Eyewitness in Fatal Crash Says ‘Seatbelt Saved [His] Life’

Three eyewitnesses testified during a triple-homicide jury trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 25.

Nakita Walker, 46, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder, fleeing a law enforcement officer, and assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a fatal car crash, which killed Mohamed Kamara, 43, Jonathan Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22. The incident occurred on Rock Creek Parkway, NW, on March 15, 2023.

The prosecution called an eyewitness who received immunity for marijuana possession charges for cooperating in the case. The eyewitness claimed to be a friend of Walker’s, but prosecutors said he was her ex-boyfriend.

According to the eyewitness, he and Walker had seen a movie on the night of the incident. The eyewitness admitted to smoking marijuana before the movie, but claimed Walker did not. Prosecutors showed the eyewitness his grand jury testimony, where he claimed Walker had smoked a joint the night of the incident, and he said the account he gave to the grand jury was “not correct.”

The eyewitness then stated he did not remember signing an immunity letter in relation to the marijuana possession charges. Prosecutors showed the eyewitness the letter, which bore his signature, but he claimed he never signed it.

After the movie, Walker drove the eyewitness to the liquor store, where he said he purchased a bottle of Hennessy Cognac. The eyewitness then got back in Walker’s car, and shared some of the bottle with Walker before she dropped him off again at a gas station.

The eyewitness said Walker later returned with two women in her car. Upon re-entering Walker’s car, the eyewitness noticed some liquor was missing from the Hennessy bottle, but he did not know who drank it.

The eyewitness stated that Walker’s behavior seemed off when she returned to the gas station, prompting him to request that drive for the rest of the night, which Walker denied.

Walker and the eyewitness then dropped Walker’s friends off at home and headed for Walker’s residence. The eyewitness then got into a verbal altercation with Walker about who should be driving.

The pair were pulled over by a police officer, who approached Walker’s vehicle on the passenger side, said the eyewitness. The officer began conversing with the eyewitness and allegedly confiscated marijuana from his pocket. At this point, Walker pulled the vehicle away from the traffic stop, believing the officer was harassing the eyewitness. The officer didn’t pursue Walker’s vehicle.

After fleeing the officer, the eyewitness said he told Walker to slow down her car. The eyewitness saw headlights quickly approaching Walker’s vehicle and braced himself for impact as the two cars collided. The eyewitness recalled losing consciousness during the crash, and said the “seatbelt saved [his] life.”

After exiting the car and checking himself for injuries, the eyewitness removed Walker, who was unconscious, from the vehicle and placed her on the pavement. The eyewitness also went to check on those in the other car, stating that two other individuals stopped on the road to assist the victims of the crash. The eyewitness then walked up the road and was met by police who questioned him.

On cross-examination, the eyewitness told Walker’s attorney, Albert Amissah, he had lived at Walker’s house at various points and had previously driven her car.

The eyewitness claimed that during the traffic stop, the officer instructed him to pour out the bottle of Hennessy that he had purchased earlier. He also said that both he and Walker were upset at the way the officer handled the traffic stop, and felt harassed.

The prosecution read the eyewitness’ grand jury testimony, where he claimed he had memory issues.

The eyewitness said he believed the other car may have been responsible for the accident and was the one to make contact with Walker’s vehicle, but he was not sure this was the case.

Prosecutors called an eyewitness who was driving on Rock Creek Parkway with her husband the night of the incident, around 1:30 a. m. According to the eyewitness, another car was driving about five car lengths in front of her and her husband in the right lane when a third car came around a bend, crossed lanes, and hit the car in the right lane.

The eyewitness stated that a tire came off one of the cars and traveled in the direction of her and her husband’s car. The witness said her husband was able to stop, then she called 911 and gave a statement to the police on the scene.

Amissah confirmed with the eyewitness that she was sure the tire came off during the crash, but she was unsure which tire it was since the road was poorly lit.

The prosecution called the eyewitness’s husband, who said he was driving his wife home from work on Rock Creek Parkway. According to the witness, he was driving south in the left lane, and saw another car driving in the same direction about five car lengths in front of him.

The eyewitness stated that he saw another car, driving the opposite direction, cross the yellow lines and hit the car in front of him head-on. The eyewitness said a tire came off one of the cars in the direction of his car, but he was successfully able to dodge it.

Amissah asked the eyewitness whether or not the tire came off before or during the crash. The witness said he believed the tire came off due to the crash, but he wasn’t entirely sure.

The prosecution then called another witness, who identified herself as a friend of Walker’s and stated that she had interacted with Walker on the night of the incident. The friend admitted that she drank wine and smoked PCP that night. Walker, who had been to the movies earlier that night, told her friend that she had not had anything to drink.

Walker’s friend stated that Walker drove her and her neighbor to a gas station in a black Lexus and picked up a man carrying a bottle of liquor and a red solo cup. The friend and her neighbor were then dropped off at home. According to the friend, there was nothing unusual about Walker’s driving.

On cross-examination, the friend claimed that Walker wasn’t drinking alcohol or smoking PCP the night of the incident. However, Walker had told her friend that there was a firearm in the black Lexus.

The prosecution stated that this was the first time the friend had mentioned the presence of a firearm in Walker’s vehicle. The friend claimed she didn’t believe it was important to mention in her grand jury testimony.

At the end of the hearing, all parties questioned a juror who had been sleeping during the testimony of an important witness the day prior. Judge Brandt ultimately decided to excuse the juror from the trial.

The trial is scheduled to resume on March 30.

Defense Says They Were Misinformed That a Homicide Victim’s Wife Had Died

A homicide trial was delayed on March 30 after the defense claimed prosecutors misinformed them that the victim’s wife had died in arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson.

Jamil Whitley, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Kevin Redd on the 4700 block of Jay Street, NE, on June 11, 2020. Redd sustained three gunshot wounds to his shoulder, chest, and forearm.

Madalyn Harvey, Whitley’s attorney, informed Judge Dayson that she will file a motion to dismiss the case based on the failure to share evidence. According to Harvey, prosecutors previously informed the defense that Redd’s wife was deceased, but on March 22, a defense investigator learned that she was still alive.

According to the motion filed by Harvey, prosecutors were told that Redd’s wife died in May 2024, but did not tell Harvey until May 2025.

Harvey wanted Judge Dayson to revisit her previous decision against dismissing the case in light of the new information.

She first filed the motion to dismiss on June 30, 2025 because prosecutors did not send a police interview video with Redd’s wife, holding it for four years. A month after receiving the video, Harvey was made told she died. If she had received the video earlier, she would have spoken to the witness sooner, Harvey told Judge Dayson.

“There are countless inaccurate representations and a pattern of carelessness,” Harvey said about prosecutors’ actions in the case.

Judge Dayson proposed prosecutors call the facility where Redd’s wife has received treatment for a neurological disorder to try and get clarity.

Harvey told Judge Dayson that she is not comfortable with relying on prosecutors because of what she termed past carelessness.

Prosecutors told the court that the facility told them it would take anywhere between seven-to-10 days to get a full report.

Judge Dayson and parties agreed they would call the facility immediately to get all of Redd’s wife’s pertinent medical records

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 1.

Teenage Suspect in Two Shootings Takes a Plea

A teenage shooting defendant who injured two victims accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park during a hearing on March 26.

London Wells, 18, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to murder while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 600 block of Mellon Street, SE on Aug. 18, 2025. One victim sustained multiple shots to his buttocks and right calf causing internal damage to his bladder, hip and chest cavity. A second victim suffered a shot to his right calf.

Wells was charged under Title 16, which allows prosecutors to try juveniles as adults for certain serious offenses.

Had the case gone to trial, the prosecution said they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Wells got into a verbal dispute about his aunt. Wells then pushed one of the victims and fired five shots, injuring both.

During the hearing, the prosecution extended an offer to Wells that required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to drop all other charges and limit their sentence request to the bottom third of the applicable sentencing guidelines.

According to the sentencing guidelines, assault with intent to kill has a maximum term of 15 years. Assault with a dangerous weapon carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. Carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business imposes a maximum of five years of imprisonment.

Wells’ attorney, David Akulian, accepted the plea on his client’s behalf. Akulian explained to Judge Park that he plans to argue in support of a sentence in the bottom third of the guidelines.

Judge Park clarified he is not bound by the plea offer and could have the sentences run consecutively.

US Marshals escorted Wells out of the courtroom as his family said goodbye.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 5.

Murder Defendant’s Release is an ‘Extraordinary Opportunity,’ Judge Says

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park gave a non-compliant homicide defendant a second chance regarding his release terms on March 26.

Steven Washington, 26 is charged with conspiracy, first-degree felony murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and attempting to commit robbery while armed. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Nurudeen Thomas, 30, on the 4100 block of 14th Street, NW, on July 21, 2020.

D.C. Witness previously reported, Washington failed to appear for his hearing on March 23 and has had failed to contact his attorneys, Quo Judkins and Veronice Holt, and Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and has been non-compliant with GPS guidelines.

He appeared at his last hearing on March 25, however, it was delayed to the next day because, according to Judge Park, Judkins had an “unexpected emergency.”

During the hearing, Judge Park went through PSA documents regarding Washington’s non-compliance. According to the documents, Washington’s GPS device was dead for 48 hours resulting in a loss of contact.

Judkins said Washington was unable to communicate with PSA and the attorneys in this period of time because of his housing problems.

She explained he has been living in a hotel and neither the attorneys nor PSA had his contact information, since Washington did not know his hotel phone number. She explained, the hotel had checked him out without Washington’s knowledge and when he came back from work his belongings were removed by hotel staff leading to the dead battery and communication issues.

“My understanding is that Washington has spoken with PSA yesterday and today,” Judkins said. “His understanding regarding GPS charging is that when the device blinks red he needs to charge it.”

A PSA agent at the hearing, clarified to Washington and Judkins that he needs to charge the device every day for one hour.

The prosecution requested that Washington turn himself in to DC Jail, arguing his serious charge requires perfect compliance with his release terms.

Judkins said when he lost contact, Washington was unaware of the GPS charging rules and now he’s “making steps to make sure that it never happens again” by contacting his PSA agent everyday even though that is not required.

Judge Park reiterated the prosecution’s argument and said it is rare for someone facing homicide charges to be on release.

“He’s been given an extraordinary opportunity” to be out in the community, Judge Park said.

He acknowledged that Washington did show up for his previous hearing, which was a step in the right direction.

As a result, Judge Park rejected the prosecution’s request to revoke Washington’s release and scheduled another hearing for him to demonstrate “perfect compliance.”

The judge also acknowledged his housing issues, but he told Washington that was not an excuse for non-compliance.

Judge Park asked PSA to immediately alert him if Washington is not being compliant.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene April 21.

‘You Have A Lot of Life to Live’ Says Judge Before Sentencing Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a stabbing defendant to two years in prison with an admonition on March 26.

Romel Sawyer, 38, pleaded guilty on Jan. 21 to assault with significant bodily injury, possession of a prohibited weapon, and robbery for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 6600 block of Georgia Avenue, NW on Aug. 1, 2025.

At the hearing, the prosecution explained the victim was “approached, assaulted, and robbed,” of all of his belongings that were important to him including rent money, his cell phone, and identifying documents.

“When I tried to defend myself, I was stabbed in the back,” and “I so desperately want my life back,” the victim said in a victim impact statement.

The prosecution asked Judge Arthur to impose a two year suspended sentence for the robbery charge in which he would serve 10 months, and a one year suspended sentence for the possession of a prohibited weapon charge.

Sawyer’s attorney, Kevin Robertson, explained to Judge Arthur that his client was remorseful. Robertson emphasized that Sawyer swung the knife and struck the victim but did not stab him, and he has successfully completed probation in the past.

Robertson asked Judge Arthur to impose a suspended sentence of two years and six months in which he would serve two years, as well as one year probation and three years of supervision. Robertson emphasized that he wanted his client to receive substance abuse treatment if he is sent to jail.

Judge Arthur acknowledged Sawyer’s substance abuse and anger issues helped fuel the crime. “You have to recognize the potential for relapse is there,” Judge Arthur said. “You have a lot of life to live.”

Sawyer was sentenced to 6 years in prison, suspending all but 24 months for robbery. For assault with significant bodily injury, Sawyer was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspending all by 10 months and for possession of a prohibited weapon he was sentenced to one year in prison.

He received three years of supervised probation for each count. The sentences and probation are slated to be served concurrently.

Judge Arthur also ordered Sawyer to get substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, and anger management.

No further dates were set.

Prosecutor Withdraws Plea Offer For Domestic Violence Shooting Defendant

The prosecution withdrew a plea offer for a shooting defendant in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on March 26.

Omari Nkusi, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and strangulation for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE on Jan. 15.

According to court documents, Nkusi allegedly strangled his romantic partner after attempting to look through her phone. Then, Nkusi reportedly fired a gun at her while some of her family members came to pick her up.

During the hearing, the prosecution read the offer which would require Nkusi to plead guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. According to DC sentencing guidelines, both charges carry a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.

Nkusi’s newly appointed attorney, John Belcher, stated that he did not want to toll time, meaning to temporarily pause the indictment deadline on the case, leading the prosecution to withdraw the plea offer, as it was contingent on tolling.

After the parties agreed on a trial date, Belcher told Judge Salerno that he felt that the victim’s statements before the grand jury were “inconsistent” with what the prosecution previously told him.

Judge Salerno asked parties to speak over headsets to resolve the matter, but Belcher pushed for the victim to address the inconsistent statements in open court, which the prosecution called “inappropriate.” The victim was present at the hearing via Webex.

The judge stated firmly that allowing the victim to speak for the court would essentially be witness testimony, and was “not something [they] can do at a status hearing,” to which Belcher replied “I think you’re wrong.”

Judge Salerno did not allow the victim to speak, and asked the parties to file written motions if they wanted.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 26.

Jury Finds Defendant Guilty of 1997 Double Homicide

A jury delivered a guilty verdict in a nineteen-year-old homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on March 25.

Oscar Diaz-Romero, 47, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Jose Noel Coreas-Carcaro, 22, and Jose Molina, 27, in a restaurant on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW, on Aug. 9, 1997. After the shooting, Diaz-Romero left the United States and traveled to El Salvador, where he was extradited from in January 2025.

Prosecutors argued Diaz-Romero brought a revolver to a fist fight between two rival gangs and shot two individuals. Diaz-Romero made the decision to use a revolver and kill these two young men, prosecutors said.

Following less than two days of deliberations, a jury found Diaz-Romero guilty on both counts.

Diaz-Romero’s attorney, Julie Swaney, requested that each jury member state whether they agreed with the verdict. Judge Edelman confirmed that all twelve jurors were in agreement.

Judge Edelman then thanked the panel and emphasized that he trusts their judgement

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 5 for sentencing.

Prosecutors Point Cash App Records and Surveillance Footage Toward Murder Suspect

Witnesses discussed surveillance footage and Cash App payments between the defendant and victim in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 30.

Jaime Macedo, 24, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Maxwell Emerson on the 600 block of Alumni Lane NE on July 5, 2023.

Before the jury was called, parties argued over the admissibility of surveillance video footage taken from a Starbucks that showed Emerson and Macedo walking on Michigan Avenue, NE before the incident. The footage was originally sent to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective in July 2023, but was not received by prosecutors or defense counsel until March 27.

Defense attorney Rachel Cicurel argued that because the footage had been viewed by a member of law enforcement prior to trial, and only sent to the defense after the trial started, it should be considered inadmissible. Judge Kravitz considered admitting the footage and letting the defense redo their opening arguments, but parties instead opted not to show the footage to the jury.

After the jury arrived, the prosecution called a Snapchat law enforcement request specialist who testified about data from Emerson’s Snapchat account. The prosecution displayed a spreadsheet which, according to the specialist, held information about a Snapchat account tied to Emerson’s phone number.

The prosecution also showed the specialist a screenshot taken from an account with the display name “Max Emerson.”

The prosecution called a law enforcement analyst for Block Inc., the company that owns Cash App. Prosecutors displayed a spreadsheet of Cash App records that the analyst claimed belonged to “Max Emerson.” Among the records listed were Emerson’s name, phone number, email, cashtag, and banking information.

The analyst read a portion of the record showing that the account made a payment of 300 dollars on July 5, 2023, to an individual with the display name “James Rodriguez.”

Prosecutors then displayed a spreadsheet with records from a second Cash App account with the display name “James Rodriguez.” Similar to the first account, the witness described the information listed on the spreadsheet, which included two points of identification, a driver’s license, and a verification photo.

Prosecutors showed the witness the photo of the driver’s license, which read the name “Jaime Macedo.” According to the record, the account under Rodriguez’s name received 300 dollars from “Max Emerson” and subsequently sent out 290 dollars to another account.

The prosecution called a retired Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who responded to the scene. According to the officer, he collected several objects belonging to Emerson from the scene and filled out a property form, which would allow the items to be claimed by the victim’s family.

The objects claimed as property were not collected as evidence, a decision the retired officer claimed he didn’t make.

An officer who works for the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) testified about an array of CCTV cameras of the Brooklyn-CUA Metro station.

The footage showed an individual in a green shirt, cargo shorts, and a black backpack enter the station and eventually leave. According to court documents, the individual in the videos was Emerson.

In the last video evidence, the green-shirted individual left the station, and was approached by a man in a black shirt and black pants at the top of the escalators. Court documents indicate the man in the black shirt was Macedo.

The individuals in the video had a conversation as they walked away from the station. The man in the green shirt then turned as if he tried to walk away but the man in the black shirt walked towards him. Eventually, the two men walked out of the view of the cameras together.

Without the jury present, parties received a note from a juror that expressed his concerns with the Spanish translation during a witness’ testimony from the day prior. After a discussion under seal, parties questioned the juror under seal and denied the defense request to dismiss the juror.

The same juror also expressed concerns about the death penalty. Judge Kravitz said he could put the jurors’ mind at ease by informing them there is no death penalty in DC. However, the defense argued the punishment is “irrelevant” for the juror to consider since the judge will impose a sentence if necessary.

The trial is scheduled to reconvene on March 31.

Judge Rules to Exclude Some Prosecution Evidence in Six Year Old Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson ruled to exclude some expert testimony in a long-standing homicide case the defense said was submitted late during a hearing on March 25.

Jamil Whitley, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Kevin Redd on the 4700 block of Jay Street, NE, on June 11, 2020. Redd sustained three gunshot wounds to his shoulder, chest, and forearm.

Judge Dayson preliminarily excluded a portion of an Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST) report about call location that the allegedly prosecutors disclosed late.

According to the defense’s March 13 motion to exclude, the CAST report, which the prosecution conducted in January and filed Feb. 13, included phone data beginning June 10, 2020. Judge Dayson previously allowed other CAST data as evidence in the case.

Madalyn Harvey, Whitley’s attorney, said the defense wanted another expert to verify the data because it’s possible the prosecution’s expert is “incompetent” or made a mistake. She said the expert the defense used to verify other CAST data is unavailable.

The defense said in the motion to exclude that the prosecution knew about the expert witness and what he would testify since “early in the case.”

A prosecutor said the situation did not constitute failure to disclose because they did not have the new CAST data earlier. They also said admitting the CAST report would allow them to “streamline” their case by providing the same information through one witness instead of three.

“Our strategy was different,” the prosecutor said when asked why they did not disclose the report in a timely fashion.

In another ruling, Judge Dayson allowed prosecutors to introduce two 911 calls made by witnesses as evidence because they speak to the incident and timing of the police response.

Harvey said because the calls occurred after the shooting, the witnesses were recounting past events rather than a present emergency.

The prosecution’s motion to admit the evidence, filed on March 12, said the calls satisfied present sense impression requirements because they were made “very soon” — within two-and-a-half minutes — after the shooting.

Judge Dayson said given the brief time between the shooting and calls and the callers’ intentions to procure medical help for the victim, the calls were admissible.

Additionally, Harvey said Redd’s wife’s family members just informed her that the wife was still alive, contrary to what the prosecution previously asserted.

The prosecutor said they received an email from another prosecutor on May 28, 2024, saying the victim’s wife died in custody in Fairfax County, Virginia. They said the he found out from the United States Marshals and said they will verify this information.

The trial is scheduled to begin on March 30.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Deal, Sets New Trial Date

Parties in a homicide case set a new trial date after the defendant rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 26.

Robert Carpenter, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Tremaine Nicholson on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE on May 7, 2024.

Prior to the hearing, prosecutors extended a deal to Carpenter, in which he would plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed. If the judge were to accept the plea, Carpenter would be sentenced to seven-to-12 years in prison. After discussing the plea offer with his attorneys, Christen Philips and David Knight, Carpenter decided to reject the deal.

Parties went back and forth, attempting to decide when all were available. An agreement to begin trial on Jan. 19, 2027, was eventually reached.

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 6 for a status hearing.

Judge Denies Motion to Sever Charges in a Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson denied a motion to sever charges in a murder case in a hearing on March 30.

D’Andre Montgomery, 20, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, felony murder with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business.

These counts stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale Jr. on the 1200 block of 44th Place, SE, on Dec. 16, 2023.

Kevin Hider, 20, and Eric Sheffield, 21, also face charges for their alleged involvement in the same incident.

Charlotte Gilliland and Sylvia Smith, Montgomery’s attorneys, filed a motion on March 6 to sever his charges because they argue the offenses were aimed at two separate targets. They wanted to sever conspiracy and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle because they aren’t related to the homicide incident.

Judge Dayson denied the motion to sever because “they [Montgomery and codefendants] were carrying out the same thefts they had been, when someone interrupted them, and that was why they murdered him.”

Another defense motion, also filed on March 6, asked to prohibit witnesses from narrating or interpreting videos during their testimonies.

Prosecutors told Judge Dayson that their witnesses would not be narrating the surveillance video, rather, they would be explaining the actions that officers took after the video.

Judge Dayson did not make a clear ruling during the hearing but according to court records, parties decided to resolve the issue as necessary during the trial.

In the same defense motion, they stated that prosecutors also wanted to share Montgomery’s social media as a form of identification because some witnesses reportedly know him from previous interactions and his social media.

Judge Dayson said she would allow the social media to be used as evidence, but not in the presence of the jury, due to possible prejudice against Montgomery.

Smith argued that the prosecutors shouldn’t be able to use Montgomery’s GPS and previous probation time as evidence in court because it would be “more prejudicial than probative.”

Prosecutors said that they would only use the GPS data to show his location in relation with the robberies, they would not be using his probation as evidence.

Smith requested that they don’t use the word “GPS” and rather they use the words “location information” when referring to Montgomery’s whereabouts.

Judge Dayson will allow his GPS to be used as evidence because it will show his whereabouts in accordance with the robberies, but ruled that prosecutors could not say why he was on probation.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 3 for more motions arguments.

Judge Denies Release For Armed Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied release for a carjacking defendant who violated his previous release conditions on March 25.

Antoine Johnson, 36, is charged with armed carjacking, assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident on the 3300 block of 6th Street, SE on July 22, 2024.

According to court documents, the victim was exiting their vehicle when Johnson reportedly approached them from the rear. Johnson then allegedly pointed a gun at the victim’s face before getting in the vehicle and driving off. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, Johnson’s attorney, Craig Ricard, notified the court that the prosecution extended a global plea offer to his client, which would resolve this case and an unrelated misdemeanor matter. Judge Salerno granted Ricard’s request for more time to send the prosecution a counter offer.

Ricard also requested Judge Salerno release Johnson. Judge Salerno mentioned Johnson failed to appear in court in December 2025 and after the judge issued a bench warrant, it took three months to get Johnson to appear in court.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) also noted Johnson’s multiple release condition violations. They said that Johnson previously tested positive for PCP twice, failed to report for drug testing four times, and didn’t attend his substance abuse program.

As a result of Johnson’s multiple release violations, Judge Salerno declined the defense’s request for release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 10.

Stabbing Defendant Refuses to Appear at Hearing

A stabbing defendant refused to leave the DC Jail to attend his hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on March 26.

Manuel Yeager, 41, was sentenced on Jan. 9 to three years imprisonment, all suspended, in favor of one year of probation for assault with a dangerous weapon. The charge stemmed from his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 2300 block of Q Street, SE on June 3, 2025. The victim, Yeager’s brother, sustained one stab wound to his right shin.

Judge Pipe informed parties that Yeager failed to appear in court and US Marshals said he refused to leave the DC Jail in the morning.

Yeager is charged with threatening to kidnap or injure a person for an unrelated matter that led to his probation revocation in this case.

At a hearing on March 23, Judge Pipe ordered Yeager undergo a mental health evaluation but parties did not discuss the results given Yeager’s absence. In order to stand trial Yeager must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and be able to help his attorney in his defense.

Parties are set to reconvene on April 20.

Prosecutors Blame Homicide Trial Delays on Public Defender Attorneys

Prosecutors asked DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman to remove the Public Defender Service (PDS) from a homicide case after they asked to reschedule the trial again on March 20.

Joshua Franklin, 40, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. These charges stem from Franklin’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Andrew Session on Jan. 21, 2021 on the 4400 block of 3rd Street, SE. Session sustained 12 gunshot wounds.

All charges carry an aggravating factor for crimes allegedly committed during Franklin’s release for a prior offense.

According to Judge Edelman, he received a letter from Franklin in early March that expressed his desire for a delay in the trial, to obtain new counsel, and that he did not wish to engage in plea negotiations.

Judge Edelman talked with Terrance Austin and Emma Mlyniec, Franklin’s attorneys, along with Dominique Winters, a representative from PDS about the letter and Franklin’s current position.

According to Winters, Franklin did not receive proper advice from his previous attorneys leading to multiple delays in the trial. In court, Austin asked to delay the trial for more time to advise Franklin about the case.

The prosecution noted that Judge Edelman denied the defense request to delay the trial at a hearing on Feb. 12 and they argued his ruling should stand. PDS has been on the case for the last three years, the prosecution stated, and should have had their investigation done by now.

Prosecutors also raised concerns with Franklin’s letter asking for new counsel and lack of interest in a plea deal. According to prosecutors, Franklin’s letter was written before plea negotiations started between parties in early March.

According to the prosecutor, they offered Franklin a deal that would require him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed. As part of the agreement, parties would agree to a sentence between 16-to-24 years or 17-to-23 years, subject to the judge’s approval at sentencing. The prosecutor withdrew the plea offer at the end of the hearing.

After a discussion under seal, Judge Edelman stated that Franklin no longer wanted new counsel and withdrew his request.

The prosecution asked that Judge Edelman either make Austin and Mylneic proceed with the scheduled trial in April or that Judge Edelman take PDS and the current counsels off the case. The recommendation from prosecutors was that PDS should be replaced by a Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel attorney, who cannot readily drop the case.

Judge Edelman inquired whether Winters could assure him that PDS and Austin and Mylniec would remain on the case for the trial in a couple of months.

Winters responded that she could not ensure that Austin and Mylneic would still be with PDS in a couple of months, but she assigned them to the case due to their flexible trial schedules.

Despite the prosecutor’s objection, Judge Edelman vacated the trial date in April, converting it to a status hearing to determine where Austin and Mylneic stand in the defense investigation and counseling of Franklin. In addition, at that hearing, parties will discuss the more than 20 outstanding motions in the case, Judge Edelman said.

The next hearing is set for April 10.

Double-Homicide Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty at Arraignment

In a felony arraignment hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on March 26, two co-defendants in a homicide case plead not guilty to all of their charges.

Royale McGlenn, 19, and Sean McFadden, 24, are charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Royell Walker, 16, and Jamar Jackson, 19, on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE on May 23, 2025.

After charges were read to both defendants, McGlenn’s attorney, Carrie Weletz, said that her client was entering a plea of not guilty and requested that a trial date be set for the case. McFadden’s attorneys, Howard McEachern and Charles Murdter, said the same for McFadden.

The prosecution said that they had begun the evidence testing process and also asked to set a trial date, in addition to a status hearing to provide updates on testing.

Judge Edelman worked with both parties to find a suitable date for trial and the court decided on June 21, 2027 for a jury trial for the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 8.

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