Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on May 6 on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots. There, they located a man on the sidewalk with gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification and next of kin notification.

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

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on May 5 on the 3500 block of Stanton Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the reports of sounds of gunshots. While they investigated the scene, two men suffering from gunshot wounds arrived at a hospital for treatment. Despite all life-saving efforts, one of them succumbed to his injuries. The second victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The victim has been identified as 31-year-old Anthony White.

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

Convicted Murderer Back in Court for Stabbing Incident

Thirty-one-year-old Mussay Rezene was back in court on May 7 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, charged with a fatal stabbing incident at the DC Jail.

Rezene was allegedly involved in an altercation on August 17, 2023 with fellow inmate Darrow Johnson, 30. Security footage reportedly shows Rezene acting aggressively towards the victim during the confrontation in which the victim ran and tried to defend himself.

As a result, Mussay Rezene faces two charges of premeditated first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed.

On March 22, he was convicted of fatally shooting a 17-year-old boy on September 18, 2021 and sentenced to 45 years in prison.

The stabbing victim died as a result of multiple wounds, including to his head. According to doctors at Washington Hospital Center, the victim suffered a “non-survivable brain injury.”

The incident occurred in the physical therapy room of a DC Jail’s Central Treatment Facility located near the 1900 block of E Street, SE.

Defense attorney Kevin Robertson represented his client for the first time today after Rezene dismissed his former attorney Jonathan Zucker. Robertson stated that the defendant would like Andrew Ain, who has previously served counsel to Rezene, to represent him in trial.

The prosecution opposed the defense request, stating that the defendant was bouncing between attorneys as a delaying tactic.

The next court date is May 21.

Sexual Relations with Teen from a Rival Crew May Have Triggered A Homicide

A friend of two homicide defendants testified to having an “intimate relationship” with a teen that might have led to his murder by a rival crew.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, 2020; Feb. 24, 2020 and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy of the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

On May 6, the prosecution called an old friend of Jackson and Freeman’s, who was a next door neighbor of one of the Feb. 22, 2020 victims. The incident took place on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW, leaving two victims uninjured.

When asked if she knew 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, the witness asserted she had “an intimate relationship” with him when she was 16 years old.

The witness claims Lukes aligned himself with a ‘crew’ that was a rival of the neighborhood gang to which Freeman, Jackson, and Steele allegedly belonged.

Prosecutors have previously presented testimony citing a motive for the multiple shootings as a “rap beef” stemming from different neighborhood ‘crews.’

She said the defendants and an associate, who was arrested for gun-related charges in another case, confronted her after discovering her relationship with Lukes.

The associate was “blowing up her phone” even after she had told him to leave her alone. He called the witness an “opp thot” in one of the text messages referring to someone, most likely a female, having sexual encounters with a person highly disliked by the other.

“Why was you on baby bro d**k” said the associate in a text message sent on Feb. 28, 2020, two days before Lukes’ murder.

According to the witness, “baby bro” was Lukes’ nickname and Instagram username.

“I was having sex with Malachi, and he didn’t like that” the witness stated.

The witness began her testimony affirming she was in a vehicle with “moose,” “gordo,” and two other friends that were dropping her off at home the day of the shooting.

The witness positively identified Jackson as “moose” and Steele as “gordo.”

When asked by the prosecution, the witness described the vehicle as a “boxy kia car.”

The prosecution has previously identified a 2016 Kia Soul as the suspected vehicle for most of the shootings. The vehicle has been specifically tracked to the alley of Luke’s homicide on March 1, 2020, by surveillance footage and GPS tracking.

The witness testified to seeing two individuals on her neighbor’s front porch while walking into her house, moments before hearing gunshots.

Hearing gunshots, the witness affirmed she received a FaceTime call from one of her friends who was still in the car. As her friend laughed, she explained to the witness that Jackson and Steele had gotten into an altercation with her neighbors.

The prosecutor asked the witness if her relationship with Jackson was ever more than just a friendship. “No,” the witness said as she smiled. She explained Jackson had attempted to pursue a romantic relationship with her, but she was never interested.

The witness also confirmed her friendship with Freeman back in 2020, identifying him as “ty,” after the prosecution presented a picture of the defendant.

The prosecution has previously alleged Freeman’s nickname to be “ty” or “T-y” and have linked him to a Glock 26, the same type of firearm used in the Feb. 24, 2020 shootings, from social media text threads.

The witness could not confirm “moose,” allegedly Jackson, was the one that fired the gun during the Feb. 22, 2020, shooting during cross-examination by Brian McDaniel, Jackson’s defense attorney.

Additionally, she does not recall the clothing worn by Jackson and Steele the day of the shooting.

Due to time constraints, cross-examination will continue at a later time.

Prior to the testimony, the two victims of the Feb. 22, 2020, shooting were called to the stand.

Both victims, regarded as boyfriend and girlfriend, testified to smoking “potent” marijuana on the front porch of the girlfriend’s home moments before a verbal altercation that led to gunshots.

After observing a suspicious vehicle, the boyfriend stated “they keep looking at us.” An individual inside the vehicle responded “What did you say?” as he exited the vehicle along with another male individual.

Anticipating a physical altercation, the girlfriend stated “You not about to fight.” She recalls “bullets flying” shortly after.

During the boyfriend’s testimony, his failure to remember resulted in a verbal altercation with the prosecutor.

“Swear to God you’re already pissing me off,” the witness stated early in his testimony.

“No. I ask, you answer,” the prosecutor repeatedly exclaimed as he raised his voice.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt intervened, telling the prosecutor to “dial it back.”

“[The witness] clearly doesn’t wanna be here” she stated, as she mentioned that “flaring up” wouldn’t be tolerated.

The witness told police, “it was a Kia, built like a box” in a body worn camera footage played by the prosecution. He also asserted there were four people in the vehicle.

In addition, he testified seeing a woman exit the vehicle and enter his girlfriend’s neighboring house in the video.

Parties are set to return May 7.

Witness Testifies Defendant was ‘Sweating Profusely,’ in the Moments Following a Shooting

A woman, whose house a juvenile frequented before his arrest in connection to a homicide, testified he and her grandson typically shared clothes, including the alleged shooter’s shoes. The information was presented before DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell in a hearing on May 6.

The juvenile, a 16-year-old boy, is charged with first-and-second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to kill, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Jihad Darden. The incident occurred on Dec. 18, 2023, on the 5400 block of Illinois Avenue, NW.

According to the witness, the defendant, whom she identified in court, and her grandson had been friends for a while, saying “he was young… must’ve been 13-years-old” when she met him. She added the defendant frequently spent the weekend at her house.

The witness testified that on Dec. 17, 2023, the defendant spent the night at her apartment, stating that when she arrived home from work at 11 p. m. “They [the defendant, grandson, and her nephew] were all in there sleep.”

When she woke up Monday morning, the defendant was gone, said the witness.

However, he knocked on her door “sometime before or after 12 p. m.,” she told Judge Crowell.

According to the witness, the defendant was “sweating profusely,” and was wearing an all black outfit with white and red sneakers, which belonged to her grandson.

“They always exchanged clothes,” said the witness, adding that the defendant removed the shoes and the two left the apartment a few minutes later.

Prosecutors have previously displayed surveillance footage that depicts the shooter wearing similar clothes.

They displayed surveillance footage, in which the witness identified her grandson and the defendant, leaving her apartment building. The individual, who she identified as the defendant, was wearing the shooter’s clothing, without the shoes.

In the footage, the individual identified as the defendant was seen entering a silver SUV. The witness’ grandson returned to her apartment.

The witness further testified that officers and detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) executed a search warrant in her home on Feb. 7, during which her grandson and her nephew were put in handcuffs.

“The homicide squad and them took it out of my house,” she said about the sneakers.

During cross examination, Amanda Epstein, the juvenile’s defense attorney, asked her if she would do anything to protect her grandson. “Which grandma wouldn’t?” said the witness.

She insisted MPD didn’t have a reason to handcuff her grandson and her nephew, stating “they didn’t do anything.”

Parties are slated to return May 7.

Suspect Accused of Shooting Six After Nightclub Fight

Shooting defendant Rennwel Mantock appeared in a May 7 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Mantock is charged with six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and six counts of the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to court documents, the 29-year-old defendant from Hyattsville, Maryland, was out late on April 26 at a nightclub on the 1200 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW where he allegedly assaulted six individuals – four males and two females.

Five of the victims are employees of the club. After Mantock was told to leave, he reportedly scuffled with security guards during which they punched him, dragged him down steps, and threw him to the ground.

Mantock responded by allegedly opening fire at the security guards. One other person was shot in the incident.

Mantock is believed to have tossed his gun under a car that was close to the scene. When questioned, Mantock allegedly told police where it was located.

The prosecution offered a plea deal to the defense, but the terms were not disclosed in court. The defense was granted continuance by Judge Okun in order for attorney William Patzig to go over the details of the plea with his client.

The next hearing is set for May 15.

Document: 2024 MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting of a 3-Year-Old in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of a toddler that occurred on May 3 on the 2300 block of Hartford Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots. A short time later, a three-year-old female was located at a nearby fire station on the 2400 block of Irving Street, SE, suffering from a gunshot wound. She was rendered aid until she was airlifted by Park Police to a hospital. Despite all life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead.

The victim was identified as three-year-old Ty’ah Settles.

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

Document: Updated with Additional Photos MPD Searching for Suspect in a Firearm Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect involved in the discharge of a firearm that occurred on May 2 on the 900 block of F Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect discharged a gun before fleeing the scene. There were no reports of injuries or damage to property.

The suspect was captured by surveillance cameras.

Anyone with information should reach out to MPD.

Document: MPD Makes Two Arrests in Shooting that Injured Dunbar Student

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of two individuals in connection to a shooting that occurred on May 3 at Dunbar High School, on the 100 block of N Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. There, they located a juvenile female victim suffering from a graze wound. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

As a result of the investigation, 18-year-old Zaharia Graves and a 17-year-old juvenile male were arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license, and endangerment with a firearm.

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with knowledge should call police.

Document: MPD Arrests Woman for Fatal Shooting Inside Navy Yard Residential Building

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a suspect in a homicide that occurred on March 31 on the 1100 block of 2nd Place, SE.

According to MPD documents, the incident occurred inside a residential building in the Navy Yard neighborhood. They responded to the sounds of gunshots, where they located 44-year-old Michael James Quander Jr suffering from gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.

On May 3, 31-year-old Prashawn Brady was arrested pursuant to an arrest warrant. She is charged with second-degree murder while armed.

The investigation revealed the incident is domestic in nature.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 16 Years in Prison for Killing, Evidence Tampering

A defendant will serve 16 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence for his involvement in a 2017 homicide.

John Jabar McRae, 40, was accused of killing Marty McMillan, 22, after he found McMillan in his home with his significant other.

McMillan and one of the women McRae was in a relationship with, were having sex at his apartment on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. According to court documents, McRae walked in the apartment almost directly after the two finished having sex and shot McMillan seven times, after which he left the property.

When he returned, McMillan’s body had been moved to a bedroom closet by McRae’s girlfriend, Shaniah Davis, who was also charged in the murder. McRae then wrapped up McMillan’s body, and dumped it on the Suitland Parkway, documents state. The body was found almost ten months later when a land surveyor discovered McMillan’s body by accident.

During the May 3 hearing, McMillan’s family provided victim impact statements to the court.

“The pain I endure is so immense,” McMillan’s mother said. “Marty was exceptionally bright… despite challenges, my son persevered.” She then went on to explain the search efforts that she and the family undertook, noting that at one point, she had even knocked on McRae’s door to ask for information about her son.

“You snatched my son away from me,” she said as she looked him in the eye. “No part of me will ever forgive you.”

McMillan’s grandmother described how she turned her life around when her grandson had been born. “I’m a recovering addict, clean for 31 years… he gave me purpose,” she said. “When life got hard, I thought about that little baby.” She concluded her statement by telling McRae that she hoped he’d find God, and ask him for forgiveness.

McmIllan’s father kept his statement brief, simply requesting that justice truly be served for his son. “I don’t agree with this plea deal,” he said. “I want him to get the maximum.”

McMillan’s younger sister said she wanted McRae and his girlfriend “to feel the way we feel.”

Multiple cousins of McMillan joined on Webex to provide additional victim impact statements, after which counsel began discussing the sentencing.

“Marty’s case remained a missing person’s case for six months,” a prosecutor said. “At that point, he was just bones.”

Wole Faldoun, one of McRae’s defense attorneys, requesedt leniency on behalf of his client. “Nothing I say today will make this better,” he explained. “On behalf of Mr. McRae, I would like to extend my deepest apologies.”

Faldoun explained that while the family shouldn’t forgive his client immediately, he “hoped that with the passage of time, you can learn to do so.”

He concluded by explaining that McRae was truly sorry for what happened, and that his client had also struggled with substance abuse issues.

“I know there’s nothing I can say to change your hearts, but I am deeply sorry for the way things turned out,” McRae said.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced McRae to 16 years for voluntary manslaughter while armed, and two years for tampering with evidence, which will be served concurrently. He will also get credit for time served since his arrest in 2018.

Upon release, he will serve five years of supervised release, will be required to register as a gun offender in DC, engage in an intervention plan, and will pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF).

McRae has also requested to serve his sentence in a location other than the DC Jail, which is being evaluated by the Bureau of Prisons (BoP).

Davis, 23, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to obstruct justice and attempted tampering with evidence on March 9, 2022. She is set to be sentenced on May 24, 2024.

Defendant Sentenced to Ten Years for Botched Robbery, Homicide

A judge sentenced a homicide defendant to ten years of incarceration after hearing victim impact statements from the victim’s family and friends.

Deon Walters, 20, was sentenced after taking a plea agreement in which he pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter for his involvement in an October 1, 2020 shooting that left Arthur Daniels IV, 42, dead. The incident occurred on the 6000 block of 8th Street, NW.

Walters was originally charged with one count of first degree murder while armed before accepting a plea offer in February.

According to prosecutors, Walters and a co-defendant had contacted Daniels to purchase firearms, but instead set him up to rob him. “He had four-and-a-half hours to think about it,” counsel said.

“He looked up to the victim like a father,” said the prosecutor during the sentencing on May 3.

The prosecutor then showed surveillance video and audio of Daniels begging Walters not to shoot him. The video concluded with a shot being fired, and Daniels moaning in pain while Walters and his co-defendant ran away.

Prosecutors also shared screenshots of Walters’ Instagram messages and posts, in which the defendant was inquiring about buying a gun, and was seen multiple times showing off a handgun on the day of the shooting.

During the May 3 sentencing, several members of Daniels’ family spoke of their loss and the impact of losing their loved one to violence. His mother explained that she was told she “wasn’t supposed to be able to have children.”

“He was a miracle child,” she said. “Mr. Walters and others were involved in murdering and taking him away from me and my husband, his sister, and his children.”

Daniels’ mother concluded her impact statement by explaining that Walters’ maximum sentence of 11 years was “nowhere near enough.” “You took a father from his family, a son from his mother. There’s no time to heal all, it doesn’t,” Daniels’ eldest daughter said.

Daniels’ youngest daughter explained that while her father was not perfect, “he was repairing what he couldn’t give me when I was younger, and you took that from me. I hope you rot,” she said, “and that nothing good comes to you.”

Daniels’ uncle concluded the victim’s impact statements by looking Walters in the eye, and explaining that it was crazy to him that his family was in this situation.

“You see it in the news all the time, people getting killed, and you think, what’s going on?” he said. “You steal from and kill him because you won’t be disrespected? That’s weak.”

Daniels’ sister and two cousins also shared statements.

In Walters’ defense, Sylvia Smith, one of the defendant’s attorneys, explained that Walters was only 17 at the time of the shooting, and that he was working to change his ways.

“He has worked very hard to turn his life around,” she said. “While in jail, he has earned his diploma.”

She also argued Walters did not pull the trigger and said there were others involved. She reminded the court that in the video shown by prosecutors, Walters could be heard clearly trying to deescalate the situation.

She also argued that her client was on electronic GPS monitoring for a separate matter at the time of the shooting, and that it could’ve been prevented had law enforcement done their job better.

When asked if he had anything to say before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan handed down his sentence, Walters apologized, explaining that by accepting the plea agreement, he was taking responsibility for his actions.

“I can’t imagine the strength it takes to speak after such a loss,” Judge Raffinan said. “Nothing I can say or do, no sentence I can impose that can bring back your father, your son, and your brother.”

Along with the 10-year sentence, Judge Raffinan also sentenced Walters to one-and-a-half years of probation, and five years of supervised release.

He will also receive credit for time served and be required to register as a gun offender upon release, pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF), and follow an intervention plan to prevent similar behavior in the future.

Smith also requested that her client be evaluated for Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) sentencing. However, Judge Raffinan denied the request, stating that Walters must successfully complete his probation and supervised release.

Additionally, Smith requested that DNA testing not be part of her client’s intervention plan, stating that it was a “brazen violation of his civil and constitutional rights.”

Attorney Requests Severance for Client in Homicide Trial

Three co-defendants appeared for a status hearing before in a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Ronald Henderson, 18, Daveon Robinson, 17, and Derricko Johnson, 19, are charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Justin Johnson, 16. This incident occurred on May 21, 2022, on the 2200 black of Savannah Terrace, SE.

During a May 3 hearing, Elizabeth Weller, the defense attorney for Robinson, asked to sever her client’s case from his co-defendants.

Prosecutors responded by saying they need more “time to investigate new charges,” and that they may find more defendants in the case.

Judge Raffinan agreed to let prosecutors investigate and return with a response at a future hearing.

On May 26, 2022, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a shooting report on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE. Upon arrival, MPD officers located the juvenile victim. He was unconscious, unresponsive, and suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Parties are set to return for a status hearing on Aug. 23.

Jury Convicts Homicide Defendant

A homicide defendant was convicted of all charges on May 6 following a two-week long trial in DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe’s courtroom.

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

Throughout the trial, prosecutors provided evidence to the jury that depicted an individual, identified as Davis, interacting with Riley before the shooting, including a video that depicted them walking into the alley where Riley was ultimately killed.

Although no one ever identified Davis by name as the shooter, the prosecution argued that Davis is seen in surveillance footage lowering a ski mask before entering the alleyway with Riley. They claimed no one else was in the alleyway at the time of the shooting, and asserted Davis’ fleeing the scene proved his consciousness of guilt.

In their closings, the prosecution stated, “the evidence is clear that there is one person who endeavored to cover his tracks… one person who is seen exiting the alleyway… one person who is guilty for killing Riley and that is the defendant.”

However, Howard McEachern, Davis’ defense attorney, raised concerns stating “reasonable doubt is ringing all over the place,” arguing Riley could have been shot in the alleyway by another individual who jumped over the fence behind the alley.

He claimed the prosecution had offered “wild and crazy speculation” regarding the incident, and insisted Davis is not guilty.

Despite McEachern’s efforts, the jury found that the evidence clearly proved Davis was responsible for the crime, and convicted him on all charges.

Parties are slated to return for a sentencing Aug. 2.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea in Thrown Food Order Melee

Eric Davis, a 35-year-old resident of Lanham, Maryland, accepted a pre-indictment plea offer for a shooting in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on May 6.

Davis pled guilty to aggravated assault while armed, on condition that the government not indict him for the greater charge of assault with intent to kill while armed. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and or a $75,000 fine, with a minimum penalty of 5 years in prison.

According to court documents, on May 30, 2023, Davis shot an employee multiple times at a carryout restaurant in the 1400 block of H Street, NE.

The altercation started after Davis attempted to help his friend who was having difficulty making a food purchase. As the transaction progressed, the victim threw the food order at Davis, and he then threw it back. Surveillance video captures the moment Davis then pulled out a gun and shot the worker.

The prosecutor stated that the victim, who has undergone multiple surgeries and still requires more, is left with one eye and must wear a colostomy bag. The victim will give his impact statement in Spanish at the sentencing.

At the hearing, Judge Raffinan informed Davis that he was surrendering his right to trial in accepting the plea deal. Davis, assisted by his attorney, Michael Bruckheim, said he understood the agreement and accepted the terms.

Davis’ sentencing will be held on July 26.