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Document: Arrest Made in Assault of Two Women During Argument

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that occurred on April 20 on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots. They located evidence of gunfire, and two women who were not shot but reported being struck by an object consistent with a firearm.

Officers located the suspect, 21-year-old Alonte Miller, and arrested him. He’s charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to the investigation, the suspect and victims were acquaintances.

Parties Spar Over ‘Reasonable Doubt’ In Homicide Trial Closing

“Reasonable doubt is a doubt based on reason,”said prosecutors during closing statements of a homicide trial, adding “what reason tells us is that Eric Davis is guilty.” 

Davis, 60, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the murder of 41-year-old Theodore Riley on the 1600 block of Gales Street, SE on July 19, 2021.

“The defendant is guilty of the murder of Theodore Riley,” insisted the prosecution on April 22. 

They presented the jury with a compilation of video surveillance clips of an individual, identified as Davis, and Riley walking together outside of a Chick-fil-A restaurant, near the crime scene, and ended with Davis allegedly running away towards F Street, NE. 

The prosecution claimed Davis raised his gaiter, or mask, to cover his face before entering an alleyway. 

“[Davis] puts his mask over his nose knowing full well what’s about to happen,” the prosecution stated. 

According to the prosecution, after leaving the alleyway, Davis attempted to change his appearance by putting on a gray long-sleeve shirt to cover his black t-shirt. 

“[Davis] was endeavoring to prevent anybody from seeing what he was about to do,” the prosecution argued. 

Moreover, they claimed there was no one else in the alley at the time of the shooting and if there were, the only way to access the alley is through the north and south entrances. 

The prosecution stated, “the evidence is clear that there is one person who endeavored to cover his tracks… one person who is seen exiting the alleyway… one person who is guilty for killing Riley and that is the defendant.”

In their closing statement, Davis’ defense attorney, Howard McEachern, argued the prosecution is “creative storytelling” about what happened. 

McEachern claimed there is no video evidence showing Davis shooting Riley and no witnesses who can testify they saw him do it. 

“Let’s be clear about what the videos depict,” McEachern stated, claiming the body language between Davis and Riley was “not argumentative” or “contentious.” 

“Reasonable doubt is ringing all over the place,” McEachern expressed to the jury. 

McEachern argued Riley could’ve been shot in the alleyway by another individual who entered and exited it by hopping over a fence that faced backyards on the other side of the alley. “Although it’s not encouraged for someone to go over the fence, it’s possible,” McEachern stated. 

According to McEachern, the prosecution is offered “wild and crazy speculation” about assumptions they cannot prove. 

McEachern concluded by asking the jury to “reflect upon” his arguments about the alleyway. 

“Davis is not guilty,” McEachern insisted.

In their rebuttal, the prosecution argued McEachern’s claims were “speculation and guesswork.” 

“Reasonable doubt is a doubt based on reason,” the prosecution continued, “what reason tells us is that Davis is guilty.” 

DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe excused the jury to begin their deliberations. 

Witnesses Present Conflicting Testimony in Father-Son Homicide Case

Before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, witnesses gave conflicting testimonies regarding the character of 49-year-old Stephen Magruder, who was alleged to have been shot and killed by his son Stephon Williams, 32.

Williams 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 Magruder on Sept. 11, 2020, on the 700 block of 51st Street, NE.

According to previous testimony by Magruder’s widow, the shooting was the result of a disputed five dollar marijuana transaction.

On April 19, the defense called Williams’ brother, who is incarcerated, to testify regarding Magruder’s behavior as a father. 

Defense attorney Jason Tulley raised objections over the witness being placed in shackles during his testimony. In an exchange, Judge Epstein told Tulley not to “roll his eyes at [him]”, and Tulley said that he was “kind of frustrated,” following the court’s refusal to unshackle the witness. 

The witness testified that he had a close relationship with Williams. He stated that Magruder “hit [Williams] in the face”, and that he repeatedly hit him as a child.

“Nine times out of ten, he would basically put his hands on him,” said the witness, emphasizing that Magruder used a “closed fist.” 

The witness explained that Williams often had injuries, and that his mother was “pissed” when she found out. According to the witness, he had an argument with Magruder over hitting Williams.  He added that Williams was silent about the violence, reasoning that ”you got to display toughness.” 

According to the Witness, the relationship between Williams’ parents “wasn’t nice,” adding that Magruder “visibly hurt her a couple times.” He recounted an instance where Magruder hurt her whilst she was pregnant, stating that he “blew” her out of the car and “left her outside.”

Williams was often comforted by Tulley during the course of the testimony. 

Later, the defense read out an affidavit from a criminal case involving Magruder, where he was stated to have “held and pointed a black handgun” towards a close family friend. The affidavit stated that the handgun was recovered at his house and he was arrested. 

The defense rested its case, and the prosecution called two people related to Williams and Magruder as part of their rebuttal.  

The prosecution called Magruder’s mother who testified that she had seen Williams and Magruder together regularly during Williams’ adulthood. 

However, she denied having ever seen Magruder be violent towards Williams, and couldn’t recall if she had ever heard about the abuse. 

According to the witness, she had “never” seen physical evidence of abuse on Williams, including bruises or abrasions. 

Following her testimony, prosecutors called on Magruder’s younger brother, who testified the relationship he witnessed between Magruder and Williams during adulthood was “father and son.” He denied ever seeing violence between the two. 

During cross-examination, Tulley questioned the witness about Magruder’s beliefs regarding discipline. The witness established that physical discipline towards children in the family was never severe or violent.

However, he testified he had not seen every interaction between Magruder and Williams. 

The prosecution rested its case, concluding the presentation of evidence. 

Closing statements are set for April 22. 

Judge Places Hold On Two Non-Fatal Shooting Defendants

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover detained two non-fatal shooting defendants, one of which allegedly told his victim “I’ll shoot you.”

Theodore Williams, 52, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place on April 18 at the 4000 block of Whaler Court, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Williams allegedly got into a verbal altercation with his neighbor and fired his gun, which damaged the neighbor’s car.

During the hearing on April 19, the prosecution told Judge Glover that the victim’s vehicle had sustained gunshot damage due to the shooting. They added that the fragments located near the victim’s car matched ammunition found in the gun that was allegedly used by Williams. 

According to the prosecution, the gun was one of multiple weapons allegedly recovered during a search of Williams’ home. 

The prosecution requested Judge Glover find probable cause and detain Williams as he awaits further proceedings, stating he remains a danger to the community. 

However, Megan Allburn, Williams’ defense attorney argued that the victim was biased and used behavior, such as the usage of foul language,  that exacerbated the situation.

Allburn requested for Williams’ immediate release.

Judge Glover ruled that the prosecution met the burden of proof for probable cause, citing the ammunition in Williams’ weapon and fragment located at the scene a likely match. He ordered Williams remain detained. 

Parties are slated to return on April 22, before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Kevin Seabron, 38, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 18 on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. 

According to court documents, Seabron allegedly produced and discharged a firearm after engaging in a verbal altercation with his cousin in an apartment. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, the prosecution claimed that the individual who was in the verbal altercation with the defendant saw him hold a gun to them, and state the words “I’ll shoot you,” before firing at them. 

According to the prosecution, evidence recovered at the scene included a bullet hole in the neighbor’s apartment and a gun holster believed to be in the area where Seabron slept. They added that, in the time it took the police to respond, Seabron could have attempted to get rid of other evidence.

However, Adam Harris, Seabron’s defense attorney, argued that there was no gunshot residue that proved Seabron to be the offender. 

Harris requested Seabron be released, citing that Seabron did not have a firearm on him when police arrived.

Judge Glover ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to prove probable cause and ordered Seabron be detained. 


Parties are slated to return on April 22 before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.

Special Police Officer Sentenced for 7-Eleven Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced Chanel Clinton to three years in prison for shooting a chat-group acquaintance in the shoulder while working as a Special Police Officer (SPO) at a 7-Eleven.

Clinton, 27, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her involvement in a non-fatal shooting on January 18, outside of a 7-Eleven on the 4800 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE. One person was injured in the incident.

As part of a plea deal, Clinton pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not indicting her on other charges.  

At the sentencing hearing on April 22, Clinton’s attorney, John J. Sample, argued the incident occurred because the victim was filming Clinton in the 7-Eleven as part of a harassment campaign by a chat group that Clinton formerly belonged to.

When Clinton confronted the victim about the filming, the victim spat at her.

“She was as much a source of the conflict as my client, but she [Clinton] was the one who got arrested,” Sample said.

Sample attributed Clinton’s actions, in part, to failures by her employer. He argued that Clinton accidentally shot the victim while trying to fire a warning shot, which was not safe in such a crowded space.

“I think this was a lack of training on her management’s part,” Sample opined.

Sample argued that Clinton was assigned to the 7-Eleven too soon after the robbery of a Walmart that was her previous posting as an SPO.

“My client was held at gunpoint at the Walmart while the perpetrators went in the back room and stole money,” Sample recounted. “Because this robbery was less than a week before this event, that was why my client was hypervigilant.”

Sample hypothesized that the Walmart robbery might have given Clinton post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and she might have responded better at the 7-Eleven if she had gotten mental health treatment. He testified that the treatment she has received since the shooting has helped her.

“She has been seeing a therapist who has prescribed the anti-depressant Lexapro,” Sample reported. “I believe she is learning to cope with these stressful effects from the past.”

Sample asked Judge Christian to sentence Clinton to time served, with probation and therapy.

Clinton personally apologized to the court, her own family, the victim, and the victim’s family. 

“I would like to say I am very remorseful for the actions that have led me here,” Clinton said, adding that she could have handled the situation “a little bit better.”

The prosecutor requested a sentence at the upper limit of what the voluntary sentencing guidelines indicate. 

Even though Clinton has no criminal record, the prosecutor urged that discharging her firearm at the victim justified a sentence of 60 months incarceration and 3 years supervised release.

“She was put in a position of trust, she was licensed to be in that position of trust, and she abused it,” the prosecutor stated.

The prosecutor displayed footage from the body-worn camera of an off-duty Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sergeant who intervened in the conflict. The video shows the officer attempting to restrain Clinton.

“Stop. Stop. Stop,” the sergeant is heard to say. “Quit fighting. Quit fighting.” When he attempts to call for backup, Clinton shoots the victim.

Pointing his service weapon at Clinton, the sergeant commands, “Get on the ground.”

“Look what that b**** just did. She hit me,” Clinton responds, still standing.

“Shots fired,” the sergeant says into his radio.

“She hit me first,” Clinton complains as she kneels on the pavement.

Judge Christian questioned Clinton about statements she made in the pre-sentence report.

“I felt my life was at risk. The police officer held me back and let her strike me,” Judge Christian read from the report, quoting Clinton. 

“Is she asserting self-defense?” Judge Christian asked Clinton’s attorney. Addressing Clinton herself, he told her she could claim that defense if the case went to trial.

Clinton explained that she didn’t intend to withdraw her guilty plea but wanted to identify the pressures on her that contributed to the shooting.

“I just want to point out that the harassment went on for more than a year,” Clinton stated. “I removed myself from this group of females, and the harassment happened on multiple job sites. I was removed from multiple job sites because of this group of females.”

Judge Christian asked Clinton what she thought motivated the harassment.

“I just stopped being friends with them,” Clinton said.

“How was that an appropriate response, that you used your firearm?” Judge Christian asked.

“It was not an appropriate response, but…” Clinton began, when her attorney stopped her.

“You are placed in a higher position because of your position as a Special Police Officer,” Judge Christian declared. He suggested that her lack of self-control could have led her to shoot and kill a kid stealing a Slurpee.

Judge Christian ruled that Clinton receive five years incarceration, with two years of the sentence suspended, followed by five years of supervised probation. He also gave a suspended sentence of three years supervised release, ordered mental health evaluation and treatment, and issued a stay-away order from the victim.

Judge Imposes Eight-and-a-Half-Year Sentence on Homicide Defendant

A homicide defendant was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan along the lines of terms discussed last month in a hearing on April 22.

Eugene Williams, 19, was originally charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, attempted robbery while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside of the home or business, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old DeShawn Francis on Feb. 8, 2022 on the unit block of Chesapeake Street, NE. 

Williams, along with co-defendant Anthony Green, 28, were alleged to have killed Francis by shooting him in the head after a failed attempt at robbing Francis’ close friend in a drug deal gone wrong. 

Williams accepted a deal on Dec. 6, 2023, in which he pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed. In exchange, the prosecution dismissed any additional charges previously sought. 

At a previous sentencing hearing on March 22, his defense attorneys, Hannah Claudio and Kevann Gardner, requested an additional month for Williams to complete testing to receive his General Equivalency Diploma (GED before his transfer to prison. 

Williams was sentenced to 120 months in prison with 18 months suspended. He was also fined 100 dollars to be paid to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Additionally, Williams was sentenced to 18 months of probation and five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. 

The judge granted Williams credit for time already served since his arrest on April 28, 2022. 

Claudio made an additional request to Judge Raffinan that Williams be placed in a federal prison with access to a six month adjustment program. The judge agreed.

Williams’ case is now concluded and no further dates were set.

Jealous Ex-Boyfriend Allegedly Involved in Shooting and Kidnapping

DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan found probable cause on April 19, for domestic violence charges against David Walls who was allegedly reacting as a spurned lover.

Walls, 38, is charged with kidnapping while armed and four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in an abduction on April 10, and a non-fatal shooting on April 13. Both incidents took place on the 2700 block of 30th Street, SE.

In his probable cause argument, the prosecutor described Walls waiting outside his ex-girlfriend’s home in the middle of the night until she emerged with her new romantic partner. According to the prosecutor, Walls then kidnapped her at gunpoint, and she was only able to escape only by jumping from his vehicle a few blocks later. 

Three days later, the prosecutor asserted, Walls returned to shoot at his ex-girlfriend and her new partner as they were entering their home. Neither of the complainants sustained injuries.

Walls’ attorney, Marnitta King, argued in response that Walls’ ex-girlfriend was an unreliable witness who misled the police multiple points in her testimony. In King’s account, the ex-girlfriend planned the meeting with Walls, got into Walls’ vehicle of her own free will, and had the opportunity to walk away if she wanted.

As to the charge that Walls threatened his ex-girlfriend’s new partner with his gun, King argued there was no evidence to support it because the partner, “abandoned his new little girlfriend and ran in the house when he just saw the defendant.”

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who testified that, on April 10, one male and one female complainant reported that Walls had pointed a firearm at them and forced the female complainant to get into his vehicle. The complainants described the firearm as a brownish camouflage-colored handgun.

On April 13, the detective said, the same complainants reported that Walls had shot at them while they were entering their apartment building.

The prosecution played security footage from a camera across the street from the complainants’ apartment building showing a white Jeep Wrangler with a black top parking in front of the building around 2:00 a.m. on April 10. About an hour later, the door to the building partially opens, allowing the light inside to shine out. 

At the opening of the door, an individual, identified as Walls, exits the Jeep and walks to the building’s entrance, returning moments later with the female complainant. After a brief interaction at the side of the Jeep, they both get in the vehicle and drive away. 

Following the Jeep’s departure, a dog walks from the building into the street. The detective testified that the complainants told him they were on their way out to walk the dog when Walls met them.

Footage from the same camera around 4:00 a.m. on April 13 shows the complainants parking outside their apartment building when a white Jeep Wrangler with a black top drives by. As the complainants walk toward the building, the Jeep drives by a second time.

The prosecutor slowed the footage to allow the detective to point out a puff of smoke coming from the driver’s window on the Jeep’s second pass. 

In his probable cause argument, the prosecutor noted that MPD officers found a hole in the doorframe and bullet fragments on the floor of the apartment building’s entryway.

According to the detective, a search of Walls’ residence in Hyattsville, MD, led to the recovery of a 9-millimeter, sand-colored handgun in Walls’ bedroom. The detective also said a search of a white Jeep Wrangler with a black top on the premises turned up a single used 9-millimeter shell casing on the driver’s side floorboard.

In cross examination, King confirmed with the detective that the female complainant told him she had a protective order against the defendant, but no such order existed. King also confirmed that the female complainant told the detective she broke up with Walls in February.

“She, in fact, the day of this incident, told the defendant to come to get her,” King asserted.

“She sent me three messages, and none of them showed what you’re talking about,” replied the detective.

King then showed the detective a series of text messages sent between 12:15 a.m. and 12:47 a.m. on April 10, in which the female complainant and Walls made arrangements for him to meet her at her apartment.

“Did you know that, the day before, she sent him provocative photos asking if he liked what she looked like?” King asked the detective. She showed him photos, and he recognized the female complainant’s face in one of them. 

King read a message from the female complainant that stated, “You could just say you liked the pix,” and one from Walls, responding, “You know I like them. You just want to make me horny.”

“About the text messages, that’s what she does to control the defendant,” King asserted in her probable cause argument. “She wanted him to come back that night, even if he wanted to get away from her.”

King also questioned the detective about the security footage of the alleged kidnapping. 

“When she gets in the car, he doesn’t push her in,” King observed.

“No, ma’am,” the detective replied, “but she didn’t get in until he violently hit her in the face.”

King noted that, although the female complainant claimed the defendant hit her with a gun, the security footage didn’t clearly display a gun. When the footage was replayed slowly, the detective pointed out a dark object that might have been a gun in the defendant’s right hand.

King confirmed with the detective that the complainants couldn’t see the face of the person driving the Jeep on April 13. She also pointed out that the used shell casing found in the Jeep could fit any 9-millimeter gun and hadn’t been specifically identified as coming from Walls’ gun.

Judge Nolan found probable cause for all five charges against the defendant.

King then asked that Walls be released pending trial in order to keep his job, which requires him to drive for a living. She suggested that the judge issue Walls stay-away orders for both complainants. 

The prosecutor requested preventive detention for the safety of the complainants, since Walls had already tried shooting them. 

The judge ruled that Walls remain in custody. He also issued Walls stay-away orders from the female complainant and the 2700 block of 30th Street, SE.

The next hearing was scheduled for April 29, giving time for the prosecution to prepare a pre-indictment plea offer.

Planned Fight Turns into Shooting, Suspect Held

The defendant in an arranged fight that turned into a shooting was denied release before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur, on April 22.

Jamal Francis, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 15, on the 300 block of Raleigh Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, the victim told the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that he and Francis had agreed to fight about a past dispute when Francis allegedly pulled a gun and shot multiple times in the victim’s direction. 

In his felony status conference, Francis informed the court he is no longer confident in his lawyer, Thecia Bethel, because he says she failed to adequately explain the prosecution’s plea offer.

Bethel, said she tried her best but nonetheless, Francis requested a new attorney. No details of the deal were presented in court.

Francis persistently requested he be placed on release to prevent break-ins at his apartment. Judge Arthur denied the release motion and said this will be the last time he grants Francis’ request for a new attorney. 

Parties will meet again on April 24.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect Vehicle in Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect vehicle in connection to a shooting that occurred on April 20 on the 4600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located two men suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect’s vehicle was captured by surveillance cameras nearby.

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 Attorney Accuses Prosecutors of ‘Sugarcoating Child Abuse’ in Homicide Case

“He fell and never was able to get up again. He died in his own living room, shot by his son,” said prosecutors on April 22 in their closing statements in the case of a son charged with fatally shooting his father. 

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 prosecutors, a verbal and physical altercation occurred between Williams and Magruder, which led Williams to produce a firearm and shoot Magruder, who was unarmed, in the chest before fleeing the scene and disposing of the firearm in a trash can. 

The argument was apparently over a few dollars worth of marijuana.

“He didn’t have to pull the trigger,” said the prosecution. “Williams shot a man who was empty-handed.”

The prosecution acknowledged that, according to eyewitness testimony, Magruder was the initial aggressor during the physical altercation and hit Williams several times.

“All witnesses agree Williams did not fight back,” said the prosecution, but argued Williams could have “put up his dukes and fight him like a man.”

Further, they argued that Williams was not acting in self-defense, citing eyewitness testimony that claimed Magruder put his hands up in surrender before Williams fired. 

Of Williams’ own testimony, the prosecutors pointed out that he lied about the location of the firearm prior to the shooting.

“He doubled-down about simple details, such as where his gun was. He testified that he put his gun in a closet, while there was never a closet there. That is because it never happened and he never tried to hide his gun,” said the prosecution. 

Further, prosecutors argued that Williams did not sustain an “actual beating,” citing Williams’ only known injury from the altercation was a split lip.

“You don’t have to agree with [Magruder’s] way of disciplining his children. You can even think he’s a bad person,” said the prosecution, arguing Williams’ behavior was not self-defense, but rather an angry reaction to his father’s abuse.

“I submit to you that he was angry,” said the prosecution. “He was angry that he was not good enough for his dad.”

Williams’ defense attorney, Jason Tulley, argued that Williams’ actions were consistent with someone acting in self-defense, citing that Magruder was “stronger, bigger, angrier, and more violent” than Williams, causing him to react defensively. 

“He was not thinking ‘I’m gonna hurt my dad.’ He loved his dad,” said Tulley, arguing that the prosecution was “sugarcoating child abuse.”

According to Tulley, Magruder had a history of violent abuse, including a past conviction for a violent crime, and Williams’ knowledge of this behavior caused him to fear for his life.

“[Magruder] goes after folks that are smaller, more vulnerable,” Tulley said, claiming that the prosecution’s minimizing of these violent tendencies was “abuse-denying.”

He argued that, during the physical altercation, Magruder prevented Williams from leaving the apartment twice, and an eyewitness was unsuccessful in pulling Magruder away from the altercation.

“[Williams] was scared, trying to escape,” said Tulley, claiming Magruder was too “lost in his rage” to be stopped.

Further, Tulley argued “there was no ‘hands-up surrender’ business,” citing that the eyewitness who saw Magruder put his hands up previously told police she only heard the shot being fired.

“You all have the last word,” said Tulley. “I ask that you make that last word ‘not guilty.’”

In their rebuttal, the prosecution reiterated that Magruder was unarmed at the time of the shooting, Williams’ motive was out of revenge, not self-defense.

“Williams knew he had the means to put an end to [Magruder] humiliating him,” said the prosecution. “He had a gun!”

The prosecution also claimed Williams actions after the shooting were not consistent with self-defense. 

“He did not call the police, he fled the scene and got rid of the evidence,” said the prosecution. “I don’t know what Tulley calls that, but I call it hiding.” 

Prosecutors asked the jury to rule “the only verdict rendered by the evidence, which is guilty.”

The jury was sent out for deliberations by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Prior to the parties delivering their closing statements, Judge Epstein alerted the parties to a report from Pre-Trial Services that stated Williams tested positive for opioids prior to his testimony. The parties agreed to discuss the results at a later date.

There Are ‘No Witnesses to This Case,’ Defense Argues During Trial

A homicide defendant’s attorney claimed, “There are no witnesses to this case,” arguing his client is not guilty because no one saw him commit the crime.

Eric Davis, 60, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the murder of 41-year-old Theodore Riley on the 1600 block of Gales Street, SE on July 19, 2021.

According to prosecutors, video surveillance footage shows Davis and Riley walking through a residential neighborhood together before walking into an alley between two houses. The alley, which was not captured by surveillance footage, was lined with fences, gates, and walls bordering private property on either side.

A nearby camera recorded audio of a loud noise, followed by footage of Davis running out of the alley. Riley was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound at the scene.

On April 18, The prosecution called a deputy medical examiner from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) to explain Riley’s autopsy results. 

The medical examiner collected a DNA blood card and bullet fragments from the victim’s body. Photographs taken during the autopsy of the entrance and exit wounds on his head caused by a bullet were shown to the jury. 

The autopsy also identified skin abrasions on the left side of Riley’s head and face and on the left knee. The medical examiner testified it was possible these abrasions were injuries from falling to the ground.

The medical examiner determined that the manner of death was a homicide from a gunshot wound. 

According to the examiner, the cause of death was ruled not suicide due to to stippling around the entrance wound, meaning Riley was shot from an intermediate range, which was inconsistent with suicide.

The prosecution’s next witness was the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified about the two main entrance and exit points of the alley, adding that all other possible entrances lead into backyards of the residents of the area and were secured with locks.

He also said the noise heard on video surveillance footage was consistent with the sound of a gunshot. 

On cross examination, Davis’ defense attorney, Howard McEachern, pointed out that no video surveillance of the shooting itself was recovered, and that no physical altercation or aggressive behavior occurred between Riley and Davis before they entered the alley.

McEachern also argued the fences and gates lining the alley could’ve been climbed, even if they were locked.

The detective agreed, stating, “It’s not impossible.”

After the conclusion of the detective’s testimony, the prosecution rested their case.

Parties are slated to return on April 22. 

Homicide Defendant in Love Triangle Case Pleads Not Guilty, Awaits Competency Determination

A homicide defendant allegedly involved in a love triangle was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 19.

Stephon Shields, 27, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, first-degree murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 58-year-old James Samuels. The incident occurred on the 2900 block of Nelson Place, SE, on June 2, 2023. 

According to court documents, Shields allegedly confronted Samuels, his ex-girlfriend’s fiance, in his apartment where they got into a heated argument. The incident quickly escalated, and Shields reportedly shot Samuels 22 times, including once in his penis.  

During the hearing, defense attorney Sylvia Smith entered a plea of not guilty for Shields on the grounds he isn’t mentally competent to stand trial.

Shields has previously been evaluated by a doctor at the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) when he wax determined competent to withstand trial.

Opposing the finding, Smith requested time to find another expert to evaluate the defendant and is still waiting for the results. 

In the meantime, Shields remains held at DC’s St. Elizabeths Hospital for suspects with behavioral issues.  

Parties are slated to return June 21. 

Judge Delays Ruling on Shooting Defendant’s Probation Revocation

DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe requested additional time to make a ruling on a shooting defendant’s probation revocation, following his arrest in connection to another shooting. 

Jordan Therman, 25, was originally charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting at a Shell Gas Station on the 4700 block of South Capitol Street, SE. The incident occurred on May 2, 2019, and left an individual sustaining life-threatening injuries.  

On Jan. 29, 2021, Therman accepted an offer that required he plead guilty to aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. 

On April 6, 2021, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson sentenced Therman concurrently to 30 months, with six months suspended, for the assault charge, and 60 months, with 12 months suspended, for the possession charge.

On April 19, during a probation show cause hearing, the prosecution stated that Therman violated the conditions of his probation by failing to submit drug test results as well as not appearing for court-mandated substance abuse counseling. 

Additionally, the prosecution stated Therman had been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and assault with a dangerous weapon while on release, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals on Feb. 7, on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW. 

Given the seriousness of the alleged infractions the prosecution asked Judge O’Keefe to revoke Therman’s probation. 

Therman’s defense attorney, Todd Baldwin, argued that the US Supreme Court frowns upon probation revocation without a conviction for new charges. 

Since Therman is actively disputing the new cases, Baldwin asked Judge O’Keefe to reject the prosecution’s request for revocation.

Judge O’Keefe didn’t rule but set an additional hearing to review the matter. 

Parties are set to return on June 14.

Homicide Defendant Says He’s ‘Not Interested’ in Plea Deal

A homicide defendant rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein in an April 19 hearing

Randolph Thomas, 41, is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Emmanuel Durant Jr. on Dec. 31, 2009. Thomas has not yet been indicted before a grand jury. 

According to court documents, Thomas allegedly shot and killed Durant as he attempted to rob him. 

Thomas previously pled guilty to a murder that occurred 20 some hours before the shooting of Durant Jr. In that incident he fatally shot Chardale Bowe, 42, on Dec. 31, 2009, on the 4800 block of North Capitol Street, NE. 

During the hearing, the prosecution told Judge Epstein that the defense rejected an “informal offer” extended to Thomas. The offer included a guilty plea to one count of second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon.

In exchange, the prosecutors stated they would cap allocution requests at sentencing between a range of 18-to-25 years and 9 months, pursuant to D.C sentencing guidelines. 

Judge Epstein confirmed the rejection of the plea offer, asking the defendant “Not interested?” to which defense attorney Kyle McGonigal acknowledged confirmation.

Prosecution stated that the offer was officially withdrawn.

Parties will reconvene on July 17.