Judge Grants Additional Time for Competency Evals for Juveniles Charged as Adults

Doctors from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) requested additional time to further evaluate two juveniles charged as adults in a homicide case.

Marlan Smith and Anthony Monroe, both 17, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Antonio Cunningham on Sept. 11, 2023, on the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE.

According to court documents, the incident stemmed from a failed robbery attempt and injured a bystander that tried to intervene.

On May 3, parties reviewed the report created by DBH which stated they were unable to form an opinion on the defendants’ competency.

However, Stephen LoGerfo, Monroe’s attorney, alerted the court that he is currently in competency restoration classes through the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), due to a prior incompetent finding in a pending juvenile case.

“If he’s incompetent somewhere, he’s incompetent everywhere,” said LoGerfo.

Parties agreed to give the DBH additional time to further evaluate them.

“Keep your head up baby,” said Smith’s family member, as he was escorted out of the courtroom.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 26 in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom.

Prosecutors Call 98th Witness in Murder and Conspiracy Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt remarked on the 98th witness called by the prosecution in the case of three co-defendants accused of conspiracy and murder.

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

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has alleged that Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson are connected to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, Feb. 24, and a third shooting on March 1, 2020.

On May 2, the prosecution called multiple Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers to testify in regards to the non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 22, 2020, on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW.

The officers testified to recovering multiple shell casings at the scene, which a firearms analyst previously testified were a likely match for the firearms used in Lukes’ the shooting. Two officers also testified to disseminating a “be on the lookout” (BOLO) broadcast for a suspected vehicle involved in the shooting, which they claimed to be a white Mazda SUV.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt noted when the prosecution called another witness, that it was the 98th they prosecution have called in this case. The prosecution speculated that they might rest their case next week.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 6.

Judge Sentences Shooter to Seven Years in What Came Within a ‘Hair’s Breadth’ of a Killing

Arnold Lawrance, 33, was sentenced to seven years in prison by DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan for a shooting the judge said came within a “hair’s breadth” of a homicide.

Lawrence was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to court documents officers of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a reported shooting on Nov. 25, 2023. When police arrived at the crime scene near the intersection of 14th and V Streets, NW, they found a victim shot in the neck.

Prior to the attack, as the victim was entering his apartment, he was confronted by Lawrence wearing all black clothing in what was an attempted burglary that turned into a shooting. The victim later identified Lawrence as the perpetrator.

In the May 3 hearing, Judge Ryan said, “When things didn’t go your way, you shot this guy.”

Lawrance had originally accepted a guilty plea last year but then changed his mind about agreeing to the charges. However, he told Judge Ryan now accepts the prosecution’s proffer of the facts as the truth.

Given the seriousness of the crime, the prosecutor asked for a sentence of eight years for what “very well could have been a homicide.” He noted that the bullet passed through the victim’s neck “miraculously” without killing him.

During the proceeding, Lawrence apologized to the victim, “I wish this never happened. I’m sorry for actions that I can’t change and want to move forward,”

Defense attorney, Wole Folondun, explained that the defendant had a challenged upbringing and “that unfortunately, Mr. Lawrence fell through the cracks.”

“The best we can do is throw ourselves on the mercy of the court,” said Folondun.

In passing a sentence of seven years “straight time” Judge Ryan noted that Lawrence had four previous offenses including a burglary in Prince George’s County, MD in 2011. The defendant is also required to be on three years of supervised release and register as a gun offender. Lawrance must also pay $100 to the victim’s crime fund.

Judge Ryan admonished Lawrence to take notice of inmates who turned into old men in the DC Jail. “It’s too late for them,” he said. “You’ve got to take charge of your life.”

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect Discharging a Firearm in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance to identify and locate a suspect in connection to the discharge of a firearm that occurred on May 1 on the 3700 block of 4th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of shots fired. When they arrived, they located evidence of a shooting but no victims.

The suspect and suspect vehicle were captured by surveillance footage. The vehicle is described as a as a Lincoln sedan with MD tags 4DN6297.

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.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal North Capitol Street Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred April 30 on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 19-year-old Daquan Garner.

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.

Suspect in Fatal Shooting Rejects Plea Deal

A homicide defendant rejected a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun in a May 2 hearing.

Pedro Funes, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Arnold Humberto Solis on the 2200 block of Champlain Street, NW, on July 26, 2023.

According to court documents, the pair had gotten into an argument outside a liquor store in close proximity to the crime scene. Upon exiting the store, Funes allegedly told Solis, “The next time you say that s**t, I’m going to make sure you leak out your f****g brain.”

The exchange was apparently recorded on video surveillance cameras an hour before Funes is allegedly seen walking with Solis towards the location of the shooting.

The prosecution informed the court that they extended an offer that required Funes to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

The prosecution indicated that based on their communication with defense attorney Dana Page, Funes rejected the plea, which he confirmed in court.

Parties will reconvene June 7.

Medical Examiner, DNA and Digital Analysts Testify in Homicide Trial

“The patient bled extensively from his chest and liver… that’s how he died,” said a DC Medical Examiner during testimony in a 2022 homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Marcus Walker, 23, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon against a minor, second-degree cruelty to children, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for his alleged role in the killing of 28-year-old Erik King, on Oct. 11, 2022. The shooting occurred on the 800th Block of 21st Street, NE.

According to witnesses, Walker got into a dispute with King prior to shooting him in his chest and groin. King was pronounced dead at the scene by DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS). It’s also believed that a child was in the room when the shooting occurred.

On May 1, prosecutors called a representative from the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), who performed King’s autopsy, and authored the report.

The witness explained he observed two gunshot wounds, one under King’s left armpit, and another in his groin area. Prosecutors then showed King’s autopsy photos to the court.

The images included different angles of King’s face, the two entry wounds, the organs that had been pierced by the bullet, the stippling pattern around the entrance wounds, and the bullets recovered from King’s body.

When asked to explain the meaning of “stippling,” the examiner explained that stippling results from fragments of gunpowder from a firearm at close range, which could embed around the wound, causing the body to react.

The prosecutor then explained there is a difference between the cause of death and the manner of death, and asked the witness to differentiate. “What was the cause of death?” he asked. “Two gunshot wounds, one to the armpit, and one to the groin,” said the witness.

He explained without hesitation in this case, the manner was homicide.

The defense asked the witness to confirm whether every bullet fragment recovered during the autopsy was from this incident, to which the doctor replied that no, one of the fragments recovered was found elsewhere on King’s body.

According to the witness, King was previously shot but the date is unknown.

Their next prosecution witness was a DNA analyst from Signature Science, the company tasked with testing selected items for this case. which included a large-capacity ammunition magazine, one round of live ammunition, and a spent shell casing, but only the magazine and spent shell casing produced adequate results.

According to the expert, the DNA recovered from both pieces of evidence was extraordinarily likely to belong to Walker and an unknown individual.

During cross-examination, Walker’s defense attorney, Rachel McCoy, questioned the expert, suggesting it’s possible her client’s DNA had been indirectly transferred onto the items.

“It is possible, yes,” the expert said.

Prosecutors then called an investigator from the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO), to detail text messages recovered from the defendant’s phone, as well as phone subscriber information.

The witness explained that Walker was using TextNow, a texting app which allows users to call and text for free, and create an additional phone number without having to pay.

Prosecutors then asked him to explain the different accounts and usernames it alleged were associated with the defendant. They included the TextNow account, a Google account, and a T-Mobile account, which bore different forms of the defendant’s legal name, and a phone number that Uber alleged to be registered in his name.

Jesse Winograd, Walker’s second attorney, asked the witness if, despite the multiple accounts bearing his client’s legal name and phone number, it was possible that somebody else was holding the cell phone when the text messages submitted to evidence were sent.

The witness explained that the evidence could only show who the account, email address, and phone number were registered to, and couldn’t show who specifically pushed “send.”

With that the prosecution rested their case.

Walker’s attorneys entered a motion for a judgment of acquittal, explaining that the evidence prosecutors presented was insufficient for a conviction.

They also submitted a motion to dismiss the defendant’s charge of possessing a large capacity magazine, claiming there was no testimony backed that up.

They further explained that since the magazine was found in a common area of the home where Walker was staying, it could belong to anyone there.

Prosecutors explained that Walker’s ex-girlfriend, who testified in court on April 30, corroborated the presence of the high-capacity magazine, along with multiple forms of identification belonging to him in the house.

Walker’s attorneys rested on all other charges.

Judge Okun sided with prosecutors, believing there’s enough evidence to show that the high-capacity magazine belonged to Walker.

Both defense motions were denied.

Parties are set to reconvene on May 2 to continue the trial.

‘Vile, Angry Man with an Ego,’ Sentenced to 85 Years, Co-Defendant Sentenced to 53 Years

Prosecutors deemed a homicide defendant a “vile, angry man with an ego,” as they requested DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentence him to 90 years of incarceration, and his co-defendant to 60 years.

Vorreze Thomas, 26, and his uncle, Delonta Stevenson, 29, were charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Terrance Allen. The incident occurred on Jan. 18, 2021, on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE, and left two other individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.

Thomas was also charged with carrying a rifle outside a home or business, while Stevenson was additionally charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict during offenses committed during release.

On May 2, Allen’s mother told Judge Demeo that he was a “family man,” who left three children behind. She added that the youngest, who had not been born at the time of his death, will only get to know him through pictures and stories.

“This Black on Black crime must stop,” said Allen’s mother, stating that Thomas and Stevenson had made the choice to pick up guns and unleash a barren of shots against her son and the two surviving victims.

“Be a productive member of society instead of a criminal,” she advised the defendants, adding “better your lives.”

“They [the defendants] are the problem in the community,” said a prosecutor, adding, “they bring violence and chaos,” to the Stanton Glenn Apartment complex, where the incident occurred.

According to the prosecution, the area “sounded like a war zone,” with 34 shots fired on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2021, when Allen was killed.

The prosecution claimed the defendants “inflicted trauma to the community,” causing ripples that continue to affect multiple people.

“Those two men,” said the prosecutor pointing at the defense table, “are responsible for that.”

“He [Stevenson] has done nothing to warrant any mercy from this court,” said the prosecution, as they requested Judge Demeo sentence him to 90 years of incarceration, citing his previous criminal history, which included an armed robbery and a domestic violence incident.

As for Thomas, the prosecution requested 60 years, stating that, although he wasn’t the shooter, he provided the rifle and vehicle used in the incident. They added that he evaded police and led them in a lengthy chase, as he drove the suspect vehicle.

“There is too much violence in this city,” said the prosecution, adding “this court must send a message” to the community.

Elizabeth Weller, Stevenson’s defense attorney responded stating that he is a victim of rippling trauma, and it has played a significant role in his decision making.

“His experience at the jail has been difficult,” Weller stated, elaborating that he continues to deal with “lingering medical effects of being shot,” in 2020.

She continued, while the prosecution has made Stevenson seem like an animal, she insisted that “there’s more to him than this.”

She requested Judge Demeo impose a 35 year sentence that “gives him hope for release,” as an incentive to continue improving himself.

“I sympathize with the decedent’s family… it wasn’t me, I didn’t do it,” said Stevenson to Judge Demeo.

Howard McEachern, Thomas’ defense attorney, cited Thomas’ “tough upbringing,” as a factor for the judge to sentence him more leniently.

According to McEachern, Thomas has no criminal history, and his maturity at the time of the incident was not that of a 23-year-old.

He requested Judge Demeo impose a 30 year sentence.

However, Judge Demeo stated that, due to the nature and circumstances of the event, “the court is to apply consecutive sentences,” as long as the sentence is not excessive to the nature of the crime, even if the terms become lengthy.

Thomas was sentenced to 36 months for conspiracy, 360 months for murder, and 120 months for each of the assault with intent to kill charges, which will run consecutive to one another, totaling 53 years.

He was also sentenced to 60 months for each of the possession charges, and 12 months for carrying a rifle, which will run concurrent to each other and all other charges.

Thomas will be required to register as a gun offender, get his GED, and receive drug, alcohol and mental health treatment.

Likewise, Stevenson was sentenced to 60 months for conspiracy, 540 months for the murder, 180 months for each of the assaults with intent to kill, and 12 months for the two offenses committed during release addendums, which will all run consecutively, totaling 85 years.

He was also sentenced to 60 months for each possession of a firearm charge, and 36 months for possessing a firearm as a convict, which will run concurrent to all charges.

Stevenson will be required to register as a gun offender, get his GED, and receive drug, alcohol and mental health treatment, as well as anger management counseling.

No further dates were set.

Judge Halts Proceeding After Tiff Between Lawyers in Murder, Conspiracy Trial

After a lengthy cross-examination by a defense lawyer, a frustrated DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt abruptly ended the May 1 proceeding in a murder and conspiracy trial. Tension had been building as defense and prosecution lawyers bickered about a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sergeant’s time on the stand.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, Feb. 24, 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.

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sergeant who responded to the Feb. 22, 2020 shooting that left two victims uninjured on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW.

The witness stated he talked to one of the victim’s mothers, but Judge Brandt ruled he could only characterize the mother’s demeanor and not her explanation of what occurred as possible hearsay . “She was distraught,” the witness stated.

According to the witness, one victim seemed upset while her boyfriend, the other victim, was calm. However, he “seemed like he was holding back.”

The prosecution then called an MPD detective that responded to the crime scene of the Feb. 24, 2020 shooting.

According to the detective, he went to Howard University Hospital to speak to two of the victims after he had accessed the crime scene.

The detective affirmed the first victim did not want to cooperate with the investigation, stating he didn’t “even care if they found out who shot him.”

The second victim declared to the detective he saw four black males in a newer model Mazda CX-9.

After reviewing surveillance footage from homes in the area presented by the prosecution, the witness identified the alleged suspect vehicle as a silver or gray Kia Soul that was seen driving at a high velocity.

The prosecution has previously identified a 2016 Kia Soul as the alleged suspect vehicle for most of the shootings allegedly linked to the three co-defendants.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, had difficulty getting the witness to answer a question with straight “yes” or “no” answers during cross-examination.

Multiple jurors laughed when Judge Brandt asked McDaniel to “move on.”

The prosecutor objected after McDaniel rephrased many of his questions and the two exchanged words.

Judge Brandt then excused the witness and the jury, saying, “I’m tired of these little micro-aggressions” and left the courtroom..

Previously, the prosecution recalled an MPD investigator with extensive experience to explain slang used in text messages allegedly linked to the defendants. The texts were sent on Feb. 24, 2020, the day of one of the shootings.

The first thread was between the owner of the phone and a contact named “Fully.”

“Y’all be careful we just slide dawged 9th,” the witness said as he read out the message sent by the owner of the phone.

The witness affirmed that “slide” refers to participating in criminal activity.

According to court documents, the Feb. 24, 2020 shooting occurred on the 1600 block of 9th Street, NW.

A second message from the owner stated “Christ we caught em in traffic stunna.”

Fully eventually responded “wya,” an acronym commonly used for “where you at.”

The following message from the owner stated “Den [then] back to it I ain’t stopping this week till I make dat [that] page.”

In reference to “dat page,” the prosecution asked the witness if he had ever heard of a “Murder Mayhem” social media account which to which the message referred. The witness confirmed the account was a popular social media page that posted criminal activity in D.C.

The prosecution presented an Instagram story from a “murder_mayhem_dc” account. The image depicted a crime scene blocked off with text stating three men were wounded in a shooting in the Shaw neighborhood. The detective confirmed this was the crime scene location of the Feb. 24, 2020 shooting.

The next thread of text messages was a group chat involving multiple phone numbers. The only text messages presented were between the owner of the phone and two contacts listed as “Fully” and “Fully B.”

Fully starts the thread by sending a picture that depicts a police car blocking the entrance to 9th street, surrounded by crime scene tape.

“Call me mr getactive” the witness said as he read out the response sent by the owner of the phone. “Christ two of em got hit,” the owner added.

“Make it count den,” Fully B responded.

In cross-examination by Nelson’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, the witness affirmed a contact named “Boogie,” which previous witnesses have testified to be Nelson’s nickname, was not part of these text threads.

Proceedings will continue on May 2.

Woman Pleads Guilty in Father’s Fatal Stabbing

Brittany Gaylor pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of her 70-year-old father in a May 2 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

During the brief proceeding Gaylor, 32, agreed with the prosecutor’s proffer of facts about the crime during which Brittany acknowledged she repeatedly stabbed James Gaylor in the “head, neck, stomach back and kidney.”

The victim, according to the prosecutor, also suffered from blunt force trauma in the incident that took place on Feb. 10 on the 1600 block of 6th Street, NW. James died the following day.

Judge O’Keefe asked Gaylor if the prosecutor’s proffer was “in its entirety” true to which she replied, “Yes.” He then asked if the defendant was voluntarily entering a guilty plea to second-degree murder and she agreed.

At that point Judge O’Keefe found Gaylor guilty and set July 12 as her sentencing date.

Gaylor was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for murdering her father.

In a hearing in February, the prosecution presented body-worn camera videos of James Gaylor telling police that his daughter, while holding a knife in her hand said, “I’m going to kill you before you get the chance to kill me.”

In another sequence after the attack the video captures James saying his daughter was the assailant.

The fraught relationship between father and daughter was highlighted when Gaylor’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, presented a text message from Brittany in the earlier hearing saying that if she died mysteriously her father was responsible.

Prior to sentencing, Judge O’Keefe said court officials would be evaluating Gaylor’s personal history and making recommendations about appropriate punishment based on their findings.

She is being held without bond.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Motion for Dismissal

A shooting defendant’s motion for dismissal based on the prosecution’s failure to indict by the deadline was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow in a May 1 hearing.

James Guillory, 24, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on June 15, 2023, on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE. Two people were injured in the incident.

On April 29, Varsha Govindaraju and Gail Engmann, Guillory’s defense attorneys, filed a motion to dismiss for a so-called abandonment of prosecution.

According to the defense, the prosecution missed their indictment deadline, which they allege was March 14.

However, the prosecution objected, stating that due to the defense’s waiving the 100-day trial deadline, the actual indictment deadline, based on statute 1322H, is at least 10 days before the trial, which is scheduled to begin June 20.

Govindaraju argued that the prosecution’s stance was incorrect because the defense had never agreed to “toll” or pause the indictment timeline, but had only waive the time to trial requirement.

Judge Pasichow sided with the prosecution, stating that the statute says that if one is “tolled”, the other is too. Thus, she denied the motion for dismissal.

“The case must go to trial, and it will not be dismissed on this basis,” Judge Pasichow said. When asked by the defense to release Guillory, she told them to file a written request which allows the prosecution two weeks to respond.

The defense also requested she set a mandatory deadline for the prosecution to indict the case.

Judge Pasichow agreed, and ordered the prosecution to present the indictment by May 23.

Parties will reconvene June 14 for a trial readiness hearing.

New Attorney Wants to Review Homicide Defendant’s Competency Finding

A homicide defendant’s newly appointed attorney alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe she needs time to review the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) a contested competency report for her client.

Deonte Spicer, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tyvez Monroe on Dec. 26, 2023, on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW. The incident occurred at a bus station.

A previous defense motion asked for a preliminary screening to determine Spicer’s mentally status because, “it has been apparent to counsel that Mr. Spicer is not able to competently assist counsel in his defense.” However, on April 5, Spicer was ruled competent to proceed with his case.

On April 18, Spicer filed a “pro se” motion, in effect representing himself, requesting a new attorney.

In his handwritten motion, Spicer stated, “[Russell Hairston, his previous attorney] refuses to go over the case with me and doesn’t tell me any plan or strategy he has for the case at all.”

He added that his attorney has “on several legal ‘visits’ and conversations, told me that I am guilty of this crime I am charged with, even though I have never said anything of the sort to him.” Spicer maintains his innocence.

Marnitta King, who was appointed as Spicer’s counsel on May 1, told Judge O’Keefe she would need time before a preliminary hearing to review the competency findings.

If she disagrees or opines that a new evaluation should be done, she will alert the court and the prosecution.

Parties are slated to return June 13.

Bullet Remnants From Earlier Shooting Linked to 2020 Homicide, Conspiracy Case

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony from a firearms examiner linking shell casings to three firearms, including a ghost gun, which were allegedly used in multiple shootings by three primary co-defendants.

Five casings were compatible with a 9mm Smith and Wesson M&P Shield handgun, six casings were compatible with a privately made firearm described as a 9mm Polymer 80 handgun, also known as a ghost gun, and 10 casings were compatible with a 9mm Glock 26.

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

In an attempt to prove the conspiracy, the prosecution claims all firearms involved in the shooting are the “calling cards” of the defendants recovered from search warrants.

On April 30, the prosecution re-called the firearm’s analyst to testify about the shooting that occurred on the 1600 block of Ninth Street, NW, on Feb. 24, 2020.

The witness analyzed multiple bullet fragments and shell casings that were recovered from the crime scene to compare them to five firearms that are allegedly linked to the shootings.

The bullet fragments were deemed inconclusive from impact damage.

According to the witness, he was able to find a likely match from three of the five firearms to the casings.

In cross-examination by Freeman’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, the witness clarified that the casings are only “consistent” with the firearms and can’t prove they are the exact firearms used in the shooting.

Parties are slated to return May 1.

Former Lover Accused of Bedroom Murder Goes on Trial

A young woman who alleges she saw her boyfriend shot to death in her bedroom testified her ex-boyfriend was the killer.

Marcus Walker, 23, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, second-degree cruelty to children, and several other firearm and ammunition possession charges for his alleged involvement in the death of 28-year-old Eric King. The shooting took place on the 800 block of 21st Street, NE, on October 11, 2022. One other victim reported minor injuries.

According to court documents, Walker and his two children were living with his ex-girlfriend on the night of the incident. Walker, his ex-girlfriend, and his her new boyfriend were watching TV in the bedroom when the couple asked Walker to return to the living room so they could go to sleep.

From the living room, Walker allegedly sent his ex-girlfriend angry texts before forcing his way back into the bedroom, where he caught the couple having sex. Walker allegedly produced a firearm and shot twice, striking King in the chest and genitals. The ex-girlfriend received minor injuries.

In opening statements on April 30, the prosecution argued the ex-girlfriend’s testimony would identify Walker as the shooter and is consistent with evidence found at the scene, which included Walker’s likely DNA on shell casings found in the ex-girlfriend’s bedroom and angry texts Walker sent his ex-girlfriend moments before the shooting took place.

“That murder was premeditated and deliberate,” said the prosecutors, allegeding that Walker was infuriated with his ex-girlfriend prior to the shooting. “This is about disrespect, and this is about control.”

Walker’s defense attorney, Rachel McCoy, argued that the prosecution was using “inflammatory material” to sway the jury and asked the them to “pay attention to the investigation, or to the lack of investigation” the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) conducted in determining the identity of the shooter.

“Marcus Walker is innocent,” said McCoy. “Do not let emotions be a substitute for logic and cold hard facts.”

The prosecution then called Walker’s ex-girlfriend to the stand.

She testified that she and Walker dated for a few weeks, but broke up when she caught Walker cheating. She claimed she allowed Walker to keep living with her out of concern for the safety of Walker’s young children.

“I didn’t want the kids on the streets,” she said.

According to the witness, she had been dating King for a month prior to the shooting. On the night of the incident, Walker, King, and the eyewitness were watching movies in the witness’ bedroom.

“Everything was fine, perfect, until we said we were going to bed,” said the woman. She testified that Walker left the room “with an attitude” and proceeded to send her angry texts from the living room.

“When I stopped replying, that’s when he barged through the door,” she said, she and King were having sex and when asked by King, Walker refused to leave.

The woman attempted to keep King from getting off the bed, claiming, “I didn’t want them to fight,” but Walker produced a firearm and allegedly shot King twice. The woman’s young daughter was also in the bedroom.

Walker then allegedly instructed the woman not to tell anybody about the shooting before absconding with his infant children. The eyewitness testified she immediately called the police, and responding officers pronounced King dead at the scene.

On cross examination, Walker’s other defense attorney, Jesse Winnograd, pointed out that King and Walker had met several times prior to the shooting without any violent altercations occurring, and that Walker’s texts to the eyewitness did not contain any threats of harm.

Further, Winnograd pointed out that the eyewitness had previously filed abuse charges against another ex-boyfriend, but dropped the charges after she wrote an email to the ex-boyfriend’s lawyer claiming her statements to the police were false.

“I wrote that email just to end the case,” the eyewitness explained. “I never wanted to proceed with [the charges].”

Parties are slated to reconvene May 1 in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss for Alleged Police Misconduct

A homicide defendant filed an unsuccessful motion to dismiss his case based on alleged police misconduct before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Lorinzo Thompson, 18, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 14-year old Niko Estep on the 2600 block of 14th Street, NW, on Nov. 3, 2023. The incident left another juvenile male suffering from gunshot wounds.

Thompson, who was 17 at the time of the incident, is being tried as an adult under Title 16, which allows prosecutors to charge juveniles as adults for serious crimes like murder.

On April 30, Thompson’s defense attorney, Joseph Yarbough, told the court there were instances of alleged misconduct committed by detectives during during Thompson’s interrogation on Nov. 9, 2023, when he was arrested, and on Feb. 12, when Yarbough alleges detectives interrogated Thompson at the DC Jail about two other homicides from 2023 without informing him of his right to counsel.

In addition, Yarbough claimed detectives kept questioning him after Thompson invoked his right to silence.

According to court documents, on Nov. 29 detectives told Thompson he was being arrested on an outstanding warrant for murder and, despite his age, he would be sent to adult jail.

Yarbough argued telling a juvenile, who is relatively inexperienced in the criminal legal system, that he is charged with murder and will be sent to adult jail could elicit self-incriminating comments.

According to Yarbough, police interviewed Thompson without counsel present about the murder of 16-year-old Mylaki Young, who was fatally shot while walking on the 200 block of V Street, NW on April 13, 2023.

Yarbough also contended detectives told Thompson that his current case was forensically linked to the murder case of 18-year-old Keni Edwards, who was shot and killed in the 2000 block of 10th Street, NW.

The defense requested the recorded interview of the interrogation where detectives mentioned that Thompson’s DNA was linked to Edwards’ case.

Yarbough called a Metropolitan Police Officer (MPD) from the Homicide Branch who was present during both interrogations. She stated that she questioned Thompson about Edwards and Young’s homicides, and mentioned that her superior had informed someone from the prosecution about the interview.

She testified that she did not recall mentioning shell casings or forensic evidence that possibly linked Thompson to Edwards’ case.

During cross-examination, the prosecution asked the witness whether Thompson was a suspect in both cases during his initial interrogation on November 9, 2023, which she denied.

After hearing both parties’ arguments, Judge Demeo acknowledged the potential seriousness of the alleged violations, but determined that they did not warrant immediate release.

Therefore, the judge denied defense’s request.

However, Judge Demeo granted the defendant’s motion to compel the prosecution to provide a portion of the recording of Thompson’s interrogation at the jail.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 11.