concerns during a July 15 hearing. 

Cristian Martinez, 18, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for allegedly stabbing another man in the neck on March 17. The incident occurred in the backyard of the victim’s apartment building on the 1700 block of Lamont Street, NW. 

At the time of his arrest, Martinez told Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers that he attacked the victim because he saw him enter an alley alone, according to court documents. The officers reported that Martinez claimed he was hearing voices and allegedly admitted he wanted to kill the victim.

The prosecution alerted Judge Brandt they had extended an offer, which requires Martinez to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment.

Alvin Thomas, Martinez’s defense attorney, requested additional time to discuss the plea deal with his client, and motioned for a the continuance based on mental health issues.

Parties are slated to return Aug. 23.

Shooting Suspect Removed From Court After Interrupting Judge

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered Christopher Wise transferred to St. Elizabeths Hospital for further evaluation on July 12, after receiving a report from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) he is legally incompetent to stand trial. The hearing was punctuated by repeated outbursts from the defendant who was ultimately ejected from the courtroom.

Wise, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful entry, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 12 on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE. The incident left one person injured.

However, he claims that another victim, this one of a fatal shooting whose remains were found in an attic, was demonically possessed. Wise said he wasn’t involved in either incident.

At the July 12 hearing, Wise repeatedly interrupted Judge Brandt.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, is she saying that I’m incompetent to understand what’s going on in trial?” Wise said aloud when he heard the results of the DBH report. 

“I think you forget whose courtroom this is,” Judge Brandt told Wise, warning him to remain quiet or be expelled.

Judge Brandt accepted a motion by Richard Holliday, Wise’s defense attorney, to withdraw from the case. Although Wise had asked at a previous hearing to represent himself, Judge Brandt said that she had arranged forJanai Reed to represent him.

US Marshals finally removed Wise from the courtroom after he shouted at someone, “I didn’t shoot your son. He’s into devil worship.”

According to court documents, the victim reported to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers that Wise shot him inside a vacant building. When officers arrived, Wise came outside and said his friend was in the attic, dead. Police subsequently found the body of James Edward King III, who had apparently been shot in the head. 

Arrest documents report that Wise denied shooting either the victim or King. Wise told MPD detectives that King had summoned a demon. Wise said he had spent the previous two days in the attic with King’s body.

Judge Brandt apologized for Wise’s behavior, saying it was important to her that everyone in the courtroom be treated with respect.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 26.

Release Denied to Defendant in Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow denied the request of defense attorney Michelle Lockard to release Warnell Reams pending trial at a hearing on July 15.

Reams, 57, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 5, 2024, on the 200 block of Vine Street, NW, that left one person injured. 

At the hearing, Lockard argued that there was another suspect at the scene of the incident who was found sitting next to blood stains. This person’s name and appearance are allegedly similar to Reams’. 

She filed a motion for bond review with the court on June 23 in an attempt to get her client out on supervised release. 

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives showed an eyewitness a photo array which included the potential suspect and Reams . The witness identified Reams, not who the Metropolitan Police Department believed was the potential suspect. 

Lockard argued that, when a witness picks out someone other than the target from a photo array, the person identified is not usually considered a suspect.

Lockard said that Reams was at the scene of the incident to pick up a bank card, and that the prosecution has found no connection between Reams and that building. She said he has no previous criminal history involving weapons. 

The prosecution opposed releasing Reams, arguing that he was on supervised release in a separate case, an attempted burglary, when this incident happened.

Judge Pasichow noted that Reams has accrued five convictions since 2020 and 17 executed bench warrants in the past three years. 

“These arguments will be perfect, I’m sure, when it comes to the trial, but for now I’m denying your request,” Judge Pasichow told Lockard.

The parties are set to reconvene for Sept. 3. 

Hit-And-Run Defendant Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter Ahead of Planned Retrial

Before an upcoming retrial, a hit-and-run defendant accepted a plea deal which required him to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on July 12.

Eric Beasley, 33, was originally charged with first-degree murder for killing 45-year-old David Farewell by hitting him with a motor vehicle shortly before midnight on Sept. 4, 2020, on the 2100 block of Young Street, SE. 

According to court documents, Farewell was riding his bicycle when he was hit. The documents also state that Farewell was the husband of a woman Beasley shares children with.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of six-to-nine years of in prison.

According to the statement of facts, which was acknowledged by the defendant, the prosecution would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Beasley caused the death of Farewell by hitting him with a vehicle. The prosecutor stated there is video surveillance accompanied with audio and physical evidence from the incident.

Additionally, the prosecutor stated that, prior to the offense, Beasley and the victim got into an altercation at the intersection of 22nd Street and Prout Street, SE. Shortly after the altercation, Farewell was struck and pinned under the vehicle before Beasley drove away.

During the first trial last year, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted the defense’s request for a mistrial on Oct. 16, 2023, due to the jury’s inability to unanimously agree on a verdict. A retrial was scheduled for Sept. 23.

Farewell’s daughter addressed Judge Raffinan via WebEx and requested the maximum sentence in the plea deal.

“It hurts really bad,” said the daughter, expressing the pain she has experienced from her father’s death. She added that she suffers from anxiety and depression and has trouble sleeping at night.

Parties reconvene for sentencing on Sept. 20.

‘I’m Not the Same Person I Was,’ Says Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a shooting defendant to time served, ordering him to be on probation for one year during a July 12 hearing. 

Stephon Darnell Williams, 32, was convicted April 22 of carrying a pistol without a license. A jury acquitted him of second-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, but convicted him of carrying a pistol without a license for the shooting of his 49-year-old father, Stephen Macgruder, on Sept. 11, 2020, on the 700 block of 51 Street, NE.  

At the hearing, prosecutors asked Judge Epstein to sentence Williams to 24 months of incarceration, stating that his father would still be here if it wasn’t for Williams having a gun. 

The prosecution mentioned that Williams, in the past, tested negative on his drug test when reporting to his parole officer. The prosecutor also noted that Williams has a history of mental health issues but failed to report to the mental health appointments set up for him.  

“I’m not the same person I was,” Williams said.

Judge Epstein said he believed that Williams isn’t a danger to the community and that this incident occurred because his father was abusive to him his whole life.  

Judge Epstein sentenced Williams to time served, and ordered him to participate in unsupervised probation. 

Williams was also ordered to register as a gun offender and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund. 

There are no further dates set.

MS-13 Member Sentenced to 39.5 Years for ‘Crazy Revenge Plan in America’

On July 12, a MS-13 member was sentenced by DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan to 39.5 years in prison for the murder of the man he believed killed his father.

Oscar Ramos, 34, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Pedro Melendez Alvarado. He was also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for firing at Alvarado’s brother-in-law and injuring him. The crime occurred on May 28, 2015, on Interstate 295 North at Exit One in Southwest DC. 

On April 8, after a day-and-a-half of deliberations, a jury convicted Ramos of first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed. He was acquitted of the two possession of a firearm charges.

At the sentencing, a Spanish interpreter was present for Ramos. The defendant holds his citizenship in El Salvador and is also a member of the international criminal gang, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), according to the prosecution.

As per the prosecution, on the day of the incident, Alvarado, his 12-year-old son, and his brother-in-law left their homes in Alexandria, Va. to drop Alvarado’s son off at school and proceed to work.

During this time, three people, including Ramos, were in a car that followed Alvarado, according to the prosecution.

When Alvarado and his brother-in-law were heading to work on I-295, Ramos fired at both of them.

The prosecution stated that the brother-in-law was able to recover from the shooting, but had died last year for unrelated reasons.

Ramos wanted to “hunt [Alvarado] down” and murder him because he believed that his father was killed by Alvarado in El Salvador, stated the prosecution. “[Alvarado] is not a killer, not a murderer,” asserted the prosecution.

Ramos’ belief was completely false, the prosecutor said, adding that “dedicated” investigators and detectives, some of whom traveled to El Salvador, could not find any valid evidence to believe Alvarado had anything to do with Ramos’ father’s murder.

As a part of Ramos’ plan, the prosecution stated, Ramos contacted Alvarado through social media, pretending to be a woman. “[Alvarado] had a weakness. He had an eye for the ladies,” said the prosecution.

Additionally, the prosecution stated that Ramos was an “undocumented foreign national” who had “openly bragged” about previous murders he had participated in.

According to the prosecution, Ramos was removed from the United States in 2018 but came back in 2021, which is when he was charged with the shooting.

Ramos had a “crazy revenge plan in America” and “had no care, no remorse for [the victims],” stated the prosecution.

“Our lives were changed forever,” wrote Alvarado’s sister. She acknowledged the “psychological damage” and “pain and permanent trauma” she has experienced in the aftermath of losing her brother.

Alvarado’s wife said she has experienced psychological, physical, and emotional effects as a result of the shooting.

Alvarado’s son, who is now grown with a child of his own, said, “I have been plagued with questions.” The son said he lost his father almost nine years ago as a 12-year-old boy. He expressed his disappointment in his father never being able to meet his son.

Following the victims’ impact statements, defense attorney Rachel McCoy argued for Ramos to serve the minimum sentence of 30 years in prison, stating that Ramos has a “fundamental right to hope that he will be able to get out of jail at some point.”

McCoy stated that Ramos maintains his innocence and will be appealing the case.

She also added that Ramos has not received any disciplinary infractions and has taken advantage of the DC Jail’s programs, despite his language barrier.

McCoy ended her argument by requesting Judge Raffinan to run Ramos’ sentences concurrently, as opposed to consecutively.

After both parties’ arguments, Judge Raffinan went through the facts of the case, stating “through a scheme and plan,” Ramos was able to discover Alvarado’s location by “lur[ing] him through social media.”

“[Ramos] was able to follow and track him down,” Judge Raffinan continued, highlighting that the shooting occurred as Ramos’ car pulled alongside Alvarado’s while on the highway.

Judge Raffinan also stated that a jury found the prosecution had sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Ramos committed the shooting, referring to social media evidence that would alert Ramos of “where [Alvarado] would be at [the] date and time” of the shooting.

Before sentencing Ramos, Judge Raffinan expressed her sympathies to Alvarado’s family.

Judge Raffinan sentenced Ramos to 30 years for first-degree murder while armed and nine-and-a-half years for assault with intent to kill while armed. The sentences are set to run consecutively.

Upon his release, Ramos will also be under supervised release for five years.

“[The] conduct in this case was planned” and “was brazen in that it took place on a highway in broad daylight,” concluded Judge Raffinan.

Ramos asserted his right to remain silent during the hearing.

No further dates were set.

Plea Offer Extended to Domestic Violence Stabbing Defendant 

A domestic violence stabbing defendant was extended a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz during a July 15 hearing. 

Michael Alston is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon 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 hearing, the prosecution alerted the court they had extended a plea deal, which requires Alston to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and strangulation. In exchange, the prosecution would dismiss all other charges.

The plea was set to expire in court, but has been extended until Aug. 15. Alston requested another lawyer because his current one does not align with his beliefs.

The prosecution is still deciding whether to do DNA testing on the knife allegedly used. A hearing to discuss if the defense would like to conduct independent DNA testing on the knife was scheduled for Sept. 16.

Manslaughter Defendant Receives 8.5-Year Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Duron Hudson on July 12 to eight-and-a-half years in prison with five years of supervised release for violent crimes from three different cases.

On Dec. 20, 2023, Hudson, 24, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while armed. He was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed and robbery for his involvement in the death of Nahzil Zaid Abdul Rahim, 50, on Nov. 29, 2019, on the 1200 block of U Street, NW. 

As part of the same plea deal, Hudson also pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, assault with significant bodily injury, attempted second-degree theft, attempted unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and two counts of simple assault, stemming from other incidents.

According to the prosecution, Hudson got into an argument with Rahim late at night on the date of the manslaughter. Hudson threw a rock at Rahim, which Rahim ran into the street to avoid. Hudson then threw a brick that knocked Rahim to the ground, where a vehicle ran over him.

“The injuries from being run over likely caused death,” the prosecutor said. He noted that Hudson was legally responsible because his actions put Rahim in danger of death.

“The family wants this guy, Hudson, to receive the maximum sentence for my brother’s death,” Rahim’s sister said in a statement that the prosecutor read in court. 

The prosecutor said that the other incidents for which Hudson was being sentenced were robberies in which he put the victims in fear for their safety through his violent actions.

“We don’t dispute the harm caused by Mr. Hudson,” said Mani Golzari, Hudson’s defense attorney, “and we extend our condolences to the [victim’s] family.”

“[Hudson] has gone through more tragedies in his short life than I have in my 43 years,” Golzari continued, arguing that Hudson’s circumstances made it difficult for him to avoid trouble.

Golzari asked Judge Brandt to sentence Hudson under the DC Youth Act, so his convictions would be expunged after he completed his sentence.

The prosecutor objected to applying the Youth Act to Hudson’s case because Hudson has committed multiple violent crimes.

“Plenty of people your age and younger have sat in this chair with criminal histories that are far worse with the same type of social dynamics that you bring to the table,” Judge Brandt said to Hudson.

Following the example of Golzari, Judge Brandt chose not to describe Hudson’s experiences in court because of the pain that could cause him.

“Clearly, based on his family history, society failed him and for that we’re all responsible,” Judge Brandt said.

“The court is going to take a chance on you, Mr. Hudson, and sentence you pursuant to the Youth Act,” Judge Brandt continued. 

She ordered him to complete the General Education Diploma [GED] and a grief counseling program while incarcerated. During supervised release, he must get a mentor and participate in a job placement or apprenticeship program.

“I just want to say, I apologize for my immature behavior, and I just want to move on with my life,” Hudson said.

No further dates were set in this case.

Judge threatens to Waive Defendant’s Presence If He Misses Court Again

A stabbing defendant’s refusal to attend a July 11 court hearing after numerous failures to appear could result in a written order by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun to waive the defendant’s presence at future proceedings.

Rubin Holman, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Oct. 4, 2022, on the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 

At the hearing, US Marshals alerted Judge Okun that Holman did not appear due to a medical issue.

According to his defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, Holman has not appeared in court for several months now due to refusal or medical issues.

Winograd also stated that the chances of Holman failing to appear at the next hearing are high.

Judge Okun agreed to issue a written notice to Holman outlining the consequence of waiving his presence if he continues to be intentionally absent from his court hearings.

He stated that if Holman does not voluntarily come to the next court hearing, his presence will be waived for future hearings.

According to court documents, Holman was seen attempting to steal merchandise from a convenience store, but was confronted by somebody who saw him. He reportedly threw the merchandise back into the store and left, but returned shortly after and threatened an employee with a knife. He then stabbed the employee in the neck with the knife, who survived the incident.

Parties are slated to return July 23 for arraignment.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty To 11 Charges

During a felony arraignment on July 11, a non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to 11 felony counts.

Adrian Lee, 49, is charged with assault with intent kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction of over one year for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 18, 2023, on the 700 block of Gresham Place, NW.  

At the hearing,  Albert Amissah, Lee’s defense attorney, told DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt that his client  was pleading not guilty and asserted all constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

According to court documents, Lee was set to be in trial this week. However, due to an alteration in charges against Lee, his case was moved to the Felony-1 calendar.

Documents also state that the victim was shot twice in the chest. He was taken to Howard University Hospital by his wife to receive extended treatment for severe injuries, according to court documents.

Amish requested a bond review, submitting a motion for home confinement. 

The motion, filed on July 10, states that Lee is the father of two young children and an 18-month-old-son and is essential in their daily caregiving. 

The prosecution opposed the defense motion, stating that Lee is still a danger to the community, explaining that Lee had previously been charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Since the defense filed a motion for bond review, Judge Brandt requested the prosecution file an opposition to the motion before shoe could officially make a decision on whether Lee could be released to home confinement or not.  

A motion hearing was scheduled for Sept. 3.

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