Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer and Waives Right to DNA Testing

On April 12, a homicide defendant rejected a plea offer and waived his right to DNA testing during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Jajuan Gripper, 21, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the death of 34-year-old Rynell Bradford. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue, NE on Dec. 20, 2022.

During the hearing, the prosecutor alerted the court that Gripper had rejected a plea offer. The offer, if accepted, would have resulted in Gripper being sentenced to 20-to-24 years of incarceration. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to waive sentence enhancements, reserve step backs for parole violations, and reserve allocution statements to impact sentencing.

Gripper’s attorney, Kevin Irving, said his client wanted to waive his right to further DNA testing, followed by the prosecution laying out the physical evidence that had been and could be tested in the future.

The evidence included the defendant’s DNA on shell casings, among other items, but the prosecution noted that no additional items had been tested. Ski masks, a jacket, and multiple handguns, were recovered as well.

Judge Okun ended the hearing by granting a continuance for the trial due to scheduling conflicts. A new trial was set for Aug. 4, 2025.

Parties are set to reconvene July 19.

Judge Orders Teen Homicide Defendant Remain Detained, ‘To Guarantee Safety for the Community’

On April 12, DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs denied a teenage defendant’s request for release and ordered multiple forensic evaluations.

The 16-year-old boy is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of unregistered ammunition for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Avion Evans on April 4 at the Brookland Metro Station on the 800 block of Monroe Street, NE.

According to previous testimony by the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), video footage of the incident shows two groups of kids, which included Evans and the shooter’s two friends, fighting. As the two groups merged into one, the shooter, who was standing away from the melee, pulled out a gun from his waistband, pointed it at Evans, who was the closest in proximity, and fired.

According to Judge Briggs, a report written by a probation officer from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) recommended the juvenile continue to be detained as he awaits further proceedings, and requested psychiatric, psychoeducational, and psychological evaluations, as well as a substance abuse and risk assessment.

However, defense attorney William Howell suggested the evaluations be delayed as the prosecution and MPD continue to investigate the incident.

Judge Briggs partially granted the request, but ordered a psychiatric and psychoeducational evaluation.

Howell filed a motion to amend the juvenile’s detainment, requesting he be released to his parents. Howell deemed the case a “spontaneous incident,” and added that the juvenile has “very strong family support.”

Judge Briggs denied the motion, stating she “needs to guarantee safety for the community.”

Parties are slated to return May 17.

Judge Postpones Sentencing After Shooting Defendant Recants Plea

On April 12, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan postponed sentencing for a defendant due to statements he made in a pre-sentence report, denying all involvement in the offense for which he had already pleaded guilty.

Arnold Lawrance, 33, 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 that left one victim injured. The incident occurred on Nov. 25, 2023, on the 1400 block of W Street, NW.

On Jan. 30, Lawrance pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges related to this case and the prosecution’s commitment not to seek a sentence in excess of 30 years, the maximum penalty for this offense.

In Lawrance’s sentencing hearing, Judge Ryan read portions of Lawrance’s statement from the pre-sentence report, in which Lawrance claimed that he had no knowledge of the robbery until police arrested him on the basis of his resemblance to the suspect in the case.

Judge Ryan reported “consternation” at reading the pre-sentence report, since it contradicted sworn statements Lawrance had made before him when entering his guilty plea.

Lawrance’s attorney, Wole Falodun, was unable to explain the contradiction in his client’s statements. Falodun reported that Lawrance did not intend to withdraw his guilty plea and apologized to the court for any confusion he may have caused.

“A complete denial is unusual in my experience, and makes me uncomfortable,” Judge Ryan responded. “I don’t like the record as it stands now, with someone denying the charges they pleaded guilty to.”

He refused to sentence Lawrance without further clarification, especially since sentencing guidelines would place Lawrence’s sentence in the range of 48-to-96 months.

Judge Ryan directed that Lawrence and his lawyers rethink their defense strategy.

He acknowledged that it could be difficult to withdraw the guilty plea, in light of what Lawrance had admitted under oath, but he required Lawrance to take responsibility for his words and actions

Parties are set to reconvene on May 3.

Homicide Defendant Won’t Test Nail Clippings for DNA in 2010 Murder

On April 12, a defendant waived his right to test an additional piece of evidence for DNA in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Kavon Young, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting John Pernell, 66, on July 3, 2010, on the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE. Young was not arrested until 2019.

The prosecution stated that the only existing piece of evidence left to test was a set of unspecified nail clippings collected by law enforcement.

Kavon’s defense attorney, Mani Gozari, repeatedly questioned the purpose of testing remaining nail clippings as pieces of evidence, and stated that 14 years had passed since the incident. In addition, he stated that the findings would likely be inconclusive.

Judge Epstein concurred, and asked the defendant if he wished to waive his rights to DNA testing. The defendant formally waived his rights.

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled for May 7.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Additional DNA Testing

On April 12, a homicide defendant waived rights to additional testing of evidence in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Antoine Tucker, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, attempted robbery while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Vernon Harrison on June 22, 2022, on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Tucker’s co-defendant, 30-year-old Nakia Pearson, is charged with accessory after the fact while armed and tampering with physical evidence, for allegedly assisting Tucker after the incident to remain unknown to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in connection to the murder.

Parties convened to discuss DNA testing on two shell casings that were recovered from a bus stop near the scene.

The prosecution discussed the casings tested and revealed that an insufficient amount of DNA was found to warrant more analysis. They stated that a cartridge found in Tucker’s car, sprite bottles, and various parts of the car had been swabbed for DNA, but not tested.

The defendant waived his right to additional testing, which the judge found to be “knowing and voluntary.”

Parties are set to reconvene on June 27.

Double-Homicide Defendant Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ at Arraignment

On April 12, a homicide defendant was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Corde Fitzhugh, 22, is charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder, five counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of attempted robbery, robbery while armed, and carrying a pistol without a license while armed for his alleged involvement in the deaths of 24-year-old Muntsier Sharfi and 26-year-old Zekariya Elmi.

Sharfi was shot on July 8, 2021, on the 3300 block of Erie Avenue, SE. Elmi was shot on April 25, 2022, on the 1200 block of Farragut Place, NE.

Court documents allege Fitzhugh lured the victims to the locations in an attempt to purchase marijuana from them, before shooting them. .

Fitzhugh’s attorney, Aubrey Dillon, alerted the court Fitzhugh pleaded not guilty to all counts and asserted all constitutional rights, including a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to return June 13.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

On April 12, a homicide defendant was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Keyon Slaughter, 27, is charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder while armed and first-degree burglary while armed, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Dana Bailey, 38, on Dec. 5, 2022, on the 3300 block of E Street, SE.

During the hearing, defense attorney Joseph Yarbough entered a plea of not guilty on Slaughter’s behalf, asserting his right to a speedy trial.

The trial is estimated by prosecution to last three weeks, and is currently set to begin on Sept. 8, 2025.

Parties will reconvene for a status hearing on July 19.

Plea Offered in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On April 12, prosecutors made a plea offer to a non-fatal shooting defendant in front of DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz during a felony status conference.

Demann Shelton, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 9, 2020, on the 3000 block of 14th Street NW. According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) press release, Shelton allegedly shot at an unidentified male and hit a bystander, who did not see the shooter.

In court, the defense and prosecution discussed witnesses that could testify in Shelton’s ongoing drug possession and distribution case from 2019. At issue is whether the witnesses could testify outside the scope of their knowledge relating to the drug charges.

If Shelton pleaded guilty to the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, the prosecution would drop the charges from his 2019 case.

There was also discussion about evidence provided to the court relating to Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) body cam footage and radio calls in the case. Judge Leibovitz requested additional body cam footage to document what police officers were communicating at the time of the incident.

The defense stated that they need time to discuss this offer with Shelton.

Shelton’s trial readiness hearing is scheduled for April 17.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 24 Months

On April 12, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to 24 months of incarceration.

Tavon Lucas, 24, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on the 1100 block of North Capitol Street, NW on Jan. 14. The shooting left one individual with a non-life-threatening injury.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Lucas was involved in what was referred to as a “sketchy” sale of a playstation that ended in an altercation.

Lucas bought the playstation, which didn’t work. After he returned it and got his money back he was attacked by the two individuals who sold to him. In response, Lucas allegedly pulled out a gun from his waistband and shot at the individuals.

On Nov. 1, 2023, Lucas pleaded guilty to both charges in exchange for the prosecution not pursuing any additional sentencing enhancements that may have prolonged his incarceration.

In court, the prosecution asked the judge for a sentence of 30 months for each count and three years of probation. They pointed out that this was Lucas’ third firearm conviction in the last five years.

Lucas’ defense attorney Quiana Harris, said Lucas accepts responsibility for his actions and that he went too far in trying to protect himself.

Harris mentioned that his previous sentence was made under the Youth Rehabilitation Act that virtually seals convictions, but he was not provided with adequate support after his release and became homeless.

Before sentencing, Lucas gave a statement to the court that he “made a mistake due to his immaturity,” but has been working towards building a better life. He detailed how he has been working with a mentor to get stable housing and complete his education. He also stated that he wants to pursue his passion of fashion design and provide jobs to the youth in his community.

Lucas apologized for his actions and stated that he took responsibility for his mistakes.

Judge Leibovitz sentenced Lucas to 24 months in prison for each count, which will be served concurrently, and 3 years on supervised release. Lucas is also required to register as a gun offender after his release.

Judge Orders Homicide Defendant Held During Presentment Hearing

On April 11, DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover ordered a homicide defendant held pending future proceedings at a presentment hearing.

James Outland, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn that occurred on June 28, 2023 on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE.

According to court documents, Outland was apprehended by police at the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE after attempting to flee on foot during a traffic stop. Police found a black backpack that Outland had been carrying discarded in a corner store that allegedly contained a machine gun and ammunition.

At the hearing, Outland’s defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, argued that the suspect alleged to be Outland was barely visible in the surveillance footage, and that the identification of Outland was by a family member- making the identification questionable. He also argued there are not enough factors in the case indicating premeditation.

The defense requested that Outland be released with electronic monitoring.

The prosecution argued Outland is clearly visible in surveillance footage in the moments leading up to the shooting. According to prosecutors, the video, which was not shown in court, depicts four individuals, one of which was identified as Outland, walking towards the incident location.

Prosecutors also argued shell casings were recovered in the surrounding area where the individual identified as Outland raised his arm in a shooting position.

Judge Glover found probable cause, stating the evidence is strong against Outland. He ordered Outland held pending further proceedings.

Parties are slated to return on May 15 before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Metro Murder Suspect Elects Not to Proceed With DNA Testing

On April 12, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan heard a homicide defendant waive his right to independently test DNA evidence.

Isaiah Trotman, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, 25 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, 13 counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and 13 counts of kidnapping while armed, for his alleged involvement in shooting incidents that occurred on Feb. 1 at the intersection of 38th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and the 1400 block of Potomac Avenue, SE, inside the Potomac Avenue Metro Station.

The shootings killed 64-year-old Robert Cunningham, and left three other individuals suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Trotman’s defense attorney, Joseph Yarbough, notified the court that the defendant was waiving his right to proceed with DNA testing of biological evidence recovered from the scene.

The prosecution listed the biological evidence eligible for testing, which included wet and dry swabs of a firearm, fingernail clippings belonging to Cunningham, blood stained pants, and a buccal swab from an individual for the purpose of elimination or inclusion of the suspect’s DNA on the recovered items.

Judge Raffinan found that Trotman knowingly and willingly waived his right to independent DNA testing.

Parties are set to reconvene Sept. 13.

‘Hysterical’ Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

On April 12, a homicide defendant was arraigned and pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Pernell Sims, 34, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of an unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of unlawful possession of ammunition in connection with the death of Tyshida Williams, 31, on July 30 on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

An affidavit authored by a detective the Metropolitan Police department (MPD) contained statements from an eyewitness who referred to Sims as “hysterical” and in the middle of a “psychotic episode” on the day of the incident.

Sims’ attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, alerted the court he pleaded not guilty to all counts and asserted all constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

During the arraignment hearing, the prosecution stated that responding officers removed a firearm and magazine from the scene of the crime which raises concerns about the possibility of contamination in regards to DNA testing.

Prosecutors alerted Judge Epstein they don’t plan on DNA testing any evidence.

The defendant waived his right to independently DNA testing evidence recovered from the crime scene. .

Parties are set to reconvene on July 26.

Document: MPD Seeks Suspect in a Fatal Stabbing in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a fatal stabbing that occurred on April 4 on the 3000 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a man down, where they located a man suffering from a stab wound. After all life-saving efforts failed, the man was pronounced dead.

The victim was identified as 45-year-old Marcus Boatwright.

The suspect was captured by surveillance footage.

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.

Defense Argues a Lack of Probable Cause, Suggests Police Coercion in Mass Shooting Case

On April 10, the prosecution called on police witness to testify before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan to prove probable cause in a mass shooting case.

Ronell Offutt, 35, is charged with four counts of assault with intention to kill while armed, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that injured multiple people at a bus stop on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on Feb. 4, 2019. Five individuals, including a 5-year-old girl, were injured.

In a previous motion hearing, Judge Raffinan granted the defense’s motion to suppress evidence that could be used in trial, which appears to be a photograph of the defendant allegedly identified by his mother, and body cam footage of Offutts’ arrest.

The defense argued that there was a lack of probable cause in Offutt’s original arrest as a reason to suppress the evidence.

The prosecution filed to reopen the evidence discussion with the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective investigating Offutt’s case who provided an in-court identification of Offutt–physically pointing at him and describing his orange jumpsuit and glasses.

The prosecution presented the previously suppressed photographic evidence to the court. The image was the apparent shooting suspect standing beside a vehicle. The detective indicated the individual in the image is Offutt with Offutt’s mother’s vehicle.

The detective explained that when they first received this photograph, the license plate number was traced back to Offutt’s mother, who they visited at work to get more information.

According to his testimony when speaking to Offutt’s mother she was asked if the individual in the photo was her son, to which she responded, “looks like him”.

The prosecution then showed the body camera footage of Offutt’s arrest later that night. Where police knocked on his door, and handcuffed him around 3 a.m. Offutt is heard asking, “What is this?” multiple times.

Offutt’s defense attorney, Janai Reed, alleged a lack of probable cause at the time of Offutt’s arrest. Indicating that police showed up without providing Offutt reasons for the action.

The defense also raised concerns about Offutt’s being given pain medication at the hospital before an interview with the police.

Offutt’s attorney argued he was coerced by detectives during questioning. She claimed detectives misled him by suggesting he needed to sign paperwork before receiving information, and failed to inform him of his right to refuse a buccal swab DNA test.

However, the prosecution said based on the evidence there was probable cause to arrest the defendant.

The prosecution reiterated Offutt’s mother’s identifying him in the image, as well as surveillance footage that was shown in a previous hearing from Martha’s Market, a shop surrounding the location of the shooting, that showed a man who closely resembled Offutt, having similar dreads and the same hat, pants, and boots, walking to and from the scene of the crime with an apparent firearm.

The defense requested a motion to extend the trial date. They mentioned the unavailability of a key expert witness who was currently in another trial. They argued that if the motion to continue was not granted, they would request the government be prohibited from presenting certain evidence.

Judge Raffinan granted the defense’s request to continue the trial, allowing time for further preparation.

Parties will meet for a ruling on April 23.

Uncooperative Witness Admits to Testifying While High in Murder, Conspiracy Trial

On April 11, the mother of an individual linked to a homicide defendant wavered when asked to identify a murder suspect during testimony before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt. The individual claimed she was under the influence of drugs while on the witness stand.

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.

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

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 prosecution called the mother of an individual allegedly connected to Nelson and Steele to positively identify Nelson as “Boogie”–a nickname the jury heard an unidentified woman use earlier referring to Nelson in a jail call.

The prosecution wanted the witness to identify her son and Nelson and Steele in various videos and photos to demonstrate a strong friendship among the three.

However, the witness was uncooperative.

As the prosecution pressed the witness for “yes” or “no” answers more aggressively, the witness grew increasingly non-committal.

Finally, when the prosecution pressed the witness on whether Nelson came to see her son in 2020, she exclaimed, in apparent reference to drug use, “I don’t recall, I smoked.”

The witness said she smoked “yesterday and this morning.” When the prosecution asked what time the witness smoked, she responded “I’m supposed to count the time?”

After responding, “I guess,” to the prosecution’s question of whether her testimony was impaired, the witness conferred with her personal attorney who said the witness wasn’t impaired.

Though Judge Brandt stated the witness’ “answers indicated that she’s under the influence,” the judge agreed to have her take the stand later in the afternoon.

After affirming she was sober, the prosecution showed the witness various photos of her son and Nelson together.

Despite positively identifying Nelson with her son in four of five photographs presented in court, the witness repeatedly stated that she knew him as “Boogie,” and that she had only learned his real name from her initial grand jury subpoena.

However, the witness failed to identify Steele in images of her son, Nelson, and Steele listening to music in a car together.

The prosecution presented an Instagram photo of Steele and the witness’ son together on an Instagram post with two name tags. The witness admitted that one of the user names was “fullygordo.” According to past witness testimony, Steele is associated with the rap name “Gordo.”

The prosecution also recalled a forensic scientist who was employed with the Department of Forensics (DFS) and documented evidence from Lukes’ homicide in March of 2020 to finish her testimony.

The witness’ testimony included verification of photos, fingerprint testing, and DNA testing performed on two firearms allegedly involved in Lukes’ homicide– a Glock 19 and a Glock 22.

The witness stated that no latent fingerprints or ridge patterns were found on either firearm or magazine.

Similarly, the witness testified that in swabbing both sets of firearms and magazines, no DNA was found.

The prosecution then brought in a senior forensic analyst from Bode Technologies, an independent DNA analysis lab, to testify on a report she had reviewed of DNA analysis on evidence associated with defendants in the case of Lukes’ homicide.

In cross examination, Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, asked the witness if unknown DNA which was found inconsistent with any of the defendants had been uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)–a national DNA database of past offenders.

The witness testified that while there was a request, she had “no reason to believe” that Bode sent to material another lab to compare results to CODIS records.

In redirect, the prosecution asked if there had been a request by the prosecution to compare the DNA results to CODIS prior to testing. The witness affirmed that there had been a request, however, the tests done by Bodie were incompatible with the tests needed to compare the case DNA to CODIS.

Parties are slated to return April 22.

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