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Judge Denies Release and Orders Evaluations for Juvenile Murder Defendants

On April 4, DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs ordered evaluations and denied one preteen and two teenage defendants’ request for release. 

The three girls, a 12-year-old and two 13-year-olds, are charged with second-degree murder, assault, and conspiracy for their alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 64-year-old Reggie Brown on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. 

According to testimony by a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, Brown was physically handicapped and had no connections to the juveniles.

During the hearing, Judge Briggs reviewed reports for the three minors by their probation officers from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA). 

The probation officers recommended the juveniles remain detained at the Youth Services Center (YSC) under the custody of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). They also requested that the court order psychiatric and psycho-educational evaluations for them. 

Therapy services was also recommended for one of the 13-year-old’s family members as well as the appointment of an education attorney and a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). 

The judge agreed with CSOSA, ordering a psychiatric and psycho-educational evaluation for the 12-year-old and a 13-year-old. However, she granted the other 13-year-old’s request to order the psychiatric evaluation at a later date. 

Judge Briggs denied the two 13-year-olds’ request for release, stating that the circumstances have not changed since they first appeared in court last week. She cited that the previous judge made a finding of substantial probability that the girls committed second-degree murder. 

The girls will continue to be held as they await their next court date.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 8. 

Judge Delays Probable Cause Ruling in Homicide Case

On April 4, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe heard from police witness and reviewed surveillance footage evidence in a first degree murder trial. 

Rico Antjuan Parker, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jabari Malloy, 17, in an alleyway on the 700 block of Lamont Street, NW on February 25. 

According to court documents, officers were dispatched to the location due to a ShotSpotter alert for two gunshots. When they arrived, they found Malloy unconscious at the rear of an alley behind Lamont Street, NW. They began CPR until DC Fire and EMS arrived, and despite all life saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. 

The prosecution called the lead detective with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who showed a surveillance video from the night of the incident, which depicted an individual, later identified as Parker, fleeing an alleyway after the gunshots were heard. The detective positively identified the exact location of the camera and the murder based on the video. 

Parker’s defense attorney, David Akulian, began cross examination by showing a separate video of the alleyway, in which he identified one potential point of entry to the alley other than the two points identified by the detective. They pointed out that there is no video footage from the houses further down the alley. 

Akulian also questioned the detective about details in the affidavit of the case

According to the document, Parker posted an Instagram story about him and his father 22 hours after the murder. The detective stated that this was likely a cover-up story for the shooting, as his father stated that Parker did not come to his residence when he claimed he did. 

Then Akulian questioned the detective about discrepancies between witness testimonies. He argued that certain witnesses gave biased and character-based statements against Parker. In one example, a witness described Parker as “not a good person” and alleged that he made threatening statements against another witness. 

However, the witness recanted this allegation. The detective stated that this was because the witness, a close friend of Parker, was in denial about the murder and did not want to believe Parker committed it. 

The detective told the court that this witness told them in an interview that they believe Parker should be punished “by the courts, and not by the streets.”

According to Akulian, when Parker arrived at a MPD station to clear his name two days after Malloy was shot, he waived his Miranda Rights and participated in an interview with officers. 

However, following the interview, officers seized Parker’s phone as evidence. He argued this violated Parker’s Fourth Amendment rights against illegal search and seizure, adding that officers were biased against Parker which tainted the affidavit. 

The prosecution responded that even if there was a violation of the Fourth Amendment, there is no probable connection with bias against Parker. 

The detective stated that he was not present during Parker’s interview, but he did prepare the arrest warrant based on the audio recording that was taped by MPD officers. 

Akulian then argued that the police could not corroborate Parker’s phone’s GPS data with the scene of the crime. This was relevant because Parker had been sharing his location with one of the witnesses. 

The defense pointed out that Parker’s location was recorded by the witness at an Exxon gas station on Ridge Road for about 30 minutes, but there was no surveillance footage of either Parker or his vehicle to verify that he was present at that location. 

The detective stated that he did not know what he was looking for when he reviewed the gas station footage, and he did not know why the witness’ phone located Parker’s phone at the gas station.

Akulian argued the inconsistency of reports on the color of Parker’s vehicle, which was reported to be “grayish/greenish” in the affidavit. However, the prosecution described the car as “silvery green.” He claims the car is simply silver. 

Because of this difference in reporting, Akulian argued that there is a possibility that the person who shot Malloy might not have been Parker at all. 

However, Judge O’Keefe said this was irrelevant, as there was no real indication that there were two separate vehicles of the same make and model with different colors involved in the crime. 

Ultimately, the prosecution concluded there was about “20 minutes of continuous footage” showing Parker and Malloy parking their car, walking into the alley, Parker shooting Malloy, fleeing the scene, and finally driving away. 

They and the detective on the stand determined that it was only Parker and Malloy in the alley at the time of the murder, and there was no third party involved.

Conversely, Akulian argued that because there was no way of knowing whether it was Parker in the alley with Malloy, there was no known motive, and there was no GPS data, it could have been a third party who committed the murder. 

Judge O’Keefe decided to delay the probable cause ruling in order to review the evidence and arguments. 

Parties are slated to return April 12 for a ruling on probable cause.

Homicide Sentencing Postponed for Youth Rehabilitation Act Study

On April 5, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun postponed the sentencing of a homicide defendant in order to allow for a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) study.

The law gives judges more latitude in sentencing offenders younger than 26 the opportunity to have these cases sealed from public view.

Anthony Lewis, 25, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Cameron Clemons. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Otis Place, NW, on May 18, 2022.

Clemons died of fungal pneumonia on June 4, 2022, as a result of the gunshot wound.

On Jan. 18, Lewis accepted a deal which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. 

Defense attorney Julie Swaney stated she was requesting a Youth Act Study because she had recently become aware that Lewis was eligible. The prosecution responded that the request was unfortunate but they had no legal basis for objecting.

Judge Okun permitted members of Clemons’ family to make any victim impact statements they had prepared for the sentencing hearing. 

Clemons’ grandmother, who appeared at the hearing virtually, addressed the court briefly. Referring to Lewis, she stated, “I just want him to know how much devastation he has caused to our family.”

The sentencing hearing has been rescheduled for June 21.

Doctor Says Homicide Defendant Made ‘Unsophisticated Attempt to Appear Mentally Disordered’

On April 5, a homicide defendant was ruled mentally competent before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe. 

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.  

During the hearing, Judge O’Keefe alerted the parties that a doctor from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) had found Spicer to be mentally competent to stand trial. 

According to the evaluation, Spicer made an “unsophisticated attempt to appear mentally disordered” as he was “motivated by evading criminal proceedings.”

Spicer requested new counsel on the basis that he believes his current defense attorney, Russell Hairston, is trying to “sabotage” his case. 

“My faith and trust is gone,” Spicer stated. 

Judge O’Keefe argued, “it’s a little premature,” arguing that his case has not been indicted and a preliminary hearing is yet to be held. As a matter of course, Judge O’Keefe denied Spicer’s request for new counsel. 

“I can and will do my job effectively,” Hairston stated. 

Parties are slated to return on April 30 for a preliminary hearing. 

Judge Issues Second Bench Warrant for Shooting Defendant

On Feb. 23, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun issued a bench warrant for a shooting defendant due to multiple failures to appear in court.

Tejan Bah, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 27, 2021, on the 2200 block of 25th Place, NE. 

The incident left one victim with a gunshot wound to the chest along with a stab wound to the shoulder.

The prosecution referenced Bah’s failure to appear in court in the past and requested another bench warrant be issued. 

Judge Okun previously issued a bench warrant on Feb. 23, which was dismissed when Bah arrived late to the courthouse.

Gemma Stevens, Bah’s defense attorney, requested that another bench warrant not be issued due to his mobility issues and homelessness. 

Judge Okun stated that he understood the issues that Bah is facing, but his continuous failures to appear were a problem for the case and issued another bench warrant. 

Parties are set to meet again on April 17. 

Two Counts Dismissed for Homicide Defendant Due to Inconsistent Investigation

On April 5, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, the prosecution removed two counts from a homicide defendant’s indictment due to inconsistencies in the investigation.

William Brock, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and robbery while armed, among several other charges, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 68-year-old Nathaniel Martin on Nov. 15, 2021, on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

According to the prosecution, the gun charges listed on Brock’s indictment had no correlation to the incident that resulted in the fatal shooting of Martin. 

Due to the “inconsistencies from detectives” during the investigation, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence were included in his indictment. The prosecution said those two counts will be dismissed. 

Aubrey Dillon, Brock’s defense attorney, alerted the court he was pleading not guilty to all counts of the indictment, and asserted his constitutional rights, including a speedy trial. 

Moreover, the prosecution entered a global plea offer for the record pending another matter in DC District Court, where Brock is facing robbery and conspiracy charges. 

The prosecution stated that if Brock accepted the offer, he must plead guilty to the charges in the District Court case, one count of robbery, and one count of carrying a pistol without a license in this case, in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges. 

Brock rejected the plea offer.

Parties are slated to return on June 7. 

Federal Cases Could Lead to Dismissal for Shooting Co-Defendants

On April 5, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, the prosecution said it’s likely two non-fatal shooting cases will be dismissed. 

Emerson Morales, 20, and Jexon Madrid-Flores, 22, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, criminal street gang affiliation and carrying a pistol without a license for their alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting that occurred on the 5700 block of 14th Street, NW, on May 21, 2021. One individual sustained non-life threatening injuries from the incident.

In the hearing, the prosecution claimed that both co-defendant’s cases will likely be dismissed. 

According to the prosecution, Morales pleaded guilty in a federal matter, and disclosed that the deal included the dismissal of this case. 

However, the prosecution filed for a continued status hearing to wait for Madrid-Flores’ trial in his federal matter to be complete. 

The prosecution concluded that they will most likely be dismissing that case, but will base their decision when Madrid-Flores’ trial concludes. 

Parties are slated to return May 31. 

‘The Defendant Was Motivated by the Idea of Revenge,’ Prosecution States in Homicide Trial Closing

On April 4, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, the prosecution and defense delivered closing statements in a homicide trial hinging on revenge.

Oscar Ramos, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged 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. The incident left another individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. 

In their closing statement, the prosecution claimed, “Ramos was the person who murdered Pedro Alvarado and shot [the surviving victim].”

The prosecution claimed Alvarado’s family members never expected the murder to and didn’t know “who to put their finger to,” for the murder. 

According to the prosecution, witnesses told the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) “exactly” what Ramos had done to “kill the man he [Ramos] believed killed his father.”

“The defendant was motivated by the idea of revenge,” the prosecution stated. 

The prosecution reviewed two Facebook accounts allegedly tied to Ramos. They showed several screenshots and time stamps of Ramos, portraying Rosa Lopez. It was a “catfish” identity attempting to stalk Alvarado’s schedule and location, which they argue lured Alvarado leading up to the murder. 

The prosecution presented the address book of the Rosa Lopez Facebook account, which had identical contact information to Ramos’s own. 

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

“All of the evidence put together over years… points in one direction and that is toward the defendant,” the prosecution concluded. 

Defense attorney McCoy argued, “If you think [Ramos] probably committed these offenses, this is not enough and you must acquit,” insisting a sliver of doubt is enough. 

According to the defense, some of the witness testimonies were “bought testimonies” because the witnesses were informants for the FBI. 

The defense also claimed the case is a “puzzle that is missing a lot of pieces,” leaving reasonable doubt that Ramos is guilty.

“Think of a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle,” the prosecution stated, adding “You can have one piece missing and still know what the picture is.”

Parties will reconvene when jury deliberations are concluded. 

Main Charges Dismissed in Shooting Case

On April 4, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, the prosecution dismissed the primary charges against a non-fatal shooting defendant following a hung jury, which rendered a guilty verdict on the lesser counts.

Kamara Hoffler, 32, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and multiple unlawful possession of a firearm charges, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 19, 2022, on the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident. 

Following deliberations, the jury found Hoffler guilty of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

Subsequently, the prosecution dismissed the original charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault while armed. 

Parties are slated to return on June 14 for sentencing. 

Judge Orders Full Competency Exam for Homicide Defendant

On April 5, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo ordered a full mental competency examination for a multi-homicide defendant who already stands convicted of one killing.

Matthew Walker, 26, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence among other charges for his involvement in the fatal shooting of David Remen, 32, on Feb. 14, 2019 on the 1700 Hamlin Street, NE. One other individual sustained severe injuries in the attack. 

On Jan. 8, Judge Demeo found Walker guilty of Remen’s first-degree murder while armed and other related charges. 

Walker is also charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 23-year-old Jamal Green-Lee on the 100 block of Michigan Avenue, NE, on April 29, 2019. Green-Lee died on Nov. 4, 2020. 

Judge Demeo reviewed a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) which revealed the results from a competency evaluation were inconclusive as the doctor was unable to form an opinion. 

Judge Demeo told the parties she will order a full competency exam as recommended by the doctor. 

Parties are expected to return to court on May 16.

Non-Fatal Shooting Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty During Arraignment

On April 5, co-defendants pleaded not guilty after arraignment for a shooting, before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.

D’Montre Gay, 28, and Micah Cosby, 42, are charged with carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction exceeding one year, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in a shooting on December 16, 2023, on the 700 block of Maine Avenue, SW.

No injuries were reported. During the hearing, Gregg Baron and Marnitta King, Cosby and Gay’s defense attorneys, told Judge Di Toro they pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted their constitutional rights, including a speedy trial.

Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) alerted the court that both defendants were in compliance with release requirements.

Baron requested that Cosby be stepped down from his curfew to allow him to work late shifts for an upcoming job. Judge Di Toro denied the request, stating that she wanted verification of employment before she rescinded Cosby’s curfew.

Gay’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, ended by requesting that her client’s case be separated from Cosby’s. Judge Di Toro will rule on the motion at a later date.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 6.

Suspect’s Phone Records Reveal Information on a Murder Victim, Says Prosecutor

On April 4, a digital analyst continued his testimony before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, introducing new prosecution evidence relating to phone records of an alleged co-conspirator in a 2020 homicide case.

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 analyst to resumed his testimony about the alleged content of Steele’s phone, which included photos, videos, common locations, and web browsing history.

According to the records, Steele searched the terms “13-year-old shot shaw”, “13-year-old killed 600 S Street NW shooting”, “9th and Rhode Island shootant”, and “Malachi” on March 8, 2020.

Prosecutors argued the searches proved Steele’s knowledge and involvement in the attack. 

In other testimony, Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, asked a DNA analyst about her previous conclusions regarding DNA tests of evidence in the case.

The analyst testified there was “very strong support” that DNA found on a pair of black and green Nike shoes belonged to Jackson. The prosecution alleges this pair of shoes was worn by Jackson on the day of the crime.

Under cross examination, the witness agreed that the DNA of two other individuals allegedly involved in the homicide also had closely matched DNA, one of which qualified as very strong support for inclusion as a contributor. The witness also admitted that she could not with confidence testify how long DNA had been present in the shoes or where the evidence was found.

Due to time constraints the witness was unable to finish her testimony and will return at a later date. 

Parties are slated to return April 9.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Stabbing in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating 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 person down. They located a man suffering from a stab wound. After all life saving efforts failed, he succumbed to his injuries.

The identification of the victim is being withheld pending next of kin identification.

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

Document: MPD Investigating Brookland Metro Station Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on April 4 at the Brookland-Catholic University Metro Station on the 800 block of Monroe Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers of the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) responded to the station for the report of a shooting. They located a teenager suffering from gunshot wounds, and after all life saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 14-year-old Avion Evans.

The suspect was captured by surveillance footage.

Document: MPD Releases Video of Suspects and Vehicle in Northwest Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect vehicle connected to a homicide that occurred on April 2 on the 2100 block of 9th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots. They located a male with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where after all life saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. He was identified as 19-year-old Marquis Ward.

A second victim was located suffering from a graze wound.

The suspect vehicle 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.