Homicide Defendant’s Brother Accused of Shooting Father Over Five Dollars Testifies

On April 11, witness testimonies continued before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein in a domestic fatal shooting stemming from an alleged dispute over a five 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 September 11, 2020, on the 700 block of 51st Street, NE.

The prosecution called on William’s half brother, who witnessed the altercation. During his testimony, he referred to Williams as “Buddah,” and recounted being in the living room with Williams as they watched cartoons.

He detailed how Williams offered cigarettes to their father, sparking an argument about owed money. He described Williams attempting to defuse the situation by leaving the room, but Magruder prevented him from doing so. According to the witness, Magruder pushed Williams into the hallway, leading to a confrontation in the bathroom.

“Buddah was trying to leave. My dad kept pushing him into the bathroom,” he stated.

He mentioned peeking into the hallway and hearing a loud bang, which he assumed was his father hitting the wall. After the altercation, Magruder collapsed in the living room, prompting the witness’ mother to alert the neighbors. Meanwhile, Williams fled the house, and the witness saw him running into the street as he looked out the window.

“I didn’t see exactly where Buddah went. I remember looking out the window and saw him running down the street near the woods before the police came,” he said.

The witness also testified to seeing a brown gun inside Williams’ pink bag a few days before the incident. Despite Williams claiming it was a knife, the witness claimed to have seen a gun handle.

“I asked him what it was… he said it wasn’t a gun but a knife. I had already seen the gun,” he recalled.

During cross-examination, the witness testified that Williams was not pushing their father, and that Margruder was the one who started the altercation. Defense attorney Jason Tulley proceeded to state that Williams was never pushing Magruder, which the witness confirmed.

Following the brother’s testimony, prosecutors called a chief toxicologist from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). She conducted tests indicating that Magruder had consumed cannabis before the incident. However, she couldn’t specify the exact time of consumption.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Kavya Naini suggested that Magruder’s marijuana use could have induced paranoia and hallucinations, potentially contributing to the altercation. The witness acknowledged this possibility, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of an individual’s reaction to drugs.

In the redirect, the prosecution argued that marijuana can also have calming effects, implying that it might not have been the sole factor in initiating the conflict.

The prosecution also called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). She expressed being present when Williams was arrested and transferred to the Homicide Branch for questioning.

She mentioned conducting a search to verify if Williams possessed a gun license. According to her findings, Williams was not licensed to carry a firearm.

She then indicated that photographs were taken of Williams on the day of the incident. The prosecution presented these images to the jury.

Prosecution proceeded to ask the detective if she could identify any injuries on Williams in the photos. Defense attorney Tulley argued that physical injuries could be seen on Williams such as blood on his lips, and scratches on his face near his beard which she confirmed, further supporting Tulley’s claim that Williams acted in self-defense.

“I can see some injuries to his lips. I also see scratches near his beard,” she said.

Parties are slated to return on April 15.

Judge Finds Substantial Probability in Juvenile Homicide Case

On April 9, DC Superior Court Magistrate Judge Dorsey Jones found substantial probability that a juvenile male was the perpetrator in the fatal shooting of another juvenile at a DC Metro station.

The 16-year-old boy is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of unregistered ammunition for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Avion Evans on April 4 at the Brookland Metro Station on the 800 block of Monroe Street, NE.

Responding officers from the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) and the Metropolitan Police Department were able to identify Evans at the scene because two witnesses and a family member, who were present, told MPD his name.

The detective testified that the Office of the Medical Chief Examiner (OCME) ruled the cause of death a single gunshot wound that entered Evans right shoulder and went across his chest.

According to the detective, video footage of the incident shows two groups of kids, which included Evans and the shooter’s two friends, fighting. As the two groups merged into one, the shooter, who was standing away from the melee, pulled out a gun from his waistband, pointed it at Evans, who was the closest in proximity, and fired.

Evans was allegedly seen running towards the escalator before collapsing. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The detective testified that the defendant and his two friends had arrived at the NoMA station and left the Brookland station after the shooting together.

A “be on the lookout” (BOLO) was released by MPD with images recovered from surveillance footage from the Fort Totten Metro Station, which depicted the alleged shooter on the morning of the incident.

According to the detective, an individual called in a tip, identifying the defendant as the suspect. The caller, who corroborated the defendant’s name, date of birth, and school, told the detective she had spent some time with the defendant the day before Evans’ murder.

MPD was also able to identify the defendant as a suspect based on his school-issued metro card, which was utilized to go into the Fort Totten Metro Station on the morning of the incident.

The defendant had never had contact with law enforcement prior to this incident, and had been interviewed by police on April 9 when he turned himself in with a lawyer, the detective said.

Defense attorney William Howell asked if other individuals on the platform were in possession of any weapons, the detective testified no other individual had weapons on them, as depicted by the video.

“This was all very quick,” the detective said when asked about the timeline of the incident between the physical altercation and the shooting.

According to the detective, Evans’ friend had been the first to throw punches at the boy’s friend, which led to Evans throwing punches at the other friend, and ensued the melee.

He also testified that no one had been between Evans and the boy when the shots were fired.

“No one tried to punch or approach [the defendant],” said the detective, stating he had not been part of the original altercation.

Prosecutors argued Judge Jones should find substantial probability based on the evidence, testimony, and the defendant’s action of voluntarily turning himself in.

However, Howell argued the prosecution had failed to meet their burden of proof, stating that the shooting was a reaction to the physical altercation, and the shooter had not known he was going to fire the gun.

He requested that if the judge was to find probable cause, it be for reckless homicide and not second-degree murder while armed.

Howell also argued there is no way to prove that the shooter matched the BOLO image.

The judge found substantial probability for the murder, assault with intent to kill, one of the assault with a dangerous weapon charges, and the carrying a pistol without a license charge, stating that the boy had acted with a conscious disregard for bodily injury and death.

Judge Jones also found probable cause for all other charges, saying there was not enough evidence to prove that the juvenile was acting in the defense of a third person. No one else was in possession of a weapon at the time of the incident, and the defendant’s two friends were not injured, she said.

As for the boy’s release, Judge Jones stated that although he had no prior contacts with the law and has ample family support, the gravity of the offense and it occurring on a public Metro platform supported the argument that he is a danger to the community.

“This is the most serious offense,” said Judge Jones, ruling no combinations of release would guarantee the community’s safety, adding that the defendant could have injured a bystander.
Parties are slated to return April 12 before DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs.

Document: MPD Arrests Second Man in June 2023 Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a second man was arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn on June 28, 2023, on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located Glenn with gunshot wounds. She died at the scene.

On April 10, 25-year-old James Outland was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Another 25-year-old man was previously arrested in connection to this incident.

Document: MPD Investigating Carver-Langston Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect vehicle in connection to a homicide that occurred in the Carver-Langston neighborhood on April 10 on the 1100 block of 21st Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located three men, one woman, and a 9-year-old boy suffering from gunshot wounds. One man was pronounced dead at the scene. The others were transported to hospitals for treatment of their injuries.

A short time later, a 12-year-old boy arrived at an area hospital suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

The victim was identified as 29-year-old Aubrey McLeod.

The detectives’ investigation indicates armed suspects exited a vehicle and fired towards a group of people in the area.

Surveillance footage captured the suspect vehicle.

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 is Searching for Suspect in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect in connection to a shooting that occurred on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE, on April 8.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, they located an adult female suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect was captured by surveillance footage.

Judge Says ‘It’s Unfair’ to Hold Defendant Pending Trial

On April 10, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe granted release for a non-fatal shooting defendant with specified conditions.

Jonah Harris, 47, and Gerald Jones-Hall, 24, are charged with conspiracy to rob while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the shooting and attempted robbery of two victims at the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE, on July 10, 2023. Both victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Judge O’Keefe began by referencing a previous motion to sever with the stipulation that the co-defendants would remain joined on the condition that the prosecution not introduce a statement from Jones-Hall that allegedly places Harris at the scene of the incident.

During today’s hearing, Judge O’Keefe stated that the prosecution would be able to use other parts of the statement, but not the specific statement that connects both defendants.

The defense had previously filed a written a motion requesting release for Harris pending trial, as Hall-Jones was already on release.. The prosecution stated that given the nature of his offense, it would be impossible to ensure community safety.

Judge O’Keefe said he would grant Harris pretrial release because it was “unfair to hold him” for a year before his trial. As part of his release conditions, Judge O’Keefe ordered a stay-away order from the victims and the location of the offense.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) also introduced a report that found Jones-Hall had tested positive for drugs. His attorney, Janai Reed, clarified that this came from a change in medication and not the use of any illegal substances.

“He tested positive because his mental health medication had changed,” Reed said. “There was no illicit use.”

Parties are set to reconvene April 4, 2025.

Testimony About ‘Rap Beef’ as Possible Motive for Murder

On April 9, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony from a witness familiar with two co-conspirators, and evidence from forensic DNA technicians who explained their role in analyzing evidence in connection to a 2020 homicide 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 by the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

The prosecution brought in an individual who grew up with Steele and Freeman to testify about common slang used in the DC area.

According to the prosecution’s opening statement, the series of shootings allegedly committed by the defendants was an act of retaliation born from “rap beef”. The prosecution believes the feud of two groups from different DC neighborhoods over who was the true “Northwest Goon” rapper culminated in the death of rapper, Tahlil Byrd, 19

He was the victim of a fatal shooting on the 600 block of S Street, NW, Sept. 9, 2019. The prosecution alleges that the defendants were friends of Byrd and his family, and that their alleged shooting spree was an act of retaliation following Byrd’s killing.

The witness referred to Byrd as “the best rapper of us” as she told the prosecution that she had been friends with Byrd since childhood.

When the witness was asked about the feuds, she classified the competition between the neighborhoods as “rap entertainment.” When prosecution asked if the feud could be classified as beef, the witness called it “goofy sh*t.”

When asked if this “goofy stuff” could escalate, the witness stated bluntly that “If shots get fired, it’s what it is.”

In addition to being friends with Byrd, the witness testified that she knew Steele and that the three would hang out occasionally. The prosecution reaffirmed this by showing a photo of Steele which the witness had previously identified as “Gordo,” which means fat in Spanish and is alleged to be Steele’s rap name.”

Later in cross examination, Freeman’s defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, asked how Byrd’s death impacted the witness and her community. While testifying that she had “mixed emotions” when Byrd died, the witness stated that Byrd was ultimately “ a good guy.”

The witness also admitted to knowing Freeman, identifying him as the father of her god-sister’s child. In conjunction with the witness’ testimony, prosecution presented another photo of Freeman with the witness’ written identification below it.

The witness agreed that the friendship of Freeman and Byrd resembled brothers.

When the prosecution asked the witness if Freeman was “affiliated” with any street group, the witness dismissed the term exclaiming that using words like “affiliated” or “claims” suggests “gang vibes”.

The witness said neighborhoods are simply “where you grew up at”. When the prosecution asked about the witness’ neighborhood she stated “ain’t nothing wrong with my neighborhood”.

The prosecution recalled a lead forensic DNA analyst to complete cross-examination regarding her results from testing items of evidence, and comparing them to DNA samples of Freeman, Steele, Jackson, Brown, and two other unidentified individuals.

During cross-examination with Andrew Ain, Freeman’s defense attorney, the lead analyst stated that her report showed that Freeman’s DNA was likely excluded from the items of evidence.

“Either he was visually excluded or not contributing to the profiles provided,” the witness said.

During cross-examination with Lisbeth Sapirstein, Nelson’s defense attorney, the witness confirmed that a reference DNA swab from Nelson was never sent for analysis in connection to the case.

The prosecution proceeded to call 10 DNA technologists from the same laboratory to authenticate the handling of evidence.

Each witness maintained that they followed quality control procedures in order to bias and cross-contamination.

Parties are slated to return April 10.

Judge Grants Release Request for Shooting Defendant

On April 10, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted a defendant’s motion for release.

Vann Allen, 25, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on the 1400 block of Okie Street, NE, on Nov. 11, 2023. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Allen’s defense attorney, Michelle Lockard, presented a bond review motion mentioning that Allen’s family has been facing eviction due to his imprisonment and lack of financial support. The defense also mentioned Allen has a job offer waiting for him.

Lockard argued that the prosecution’s evidence is weak, citing the victims’ statements to the police admitting they don’t know who shot them.

The prosecution opposed the request, saying they had two eyewitnesses, one of whom supposedly filmed the scene of the shooting. According to the prosecution, the video depicted a man wearing a white hat and a light-colored sweatshirt “running” from the scene. Police later arrested Allen who was wearing similar garments.

The prosecution finalized their argument by stating “employment didn’t stop this from happening in the first place,” insinuating that Allen’s new job opportunity does not make him any less of a threat to the community’s safety.

Upon further review Judge Raffinan granted the defense’s request to release Allen to home confinement. She based her decision on, “some ambiguity on the events of the shooting.”

Allen is set to remain on home confinement and on GPS monitoring. Additionally, the court ordered a stay-away order for the victim.

Parties are set to reconvene on May 14.

Shooting Defendant in Milk Crate Dispute Found Guilty

On April 8, a jury of 12 returned a guilty verdict for a non-fatal shooting defendant in the courtroom of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Diandre Caesar, 29, was originally charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of second-degree cruelty to children, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on June 28, 2022, on the 2200 block of New York Avenue, NE.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution provided the jury with surveillance footage of the shooting as well as several witnesses’ testimony, including an off-duty police officer and the two victims involved in a verbal altercation with Caesar.

Video surveillance showed Caesar throw a milk crate over a fence and into the drive-through lane of a McDonald’s while he was mowing the lawn of the nearby parking lot. The victim, who found his path blocked by the milk crate, exited his vehicle to throw it back over the fence. As he attempted to drive away, Caesar retrieved the milk crate and threw it back over the fence, striking the victim’s vehicle.

A verbal altercation ensued, in which the victim’s dash camera audio captured Caesar and the two victims in the car exchanging insults. When the victims drove away, Caesar followed their car to the exit, striking the vehicle repeatedly. He then fired four shots at the car as it drove down the road. The two victims’ infant child was in the backseat. No injuries were reported.

In closing statements, the prosecution reminded the jury of the victims’ infant child in the backseat, arguing that his actions showed disregard for human lives.

Caesar’s defense attorneys, Joseph Fay and Adrian Madsen, argued that Caesar was never seen with a firearm in his hand either by witness testimony or from video surveillance footage, and no firearm was ever recovered by police.

Following three-day deliberations, the jury of 12 found Caesar guilty of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, but acquitted him of all other charges.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 10.

‘There is Far More Than Probable Cause,’ Says Judge as Rules in Homicide Case

On April 9, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause to bring co-defendants’ homicide cases to trial.

Dallas McKinney, 19, and Charles Owens, 24, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the death of 10-year-old Arianna Davis on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE, on May 14, 2023.

According to court documents, Davis was in a vehicle with her family as they drove past a shootout when a stray bullet struck her. She was taken a hospital where she died on May 17.

In the hearing, the prosecution introduced a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who acted as the lead detective of this case, as a witness.

The detective used Instagram records received from. the Meta social media company, regarding an account that is allegedly connected to McKinney.

The prosecution then showed a video of McKinney that was archived from the day of the shooting apparently wearing the same clothes that one of the shooters was seen wearing in surveillance footage of the incident.

During cross examination, McKinney’s defense attorney, Rachel McCoy, confirmed with the detective that the only evidence identifying McKinney as one of the shooters was his clothes. She noted that these are common articles of clothing with nothing distinctive about them–a blue shirt, ripped jeans, and white shoes.

She stated that pictures and videos can be taken a certain day and later posted on Instagram with that date instead.

Owens’ defense attorney, Stephen LoGerfo used the affidavit written by the detective to support his argument that witnesses at the scene never identified Owens as one of the shooters.

Both defense attorneys asked Judge Epstein not to find probable cause, arguing the individuals identified as the defendants were wearing common clothing, as shown on poor quality surveillance footage. They also voiced that the “only connection is assumption.”

However, Judge Epstein stated “There is far more than probable cause.”

Judge Epstein agreed with McCoy when she argued that there was nothing distinctive about the clothing items the individual identified as McKinney was wearing, noting that none of the items are distinctive by themselves, but argued that they are distinctive when they are worn together.

McCoy requested McKinney be released, stating he has ample support in the community and the DC Jail does not provide him resources he needs as he awaits his trial. She requested he be released to home confinement.

Judge Epstein denied the release, following the prosecution’s opposition in which they deemed McKinney a danger to the community.

LoGerfo did not make arguments for Owens’ release.

Parties are set to return June 21.

Document: MPD Makes Two Arrests and Seeks Additional Suspects in a Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced two suspects were arrested in connection to a shooting that occurred on April 8 on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NE. MPD seeks the public’s assistance in locating additional suspects.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult female shooting victim, who had been occupying a stolen vehicle when she was shot. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. An additional adult female was treated at a local hospital and receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed that two suspects were involved in an argument that escalated when they both brandished firearms and shot at each other.

The occupants of the stolen vehicle, 23-year-old Sydney Johnson, and 19-year-old Makayla Robinson were arrested and charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle.

MPD is seeking to identify the suspect, captured by surveillance footage, that was involved in the shooting.

Document: MPD Arrests Man Wanted for Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of an individual in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 5 on the 1700 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. They located an adult female shooting victim, who was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On April 9, 47-year-old Michael Osuwu-Sakyi was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Document: MPD Arrests 16-Year-Old in Brookland Metro Station Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a juvenile was arrested and charged in connection to the Brookland Metro Station shooting that killed 14-year-old Avion Evans on April 4 on the 800 block of Monroe Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. They located Evans suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite all life saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

As a result of the detectives’ investigation and a DC Superior Court custody order, a 16-year-old male was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Document: MPD Makes an Arrest and Seeks Additional Suspects in Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a man was arrested in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 7 on the 4400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located evidence of the shooting but no victims. A short time later, four adult gunshot wound victims were located. All victims were treated at local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.

The detectives’ investigation determined that one of the victims was one of the shooting suspects. Jason Dyer, 23, was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill.

Five firearms were recovered from the scene.

One of the suspects’ vehicles, described as a four-door white Dodge Charger with unknown tags, was captured by nearby surveillance camera.

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.

Judge Cites ‘Judicial Economy’ in Ruling Against Severance in a Murder Case

On April 9, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a homicide defendant’s request to sever his case from a co-defendant.

Rafeal Stevens, 39, and Jermall Johnson, 40, are charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, attempted robbery – felony murder, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2700 block of 7th Street, NE.

Johnson’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, previously filed a motion to sever, alleging that Stevens could present exculpatory evidence through testimony, in relation to the felony murder charge. LoGerfo and Stevens’ attorney, Jason Tulley, both made private representations to Judge Raffinan in relation to the prospective testimony.

The court found the testimony for the felony murder charge to be exculpatory and stated that the proffer provided by both attorneys displayed sufficient evidence regarding Johnson’s state of mind during the alleged robbery.

However, the judge did not find Stevens’ testimony exculpatory regarding Johnson’s state of mind about the first-degree murder charge. Judge Raffinan stated that the motion to sever was denied for the first-degree murder charge.

Judge Raffinan also stressed the impact a separate trial would have on the “judicial economy”, in relation to recalling witnesses, a separate jury, and space on the calendar.

Following the ruling, the prosecution alerted the court of their plans to dismiss the addendum of felony murder attached to the robbery charge, to enable Johnson and Stevens to be tried together for first-degree murder.

The prosecution stated that they intend to try both defendants together, and the trial will move as planned in November.

A status hearing is scheduled for July 12.