Non-Fatal Shooting Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty During Arraignment

On April 5, co-defendants pleaded not guilty after arraignment for a shooting, before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.

D’Montre Gay, 28, and Micah Cosby, 42, are charged with carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction exceeding one year, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in a shooting on December 16, 2023, on the 700 block of Maine Avenue, SW.

No injuries were reported. During the hearing, Gregg Baron and Marnitta King, Cosby and Gay’s defense attorneys, told Judge Di Toro they pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted their constitutional rights, including a speedy trial.

Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) alerted the court that both defendants were in compliance with release requirements.

Baron requested that Cosby be stepped down from his curfew to allow him to work late shifts for an upcoming job. Judge Di Toro denied the request, stating that she wanted verification of employment before she rescinded Cosby’s curfew.

Gay’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, ended by requesting that her client’s case be separated from Cosby’s. Judge Di Toro will rule on the motion at a later date.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 6.

Suspect’s Phone Records Reveal Information on a Murder Victim, Says Prosecutor

On April 4, a digital analyst continued his testimony before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, introducing new prosecution evidence relating to phone records of an alleged co-conspirator in 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 of the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

The analyst to resumed his testimony about the alleged content of Steele’s phone, which included photos, videos, common locations, and web browsing history.

According to the records, Steele searched the terms “13-year-old shot shaw”, “13-year-old killed 600 S Street NW shooting”, “9th and Rhode Island shootant”, and “Malachi” on March 8, 2020.

Prosecutors argued the searches proved Steele’s knowledge and involvement in the attack.

In other testimony, Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, asked a DNA analyst about her previous conclusions regarding DNA tests of evidence in the case.

The analyst testified there was “very strong support” that DNA found on a pair of black and green Nike shoes belonged to Jackson. The prosecution alleges this pair of shoes was worn by Jackson on the day of the crime.

Under cross examination, the witness agreed that the DNA of two other individuals allegedly involved in the homicide also had closely matched DNA, one of which qualified as very strong support for inclusion as a contributor. The witness also admitted that she could not with confidence testify how long DNA had been present in the shoes or where the evidence was found.

Due to time constraints the witness was unable to finish her testimony and will return at a later date.

Parties are slated to return April 9.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Stabbing in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating 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 person down. They located a man suffering from a stab wound. After all life saving efforts failed, he succumbed to his injuries.

The identification of the victim is being withheld pending next of kin identification.

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 Investigating Brookland Metro Station Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on April 4 at the Brookland-Catholic University Metro Station on the 800 block of Monroe Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers of the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) responded to the station for the report of a shooting. They located a teenager suffering from gunshot wounds, and after all life saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 14-year-old Avion Evans.

The suspect was captured by surveillance footage.

Document: MPD Releases Video of Suspects and Vehicle in Northwest Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect vehicle connected to a homicide that occurred on April 2 on the 2100 block of 9th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots. They located a male with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where after all life saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. He was identified as 19-year-old Marquis Ward.

A second victim was located suffering from a graze wound.

The suspect vehicle 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.

Parties Deliver Closing Arguments in Milk Crate Shooting Trial

On April 3, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld heard closing arguments in front of a jury for a non-fatal shooting inspired by a thrown milk crate.

Diandre Caesar, 29, is charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, second-degree cruelty to children, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on June 28, 2022, on the 2200 block of New York Avenue, NE. No injuries were reported.

Previous testimony established that the issue was a milk crate that was thrown over a fence by the suspect, then thrown back by the victim.

As its last witness, the defense called Caesar’s employer and friend to the stand.

According to the witness, Caesar has worked full-time at his company, Dream Auto Detail, for nine years. He declared they had a friendship three years prior to working together and referred to Caesar as having a peaceful reputation.

During cross examination, the prosecution asked the witness if he was aware that Caesar had a job at the Salvation Army where the incident occurred. The witness responded he did not know about that job specifically, but was aware of other maintenance jobs.

According to the witness, he didn’t know Caesar carried a gun which was apparently visible in the dash camera footage shown to the court.

During closing arguments, the prosecutors explained the seriousness of Caesar’s alleged actions, including his disregard for the lives of the victims, which included an infant.

“He fired not one, not two, not three, but four shots,” said the prosecutor. “Once the gun is fired, there’s no telling where those bullets will end up.”

During their closing arguments, the defense claimed the victims were violent and hostile towards Caesar. According to the defense attorneys, both victims had knives, one being eight to nine inches long.

They insisted no one saw Caesar with a gun, though there was testimony to the contrary.

Defense Attorney Joseph Fay reminded the jury that the victims had allegedly been at the crime scene to buy marijuana with their infant son.

Meanwhile, one of the victims reportedly has a criminal record, and that the other subject to two restraining orders.

The defense insisted there is insufficient evidence to prove Caesar is guilty, arguing that the weapon hasn’t been found, and that only shell casings were recovered. “You don’t know how long those shell casings have been there, or even what caliber they were.”

The case is in the hands of the jury.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Adams Morgan Homicide

On April 4, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause in a fatal shooting that occurred in the busy, multi-cultural Adams Morgan neighborhood.

Jakeim Miller, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 30-year-old Avon Perkins. The shooting occurred on Dec. 17, 2022, on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW. Another individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries..

The lead detective on the case presented video surveillance footage showing an individual, identified as Miller, leaving a nightclub around 1 a.m. and was approached by Perkins.

The two had a brief conversation before Perkins appeared to strike Miller. In response, Miller appeared to dig into the front of his pants as the two moved out of sight of the camera. Audio footage captured the sound of several gunshots.

According to the detective, Miller allegedly fled the area. Perkins was pronounced dead at the scene and was found to be unarmed by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers. The other victim was transported to the hospital and received treatment for injuries.

The detective also testified that no DNA evidence, ballistics, or fingerprints tied Miller to the case.

Miller’s defense attorney, Steven Kiersh, pointed out that Perkins had been kicked out of the nightclub thirty minutes prior and was “walking and stalking” the street, waiting for Miller to leave.

He also pointed out that Perkins was the one to initiate the violence, and, according to court documents, the two were having “a normal conversation” before Perkins escalated the conflict.

“There is ample evidence Miller was acting in self-defense,” said Kiersh.

While the prosecution agreed that Perkins was the first aggressor, they pointed out there was significant time between Perkins’ strike and the sound of gunshots on the video. The prosecution argued the time interval shows Miller’s actions amounted to premeditation.

The prosecution also pointed out that Perkins was found with gunshot wounds to the side and back, which indicated that he was turned away when he was shot.

Judge Okun ruled there was enough evidence to find probable cause.

While he acknowledged that Perkins was the first aggressor, he stated the number of gunshot wounds to Perkins’ side and back meant it was unlikely Miller was acting in self-defense.

He also ruled for continued detention of Miller to “ensure the safety and protection of the community,” citing the surviving victim from the incident.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 31.

Evidence from Murder Suspect’s Phone Suggests Loving Friendship Between Defendants

On April 3, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony from a digital information analyst suggesting deep ties between two defendants in connection to a 2020 homicide.

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 to obtain and use specific weapons used in Lukes’ homicide.

The prosecution questioned a digital specialist who analyzed Steele’s phone including his contacts, call records, wireless connections and messages.

Among the findings is that Steele sent a message to a contact named “Boogie”, who the prosecution alleges is co-defendant Nelson, that says, “17 gotta go fool,” on the evening of the murder. An image of a hand holding a painted ghost gun was attached to the message.

Earlier in the trial, the prosecution heard testimony from a firearms expert who concluded that a white 17-caliber ghost gun was very likely used in Lukes’ homicide.

According to the prosecution, the text conversations between Steele and “Boogie” demonstrate a deep level of friendship. For example, a message from Boogie to Steele saying, “Love you for life fool,” with Steele loving the message in reaction.

Meanwhile, Judge Brandt reminded the jury that photos of text conversations are evidence showing a state of mind rather than statements of fact.

Due to time constraints, the witness will finish his testimony at a later date.

Parties are slated to return April 4.

Judge Rules Against Probable Cause for Shooting Defendants, Cases Dismissed

On April 3, DC Superior Judge Eric Glover ruled there was no probable cause in a multi-defendant non-fatal shooting and let the suspects go after a presentment hearing.

Josiah Warfield, 24, Rasheed Mullins, 27, and Alonzo Lover, 30, were arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in a shooting. The incident occurred on April 2, on the 2800 block of Bruce Place, SE. No injuries were reported, but a vehicle sustained bullet damage.

According to prosecutors, officers were patrolling the area near the scene, when they observed three individuals, who they identified as the defendants, shooting at a vehicle. They pursued them and the suspects were arrested.

Officers did a show-up procedure with the victim who identified the three defendants. A “show up” is a type of identification usually based on a single image as opposed to a more comprehensive photo array.

However, Judge Glover argued he was couldn’t find probable cause due to the lack of information on the report authored by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

He added that there is no proof that the defendants were ever holding firearms at the scene or that they shot the vehicle.

All three defendant’s cases were dismissed.

Witness Says He Was ‘Threatened by the FBI’ to Testify in a Murder Trial

On April 3, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan heard from a key witness who said he was forced to testify “against my will” in a homicide case.

Oscar Ramos, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Pedro Alvarado on May 28, 2015, on Interstate 295 North at exit one, SW. The incident left another individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Prosecutors continued playing a recorded deposition from a witness currently detained in an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. He claimed he was in a gang with Ramos and aware of his alleged involvement in Alvarado’s murder.

However, the deposition showed the witness declined to confirm his earlier grand jury testimony.

“I am here against my will because the prosecution wants to use me to win this case,” he claimed.

He said his testimony was coerced and that he “was threatened by the FBI” which could initiate deportation proceedings against his family if he did not testify in front of the grand jury.

“How much time in jail did you say you’d give me if I stand up here?” the witness asked.

The witness stated he “crossed over illegally,” after being deported back to El Salvador because his family was living in the US.

“They made sure I was detained so I would have to testify in front of a grand jury and then be deported,” the witness said.

The disconnect between the witness grand jury testimony in 2019 and his deposition statements were highlighted by the prosecution.

In the deposition, the witness stated that he was “not going to answer [the prosecution’s] questions.” He replied “I don’t know” to successive questions.

“I don’t know anything,” he said.

The witness was asked about the color of the vehicle that was used to commit the crime, as he was allegedly in the car on the night of the incident.

Although the witness previously stated that the vehicle was a black Honda Civic, his deposition statement was, “Ask the owner, I don’t know what color it [the car] was,” the witness said.

The witness is currently held in another jurisdiction without specific charges because he is a “cooperating witness.”

According to the witness, his only conviction is due to a driving under the influence charge. He is not currently facing any criminal charges.

The witness later told the defense attorney that, “It is better [at an ICE holding facility] than it is in El Salvador.”

The prosecution rested their case following the deposition.

The defense introduced an eyewitness who was driving behind the suspect’s and the victim’s vehicles when the shooting took place. He testified who he thinks fired the fatal shots.

“If you had to ask me who was in the car, I would say three Black males,” the witness said.

During cross examination, the prosecution presented the 911 call the witness made moments after he saw the shooting, revealing that it was the 911 operator who suggested there were three Black males in the vehicle before the witness had mentioned the race of the occupants;

Parties are slated to return on April 4 for closing statements.

Document: MPD Seeks Suspects in an Assault on a Special Police Officer

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating suspects who shot at a Special Police Officer (SPO) on April 3 at the 400 block of 14th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, the suspects and SPO, who was working in an establishment at the location, were involved in an argument. As the suspects left the location, one of them fired a gun towards the SPO. Both suspects fled the scene on foot. No injuries were reported.

The suspects were 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 violent crime in the District.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal E-Bike Crash in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating an E-Bike traffic crash that resulted in the death of a man on March 27 at the intersection of 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, a man and a woman were riding bikes westbound on the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. The man, who was riding in front of the woman, slowed down near the intersection of 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, and the woman’s bike collided with his. The collision caused the man to fall to the ground and hit his head. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

On April 2, the man succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 43-year-old Michael Goldstone.

Anyone with knowledge of the incident should call MPD.

Document: MPD Investigating Fort Dupont Drive SE Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred on April 3 on Fort Dupont Drive, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a person down. They located a man suffering from gunshot wounds. After all lifesaving efforts failed, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

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 Releases Shooting Defendant Following Dispute Over Undisclosed Evidence

On April 3, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe released a shooting defendant following the prosecution’s continuance of the trial due to undisclosed evidence.

Daniel Cary, 29, and Chantel Stewart, 33, are charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that an individual suffering from a gunshot wound to the back. The incident occurred on July 22, 2021, on the 4000 block of First Street, SE.

According to court documents, the victim and her sister were in a vehicle following a verbal dispute with some individuals when they were targeted by gunfire.

During the hearing, Alvin Thomas and Jesse Winograd, Cary and Stewart’s defense attorneys, alerted the court that they are having difficulty understanding why their case, which was scheduled for trial on March 25, cannot proceed.

Following a private conversation with the prosecution, Judge O’Keefe told Thomas and Winograd that the prosecution is experiencing delays due to unspecified evidence that cannot be shared with the defense just yet.

Thomas filed multiple oral motions, including a motion to dismiss the case without prejudice or release Cary, a motion for a speedy trial violation, as well as a Brady Violation for failing to disclose evidence favorable to the defendant.

According to Thomas, it is prejudicial for Cary be prosecuted for an offense or remain detained waiting for the prosecution to disclose evidence they should have disclosed years ago.

Thomas deemed Cary a “productive citizen,” stating that the only conviction he has was for a misdemeanor trespassing charge, and he has ample support in the community.

Although Stewart has been on release since 2021, Winograd joined Thomas’ motions.

“I hear your frustration,” said Judge O’Keefe, but ultimately stated there is no basis to dismiss the case against the defendants.

According to Judge O’Keefe, the speedy trial motion wasn’t necessary at this point because parties scheduled a trial for Jan. 6, 2025.

However, he agreed with Thomas that Cary should not have to remain detained as the prosecution figures out when they can disclose the outstanding evidence.

Judge O’Keefe granted the release motion, allowing Cary remain on home confinement with GPS monitoring.

He also imposed a stay away order from the victim and her sister, adding “stay away from everybody at this point.”

Parties are slated to reconvene July 16.

Witnesses Detail Suspect’s Gang Ties in Homicide Trial

On April 2, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, an ex-coworker and acquaintance of a homicide defendant failed to comply during his deposition testimony.

Oscar Ramos, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Pedro Alvarado Melendez. The incident occurred on May 28, 2015, on Interstate 295 North at Exit One, in Southwest DC. The incident left another individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

On April 1, the prosecution presented a previously recorded deposition of an ex-coworker and acquaintance of Ramos.

Due to the witness’ current immigration status, he was unable to testify in person, and the prosecution played the remaining deposition for the court. Through the recording, all parties referred to Ramos by his nickname, Silencio – which means “silence” in Spanish.

According to the prosecution, in the grand jury, the witness testified that “Silencio” told him about his luring of Alvarado through a “fake Facebook account as a woman.”

However, in the deposition, the witness declined to answer any more questions. “Where in the law is it where you can force me to answer questions I don’t want to answer?” the witness asked.

In the deposition, Judge Raffinan advised the witness he must answer the questions being asked by the prosecution. The witness then asked to speak with his lawyer.

Due to time constraints, the deposition recording could not be concluded.

The prosecution also called a witness who has a cousin who is an alleged gang member and friend of Ramos. The witness’ cousin is an alleged accomplice of Ramos in the shooting.

According to his testimony, the witness’ cousin and another individual were in the vehicle with Ramos when he allegedly killed Alvarado.

During the witness’s testimony, the prosecution questioned him about the vehicles he owned in 2015. The witness claimed he owned a black Honda Civic and a white Ford Explorer.

When the prosecution asked if he still owned the vehicles, the witness stated he did not own the Honda anymore.

According to the witness, his cousin borrowed the vehicle and informed the witness it had been stolen on the day of the incident.

A few months later, the witness received a call from a car shop where he learned his Honda had been located and was destroyed by fire.

The witness’ cousin offered to pay the $200 car shop fee to retrieve the car. However, he believes the cousin is currently incarcerated for an unrelated matter.

The prosecution called a witness from the DC Medical Examiner’s Office who said Alvarado sustained six bullet wounds and one graze gunshot wound. Photos of the autopsy were shown to the jury.

The prosecution also called a woman who witnessed a vehicle become “engulfed” in flames off the Route Four service road while she was driving back home.

The vehicle allegedly was the black Honda Civic stolen the day of the crime.

The last witness was a detective from Prince George’s Police Department..

The detective testified about a prior encounter with Ramos when he took photographs of Ramos’ torso, including the gang-related tattoos on his chest.

When the prosecution questioned the detective if he knew the name of the individual in the photographs, the detective replied, “Antonio Gomez Hernandez.”

However, when the prosecution asked the detective if the individual in the photographs was present in the courtroom, the detective identified Ramos.

Parties will reconvene on April 3 to resume trial.

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