The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in connection with a 2023 homicide. On May 20, 2023, Little Price Jr., 36, was found deceased from gunshot wounds on the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE. On Jan. 20, an 18-year-old male from Southeast was charged with First-Degree Murder while Armed for the crime, which he allegedly committed at age 15. MPD did not release the name of the suspect, a juvenile at the time of the murder.
DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted a carjacking defendant’s request for release on home confinement on Jan. 21.
Devon Rogers, 27, is charged with armed carjacking, two counts of robbery while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident on May 23 on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW.
During the hearing, Bryan Bookhard, Rogers’ attorney, requested Rogers be released on home confinement given that he has been held since May 2025.
Bookhard cited two civilian witnesses who claimed Rogers was not engaged in the crime.
The prosecutor opposed the request, since they claim to have evidence that Rogers was next to the victim’s car an hour after it got stolen. They requested that Rogers remain detained, citing his dangerousness.
However, Judge Arthur sided with the defense, and agreed to release Rogers on home confinement.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 11.
DC Supreme Court Judge Jason Park rejected a shooting defendant’s request for release during a hearing on Jan. 20.
Nikia Cunningham, 31, and Bernard Vance, 31, are charged with robbery while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, second-degree cruelty to children, possession of firearm during crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, tampering with physical evidence, possession of unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and assault with a dangerous weapon.
The accusations date back to their alleged involvement in a robbery and shooting incident on March 28, 2023, on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries during the crime.
On Dec. 16, 2025, a jury acquitted Cunningham of assault with intent to kill while armed and a count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
During the hearing, Cunningham’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, addressed Judge Park about possibly releasing Cunningham.
Winograd argued that the incident occurred more than three years ago, and Cunningham will have to wait for a re-trial, even though she was acquitted of assault with intent to kill –which he argued no longer makes her dangerous to the community, even though her child, was allegedly on her hip at the time of the shooting.
Winograd argued Cunningham had a strong self-defense case.
The prosecutor opposed the request due to the fact that Cunningham was previously convicted and sentenced in connection to a theft and assault case. According to the prosecution, Cunningham allegedly shot a man in the face, and she has been previously jailed.
Judge Park acknowledged the fact that Cunningham’s self-defense claims are strong, but he refuted the request due to her extensive criminal history. He told parties he’d be open to revisiting the request at a later time.
Parties are set to gather again on Jan. 27.
A friend of a homicide defendant told police he was responsible for the incident in a jury trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Jan. 22.
Antonio Hawley, 23, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Aaron Wiggins, 26, on Oct. 6, 2021. The incident occurred on the 400 block of 13th Street, SE.
During the hearing, prosecutors called on an eyewitness, a close friend with Hawley who claimed responsibility for Wiggins’ death, stating, “It was something that wasn’t supposed to happen.”
The witness, who was also the owner of the weapon allegedly used in the murder, said the events of the October night “ruined everything in [his] life” and that “if [he] could go back in time and change it,” he would.
Police suspected Hawley was the shooter prior to their meeting with the witness, and pressed the witness during an interview. While he testified he initially attempted to take responsibility for the incident with detectives, the witness retracted the self-incriminating statements, claiming Hawley was indeed the shooter.
The witness claimed he was “feeling guilty for snitching” on Hawley. According to Julie Swaney, Hawley’s attorney, the witness was granted immunity from a charge of carrying a pistol without a license for his compliance during questioning with officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The eyewitness also testified that a mutual friend of his and Hawley had asked to buy the suspected murder weapon from him.
Prosecutors also called the other friend to testify regarding his relationship with Hawley and the eyewitness, and his knowledge of the gun.
The individual claimed he saw the bag containing the weapon multiple times around the residence of his partner at the time, where he and defendant visited frequently, but didn’t know the weapon was stored there. He also claimed to seeing the bag carried by Hawley and the eyewitness who claimed blame at different times.
Swaney questioned him about his alleged desire to purchase the weapon, which the eyewitness had asserted in earlier testimony but then denied it.
Following the witnesses’ testimonies, prosecutors called the medical examiner who performed Wiggins’ autopsy and ruled the manner of death a homicide, and stated the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds.
Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 26.
A shooting defendant rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Deborah Israel on Jan. 20.
Shawnette Greene, 49, is charged with robbery while armed among other counts for her alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 200 block of Allison Street, NW on Feb. 13, 2023 that left an individual suffering three gunshot wounds to the upper left leg.
During the hearing, Greene rejected a plea deal offered by the prosecution. The proposed agreement would reduce her charges to one count of assault with significant bodily injury and one count of carrying a pistol without a license, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 27.
DC Superior Court Deborah Israel granted a shooting defendant’s request to extend his curfew on Jan. 20.
Delon King, 20, and Davian Raines, 20, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm for their alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred May 11, 2025 on the 900 block of U Street, NW. Three people were injured during the incident.
Raines is also charged with two additional counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, in connection to the incident.
King’s defense attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, requested that his curfew be extended, citing a representative from Pretrial Services Agency (PSA)’s report, in which they stated King was in full compliance with release conditions.
Judge Israel granted the request, extending the curfew. King is expected to be in home confinement between eight p. m. and seven a. m.
The PSA representative alerted Judge Israel that Raines had violations of the curfew in late 2025. Judge Israel reminded Raines to remain compliant, or face detention.
Parties are set to reconvene March 2.
Prosecutors in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson claimed that the suspect’s actions after a football game dispute were direct, intentional, and like an an execution, during a hearing on Jan. 21.
Antonio Hawley, 22, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Aaron Wiggins on Oct. 6, 2021. The shooting occurred on the 400 block of 12th Street, SE, outside Watkins Elementary School, following a nighttime flag football scrimmage.
Prosecutors told jurors in their opening statements that Wiggins and Hawley, who were friends, participated in organized flag football opposing teams and that the shooting occurred moments after Wiggins scored a game-winning touchdown.
According to the prosecutors, some field lights shut off, prompting the teams to run one final play, that inspired trash talk. Prosecutors allege Hawley shot Wiggins execution-style to “show dominance,” firing 17 shots, 13 of which struck Wiggins, killing him at the scene.
Prosecutors played footage that showed a person said to be Hawley entering the recreational complex with a friend before the game, who prosecutors say owned and carried a “Champion” brand bag which contained the unregistered pistol allegedly used in the crime. Prosecutors also presented a prior social media photo showing Hawley posing with a firearm while wearing the same bag, and footage of Hawley allegedly exiting the field wearing his waist flags after the shooting and leaving the area.
Defense attorney Albert Amissah said the prosecution’s allegations rely on inconsistent and unreliable accounts. Ammisah maintained that another individual retained possession of the bag and firearm throughout the night and emphasized discrepancies in witness statements presented by the prosecution. Amissah urged jurors to closely examine gaps in the evidence and question whether prosecutors had enough to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Hawley committed the crime.
A teammate of Wiggins testified he overheard arguing between three-to-five players including Wiggins. He mentioned that it “felt more personal” between two players, though he did not specify which ones.
Another teammate, who placed the 911 call, testified that he witnessed the shooter and described him in court as between five-foot seven and five-foot eight. Under cross-examination, Amissah revealed that in the teammate’s 911 caller didn’t see the shooter. They also demonstrated that the defendant is six-feet -one inches tall.
A home security camera in the area of the shooting recorded footage of the incident. The camera was facing the football field, but was too far away to capture the shooter’s physical characteristics. The footage captured the commotio and the chaotic aftermath. The video portrayed 17 shots and the muzzle flash with people running away.
An eyewitness who was on a hockey field in the complex at the time of the shooting also testified to seeing an individual on the field yelling in a taunting manner after gunfire erupted. However, the witness could not identify the person.
Jurors also heard from Wiggins’ father, who described his son as deeply committed to football and intensely competitive. He testified that although they had once been estranged, the two were rebuilding their relationship before Wiggins’ death.
Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 22.
DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean denied a shooting defendant’s motion to dismiss his case and release him on Jan. 21.
Marquis Allen, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of firearm during a crime of violence and threats to kidnap or injure a person, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Aug. 19, 2025 on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE.
According to court documents, Allen shot at his sister but she was uninjured.
Defense Attorney Chidi Ogolo filed a motion to dismiss the case on the grounds that Allen’s right to a speedy trial had been violated. Allen has been in custody since his arrest on Aug. 27, 2025. Judge McLean said that when Allen requested new counsel on Dec. 1, 2025, she warned him that it could delay his trial. Judge McLean denied the motion.
Ogolo also filed a motion for release. He argued that Allen was not a flight risk, nor a danger to the community and has a job and family support.
The prosecuting attorney argued against Allen’s release due to the violent nature of the charges and his past criminal record. Judge McLean sided with the prosecution and denied the motion.
Parties are slated to reconvene March 19.
A defendant accused of stabbing a fellow inmate in jail did not show up for his felony status conference on Jan. 21 before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.
Michael Sanders, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of another inmate at the DC Jail. The incident occurred on April 1, 2025 on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.
At the hearing, when Judge Pipe inquired as to whether Sanders was absent due to illness, Daniel Kovler said yes, but a marshal interrupted, saying that Sanders simply refused to come.
Kovler alerted Judge Pipe that parties are in plea negotiations, and hope to have a resolution soon.
Judge Pipe encouraged Kovler to visit Sanders in jail and explain to him the importance of appearing at the next status conference.
The next status conference has been scheduled for Jan. 28.
Two defendants accused of stabbing a fellow in a petty dispute at the DC Jail waived their rights to preliminary hearings on Jan. 20, before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum.
Rahgee Jordan, 35, and Antonio Kingsbury, 38, are charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing another inmate at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Oct. 29, 2025.
During the hearing, Brandon Burrell, Kingsbury’s attorney, and Steven Polin, Jordan’s attorney, alerted the judge of their intent to waive a preliminary hearing.
Judge Hildum affirmed that the defendants understood they were forfeiting their opportunity to dispute the prosecution’s evidence for probable cause.
Both defendants will remain incarcerated before the next hearing and while they are tried for other crimes. Kingsbury is being held on a pending federal case, according to Burrell. Jordan will be tried on Jan. 28 for felony possession of a firearm, according to court documents and Polin.
According to prosecutors, Jordan allegedly stabbed the victim with a sharp silver object, described by the victim as a shank, after he asked Jordan for sugar in the jail’s recreation room.
“I ain’t giving you no sugar….I’ll cook you,” the victim claimed Jordan said, according to court documents.
Parties are slated to reconvene before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on Feb. 19.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in locating a suspect involved in a shooting on Nov. 29 on the 3200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. The incident occurred when the victim, who survived, was shot while attempting to remove the suspect from their vehicle. The suspect fled on foot, and the victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Surveillance footage of the suspect is available.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 33-year-old Tavonte Graham, of Southeast, D.C., in connection with an armed burglary that occurred on Dec. 22 in the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE. Graham allegedly posed as a delivery worker, attacked the victim with pepper spray and a knife, and attempted to steal the victim’s shoes. The victim was hospitalized for their injuries. Graham has been charged with Burglary One While Armed (Knife).
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an update on a vehicular assault and officer-involved shooting that occurred on Jan. 18 in Northeast Washington, D.C. The incident began when 28-year-old Christopher Cherry, who allegedly threatened nightclub security, returned in a vehicle and drove toward officers and pedestrians. Officers discharged their weapons when Cherry drove in reverse toward an officer. Cherry, who was later apprehended with gunshot wounds, faces multiple charges, including Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Felony Assault on a Police Officer. The investigation is ongoing, and involved officers are on administrative leave.
Editor’s Note: Malik Seltzer was acquitted of the murder, and its corresponding charges, by a jury on Jan. 22, 2026.
Prosecutors in a homicide trial told a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz’s courtroom on Jan. 21 that eight rounds fired in apparent retaliation were “the shots that killed Paris Odemns.”
Malik Seltzer, 31, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Odemns on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on Sept. 15, 2021.
Before closing arguments, prosecutors called on the medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Odemns who said there were five gunshot wounds on Odemns’ back, two of which were fatal, and one on his hand. The manner of death was a ruled homicide.
In their closing arguments, prosecutors highlighted surveillance footage, which they claim depicts Seltzer with Odemns leading up to the murder and running away from the scene.
After playing the audio of the gunshots picked up by ShotSpotter, the prosecution said, “Those were the shots that killed Paris Odemns.”
The prosecutor restated earlier testimony by an eyewitness who said they heard Seltzer say “this is the one that stabbed [Seltzer’s friend]” and “I’m gonna bag him,” in relation to Odemns. The eyewitness “heard Seltzer say what he was going to do and what he did.” The prosecutor said that Seltzer “had this plan in his head.”
Finally, to refute the argument that nobody saw Seltzer shoot, the attorney stated “that is not true.” The attorney reminded the jury of earlier testimony by another eyewitness who lived across the street from the scene of the crime who reported hearing gunshots and seeing muzzle flashes followed by a figure running North on First street, who was alleged to be Seltzer.
Kevann Gardner, one of the attorneys representing Seltzer, highlighted many holes he found in the prosecution’s case, stating “there’s a whole lot of evidence we didn’t hear.” According to Gardner, prosecutors failed to call witnesses who could have shed light on what happened.
Gardner called into question the credibility of a prosecutor witness claiming the witness had every reason to lie to “prevent him from going away to prison for years.”
Gardner also argued that the prosecution was “hiding witnesses”– most importantly the lead detective on the case wasn’t called to testify.
Due to time constraints, Gardner was unable to conclude his closing arguments.
Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 22.
The federal law enforcement surge in response to President Trump’s declaration of a DC “crime emergency.” has been underway for nearly five months. The numbers show that overall arrests went up, violent crime went down significantly and, in particular, the number of those charged with certain minor crimes increased dramatically.
D.C. Witness was able to get the most accurate list of those actually booked for an offense and facing an initial hearing with an assigned lawyer through the daily lock up lists of all those detained. From Aug. 12 to Oct. 6, D.C. Witness tallied 2,595 arrests for 25 different charges ranging from felonies to misdemeanors.
The investigation revealed that there were 58 percent more arrests in September 2025, during a 12-day period of the surge, compared to the same period in 2024.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), which also collected data on the surge’s first month, overall arrests were up 31 percent to 2,771 between Aug. 7 and Sept. 10.
The agency says major crimes like homicide were down 53 percent, and carjackings down 75 percent from the commensurate period in 2024.
Meanwhile, non-felony charges such as carrying an open container of alcohol went up 500 percent and marijuana-related cases were up 55 percent versus 2024. While possessing up to two ounces of marijuana in DC is legal, it’s still a federal crime.
Assaults on police, ranging from felonies to misdemeanors, increased 70 percent during the crackdown compared to August and September 2024.
