Metro Murder Suspect Elects Not to Proceed With DNA Testing

On April 12, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan heard a homicide defendant waive his right to independently test DNA evidence.

Isaiah Trotman, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, 25 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, 13 counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and 13 counts of kidnapping while armed, for his alleged involvement in shooting incidents that occurred on Feb. 1 at the intersection of 38th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and the 1400 block of Potomac Avenue, SE, inside the Potomac Avenue Metro Station.

The shootings killed 64-year-old Robert Cunningham, and left three other individuals suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Trotman’s defense attorney, Joseph Yarbough, notified the court that the defendant was waiving his right to proceed with DNA testing of biological evidence recovered from the scene.

The prosecution listed the biological evidence eligible for testing, which included wet and dry swabs of a firearm, fingernail clippings belonging to Cunningham, blood stained pants, and a buccal swab from an individual for the purpose of elimination or inclusion of the suspect’s DNA on the recovered items.

Judge Raffinan found that Trotman knowingly and willingly waived his right to independent DNA testing.

Parties are set to reconvene Sept. 13.

‘Hysterical’ Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

On April 12, a homicide defendant was arraigned and pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Pernell Sims, 34, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of an unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of unlawful possession of ammunition in connection with the death of Tyshida Williams, 31, on July 30 on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

An affidavit authored by a detective the Metropolitan Police department (MPD) contained statements from an eyewitness who referred to Sims as “hysterical” and in the middle of a “psychotic episode” on the day of the incident.

Sims’ attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, alerted the court he pleaded not guilty to all counts and asserted all constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

During the arraignment hearing, the prosecution stated that responding officers removed a firearm and magazine from the scene of the crime which raises concerns about the possibility of contamination in regards to DNA testing.

Prosecutors alerted Judge Epstein they don’t plan on DNA testing any evidence.

The defendant waived his right to independently DNA testing evidence recovered from the crime scene. .

Parties are set to reconvene on July 26.

Document: MPD Seeks Suspect in a Fatal Stabbing in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a fatal stabbing that occurred on April 4 on the 3000 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a man down, where they located a man suffering from a stab wound. After all life-saving efforts failed, the man was pronounced dead.

The victim was identified as 45-year-old Marcus Boatwright.

The suspect was captured by surveillance footage.

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

Defense Argues a Lack of Probable Cause, Suggests Police Coercion in Mass Shooting Case

On April 10, the prosecution called on police witness to testify before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan to prove probable cause in a mass shooting case.

Ronell Offutt, 35, is charged with four counts of assault with intention to kill while armed, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that injured multiple people at a bus stop on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on Feb. 4, 2019. Five individuals, including a 5-year-old girl, were injured.

In a previous motion hearing, Judge Raffinan granted the defense’s motion to suppress evidence that could be used in trial, which appears to be a photograph of the defendant allegedly identified by his mother, and body cam footage of Offutts’ arrest.

The defense argued that there was a lack of probable cause in Offutt’s original arrest as a reason to suppress the evidence.

The prosecution filed to reopen the evidence discussion with the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective investigating Offutt’s case who provided an in-court identification of Offutt–physically pointing at him and describing his orange jumpsuit and glasses.

The prosecution presented the previously suppressed photographic evidence to the court. The image was the apparent shooting suspect standing beside a vehicle. The detective indicated the individual in the image is Offutt with Offutt’s mother’s vehicle.

The detective explained that when they first received this photograph, the license plate number was traced back to Offutt’s mother, who they visited at work to get more information.

According to his testimony when speaking to Offutt’s mother she was asked if the individual in the photo was her son, to which she responded, “looks like him”.

The prosecution then showed the body camera footage of Offutt’s arrest later that night. Where police knocked on his door, and handcuffed him around 3 a.m. Offutt is heard asking, “What is this?” multiple times.

Offutt’s defense attorney, Janai Reed, alleged a lack of probable cause at the time of Offutt’s arrest. Indicating that police showed up without providing Offutt reasons for the action.

The defense also raised concerns about Offutt’s being given pain medication at the hospital before an interview with the police.

Offutt’s attorney argued he was coerced by detectives during questioning. She claimed detectives misled him by suggesting he needed to sign paperwork before receiving information, and failed to inform him of his right to refuse a buccal swab DNA test.

However, the prosecution said based on the evidence there was probable cause to arrest the defendant.

The prosecution reiterated Offutt’s mother’s identifying him in the image, as well as surveillance footage that was shown in a previous hearing from Martha’s Market, a shop surrounding the location of the shooting, that showed a man who closely resembled Offutt, having similar dreads and the same hat, pants, and boots, walking to and from the scene of the crime with an apparent firearm.

The defense requested a motion to extend the trial date. They mentioned the unavailability of a key expert witness who was currently in another trial. They argued that if the motion to continue was not granted, they would request the government be prohibited from presenting certain evidence.

Judge Raffinan granted the defense’s request to continue the trial, allowing time for further preparation.

Parties will meet for a ruling on April 23.

Uncooperative Witness Admits to Testifying While High in Murder, Conspiracy Trial

On April 11, the mother of an individual linked to a homicide defendant wavered when asked to identify a murder suspect during testimony before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt. The individual claimed she was under the influence of drugs while on the witness stand.

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 called the mother of an individual allegedly connected to Nelson and Steele to positively identify Nelson as “Boogie”–a nickname the jury heard an unidentified woman use earlier referring to Nelson in a jail call.

The prosecution wanted the witness to identify her son and Nelson and Steele in various videos and photos to demonstrate a strong friendship among the three.

However, the witness was uncooperative.

As the prosecution pressed the witness for “yes” or “no” answers more aggressively, the witness grew increasingly non-committal.

Finally, when the prosecution pressed the witness on whether Nelson came to see her son in 2020, she exclaimed, in apparent reference to drug use, “I don’t recall, I smoked.”

The witness said she smoked “yesterday and this morning.” When the prosecution asked what time the witness smoked, she responded “I’m supposed to count the time?”

After responding, “I guess,” to the prosecution’s question of whether her testimony was impaired, the witness conferred with her personal attorney who said the witness wasn’t impaired.

Though Judge Brandt stated the witness’ “answers indicated that she’s under the influence,” the judge agreed to have her take the stand later in the afternoon.

After affirming she was sober, the prosecution showed the witness various photos of her son and Nelson together.

Despite positively identifying Nelson with her son in four of five photographs presented in court, the witness repeatedly stated that she knew him as “Boogie,” and that she had only learned his real name from her initial grand jury subpoena.

However, the witness failed to identify Steele in images of her son, Nelson, and Steele listening to music in a car together.

The prosecution presented an Instagram photo of Steele and the witness’ son together on an Instagram post with two name tags. The witness admitted that one of the user names was “fullygordo.” According to past witness testimony, Steele is associated with the rap name “Gordo.”

The prosecution also recalled a forensic scientist who was employed with the Department of Forensics (DFS) and documented evidence from Lukes’ homicide in March of 2020 to finish her testimony.

The witness’ testimony included verification of photos, fingerprint testing, and DNA testing performed on two firearms allegedly involved in Lukes’ homicide– a Glock 19 and a Glock 22.

The witness stated that no latent fingerprints or ridge patterns were found on either firearm or magazine.

Similarly, the witness testified that in swabbing both sets of firearms and magazines, no DNA was found.

The prosecution then brought in a senior forensic analyst from Bode Technologies, an independent DNA analysis lab, to testify on a report she had reviewed of DNA analysis on evidence associated with defendants in the case of Lukes’ homicide.

In cross examination, Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, asked the witness if unknown DNA which was found inconsistent with any of the defendants had been uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)–a national DNA database of past offenders.

The witness testified that while there was a request, she had “no reason to believe” that Bode sent to material another lab to compare results to CODIS records.

In redirect, the prosecution asked if there had been a request by the prosecution to compare the DNA results to CODIS prior to testing. The witness affirmed that there had been a request, however, the tests done by Bodie were incompatible with the tests needed to compare the case DNA to CODIS.

Parties are slated to return April 22.

Document: MPD Arrests Wanted Suspect in an Assault with a Dangerous Gun

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on April 3 on the 1500 block of Independence Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots, where they located a vehicle damaged by gunfire. No injuries were reported. The detectives’ investigation revealed the suspect discharged a gun towards the victims prior to fleeing the scene.

On April 11, 41-year-old Kevin Snead turned himself in. He was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Document: MPD is Searching for a Person of Interest in Stanton Road Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a person of interest in connection to a shooting that occurred on March 31 on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. They located a juvenile male suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The person of interest was captured by surveillance cameras.

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 Asks Judge to Reconsider Ruling Against Dismissal

On April 11, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan addressed a motion filed by the defense to reconsider the dismissal or release of a homicide defendant.

Franklin Dorn, 44, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Antonio Brown. The incident occurred on Aug. 6, 2023, on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

According to court documents, Dorn was involved in a physical altercation with Brown and another individual. Dorn and the other individual both produced firearms, and at least one shot was fired, which struck Brown in the torso. Blurry surveillance footage captured the altercation without audio.

Dorn’s defense attorney, Kevin Iriving, argued Dorn was “not the cause of [Brown]’s death,” and motioned for dismissal, citing the prosecution’s alleged misrepresentation of the facts of the case. He claimed the prosecution failed to present a part of eyewitness testimony to the court that proved Dorn’s life was threatened during the altercation.

“You should reconsider your ruling,” said Irving, addressing Judge Raffinan, who had denied Dorn’s previous motions for dismissal and release.

Irving argued that Dorn was acting in self-defense and was not the first aggressor in the altercation.

According to Irving, the other individual had “fired recklessly,” at Dorn after a brief physical altercation.

“He is the one that initiated this ‘gun battle,’” said Irving, referring to the other individual in the altercation.

Irving also motioned for Dorn’s release due to this new eyewitness testimony.

According to the prosecution, the eyewitness statements to police were not new, and did not prove that Dorn was acting in self-defense. Allegedly, one eyewitness heard the other individual tell Dorn, “I’ll put you down,” which the prosecution argued was in reference to the physical altercation, and was not a threat to Dorn’s life.

The prosecution opposed Dorn’s motion for dismissal, citing that, while the other individual was the first aggressor, his actions were “non-deadly” and it was Dorn who pulled his firearm first.

“If he had not pulled out a gun, a shooting would not have happened,” said the prosecutor. “He caused the other person to fire back.”

The prosecutors also opposed Dorn’s release, citing Dorn’s criminal history, and the fact that this altercation occurred only two days after Dorn was released from jail after other firearm-related charges were dropped.

Irving disagreed with prosecutors, arguing the new eyewitness statements proved Dorn was acting in self-defense.

“To hold him until trial,” said Irving, “I think would be an injustice.”

Judge Raffinan returned to her chamber and is expected to deliver a ruling on April 24.

Document: MPD Investigates Fatal Crash on South Capitol Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a traffic crash that resulted in the death of a man on April 10 on South Capitol Street, SE, near the Frederick Douglas Memorial Bridge.

According to MPD documents, the preliminary investigation revealed that a sedan was traveling northbound when the driver failed to notice the curve and crashed into a drain ditch.

He was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The driver was identified as 89-year-old John Alfonso Candela.

Anyone with knowledge of the incident should contact MPD.

Defendant Charged with Shooting Police and Animal Cruelty Ruled Mentally Incompetent

On April 11, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffian, a defendant accused of wounding police officers in a stand off was found mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Stephen Rattigan, 48, also known as James Julius, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, cruelty to animals, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of assault on a police officer while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of three Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on Feb. 14 on the 5000 block of Hanna Place, SE. A fourth officer received unrelated injuries.

According to court documents, police officers arrived at Rattigan’s home to serve an arrest warrant for animal cruelty. The suspect reportedly had 31 dogs on the premises.

After officers partially broke open the front door, Rattigan allegedly fired multiple gunshots through the doorway. Three officers reported gunshot injuries. Rattigan then barricaded himself inside the house and continued to fire. Eventually, Rattigan allegedly called a different MPD officer he knew , who convinced Rattigan to surrender.

In the hearing, parties discussed the results of Rattigan’s mental health evaluation from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), which recommended that Rattigan receive treatment at DC’s St. Elizabeth’s Hospital which houses defendants with behavioral issues. Judge Raffinan agreed with the report and ruled that Rattigan was incompetent to stand trial.

However, both parties expressed concern over the lack of information within the report.

“We don’t believe this report, frankly, is thorough enough,” said the prosecution, referring to it as “bare-bones,” in terms of recommendations for Rattigan’s mental restoration.

Judge Raffinan agreed with the parties, and ordered another full mental health evaluation for Rattigan after his transfer to St. Elizabeth’s.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 15 for a remote hearing.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting in Northwest, DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on April 10 at the intersection of 10th Street and Spring Road, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots. Officers located an adult male shooting victim who was transported to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Moments later, MPD was notified of a second victim, who arrived at a local hospital suffering from gunshot wounds. That victim was later pronounced dead.

The victim was identified as 19-year-old Gee Chisley.

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.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Request for Release

On April 11, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, a homicide defendant’s release request was denied.

Amari Fontanelle, 21, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Reginald Lamont Cooper Jr., and 19-year-old Davonte Berkley. The shooting occurred on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE, on Oct. 17, 2022. An additional individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

During the hearing, the parties discussed potentially moving Fontanelle’s trial date due to issues pertaining to DNA and ballistics results from shell casings recovered at the scene.

Fontanelle’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosely, argued that he’s “in a very unfavorable position,” due to this potential delay, and motioned for release for Fontanelle.

Ultimately, Judge Raffinan ruled for Fontanelle’s continued detention while they awaited the results of the DNA testing, and maintained the current trial date of Oct. 7.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 26.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Homicide Defendant Who Absconded from Hospital

On April 11, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide.

Christopher Patrick Haynes, 31, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Brent Hayward, 33, on Aug. 12, 2023, on the 1500 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE. A second individual sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Haynes allegedly fled the scene immediately, and was arrested the following month on Sept. 6 but escaped police custody from George Washington University Hospital where he was being treated for an injury and was subsequently rearrested.

At a previous hearing, asked the lead detective to walk through the events that occurred the evening of the shooting, as well as how the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified the vehicle allegedly used by Haynes that evening.

The detective explained that the victims had gotten into a verbal and physical altercation with Haynes, who then drove away from the scene, returned minutes later, and got into another altercation, at which Haynes allegedly pulled a gun from his vehicle, making threats at the victims.

After leaving the scene a second time, the detective explained that Haynes allegedly parked his vehicle at a church around the corner from the crime scene, walked back, and opened fire on the victims.

The preliminary hearing was a continuation of one that occurred on March 22.

In today’s hearing, Haynes’ defense attorney, Nikki Lotze, continued cross examining the detective. Lotze continued to ask questions about a white Dodge Durango, which was identified as the suspect vehicle in the incident.

After the shooting, the Durango was left at an auto body shop and according to the detective, one of the witnesses of the shooting repaired the car. According to the detective, no firearm was recovered by the witness from the vehicle.

According to the detective, a witness told MPD they had no knowledge of any issues between Hayward and Haynes. This same witness identified Haynes in a photo identification procedure.

During her arguments, Lotze claimed no witness ever identified the shooter by Haynes’ name, but rather identified the shooter as Mack and Jeff.

The prosecution explained that all identifications of the shooter stemmed from a photo array procedure that was conducted by MPD. They also stated that the surviving victim, who had been in the car with the defendant, also identified him.

According to prosecutors, witnesses, who sold the Durango to Haynes months before the shooting, identified the vehicle and told MPD the buyer, which assisted MPD with the connection to the murder.

After brief deliberation, Judge O’Keefe found probable cause for first-degree murder while armed, but claimed he has seen cases with stronger evidence than the prosecution presented.

Judge O’Keefe stated he based his ruling on the fact that “almost all of this crime was recorded on video,” multiple people had identified the defendant, and the person in the video looks strikingly like Haynes.

He cited that it is clear that it was premeditated since the shooter walked away from an argument and then returned with the intention to kill both victims.

Following the probable cause finding, Lotze requested Haynes be released as he awaits further proceedings. She argued Haynes has extensive family support and is “not a threat to anyone who is not in a heated argument with him.”

Ultimately, Judge O’Keefe denied release, deeming Haynes a danger to the community and adding that he was a flight risk because of previous instances of him running from police and law enforcement.

Parties are slated to return July 26.

Homicide Defendant Accused of Shooting His Father Over Five Dollars

On April 10, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein heard opening statements and witness testimony in a patricide trial. The alleged motive was a few dollars worth of marijuana.

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 the prosecutor, Williams and his father were involved in a heated argument in Magruder’s apartment that escalated quickly, leading to the fatal shooting.

“He was murdered in front of his wife and children by his son,” the prosecution said. The reason, they say, was an “argument over five dollars.”

The prosecution said, “Magruder could get angry.” On the night of the incident, prosecutors alleged that Magruder “wanted [the defendant] to leave the apartment” and that the defendant was angry after the argument.

The prosecution alleged that Williams was yelling back at his father that he was, “not about to keep punking me and putting your hands on me,” but emphasized that although Magruder became physically violent, he never used “deadly force.”

According to prosecutors, after the shooting “other people tried to help Magruder,” as Williams fled the scene with the gun, and was found in a parking lot in a different part of the city hours later.

“Williams had to step over or walk around his father’s body,” the prosecution said. “He walked right out the door.”

The prosecution concluded by emphasizing to the jury that Magruder was unarmed and Williams used that against him. The prosecution also argued that Williams shot his father in retaliation for “punking,” or hitting him.

“He did it out of defiance, out of revenge, out of resistance,” the prosecution said. “And he used his advantage–having a weapon.”

Kavya Naini, Williams’ defense attorney, argued that Magruder was “blinded with rage” and “he knocked his son into the ground” during an argument.

Naini told jurors that the five dollars was allegedly what Magruder said Williams owed him for a marijuana joint, while Williams tried to tell his father that he had already paid him.

Naini insisted that the prosecution did not show the full picture of Magruder’s behavior.

According to Naini, Magruder had a criminal history of domestic violence, citing the multiple times Child Protective Services (CPS) had to take action against Magruder during Williams’ childhood. She also discussed the multiple women who had reported his abuse, including Williams’ mom.

“Williams’ mom is one of several women Magruder attacked,” Naini said. “He knew what his dad was capable of.”

Naini mentioned an incident in 2017, in which Magruder allegedly hit a cyclist with a chain as an example of the victim’s violent tendencies.

The defense also mentioned that Magruder was allegedly yelling, “I’m going to kill you,” to his son as he repeatedly hit him. Naini claimed Williams reached for his gun in a moment of desperation.

“What happened that night was not a crime—it was self-defense,” Naini said. “Williams did what everyone under this law is allowed to do.”

Following opening statements, prosecutors called on a responding officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who stated that the environment was “chaotic and emotional” when he arrived.

According to the officer, Magruder’s wife “would not stop screaming,” making it difficult for him and his partner to interview her about what happened. He testified to performing CPR on Magruder and staying with him until he was taken away by paramedics soon after he was shot.

“As a responding officer, it is my responsibility to keep a scene under control,” the officer said.

Parties are slated to return on April 11.

Judge Admonishes, Dismisses Sleeping Juror in Murder, Conspiracy Trial

In a complex murder trial now entering its third month, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt vented her frustration at a frequently inattentive juror and then dismissed him.

“We can’t afford another full day off from this trial,” stated Judge Brandt. “During a month and change… he was sitting here napping,”

One juror was previously dismissed for financial reasons. That leaves the 12-member jury panel and four alternates.

So far the prosecution has already introduced 68 witnesses, including many technical experts, to bolster their complex conspiracy case against three murder defendants.

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

On April 10, the prosecution questioned an FBI agent about phone numbers allegedly connected to the defendants and other alleged conspirators.

According to the witness, three of the five numbers, allegedly associated with the defendants, were located by cell towers in the general area of S Street, NW, at the time of Lukes’ homicide.

Parties are slated to return April 11.