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Judge Detains Two Homicide Defendants During Initial Presentment Proceeding

On March 27, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann found probable cause for two homicide defendants making their initial court appearance and ordered them detained.

Tyree Bratcher, 17, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 18-year-old Tyreek Moore on Jan 22, 2024 on the 4600 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. 

According to court documents, Moore was shot after picking up a friend from school. Court records also show images of individuals exiting a Black BMW and entering a vehicle identified as the defendant’s car, and images of the defendant’s car approaching the victim’s car minutes before the murder.

At the hearing, Aubrey Dillon, Bratcher’s defense attorney, argued that he was not a knowing or willing participant in the murder and that his client was under duress from gunmen from the black SUV who entered his car.

The prosecution argued the defendant was not coerced, stating that there was footage of Bratcher conversing with the individuals in the black BMW minutes before the murder.

The judge reasoned that the timeline of events leading up to the murder did not suggest that the individuals who entered the defendant’s car from the BMW was a random event and that there was some familiarity between Bratcher and the BMW driver.

“I find the nature of the offense is extremely concerning, it was in an area where many people could have been hurt,” said Judge Herrmann.

Bratcher will return to court April 25, in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan. 

Judge Herrmann also suspended the public from a presentment hearing for 32-year-old Lashawn Washington, who is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder, and kidnapping, among other charges, for her alleged involvement in the fatal disappearance of 25-year-old Chyna Crawford. The incident occurred on Oct. 23, on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SW. 

Judge Herrmann suspended the public from the Webex meeting due to safety concerns over members of the public recording and live streaming court proceedings.

Parties are slated to return on April 5, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Suspect in Peace Corps Worker Homicide Denied Release, Waives Independent DNA Testing

On March 28, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found that a homicide defendant “knowingly and voluntarily” waived his right to independently test DNA evidence. 

Dearay Wilson, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 53-year-old Jeremy Black. The incident occurred on June 29, 2021, on the 1400 block of R Street, NW. 

Black, a former Peace Corps worker, was eulogized by the National Peace Corps Association as an individual whose life work was, “[p]romoting understanding between people” in challenging parts of the world.

“He played guitar and trumpet, was a triathlete and a skier; he took up karate with his two sons.” the statement continued.

According to prosecutors, Wilson was one of multiple individuals who exited a white Chevy SUV at the location and unleashed a “barrage of bullets,” which fatally injured Black. Wilson has been the only individual arrested and charged in connection to the incident. 

During the hearing, Thomas Healy, Wilson’s defense attorney, alerted the court he was waiving his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from the crime scene. 

Prosecutors told the court that they had tested various items, including cartridge casings, disposable gloves, and a t-shirt with suspected blood on it, which closely matched Wilson as part of the mixture of individuals’ DNA or the sole match. 

Before the hearing concluded, Healy requested Judge Okun release Wilson, stating he has been detained for a while and has no significant criminal history. He pointed out the large community support, citing the more than ten individuals in attendance for the proceeding. 

However, the prosecution objected to the request, arguing he’s charged with the “most dangerous and highest charge possible in the District,” and adding that the other individuals responsible for the crime have yet to be apprehended. 

Judge Okun agreed with the prosecution, and stated that no condition or combination of conditions of release would guarantee the community’s safety. 

Parties are slated to return June 28. 

Judge Grants Defense Request to Reschedule Murder Trial

On March 27, defense attorney Joseph Yarbough requested to reschedule a July 2025 trial date before DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe.

Samuel Mack, 57, is 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 35-year-old Erica Ward. The shooting occurred in an apartment on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE, on Dec. 30, 2020.

Mack’s defense attorney requested a new trial date because he had another trial during that time period. Judge O’Keefe agreed to the request to reschedule the trial date.

After all parties discussed their availability, a new trial date was scheduled for Aug. 4, 2025.  

The next status hearing is set for Oct. 11.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in a 1990 Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a homicide that occurred on March 28, 1990, on the 500 block of M Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to a shooting at the location, where they located 34-year-old Norman Rich inside of a residence, with gunshot wound. He died at the scene.

As a result of the detectives’ investigation, 66-year-old Sheila Brown was indicted and arrested for charges including second-degree murder and obstruction of justice.

The investigation revealed the case was domestic in nature.

Document: MPD Arrests Man for Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a Feb. 28 shooting on the 1300 block of Okie Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, the victim reported he was walking through the location, when a suspect exited the passenger’s side of a car and demanded his property. He refused and attempted to run away. The suspect then shot the victim. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

On March 27, 34-year-old Jaymario Kirksey was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. At the time of his arrest, a gun was recovered and he was occupying a stolen vehicle. As a result, he was also charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and carrying a pistol without a license.

Document: MPD Investigating Shooting Leaving One Dead, Two Injured in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that left one person dead and two individuals injured on March 27 on the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of the sounds of gunshots. A short time later, officers were notified of three victims, all with gunshot wounds, seeking treatment at a local hospital. An adult male and a juvenile male were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The third victim, 26-year-old Amaru Cureton, succumbed to his injuries on March 28.

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

Document: MPD Releases Video, Photos of Southeast Shooting Suspects

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the suspects involved in a shooting on March 25 on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots, where they located evidence of gunfire. The detective’s investigation revealed the victims arranged a meet-up with the suspects, using social media, to sell property. During the meeting, there was an attempt to rob the victims and shots were fired. A victim was located at the hospital seeking treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspects and vehicle were captured by nearby surveillance cameras.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in 2023 Southern Avenue Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in connection to a shooting that occurred on Jan. 10, 2023, on the 2900 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, the victim was driving in the area when the suspect vehicle approached and opened fire, striking the victim. The victim drove himself to an area hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On March 26, 23-year-old Daquan Carter was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of an unregistered firearm.

Document: Arrest Made in Woman’s Disappearance

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to the suspicious disappearance of a woman in the District on Oct. 26.

According to MPD documents, 25-year-old Chyna Crawford was reported missing on Oct. 26 to MPD. She was last seen Oct. 23 on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

An initial investigation by detectives of the Missing Persons Unit suggested suspicious circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

As a result, on March 26, 32-year-old Lashawn Washington, was indicted on several charges, including first-degree murder – felony murder, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice.

The case remains under investigation.

Document: MPD Arrests Teen in Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a homicide that occurred on Jan. 22, on the 4600 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, officers located a shooting victim with non-life-threatening injuries. A second victim was located inside a vehicle, after all life-saving efforts failed, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The surviving victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The victim was identified as 18-year-old Tyreek Moore.

On March 26, pursuant to an arrest warrant, 17-year-old Tyree Bratcher, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed. He was charged as an adult under Title 16.

The case remains under investigation.

Prosecution Presents Social Media Messages of Gun Images in teen Murder Case

On March 26, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony about social media messages showing firearms presented by the prosecution in a murder conspiracy case.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020 on the 600 block of S Street, NW. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.  

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, Feb. 24, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy of the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide .  

The prosecution brought in a custodian of records for META Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to complete her March 21 testimony authenticating multiple social media accounts, allegedly belonging to the co-defendants.

Additional reports for an Instagram and FaceBook account, allegedly associated with Nelson, were accepted into evidence. They include messaging history and images of the possession and sale of multiple firearms, including a Glock 17 as well as military and police grade weapons.

One of texts read, “Know anyone trying to buy a dog bruh?” And another text said, “I need a dog and not one with four legs.”

However, the witness could not verify the actual owners of either of the social media accounts. 

The prosecution also brought back a witness who had worked as a forensic analyst for the Department of Forensic Science (DPS).

The witness explained the findings of a warrant targeting a residence on the 1800 block of Bruce Place, SE, in May of 2020. He previously testified that the residence belonged to 19-year-old Tahlil Byrd and his family.

The prosecution alleges that Byrd had been a friend of the defendants and his fatal shooting on the 600 block of S Street, NW, was the reason for the defendants’ shooting frenzy.

Similarly, the prosecution claimed in their opening statement that they believe the defendants used Byrd’s residence as a safe house. 

The witness had previously testified to documenting evidence from Byrd’s residence including a 9mm Luger Glock firearm with an extended magazine allegedly used by one of the defendants in Lukes’ homicide. 

In cross examination, Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, asked the witness about the importance of proper evidence collection. When McDaniel stated “the way that you handle evidence…may affect the way a jury charges them[defendants] correct?”, the witness agreed. 

In response, McDaniel presented a photo of the scene displaying the magazine and cartridges of the firearm discovered at the Byrd residence lying on a bed. McDaniel reaffirmed that the witness “did not put anything down on the bed before putting the magazine and the bullets on the mattress?”. “No sir,” admitted the witness. 

Though the witness testified that his primary reason for removing the bullets from the firearm was general safety, he admitted that the mattress increased the probability of cross contamination of the magazine and the cartridges. 

In redirect, the prosecution established that the witness had not done further testing of the evidence himself and could not confirm any further information on the cross contamination of evidence collected at the Byrd residence. 

Parties are slated to return March 27.

Judge Says Victim’s ID of Defendant is ‘Accurate’ to Present at Trial  

On March 27, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a defense motion to suppress the victim’s identification of the defendant and restrict its presentation during trial. 

Diandre Caesar, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on June 28, 2022, on the 2200 block of New York Avenue, NE. No injuries were reported.

In response to the defense’s motion, the prosecution called the lead detective to testify. She presented the Dashcam footage from the victim’s car, which confirmed the events described in court documents. 

The footage showed the victim driving with his girlfriend and child, only to stop when a milk crate was in his way. The victim is seen exiting the vehicle to throw the crate over the fence that is next to his car. The suspect is then seen throwing the crate back over the fence once the victim begins driving once more, resulting in a fight that quickly escalates to the suspect shooting at the vehicle.

When shown the defendant’s picture, the victim gave an “enthusiastic” identification, according to the detective. 

Caesar’s defense attorney, Adrien Madsen, argued that the interaction between the suspect and the victim was too short for the victim to confidently and reliably assert that the suspect was Caesar. 

“The interaction was no more than three minutes total,” Madsen said. “The victim was looking away from the suspect for a portion of that interaction, and that period of time was close to a minute.” 

The prosecution countered the interaction was a “heated face-to-face conversation for two minutes” and the victim had “many opportunities to see the defendant.” The prosecutor then asked the detective to describe why she chose to use a single picture rather than a photo gallery. 

“The complainant watched the video [Dashcam footage] several times,” the detective said. “So I used one picture because of the many times he saw the video.”  

Madsen also said the vague description of the suspect provided by the witness indicates it was unreliable.

“He described the suspect as a ‘Black male with dreads’,” Madsen said. “No description of complexion, no description of age, no description of weight.”

Judge Hertzfeld concluded that, although the description provided by the victim was “general,” it was still accurate. She also said the victim was paying attention to the suspect during the entire interaction. 

“I think it was clear that the complainant’s attention was on Caesar and that makes this a reliable identification,” the judge said.

Based on her findings, Judge Hertzfeld denied the defense’s motion to suppress identification.    

Parties are slated to return on March 28. 

Attorney Claims Defendant’s Constitutional Rights Were Violated

On March 27, a defendant’s motion for release on constitutional grounds was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun during an ascertainment of counsel hearing

George Sydnor, 43, is charged with three counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed that was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel offense was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel offenses committed during release, burglary while armed offense was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel offenses committed during release, and one count of kidnapping while armed offense was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel offenses committed during release, for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that killed 31-year-old Christy Bautista on March 31, at a hotel on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, the victim was stabbed more than twenty times.

During the hearing,  Syndor’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, said the District of Columbia Department of Corrections (DOC) needs to apologize to Sydnor and court staff.

Winograd told Judge Okun he was denied visitation with Sydnor on March 26. Winograd had attempted to speak with Sydnor after a hearing, but was allegedly told by a DOC officer that Sydnor refused to meet with him, and stated, “No, I’m good. I fired my lawyer. I don’t want to see him.”

Prior to the ascertainment of counsel, Winograd spoke with Sydnor about the situation. According to Winograd, Sydnor stated that he was never notified his defense attorney wanting to speak with him on March 26. 

Sydnor himself confirmed this stating directly to the judge that he “most definitely” wants to retain his current counsel.

Winograd argued that DOC is “messing with Mr. Sydnor” and is interfering with his Sixth Amendment right to legal representation, and requested for release or transfer from the DC Jail to the lower security Correctional Treatment Facility(CTF) pending trial. 

The prosecution opposed the request for release claiming Syndor was a danger to the community pointing out that he allegedly committed the crime while on release for a previous charge. 

The judge sided with the prosecution citing “no basis” for Sydnor’s release. However, Judge Okun stated that he would reach out to the DOC General Counsel’s office to see about Sydnor’s transfer request to CTF. 

Before concluding the hearing, the judge asked for an update on the defense’s motion to continue Sydnor’s November trial date. 

Winograd restated the motion claiming there was “no reason not to let the [DC] Court of Appeals get it right” in reference to Sydnor’s other charges which could affect the outcome of the current case.

The prosecution plans to submit a written response to Defense’s motion by April 1. Judge Okun will wait for this response before ruling on a continuation for Syndor. 

Parties are slated to return June 20.