DNA Analyst Links Evidence to Suspect in 2020 Homicide Trial

On April 2, a DNA analyst explained the results of tests on evidence collected in connection to a 2020 homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt

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 a Bode Technologies forensic DNA analyst who oversaw testing of green shoes and a black NASA hoodie previously obtained in a search that are believed to be Jackson’s

According to the analyst’s results, the pair of green Nike shoes were 2,000 times more likely to have DNA belonging to Jackson when compared to samples from Freeman and Steele.

Likewise, the witness testified that the NASA Hoodie interior cuff area was 48 septillion times more likely to have DNA originating from Jackson than Freeman and Steele.

The witness also testified about DNA tested on two of the firearms that had been linked to Lukes’ homicide in previous testimony from a ballistics expert

In his cross examination, Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, asked the witness whose DNA had potentially appeared on the two firearms. The witness reported that Jackson’s DNA had “very strong support” to be excluded from the first firearm as well as “limited support” for being found on the second firearm.

The witness also said she had nothing to do with the original collection of the evidence in the case.

Another to the analyst there was, was “very strong support” for Jackson’s DNA’s being on the steering wheel of the vehicle allegedly used in the homicide.

McDaniel asked the witness if it was possible to tell at what point the DNA sample got on the steering wheel, she said no.

McDaniel pointed out that, “All we know is that Koran Jackson touched the wheel at some point,” but not necessarily the day of the homicide.

Due to time constraints, the witness will finish her testimony later.

The prosecution also brought in the owner of a restaurant located on the 3300 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, to authenticate exterior surveillance footage captured on they day of the murder where three individuals were recorded walking past the restaurant.

In a detective’s previous testimony, Brown was identified as one of the three individuals in the surveillance footage. The detective also observed the second individual to be wearing a hoodie with a NASA logo on the back, as well as dark green shoes.

Parties are slated to return April 3.

Off-Duty Officer Testifies in Milk Crate Shooting Trial

On April 2, testimony continued before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld in a non-fatal shooting dispute centered on a milk crate that was thrown back and forth over a fence.

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.

Prosecution called an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD who testified she was at a McDonald’s drive-through on her lunch break when she heard a commotion nearby.

According to the officer, she observed a man matching Caesar’s description engaged in an argument near a fence adjacent to the Salvation Army, but was unable to see who he was arguing with or the individual’s vehicle.

She claimed she heard Caesar say, “You don’t want this smoke.”

The verbal altercation lasted approximately 30 seconds, but after Caesar walked away, she heard gunshots coming from the street.

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.

The officer dialed 911 to alert authorities and claimed seeing Caesar run across the parking lot in the opposite direction of where she heard gunshots. When she saw a black car driving out of the parking lot shortly after, she assumed Caesar was in the vehicle and began photographing it.

She testified that she did not witness who fired the shots but drove to where she believed the shots were fired. When she spotted shell casings, she “secured the scene” to preserve the evidence.

On cross-examination, the off-duty officer testified that she never saw anyone carrying a firearm, including the man who ran across the parking lot.

Further, Caesar’s defense attorney, Joseph Fay, pointed out that there was a period after the shots were fired and before the officer secured the scene that the shell casings could have been disturbed. The officer agreed, but testified that to her knowledge this had not occurred.

The prosecution then called Caesar’s co-worker, who witnessed the dispute as he entered a nearby parking lot but chose not to intervene.

He noted that Caesar appeared upset, adding, “If somebody threw a crate at you and spit on you, you would have definitely been angry. I am sure he was angry.”

However, the prosecution moved to strike that statement, arguing that surveillance video showed the witness arriving after the milk crate was thrown, and therefore was hearsay. The motion was denied by Judge Hertzfeld.

The witness recounted he never heard gunshots. After the dispute, Caesar told the witness he was leaving before the witness got into a black vehicle that he believed was Caesar’s.

Prosecutors showed video evidence of Caesar allegedly leaving the parking lot with another unidentified man inside a similar vehicle.

During cross-examination, Fay asked the witness if he ever saw Caesar with a firearm, which the witness denied.

Prosecutors called the lead detective who showed Caesar’s photograph to the victim who identified him as the shooter.

Fay argued that Caesar’s photo was not shown to the victim in an array comparing similar individuals and therefore his perception might be biased.

He also pointed out that no witnesses from the McDonald’s drive-through were located besides the off-duty officer. He added that the video surveillance footage from the McDonald’s was never obtained by MPD, and no firearm was ever recovered in connection to the shooting.

Witness testimony will continue April 3.

Document: MPD Arrests Three Suspects in a Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced three men have been arrested in connection to a shooting that occurred on April 2 on the 2800 block of Bruce Place, SE.

According to court documents, officers were patrolling the area when they observed a vehicle occupied by multiple suspects shooting at another vehicle. The suspects’ vehicle attempted to flee the scene, but struck a tree. All three occupants exited the vehicle and fled on foot. All were apprehended.

The victim was not injured, but their vehicle sustained damage from gunshots.

Josiah Warfield, 23, Rasheed Mullins, 26, and Alonzo Travis Lover, 30, were arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license, and carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or business.

‘I Know a Lot of People Who Go by Silencio,’ Says Witness in Homicide Trial

On April 1, a homicide suspect’s ex-coworker testified about the defendant’s alleged gang involvement before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

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.

An ex-coworker of Ramos’ testified in a previously recorded deposition due to his current immigration status. Judge Raffinan advised the jury to act as if the witness was normally testifying in court.

Throughout the deposition, all parties referred to Ramos by his known nickname, “Silencio”–Spanish for quiet, without any sound.

The prosecution asked the witness how long he had known Silencio. The witness claimed he did not remember, and added he didn’t know how to read when asked if reviewing his grand jury testimony would refresh his memory.

Then, the prosecution continued to read out-loud the witness’ grand jury testimony, where he stated that he had known Silencio for approximately four to five years.

In the deposition, the prosecution asked the witness if he wanted to be testifying in court. The witness said no and generally appeared uncooperative throughout the recorded session.

When the prosecution asked the witness to make an identification of Silencio, the witness stated “I don’t know him,” adding, “I don’t know who he is.”

“I know a lot of people that go by Silencio,” the witness claimed.

Throughout the deposition, the witness would respond, “I don’t know anything.”

The witness claimed he was “treated like a dog” by the US Attorney’s Office.

However, when the witness was asked if he was mistreated during his grand jury testimony, he stated otherwise.

The prosecution also called a detective from Chelsea Police Department in Massachusetts, who spoke of an encounter he had with Ramos on Dec. 20, 2013 during which the detective took photos of Ramos’ face, torso, and back.

In the photo of Ramos’ torso, the witness identified a tattoo reading “Everett,” which is a community neighboring Boston, Massachusetts. However, his Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) tattoos allegedly referencing the notorious gang remained covered based on a previous ruling by Judge Raffinan.

Through the tattoos, the detective was allegedly able to identify Ramos in court.

Next, the prosecution called a lieutenant from the Montgomery County Police Department. The witness conducted a surveillance operation to locate and stop Ramos. According to the lieutenant, when he stopped Ramos and asked for a driver’s license, Ramos gave him a license with his photo and a different name.

Following the lieutenant’s testimony, the prosecution called a forensic scientist from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). The prosecution provided the witness several photographs of Alvarado’s vehicle after the murder and asked her a series of questions regarding the vehicle’s defects.

The photographs revealed bullet holes in the driver’s side of the vehicle, “potential blood” splatters on the driver’s side seat, and projectile fragments.

The prosecution also called a digital investigative analyst from the Department of Justice, who reviewed the Facebook account data for two separate profiles identified as Oscar Rodriguez and Rosa Lopez. The Rodriguez account is believed to belong to Ramos, and the Lopez account was allegedly created by Ramos to stalk Alvarado.

After comparing the Oscar Rodriguez and Rosa Lopez account data, the witness found that “at certain points in time, both accounts were accessed at similar times using the same IP addresses.”

According to the witness, it “appears quite likely that the same device was being used to access both the Ramos and Lopez accounts.”

In a cross-examination, Ramos defense attorneys, Camille Wagner and Rachel McCoy, questioned the witness about whether he knew exactly where the device that accessed the Facebook accounts was located. The witness testified he did not know.

Wagner also asked the witness to grab her phone and try to log on to Facebook. She argued that someone could take her phone and do whatever they wanted with it.

“You can’t tell the jury who controls an account?” Wagner asked the witness. “You personally do not know who was using the Rosa Lopez account?”

The witness responded he cannot.

Parties are slated to return on April 2.

Shooting Defendant Asserts Right to Test DNA Evidence

On April 2, a non-fatal shooting defendant asserted his right to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Demonte Gibson, 26, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW on Dec. 7, 2021. One individual suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

According to court documents, the victim was getting something to eat when Gibson allegedly shot hm in his leg and stole his money. However, according to the victim, he did not hear gunshots or see who shot him.

Gibson’s attorney, Rachel Cicurel, told the court that Gibson intends to assert his right to conduct DNA testing on government evidence.

The prosecution listed items that were found at the scene, including two firearms and several spent cartridges. Gibson’s attorneys requested time to review all evidence and decide which items to submit for independent testing.

The court set a date for Gibson’s next DNA evidence hearing on May 24.

Defendant’s Mother Confirms His Connection to Co-Defendants in 2020 Homicide Trial

On April 1, a defendant’s mother testified about clothing and phone calls that link suspects charged with murder and conspiracy before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

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.

At the start of the trial, the prosecution stated much like the specific firearms in the case, certain articles of clothing would become the “calling card” to specific defendants involved in the homicide. The prosecution alleges Jackson is associated with a black hoodie with the NASA insignia on it.

Prosecutors previously presented surveillance footage of a BP gas station with three men one of whom was wearing a black, NASA hoodie. Later, it was revealed that the Kia Soul the defendants are alleged to have been driving in on March 1 was stopped at a BP gas station hours before it was tracked to the alley of Lukes’ homicide.

Jackson’s mother testified about buying Jackson clothing and that, “could have been the NASA hoodie” but that she could not recall specifically.

The prosecution then presented a copy of three photos that had been shown to the witness during the search of the family’s home for identification.

According to the witness’ grand jury testimony, she had recognized two of the three photos positively identifying Jackson wearing a black hoodie with the NASA insignia in one photo.

To further claims of conspiracy among the defendants, the prosecution asked the witness to draw connections between Jackson and the Byrd family.

Tahlil Byrd, 19, was the victim of a fatal shooting on the 600 block of S Street 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.

To connect Jackson to Byrd, the prosecution asked the witness about Jackson’s friendship with Byrd’s brother. The witness testified that Jackson and Byrd’s brother were childhood friends.

According to the witness’ grand jury statements, she also believed that Tahlil and Jackson were friends.

The prosecution presented recordings of Jackson calling his mother from jail. In those calls, Jackson asked his mother to connect the call with a third person who the witness later identified as Byrd’s sister.

The prosecution also asked the witness if she had known or heard of a person by the name of “Boogie”. The witness testified that prior to court proceedings, she had not.

The witness admitted that later in the three way call, Jackson and Byrd’s sister could clearly be heard mentioning an “Uncle Boog”.

Uncle Boog, or Boogie, is a nickname that prosecution has established refers to Nelson based on Nelson’s previously admitted jail calls.

In cross examination, Nelson’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Saperstein, asked the witness if she had been attentive during the portion of the call where Boogie was mentioned. The witness admitted that she “had not been listening very closely” to the call and reaffirmed she had not heard of Boogie prior to testifying in court.

The prosecution also asked the witness about a separate call with Jackson in which the name “T.Y” was mentioned. The witness admitted they were referring to Freeman, and that Jackson and Freeman were childhood friends.

To corroborate the witness’ statements, the prosecution presented a video of Freeman, Steele, and Jackson together listening to music.

The prosecution then called one of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives who had executed a search warrant on the Jackson residence.

The detective testified that a NASA hoodie, cellular device, and green Nike sneaker were found.

In his cross examination of the detective, Freeman’s defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, asked the detective if he was present when the residence was first entered by police. The detective admitted that he had not.

Sukumar pointed out that because of the lack of body-worn camera footage, the detective has a limited ability to speak to the scene’s integrity.

In his cross examination, McDaniel asked the detective if any firearm or ammunition had been discovered in the search of the Jackson residence. The detective said no.

The final witness prosecution called was a former forensic analyst for the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) who had responded to the Jackson residence in May of 2020.

McDaniel asked the witness if any bullets or gun had been found and photographed at the scene. The DFS reaffirmed that no firearm or cartridges had been found.

In his cross examination, Sukumar pointed out that the DFS officer had arrived on the scene with minimal information about the case. The prosecution pointed out in their redirect that any DFS member was equipped with tools to process evidence regardless of information received previously.

Parties are slated to return April 2.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Guilty In Drug Shooting Dispute

On April 2, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein heard from a defendant who pleaded guilty after accepting the prosecution’s offer to a fatal shooting and non-fatal stabbing.

Karlos Kinney, 24, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for shooting 25-year-old Resha Blount on April 30, 2020, at the 900 block of New Jersey Avenue, NW.

Kinney is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for stabbing another inmate in the DC Jail on Nov. 23, 2022. Kinney’s guilty plea is being extended to both cases.

Police said they found text messages on Blount’s phone that indicated a drug sale between the two on the night of the incident. According to court documents, Kinney allegedly shot Blount four times in her apartment after the two got into a dispute over drug prices.

“The defendant’s actions were voluntary and purposeful,” the prosecution said. “This was no mistake.”

Kinney accepted the plea deal presented to him by the prosecution, which he originally declined in 2021.

The deal required he plead guilty to a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. This offered him reduced sentence of seven-and-half-to-15 years.

In the plea agreement, the prosecution said they would reduce his sentence for voluntary manslaughter from a maximum of 30 years to 10 years. However, they specified that Judge Epstein’s decision may be above or below the 10 year maximum. No limit was set on the sentence for Kinney’s assault with a dangerous weapon charge, which can go up to three years of incarceration.

Additionally, the prosecution said they would “dismiss the remaining and greater charges in both cases at the time of the sentencing.”

Judge Epstein said he believes “there is a factual basis for each plea.” He also said he would weigh the prosecution’s maximum sentences outlined by the plea deal, as well as the DC maximum sentences for both charges when making his decision.

Parties are slated to return on June 21 for Kinney’s sentencing.

Shooting Co-Defendants Accept a ‘Wired’ Plea Deal

On March 29, three shooting co-defendants accepted a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe.

Stefon Freshley, 27, Jamal Matthews, 34, and Darnell Savoy, 25, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed regarding a non-fatal-shooting that occurred on December 28, 2018, on the 200 block of 54th Street, NE. An adult male and juvenile boy sustained life-threatening injuries from the incident. .

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court they had offered the defendants a so-called “wired”plea offer that can only be valid if all co-defendants accept it. The plea offer conditions differed among each co-defendant.

The offer required Freshley to plead guilty to one count of assault with intent to kill against a minor and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in this case and a case regarding a stabbing at the DC Jail. .

Parties agreed the appropriate sentence for Freshley is seven and a half years of incarceration.

Likewise, the offer required Savoy to plead guilty to two counts of assault with intent to kill and a third count of using, carrying, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in this case and a case regarding a stabbing at the jail.

Parties agreed that the appropriate sentence for Savoy is 9 years of incarceration, which will run consecutive to a five year sentence for a District Court case.

Moreover, the offer required Matthews to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed against a minor, one count of aggravated assault while armed for the injured adult, and one count of obstructing justice, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in this case, and two cases regarding multiple obstruction of justice and a stabbing at the jail. .

Parties agreed the appropriate sentence range for Matthews falls between 17-and-26 years of incarceration.

All parties will reconvene on June 28 for sentencing.

Victim Testifies About Shooting in Milk Crate Melee

On April 1, a non-fatal shooting victim testified before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

The prosecution called one of the victims to the stand who testified that he, his girlfriend, and their infant son had been in the parking lot of a McDonald’s so he could buy marijuana.

After the deal, he attempted to leave through the drive-through but was blocked by a milk crate. He testified that he got out of his vehicle and threw the milk crate over a nearby fence.

Prosecutors played security camera footage that showed a man identified as Caesar throwing the milk crate over the fence and into the drive-through lane earlier as he mowed grass.

After the victim threw the milk crate back again, the footage also showed Caesar running through the parking lot to throw the milk crate back over the fence, where it struck the victim’s car. The victim testified he got out of his car to confront Caesar.

“He was attempting to create some sort of confrontation over a milk crate,” said the victim. “I am one who loves my cars. … I was very upset and mad.”

According to the victim, a verbal altercation occurred as the two argued and exchanged insults through the fence. The victim’s girlfriend stayed in the passenger seat, but audio from the dash cam captured her insulting Caesar as well.

“I wasn’t squaring up or making hostile threats,” said the victim, and testified that Caesar also wasn’t “squaring up” and appeared to be unarmed at the time.

However, when the victim realized the verbal altercation could escalate into a physical fight, he returned to his car out of fear for his son’s safety. Right before he drove away, he threw the milk crate back over the fence.

“I think that triggered him,” said the victim. “I threw that milk crate back over the fence just to annoy him.”

According to the victim, he and his family tried to drive away, but were pursued by Caesar who allegedly punched and kicked their vehicle while they were stopped at the exit. The victim noticed Caesar had retrieved a bag “from his friend,” and now feared he was armed.

The victim attempted to pull out into the street, but was blocked by other traffic. Caesar allegedly continued to strike the car, moving over to the rear driver’s window, where the victim’s son was in his carseat.

The victim claimed he then reversed, intentionally aiming his car at Caesar to capture his face on his dash cam before driving away. As they fled, four shots struck the rear of their vehicle. The victim quickly pulled over to ensure his son’s safety.

“It was my son in the vehicle that was my concern,” said the victim. “I wasn’t even worried about me.”

On cross examination, one of Caesar’s defense attorneys, Adrian Madsen, pointed out that the victim had previous convictions related to his former girlfriend, the other victim of the shooting, that were unrelated to this case.

He also referenced the victim’s grand jury testimony, in which the victim testified that he “hoped and prayed” Caesar would hit him during their verbal altercation so he could “teach him a lesson.”

The victim reluctantly agreed with these statements, but clarified the reason he confronted Caesar was because he “wanted, honestly, to see his true character.”

Further, the victim previously testified to the grand jury that his girlfriend had been holding a knife during the verbal altercation, but now claimed he didn’t remember it happening that way, stating his girlfriend only retrieved the knife when Caesar allegedly approached the vehicle.

The victim also denied ever attempting to run Caesar over with his car, but stated he would have if he found it necessary to “get out of the situation.”

He also testified he never saw Caesar with a firearm in his hand.

The prosecution called their next witness, one of Caesar’s coworkers, who arrived on the scene as the altercation was occurring.

The witness stated he did “not want to be here today,” and testified to hearing people arguing when he came to pick Caesar up from work on the day of the incident.

The witness’s testimony is set to continue on April 2 due to time constraints.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on April 2 on the 2100 block of 9th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of the sounds of gunshots. When they arrived, they located an adult male with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A second man was found with a graze wound.

The victim was identified as 19-year-old Marquis Ward.

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 Fatal Stabbing in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred April 1 on the 300 block of 61st Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a man down. Officers located an individual suffering from stab wounds, and after all lifesaving efforts failed, he was pronounced dead.

The victim was identified as 33-year-old Devon Greenfield.

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 Accepts Plea Deal and Sentences Contrite Homicide Defendant

On March 29, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a homicide defendant after accepting a plea deal.

Brandon Wiggins, 26, was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the shooting of Damon Bell, 43, on the 1600 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE, on June 14, 2019.

Wiggins was also charged with fleeing a law enforcement officer and accessory after the fact assault with intent to kill while armed for an unrelated matter.

On January 24, Wiggins accepted a deal, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and accessory after the fact to aggravated assault while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties agreed on a sentence of 10 years of incarceration.

Lee Smith, Wiggins’ defense attorney, stated that Wiggins is willing to accept his punishment because “punishment is due here.”

Smith further noted that he believes that Wiggins will turn his life around as he has already had time to think about his actions during the nearly five years he has been incarcerated. Wiggins has also expressed interest in school and other programming options.

“I am very emotionally sorry for my actions that day,” said Wiggins.

After accepting the plea deal, Judge Epstein noted that “Wiggins has accepted responsibility for his actions. He’s expressed remorse.”

Due to Wiggins’ criminal history and the nature of these “very serious crimes,” Judge Epstein denied the defense’s request for a sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). The YRA allows for a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed when they successfully complete their sentencing requirements.

Judge Epstein sentenced Wiggins to eight years of incarceration for voluntary manslaughter while armed and a consecutive two years of incarceration for being an accessory after the fact with credit for time served.

After serving his time, Wiggins will be on supervised release for five years, and he will need to register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set for this matter.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment

On March 29, a shooting defendant was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Daniel Mendoza, 23, is charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill, two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured three individuals. The incident occurred on June 27, 2023, on the 3100 block of 16th Street, NW.

During the hearing, Mendoza’s defense attorneys, Marc Eisenstein and Michael Lawlor, alerted the court Mendoza was pleading not guilty to all 27 charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to return May 24

Judge Approves Defense Request for Another Competency Screening

On March 29, the defense requested their own expert conduct a mental competency screening for a homicide suspect before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein. He ultimately approved the request.

Asmerom Ghebrekidan, 52, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE, on May 25, 2023. The assault left two victims suffering from injuries, and one of the victims, 41-year-old Fitsum Ayele Mamo, died two days after the incident.

During the hearing, Ghebrekidan’s stand-in defense attorney, Molly Bunke, requested their own expert evaluate Ghebrekidan following multiple inconclusive evaluations by doctors from the Department of the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Ghebrekidan also requested new counsel as he believes that his assigned attorney, Kevin Mosley, is working for an organization working against him. Bunke was acting as a stand-in defense counsel for Ghebrekidan, as he refused to be near Mosley.

Given the situation, Bunke requested that the parties “hold off” on an arraignment until they have time to have Ghebrekidan evaluated by their own behavioral health experts.

Parties are slated to return June 14.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Test DNA Evidence

On March 29, a homicide defendant waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Karon Brown, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Cynthia Barringer on Oct. 31, 2021, at the 2000 block of Green Street, SE.

During the hearing, the prosecution noted that they had tested many items in evidence, including a BIC lighter, a firearm, and red stains alleged to be blood found at the scene. Brown’s DNA was excluded from the lighter and the red stains, however, his DNA was a strong likelihood Brown’s DNA was found on the firearm.

Marnitta King, Brown’s defense attorney, alerted the court he planned to waive his right to independently test the evidence.

Judge Epstein informed Brown that he would not be able to change his mind after waiving his rights; however he chose to waive them anyway.

Parties are slated to return Feb. 14.

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