Case Acquitted: Detective Testifies About 2010 Suspect Identification in Homicide Trial

Editor’s note: Randolph Thomas was acquitted of all charges by a jury on June 11, 2026.

In a 2009 homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Todd E. Edelman on June 8, a former detective recalled the involvement of eyewitnesses in identifying the suspect.

Randolph Thomas, 43, is charged with felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and first-degree burglary while armed. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Emmanuel Durant Jr, 19, on Dec. 31, 2009, on the 200 block of Webster Street, NE.

Thomas’ trial continued with the prosecution calling a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who previously worked on the case. The former detective helped create three photo arrays, which he presented to eyewitnesses in January 2010.

These photo arrays were composed of nine faces, one of which was a suspect in Durant’s murder, and eight of which were “fillers,” or individuals who are not suspects.

The prosecution displayed several images of Thomas and asked the former detective if any of these images were in the 2010 photo arrays. While the former detective claimed that “number seven” looked “the closest” to the images of Thomas, none of the pictures matched with those in the photo array. Photo seven was not the suspect in the photo array, noted the detective.

Thomas’ attorney, Pierce Suen, pointed out that the former detective used yearbook photos to attempt to aid eyewitnesses in identifying the suspect. Shortly after the incident, one eyewitness claimed that a suspect may have been someone she attended high school with, prompting the former detective to acquire yearbooks.

The former detective was only able to retrieve the yearbook from 2006. However, he also sought to retrieve the 2007 yearbook.

When the eyewitness was presented with the 2006 yearbook, she was not able to pick out any individual which she believed to be the suspect. In a redirect examination by the prosecution, the former detective noted that the book could have contained over 200 photos. He also could not recall how thorough the eyewitness was when she reviewed the yearbook images.

The prosecution also called a forensic firearms examiner, who outlined his process of analyzing projectiles involved in the incident. Two fired 40-caliber cartridge cases recovered from the scene, he claimed, were consistent with being fired from the same firearm.

After his testimony, the parties disclosed a stipulation which specified that on New Year’s Eve in 2009, Randolph Thomas was in possession of a 40-caliber firearm from which bullets were later fired.

The prosecution also called two forensic DNA technicians from Bode Technology. Both of these individuals described their processes of handling, sampling, and analyzing pieces of evidence including nail clippings, a known blood card from Durant, and a known saliva sample from Thomas.

Both technicians confirmed they were not familiar with the significance of Thomas’ name.

The prosecution also called the medical examiner who performed Durant’s autopsy and said his injuries included an entrance wound on the front left thigh and an exit wound on the back of the same thigh. Durant also had graze wounds on his genitalia, stitches from the groin to the chest from therapeutic attempts to stop the bleeding, and small abrasions to his forehead and right leg.

According to the examiner, Durant’s cause of death was a gunshot wound to the thigh, which led to injury of blood vessels. She determined the manner of death was a homicide.

The defense proceeded with a cross-examination of a latent fingerprint examiner who had previously testified on June 4. The examiner described the metrics he used to either identify or exclude the likelihood that a print belongs to an individual. He referenced that he was able to draw this conclusion in part based on the verification of another examiner.

Nine latent prints were examined for identification, and the examiner said that Thomas was likely excluded from the possibility of identification. Several of the prints were partially attributed to other subjects, although the examiner did not believe they were definitively identified. One print excluded all tested subjects, including Thomas. This conclusion was reaffirmed by the verifier.

Latent-to-latent comparisons were not done, which the witness explained are “unusual” and only done when specifically requested by the prosecution. Two prints could also have been uploaded by the investigators to a secure Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). When the defense asked if either of the two prints were uploaded to the database, the witness did not know.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 9.

‘Make That Make Sense,’ Says Defense in Stabbing Trial Closings

In a stabbing trial’s closing statements before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on June 4, the defense focused on the victim’s initial false statements about how the attack began.

Tavonte Graham, 33, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, and attempted robbery for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Dec. 22, 2025 at 4100 block of Ames Street, NE. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds throughout his body.

Graham is also charged with possession of an open container of alcohol for his alleged involvement in a Jan. 16 incident.

In their closing arguments, prosecutors noted the victim’s original report was that Graham posed as an Amazon driver and broke into the apartment after macing the victim at the door. However, prosecutors said the victim later revealed that the two met on a dating app. After engaging in sexual activity, the victim alleged Graham maced and stabbed him in an attempt to steal a pair of Louis Vuitton boots.

The prosecution claimed that “embarrassment and further stigmatization of homosexuality” is what hindered the victim from initially telling the truth.

“This is not a case of how two people met or what two people initially consented to do. It’s about a man who decided to attempt to rob a man who was taken advantage of,” the prosecution said.

Graham’s attorney, Craig Ricard, noted this initial lie multiple times during his closing statements saying, “If someone lies to you about something that significant, the next time that person speaks to you, don’t you pause?”

Ricard also emphasized that the boots were not part of the victim’s initial narrative but said he added them to his “inventive story.” The suspect escaped without the boots, the alleged motivation for the attack, noted Ricard. “Make that make sense,” he asked.

Before closing arguments, Ricard cross-examined the case’s lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who acknowledged that the medical staff initially told her the victim sustained seven-to-nine wounds. Later, the victim told the detective that he suffered 17 wounds, confirmed Ricard.

The detective confirmed on the stand that she drafted reports based on what the victim told her because no surveillance footage or witnesses were present during the incident.

In response to Ricard asking what occurred in the apartment, the detective said, “I know only what the [victim] told me.”

The prosecution also called an analyst from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) who explained more than 100 photos showing the victim’s wounds, crime scene, and other physical evidence.

In the photos, the victim had abrasions on the shoulder, neck, ear and back. The victim’s left arm had approximately seven open wounds. The victim’s back had multiple lacerations. Two of the wounds on his back were covered with tape and a paperclip.

The forensic scientist also brought physical evidence from the scene to present to the jury including the Louis Vuitton boots that the defendant reportedly attempted to steal.

According to the forensic scientist, one boot was located on the living room floor with suspected blood above the heel and the other boot was discovered wrapped in a bloody blanket on the living room couch, with suspected blood on the toe and tongue.

The victim’s pants worn at the time of the attack were also displayed in the courtroom and the forensic scientist identified four damage points on the pants. The analyst suspected the tears were a result of the attack and identified suspected blood on the tag and brand logo of the pants.

A can of pepper spray, a yankees hat, and the tag for the boots were also key pieces of evidence.

Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Judge Grants Defense Request For Mental Competency Eval After Homicide Defendant’s Guilty Plea

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered a mental competency screening on June 5 for a homicide defendant who already accepted a plea deal.

Jose Hernandez, 19, was previously charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in two drive-by shootings in the Petworth neighborhood on April 29, 2025. Zephaniah Wright, 19, was fatally shot and a second victim injured outside of the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro Station on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Less than five minutes earlier, another individual was shot in front of the Petworth Recreation Center on the 800 block of Taylor Street, NW.

Hernandez accepted a plea deal on Jan. 8 that required him to plead guilty to second degree-murder while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and aggravated assault.

At Hernandez’s scheduled sentencing, his attorney, Mani Golzari, requested a mental competency screening. This screening will determine Hernandez’s ability to understand the charges against him, as well as his ability to help in his defense. Judge Ryan explained this to the defendant before ordering the evaluation.

Judge Ryan asked if Golzari was citing the 14th Amendment to support his request for a competency finding. Under that constitutional principle guaranteeing due process, a defendant can only enter a guilty plea if they are mentally competent to stand trial. If there is evidence Hernandez was incompetent when he pleaded guilty, the defense can file a motion to withdraw his plea.

Golzari then told the court he would wait for the screening results before presenting any further issues or arguments. Judge Ryan agreed that this was the best course of action.

Parties are set to reconvene to discuss the screening results on June 17.

Judge Denies Release For Elderly Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan denied a defense request to release an elderly homicide defendant to home confinement in a hearing on June 5.

Morris Stokes, 72, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed for allegedly beating 70-year-old Maurice Rowe to death with a pole on Aug. 6, 2024, on the 1400 block of Downing Street, NE. Rowe succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 24, 2024.

At the hearing, Peter Odom, Stokes’ attorney, argued that due to the defendant’s age and cancer diagnosis, as well as a postponed trial date, Stokes should be released under 24-hour home confinement. Odom stated that Stokes has a place to stay in the city, and could be supervised by his romantic partner, a former health care aide.

The prosecution opposed Stokes’ release. They argued that his previous record of robberies and violent crime convictions, as well as the charges he’s accused of now, render him a danger to the community. The prosecution also emphasized that Stokes was elderly when he allegedly committed the crime, so his age shouldn’t impact his confinement.

Judge Ryan denied the motion for home confinement agreeing with the prosecution. The judge spoke directly to the defense, stating he had spent his life incarcerated, with brief periods of time out. In each of these occasions, a new robbery was committed, and Stokes was again charged and convicted, said the judge.

Parties also agreed to postpone the trial, as lawyers on both sides would not be prepared by the previously scheduled date of June 22. Stokes’ jury trial is now scheduled for March 8, 2027. Both parties expect the trial to last six days.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 13, 2027.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Fatal Shooting Charges on Release

A fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 5.

Korin Agnew, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without license outside a home or business. All of these charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed while Agnew was on release for a prior offense. Court records state Agnew was on release for alleged narcotics and weapons offenses at the time of the homicide.

The charges stem from Agnew’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year old Korey Glasker on Sept. 11, 2024 on the 3700 block Alabama Avenue, SE. Glasker sustained one gunshot wound to his back and blunt force trauma injuries to his skull.

According to court documents, Glasker reportedly sold marijuana for Agnew.

At the hearing, the court formally arraigned Agnew reading the charges against him. His attorney, Sara Kopecki, entered into a plea of not guilty on his behalf, asserted his rights to a speedy trial, and requested all evidence in the case.

Parties set the trial for May 17, 2027. The proceedings are expected to last five days.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 4. Meanwhile, the defendant is being held without bond.

Armed Carjacking Defendant Held After Waiving Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Charmetra Jackson Parker denied an armed carjacking defendant’s release after she waived her right to a preliminary hearing on June 8.

Ge’onnie Fields, 20, is charged with armed carjacking for her alleged involvement in a theft of an Uber driver’s Honda Civic at the intersection of 1st and V Streets, SW on May 27.

Fields’ attorney, Melissa Jackson, alerted the court to her client’s intent to waive her right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence, which Judge Parker accepted.

Jackson requested Fields’ release under strict conditions, arguing that no individuals were injured and pointing to a lack of evidence as to whether the gun was hers or, in fact, a real gun. She also emphasized Fields’ young age and self-improvement efforts since the incident, through mental health services, a summer employment program, and special education.

However, the prosecution sought continued detention, given the seriousness of the charge. They asserted the weight of the evidence supported a hold, including CCTV video footage of the Uber and Fields’ alleged presence in the pulled-over car.

Prosecutors also noted Fields’ prior criminal history of an attempt to commit robbery while armed, proving that imposing release conditions would be necessary but not sufficient to keep the community safe.

Judge Parker decided to keep Fields at the DC Jail because of the potential risk to her own safety due to prior mental health episodes. In addition, her non-compliance with the court’s conditions of intensive probation in her previous case could pose a threat to the community’s well-being, the judge determined.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 13.

Stabbing Defendant Gets Probation Instead of Jail

D.C. Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced a stabbing defendant to one year of probation on June 8, following an emotional hearing.

Jasmine Armwood, 34, pleaded guilty on March 19 to assault with significant bodily injury and possession of a prohibited weapon for her involvement in a stabbing on Nov. 29, 2025 at the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

Judge Di Toro sentenced Armwood to one year in prison, all suspended, in favor of one year of probation. According to Judge Di Toro, Armwood already served approximately six months. She noted that while drugs and alcohol are often serve as a distraction, they also have the power “to turn things sideways, like we’re seeing now” in Armwood’s case.

The prosecution emphasized the severity of the attack by presenting evidence of the physical injuries the victim sustained of a laceration across her stomach.

They also read a note to the court from the victim who said that she was still in severe pain, lacked health insurance, and remained worried for her safety.

The note also indicated the victim’s desire to help Armwood move forward. “We want to provide a path to turn her life around,” according to a line in the note.

Armwood’s attorney, John Machado, described the challenging factors throughout Armwood’s life, including the she was abused as a child and grew up in the foster care system until she aged out.

Machado described how Armwood turned to drugs to cope with chronic mental health struggles and has endured a severe psychological toll after being separated from her newborn child for the last five months during her incarceration.

The defense emphasized Armwood’s active path toward rehabilitation, noting that she earned a certification while incarcerated and has been working toward her GED. Under the terms of her sentence, Armwood is required to attend vocational school if she does not finish her GED, and she must participate in mandatory substance abuse classes and utilize mental health resources.

Judge Di Toro ultimately denied the prosecution’s request for a formal stay-away order, as Armwood and the victim do not share a prior relationship. However, the judge gave a stern warning to the defendant regarding future conduct, noting that she may find herself living in close proximity to the victim after release.

However, if Armwood fails to live up to the terms of her probation, the judge could reimpose her jail sentence.

No further dates were set.

Defendant Considers Plea Offer in Fatal Shooting Case

Prosecutors allowed a fatal shooting and armed robbery defendant more time to consider two different plea offers before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on June 12.

Kenneth Coleman, 37, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, felony murder while armed, robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of more than a year for his alleged involvement of the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Jireh Martinez on the 1300 block of Valley Place, SE, on Nov. 13, 2023 fatal shooting. Martinez sustained a gunshot wound to his head.

Prosecutors offered Coleman two agreements that would require him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for prosecutors dismissing all greater and remaining charges. In one agreement, parties would agree to a prison sentence of 18-to-22 years. In the other, there would be no restrictions on the sentence length the parties could request.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 26 to determine whether Coleman accepts or rejects a plea deal.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Waives Prelim, Held on Other Matters

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum accepted a jail stabbing defendant’s waiver of his preliminary hearing on June 9.

Dwayne Bean-Freeman, 22, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on April 2 on the 1900 block of D Street, NE, at the DC Jail.

Bean-Freeman is currently incarcerated at the jail for a previous unrelated crime.

According to the arrest warrant, Bean-Freeman and other inmates were met at their housing unit to be escorted to the infirmary to receive medication. The correction officer escorting them was also scanning the inmates for metal detection but reported missing Bean-Freeman as he was further behind the group. The officer also said he missed hearing the metal detector go off at the second security screening at the infirmary since it was out of earshot.

CCTV video footage from the DC Jail allegedly shows Bean-Freeman retrieve an object from his waistband, strikes the victim, and the victim strikes him back. Both inmates were then transported to local hospitals for sustained injuries. Bean-Freeman reportedly stated to detectives at the hospital that he “did not know nothing” about the incident and what occurred.

In court, Bean-Freeman’s attorney, Kevin Robertson, alerted parties of his client’s intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him. Judge Hildum accepted the waiver and parties set a nominal bond in the present case because the defendant is already held for his other matter. The prosecution did not object.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 15.

Defendant Charged With Robbery, Carjacking Pleads Guilty

A defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on June 10, to his role in a robbery, carjacking scheme.

Darryl Gladney, 18, was originally charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the robbery, kidnapping and carjacking of an individual who was lured to the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE, under the guise of buying a Cartier Santos watch on May 4, 2025.

Under the plea agreement, Gladney pleaded guilty to robbery, and the prosecution agreed to dismiss the remaining charges.

According to prosecutors, if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have proven that Gladney initially contacted the victim through Instagram direct messages, expressing interest in purchasing the watch. Gladney later created a group chat with friends from middle school and coordinated a plan to rob the victim after arranging a meeting location.

The prosecutors stated that after taking the victim’s watch, the group drove the victim to his residence and planned to steal additional watches as well as the victim’s vehicle.

Judge Pipe informed Gladney that robbery carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. However, as part of the plea deal, the prosecution agreed to limit its sentencing request to the midpoint of the guidelines.

Following the guilty plea, prosecutors requested that Gladney remain detained pending sentencing. They argued that Gladney was not a minor participant in the offense and described him as the individual who organized the group chat and “started the catalyst” for the robbery.

Gladney’s attorney, Charles Haskell, requested his client’s release pending sentencing. Haskell argued that Gladney demonstrated good character, noting that he hopes to attend summer school, sought Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) sentencing and previously expressed interest in joining the military.

The YRA allows sentencing flexibility for defendants under 25 and the potential to have their conviction sealed upon completion of specific requirements.

Judge Pipe questioned whether Gladney understood that a felony conviction could affect his ability to pursue military service. Haskell informed Judge Pipe that Gladney’s desire to enlist was meant to daemonstrate Gladney’s character, explaining, “So you know the type of person he is, even though he couldn’t do that.”

Judge Pipe agreed to release Gladney under a few conditions, including GPS monitoring, a curfew from 10 p. m.-to-6 a. m., no possession of firearms or ammunition, and a stay-away order from the victim.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 25 for Gladney’s sentencing.

‘I Need Help,’ Says Domestic Violence Shooting Defendant at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a domestic violence shooting defendant to prison time on June 8.

Willis Warren, 46, pleaded guilty on April 8 to assault with a dangerous weapon for a shooting that occurred on Jan. 14. After a disagreement with his girlfriend, Warren fired three shots at her friend’s car when she was picked up from the unit block of 35th Street, NE.

Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Warren to five years in prison, all but four years suspended, one year of probation and a restitution of $4,250 for damages to the victim’s car. Warren was also given a no-contact and stay-away order from the victim.

“I made a mistake, I have an alcohol problem, it caught up with me that night,” Warren said.

Judge Hertzfeld also required Warren to enroll in a substance abuse program as well as registering as a gun offender.

Bullet holes damaged the passenger side of the vehicle, which prosecutors showed in photos and video footage was also provided of Warren’s proximity to the car when he fired the shots.

When the shots hit the car, a bullet ricocheted and hit Warren’s girlfriend in the leg. The prosecution argued that Warren was lucky in the way the incident turned out as it could’ve resulted in a double homicide.

Warren’s attorney, Gregory Copeland, acknowledged that the incident could’ve been worse, but the fact that it wasn’t should’ve impacted Warren’s sentencing.

“I need help,” Warren said, acknowledging the mistakes made that night and is ready to move forward to a better life.

In determining Warren’s sentence, Judge Hertzfeld said she agreed with the prosecution because it was either “blind luck” or a “bad shot” as to why it wasn’t worse.

No further dates were set.

Officer Testifies He Recognized Murder Victim After He Was Called to Crime Scene

In a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 9, a police officer testified about being on duty near the crime scene where his friend was fatally shot.

Michael Wells, 55, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of firearm possession during a crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, and arson. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Makia Mosby at her home on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE, on Nov. 24, 2005. Mosby sustained burns and gunshot wounds.

During direct examination, the prosecution asked if the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) patrol officer needed a moment to gather his thoughts, because recalling the day of Mosby’s death prompted an emotional response from him.

The patrol officer met Mosby when he responded to a traffic accident in which she was a passenger in an impacted vehicle. For approximately four-to-five months, the two kept in touch by calling occasionally and discussing family, friends, and their life events.

The officer claimed that their relationship was “not really” romantic and denied having spent time at each other’s homes. However, when Wells’ attorney, Hannah Claudio, cross-examined the officer, he confirmed that he went on one date with Mosby.

In addition, the officer said he encouraged Mosby to file a police report regarding threatening phone calls that she was allegedly receiving. He noted, though, that he was not aware of the nature of the threats nor who the phone calls were coming from.

On the date of Mosby’s death, the witness was paired with another officer and received his assignment to assist the fire department with traffic control near a “local” fire. When he arrived outside Mosby’s home, he informed his partner that he knew “someone who lives in that building.”

Concerned, the officer said he called Mosby two-to-three times, only to receive “no answer.”

In direct examination, the prosecution inquired, “Did you look in the building on that day?” The officer confirmed that he saw Mosby’s body on the floor. As a result, he said he needed to change his assignment for the day because he was so upset.

A friend of both Mosby and Wells was called to the stand. The prosecution addressed her mental health history, her memory issues, and her drug addiction along with her five months of sobriety.

The friend then identified Wells in the courtroom.

The prosecution then turned to Thanksgiving 2005, the day of the incident. The friend testified that she went to Mosby’s house earlier before dinner and that Mosby and Wells were both there.

Based on her memory, the friend left the house and while walking home, heard gun shots. Approximately five-to-10 minutes later, she received word from her mom that Mosby was dead. When prosecutors asked why she didn’t go to the police as soon as she heard, she said she “wasn’t expecting nothing to happen to her.”

After detailing the events, the witness was reminded that she had previously been asked whether she was at the house when Mosby died during the grand jury when she said she wasn’t there. She clarified that she was at the residence that day but not present at the time of death.

During the cross examination, Claudio described the friend’s memory as “not good.” The witness corrected her and characterized it as “poor.” She said that her bipolar medications affect her ability to remember things and that she struggles to determine whether some experiences are real or not.

Claudio returned to the friend’s grand jury testimony, highlighting inconsistencies between her prior statements and her current testimony.

“I don’t remember half the things I say. I’m sorry. There’s nothing I can do,” the witness said.

Claudio argued that the prosecution was reminding the witness of her prior testimonies which she denied.

In the redirect, the witness was again asked to identify Wells. She testified that no witness instructed her to identify him, no detective instructed her to identify him, and no member of the prosecution instructed her to identify him.

The jury also heard testimony from a former MPD officer and forensic evidence examiner. The analyst testified that a cartridge case, cigarette lighter, Polaroid photograph, Victoria’s Secret gift bag, and a beer can were found at the scene and processed for latent fingerprints.

According to the examiner’s testimony, no fingerprints were recovered from the cartridge case, lighter, or photograph. However, latent prints were recovered from both the beer can and the gift bag.

An expert Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) latent print examiner also testified that a footprint on the bag was compared to Wells’ known footprint. The characteristics did not match, concluded the examiner and said her conclusion was independently verified through a blind review process.

A forensic fingerprint expert testified that among the ten latent prints recovered from the Victoria’s Secret gift bag, three likely matched Mosby’s fingerprints, two matched another individual, and five were inconclusive.

The expert also testified that four latent prints were recovered from the beer can, three of those prints allegedly matched Wells, whereas one print was excluded.

Claudio confirmed with the expert that he could not determine when the fingerprints were left on the bag or beer can.

Parties are scheduled to continue making their cases before the jury on June 15.

Victim Testifies About Stabbing Following a Meeting via a Hook up App

The victim in a stabbing case testified about meeting the defendant on a hook up app in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on June 3.

Tavonte Graham, 33, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, and attempted robbery for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Dec. 22, 2025 on the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds throughout his body.

Graham is also charged with possession of an open container of alcohol for his alleged involvement in a Jan. 16 incident.

In his testimony, the victim said he invited Graham into his home to engage in sexual relations and was maced a few moments after feeling a “vibe-shift.” The victim claimed he saw Graham grab the victim’s Louis Vuitton Timberland boots.

When his “adrenaline kicked in,” the victim said he ran after Graham causing both to fall down two flights of stairs. The victim claimed during this fall, he heard “clicking sounds” and only realized that he was stabbed multiple times after seeing a pool of blood.

Graham’s attorney, Craig Ricard, questioned the victim’s timeline. Ricard asked, “Graham was holding the boots with one hand, spraying the mace with the other, and unlocking the door with his third hand?” To which the victim responded, “yes.”

The victim initially told the officers the aggressor was an Amazon delivery driver. However, during the victim’s testimony, he admitted that he made that fact up because he was “embarrassed” by the potential stigma of homosexual relations that was the springboard for the incident.

The prosecution presented body-worn camera footage of officers walking into the apartment complex allegedly confronting a pool of blood on the ground. After walking up the stairs, the video showed the officers finding the victim at the scene of the crime, wrapped in a blanket, lying on the floor, covered in blood.

The detective, from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who arrived at the victim’s apartment about an hour later, then testified. According to the detective, she found a phone unlocked and opened it to what looked to be a dating app. After putting the phone in airplane mode to preserve evidence, the detective opened the settings app to see that the Apple ID owner was allegedly Graham.

According to the detective, when she showed the victim a photo of Graham in the hospital, the victim assured he was “100 percent certain” that was the perpetrator due to the identifying star tattoo on Graham’s face.

The detective and the victim both confirmed evidence found at the scene included an empty can of mace, a yankees cap, a tag from the boots, and the Timberland boots that were covered in blood stains. In addition, the victim said the jogging shoes he wore during the attack had multiple holes and blood stains.

An MPD officer who arrived at the scene testified and described a large pool of blood on the first-floor loading area and chemicals that smelled like pepper spray before arriving at the victim’s apartment. When she got to the apartment, the officer said the victim opened the door and immediately fell to the floor.

The officer noticed the victim’s multiple stab wounds, excessive bleeding and tried to help the victim with his injuries. In body-worn camera footage, the officer stated that, “apparently [the victim’s] Timbs [referring to the boots] were taken,” but quickly found them.

In cross-examination, Ricard emphasized the officer assumed the boots were stolen. The officer clarified she thought that because the victim said they were stolen.

The officer who arrested Graham on Jan. 16 also testified, describing why he was stopped and found a clear cup of what seemed to be alcohol. Video evidence showed that another officer told Graham “I watched you drop it,” then asked for his identification. After Graham said he didn’t have an identification, he told the officers his name and was arrested.

The trial is scheduled to continue with the detective’s cross-examination on June 4.

Case Acquitted: Prosecution’s Physician Concludes Victim Died From Strangulation

Editor’s note: Juan Guerra was acquitted of all charges by a jury on June 15, 2026.

A physician who analyzes criminal cases opined that a homicide victim was strangled in testimony before DC Superior Court Judge Milton C. Lee Jr. on June 8.

Juan Guerra, 34, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of his best friend, Peter Miller III, 32, on Oct. 6, 2021 on the 900 block of Maine Avenue, SW. The roommates were playing a game of dice before an altercation between the two ensued. Miller succumbed to his injuries at the George Washington University on Oct. 11, 2021.

The physician, called by the prosecution, highlighted details of photographs from Miller’s autopsy. “Everything was pointing to one conclusion, and that is that he was manually strangled,” he said.

His analysis was conducted by reviewing body-worn camera footage, emergency personal reports, other medical records, X-rays, photos of the scene, the official autopsy, findings from a forensic anthropologist who specializes in victim’s remains and CT- scans of the victim’s neck.

During cross-examination, the physician concluded that Miller’s death was intentional. “The reason he died is because he didn’t get enough oxygen to his brain during the strangulation,” said the doctor.

According to the physician, Miller sustained multiple injuries that correspond with strangulation by a hand or arm. The physician said Miller’s voice box was fractured and displaced due to pressure or squeezing . He also stated that Miller bled from both sides of the muscles in his neck.

The witness testified that anywhere between 62 seconds and two-and-a-half minutes of strangulation, death is inevitable. Miller was allegedly held in a choke hold for one minute minimum, possibly longer according to the physician.

Guerra’s attorney, Diana Yu, argued against strangulation. Yu pointed to petechiae hemorrhages or pinpoint spots caused by bleeding beneath the skin in both of Miller’s eyes. She stated, “There are many other causes of petechiae hemorrhages,” including forceful coughing, vomiting, sneezing, and laughter. Damage to the victim’s left eye could be attributed to strangulation or blows to the head said Yu who emphasized it is theoretically possible Miller could have fallen and hit his eye.

Yu stated, “You can not rule out blunt force trauma.” The physician responded, “No, I think I can.”

Although Miller sustained head injuries, the forensic physician believed they weren’t enough to render him unconscious. Miller suffered deep contusions, but his brain didn’t bruise, only the muscle on the outside did.

The physician examined “the totality of the evidence” before concluding manual strangulation, caused fatal asphyxiation.

The prosecutors also called upon a DNA analyst who reviewed evidence including swabs from firearms, and the crime scene. In addition, swabs were also taken from Miller’s nail clippings and a mouth swab from Guerra.

The results from the living room swab showed the DNA was more likely to originate from Miller than any other person in the vicinity. The bedroom swab was more likely connected to Guerra than from another source.

DNA tested from Miller’s right nail clippings contained a mixture of his own DNA and one foreign contributor.–possibly Guerra.

In the cross-examination, Yu emphasized that the DNA in Miller’s right nail clippings was 99 percent his. The foreign contributor added trace amounts.

The prosecution declined to redirect and rested their case.

The trial is set to resume June 9.

Jury Acquits Defendant of 2009 Homicide

A jury acquitted a defendant of all charges related to a 2009 homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on June 11.

Randolph Thomas, 43, was originally charged with felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and first-degree burglary while armed. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a Dec. 31, 2009 shooting that fatally injured 19-year-old Emmanuel Durant Jr. on the 200 block of Webster Street, NE.

After less than two days of deliberations, the jury returned a not guilty verdict on all charges.

Throughout the trial, which began on May 27, the prosecution alleged Thomas killed Durant while burglarizing his home.

According to Thomas’ arrest warrant, police charged him with Durant’s murder after he pleaded guilty to the fatal shooting of Chardale Bowe on Dec. 31, 2009 on the 4800 block of North Capitol Street, NE. A ballistic comparison reportedly concluded the same firearm was used in both murders.

Thomas’ attorneys, Pierce Suen and Kevin Steward, claimed that the prosecution “bought” the testimony of a witness who claimed Thomas had confessed to the homicide. The defense pointed to the history of this witness, claiming that he is “a known obstructor of justice” because he testified for prosecutors in multiple other cases.

In closing arguments, Suen reminded the jury of their duty to assume innocence until proven guilty. He reiterated that “Mr. Thomas is not guilty of these crimes.”

The case was closed and no further dates were set.

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