Document: MPD Arrests Wanted Suspect in an Assault with a Dangerous Gun

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on April 3 on the 1500 block of Independence Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots, where they located a vehicle damaged by gunfire. No injuries were reported. The detectives’ investigation revealed the suspect discharged a gun towards the victims prior to fleeing the scene.

On April 11, 41-year-old Kevin Snead turned himself in. He was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Document: MPD is Searching for a Person of Interest in Stanton Road Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a person of interest in connection to a shooting that occurred on March 31 on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. They located a juvenile male suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The person of interest was captured by surveillance cameras.

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

Defense Asks Judge to Reconsider Ruling Against Dismissal

On April 11, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan addressed a motion filed by the defense to reconsider the dismissal or release of a homicide defendant.

Franklin Dorn, 44, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Antonio Brown. The incident occurred on Aug. 6, 2023, on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

According to court documents, Dorn was involved in a physical altercation with Brown and another individual. Dorn and the other individual both produced firearms, and at least one shot was fired, which struck Brown in the torso. Blurry surveillance footage captured the altercation without audio.

Dorn’s defense attorney, Kevin Iriving, argued Dorn was “not the cause of [Brown]’s death,” and motioned for dismissal, citing the prosecution’s alleged misrepresentation of the facts of the case. He claimed the prosecution failed to present a part of eyewitness testimony to the court that proved Dorn’s life was threatened during the altercation.

“You should reconsider your ruling,” said Irving, addressing Judge Raffinan, who had denied Dorn’s previous motions for dismissal and release.

Irving argued that Dorn was acting in self-defense and was not the first aggressor in the altercation.

According to Irving, the other individual had “fired recklessly,” at Dorn after a brief physical altercation.

“He is the one that initiated this ‘gun battle,’” said Irving, referring to the other individual in the altercation.

Irving also motioned for Dorn’s release due to this new eyewitness testimony.

According to the prosecution, the eyewitness statements to police were not new, and did not prove that Dorn was acting in self-defense. Allegedly, one eyewitness heard the other individual tell Dorn, “I’ll put you down,” which the prosecution argued was in reference to the physical altercation, and was not a threat to Dorn’s life.

The prosecution opposed Dorn’s motion for dismissal, citing that, while the other individual was the first aggressor, his actions were “non-deadly” and it was Dorn who pulled his firearm first.

“If he had not pulled out a gun, a shooting would not have happened,” said the prosecutor. “He caused the other person to fire back.”

The prosecutors also opposed Dorn’s release, citing Dorn’s criminal history, and the fact that this altercation occurred only two days after Dorn was released from jail after other firearm-related charges were dropped.

Irving disagreed with prosecutors, arguing the new eyewitness statements proved Dorn was acting in self-defense.

“To hold him until trial,” said Irving, “I think would be an injustice.”

Judge Raffinan returned to her chamber and is expected to deliver a ruling on April 24.

Document: MPD Investigates Fatal Crash on South Capitol Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a traffic crash that resulted in the death of a man on April 10 on South Capitol Street, SE, near the Frederick Douglas Memorial Bridge.

According to MPD documents, the preliminary investigation revealed that a sedan was traveling northbound when the driver failed to notice the curve and crashed into a drain ditch.

He was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The driver was identified as 89-year-old John Alfonso Candela.

Anyone with knowledge of the incident should contact MPD.

Defendant Charged with Shooting Police and Animal Cruelty Ruled Mentally Incompetent

On April 11, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffian, a defendant accused of wounding police officers in a stand off was found mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Stephen Rattigan, 48, also known as James Julius, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, cruelty to animals, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of assault on a police officer while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of three Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on Feb. 14 on the 5000 block of Hanna Place, SE. A fourth officer received unrelated injuries.

According to court documents, police officers arrived at Rattigan’s home to serve an arrest warrant for animal cruelty. The suspect reportedly had 31 dogs on the premises.

After officers partially broke open the front door, Rattigan allegedly fired multiple gunshots through the doorway. Three officers reported gunshot injuries. Rattigan then barricaded himself inside the house and continued to fire. Eventually, Rattigan allegedly called a different MPD officer he knew , who convinced Rattigan to surrender.

In the hearing, parties discussed the results of Rattigan’s mental health evaluation from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), which recommended that Rattigan receive treatment at DC’s St. Elizabeth’s Hospital which houses defendants with behavioral issues. Judge Raffinan agreed with the report and ruled that Rattigan was incompetent to stand trial.

However, both parties expressed concern over the lack of information within the report.

“We don’t believe this report, frankly, is thorough enough,” said the prosecution, referring to it as “bare-bones,” in terms of recommendations for Rattigan’s mental restoration.

Judge Raffinan agreed with the parties, and ordered another full mental health evaluation for Rattigan after his transfer to St. Elizabeth’s.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 15 for a remote hearing.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting in Northwest, DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on April 10 at the intersection of 10th Street and Spring Road, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots. Officers located an adult male shooting victim who was transported to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Moments later, MPD was notified of a second victim, who arrived at a local hospital suffering from gunshot wounds. That victim was later pronounced dead.

The victim was identified as 19-year-old Gee Chisley.

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.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Request for Release

On April 11, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, a homicide defendant’s release request was denied.

Amari Fontanelle, 21, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Reginald Lamont Cooper Jr., and 19-year-old Davonte Berkley. The shooting occurred on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE, on Oct. 17, 2022. An additional individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

During the hearing, the parties discussed potentially moving Fontanelle’s trial date due to issues pertaining to DNA and ballistics results from shell casings recovered at the scene.

Fontanelle’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosely, argued that he’s “in a very unfavorable position,” due to this potential delay, and motioned for release for Fontanelle.

Ultimately, Judge Raffinan ruled for Fontanelle’s continued detention while they awaited the results of the DNA testing, and maintained the current trial date of Oct. 7.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 26.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Homicide Defendant Who Absconded from Hospital

On April 11, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide.

Christopher Patrick Haynes, 31, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Brent Hayward, 33, on Aug. 12, 2023, on the 1500 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE. A second individual sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Haynes allegedly fled the scene immediately, and was arrested the following month on Sept. 6 but escaped police custody from George Washington University Hospital where he was being treated for an injury and was subsequently rearrested.

At a previous hearing, asked the lead detective to walk through the events that occurred the evening of the shooting, as well as how the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified the vehicle allegedly used by Haynes that evening.

The detective explained that the victims had gotten into a verbal and physical altercation with Haynes, who then drove away from the scene, returned minutes later, and got into another altercation, at which Haynes allegedly pulled a gun from his vehicle, making threats at the victims.

After leaving the scene a second time, the detective explained that Haynes allegedly parked his vehicle at a church around the corner from the crime scene, walked back, and opened fire on the victims.

The preliminary hearing was a continuation of one that occurred on March 22.

In today’s hearing, Haynes’ defense attorney, Nikki Lotze, continued cross examining the detective. Lotze continued to ask questions about a white Dodge Durango, which was identified as the suspect vehicle in the incident.

After the shooting, the Durango was left at an auto body shop and according to the detective, one of the witnesses of the shooting repaired the car. According to the detective, no firearm was recovered by the witness from the vehicle.

According to the detective, a witness told MPD they had no knowledge of any issues between Hayward and Haynes. This same witness identified Haynes in a photo identification procedure.

During her arguments, Lotze claimed no witness ever identified the shooter by Haynes’ name, but rather identified the shooter as Mack and Jeff.

The prosecution explained that all identifications of the shooter stemmed from a photo array procedure that was conducted by MPD. They also stated that the surviving victim, who had been in the car with the defendant, also identified him.

According to prosecutors, witnesses, who sold the Durango to Haynes months before the shooting, identified the vehicle and told MPD the buyer, which assisted MPD with the connection to the murder.

After brief deliberation, Judge O’Keefe found probable cause for first-degree murder while armed, but claimed he has seen cases with stronger evidence than the prosecution presented.

Judge O’Keefe stated he based his ruling on the fact that “almost all of this crime was recorded on video,” multiple people had identified the defendant, and the person in the video looks strikingly like Haynes.

He cited that it is clear that it was premeditated since the shooter walked away from an argument and then returned with the intention to kill both victims.

Following the probable cause finding, Lotze requested Haynes be released as he awaits further proceedings. She argued Haynes has extensive family support and is “not a threat to anyone who is not in a heated argument with him.”

Ultimately, Judge O’Keefe denied release, deeming Haynes a danger to the community and adding that he was a flight risk because of previous instances of him running from police and law enforcement.

Parties are slated to return July 26.

Homicide Defendant Accused of Shooting His Father Over Five Dollars

On April 10, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein heard opening statements and witness testimony in a patricide trial. The alleged motive was a few dollars worth of marijuana.

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

According to the prosecutor, Williams and his father were involved in a heated argument in Magruder’s apartment that escalated quickly, leading to the fatal shooting.

“He was murdered in front of his wife and children by his son,” the prosecution said. The reason, they say, was an “argument over five dollars.”

The prosecution said, “Magruder could get angry.” On the night of the incident, prosecutors alleged that Magruder “wanted [the defendant] to leave the apartment” and that the defendant was angry after the argument.

The prosecution alleged that Williams was yelling back at his father that he was, “not about to keep punking me and putting your hands on me,” but emphasized that although Magruder became physically violent, he never used “deadly force.”

According to prosecutors, after the shooting “other people tried to help Magruder,” as Williams fled the scene with the gun, and was found in a parking lot in a different part of the city hours later.

“Williams had to step over or walk around his father’s body,” the prosecution said. “He walked right out the door.”

The prosecution concluded by emphasizing to the jury that Magruder was unarmed and Williams used that against him. The prosecution also argued that Williams shot his father in retaliation for “punking,” or hitting him.

“He did it out of defiance, out of revenge, out of resistance,” the prosecution said. “And he used his advantage–having a weapon.”

Kavya Naini, Williams’ defense attorney, argued that Magruder was “blinded with rage” and “he knocked his son into the ground” during an argument.

Naini told jurors that the five dollars was allegedly what Magruder said Williams owed him for a marijuana joint, while Williams tried to tell his father that he had already paid him.

Naini insisted that the prosecution did not show the full picture of Magruder’s behavior.

According to Naini, Magruder had a criminal history of domestic violence, citing the multiple times Child Protective Services (CPS) had to take action against Magruder during Williams’ childhood. She also discussed the multiple women who had reported his abuse, including Williams’ mom.

“Williams’ mom is one of several women Magruder attacked,” Naini said. “He knew what his dad was capable of.”

Naini mentioned an incident in 2017, in which Magruder allegedly hit a cyclist with a chain as an example of the victim’s violent tendencies.

The defense also mentioned that Magruder was allegedly yelling, “I’m going to kill you,” to his son as he repeatedly hit him. Naini claimed Williams reached for his gun in a moment of desperation.

“What happened that night was not a crime—it was self-defense,” Naini said. “Williams did what everyone under this law is allowed to do.”

Following opening statements, prosecutors called on a responding officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who stated that the environment was “chaotic and emotional” when he arrived.

According to the officer, Magruder’s wife “would not stop screaming,” making it difficult for him and his partner to interview her about what happened. He testified to performing CPR on Magruder and staying with him until he was taken away by paramedics soon after he was shot.

“As a responding officer, it is my responsibility to keep a scene under control,” the officer said.

Parties are slated to return on April 11.

Judge Admonishes, Dismisses Sleeping Juror in Murder, Conspiracy Trial

In a complex murder trial now entering its third month, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt vented her frustration at a frequently inattentive juror and then dismissed him.

“We can’t afford another full day off from this trial,” stated Judge Brandt. “During a month and change… he was sitting here napping,”

One juror was previously dismissed for financial reasons. That leaves the 12-member jury panel and four alternates.

So far the prosecution has already introduced 68 witnesses, including many technical experts, to bolster their complex conspiracy case against three murder defendants.

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.

On April 10, the prosecution questioned an FBI agent about phone numbers allegedly connected to the defendants and other alleged conspirators.

According to the witness, three of the five numbers, allegedly associated with the defendants, were located by cell towers in the general area of S Street, NW, at the time of Lukes’ homicide.

Parties are slated to return April 11.

Homicide Defendant’s Brother Accused of Shooting Father Over Five Dollars Testifies

On April 11, witness testimonies continued before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein in a domestic fatal shooting stemming from an alleged dispute over a five dollars worth of marijuana.

The prosecution called on William’s half brother, who witnessed the altercation. During his testimony, he referred to Williams as “Buddah,” and recounted being in the living room with Williams as they watched cartoons.

He detailed how Williams offered cigarettes to their father, sparking an argument about owed money. He described Williams attempting to defuse the situation by leaving the room, but Magruder prevented him from doing so. According to the witness, Magruder pushed Williams into the hallway, leading to a confrontation in the bathroom.

“Buddah was trying to leave. My dad kept pushing him into the bathroom,” he stated.

He mentioned peeking into the hallway and hearing a loud bang, which he assumed was his father hitting the wall. After the altercation, Magruder collapsed in the living room, prompting the witness’ mother to alert the neighbors. Meanwhile, Williams fled the house, and the witness saw him running into the street as he looked out the window.

“I didn’t see exactly where Buddah went. I remember looking out the window and saw him running down the street near the woods before the police came,” he said.

The witness also testified to seeing a brown gun inside Williams’ pink bag a few days before the incident. Despite Williams claiming it was a knife, the witness claimed to have seen a gun handle.

“I asked him what it was… he said it wasn’t a gun but a knife. I had already seen the gun,” he recalled.

During cross-examination, the witness testified that Williams was not pushing their father, and that Margruder was the one who started the altercation. Defense attorney Jason Tulley proceeded to state that Williams was never pushing Magruder, which the witness confirmed.

Following the brother’s testimony, prosecutors called a chief toxicologist from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). She conducted tests indicating that Magruder had consumed cannabis before the incident. However, she couldn’t specify the exact time of consumption.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Kavya Naini suggested that Magruder’s marijuana use could have induced paranoia and hallucinations, potentially contributing to the altercation. The witness acknowledged this possibility, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of an individual’s reaction to drugs.

In the redirect, the prosecution argued that marijuana can also have calming effects, implying that it might not have been the sole factor in initiating the conflict.

The prosecution also called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). She expressed being present when Williams was arrested and transferred to the Homicide Branch for questioning.

She mentioned conducting a search to verify if Williams possessed a gun license. According to her findings, Williams was not licensed to carry a firearm.

She then indicated that photographs were taken of Williams on the day of the incident. The prosecution presented these images to the jury.

Prosecution proceeded to ask the detective if she could identify any injuries on Williams in the photos. Defense attorney Tulley argued that physical injuries could be seen on Williams such as blood on his lips, and scratches on his face near his beard which she confirmed, further supporting Tulley’s claim that Williams acted in self-defense.

“I can see some injuries to his lips. I also see scratches near his beard,” she said.

Parties are slated to return on April 15.

Judge Finds Substantial Probability in Juvenile Homicide Case

On April 9, DC Superior Court Magistrate Judge Dorsey Jones found substantial probability that a juvenile male was the perpetrator in the fatal shooting of another juvenile at a DC Metro station.

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.

Responding officers from the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) and the Metropolitan Police Department were able to identify Evans at the scene because two witnesses and a family member, who were present, told MPD his name.

The detective testified that the Office of the Medical Chief Examiner (OCME) ruled the cause of death a single gunshot wound that entered Evans right shoulder and went across his chest.

According to the detective, 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.

Evans was allegedly seen running towards the escalator before collapsing. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The detective testified that the defendant and his two friends had arrived at the NoMA station and left the Brookland station after the shooting together.

A “be on the lookout” (BOLO) was released by MPD with images recovered from surveillance footage from the Fort Totten Metro Station, which depicted the alleged shooter on the morning of the incident.

According to the detective, an individual called in a tip, identifying the defendant as the suspect. The caller, who corroborated the defendant’s name, date of birth, and school, told the detective she had spent some time with the defendant the day before Evans’ murder.

MPD was also able to identify the defendant as a suspect based on his school-issued metro card, which was utilized to go into the Fort Totten Metro Station on the morning of the incident.

The defendant had never had contact with law enforcement prior to this incident, and had been interviewed by police on April 9 when he turned himself in with a lawyer, the detective said.

Defense attorney William Howell asked if other individuals on the platform were in possession of any weapons, the detective testified no other individual had weapons on them, as depicted by the video.

“This was all very quick,” the detective said when asked about the timeline of the incident between the physical altercation and the shooting.

According to the detective, Evans’ friend had been the first to throw punches at the boy’s friend, which led to Evans throwing punches at the other friend, and ensued the melee.

He also testified that no one had been between Evans and the boy when the shots were fired.

“No one tried to punch or approach [the defendant],” said the detective, stating he had not been part of the original altercation.

Prosecutors argued Judge Jones should find substantial probability based on the evidence, testimony, and the defendant’s action of voluntarily turning himself in.

However, Howell argued the prosecution had failed to meet their burden of proof, stating that the shooting was a reaction to the physical altercation, and the shooter had not known he was going to fire the gun.

He requested that if the judge was to find probable cause, it be for reckless homicide and not second-degree murder while armed.

Howell also argued there is no way to prove that the shooter matched the BOLO image.

The judge found substantial probability for the murder, assault with intent to kill, one of the assault with a dangerous weapon charges, and the carrying a pistol without a license charge, stating that the boy had acted with a conscious disregard for bodily injury and death.

Judge Jones also found probable cause for all other charges, saying there was not enough evidence to prove that the juvenile was acting in the defense of a third person. No one else was in possession of a weapon at the time of the incident, and the defendant’s two friends were not injured, she said.

As for the boy’s release, Judge Jones stated that although he had no prior contacts with the law and has ample family support, the gravity of the offense and it occurring on a public Metro platform supported the argument that he is a danger to the community.

“This is the most serious offense,” said Judge Jones, ruling no combinations of release would guarantee the community’s safety, adding that the defendant could have injured a bystander.
Parties are slated to return April 12 before DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs.

Document: MPD Arrests Second Man in June 2023 Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a second man was arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn on June 28, 2023, on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located Glenn with gunshot wounds. She died at the scene.

On April 10, 25-year-old James Outland was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Another 25-year-old man was previously arrested in connection to this incident.

Document: MPD Investigating Carver-Langston Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect vehicle in connection to a homicide that occurred in the Carver-Langston neighborhood on April 10 on the 1100 block of 21st Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located three men, one woman, and a 9-year-old boy suffering from gunshot wounds. One man was pronounced dead at the scene. The others were transported to hospitals for treatment of their injuries.

A short time later, a 12-year-old boy arrived at an area hospital suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

The victim was identified as 29-year-old Aubrey McLeod.

The detectives’ investigation indicates armed suspects exited a vehicle and fired towards a group of people in the area.

Surveillance footage captured the suspect vehicle.

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 is Searching for Suspect in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect in connection to a shooting that occurred on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE, on April 8.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, they located an adult female suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect was captured by surveillance footage.