Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On March 5, a non-fatal shooting defendant rejected a plea deal in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.

Gerald Day, 32, and Paul Poston, 30, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on October 29, 2023, at the intersection of O St SW and Carrollsburg Place SW. There were no injuries reported.

According to court documents, Day and Poston shot at the victim’s car when a fight broke out after a party. Day is accused of threatening the victim, stating, “I’ll blow your ass up,” before allegedly firing multiple rounds as the victim sped away.

Day was offered a deal by the prosecution, which required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange of the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

He rejected the plea, and Steven Polin, Day’s defense attorney reminded the court of Day’s right to a speedy trial. He is slated to return for an interim status hearing on April 25.

Poston’s defense attorney, Peter Odom, stated they haven’t reached a resolution but they are sure that they will accept a plea deal, once it’s finalized.

Poston is slated to return for a felony status conference on March 19.

Data Shows Significant Increase in Homicide and Non-Fatal Shooting Rates from January to February

According to D.C. Witness data, there was a 77 percent increase in homicides and 69 percent increase in non-fatal shootings in February when compared to numbers from January.

As of March 5, February had 16 homicide victims and 22 non-fatal shooting victims, with 75 percent of homicides this month being shooting-related.

January had nine homicides and 13 non-fatal shootings.

On the evening of Feb. 10, officers were flagged down at an intersection by Brittany Gaylor, who allegedly said she stabbed a man inside a residence at the 1600 block of 6th Street, NW.

He was identified as her father, 70-year-old James Gaylor, who was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries but died on Feb. 11.

On Feb 10, Brittany, 32, was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for her alleged involvement in James’ stabbing. The charges were upgraded to second-degree murder while armed after his death.

On the morning of Feb. 14, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the 5000 block of Hanna Place, SE, to serve an arrest warrant on a suspect who was wanted for cruelty to animals.

While police were outside, the suspect allegedly fired multiple gunshots through the door, wounding three officers.

He then barricaded himself for hours until MPD successfully negotiated his surrender.

The gunman was eventually identified as 48-year-old Stephen Claude Rattigan. He was arrested pursuant to the arrest warrant for animal cruelty.

He was also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and two counts of assault on a police officer while armed.

That same night, MPD officers responded to a report of an unconscious person at the 5000 block of Jay Street, NE, where they located two women and a man dead from apparent gunshot wound injuries inside an apartment.

The victims were identified as 58-year-old Renee Bigelow, 40-year-old Kimberly Stevens, and 59-year-old Leon Harper.

MPD has yet to arrest anyone in connection to the case.

D.C. Witness data ultimately shows, as of Feb. 29, at least 19 incidents reported in February do not have named suspects or arrests in connection with their cases.

Document: Victim Identified MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred on March 3 on the 2700 block of Jasper Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots. When they arrived, they found a man with gunshot wound injuries. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 31-year-old William Hargrove.

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.

Shooting Defendant Stays on Probation After Compliance Report

On March 4, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur maintained a shooting defendant’s probation since he’s in compliance with release conditions.

Robert Brown, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or place of business, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 17, 2020, on the 900 block of Wahler Place, SE. The shooting injured two victims in addition to a one-year-old pit bull.

Brown faced a possible revocation of his probation because of his alleged failure to comply with the terms. In the hearing, however, Brown’s Community Supervision Officer (CSO), reported that he has been fully cooperative since his last hearing on Jan. 4.

Brown tested negative for illegal drugs and is currently working on his GED.

The prosecution had no further objection to the findings.llHowever, they stated that, because the victims were minors, their families still had safety concerns.

Brown’s probation is set to end on Nov. 27, 2024 and no further hearings are scheduled.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Request for Release

On Feb. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe denied a homicide defendant’s request for release.

Brittany Gaylor, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for her alleged involvement in the murder of her father, 70-year-old James Gaylor. The incident occurred on the 1600 block of 6th Street, NW, on Feb. 10. James succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 11.

After undergoing a psychological evaluation, Gaylor was declared mentally competent to stand trial.

The prosecution presented two body-worn camera videos from Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers detailing the incident.

The first, from Feb. 8, shows James Gaylor talking to a police officer and claiming that his daughter had allegedly stood over his bed holding a knife, saying, “I’m going to kill you before you get the chance to kill me.”

The second clip, from Feb. 10, shows police officers administering aid to James after he was stabbed in the head, back, stomach, and arms. When officers asked James who did it, he allegedly replied “my daughter.”

“Everything he feared came to fruition,” said the prosecutor.

“Despite the horrific, graphic incident, there is no risk for anyone else,” said Todd Baldwin, Brittany’s defense attorney, who argued that she had never been violent toward anyone and she believed her life was in danger.

To support the claim, Baldwin presented a text message that Brittany sent to a friend on Feb. 6 saying if she was to mysteriously die, an autopsy should be done because her father was the one who killed her.

Judge O’Keefe noted although she was afraid, it does not prove Brittany was in any danger since she could have experienced hallucinations. He added that the texts sound like someone who “is experiencing a psychotic break.”

Judge O’Keefe denied the defense’s request for release, stating that “everybody is in danger if either words or an imaginary threat lead to this type of violence.”

Parties are slated to return Mar. 28.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

On March 4, a non-fatal shooting defendant was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno.

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

At the hearing, Allen’s defense attorney, Michelle Lockard, notified the court that he is pleading not guilty to all charges, and is asserting his constitutional rights, including a speedy trial.

Allen’s case has been transferred to DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan for further action.

Parties are set to return on March 14.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred March 3 on the 2700 block of Jasper Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots. When they arrived, they found a man with gunshot wounds. He died 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.

Document: Man Apprehended for a Homicide in Northeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a man has been arrested in connection to a fatal stabbing that occurred on Nov. 11, 2022, on the 500 block of Riggs Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a stabbing, where they located a man suffering from apparent stab wounds. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 20-year-old Rashawn Phifer.

On March 1, 2024, pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant, 21-year-old Christian Wilkerson was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed. He will go through the extradition process.

Document: MPD Arrests Teen in Killing of Rideshare Driver

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest has been made in connection to the killing of a rideshare driver on July 3, 2023, on the 400 block of 11th Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious person. They located an adult male shooting victim inside of a vehicle. He was taken to an area hospital, where he died.

The victim was identified as 31-year-old Nasrat Ahmad Yar.

On March 1, MPD arrested and charged a 15-year-old boy with first-degree murder while armed.

This case remains under investigation. 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 D.C. Housing Authority Officer-Involved Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Force Investigations Team from their Internal Affairs Bureau is investigating a DC Housing Authority Police (DCHAP) officer-involved shooting that occurred on Feb. 29 on the 400 block of M Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, DCHAP responded to the location for the report of an unlawful entry. Officers located two suspects inside the property, and, as the officers attempted to stop one of the suspects, a struggle ensued which eventually led to an exchange of gunfire between an officer and the suspect. As a result, one of the DCHAP officers was struck.

The suspect then fled into a neighboring building. A barricade was declared and members of MPD’s Emergency Response Team were called to the scene to assist.

MPD located the suspect on the roof of that building a short time later and placed him under arrest. The suspect’s gun was recovered from a trash can inside of the building.

MPD arrested 40-year-old Victor Terrill, and charged him with assault with intent to kill, assault on a police officer, felon in possession of a firearm, and unlawful entry. They also arrested and charged 37-year-old Teyona Tolson with unlawful entry.

The injured DCHAP officer was transported to a hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The officer-involved shooting remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police.

Document: MPD Releases Video of Murder Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) have released video of a suspect involved in a shooting that killed a man on Feb. 12 on the 900 block of Shepherd Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sound of gunshots. They located 32-year-old Jeremy Dewayne Johnson with gunshot wound injuries. He died at the scene.

The suspect was captured by nearby 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.

Document: MPD Investigating January Shooting as Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide after a victim of a shooting in January succumbed to his injuries.

According to MPD documents, on Jan. 20, officers responded to the 1200 block of Emerson Street, NW, for the report of a shooting. There, they located an unresponsive man outside of a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

On Feb. 28, the victim succumbed to his injuries. He was identified as 40-year-old Andre Wilson.

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 Re-Orders Mental Observation for Suspect in Police Shootout

On Feb. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered a new mental competency exam for a defendant in a police involved non-fatal shooting case.

Stephen Rattigan, 48, also known as James Julius, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, cruelty to animals, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of assault on a police officer while armed, for his alleged involvement in the shooting of three Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on February 14, on the 5000 block of Hanna Place, SE. A fourth officer sustained injuries that were not gunshot related.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location to serve an arrest warrant on Rattigan who was wanted for cruelty to animals. While officers were outside the residence, the suspect allegedly fired multiple gunshots through the door, striking three officers.

Rattigan, says the police report, barricaded himself inside his residence and continued shooting sporadically throughout the standoff. After Rattigan surrendered, Humane Society officers recovered some 31 dogs from his residence.

In Judge Raffinan’s courtroom, Rattigan’s defense attorney, Stephen Logerfo, requested a new mental competency exam for Rattigan. He claimed that Rattigan had refused to attend his previous session because he was in a state of confusion, but now understood the importance of the testing to his case.

Rattigan informed the court that he had been placed on suicide watch for the past week because he missed his dogs and had “not seen them in two weeks.” He also informed the court that his legal first name was Michael, not Stephen.

Judge Raffinan advised Rattigan to refrain from making statements on his own and instead allow his defense attorney to speak on his behalf. She approved the request for another competency exam.

Parties are slated to return to discuss the results of the exam on March 8.

Prosecution Motions to Dismiss Charge in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On Feb. 29, parties met in DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan’s courtroom for a trial readiness hearing about contested evidence in a non-fatal shooting case.

Kamara Huffler, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and multiple unlawful possession of a firearm charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on Sept. 19, 2022, on the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE.

According to court documents, Huffler was allegedly involved in a shoot-out with another individual after attempting to break into his apartment on the afternoon of the incident. The other individual sustained a gunshot wound to his knee.

While both Huffler and the other individual allegedly fired at each other, it is unclear as to who fired the first shot. Huffler was later arrested on Sept. 26, 2022 by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers with a firearm that closely matched the bullet fragments recovered from the shooting.

On Feb. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein ruled that the manner of Huffler’s arrest had violated his constitutional right against illegal search and seizure and ordered that evidence obtained be suppressed during his trial.

Specifically, Judge Epstein ruled that police didn’t have sufficient reason to stop and search Huffler when they discovered he had a gun.

On Feb. 27, this case was transferred from Judge Epstein to Judge Raffinan.

During the trial readiness hearing, the prosecution filed a motion for Judge Raffinan to reconsider Judge Epstein’s ruling. Huffler’s defense attorneys, Jamison Koehler and Karen Minor, stated that they had not had time to review the new motion yet, and would respond to it at a later date.

The prosecution also proposed a motion to dismiss one of Huffler’s lesser charges, one count of possession of a large capacity of ammunition. Koehler and Minor had no objection. Judge Raffinan stated she would rule on the motion from her chambers once it was filed.

Parties are slated to return for jury selection on March 4.

Hearing Concerns Penn State Student and Juvenile Accused in Non-Fatal Shooting

On Feb. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun heard from two witnesses regarding a fatal shooting case.

Na’eem Butler, 20, a Pennsylvania State University student, and Ashton Inabinet, 16, are being charged with second-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal-shooting of 24-year-old Diamonte Lewis. The incident occurred on October 21, 2023, on the 900 block of U street, NW.

Inabinet is charged as an adult under Title 16.

According to court documents, Butler and Inabinet were hanging with a group of friends, when confronted by Lewis and his group of friends while walking on U Street. In their first altercation, Lewis’ group of friends allegedly asked Butler and Inabinet’s group for some marijuana. They declined, and Lewis and his friends immediately got upset, with somone allegedly punching one of Butler’s friends so hard, he dropped to the ground.

Once Butler and Inabinet’s group walked away, surveillance footage showed Lewis’ group following them, visibly picking up their pace to catch up to the group. Once the two groups were in close proximity, surveillance footage showed Lewis falling to the ground when Butler and Inabinet are allegedly seen shooting in his direction.

The prosecution’s first witness was the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) lead detective on the case who received a report from an eyewitness that Lewis was seen grabbing his waist band in the initial encounter between both groups.

The prosecution asked her what this motion implied, and the detective claimed that it could signify that an individual has a gun. When Lewis’ body was examined, no firearms were recovered.

In cross-examination, Butler’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, argued that Lewis was the first aggressor, since he allegedly approached Butler and Inabinet’s group asking for marijuana. Gardner claims that after the defendants said no and tried to get away from the situation, Lewis’ group is seen on surveillance footage speeding up to catch up to Butler’s group.

According to the detective’s testimony, the two groups had two physical altercations that were not fully captured on video.

For the second altercation, which was the shooting, the prosecution provided the court with footage from a crime camera located on the corner of U Street, NW.

The video was grainy, and very difficult to make out exactly what the individuals were doing. Gardner took a screenshot from the original video, and questioned the detective about what she saw.

Gardner claimed that one of Lewis’ friends can be seen with a gun in his hand, although the detective previously claimed that no one in Lewis’ group had a firearm.

Gardner tried to have the detective identify the firearm in Lewis’ friend’s hand, but she stated that she couldn’t see it.

Inabinet’s defense attorney, Stuart Sears, stated “These kids did nothing to provoke those two men,” referencing Lewis and his friend. Sears argued that there is no evidence that the defendants threatened Lewis or his friends.

Gardner’s next witness was from the Public Defender Service (PDS) and works as an investigative specialist.

The witness completed a review for the case and used a measuring wheel to compute the distance between the spot the two groups first came in contact and where the shooting occurred, which was about 2112 feet.

Due to time constraints, the preliminary hearing was unable to be continued.

Parties are slated to return March 4.

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