Guilty Verdict for Alleged Gang Member in Highway Homicide Case

On April 8, following a two-week trial, an alleged member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang, was found guilty of two counts of murder before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Oscar Ramos, 34, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Pedro Alvarado Melendez.

The incident occurred on May 28, 2015, on Interstate 295 North at Exit One, in Southwest DC and left another individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented the jury with evidence from several sources, including representatives from the Department of Justice Computer Crime Section, alleged gang members and acquaintances of Ramos, intelligence analysts, police departments from the greater the metropolitan area, and forensic analysts, in an attempt to prove beyond a reasonable doubt Ramos committed the crime.

Prosecutors argued that Ramos lured Alvarado to his death by creating a Facebook page, in which he portrayed a woman named Rosa Lopez. They claimed Ramos used the Lopez account to stalk Alvarado in the weeks leading to his murder.

According to the prosecution, the woman who had her identity stolen by “Rosa Lopez” confronted the account user about using her photos. The Lopez account responded, “okay sorry” and then blocked the woman’s Facebook account.

“Rosa Lopez is Oscar Ramos,” the prosecution insisted.

Prosecutors suggested revenge as a possible motive in that Alvarado was suspected of killing Ramos’ father.

During the trial, Ramos’ defense attorneys, Rachel McCoy and Camille Wagner, doubted the credibility of the witnesses presented by the prosecution.

“[The jury] can’t credit the testimonies made by the informants in this case,” McCoy stated, highlighting the prosecutors’ use of past gang members who were recruited by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to assist in investigations into MS-13.

McCoy claimed the witnesses who testified in favor of the prosecution were given “thousands of dollars” and “immigration benefits.”

Following a day-and-a-half of deliberations, the jury unanimously found Ramos guilty of first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed, but acquitted him of the two possession of a firearm charges.

A sentencing is scheduled for July 12.

Judge Releases One Defendant and Holds Co-Defendant in Homicide Preliminary Hearing

On April 8, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun released defendant Jayvon Thomas but held co-defendant Lavar Hunter in a preliminary hearing for their homicide case.

Hunter, 19, and Thomas, 20, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for the shooting of 24-year old Anwar Wingate. The incident occurred in a parking garage on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW, on November 19, 2021.

The prosecution argued there was probable cause to hold both defendants for first-degree murder, citing that the shooting was planned as part of a robbery attempt on Wingate.

According to prosecutors, Hunter and Thomas allegedly robbed Wingate for his firearm, due to the fact that Wingate was captured on surveillance video posing with a firearm. However, officers found no weapons on his body.

There was also surveillance footage of Thomas allegedly taking the firearm from Wingate’s waistband after he had been shot.

Prosecutors argued that surveillance footage shows Hunter and Thomas planning the robbery moments before it took place. They claim the two defendants preyed on a vulnerable person, given that Wingate was highly intoxicated at the time of the shooting.

Thomas’ defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, argued against probable cause because Hunter was allegedly the one to shoot Wingate, not Thomas. According to Smith, Thomas had no intention of killing Wingate and did not know Hunter was armed. She argued that video surveillance showed Thomas “in harm’s way,” when Hunter fired.

Hunter’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Saperstein, argued that probable cause did not apply because Hunter was attempting to protect Thomas, who was in a physical altercation with Wingate at the time of the shooting.

“His conduct was consistent with self-defense of another,” said Saperstein.

The prosecution responded by that Thomas would not have attempted to rob Wingate if he did not know Hunter was armed.

While deliberating terms of release for the two defendants, prosecution and defense attorneys both cited concerns about safety of the witnesses and well as the defendants.

The prosecution argued that the witnesses were well known to Thomas and Hunter, and could be in danger of retaliation if the two were released. However, Smith and Saperstein argued that it would actually put the defendants at risk, since the witnesses and victim’s family had spoken out against them in interviews.

Smith read letters of support from Thomas’ family, including one from his mother, who called him “a present and devoted father,” to his two young children.

Defense attorneys also pointed out that neither of the defendants had previous felony charges.

However, Judge Okun remarked that this family support and lack of criminal history did not stop the shooting from taking place.

Judge Okun ultimately detained Hunter as he was allegedly the one to shoot Wingate, but released Thomas to home confinement and electronic monitoring.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 8.

Murder Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

On April 8, a defendant in a 2021 homicide case waived his right to independent DNA testing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Idrissa Fall, 37, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the murder of Dara Northern, 29, on the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW, on July 18, 2021.

During the hearing, Falls’ defense attorney, Wole Falodun, alerted the judge that Fall has decided to waive his right to independent testing of any evidence the prosecution plans to collect.

Prosecution indicated to the judge that they were able to obtain DNA from a witness’ vehicle, in which the victim died, as well test a projectile and cartridge casing found at the scene. The prosecution plans to introduce Northern’s autopsy as well.

Fall voluntarily waived his rights to conduct DNA testing. Judge Brandt explained he won’t be able to test evidence if he changes his mind during the trial.

Fall said he understood.

“I am confident that Mr. Fall’s decision to waive DNA testing was made voluntarily and of his own accord,” she stated.

Parties will return April 17.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Shooting Case

On April 8, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur accepted a guilty plea from a non-fatal shooting defendant.

Amontae McCalvin,19, was originally charged with one count of aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE, on Sept. 8, 2023. One individual sustained injuries.

McCalvin accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors, which required him to plead guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of possession of a firearm without a license, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

According to the terms of the plea deal, the prosecution agreed not to request a sentence exceeding 48-66 months.

Judge Arthur notified McCalvin he will have to register as a gun offender in the District for two years after he serves his sentence. Additionally, he will eventually have to pay a fine to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund (VVCF).

The parties are set to return on August 2 for McCalvin’s sentencing.

D.C. Witness Data Shows Homicides Drop 30 Percent in March

According to D.C. Witness data, there were 11 homicide victims and 16 non-fatal shooting victims in March, based on press releases by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). All March homicides stemmed from shootings.

Data from March shows a 31 percent decrease in homicides and 27 percent decrease in non-fatal shooting victims in comparison to February.

On March 17, a mass shooting occurred at the intersection of 7th and P Streets NW, causing five non-fatal injuries and two deaths. 32-year-olds Anthony Brown and Jay Lucks, both 32, both succumbed to their wounds at the scene, while the other victims were hospitalized.

The surviving victims include three men and two women. An investigation is ongoing and MPD is offering a reward for any information about potential assailants.

On March 8, 27-year-old Damon Clark allegedly shot 46-year-old Jimmy Thomas Jr. six times, killing him on the spot. The incident occurred on the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE.

According to court documents, the attack stemmed from a verbal altercation regarding an Airbnb booking. Clark originally left the scene following the shooting, but returned and allegedly handed his firearm and a magazine to responding officers.

Clark was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed. He’s scheduled to appear in court on April 19.

Then, on March 27 there was a shooting at the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE killing 26-year-old Amaru Cureton and the injuring two other victims, including one juvenile. An investigation is still ongoing and police are asking the public for any information in return for a cash reward.

Also on March 27, two armed suspects robbed several victims at a business in the 5100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. During the robbery, one of the assailants fired a shot and killed 41-year-old Philip Prendergast.

The two suspects were caught by a surveillance camera, but have yet to be publicly identified. MPD is asking the community for help identifying the suspects.

D.C. Witness data ultimately shows that only three suspects have been identified and arrested out of the 17 incidents in March.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On April 5, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, a homicide defendant rejected a plea deal offered by prosecution.

Tywan Morris, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Danielle Stuckey on Oct. 17, 2021, at the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Morris’ partner and co-defendant, Key Juan Sinclair, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, for her alleged involvement in the stabbing.

During the hearing, the prosecution offered a deal that would require Morris to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter and obstruction of justice, in connection to an incident that took place after the defendant’s arrest in October of 2021, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Morris rejected the plea, so trial for that matter is still set for 2025.

Prosecution reminded the court of an impending nine-month indictment deadline regarding Morris’ pending obstruction of justice charge in the 2025 case.

Parties will reconvene for a status hearing on Aug. 20.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Release in 2021 Homicide Case

On April 8, DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe denied a defense motion to reconsider a murder defendant’s pretrial release conditions.

Bernard Matthews, 44, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Diamonte Green. The incident occurred on Feb. 16, 2021, on the 300 block of 33rd Street, SE.

In the hearing, Matthew’s attorney, Marnitta King, motioned for reconsideration of his pretrial release conditions.

King argued that despite his alleged challenges with GPS monitoring, Matthews “had shown so much compliance for two years,” before he was taken back into custody in June of 2023.

Given that and few infractions at the DC Jail, King requested that the court release Matthews again with GPS monitoring.

The prosecution opposed King’s motion, and pointed out Matthews’ prior challenges with GPS were because he “didn’t communicate with Pretrial Services” about changes in his employment schedule.

Judge O’Keefe denied the motion, due to the case’s proximity to trial, and Matthews’ prior curfew violations,

Parties are slated to return June 28.

Homicide Defendant Refuses to Attend Hearing

On April 8, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe continued a homicide case after a defendant wouldn’t come to court.

Da’John Blunt, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 34-year-old Kevin McDowell on the 2100 block of H Street, NE, on Aug. 19, 2023.

During the hearing, Judge O’Keefe alerted the parties he had received a note from the US Marshals stating Blunt refused to be transported from the DC Jail to the hearing.

Kevin Mosley, Blunt’s defense attorney, stated “I need some more time to discuss things” with Blunt and requested a continuance.

Judge O’Keefe granted the request.

Parties are slated to return April 17.

Document: Updated MPD Investigating Fatal Stabbing in Northwest Apartment

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred on April 5 on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious person in an apartment. Responding officers located an adult male suffering from stab wounds. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 53-year-old Fasil Teklemariam.

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.

Three Homicide Defendants Sentenced for ‘Senseless’ Killing of Teen

On April 5, three homicide co-defendants were sentenced after agreeing to a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Nelfy Hernandez, 20, Trey Prillerman , 20 and Deandre Levy, 22, were originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, and three counts of assault with intent to kill, among other charges, in the shooting of 17-year-old Taijhon Wyatt, Jr. on the 5500 block of 9th Street, NW, on Aug. 10, 2020.

According to court documents, the three shot into a crowd of juveniles from inside of a stolen vehicle, killing Wyatt and injuring one other individual.

Prillerman was also charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and unarmed carjacking for his involvement in an Oct. 1, 2020, incident on the 6200 block of 8th Street, NW, that claimed the life of 42-year-old Arthur Daniels IV.

In August of 2023, the defendants accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors.

According to the terms, Prillerman pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for his involvement in Wyatt’s shooting, and to robbery for his involvement in the Daniels incident, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Levy pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in Wyatt’s shooting, while Hernandez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for his involvement in Wyatt’s shooting, and to assault for his involvement in the attack of an officer in jail, months after his arrest.

During the proceedings, prosecution used security footage and audio to depict how the three defendants “stalked” Wyatt and his friends, “trying to trap” him in the minutes leading up to the shooting.

Wyatt’s parents and siblings begged the court for the maximum sentence, expressing the grief and outrage they felt after their loved one was taken away from them so abruptly.

Wyatt’s step-mother told the court, “I am not sure if they are even remorseful.”

Defense attorneys Elizabeth Weller, Thomas Healy, and Douglas Wood argued in favor of sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a defendant’s conviction when their sentencing requirements are successfully completed, for Prillerman, Levy, and Hernandez respectively.

All three attorneys noted that their clients had completed GEDs since incarceration, and had demonstrated both remorse for their actions and initiative in their rehabilitation.

Judge Raffinan acknowledged that all three defendants had no criminal history score prior to the shooting, and that all three had made participatory efforts in their rehabilitation.

Raffinan emphasized, however, that the defendants’ “senseless act” took away the life of “someone who will not get the opportunity to get their GED.”

Levy was sentenced to eight years of incarceration, and five years of supervised release for voluntary manslaughter while armed.

Hernandez was sentenced to a total of 13 years, with 12 years of incarceration for second-degree murder and a consecutive year for assault, to be followed by five years of supervised release.

Prillerman was sentenced to 15 years of incarceration, with 12 years for second-degree murder, and a consecutive 5 years, all but 36 months suspended, for robbery, to be followed by a year of probation consecutive to five years of supervised release.

All three defendants were granted YRA status for their sentences and are required to register as gun offenders.

Following closing statements, an online spectator unmuted to say “f**k y’all,” before exiting the call.

No further dates were set for this matter.

Document: Suspects Sought in Shooting in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance to identify and locate three suspects involved in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 6 on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds inside a residence. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspects were 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 violent crime in the District.

Document: Wanted Suspect Sought in an Assault with a Dangerous Gun

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 41-year-old Kevin Snead, who is wanted 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 report of the sounds of gunshots, where they located a vehicle damaged by gunfire. No injuries were reported.

The detectives’ investigation revealed the suspect had discharged a gun towards the victim prior to leaving the scene. He was identified as Snead.

Snead is known to drive a black Ford Mustang with West Virginia tag N3X894.

Anyone who knows Snead’s whereabouts, or his vehicle’s, should call police.

Judge Says Fair Jury Question Affects Every Case and ‘Needs to Be Resolved’

In a contentious hearing on April 5, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein urged both sides in a complex constitutional case to work out their differences without making a ruling from the bench.

The abiding issue is how much information the DC Superior Court is required to disclose about whether the DC jury selection process includes enough Black people.

Judge Epstein said the outcome “affects every criminal case in the courthouse. It needs to be resolved.”

“The goal as required is to have a representative jury pool that meets or exceeds constitutional requirements,” said the judge.

The case dates back to 2022 when Jason Tulley, the lead Public Defender, filed a motion,“to grant discovery of information relating to the selection of jurors during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that…jurors have been selected from a fair cross-section of the D.C. community.”

Depending on the outcome, dozens of felony convictions could be overturned on grounds that the defendants were denied their Sixth Amendment rights to be tried by a jury of their peers.

Tulley said the stakes of the case couldn’t be higher.

“This is a huge issue..that juries are so unrepresentative of Blacks is shocking,” he said. “It’s a terrible practice,” he continued.

During the past two years Tulley and the DC Superior Court, which manages jury selection, have been bickering over procedural questions about the quantity and quality of the information provided about how jurors are picked.

In today’s proceedings, Public Defender Lmelme Umana said that her office had received a new master jurors’ list that “magically” contained addresses whereas the previous list only included zip codes.

Tulley said that he should not have to fight the Superior Court “tooth and nail” to provide relevant information, not only lists but all relevant communication relating to the case.

Representing the DC Superior Court Richard Sobiecki from the DC Attorney General’s office opposed the request as irrelevant and a rehash of data already provided.

Judge Epstein denied the public defender’s motion but added that if there is any indication of impropriety it can be addressed later. The judge expects the attorney general’s office to be “open- handed” and “do the right thing.”

Despite Umana’s strenuous objections, the judge declined to set a new hearing date for the case. He urged the parties to resolve their differences and develop a new briefing schedule.

At the beginning of the hearing Judge Epstein offered the parties a chance to file a motion for his recusal by April 15. The judge sits on the Jury Instructions Committee of the court. DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo was previously handling the case.

Judge Allows Defendant to Stay With Family in Louisiana

On April 5, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted a shooting defendant’s request for release to his family outside of DC.

Jeremiah Downing, 22, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured one individual. The incident occurred Nov. 27, 2022, on I-395 SB at the exit of Maine Avenue, SW.

Brian McDaniel, Downing’s defense attorney, requested Judge Epstein amend the conditions of release in order for him to move to Louisiana with his parents.

McDaniel argued that Downing’s family could help ensure he cooperates with court orders if he lives with them and has their support.

Judge Epstein said it is unusual to grant release to parents for third party custody since Downing is an adult. The judge also expressed concern about his lack of control after the move.

The prosecution believed the request to be inappropriate due to the severity of the case.

Even so, Judge Epstein granted the motion under the conditions that Downing reports to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week by phone, returns to the District for hearings, and doesn’t possess a firearm in Louisiana.

The next hearing date was scheduled for March 14, 2025.

Judge To File Writ Order for Return of DC Homicide Defendant

On April 5, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt agreed to file a writ ordering a homicide defendant back to the DC Jail who is in federal prison on unrelated charges.

Delonte Jackson, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 44-year-old Artavarn Wagner on March 3, 2022, on the 1700 block of Gales Street, NE.

Megan Allburn, Jackson’s defense attorney, waived his appearance for this hearing, due to the fact that he is currently held in a federal prison. Allburn stated that he pleaded guilty to a federal gun charge in District Court, and was sentenced in December, which caused the US Marshals to transfer him to prison.

Judge Brandt agreed to file the writ order to transfer Jackson back to the DC Jail, where he will be held pending further proceedings in this case.

The parties are slated to return on May 17.

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