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Carjacking Defendant Pleads Guilty

An armed carjacking defendant pleaded guilty in front of DC Superior Judge Robert Salerno on June 28.

Tykel Wilson, 22, pleaded guilty to carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for the crime that occurred on April 29, 2023 on the 900 block of Allison Street, NW.

According to the plea agreement, carjacking carries a minimum incarnation term of seven years and a maximum of 21 years while the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charge is a minimum of five years with a maximum of 15 years.

Multiple documents were filed in open court, including the information, waiver of indictment, plea offer, factual proffer, waiver of DNA testing, and the waiver of trial. 

The court accepted the guilty plea and ordered a pre-sentencing report under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA).

Parties are set to convene on Sept. 27 Wilson’s for a full report and sentencing. 

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Carjacking and Domestic Violence Cases

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ruled that probable cause was sufficient in both a carjacking case and domestic violence case and ordered the defendant to remain in detention during a hearing on June 27. 

Carlos Shelley, 29, is charged with unarmed carjacking and unlawful possession of a firearm with a previous felony conviction due to his alleged involvement in a carjacking on Dec. 18, 2023, on the 5000 block of Connecticut Avenue NW. 

Shelley is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence due to his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 9, 2023, on the 1800 block of Irving Street, NE. 

According to court documents detailing the carjacking, Shelley forced the victim to surrender his car keys to Shelley and an accomplice. When Shelley was later tracked down and arrested, the police allegedly found he had a gun.

During the hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer said the victim allegedly gave a description of the defendant.  

Arguing against probable cause during cross examination, Christen Phillips, Shelley’s defense attorney, attempted to refute what she termed circumstantial evidence by arguing the only evidence implicating Shelley in the crime is the testimony of the witness who claims to have heard his voice at the scene.

For the domestic violence case, the lead detective confirmed that shell casings were found near the incident and none of the victims was physically harmed. The detective attested that a search of the defendant’s sister’s apartment revealed rifle accessories that matched the weapon alleged to have been used during the incident. 

 No footage, DNA evidence, or GPS tracking confirmed that the defendant was presented at the scene. 

In response to defense’s request for release, Judge Raymond said, “The level of danger is phenomenal,” as she rejected the request. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 24. 

Judge Sets Seven Year Sentence to Defendant Who Admitted His, ‘Foolish Mistake’ 

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ordered a defendant, who admitted in court he made “a foolish mistake,” to serve a seven-year sentence in a June 28 hearing.

Ivan Dixon, 19, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license on March 6.

He was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for assaulting a female victim while attempting to kill another individual near the 5300 block of East Capitol Street, SE on Sept. 22, 2023. Dixon was also charged with carrying a pistol without a license and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for an offense on Oct. 2, 2023 near the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE. 

“My life was almost taken from me,” stated the victim during her impact statement.

The victim said she has frequent breakdowns and is sensitive to loud noises. She also expressed her anxiety about the upcoming July 4 holiday, which used to be a time of celebration for her and her family enjoying the fireworks, but asserted “Now it is a tragedy for me. It brings back all the memories of getting shot.”

According to court documents, the defendant was riding in a white Ford Transit van with several other individuals. The van circled a supermarket two times before stopping in its parking lot.

As the victim was opening the door to the supermarket, the intended target of the shooting exited the supermarket. When that individual walked outside, the defendant left the van and opened fire from a .40-caliber pistol, discharging 16 rounds and striking the victim five times. The intended target was not hit.

“It’s senseless what our people are doing,” said the victim. She questioned the actions of the defendant and the other individuals present in the van, adding, “How much does it take?” in order to prevent Dixon, and other young men, from committing dangerous offenses. 

Following the victim’s statement, the prosecution restated the suffering that Dixon has caused the victim and requested Judge Okun detain him for the full sentence of seven years. 

The prosecution also voiced opposition to sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which effectively seals a defendant’s conviction from public view upon successful completion of the imposed sentence.

Contrary to the prosecution’s stance, defense attorney Jonathan Lanyi, argued for his client to be sentenced under moderated law.

Lanyi first acknowledged Dixon’s difficult upbringing. He never had a father-figure in his life, his mother was frequently detained, and he, essentially, had to raise himself while many family members were incarcerated, including his brothers.

The defense attorney stated that Dixon has never been able to discuss his background, but explained how the DC Jail’s education programs with Georgetown and Howard Universities have encouraged and changed him in a positive way.

“I can’t speak of any other client who has taken advantage of programs,” asserted Lanyi, stating Dixon has been “very thankful” for the “healing” opportunity and receiving “at least some assistance.”

“He’s in search of a mentor. Somebody who can give him a hand,” said Lanyi.

Lanyi also stated that his client has reflected on his actions and has “been able to forgive himself.” 

After Lanyi spoke, Dixon expressed his remorse for the offense and addressed the pain he caused the victim.

Judge Okun expressed his sympathy to the victim in the courtroom before granting the defense’s request to sentence Dixon under the YRA.

Although Judge Okun acknowledged the seriousness of the crime, he stated that the other factors he must consider for a YRA sentencing outweighed the nature of the offense.

Judge Okun emphasized the deadly damage that Dixon nearly caused to the victim, stating both he and the victim were “lucky” in that regard.

“You’ve been given a relatively generous plea offer,” Judge Okun told the defendant.

Dixon must also serve five years of supervised release.

“For your sake and for the community’s sake, I wish you luck,” said Judge Okun to Dixon.

November Jury Trial Scheduled for Stabbing Defendant

After a stabbing defendant rejected a plea agreement on June 28, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno set dates for a trial readiness hearing and a jury trial.

Lakesha Taylor, 50, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in what is considered a domestic violence incident that occurred on March 2 on the 1000 block of H Street, NE.  

According to the offer, if Taylor pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in this case, the charge of destruction of property of less than $1,000 from a misdemeanor case in 2023 case would be dropped. 

Taylor rejected the plea offer and decided to go to trial. 

Following the felony status conference, it was determined that Taylor would be released on personal recognizance under pretrial supervision.

The judge acknowledged the defendant’s positive drug test but considered Taylor’s continued compliance and support structure in his decision. Taylor was also scheduled to undergo another assessment through DC Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) following the hearing.

According to court documents, Taylor allegedly stabbed a clerk at T-Mobile after an employee told her she would need to wait in line for her turn. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 25 for a trial readiness hearing and on Nov. 6 for a jury trial. 

Document: MPD Arrests Northeast Stabbing Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 44-year-old Ray Charles Stover, who was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on June 5. The incident occurred on the 1100 block of 45th Street, NE.

Judge Gives Shooter Time to Consider Plea Offer Pending Surveillance Video

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow granted a defense attorney’s request for his client to have more time to consider a plea offer.

Darius Thomas, 27, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place on March 25 on the 3700 block of 10th Street, NW.

At the June 28 hearing, defense attorney John Machado, asked Judge Pasichow to set a deadline for Raymond Elementary School, located on the 900 block of Spring Road, NW, near the shooting, to respond to a subpoena. The school captured the incident on surveillance footage.

The school that has not responded to a subpoena, which Judge Pasichow agreed to address at the next hearing. 

Machado also requested a return date for which the court must take action if the school hasn’t responded to the subpoena.

According to arrest documents, a witness at the scene of the incident informed Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responding to a report of gunfire that the alleged shooter had entered a white Acura SUV with two unidentified individuals. Police stopped the vehicle and found Thomas carrying a handgun in his jacket pocket.

Court documents state that the scene of the incident was near a recreational facility containing school-age children.

Parties are slated to return on Aug. 2.

Document: Arrest Made in Fatal Stabbing in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announces the arrest of 37-year-old David Tyrone Key, who was charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 33-year-old Devon Greenfield on April 1. The incident occurred on the 300 block of 61st Street, NE.

Judge Park Sentences Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant to Three-Plus Years

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant  to three-and-a-half years in prison and three years of supervised release on June 28.

Brandon Yates, 31, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license on May 2. In exchange, the prosecution agreed not to pursue any other charges based on the facts of this case.

He was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on March 12 on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE. 

“A shooting during the day in a residential building does harm beyond the harm done to the specific victim,” the prosecutor argued. He asked Judge Park to give Yates a sentence of five years in prison, the maximum indicated by sentencing guidelines.

Court documents state that shell casings and a bullet fragment from the shooting were found inside the front door of an apartment building. An apartment, containing a woman and her children, had a bullet hole in the wall. No one in the apartment was injured.

While Yates claimed that he fired his gun because of previous traumatic experiences that made him feel unsafe, the prosecutor pointed out, Yates himself caused similar experiences for the residents of the apartment building.

“It wasn’t his intent to ever have the gun go off,” said Yates’ defense attorney, Kevin Irving. “As a father himself, he knows that could happen to his own child, and that makes him very distraught.”

Irving requested a suspended sentence for Yates, arguing that Yates was the one who suffered the most from the shooting. 

Court documents report that, when police located Yates later in the day, he had recently suffered a gunshot wound to the groin. Yates told police there was another shooter, but the lack of another blood trail from the scene indicated that no one besides Yates had been hit.

Before the sentencing, Yates expressed his remorse for his actions.

Judge Park commented that the prosecution and defense were requesting vastly different sentences, and that there were strong reasons for both requests.

He said Yates had virtually no criminal history prior to the shooting.

“I accept the defense’s argument that trauma was involved,” Judge Park said. “It doesn’t just happen that a 31-year-old man suddenly acts like this.”

Judge Park also said Yates’ conduct in the incident was “as dangerous as possible.” According to Judge Park, video evidence and testimony depicted Yates, with his gun raised, pursuing a man who had his back to Yates.

No further dates were set in this case.

Witnesses Testify to Social Media and Text Messages Between Co-Defendants in 10-Year-Old’s Homicide

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom heard several witnesses testify about messages among homicide co-defendants during a trial regarding a mass shooting that killed a little girl.

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

Price is also charged with another murder. Charges for the other incident include first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, threat to injure or kidnap a person, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and first-degree burglary while armed. These charges are connected to the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE. 

The third co-defendant, Quanisha Ramsuer, 31, is charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide.

Six other defendants were convicted in 2023 of charges from the Maliyah Wilson incident, including:

On June 27, trial resumed with the prosecution calling eight witnesses to continue testifying about text messages found between the alleged co-conspirators regarding weapons and online “beef.”

Multiple Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers testified to different cell phone information extractions that had been performed, such as contacts, by number and email; photos; messages; chats; and deleted content were recovered.  

The prosecution also used digital information to begin slowly connecting Murchison and Price to the communications among the Wellington Park Crew. Prosecutors cited photographs where weapons were being held by the Wellington Park Crew members and text chains where convicted members discussed Instagram beefs.  

Prosecutors also brought forth a special police officer from George Washington Hospital who testified to aiding individuals who were injured in a shooting that occurred on March 15, 2018. The witness was unable to identify the three individuals, but noted that only one of them had been shot -– in the leg – while the other two appeared uninjured.

Another MPD officer testified about a shooting that occurred on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE in October 2018. She testified to finding Michaels with gunshot wounds to his neck, back and leg, along with finding two other victims who had sustained injuries. The officer stated that she was unable to conduct official interviews because all three victims did not wish to speak with the police. 

Trial is scheduled to resume on July 1, 2024. 

Assault Defendant Faces More Serious Charge

On June 28, prosecutors amended charges against an assault defendant, elevating his case to a more serious felony.

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond informed Marcus Martin, 27,  that his charge of assault with intent to kill was increased to assault with intent to kill while armed.

Martin was initially arrested and charged with assault with intent while armed for a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 11 on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, officers responded to the sounds of gunshots. When they arrived, they found evidence of a shooting, but did not find any victims. Later, a victim was located at a local hospital seeking treatment for critical gunshot injuries. Court is set to reconvene on July 19, before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Judge Addresses Conflict of Interest and Evidence Suppression in Armed Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz on June 27 addressed an attorney’s possible conflict of interest and motions to suppress evidence for an armed carjacking defendant’s trial that is expected to start next week. 

James Borum, 21, is charged with three counts of armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and receiving stolen property worth $1,000 or more, for his alleged involvement in three incidents that occurred on Jan. 11, 2021 on the 1500 block of 30th Street, NW, and Jan. 12, 2021 on the 4700 block and 4300 block of Alston Place, NW.

During the hearing, Judge Leibovitz questioned Borum’s defense attorney, Quiana Harris, about a possible conflict of interest on her part. 

Harris is employed by the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS). Before Borum had Harris as his defense attorney, he had another attorney from PDS. Judge Leibovitz said this possibly means Harris might be working to serve the interests of PDS, which could prevent Borum from getting a fair trial. 

She explained Harris might try to cover up her colleague’s “mistakes.” 

Harris said Borum could sign a waiver of ineffective assistance of counsel meaning he would recognize Harris as not working on behalf of the PDS. By signing the waiver, Harris could not appeal on the basis of not receiving a fair trial.

Judge Leibovitz brought in attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein as independent counsel to review why Borum’s attorney has a potential conflict of interest with the PDS’ goals and what signing the waiver of ineffectiveness meant. 

However, Borum signed the waiver of effectiveness after their discussion. 

During the second half of the hearing, Harris filed a motion to suppress evidence regarding statements Borum made at the scene and while in the hospital. 

Meanwhile, the prosecution brought in two Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers to testify about their response to the incident. The officers mainly used their body cameras, which included Forum’s statements about the location of his personal phone and comments about possible suspects.  

According to court documents, on the night of the incident, Borum allegedly stole two cars with two other suspects. The first was a black Audi on the 1500 block of 30th Street, NW and a blue Toyota on the 4700 block of Alton Place, NW. Borum also allegedly stole phones, bank cards and other valuable items from the victims.

The suspects allegedly drove the Audi into Maryland and crashed the car, causing it to turn upside down.

Borum was allegedly observed fleeing the scene on foot and apprehended by police. He was taken back to a hospital in DC.

There, according to witness testimony, medical staff found one of the victim’s phones, debit and credit cards and other valuable items in Borum’s pants pockets which were later turned into MPD.

Harris is asking to suppress statements Borum made regarding the location of his personal phone as well as other possible suspects. 

As later discovered by staff at the hospital, the phone found on Borum was allegedly owned by the carjacking victim. 

Harris said the statements should be suppressed because the MPD and medical staff questioned Borum in custody or while under arrest without giving him a Miranda warning, advising that any of his statement’s could later he held against him. 

The prosecution said the MPD officers were acting within their rights as Borum asked about his phone without being prompted and only asked him about a juvenile suspect because they were trapped in a car.

Judge Leibovitz ruled statements about the phone could not be suppressed because Borum openly asked about the location of his phone without being prompted by MPD. 

As to MPD’s questioning him about the location of another suspect, which is defined as criminalizing, without giving him his Miranda warnings, the statement was suppressed.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 28 to discuss the prosecution’s plea offer and expect to begin jury selection on July 1.

Robbery Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to All Charges

A defendant in a robbery case pleaded not guilty to all 24 charges before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.  

Jalique Wiseman, 19, is charged with multiple counts of robbery, robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, and credit card fraud for his alleged involvement in 18 separate incidents that occurred between Oct 2, 2023 and Nov 28, 2023. The robberies occurred near Girard Street and Franklin Streets, NE, most happening on or near the Metropolitan Branch Trial in the 5th District.

According to court documents, Wiseman along with another accomplice allegedly stole a variety of items, mostly phones and some wallets. Wiseman would reportedly demanded the victim’s phone passcode and use associated Venmo accounts to send money to various accounts, including “MALIQUE-WISEMAN-,1,” according to court documents. Other forms of transferring money were also used in the crimes. 

During one of the robberies, the victim told detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that he heard two shots while running away from the robbers after he was robbed near the 600 block of Girard Street, NE.

On June 27, Wiseman was indicted on 24 charges and pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecution indicated that there is additional evidence that would be shared with the defense.

Parties are slated to return Aug 13.