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Judge Imposes Eight-and-a-Half-Year Sentence on Homicide Defendant

A homicide defendant was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan along the lines of terms discussed last month in a hearing on April 22.

Eugene Williams, 19, was originally charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, attempted robbery while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside of the home or business, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old DeShawn Francis on Feb. 8, 2022 on the unit block of Chesapeake Street, NE. 

Williams, along with co-defendant Anthony Green, 28, were alleged to have killed Francis by shooting him in the head after a failed attempt at robbing Francis’ close friend in a drug deal gone wrong. 

Williams accepted a deal on Dec. 6, 2023, in which he pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed. In exchange, the prosecution dismissed any additional charges previously sought. 

At a previous sentencing hearing on March 22, his defense attorneys, Hannah Claudio and Kevann Gardner, requested an additional month for Williams to complete testing to receive his General Equivalency Diploma (GED before his transfer to prison. 

Williams was sentenced to 120 months in prison with 18 months suspended. He was also fined 100 dollars to be paid to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Additionally, Williams was sentenced to 18 months of probation and five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. 

The judge granted Williams credit for time already served since his arrest on April 28, 2022. 

Claudio made an additional request to Judge Raffinan that Williams be placed in a federal prison with access to a six month adjustment program. The judge agreed.

Williams’ case is now concluded and no further dates were set.

Jealous Ex-Boyfriend Allegedly Involved in Shooting and Kidnapping

DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan found probable cause on April 19, for domestic violence charges against David Walls who was allegedly reacting as a spurned lover.

Walls, 38, is charged with kidnapping while armed and four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in an abduction on April 10, and a non-fatal shooting on April 13. Both incidents took place on the 2700 block of 30th Street, SE.

In his probable cause argument, the prosecutor described Walls waiting outside his ex-girlfriend’s home in the middle of the night until she emerged with her new romantic partner. According to the prosecutor, Walls then kidnapped her at gunpoint, and she was only able to escape only by jumping from his vehicle a few blocks later. 

Three days later, the prosecutor asserted, Walls returned to shoot at his ex-girlfriend and her new partner as they were entering their home. Neither of the complainants sustained injuries.

Walls’ attorney, Marnitta King, argued in response that Walls’ ex-girlfriend was an unreliable witness who misled the police multiple points in her testimony. In King’s account, the ex-girlfriend planned the meeting with Walls, got into Walls’ vehicle of her own free will, and had the opportunity to walk away if she wanted.

As to the charge that Walls threatened his ex-girlfriend’s new partner with his gun, King argued there was no evidence to support it because the partner, “abandoned his new little girlfriend and ran in the house when he just saw the defendant.”

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who testified that, on April 10, one male and one female complainant reported that Walls had pointed a firearm at them and forced the female complainant to get into his vehicle. The complainants described the firearm as a brownish camouflage-colored handgun.

On April 13, the detective said, the same complainants reported that Walls had shot at them while they were entering their apartment building.

The prosecution played security footage from a camera across the street from the complainants’ apartment building showing a white Jeep Wrangler with a black top parking in front of the building around 2:00 a.m. on April 10. About an hour later, the door to the building partially opens, allowing the light inside to shine out. 

At the opening of the door, an individual, identified as Walls, exits the Jeep and walks to the building’s entrance, returning moments later with the female complainant. After a brief interaction at the side of the Jeep, they both get in the vehicle and drive away. 

Following the Jeep’s departure, a dog walks from the building into the street. The detective testified that the complainants told him they were on their way out to walk the dog when Walls met them.

Footage from the same camera around 4:00 a.m. on April 13 shows the complainants parking outside their apartment building when a white Jeep Wrangler with a black top drives by. As the complainants walk toward the building, the Jeep drives by a second time.

The prosecutor slowed the footage to allow the detective to point out a puff of smoke coming from the driver’s window on the Jeep’s second pass. 

In his probable cause argument, the prosecutor noted that MPD officers found a hole in the doorframe and bullet fragments on the floor of the apartment building’s entryway.

According to the detective, a search of Walls’ residence in Hyattsville, MD, led to the recovery of a 9-millimeter, sand-colored handgun in Walls’ bedroom. The detective also said a search of a white Jeep Wrangler with a black top on the premises turned up a single used 9-millimeter shell casing on the driver’s side floorboard.

In cross examination, King confirmed with the detective that the female complainant told him she had a protective order against the defendant, but no such order existed. King also confirmed that the female complainant told the detective she broke up with Walls in February.

“She, in fact, the day of this incident, told the defendant to come to get her,” King asserted.

“She sent me three messages, and none of them showed what you’re talking about,” replied the detective.

King then showed the detective a series of text messages sent between 12:15 a.m. and 12:47 a.m. on April 10, in which the female complainant and Walls made arrangements for him to meet her at her apartment.

“Did you know that, the day before, she sent him provocative photos asking if he liked what she looked like?” King asked the detective. She showed him photos, and he recognized the female complainant’s face in one of them. 

King read a message from the female complainant that stated, “You could just say you liked the pix,” and one from Walls, responding, “You know I like them. You just want to make me horny.”

“About the text messages, that’s what she does to control the defendant,” King asserted in her probable cause argument. “She wanted him to come back that night, even if he wanted to get away from her.”

King also questioned the detective about the security footage of the alleged kidnapping. 

“When she gets in the car, he doesn’t push her in,” King observed.

“No, ma’am,” the detective replied, “but she didn’t get in until he violently hit her in the face.”

King noted that, although the female complainant claimed the defendant hit her with a gun, the security footage didn’t clearly display a gun. When the footage was replayed slowly, the detective pointed out a dark object that might have been a gun in the defendant’s right hand.

King confirmed with the detective that the complainants couldn’t see the face of the person driving the Jeep on April 13. She also pointed out that the used shell casing found in the Jeep could fit any 9-millimeter gun and hadn’t been specifically identified as coming from Walls’ gun.

Judge Nolan found probable cause for all five charges against the defendant.

King then asked that Walls be released pending trial in order to keep his job, which requires him to drive for a living. She suggested that the judge issue Walls stay-away orders for both complainants. 

The prosecutor requested preventive detention for the safety of the complainants, since Walls had already tried shooting them. 

The judge ruled that Walls remain in custody. He also issued Walls stay-away orders from the female complainant and the 2700 block of 30th Street, SE.

The next hearing was scheduled for April 29, giving time for the prosecution to prepare a pre-indictment plea offer.

Planned Fight Turns into Shooting, Suspect Held

The defendant in an arranged fight that turned into a shooting was denied release before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur, on April 22.

Jamal Francis, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 15, on the 300 block of Raleigh Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, the victim told the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that he and Francis had agreed to fight about a past dispute when Francis allegedly pulled a gun and shot multiple times in the victim’s direction. 

In his felony status conference, Francis informed the court he is no longer confident in his lawyer, Thecia Bethel, because he says she failed to adequately explain the prosecution’s plea offer.

Bethel, said she tried her best but nonetheless, Francis requested a new attorney. No details of the deal were presented in court.

Francis persistently requested he be placed on release to prevent break-ins at his apartment. Judge Arthur denied the release motion and said this will be the last time he grants Francis’ request for a new attorney. 

Parties will meet again on April 24.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect Vehicle in Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect vehicle in connection to a shooting that occurred on April 20 on the 4600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

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

The suspect’s vehicle was captured by surveillance cameras nearby.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each violent crime in the District.

Defense Attorney Accuses Prosecutors of ‘Sugarcoating Child Abuse’ in Homicide Case

“He fell and never was able to get up again. He died in his own living room, shot by his son,” said prosecutors on April 22 in their closing statements in the case of a son charged with fatally shooting his father. 

Stephon Williams, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the shooting of his 49-year-old father Stephen Magruder on Sept. 11, 2020, on the 700 block of 51st Street, NE.

According to prosecutors, a verbal and physical altercation occurred between Williams and Magruder, which led Williams to produce a firearm and shoot Magruder, who was unarmed, in the chest before fleeing the scene and disposing of the firearm in a trash can. 

The argument was apparently over a few dollars worth of marijuana.

“He didn’t have to pull the trigger,” said the prosecution. “Williams shot a man who was empty-handed.”

The prosecution acknowledged that, according to eyewitness testimony, Magruder was the initial aggressor during the physical altercation and hit Williams several times.

“All witnesses agree Williams did not fight back,” said the prosecution, but argued Williams could have “put up his dukes and fight him like a man.”

Further, they argued that Williams was not acting in self-defense, citing eyewitness testimony that claimed Magruder put his hands up in surrender before Williams fired. 

Of Williams’ own testimony, the prosecutors pointed out that he lied about the location of the firearm prior to the shooting.

“He doubled-down about simple details, such as where his gun was. He testified that he put his gun in a closet, while there was never a closet there. That is because it never happened and he never tried to hide his gun,” said the prosecution. 

Further, prosecutors argued that Williams did not sustain an “actual beating,” citing Williams’ only known injury from the altercation was a split lip.

“You don’t have to agree with [Magruder’s] way of disciplining his children. You can even think he’s a bad person,” said the prosecution, arguing Williams’ behavior was not self-defense, but rather an angry reaction to his father’s abuse.

“I submit to you that he was angry,” said the prosecution. “He was angry that he was not good enough for his dad.”

Williams’ defense attorney, Jason Tulley, argued that Williams’ actions were consistent with someone acting in self-defense, citing that Magruder was “stronger, bigger, angrier, and more violent” than Williams, causing him to react defensively. 

“He was not thinking ‘I’m gonna hurt my dad.’ He loved his dad,” said Tulley, arguing that the prosecution was “sugarcoating child abuse.”

According to Tulley, Magruder had a history of violent abuse, including a past conviction for a violent crime, and Williams’ knowledge of this behavior caused him to fear for his life.

“[Magruder] goes after folks that are smaller, more vulnerable,” Tulley said, claiming that the prosecution’s minimizing of these violent tendencies was “abuse-denying.”

He argued that, during the physical altercation, Magruder prevented Williams from leaving the apartment twice, and an eyewitness was unsuccessful in pulling Magruder away from the altercation.

“[Williams] was scared, trying to escape,” said Tulley, claiming Magruder was too “lost in his rage” to be stopped.

Further, Tulley argued “there was no ‘hands-up surrender’ business,” citing that the eyewitness who saw Magruder put his hands up previously told police she only heard the shot being fired.

“You all have the last word,” said Tulley. “I ask that you make that last word ‘not guilty.’”

In their rebuttal, the prosecution reiterated that Magruder was unarmed at the time of the shooting, Williams’ motive was out of revenge, not self-defense.

“Williams knew he had the means to put an end to [Magruder] humiliating him,” said the prosecution. “He had a gun!”

The prosecution also claimed Williams actions after the shooting were not consistent with self-defense. 

“He did not call the police, he fled the scene and got rid of the evidence,” said the prosecution. “I don’t know what Tulley calls that, but I call it hiding.” 

Prosecutors asked the jury to rule “the only verdict rendered by the evidence, which is guilty.”

The jury was sent out for deliberations by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Prior to the parties delivering their closing statements, Judge Epstein alerted the parties to a report from Pre-Trial Services that stated Williams tested positive for opioids prior to his testimony. The parties agreed to discuss the results at a later date.

There Are ‘No Witnesses to This Case,’ Defense Argues During Trial

A homicide defendant’s attorney claimed, “There are no witnesses to this case,” arguing his client is not guilty because no one saw him commit the crime.

Eric Davis, 60, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the murder of 41-year-old Theodore Riley on the 1600 block of Gales Street, SE on July 19, 2021.

According to prosecutors, video surveillance footage shows Davis and Riley walking through a residential neighborhood together before walking into an alley between two houses. The alley, which was not captured by surveillance footage, was lined with fences, gates, and walls bordering private property on either side.

A nearby camera recorded audio of a loud noise, followed by footage of Davis running out of the alley. Riley was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound at the scene.

On April 18, The prosecution called a deputy medical examiner from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) to explain Riley’s autopsy results. 

The medical examiner collected a DNA blood card and bullet fragments from the victim’s body. Photographs taken during the autopsy of the entrance and exit wounds on his head caused by a bullet were shown to the jury. 

The autopsy also identified skin abrasions on the left side of Riley’s head and face and on the left knee. The medical examiner testified it was possible these abrasions were injuries from falling to the ground.

The medical examiner determined that the manner of death was a homicide from a gunshot wound. 

According to the examiner, the cause of death was ruled not suicide due to to stippling around the entrance wound, meaning Riley was shot from an intermediate range, which was inconsistent with suicide.

The prosecution’s next witness was the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified about the two main entrance and exit points of the alley, adding that all other possible entrances lead into backyards of the residents of the area and were secured with locks.

He also said the noise heard on video surveillance footage was consistent with the sound of a gunshot. 

On cross examination, Davis’ defense attorney, Howard McEachern, pointed out that no video surveillance of the shooting itself was recovered, and that no physical altercation or aggressive behavior occurred between Riley and Davis before they entered the alley.

McEachern also argued the fences and gates lining the alley could’ve been climbed, even if they were locked.

The detective agreed, stating, “It’s not impossible.”

After the conclusion of the detective’s testimony, the prosecution rested their case.

Parties are slated to return on April 22. 

Homicide Defendant in Love Triangle Case Pleads Not Guilty, Awaits Competency Determination

A homicide defendant allegedly involved in a love triangle was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 19.

Stephon Shields, 27, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, first-degree murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 58-year-old James Samuels. The incident occurred on the 2900 block of Nelson Place, SE, on June 2, 2023. 

According to court documents, Shields allegedly confronted Samuels, his ex-girlfriend’s fiance, in his apartment where they got into a heated argument. The incident quickly escalated, and Shields reportedly shot Samuels 22 times, including once in his penis.  

During the hearing, defense attorney Sylvia Smith entered a plea of not guilty for Shields on the grounds he isn’t mentally competent to stand trial.

Shields has previously been evaluated by a doctor at the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) when he wax determined competent to withstand trial.

Opposing the finding, Smith requested time to find another expert to evaluate the defendant and is still waiting for the results. 

In the meantime, Shields remains held at DC’s St. Elizabeths Hospital for suspects with behavioral issues.  

Parties are slated to return June 21. 

Judge Delays Ruling on Shooting Defendant’s Probation Revocation

DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe requested additional time to make a ruling on a shooting defendant’s probation revocation, following his arrest in connection to another shooting. 

Jordan Therman, 25, was originally charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting at a Shell Gas Station on the 4700 block of South Capitol Street, SE. The incident occurred on May 2, 2019, and left an individual sustaining life-threatening injuries.  

On Jan. 29, 2021, Therman accepted an offer that required he plead guilty to aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. 

On April 6, 2021, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson sentenced Therman concurrently to 30 months, with six months suspended, for the assault charge, and 60 months, with 12 months suspended, for the possession charge.

On April 19, during a probation show cause hearing, the prosecution stated that Therman violated the conditions of his probation by failing to submit drug test results as well as not appearing for court-mandated substance abuse counseling. 

Additionally, the prosecution stated Therman had been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and assault with a dangerous weapon while on release, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals on Feb. 7, on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW. 

Given the seriousness of the alleged infractions the prosecution asked Judge O’Keefe to revoke Therman’s probation. 

Therman’s defense attorney, Todd Baldwin, argued that the US Supreme Court frowns upon probation revocation without a conviction for new charges. 

Since Therman is actively disputing the new cases, Baldwin asked Judge O’Keefe to reject the prosecution’s request for revocation.

Judge O’Keefe didn’t rule but set an additional hearing to review the matter. 

Parties are set to return on June 14.

Homicide Defendant Says He’s ‘Not Interested’ in Plea Deal

A homicide defendant rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein in an April 19 hearing

Randolph Thomas, 41, is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Emmanuel Durant Jr. on Dec. 31, 2009. Thomas has not yet been indicted before a grand jury. 

According to court documents, Thomas allegedly shot and killed Durant as he attempted to rob him. 

Thomas previously pled guilty to a murder that occurred 20 some hours before the shooting of Durant Jr. In that incident he fatally shot Chardale Bowe, 42, on Dec. 31, 2009, on the 4800 block of North Capitol Street, NE. 

During the hearing, the prosecution told Judge Epstein that the defense rejected an “informal offer” extended to Thomas. The offer included a guilty plea to one count of second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon.

In exchange, the prosecutors stated they would cap allocution requests at sentencing between a range of 18-to-25 years and 9 months, pursuant to D.C sentencing guidelines. 

Judge Epstein confirmed the rejection of the plea offer, asking the defendant “Not interested?” to which defense attorney Kyle McGonigal acknowledged confirmation.

Prosecution stated that the offer was officially withdrawn.

Parties will reconvene on July 17.

Document: MPD Arrests Man for Firing Handgun During Argument

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that occurred on April 18 on the 2000 block of Wahler Court, SE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect approached the victim at the location, brandished a gun, and fired at the victim. The victim did not report any injuries to MPD. The suspect was apprehended by responding officers.

Theodore Williams, 52, was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. The investigation determined the offense was the result of a disagreement between the victim and the shooter, who knew each other.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty, Asks for Speedy Trial During Arraignment

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to a five-count indictment on April 19 during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun. 

Antwain Ulmer, 19, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Charles Sullivan on July 9, 2023 on the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE. 

Ulmer was indicted on April 17 on five counts, including one count of premeditated first degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of assault with intent to kill while armed, and one count of carrying a pistol without a license. 

During the hearing Ulmer’s defense attorney, Frances D’Antuono, told the court that Ulmer pleaded not guilty to every charge and asserted his constitutional right to a speedy trial. 

Parties are expected to return to court on July 26. 

Shooting Defendant in Car Accident Melee Rejects Plea Deal

With his family present in court, a non-fatal shooting defendant rejected a plea offer in front of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on April 19.

Adrian Lee, 49, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on April 18, 2023, on the 700 block of Gresham Place, NW.

One victim was shot in the abdomen and was taken to Howard University Hospital to receive medical attention.

According to court documents, the victim told the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) a woman driving a black Chevrolet Suburban, who crashed into the victim’s Tesla at the location, called Lee to the scene. Lee and the woman fled the scene after he produced an expired insurance card. 

The victim followed Lee home, where he allegedly took out a gun and shot the victim.

Lee was offered a deal by the prosecution, which required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. As part of the plea agreement, Lee would not face more than 10 years of incarceration. 

Defense attorney Samuel Bogash rejected the plea offer on Lee’s behalf.

Parties will reconvene on May 2.

Document: MPD Searching for a Vehicle in an Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect vehicle in connection to a shooting that occurred on April 15 on the 200 block of 14th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, they located evidence of gunfire, but no injuries were reported.

The suspect’s vehicle was captured by nearby surveillance cameras.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect Vehicle in Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect’s vehicle in connection to a shooting that occurred on April 17 on the 1400 block of Canal Street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers from the DC Housing Police and MPD were in the area when they heard gunshots. They responded to the incident location, and located an adult man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect’s vehicle was captured by nearby surveillance cameras.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each violent crime in the District.