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Shooting Defendant’s Probation Revoked

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced July 12 a shooting defendant to 16 months after revoking his probation for multiple failures to check in during probation.

On July 29, 2019, Marquise Carter, 24, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in connection to a shooting that left an adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred on March 18, 2019, on the 5300 block of Dix Street, NE. 

On Oct. 4, 2019, he was sentenced to 40 months, with all but 24 suspended. As part of the deal, if he failed to comply with the probation requirements, he could be ordered to serve the 16 months that were suspended. 

At the hearing, a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) appeared remotely to discuss Carter’s violation of his probation. 

She stated that Carter has not been compliant with reporting to his parole officer. 

According to Susan Ellis, Carter’s defense attorney, when he was first released, he reported to a parole officer in Maryland and was told that they would reach out to him to set the next date. 

When they didn’t reach out he didn’t think anything of it, said Ellis. Due to this he did not report. 

Judge Epstein stated that he was “struggling to understand how that happens.” 

Ellis requested Judge Epstein give Carter another chance. However, Judge Epstein said he had been given another chance and didn’t take advantage of it. 

“I take full responsibility,” Carter said. “I don’t miss court days.” 

CSOSA requested that Carter’s probation be revoked.

Judge Epstein granted this request. 

Judge Epstein stated that Carter’s sentence will still be under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a defendant’s conviction if he successfully completes all the sentencing requirements. 

No further dates have been set.

Shooting Defendant Sentenced to Five Years of Incarceration

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to five years of incarceration on July 12. 

Kamaree Robinson, 20, is charged with 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 incident that injured one individual on Aug. 23, 2023, outside a Subway sandwich shop on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. 

Judge Epstein sentenced Robinson to five years of incarceration with three years of supervised release. Robison has to register as a gun offender and pay $100 to the victims of violent crime fund. 

At the hearing, Judge Epstein stated that, in connection to the burglary incident, there was enough evidence to prove that Robinson’s only involvement was being the getaway driver and that his grandfather was the “ringleader” of the incident. 

On April 26, Robinson accepted a plea offer that required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. He also pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary in connection to an unrelated matter. 

Prosecutors asked Judge Epstein to sentence Robinson to 84 months, citing the nature and circumstances of both incidents, saying he was “firing for seemingly no reason.”

“A substantial period of incarceration is necessary,” said the prosecutor. 

Wole Falodun, Robinson’s defense attorney, stated that his client “accepted responsibility very early,” in connection to both cases.  

Falodun mentioned that Robinson had a rough upbringing, in which his father was incarcerated for the majority of his childhood, his mother was in and out of the picture, and he was responsible for raising eight of his siblings. 

He requested Judge Epstein sentence him to 60 months of incarceration, stating that is sufficient time for Robinson to learn his lesson and rehabilitate. 

“I made the biggest mistake of my life,” Robinson told Judge Epstein. 

There are no further dates set.

Carjacking Defendant Stays at DC Jail Due to Doctor’s Inability to Diagnose Competency

A doctor’s inability to form an opinion on a carjacking defendant’s competency affected his ability to reside at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, according to DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on July 11.

Ramone Brown, 34, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident on Feb. 20 on the 1700 block of New York Avenue, NE. 

According to court documents, Brown allegedly tried to steal a car from a victim at a gas station. A bystander saw what was happening and forcefully removed Brown from the car. 

Judge Hertzfeld said a doctor was “unable to form an opinion” on Brown’s competency and that the doctor recommended a full competency evaluation be conducted. 

The defendant was found to be “incompetent to proceed with his case,” according to court documents. The case has been continued for further mental observation hearing.

Brown’s attorney John Machado, asked for Brown to be placed at St.Elizabeth’s instead of the DC Jail. 

However, Judge Hertzfeld denied this request arguing that the doctor would have recommended this if it was necessary. 

She ordered a full competency evaluation. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 13.

Last-Minute Revelation from Defendant Delays Domestic Stabbing Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt postponed Devan Green‘s trial from July to October, based on information that Green recently revealed to his lawyer, in a hearing on July 12.

Green, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, kidnapping while armed, kidnapping while armed against a minor, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and simple assault. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a domestic stabbing incident on Sept. 19, 2023, on the 500 block of 58th Street, NE.

At the July 12 hearing, Green’s defense attorney, Lee Smith, said the motion for continuance that he had filed with Judge Brandt two days earlier showed there was new evidence in the case.

“On July 2, during my meeting with Mr. Green, additional information was disclosed for the first time that I believe requires additional steps to be taken,” Smith said.

Smith shared the information with Judge Brandt in a private conversation.

“For now, based on the proffer, the court believes that Mr. Green has the right to investigate and put forward the kind of defense he believes is appropriate,” Judge Brandt said.

According to court documents, a witness called the DC Office of Unified Communications (OUC) five times on Sept. 19, saying that Green was holding his girlfriend hostage and that she had yelled that he had cut her with a knife. When police arrived, the victim was rushed to the hospital for surgery to treat her injuries.

The prosecution objected to delaying the trial, arguing that the information Green shared with Smith on July 2 was not new to Green and could have been shared earlier. They said the victim and her family want the trial to take place as soon as possible.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 10.

Judge Modifies Stabbing Defendant’s Release Conditions, Implements Curfew 

On July 12, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein removed a stabbing defendant’s home confinement release condition, and implemented a curfew, following a 10-month period of compliance.  

Abdul Mubarak, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one on Aug. 30, 2023 on the 1300 block of Columbia Road, NW. 

Hanna Claudio, Mubarak’s defense attorney, asked Judge Epstein for Mubarak to be removed from home confinement and switched to a curfew, citing his compliance. She insisted he does not pose a threat to the community. 

Judge Epstein granted this request, and implemented a curfew of 10 p. m. to 6 a. m. During this time, Judge Epstein said he expects Mubarak to start interviewing for jobs. 

Parties are slated to meet on Sept. 20.

Document: MPD Makes Swift Arrest of Suspect in Stabbing in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 42-year-old Tyrone Graham, who is charged with assault with intent to kill for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on July 13. The incident occurred at the intersection of 12th and U Street, NW.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Scooter Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal crash that led to the death of 16-year-old Da’Ron Ross. The incident occurred on July 11 on the 3800 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

To Proceed with Sentencing, Counsel Confirms Defendant’s Completion of High School

On July 12, defense counsel for a shooting defendant confirmed that the defendant would be concluding his education shortly.

On June 15, 2023, Martel Howard, 24, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and possession of a firearm in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Howard’s accomplice, 23-year-old Jinmar Fuentes, accepted the same plea offer. 

Howard was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for assaulting a male victim in a robbery attempt on July 31, 2022, on the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW. 

At the hearing, Martel’s defense attorney Terrance Austin affirmed that he was doing well in school and was on track to graduate by September. Austin had previously requested a continuance for sentencing in order for Martel to receive his high school diploma.

Austin added that his client “has been working very hard” in the meantime and has been receiving various certifications.

According to court documents, the victim and another male individual exited a bar at the location shortly before Howard and Fuentes approached them and shots were fired. Video surveillance captures the shooting.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived at the scene and located the victim, who was later transported to George Washington Hospital for emergency surgery, with two gunshot wounds to his right arm and one gunshot wound to his chest, according to court documents.

Parties are scheduled to return before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan for sentencing on Sept. 6.

Defendant Receives Suspended Sentence for Stabbing Father

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced an individual to a suspended sentence in connection to a stabbing on July 12. 

Gregory Edmonds, 34, was originally charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for stabbing his father on July 4, 2023, on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. 

According to court documents, Edmonds got into an argument with his father, before stabbing him in multiple places including the back of the head, neck and abdomen. As Edmonds was being transported by police he said the victim, “gave me syphilis.”

On April 18, Edmonds accepted a plea deal requiring him to plead guilty to assault with significant bodily injury in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. 

At the hearing, Edmonds’ attorney, Lauren Morehouse, said this is the first crime Edmonds has committed, and he is receiving mental health treatment in North Carolina where he lives. 

She also said Edmonds has been taking his case seriously, as he takes the 2:30 a.m. Amtrak from his hometown to make it to court on time. 

Morehouse also said the victim requested Edmonds not serve any time in prison and instead continue to receive mental health treatment in North Carolina. She requested a one year probation period for Edmonds with his supervision occurring in North Carolina. 

The prosecution then read a direct testimony from the victim where it was again requested Edmonds does not serve anytime in prison. The prosecution requested three years of probation. 

Judge Christian sentenced Edmonds to two years of incarceration, with all time suspended. He is required to serve two years of probation. If he is unsuccessful, Edmonds can be required to serve the two suspended years in prison. 

Attorney Calls Stabbing Defendant’s Cases ‘Forgotten’ As Delays Continue

Two cases against a stabbing defendant, which have been experiencing delays for months, were further delayed in front of DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on July 12. 

Shawn Dyson, 43, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing incident on Aug. 29, 2023, on the 1400 block of Park Road, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

At the hearing, Sharon Weathers, Dyson’s attorney, raised concern and frustration regarding the prosecutor’s failure to indict Dyson in a timely manner. According to Weathers, Dyson has been awaiting an indictment since September of 2023. 

According to court documents, Dyson got into an argument with the victim and began swinging a knife. The victim suffered a large cut in his upper left arm.

The prosecution said Dyson’s indictment was coming soon but requested another status hearing before securing the indictment. 

In April, Dyson was also convicted by a jury of assault with a dangerous weapon for another stabbing incident on Sept. 10, 2023, on the 3300 block of 14th Street, NW. The victim sustained life threatening injuries.

According to court documents, Dyson got into an argument with the victim and followed him out of a sandwich shop. Dyson came up behind the victim stabbing him in the head right behind the ear. 

Weathers also raised concerns regarding Dyson’s pre-sentencing report in connection to the Sept. 10 incident, stating the charges listed were inaccurate.

She insisted his sentencing should not be delayed further, and requested a quick turnaround to fix the report. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 4. 

Prosecutors Withdraw Plea Offer After Shooting Defendant Does Not Appear in Court

Prosecutors in a murder case withdrew a plea offer, which was slated to expire on July 12, following the defendant’s third time refusing to appear in court before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Ethan Cunningham, 20, is charged with first-degree burglary while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of felony murder while armed, kidnapping while armed, attempted robbery while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for allegedly shooting 38-year-old James Curtis on March 10, 2022, on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE. 

Thomas Healy, Cunningham’s defense attorney, alerted told Judge Epstein that he met with Cunningham on July 11 and stated, “I fully expected to see him here today.”

Prosecutors argued that every time a plea deal is about to expire, Cunningham misses his appearance in court. They said this is the third time this has happened. 

Due to this repeated delay, the prosecution withdrew their plea deal. 

Judge Epstein alerted the parties that he wants to move forward with the trial, but Healy said his client isn’t prepared. 

“He had eight months to get ready for this trial,” said Epstein, “it needs to get resolved.”

Parties are slated to meet on July 18.  

Judge Denies 18-Year-Old Carjacking Defendant’s Request for Release

Ahead of a trial date expected to begin in August, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz denied an 18-year-old carjacking defendant’s release from the DC Jail on July 11.

Hanif Brown, 18, is charged with unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly stealing an individual’s car on April 9, 2023, on the 2700 block of 9th Street, NW. 

Brown is also charged with two counts of robbery for his alleged involvement in separate robberies of two individuals’ belongings on April 9, 2023, at the intersection of 11th Street and U Street, NW and the intersection of 11th Street and Wallach Place, NW.

At the hearing, Brown’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, referred to his motion filed on June 26, arguing for his client to be placed under house arrest while on GPS monitoring.

In his written motion, Ain stated that at the time of the offenses, Brown had no criminal record and was living with his mother after graduating from high school.

Ain also mentioned that Brown had a child born while incarcerated and “remains on good terms with the child’s mother.” 

“It has been a year since Brown’s arrest and he has had time to mature and to reflect on his goals,” wrote Ain in his filed motion.

At the hearing, Ain asserted that Brown has “had [a] wake up call,” referring to his client’s time spent in jail.

In opposition, the prosecution did not support the release of Brown into the community and stated that his place of residence has been a location where he has stored weapons, which they said was “deeply troubling.”

Despite Brown’s bleak criminal record prior to this case, Judge Leibovitz stated that given his charges in three violent offenses while allegedly possessing a firearm, she would deny his request for release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 25.

Man Receives 30 Month Sentence for Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a stabbing defendant to 30 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and other charges related to the incident. 

Walter Portillo, 27 is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (knife), simple assault, and third-degree theft for his involvement in an incident that occurred on Sept. 20, 2023, on the 1300 block of Park Road, NW. One individual sustained a laceration to their forearm. 

According to court documents, Portillo and multiple individuals got into a verbal altercation, leading to Portillo throwing a punch at the victim, drawing a knife, and assaulting the victim who had also drawn a knife. The knife Portillo used was found in a trashcan on the north side of the 1300 block of Park Road, NW. 

The prosecution told Judge Arthur that the victim’s forearms were slashed, preventing the victim from using their arm for a year. The victim is still unable to write.

“If you let this man free, then I am in danger,” read the victim’s impact statement, “he hates me because I’m trans.” 

According to the statement, the victim lives in fear of Portillo being released because there are many ways for the defendant to find out where the victim lives. “I am asking you not to let him out,” the victim stated.

The prosecution asked the judge to sentence Portillo to 40 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon, concurrent to 90 days in prison for simple assault and two second-degree theft charges. 

Defense attorney Gregg Baron asked Judge Arthur to make a request that while Portillo is incarcerated, he be placed in an institution where his mental health and substance abuse problems could be addressed. 

“He’s someone who’s trying to change the course of his life,” Baron stated.

Baron asked the judge to sentence Portillo to 30 months in prison with 10 months suspended while he’s on probation. He claimed that it is his experience that his clients receive more help on probation than on supervised release. 

“I need help with substance abuse,” Portillo said, acknowledging it had played a part in the incident. 

Along with the 30 months in prison, Portillo must also serve 18-months on probation for assault with a dangerous weapon. Judge Arthur suspended 10 months of the probation. He also gave Portillo 90 days for simple assault and two theft charges, which is slated to be served concurrently.

Additionally, Portillo will have to get help for his mental health and substance abuse issues, as well as take anger management courses. He will also have to pay $200 to the victims of violent crimes fund. 

“You’ll spend your next birthday incarcerated… unfortunately, for something that was avoidable,” said Judge Arthur during sentencing. “Imagine the fear that person has…because of your actions.”

Defendant Pleads Guilty to 2 Counts of Negligent Homicide

On July 11, a homicide defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of negligent homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Melvin Conley, 63, is charged with two counts of negligent homicide for his involvement in a fatal car accident that killed Rhonda Whitaker, 55, and Waldon Adams on April 24, 2021, on the 4000 Block of Dubois Place, SE.

At the hearing, Kevin Mosley, Conley’s defense attorney, said he intended to accept a plea deal, which requires Conley to plead guilty to two counts of negligent homicide in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. 

According to the prosecution, Conley, who had been on dialysis and endured coughing fits that caused him to black out, told police that he had no recollection of hitting the victims and that he “must have blacked out.” After the accident, Conley drove to his sister’s house and backed into a fenced yard behind the residence. 

Conley noticed the damage on his car but did not alert the police. 

According to court documents, Conley’s blood sugar levels were low, and it was reported he had been “nodding off” during the interrogation.

The prosecution shared that Conley had never told his doctor about his blacking out.

Conley said that all the facts the prosecution shared were true. 

Judge Raffinan accepted Conley’s plea. 

Conley is set to be sentenced on Nov. 5.