Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman confirmed a non-fatal shooting defendant would reject a plea deal in a status hearing Jan. 16.

Demetry Ferguson, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, unlawful possession of ammunition, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on Sept. 8, 2024 on the 4400th block of E Street SE.

The prosecution offered Ferguson a plea deal on Nov. 21, 2025 stipulating that remaining charges would be dropped if Ferguson pled guilty to the aggravated assault while armed charge.

Judge Edelman reconvened with the defendant and defense attorney, Steven Kiersh, on Jan. 16. Judge Edelman advised the defendant that once the plea was denied he may not decide later on to accept the offer.

Ferguson is currently on release after release from jail on Oct. 10, 2024. The terms of his release include home confinement, a curfew, newly changed to 12 a. m.-to-6 a. m. by Judge Edelman and a stay-away-order filed by the prosecution.

Parties are set to reconvene March 20.

Document: MPD Investigating New York Avenue Officer-Involved Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into an officer-involved shooting on Jan. 18 on the 1800 block of New York Ave, NE. The incident began when a suspect, involved in a dispute at a nightclub, threatened security and later returned, driving toward officers and pedestrians. After officers fired at the suspect, who fled and crashed, the suspect was arrested for Felony Assault on a Police Officer and is receiving treatment for gunshot wounds. The investigation is ongoing, with involved officers on administrative leave.

‘I Wanted Him to See How it Felt to be Held at Gunpoint,’ Homicide Defendant Says, Sentenced to 21 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a defendant to 252 months in prison on Jan.16, for shooting his childhood friend eight times in front of the victim’s home

Darrell Hinkle, 37, pled guilty on Sept. 4, 2025, to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the killing of Dajuan Blakney, 32. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE, on April 21, 2023.

According to court documents, Blakney and Hinkle had grown up together, but had been feuding before the shooting.

Through the plea agreement, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 17-to-21 years of imprisonment.

The prosecutors read statements from Blakney’s family. Many requested that he face the maximum sentence.

“Our family is serving a life-sentence of grief,” Blakney’s sister-in-law wrote in a statement. “Holidays, birthdays, and gatherings are now reminders of what was stolen from us.”

Blakney was killed two days before his mother’s birthday. According to the family statements, he had given her money for a trip to California as a gift. “Before leaving, I went to see my son so I could hug him and kiss him,” she wrote in her statement.

“I am heartbroken not only because my son is gone, but because of who caused this pain,” Blakney’s mother added. “Someone I considered a nephew, a family-friend.”

Prosecution argued for the maximum sentence, citing that Hinkle had previously been convicted for shooting a man in the foot, but was given less than the maximum sentence since his commitment to family and employed status made him a candidate for rehabilitation.

“He had a lot of things going for him, but none of that mattered,” the prosecutor said. “When Darrell Hinkle gets angry, he resorts to violence.”

Defense attorney Lucas Dansie requested the minimum sentence because Hinkle demonstrated remorse and did not arrive at Blakney’s home with the intention to kill him. While Hinkle did arrive armed, Dansie argued that the two had grown up in an area where firearms were common. He said Blakney’s associates did not flee when he arrived with the gun because they were not afraid of him.

In a statement to the court, Hinkle said he did not intend to kill Blakney. Rather, he was responding to a prior argument in which Blakney held a gun to him.

“I wanted him to see how it felt to be held at gunpoint,” Hinkle said.

“I know there’s no words to express the pain that I put y’all through,” Hinkle told Blakney’s family, adding “I had love for Dajuan.”

Dansie said Hinkle was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the shooting.

“It was the brutal murder of a totally defenseless person who was sitting on the stoop of their house,” Judge Park said.

Judge Park acknowledged Hinkle’s expression of remorse, but sentenced Hinkle to 21 years based on his failure to reform and the impact on the victim’s family. After release, Hinkle will serve five years under supervised release and will have to register as a gun offender.

Document: MPD Seeking Suspect in Jay Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a homicide that occurred on Dec. 27 in the alley adjacent to the 4400 block of Jay Street, NE. The victim, identified as 49-year-old Junior Almozard of Northeast, D.C., was found with gunshot wounds and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. Surveillance footage of the suspect is available, and the MPD is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Judge Finds Probable Cause For Murder Despite ‘Loose Ends,’ Denies Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman found probable cause and denied the release of a homicide defendant in a Jan. 20 preliminary hearing.

Alvin Young Jr., 48, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the March 19, 2022 shooting death of 28-year-old Mark Cobrand Jr.. Cobrand was found with multiple gunshot wounds inside a van parked on the 4200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

The prosecution called the lead detective in the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified that DNA evidence recovered from three out of eight shell casings discovered at the crime scene is very likely linked to Young.

Judge Edelman later pointed to this DNA evidence as “easily enough” reaching the standard for probable cause that Young Jr, committed the crime when making his ruling.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Madalyn Harvey questioned the detective about multiple witnesses and suspects mentioned in court documents. During the hearing, Harvey also submitted multiple video clips for evidence.

“I did not kill Bolo,” Young said in a police recording after his arrest. ‘Bolo’ was Cobrand’s nickname.

Court documents claim that Young considered the victim a “close friend,” despite their relationship being characterized as tumultuous and often engaged in arguments. The prosecution also stated that Cobrand had engaged in a sexual relationship with Young’s ex-girlfriend.

Prior to the hearing, Harvey submitted a motion to compel under the Brady rule requiring the prosecution to provide potentially exculpatory evidence to the defense. She requested seven pieces but agreed to proceed with the hearing before this ruling.

The prosecution stated that the defense was “not entitled” to some of the requested evidence.

Judge Edelman questioned the prosecution on its denial of select evidence under the Brady rule.

“How are you saying none of this is Brady information?” Judge Edelman asked.

Harvey said that Young’s being held would be a “great injustice,” proposing that Young should be released on 24-hour home confinement instead. Harvey said that the case is not one “the government is likely to win.”

The prosecution argued instead that Young’s criminal record portrayed “extremely violent” behavior and that he would be a “danger to the community” and witnesses if released. Judge Edelman ultimately ruled that Young would be held under no conditions or combinations for release that could assure the safety of the community.

Judge Edelman expressed concern for some evidence used by the prosecution, referring to a video of black SUV and the filing of missing vehicle tags as “circumstantial evidence” at best. The prosecution plans to use both to tie Young to a vehicle in the area at the time of the shooting.

“I agree that there are a lot of loose ends in this case,” Judge Edelman added.

Judge Edelman gave the prosecution a deadline of Jan. 23 to respond to the defense’s motion to compel.

Parties will reconvene Jan. 29 for a motion hearing.

Judge Orders Detailed Mental Competency Assessment For Murder Suspect

DC Superior Court Neal Kravitz ordered Leon Bryant to undergo a more intensive mental competency assessment during a hearing on Jan. 16.

Bryant, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Jonathan Simmons-Miller. The incident occurred on July 30, 2025 on the 700 block of V Street, NW.

Bryant is currently held at Saint Elizabeths Hospital receiving treatment. Parties received a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on Jan. 13, which stated they needed additional time to further evaluate Bryant’s mental status.

Judge Kravitz agreed to give DBH additional time.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 13.

Case Acquitted: Eyewitness Recounts Hearing Fatal Shots in Homicide Trial

Editor’s Note: Malik Seltzer was acquitted of the murder, and its corresponding charges, by a jury on Jan. 22, 2026.

An eyewitness testified about hearing gunshots and watching a suspect flee the scene during a murder trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Jan. 13.

Malik Seltzer, 30, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Paris Odemns on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on Sept. 15, 2021. Odemns suffered from five gunshot wounds to his back and one to his wrist.

On the second day of Seltzer’s jury trial, prosecutors called upon an eyewitness who lived across the street from the scene of the murder. The witness testified that he heard multiple gunshots and saw flashes of light from inside his home. He said after the gunfire, he saw a “slender” individual running northbound on 1st Street, another person lying on the ground, and then a rapid police response.

Apart from the individual running and the person on the ground, the witness did not recall anyone else outside after the gunfire. The prosecutors confirmed the witness did not hear gunshots at any other point that night.

The eyewitness told Seltzer’s attorney, Bernadette Armand, during cross-examination that the person running wore dark clothing.

A homicide detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who collected video evidence related to the case described footage played by prosecutors. The detective identified the victim and a suspect prosecutors claim is Seltzer walking together at the intersection of 1st and Atlantic Streets, SE. The detective said the suspect wore a black shirt, shorts, and a colorful hat.

At 12:57 a. m., the detective said the victim and suspect walked off-camera, and about a minute later, the suspect ran back into the screen and away from the scene. The prosecutors asked the detective if the suspect had anything in his hands as he ran away. The detective said the suspect appeared to be holding a firearm and Armand objected to his statement.

After further questions from the prosecutor, the detective said the suspect had a hat in his right hand and his left hand was clutched around his pocket. Armand objected again, parties had a lengthy confidential discussion off-mic, and then prosecutors confirmed that the detective did not see a firearm in the suspect’s hands. Time constraints prevented the detective from finishing his testimony.

The prosecution also called upon ten forensic DNA technologists from Bode Technology, each responsible for different steps of the physical DNA testing, followed by a DNA analysis expert who interpreted the results. The expert said she analyzed DNA samples from six cartridge casings and compared them to known DNA samples from Seltzer and Odemns.

Among the six casings, the expert determined that only two were suitable for comparison. For one casing, the expert found limited support for excluding Seltzer and Odemns as contributors. The expert’s results for the other casing fully excluded Seltzer and strongly supported excluding Odemns.

Seltzer’s other attorney, Kevann Gardner, confirmed during cross-examination that the expert found no support for including Seltzer as a contributor of DNA on the casings.

The prosecution confirmed with the expert that DNA is not always recovered when an individual touches an object, and that heat can degrade DNA, reducing its quality. They also clarified that it is possible Seltzer touched the casings, and that various factors could have influenced the deposition and recovery of DNA, potentially affecting the results.

Gardner also noted that after the DNA results, the expert never received other DNA samples to compare to the casings. The expert confirmed she would have tested any samples the lab received.

The trial is scheduled to resume on Jan. 14.

Document: Arrest Made in a 2023 Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 41-year-old Aubrey Canarte, who has been charged with First-Degree Murder While Armed in connection to a 2023 homicide. The incident occurred on Sept. 1, 2023, when 43-year-old Richard Ruffin, III, was found deceased from a shooting on the 100 block of Farragut Street, NW. Canarte was charged while already in custody at the DC Jail.

Judge Denies Request to Reconsider Release for Shooting Co-Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson declined to reconsider releasing a shooting defendant while he awaits trial during a hearing on Jan. 15.

Lorenzo Covington, 20, Zion Greely, 19, and Gregory Nelson, 19, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and four counts of destroying property less than $1000.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a shooting on the 700 block of N Street, NW on Oct. 14, 2024. No injuries were reported, but gunfire struck three vehicles, and police recovered 27 shell casings and two bullet fragments.

After DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied Greely’s request for release on Nov. 5, 2025, his attorney, Diana Yu, filed a motion on Jan. 7 asking Judge Dayson to reconsider his detention.

At the hearing, Yu argued the prosecution had no direct evidence against Greely, claiming there was neither physical or forensic evidence nor witness statements implicating her client. Although the indictment filed on Dec. 17 added more serious charges against Greely, Yu argued the strength of the case had not changed.

In Greely’s prior theft case, Yu said, he fully complied with strict conditions of release and probation requirements. Greely would likewise follow any release imposed by Judge Dayson, Yu added.

Yu also noted Greely’s grandfather, who he was close to, was recently diagnosed with a serious illness, and Greely wished to spend more time with him.

The prosecutors disputed Yu’s claim that the evidence was weak. They said there was proof of Greely’s participating in a drug transaction with the victim minutes before the shooting, in addition to nearly continuous surveillance footage capturing Greely’s movements before and after the incident.

As a result, Judge Dayson determined that no conditions of release could ensure community safety and denied Greely’s request. The judge acknowledged Greely succeeded on probation but said his prior theft conviction now weighed against him.

Yu and Nelson’s attorney, David Akulian, also filed separate motions requesting to sever Greely and Nelson’s cases from their co-defendants. Judge Dayson noted that Covington’s counsel was not specified, but she expects a severance request on his behalf once his new attorney is appointed. The judge must determine whether holding joint trials would compromise the defendants’ specific trial rights.

As the cases were recently transferred to Judge Dayson, she postponed her decision on severance until she has reviewed the video evidence.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 5.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in ‘Family Affair’ Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a “family affair” homicide on Jan. 14.

Clarence Jones, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Benjamin Mingo on March 27, 2025 on the 3800 block of 1st Street, SE.

Judge Brandt alerted the parties that she found probable cause for Jones’ participation in the incident, citing the lead detective’s testimony, as well as two defense investigators.

“This is a family affair,” Judge Brandt stated, reminding the parties that Mingo was Jones’ sister’s romantic partner at the time of the incident, and she, along with her 12-year-old son, were present during the shooting.

According to the detective and court documents, Jones allegedly shot Mingo due to accusations of domestic violence between Mingo and Jones’ sister. Their mom allegedly told officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that she found out about the assaults from another family member.

Judge Brandt stated Jones’ sister attempted to downplay the domestic violence to her mom, who was the only person she told about the assault. However, “her business was already out in the gossip mill,” which was unfortunate because she wanted it to remain private.

Judge Brandt ruled that the suspect vehicle, which was identified as a white Toyota Prius, which Jones rented, was connected to his alleged movements through surveillance footage.

According to Judge Brandt, the car was parked near the incident location multiple times throughout the investigation, including at the time of the shooting. Jones is alleged to have run back to it and fled the scene in the car.

She also argued that “whispers in the community” told MPD the shooter was related to the victim’s girlfriend, which corroborates with the victim and girlfriend not running away when a gun was pulled because they were approached by someone they knew and were comfortable with.

Judge Brandt raised several questions about the incident, including the fact that Mingo allegedly had a phone, drug paraphernalia, pills and $1,000 on his person at the time of the incident, but wasn’t robbed. “It makes you go hmm.”

As for the girlfriend not being shot, Judge Brandt stated “Why leave a witness? If you leave one victim in cold blood, why not two?”

“How do we know she [Mingo’s girlfriend] didn’t see [the shooter]. How does she know it wasn’t her brother? A lot was going on there,” Judge Brandt stated about the girlfriend allegedly only seeing the shooter’s eyes and not recognizing him. “It’s not every day folks see people gunned down in front of them.”

As for release, Judge Brandt stated that “killing someone with a gun is presumed to be dangerous by the law,” and “any time there is a loss of life, it is serious.”

She stated the nature and circumstances of the offense were severe, as “it appears that it was targeted. This was a killing in cold blood.” According to Judge Brandt, “[Mingo] never had a chance to defend himself.”

“Mr. Jones is going to remain detained,” Judge Brandt ruled.

Parties are slated to reconvene before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 24.

Document: MPD Arrests Driver who Struck Officer on I-695

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 47-year-old Jerrold Lonnell Coates, who allegedly struck and killed Officer Terry Bennett on Dec 23 on I-695. Officer Bennett was assisting a motorist when Coates, driving a Volvo XC90 at high speed, hit him. Officer Bennett succumbed to his injuries on Jan 7. Coates is charged with Second-Degree Murder While Armed (Vehicle).

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in North Capitol Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 45-year-old Niwatilagu Long, who is alleged to have been involved in a homicide on Dec. 19 on North Capitol Street, NE. The victim, identified as 44-year-old Melvin Saunders, was found with a fatal gunshot wound and pronounced dead at the scene. Long has been charged with Second-Degree Murder while Armed.

Document: MPD Investigating DC-295 Fatal Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a fatal crash on DC-295 that occurred on Jan. 3. William Gardner, 60, was struck and killed by a black 2000 Chevy Silverado while walking in the roadway. The driver remained at the scene following the incident.

Document: Arrest Made in Minnesota Avenue Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 33-year-old Jasmine Armwood, of Southeast, DC, for allegedly stabbing a woman during an argument inside a business on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, on Nov 29. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a local hospital. Armwood has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

Document: MPD Investigating 16th Street Fatal Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a fatal crash on Jan 7 at 16th and L Streets, NW. Aaron Marckell Williams, 26, was killed when a Chevrolet Malibu, driven by 20-year-old alleged suspect Santana Matthews, collided with a Toyota Corolla and struck Williams in a crosswalk. Matthews, who attempted to flee, was apprehended and charged with Second-Degree Murder while Armed (Vehicle) and other offenses. Two additional victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

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