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Document: MPD Arrests Teen in Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a homicide that occurred on Jan. 22, on the 4600 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, officers located a shooting victim with non-life-threatening injuries. A second victim was located inside a vehicle, after all life-saving efforts failed, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The surviving victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The victim was identified as 18-year-old Tyreek Moore.

On March 26, pursuant to an arrest warrant, 17-year-old Tyree Bratcher, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed. He was charged as an adult under Title 16.

The case remains under investigation.

Prosecution Presents Social Media Messages of Gun Images in teen Murder Case

On March 26, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony about social media messages showing firearms presented by the prosecution in a murder conspiracy case.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020 on the 600 block of S Street, NW. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.  

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, Feb. 24, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy of the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide .  

The prosecution brought in a custodian of records for META Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to complete her March 21 testimony authenticating multiple social media accounts, allegedly belonging to the co-defendants.

Additional reports for an Instagram and FaceBook account, allegedly associated with Nelson, were accepted into evidence. They include messaging history and images of the possession and sale of multiple firearms, including a Glock 17 as well as military and police grade weapons.

One of texts read, “Know anyone trying to buy a dog bruh?” And another text said, “I need a dog and not one with four legs.”

However, the witness could not verify the actual owners of either of the social media accounts. 

The prosecution also brought back a witness who had worked as a forensic analyst for the Department of Forensic Science (DPS).

The witness explained the findings of a warrant targeting a residence on the 1800 block of Bruce Place, SE, in May of 2020. He previously testified that the residence belonged to 19-year-old Tahlil Byrd and his family.

The prosecution alleges that Byrd had been a friend of the defendants and his fatal shooting on the 600 block of S Street, NW, was the reason for the defendants’ shooting frenzy.

Similarly, the prosecution claimed in their opening statement that they believe the defendants used Byrd’s residence as a safe house. 

The witness had previously testified to documenting evidence from Byrd’s residence including a 9mm Luger Glock firearm with an extended magazine allegedly used by one of the defendants in Lukes’ homicide. 

In cross examination, Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, asked the witness about the importance of proper evidence collection. When McDaniel stated “the way that you handle evidence…may affect the way a jury charges them[defendants] correct?”, the witness agreed. 

In response, McDaniel presented a photo of the scene displaying the magazine and cartridges of the firearm discovered at the Byrd residence lying on a bed. McDaniel reaffirmed that the witness “did not put anything down on the bed before putting the magazine and the bullets on the mattress?”. “No sir,” admitted the witness. 

Though the witness testified that his primary reason for removing the bullets from the firearm was general safety, he admitted that the mattress increased the probability of cross contamination of the magazine and the cartridges. 

In redirect, the prosecution established that the witness had not done further testing of the evidence himself and could not confirm any further information on the cross contamination of evidence collected at the Byrd residence. 

Parties are slated to return March 27.

Judge Says Victim’s ID of Defendant is ‘Accurate’ to Present at Trial  

On March 27, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a defense motion to suppress the victim’s identification of the defendant and restrict its presentation during trial. 

Diandre Caesar, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on June 28, 2022, on the 2200 block of New York Avenue, NE. No injuries were reported.

In response to the defense’s motion, the prosecution called the lead detective to testify. She presented the Dashcam footage from the victim’s car, which confirmed the events described in court documents. 

The footage showed the victim driving with his girlfriend and child, only to stop when a milk crate was in his way. The victim is seen exiting the vehicle to throw the crate over the fence that is next to his car. The suspect is then seen throwing the crate back over the fence once the victim begins driving once more, resulting in a fight that quickly escalates to the suspect shooting at the vehicle.

When shown the defendant’s picture, the victim gave an “enthusiastic” identification, according to the detective. 

Caesar’s defense attorney, Adrien Madsen, argued that the interaction between the suspect and the victim was too short for the victim to confidently and reliably assert that the suspect was Caesar. 

“The interaction was no more than three minutes total,” Madsen said. “The victim was looking away from the suspect for a portion of that interaction, and that period of time was close to a minute.” 

The prosecution countered the interaction was a “heated face-to-face conversation for two minutes” and the victim had “many opportunities to see the defendant.” The prosecutor then asked the detective to describe why she chose to use a single picture rather than a photo gallery. 

“The complainant watched the video [Dashcam footage] several times,” the detective said. “So I used one picture because of the many times he saw the video.”  

Madsen also said the vague description of the suspect provided by the witness indicates it was unreliable.

“He described the suspect as a ‘Black male with dreads’,” Madsen said. “No description of complexion, no description of age, no description of weight.”

Judge Hertzfeld concluded that, although the description provided by the victim was “general,” it was still accurate. She also said the victim was paying attention to the suspect during the entire interaction. 

“I think it was clear that the complainant’s attention was on Caesar and that makes this a reliable identification,” the judge said.

Based on her findings, Judge Hertzfeld denied the defense’s motion to suppress identification.    

Parties are slated to return on March 28. 

Attorney Claims Defendant’s Constitutional Rights Were Violated

On March 27, a defendant’s motion for release on constitutional grounds was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun during an ascertainment of counsel hearing

George Sydnor, 43, is charged with three counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed that was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel offense was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel offenses committed during release, burglary while armed offense was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel offenses committed during release, and one count of kidnapping while armed offense was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel offenses committed during release, for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that killed 31-year-old Christy Bautista on March 31, at a hotel on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, the victim was stabbed more than twenty times.

During the hearing,  Syndor’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, said the District of Columbia Department of Corrections (DOC) needs to apologize to Sydnor and court staff.

Winograd told Judge Okun he was denied visitation with Sydnor on March 26. Winograd had attempted to speak with Sydnor after a hearing, but was allegedly told by a DOC officer that Sydnor refused to meet with him, and stated, “No, I’m good. I fired my lawyer. I don’t want to see him.”

Prior to the ascertainment of counsel, Winograd spoke with Sydnor about the situation. According to Winograd, Sydnor stated that he was never notified his defense attorney wanting to speak with him on March 26. 

Sydnor himself confirmed this stating directly to the judge that he “most definitely” wants to retain his current counsel.

Winograd argued that DOC is “messing with Mr. Sydnor” and is interfering with his Sixth Amendment right to legal representation, and requested for release or transfer from the DC Jail to the lower security Correctional Treatment Facility(CTF) pending trial. 

The prosecution opposed the request for release claiming Syndor was a danger to the community pointing out that he allegedly committed the crime while on release for a previous charge. 

The judge sided with the prosecution citing “no basis” for Sydnor’s release. However, Judge Okun stated that he would reach out to the DOC General Counsel’s office to see about Sydnor’s transfer request to CTF. 

Before concluding the hearing, the judge asked for an update on the defense’s motion to continue Sydnor’s November trial date. 

Winograd restated the motion claiming there was “no reason not to let the [DC] Court of Appeals get it right” in reference to Sydnor’s other charges which could affect the outcome of the current case.

The prosecution plans to submit a written response to Defense’s motion by April 1. Judge Okun will wait for this response before ruling on a continuation for Syndor. 

Parties are slated to return June 20.

Document: Suspect Charged with Murder in Woman’s Disappearance

The U.S. Marshals Service arrested 32-year-old Lashawn Washington on March 26. Washington is suspected of having involvement with the disappearance of 25-year-old Chyna Crawford. Washington was indicted on first-degree murder-felony murder, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice charges.

Prosecution Builds Conspiracy Theory in Homicide of a 13-Year-Old

On March 25, witnesses testified before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt about evidence collected by search warrants against alleged murder co-conspirators.

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. 

The prosecution alleges that the defendants alleged killing was in retaliation for shooting 19-year old Tahlil Byrd on the 600 block of S Street Sept. 9, 2019.

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 resulting in Lukes’ homicide .  

To introduce a firearm they believe was involved in the homicide, prosecution called a former forensic analyst of the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) to identify evidence he collected in a search warrant. 

The search warrant was executed on May 29, 2020, on the 1800 block of Bruce Place, SE. The residents were identified by the prosecution as Byrd family members who the prosecution claims was a friend of the defendants. The prosecution alleges the address was a safe-house for the co-defendants.

The analyst presented physical evidence from the search including a firearm, cartridge casings, a ballistics vest, and 11 sets of car keys.

Furthermore, the witness identified the firearm as a semi-automatic Glock which the prosecution alleged as one of the weapons used in the Lukes’ homicide in opening statements of this trial.

Of the 11 sets of car keys found, the witness identified one of them as belonging to a Kia. The vehicle that the defendants allegedly used in all of the shootings has been repeatedly identified as a gray Kia Soul.

The prosecution also called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) homicide detective to testify regarding another search warrant conducted on March 29, 2020 on the 3600 block of 11th Street, NW, an address associated with Jackson during which a pair of green Nike tennis shoes were located. .

An additional search warrant was also executed on March 29, 2020, on the 2600 block of Douglas Road, SE, in conjunction with an arrest warrant for Steele. Inside the residence, law enforcement allegedly recovered a pair of Balenciaga tennis shoes, and a firearm with an extended magazine in the closet of the main bedroom.

According to the detective, individuals there say they didn’t know a gun was on the premises.

Related to Steele, the prosecution brought in a former DFS employee who had worked in the digital evidence unit to verify Steele’s phone as it was brought into evidence. The witness testified that in an examination of Steele’s phone, text conversations, call logs, and location data were collected and included in her report. 

The prosecution also intends to use digital evidence from Steele’s phone to present text conversations with the defendants showing the three defendants were engaged in a conspiracy.

Parties are slated to return March 26.

Detective Testifies Regarding 2023 Homicide

On March 22, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe heard testimony from a detective involved in the investigation of a 2023 homicide, leaving one dead and one injured.

Christopher Patrick Haynes, 30, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Brent Hayward, 33, on Aug. 12, 2023, on the 1500 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE. A second individual also sustained non-life threatening injuries during the shooting.

Haynes fled the scene immediately, and was arrested the following month on Sept. 6 but escaped police custody from George Washington University Hospital and was subsequently rearrested.

At Haynes’ preliminary hearing, prosecution began by asking the detective to walk through the events that occurred the evening of the shooting, as well as how the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified the vehicle allegedly used by Haynes that evening.

The detective explained that the victims had gotten into a verbal and physical altercation with Haynes, who then drove away from the scene, returned minutes later, and got into another altercation, at which Haynes allegedly pulled a gun from his vehicle, making threats at the victims.

After leaving the scene a second time, the detective explained that Haynes allegedly parked his vehicle at a church around the corner from the crime scene, walked back, and opened fire on the victims.

When asked to explain how the vehicle and shooter were identified, the detective explained that Haynes had allegedly purchased the vehicle involved in the shooting, a white Dodge Durango, using a fake name, Jeff, months prior.

The defendant also used other alias names in reference to the car. The detective identified the vehicle in the security footage using key vehicle features, as well as multiple large decals affixed to the rear windshield.

The prosecutor also submitted an Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) report that identified the vehicle. The report showed the vehicle’s unique license plate, location of the scan, as well as a photo of the vehicle which showcased the same decals on the rear windshield.

The detective also explained that four witnesses identified Haynes as the shooter. 

The prosecutor then submitted one of the numerous 911 calls received regarding the shooting, in which the caller is heard saying “This guy’s dead.”

During cross-examination, Nikki Lotze, Haynes’ defense attorney, pointed out, in the surveillance video submitted to evidence, that there were several individuals present. She asked if he had received statements from them, but the detective said that “we have not identified those individuals yet.”

Lotze also asked the detective about an alleged cell phone video that her client had taken during the initial verbal altercation, questioning whether a phone had been recovered from him at the time of his arrest.

When the detective answered yes, she asked him whether there was video found on the cell phone, to which he replied no.

Finally, she asked the detective about his report, in which the second victim in the shooting, who survived, gave a statement. According to the detective, the surviving victim of the shooting was drunk and couldn’t directly remember every detail of the incident.

Parties are set to reconvene April 11 to continue the preliminary hearing.

Elderly Man Sentenced After Self-Inflicted Gunshot wound

On March 26, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced an 80-year-old non-fatal shooting defendant to 18 months in prison with 3 years supervised release. 

Leroy B. Headspeth, 80, has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, among other charges, for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Oct. 3, 2019, on the 700 block of H Street, NE. Headspeth injured himself during the incident. 

Headspeth accepted an offer extended by the prosecution pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict in exchange for a dismissal of all other felony charges.

Prosecutors also agreed to dismiss a misdemeanor case against Headspeth. 

According to court documents, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)  found Headspeth injured in an alley with a bullet in his upper left leg with a revolver next to him. He later claimed he bought the gun from a third party he met prior to his injury.

Surveillance footage depicts Headspeth discharging a weapon near a park bench after an altercation with the person who allegedly sold him the revolver. Headspeth shot himself in the leg, not injuring any others. 

During his sentencing Headspeth walked into the court slowly and tediously with a walker. The prosecution asked for the maximum sentence of 18 months in prison with 3 years supervised release, claiming that he must take responsibility for his actions. 

Theodore Shaw, Headspeth’s defense attorney, pleaded with the court, emphasizing his client’s age and his ongoing battle with cancer. Shaw stated that his client has been in and out of Howard Hospital receiving cancer treatment and asked the court to either keep him locally in DC Jail or grant probation so he can easily receive medical treatments.

Shaw also noted Headspeth’s limited contact with the criminal justice system before this offense. 

Headspeth thanked the judge for her time and that he was ready to receive his sentence. 

In the end, Judge Hertzfeld felt that the agreed plea sentence of 18 months in prison with 3 years supervised release was appropriate. She will recommend that he stay in the DC jail.

Additionally, Judge Hertzfeld required Headspeth to register as a gun offender and pay $100 to the Victim Crimes Fund. 

No further dates were set. 

Judge Pushes Convicted Shooter’s Sentencing Back

On March 25, a sentencing hearing was pushed back because a man, who was convicted of a non-fatal shooting was late to his court hearing. 

Marcus Morris, 27 , pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction on Jan. 24. He was originally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawful entry of private property for a nonfatal shooting that occurred on the 100 block of Darrington Street, SW on April 18. 

Morris’s tardiness conflicted with counsels’ schedules, so both parties needed to reschedule his sentencing hearing. Morris, who is being held at the DC Jail, told DC Superior Court Judge Robert E Morin that he arrived late because his bus was late. 

According to court documents, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to sounds of gunshots in an alleyway, where they located Morris and another subject who tried to flee the scene.

Parties agreed to set a new full report and sentencing hearing for April 25. 

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Released on Personal Recognizance

On March 25,  DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz continued the probation of a felon convicted of a non-fatal shooting.

In 2018 Cesar Morales, 29, was convicted and sentenced for assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his involvement in the non-fatal shooting on the 3300 block of 16th Street, NW on Aug. 25, 2017.

Judge Leibovitz outlined Morales’s recent legal entanglements, which included a new case in Maryland for traffic offenses and another in Fairfax for driving without a license. Despite these issues, Morales was noted to be following his probation requirements.

Judge Leibovitz decided to maintain Morales’s current probation status. She said she would like to see if probable cause would be found in the new cases.

Parties are slated to meet again on June 10 to discuss the status of Morales’s probation.

Judge Finds Homicide Defendant Competent to Stand Trial

On March 22, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found a homicide defendant competent to stand trial during a status hearing.

Joseph Melton, 54, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that claimed 48-year-old Kevin Chamberlain’s life. The incident occurred on Jan. 14, 2020, on the 700 block of 24th Street, NW. Melton is also charged with assault with intent to kill for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that injured one individual on Jan. 14, 2020, on the 800 block of Vermont Ave, NW.

Melton expressed interest in a plea agreement, which would lower his murder charge from first-degree murder while armed to second-degree murder while armed. Prosecutors also agreed to drop the assault with a deadly weapon and assault with intent to kill charges if Melton chose to accept the deal.

For the time being, Melton will remain at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, until his next hearing despite being found competent.

Parties are set to reconvene for a status hearing on March 25 to give the prosecution time to provide paperwork for a plea agreement to defense counsel.

If a plea is not accepted, Melton’s jury trial is scheduled to begin on April 29. 

Judge Grants Request For Homicide Defendant to Be Evaluated By New Psychologist

On March 22, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe heard arguments for the mental competency of a murder defendant.

Bobby Jordan, also known as Hilman Ray Jordan, 46, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license in connection to the murder of Jawaid Bhutto, 64, on March 1, 2019, on the 2600 block of Wade Road, SE.

Dana Page, Jordan’s defense attorney, objected to further testing by an expert witness that the prosecutor used to evaluate Jordan in the past. She said the witness had racial biases, manipulated data, and was no longer being used by the prosecution as an expert witness.

Page requested that her own expert witness be permitted to evaluate her client for competency before he is to stand trial, which is expected to take place in early 2026.

Judge O’Keefe granted Page’s request, asking for an evaluation brief from the new psychologist to be prepared by mid-April.

Parties are set to reconvene in mid-July.

After Disrupting Hearing, A Convicted Felon Receives 11 Year Sentence

On March 22, a non-fatal shooting defendant was sentenced to 132 months of incarceration before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan. 

Dominic Copeland, 33, was convicted of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the unit block of N Street NW, on April 26, 2019. One individual was injured during the incident. Copeland was acquitted of robbery while armed and one count of possession of a firearm.

During the sentencing hearing on March 22, the prosecution requested the maximum sentence for Copeland and said that Copeland had intent behind his actions. The prosecutor also began to address Copeland’s involvement in a previous case. 

However, Copeland interrupted the prosecutor with an angry outburst.

“The attorney keeps on saying fabrications,” Copeland said. “You’re still allowing him to insult my intelligence.”

Judge Raffinan reminded Copeland that he would get an opportunity to speak but would need to stay quiet while the prosecutor was speaking. 

After another outburst by Copeland, he was taken out of the courtroom, and Judge Raffinan ordered a temporary recess. This is not the first time Copeland has interrupted proceedings with an outburst. On Jan. 3, Judge Raffinan continued a sentencing hearing after Copeland had an angry outburst and was taken out of the courtroom. 

When the parties returned to court, the prosecution said that Copeland’s criminal history had been accumulating to a dangerous level. 

Copeland’s defense attorney, Michael Madden, requested the minimum sentence as Copeland has been struggling with mental health issues and would receive treatment during incarceration. Madden also said that Copeland has a support system he can return to after incarceration.

When Judge Raffinan gave Copeland an opportunity to speak, Copeland explained that he didn’t believe the verdict was fair and attributed the decision to prejudice and racism. 

“I really don’t understand how the jury came up with a guilty verdict,” Copeland said. “It’s laughable. I’m laughing inside.”

Judge Raffinan took into consideration Copeland’s criminal history and mental health issues. She sentenced Copeland to 11 years of incarceration and five years of supervised release. Copeland must also register as a gun offender. 

Judge Excuses Homicide Defendant Out of Courtroom 

A murder defendant was kicked out of a courtroom March 22 after continuously interrupting DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe during his case’s proceeding. 

Darryl Tompkins, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the deaths of 29-year-old Edward Roberts Jr. and 23-year-old Tyler McEachern. Roberts was fatally shot on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW, on July 30, 2016. McEarchern was killed on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE, on Aug. 29, 2016. 

In the hearing, Tompkins, who is also known as Daryl Thompson, expressed his frustration, regarding the continuance of the case, to Judge O’Keefe. Tompskins attempted to give handwritten copies of his frustrations to the parties, but Judge O’Keefe rejected them. 

According to Tompkins defense attorneys, Dana Page and Pierce Suen, a mental health evaluation ruled he was competent. Page and Suen also expressed frustrations regarding the life-span of the case. 

Both parties agreed on having “up-to-date” competency evaluations for Tompkins. 

“All hearings like this go on for years,” Judge O’Keefe stated. “I’m frustrated too.”

Tompkins continuously interrupted Judge O’Keefe and counsel, so Judge O’Keefe instructed a court marshal to escort him out of the courtroom. 

Parties are slated to return on Sept. 9.