Domestic Stabbing Defendant’s Case Dismissed

A stabbing defendant’s case was dismissed after prosecutors were not prepared to move forward in a preliminary hearing for a second time, before DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones on Feb. 17.

Lauren Dawkins, 24, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 4200 block of Eads Street, NE on Dec. 10, 2025. The victim, identified as Dawkins’ fiance, sustained one stab wound.

Dawkins’ defense attorney, Anthony Dimillo, alerted the court that Dawkins intended to move forward with the preliminary hearing.

The prosecution told the court they were not ready to move forward with the hearing, prompting Dimillo to ask Judge Jones to dismiss the case.

Judge Jones granted the dismissal of the case for want of prosecution, which means the prosecution failed to move forward with the case, but warned Dawkins that prosecutors could still seek indictment if desired.

He ordered that Dawkins call Dimillo every other Tuesday and confirm her address with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) in case a letter of indictment was sent to her.

No further dates were scheduled.

Judge Sentences Co-Defendants For 2020 Near Fatal Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced two co-defendants at a hearing on Feb. 13 for their roles in a 2020 non-fatal shooting.

On Nov. 20, 2025, Daniel Cary, 31, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a July 22, 2020 shooting that injured a woman on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE. Likewise, Chantel Stewart, 34, pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to assault with a dangerous weapon and was previously convicted of threatening to kidnap or injure in connection to the shooting.

According to court documents, Stewart drove Cary to the scene. Judge Brandt noted that the victim said Stewart warned her “he’s about to shoot you” moments before the shooting occurred, allowing her to drive away. Cary exited a vehicle and fired multiple shots as she fled. The victim was struck in the back, crashed near a hospital entrance, and, despite bleeding heavily, managed to get inside for help. She underwent three surgeries. Stewart later failed to cooperate with police.

The victim was unavailable to provide an impact statement to the court.

Prosecutors asked for sentences at the top of the guidelines for both defendants. They argued Cary endangered not only the victim but the broader community by firing multiple shots in a residential area, and did not accept responsibility until after a jury trial on assault with intent to kill while armed ended in a hung jury.

For Stewart, prosecutors pointed to her lack of cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) investigation after the shooting, alleging she lied about driving the vehicle, failed to contact police, and responded dismissively when contacted by the victim’s sister. They also recommended anger management classes based on her arrest history.

Stewart’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, urged the court to impose a sentence at the bottom of the guidelines. He argued Stewart faced a difficult choice in deciding whether to accept a plea that would send her and her ex-boyfriend to prison, while also dealing with the breakdown of a close friendship with the victim. He said she has changed since the incident and that the case had been prolonged by delays. Stewart told the court she felt bad for the situation and the strain it caused her family.

Cary’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, asked for the five-year mandatory minimum sentence to run concurrently. He said Cary had been in negotiations for a “wired” plea agreement for a long time but did not initially plead guilty because Stewart did not want to accept the deal. Wired plea agreements require all defendants to accept it in order for it to be valid.

Thomas described Cary as quiet and remorseful, employed in construction, and living with his mother. He emphasized this was Cary’s first felony conviction.

In a letter read by his attorney, Cary apologized to the victim and her family, writing that jail had changed him and that he now understands how one bad decision can drastically alter lives.

Judge Brandt said she did not interpret Cary’s reserved demeanor as a lack of remorse. While acknowledging that both defendants appeared to have experienced trauma, she emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the lasting impact on the victim. She reflected on the victim’s resilience in driving herself to the hospital after being shot.

Brandt sentenced Stewart to one year of incarceration, suspended, and three years of supervised release, suspended, with one year of probation for accessory after the fact, requiring completion of a conflict resolution class. On the threatening conviction, she imposed one year of incarceration, suspended, and three years of supervised release, suspended, with one year of probation, to run concurrently. Stewart must pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund for each count.

Brandt sentenced Cary to nine years of imprisonment on the aggravated assault charge, followed by three years of supervised release, and five years on the firearm charge, followed by three years of supervised release, to run concurrently. He must pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund for each count and register as a gun offender in DC upon release.

No further dates were set.

Judge Allows Carjacking Defendant to Attend Grandmother’s Funeral

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted a carjacking defendant on home confinement permission to attend his grandmother’s funeral at a hearing on Feb. 18.

Kavon Johnson, 19, is charged with unarmed carjacking committed against a transportation provider, assault with intent to commit robbery committed against a transportation provider, strangulation, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person for his alleged involvement in an incident on Dec. 13, 2025 on the 4600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

At the hearing, Johnson’s attorney, Janai Reed, requested a change in her client’s conditions of home confinement to allow him to attend his grandmother’s funeral in Maryland.

Judge McLean asked that the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) confirm the funeral was in fact scheduled. Reed said she personally reached out to the funeral director to confirm the details of the funeral.

The judge approved temporary modification to Johnson’s home confinement, allowing him to attend the funeral from 8 a. m- to-4 p. m. on Feb. 20. Apart from the funeral, Johnson will remain on home confinement.

Additionally, Judge McLean said parties received a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on Feb. 10 after she ordered Johnson undergo a mental competency evaluation on Jan. 7.. Judge Mclean ruled that Johnson was competent to stand trial in that he understands the proceedings and the case could proceed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 1.

Shooting, Robbery Defendant Facing 58 Charges Rejects Plea Deal

A shooting and robbery defendant rejected a plea deal that would eliminate over 50 charges against him during a status hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb. 19.

Rodney Bennett, 20, is charged with five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, eight counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, 21 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license, three counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, two counts of endangerment with a firearm, three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, two counts of robbery while armed, three counts of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, first-degree theft, robbery, and five counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle. All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed while Bennett was on release for another matter.

These charges stem from Bennett’s alleged involvement in the following incidents:

A shooting on Aug. 28, 2024 on the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE,
An armed robbery on Aug. 28, 2024 on the 1300 block of Neal Street, NE,
An armed robbery on Aug. 29, 2024 on the 1900 block of 8th Street, NW,
An incident on Aug. 26, 2024 at an unknown location.

Bennett is also charged in a separate case with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Nov. 11, 2025.

At the hearing, prosecutors said they extended an offer that would have required Bennett to plead guilty to armed robbery, robbery, and assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, prosecutors would dismiss all other counts and agree to a sentence range between seven-to-10 years.

After the plea was rejected, Judge Ryan granted Bennett’s motion for new counsel.

Parties will reconvene to appoint new counsel on March 26.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A defendant charged with a jail stabbing pleaded not guilty at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 13.

Deswon Franklin, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a March 24, 2025 stabbing at the DC Jail, located on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.

According to court documents, correctional officers responded after a call reporting a stabbing inside the facility. The victim sustained multiple puncture wounds to his arms, chest, and elbow and was transported to Washington Hospital Center for treatment. Video footage reportedly captured Franklin approach the victim and stab him with a sharpened piece of metal wrapped in cloth.

At the hearing, the courtroom clerk arraigned Franklin on the indictment charges against him. Defense attorney Brandon Burrell entered a not guilty plea on Franklin’s behalf and requested evidence related to the case.

Burrell, who was recently appointed to the case on Nov. 18, 2025, asked for additional time to prepare for the trial scheduled to begin on Feb. 24. The prosecution objected, arguing they were prepared to proceed and that although the charges had changed, the underlying facts remained the same.

Judge Brandt ultimately agreed the defense needed more time and parties rescheduled the trial for June 22.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt also noted that Franklin previously declined a plea offer and parties said they would continue discussing a potential resolution ahead of trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 28.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 33-year-old Dennis Wilkins in connection with a shooting that occurred on Nov. 28, 2024, on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. Wilkins, from Southwest, DC, was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) after a man was found with non-life-threatening injuries and transported to a hospital.

Document: MPD Investigating Knox Place Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an update on the investigation of a homicide that occurred on Feb. 16 on Knox Place, SE. The victim, identified as 37-year-old William Williams, was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. Surveillance footage of the alleged suspect has been released as the investigation continues.

‘Three Years Isn’t Enough,’ Says Victim About Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant’s Sentence

On Feb. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman imposed a sentence of 36 months for a non-fatal shooting defendant.

In December 2025, Keanu Scott pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon following his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Aug. 21, 2025 at the intersection of 9th Street and Dahlia Street, NW, which left one victim injured.

Before Judge Edelman imposed the sentence, the victim injured from the shooting appeared in court to give a personal impact statement. She described her “disturbing” history with Scott, saying she was deeply concerned by the fact that he used a firearm in the presence of her five-year-old son. She said she believed that a sentence of “three years isn’t enough” for the pain Scott caused her.

After the statement, the prosecution stated that they appreciated how quickly Scott, 26, took accountability, and requested a sentence of 36 months.

Scott’s defense attorney, Michelle Lockard, argued that though Scott had a firearm, he did not shoot at the victim; court documents say that the victim’s wound could have been caused by shrapnel rather than a bullet, but is unclear. Lockard also expressed concern about Scott’s mental health, saying that he was a victim of domestic violence and needed therapy.

At the time of the offense, Scott was on probation in Maryland for a separate matter.

Scott himself gave a brief statement saying he wanted to change and be a better person after serving his sentence.

Scott must also serve three years of supervised release, pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund, and register as a gun offender. Mental health services and vocational training were also recommended following his release.

No further hearings have been scheduled at this time.

Judge Severs Case for Brothers Charged as Co-Defendants in Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park, in a reversal of an earlier ruling, severed the case of two brothers on Feb. 17, ensuring the co-defendants will face separate proceedings for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of a Special Police Officer (SPO).

Jadohn Bracey, 26, and Jayden Bracey, 24, are charged with first degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with attempt to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license for their alleged involvement in the death of Special Police Officer Angela Washington , 42, at the Oak Hill Apartments complex on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE on Sept. 21, 2021.

Jayden’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, requested his client’s case be separated from his brother. If the cases were separated then Jadohn can testify that Jayden was not at the scene during the shooting.

Prosecutors said surveillance footage captured a man matching Jadohn’s description in a black mask and distinctive attire allegedly shooting Washington. His associate, whom prosecutors argue is Jayden, was also wearing a mask but wore no recognizable clothing.

“They glazed over any identification of Jayden Bracey being at the scene,” said Baldwin. “Mr. Jayden Bracey was not there at the scene, and we believe Mr. Jadohn Bracey can provide exculpatory evidence of that.”

Jayden also requested Baldwin be removed as his counsel. Judge Park said he would accept the motion to remove Baldwin once new counsel is assigned.

“It does appear that the relationship between the two of them has broken down significantly,” said Judge Park.

Judge Park explained to the parties that while the judge has the authority to decide severance independently, most judges prefer to litigate the matter in open court. When considering severance matters, judges must consider the value of the co-defendant’s testimony to the moving party’s case and take into consideration the potential delays to the court calendar, Judge Park said.

Judge Park said the ascertainment of new counsel would already cause delays, making severance a more practical option. He found the potential value of Jadohn’s testimony would outweigh scheduling problems and approved the severance.

Judge Park said his decision to approve the motion was based on information Jayden shared in a private meeting on Feb. 17.

“These concerns are not some sort of last minute fabrication to secure this outcome,” Judge Park said.

The prosecutor said they would prefer the cases remain connected but said they would defer to the court’s decision.

Jayden and Jadohn are scheduled for proceedings on May 6.

Document: Arrest Made in Trinidad Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Kalil Jerald Brown, which occurred on June 2 on the 1200 block of Raum Street, NE. On Feb. 18, Javonte Robinson, 28, of Glen Burnie, MD, was arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder While Armed (Premeditated).

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Minnesota Avenue Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in connection with a shooting on Minnesota Avenue that occurred on Sept. 14. Dandrea Reginald Grayton, 51, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence.

Judge Continues to Hold Defendant, ‘Charged With the Most Serious Crime In Our Society’

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson ruled to continue holding a homicide defendant as he awaits trial in a hearing on Feb. 13. The prosecution claims the suspect had a personal animus toward the victim based on her transgender identity.

Edgar Arrington, 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Daquane Johnson, who sustained four gunshot wounds to the chest and the right shoulder. The incident occurred on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE, on July 5, 2025.

The nature of this case, the charges against him, and his past history are all reasons why Arrington will remain in custody, Judge Dayson said.

During the hearing, Rachel Cicurel, Arrington’s attorney, argued for his release to 24-hour home confinement. According to Cicurel, Arrington has a large and very supportive family, many of whom were present via webex.

They are shocked to see their “loving and genuine” family member involved in an incident like this, she asserted.

Cicurel stated that Arrington had many ties to the community– he is a stable force for his long-term partner’s children, a church-goer, and he has a large network of family and friends in both DC and North Carolina. There are multiple people more than willing to house Arrington while he is on home confinement, Cicurel said.

Contrary to Cicurel, the prosecutor argued for Judge Dayson to continue holding Arrington. He is accused of murdering an unarmed person solely out of personal animosity, the prosecutor said.

Arrington is “charged with the most serious crime in our society,” the prosecutor emphasized. He is a “loose cannon” and an “absolute danger.”

The prosecutor said Johnson was transgender and that’s why Arrington shot her. The prosecutor maintained that the defendant has an absolute antipathy for those who aren’t like him. According to the prosecutor, the court already found probable cause for the crime and the weight of the evidence cannot be overstated.

Additionally, Arrington’s 20 year criminal history and violent behavior support detention, she argued. Being with his family, said the prosecutor, was “not a deterrent before, and there’s no reason [it] would be a deterrent now.”

According to the prosecutor, Arrington has multiple assaults against family members.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 5.

Judge Orders Another Mental Competency Hearing in Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe scheduled a hearing to determine if a shooting defendant’s mental competency could be restored on Feb. 18.

Donnell Hannah, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 800 block of Chesapeake Street, SE on July 21, 2022. No injuries were reported but one individual was targeted.

According to court documents, Hannah allegedly got into an argument with a man over a woman’s car keys with whom he was romantically involved. The man then reportedly attempted to stab Hannah and Hannah shot at him. The man allegedly returned fire with his gun before two nearby Special Police Officers (SPOs) intervened and told them to drop their weapons.

According to court records, the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found Hannah mentally incompetent and ordering out-patient restoration on Feb. 5. In order to stand trial, a defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyer.

Regarding the DBH report, Hannah’s attorney, Russell Hairston, told Judge Pipe he believed Hannah would attain competency in the foreseeable future. Court records indicate DBH first found Hannah incompetent in May 2025.

The prosecution recommended that Hannah receive treatment to restore his competency, based on the most recent DBH report.

Judge Pipe scheduled a hearing for an expert to testify to determine whether Hannah’s competency could be restored.

The parties are slated to reconvene on March 20.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant in a brutal assault entered into a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan during a felony arraignment hearing Feb. 19.

Michael Sanders, 31, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in an April 1, 2025 non-fatal stabbing that occurred while Sanders was incarcerated at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. One victim sustained 18 stab wounds.

After Sanders was arraigned on the charges against him, his attorney, Daniel Kovler, said his client accepted an agreement from the prosecution which required Sanders to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. As a result, the other charge against Sanders would be dismissed.

According to the prosecution, if the case had gone to trial, they would have proven that Sanders voluntarily assaulted the victim with a sharp object after the two men had been talking outside of a jail cell. Surveillance footage would have shown Sanders lunging towards the victim and making stabbing motions.

Kovler requested that sentencing be delayed until after Sanders’ September trial for another matter. However, the prosecution insisted that this delay would unfairly prejudice their case.

Judge Ryan denied Kovler’s request, stipulating that he would be willing to delay sentencing if an agreement is reached between the parties before sentencing.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 15 for sentencing.

Evidence Credibility Debated in Random Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied release for a shooting defendant despite questions about the validity of evidence in a random shooting case during a status hearing on Feb. 17.

Christopher Warren, 42, is charged with aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE on Aug. 20, 2024. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his right arm along with bone fractures to his shoulder and the right side of his neck.

According to court documents, the victim and Warren were driving in separate cars when the victim allegedly heard three gunshots. The victim said he felt the glass of his vehicle break before his right arm went numb. Allegedly, there were two additional people in Warren’s vehicle at the time. Warren and the victim did not know each other, the alleged shooting appearing to be random.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested that Warren stay in jail. They argued that based on the random nature of the offense Warren would be a danger to the community if released.

The prosecution acknowledged Warren didn’t have a criminal history. However, the prosecutor explained the hold would give the parties more time to discuss issues in the case.

Emma Mlyniec, Warren’s attorney, stated there was nothing more Warren could have done to prove he’d be compliant during release. She stated that the case against Warren is completely circumstantial and called into question the strength of the prosecution’s evidence including three other DNA profiles that were found on the firearm, weakening the prosecution’s argument that Warren was the only owner of the gun and it’s evidentiary value in question.

She said the victim’s car was not preserved, there was no trajectory analysis done, no recovery of projectiles, and the footage of the car being processed was destroyed.

The defense also questioned the credibility of the victim, who was the sole eyewitness in the case, stating that the victim provided false statements regarding an attorney he talked to during the grand jury investigation.

Given what the defense called deficiencies on the prosecution’s, they asked for release on home confinement.

Nonetheless, Judge Arthur granted the prosecution’s request, declaring the defendant would remain in detention, stating that the randomness of the alleged attack made public safety a concern.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 10.

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