‘I Don’t Have Any Faith That You’ve Learned Your Lesson This Time,’ Says Judge Sentencing Shooting Defendant

On March 1, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced a shooting defendant to nine years of incarceration.

Tyrone Hawkins, 22, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, among other charges, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 23, 2021, on the 400 block of Valley Avenue, SE. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries from the incident.

On Sept. 22, 2023, Hawkins accepted a deal which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. The parties agreed to a five-to-nine-year sentence range.

Clint Broadus, 25, was also charged in connection to the incident, and was sentenced on Feb. 16 to five years for assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The prosecution alerted the court that the victim was unavailable to deliver an impact statement at this sentencing, but requested they adopt his statement from Broadus’ sentencing hearing.

The victim told the court then that the incident still haunts him, and he continues to be nervous when he’s in public and approached by strangers.

The prosecution requested Hawkins be sentenced to seven years for his involvement in the shooting, adding that they don’t believe he’s a good candidate for rehabilitation.

Likewise, a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) Study recommended Hawkins not be given sentencing consideration under the YRA that can moderate penalties and effectively seal criminal records.

Todd Baldwin, Hawkins’ defense attorney, disagreed with the prosecution and the study, stating “he is not beyond rehabilitation.”

He requested Hawkins be sentenced to five years, stating that “he knows he reacted wrongly,” and adding that he should get the same sentence as his co-defendant.

“He grew up in very tough circumstances, in some very tough streets,” claimed Baldwin, adding that he has seen a “great deal of sadness from [Hawkins] lately.”

Hawkins apologized to the victim, their family, and his family for his actions.

Judge O’Keefe stated that Hawkins has been getting in trouble since 2014, with multiple incidents stemming from actions that started this shooting. He mentioned six incidents that stemmed from robberies, with multiple ending in convictions.

Judge O’Keefe also stated that Hawkins was released for the last robbery in August of 2021, and was arrested for this shooting in September of 2021.

“I don’t have any faith that you’ve learned your lesson this time,” said Judge O’Keefe. “It’s a miracle that man wasn’t killed or seriously injured,” he stated.

The judge said shooting in broad daylight is “dangerous behavior and can’t be tolerated.”

Judge O’Keefe sentenced Hawkins to nine years of incarceration for the assault with intent to kill charge, and five years for the possession of a firearm charge. They will be served concurrent.

“You’re not deserving of a low end of the guidelines sentence,” he said, adding “you made those choices, so you have to pay the consequences.”

He also required Hawkins to participate in cognitive therapy, anger management, register as a gun offender, and stay away from the victim.

No further dates were set.

Judge Sentences Murder Defendant to 32 Years of Incarceration

On March 1, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a homicide defendant to 32 years for his involvement in a 2018 murder.

Marquette Jordan, 32, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person, assault with a dangerous weapon, simple assault, and carrying a dangerous weapon, for his involvement in the death of 48-year-old Ivan Lynch on April 30, 2018, on the 900 block of 5th Street, SE. Lynch was murdered on his birthday.

On April 12, 2022, following a weeks-long trial, a jury acquitted Jordan of the first-degree murder and robbery charges. However, they were unable to reach a verdict on the lesser included charge of second-degree murder while armed.

On Dec. 19, 2023, following a re-trial, a jury convicted Jordan of second-degree murder while armed, assault, and carrying a dangerous weapon.

During the sentencing hearing, the prosecution read two victim impact statements, written by Lynch’s ex-wife and his sister.

Lynch’s ex-wife told the court that his loss is “too immeasurable to express,” adding “Ivan left here with a broken heart and that will haunt me forever.”

“I pray for Jordan’s mom,” she stated in her letter, “that is a loss for both families.”

She deemed Jordan a “troubled man, demon-possessed, untrustworthy” individual, and requested Judge Brandt sentence him to the maximum amount of time possible.

Likewise, Lynch’s sister stated their family has a “lifetime” of healing to do, adding that she doesn’t “wish this feeling on anyone.”

In her letter, she told the court envisions Lynch struggling to remain alive, adding that, although he had a troubled past, he “maintained hope for a better tomorrow.”

The prosecution insisted that “Lynch did nothing to justify this attack,” adding that he was “a truly innocent victim.”

They requested Judge Brandt depart from voluntary sentencing guidelines, which suggests an individual with Jordan’s criminal history be sentenced to 13-to-25 years of incarceration.

They argued that Jordan murdered Lynch in front of two children, and assaulted their mother before stabbing Lynch, adding that the children remember the incident, and continue to deal with the trauma.

Prosecutors also requested Judge Brandt take into consideration the lies that Jordan spewed during the first trial, including about Lynch being the first aggressor.

However, Michael Bruckheim, Jordan’s defense attorney, requested Jordan be sentenced towards the low end of the guidelines, adding that the children were one and three-years-old and have “no recollection of it.”

Bruckheim requested Judge Brandt look at the evidence and not his testimony.

Jordan asserted his right to make a statement during the hearing, and alleged that his constitutional rights were violated, adding that “all matters in DC need to be dealt with in front of Congress,” saying that the verdict reached by the jury was not valid.

“You’re violating the Constitution,” he told Judge Brandt. He did not make a statement to Lynch’s family.

Following Jordan’s statement, Judge Brandt told Lynch’s family “I appreciate the fact that you sent lettters and rode this process out. It hasn’t been easy.”

“I have had a front row seat to your profound grief,” said Judge Brandt, noting that looking at Lynch’s sons in the courtroom is like “looking at him through a mirror.”

“Thanks for the opportunity to see the type of person he was,” she stated.

Judge Brandt said, although the guidelines call for a range of sentencing, the prosecution had proved that there were aggravating factors that gave her reason to deviate.

However, she said “I can’t deviate from the guidelines because Jordan can be a jerk sometimes,” adding that she could deviate from them due to the children’s presence and what they had to deal with after the stabbing, and the deliberate cruelty that Jordan acted with when stabbing Lynch.

As for one of the children, Judge Brandt stated “she’s collateral damage from that evening,” adding that she suffers with mental health and cognitive issues which have had an impact on her emotional and academic maturity.

“Adults should not behave badly in front of impressionable children,” she exclaimed.

She reiterated the fact that Jordan refused to render aid to Lynch, refused to call 911 for help, and took his children away from the scene after the stabbing. “He chose not to help,” Judge Brandt insisted.

“You chose to do nothing. That’s cruel. That’s also heinous,” she ended.

Jordan was sentenced to 30 years of incarceration with five years of supervised release for the murder charge, and 2 years of incarceration for the carrying a dangerous weapon charge, which are required to be served consecutively, totaling 32 years of imprisonment.

Judge Brandt also sentenced Jordan to 180 days for the assault charge, which is a misdemeanor, and will run concurrent to the other charges.

Judge Brandt reminded the defense they had 30 days to appeal.

No further dates were set.

‘Overwhelming Case,’ Says Judge, As He Finds Probable Cause for Homicide

On Feb. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide.

Yazmin Owens, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the death of Nakysia Lemon-Williams, 26, on Nov. 14, 2023, on the 1900 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers were flagged down at the location for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, they located Lemon-Williams with gunshot wound injuries and transported her to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Owens’ defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, resumed her cross examination of lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) homicide detective on the case. regarding an eyewitness’ criminal history, which included burglary, robbery, and firearm convictions. The detective acknowledged the convictions.

The detective also stated that MPD took surveillance footage from numerous locations around the crime scene, including “several Metro buses,” and footage from an apartment where the homicide took place.

When asked about why body-worn cameras and Ring doorbell footage were not submitted in police reports, the detective stated that there was “nothing there that would assist the investigation.”

Smith questioned disparities between MPD’s statements about the actual timing of events and the timestamps on the footage. According to the detective, there were technical issues as discussed in the affidavit. However, he said the footage is “clear” showing the suspect and Lemon-Williams walking together, before an interaction occurs off camera.

The footage contains audible statements including Owens allegedly telling Lemon-Williams to leave the complex. Smith argued that Lemon-Williams “struck” Owens. The detective stated that he could not confirm that from the footage.

According to Smith, another witness talked to the detective and provided photographs and surveillance footage of the incident used to identify Owens as a suspect.

Smith asked why the witness was taking photos, and who was included?

The detective said there were safety concerns in the building, adding that the witness was taking pictures, “to make sure that area of the building calms down.”

Smith referred to another female mentioned in the affidavit, who had a ‘Twin’ tattoo. Smith noted that Owens has a twin sister.

The detective stated that MPD ruled out Owens’ twin as a suspect in this case.

Smith went on to question the sobriety of three different witnesses and impugned Lemon-Williams’ sobriety, to which the detective stated that she “had a drug habit.” However, he stated he has not seen any evidence of violent behavior, assaultive conduct, or Lemon-Williams possessing weapons.

When discussing Owens’ arrest, the detective stated she “ran away” from officers.

In arguing probable cause, the prosecution presented multiple video surveillance segments and audio from the incident. One clip shows an individual identified as Owens approaching Lemon-Williams before the shooting, with audio of Owens allegedly saying “she deserves an Oscar for that s**t” while boarding a bus.

During her initial interview with MPD, Owens allegedly told detectives an item she was seen holding in surveillance footage was a stick, later saying that the object could be anything.

According to the prosecution, their case is “exceptionally strong,” arguing that Owens’ actions are “strong evidence of premeditation.”

Smith responded that the identification process was “not enough” to meet the standard of probable cause. She said the witness that “the detective relied heavily on” failed to identify the shooter.

In mentioning the police interview, Smith stated that the “statements should give serious pause,” arguing that Owens seemed to be sleepy and lethargic.

Smith also referred to Owens’ past, stating that she has “no prior assaultive conduct” and that no threats were made in any of the evidence.

The defense repeatedly admonished the lead detective for his investigation, and insisted that his reliance on the interview represents a “failure of the detective to do any meaningful investigation.”

Nonetheless,Judge Okun found probable cause, stating “I don’t think it is a close case at all.” He described the incident as “a quick shooting” and an “overwhelming case.”

He referred to surveillance footage shown earlier allegedly depicting the crime as, “One of the most powerful and inculpatory videos I have seen during my time on the bench.”

However, he stated that “the defense has done a good job of identifying weaknesses in accounts,” by witnesses.

As opposed to detention Smith asked for Owens to be put in a mental institution under GPS monitoring and offered drug treatment.

Smith referred to Owens’ absence of a criminal history and stated that detention at the DC Jail would be harmful. She called the jail “unfit for humans,” and stated that mental and physical healthcare “does not exist” at the facility.

The prosecution displayed images of Owens allegedly assaulting a correctional officer at the jail, and added that “the violence we hear about in jail is caused by the defendant.”

The defense responded the prosecution is “making stuff up”, and taking things out of context.

In rebuttal, the prosecution alleged that if Owens is released, she may harm witnesses. in that, “She’s already murdered one person.”

Judge Okun ruled that there is enough evidence detain Owens. He will later take up a defense contention that Owens’ rights were violated because she didn’t fully consent to a police interview.

Judge Okun concluded there is “no crime more serious in DC than first-degree murder.”

Parties are slated to return April 5.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On Feb. 29, a homicide defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Walter Jenkins, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or place of business for his alleged involvement in the death of David Williams, 52, on the 2000 block of Bruce Place, SE, on Nov. 14, 2021.

During the hearing, Prescott Loveland, Jenkins’ attorney, alerted the court that the prosecution offered Jenkins a deal, which required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the agreement, the parties would have agreed to a sentencing range of 16-to-23 years.

However, Jenkins rejected the plea offer.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 16, 2025.

‘No Doubt in My Mind,’ Says Judge as He Finds Probable Cause in a Homicide

On Feb. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause in a homicide case.

Juan Guerra, 31, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 31-year-old Peter Miller III, which occurred on Oct. 6, 2023, on the 900 block of Maine Avenue, SW. Miller succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 11, 2023.

According to court documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a “natural” death, but were suspicious after arriving at the scene and immediately called homicide detectives.

Miller was located inside of the residence, which he shared with Guerra, and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Five days later, Miller was pronounced dead, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) ruled that the homicide was due to blunt force trauma.

In the hearing, a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about objects found in Guerra’s apartment, which allegedly were firearms, drugs, and a fake identification card with Guerra’s photo.

The prosecution argued that Guerra, Miller and a witness began shooting dice but the game started to get rowdy because Guerra and Miller started changing the rules.

After that, a witness who was friends with both Guerra and Miller left the apartment. The witness then got a call from Guerra, saying to go back to the apartment, and that is when he saw Miller laying face down on the couch. The witness then turned Miller around and noticed that he wasn’t breathing. They immediately called 911 and began performing CPR on Miller.

Guerra’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, argued that Miller was the main aggressor in this situation and therefore Guerra’s actions were in self-defense.

The prosecution claimed that this was “an assault turned homicide.” At the time of the incident, Guerra and Miller were the only individuals in the apartment.

The prosecution argued that Guerra showed a “conscious disregard” for Miller’s life, although he claimed that he acted out of self-defense.

Guerra had injuries that indicated he had been in a fight, but nothing close to the injuries Miller suffered, according to the prosecution.

Ultimately, the judge found probable cause. “No doubt in my mind that Guerra killed Miller,” said Judge Okun also stating he didn’t think he did it on purpose.

Judge Okun took into consideration Guerra’s history, the nature of the offense, and evidence when making the decision on whether he should be released on home confinement or remain detained.

Judge Okun ruled that Guerra remain detained.

Mosley requested that Guerra be transferred to the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) due to the fact that he has a chest injury and the jail conditions are inadequate for a full recovery. Judge Okun agreed, and recommended that he be moved to the CTF.

Parties are slated to return on June 7 for a status hearing.

Witness Confirms Path of Suspect Vehicle in 2020 Teen Homicide

On Feb. 28, GPS data and surveillance footage were introduced in a 2020 homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 22, 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 prosecution’s first witness in this proceeding monitors stolen vehicles for Getaround, a mobile car rental app.

The witness was able to verify GPS data collected from a reported stolen rental from Feb. 27 to March 1 vehicle allegedly involved in Lukes’ shooting.

The prosecution used GPS data provided by the witness to place the stolen car at a BP gas station, located on the 3400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, approximately one hour before the shooting. In their opening, the prosecution mentioned that video surveillance would place the defendants at the same BP gas station.

Using the same GPS data, the witness testified that the stolen vehicle’s GPS shows it driving through an alley on S Street, NW on the day and time of the shooting.

The final location the prosecution referenced, the 1800 block of Bruce Place, SE, was an address the vehicle visited on Feb. 28, Feb. 29, and March 1, which is alleged to belong to one of the defendants’ family members.

In cross examination, Freeman’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, asked how Getaround would know a vehicle was stolen. The witness stated that Getaround needs a third party to allege a theft, which can be app users or police.

Ain followed up by asking, “Anyone could lie to you and tell you their car was stolen when it wasn’t and you’d have no way of knowing correct”?.

“Correct” the witness answered.

Ain then asked the witness if it was possible to calculate the average speed of the vehicle given some of the data he had mapped out on S Street. The witness said that while it was possible, it was “not always an accurate way to measure speed”.

Nevertheless, Ain had the witness calculate the average speed of the car and found that the longest the car could have stopped for was 19 seconds.

Similarly, Brian McDaniel, Jackson’s defense attorney, asked the witness if he could tell if the car had stopped at all from the data of S Street. The witness responded that he could not.

McDaniel asked the witness if because there were no records of the vehicle being rented on Feb. 27, had he ever found out how the vehicle was stolen. The witness claimed the only information he had was a lack of rental record on Feb. 27.

In their redirect, prosecution addressed asked the witness which third party had alerted Getaround that the vehicle was stolen. The witness replied it was the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Prosecution then called a witness who used to reside in an apartment complex with security cameras located near the crime scene.

He explained that because the cameras installed were registered with DC’s camera rebate program, it was typical for an officer or detective to express interest in acquiring footage from the exterior cameras for investigative purposes.

The witness recalled being contacted by an officer on March 1, 2020, who was interested in footage within a 30 minute time frame, showing “four young Black males” walking in the area after Lukes’ shooting.

Prosecution played the surveillance footage, which depicted four individuals walking down a sidewalk together.

The witness confirmed the footage was accurate.

Trial is set to resume March 4.

Defense Accuses Prosecution of Destroying Homicide Case Evidence

On Feb. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a defense motion to dismiss indictment charges against a murder defendant, following an accusation the prosecution destroyed evidence in the case.

Daquan Gray, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Jaylyn Wheeler on May 16, 2018, at the 600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE

Gray, who was 16-years-old at the time of the incident, allegedly shot Wheeler and was tried as an adult.

At the hearing, Judge Raffinan stated that the Department of Forensic Services (DFS) “improperly handled evidence” when taking DNA samples from the firearm and magazine used in the shooting, and that a stipulation by both parties about how the information is was warranted.

Judge Raffinan advised all parties to “jointly draft a jury instruction” and reach a agreed approach to present to the jury regarding the mishandling of DNA evidence in this case.

Gray’s defense attorney, Dana Page, claimed that the prosecution “destroyed” DNA evidence, and she would disclose that in her stipulation.

That prompted concern from the prosecution on whether the parties would be able to draft a stipulation together.

“I think it is going to be difficult to agree on the wording of a stipulation,” the prosecution said. “I’m not hopeful we will reach an agreement.”

Judge Raffinan said both parties should stay away from using strong or characterizing language in their stipulations.

“It is a legal instruction but I would stay away from describing behavior or characterizations about what happened,” the judge said.

The judge said she would step in if the parties could not agree.

“If parties cannot agree, it can be briefed and we can discuss it in court,” the judge said. “I’ll direct both parties to reach a stipulation.”

Parties are slated to return on June 12.

Judge Revokes Probation for Homicide Defendant

On Feb. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun revoked a homicide defendant’s probation based on his violation of release conditions.

On January 21, 2020, Adrian Vinson, 23, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Tahlil Byrd on Sept. 29, 2019, at the 600 block of S Street.

Vinson was originally sentenced to five years of incarceration with 18 months of supervised release for involuntary manslaughter.

When Vinson was placed on probation for 18 months, during his release, he allegedly violated the terms of probation by committing a new offense, causing him to be re-arrested on a Fugitive from Justice Charge, which is being handled in District Court.

In the hearing, the prosecution asked for an additional six months to be added to his manslaughter sentence and three years of supervised release, insisting he failed to comply with the conditions of his probation for the involuntary manslaughter charge. The prosecution mentioned that during his sentencing, Vinson was “given a gift” and “it should’ve been a wake-up call.”

The prosecution alerted the court that they are aware that if Vinson didn’t shoot first, Byrd would’ve probably shot him.

They alleged that Vinson made a rap career out of Byrd’s murder. The prosecution’s main concern was how Vinson showed a lack of remorse for his actions, and used his experience of murdering Byrd, for “clout.”

Vinson’s defense attorney, Douglas Wood, agreed that an additional six months to the original sentence and three years of supervised release was appropriate.

Judge Okun agreed with all parties and sentenced Vinson to six months of incarceration consecutively and three years of supervised release concurrently with the original sentence.

No further dates were set.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Release

On Feb. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a homicide defendant’s request for release.

Tywan Morris, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Danielle Stuckey on Oct. 17, 2021, at the 2800 block of Alabama Ave. SE.

Morris’ partner, Key Juan Sinclair, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, for her alleged involvement in the stabbing.

According to court documents, Sinclair allegedly received the knife from Morris and began approaching the victim. Morris then took the weapon back from Sinclair and allegedly stabbed Stuckey.

At the status hearing, Morris’ defense attorney, Steven Kiersh, motioned for his release, arguing that Morris had received a recent offer of employment.

The defense said this offer, in addition to confirmation of his “good behavior” in a letter from the jail, is sufficient evidence to show that he can be compliant with release conditions.

“Morris has been in fairly good compliance with his conditions,” Kiersh said. “This letter represents not only good but exemplary conduct.”

The prosecution responded by stating that Morris was previously put on release for this case until the court found probable cause for his involvement in obstruction of justice when he allegedly “bribed” a witness not to come to court to testify.

According to the prosecution, the fact that probable cause was found in this indicates that “he has not been compliant.”

The prosecution stated that it should cause the court “deep concern” that the employment offer arrived just before the status hearing.

“The fact that this offer of employment came just before the hearing, despite him having been on release for years, shows timing that is notable,” the prosecution said.

Morris was re-arrested on Nov. 17, 2023, when prosecutors requested the judge revoke his release for alleged witness tampering in this case.

Kiersh responded by stating that video footage of the crime allegedly showed clear signs of self-defense, which convinced DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz to release Morris.

Kiersh also highlighted the domestic responsibilities Morris has, noting he and Sinclair share a child together.

“Morris being a father does not move the ball in terms of his defense, as this murder occurred in front of the [victim’s] young child,” the prosecution countered.

Judge Raffinan concluded that, because of Morris’ conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges, she would not be granting him release in this matter.

“In light of the probable cause of the obstruction of justice, even taking into consideration Morris’ good behavior at the jail and the new offer of employment, I am denying Morris’ request for release conditions,” the judge said.

Parties are slated to return on April 5.

‘You Deserve to Be Punished,’ Judge Says in Sentencing

On Feb. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples sentenced a defendant to 72 months in prison with 5 years supervised release for her involvement in a 2023 non-fatal shooting.

Tiaquana Chandler, 42, was originally charged with conspiracy, first-degree burglary while armed, aggravated assault while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and soliciting a violent crime for her involvement in a dispute that led to a shooting on March 28, 2023, on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE.

On Nov. 6, 2023, Chandler was convicted of conspiracy, aggravated assault while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. She was acquitted of all other charges.

Chandler’s son, Donnell Tucker, 27, was charged with one count of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, one count of burglary while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and one count of conspiracy for his alleged involvement in the incident.

However, a jury acquitted Tucker of all charges on Jan. 31.

During the Feb. 28 hearing, the prosecution asked Judge Staples to impose the maximum sentence, emphasizing Chandler’s threat to the community. They added that she has shown “no acceptance of responsibility.”

Chandler’s defense attorney, Adrien Madsen, reminded Judge Staples that Chandler was not the one who physically pulled the trigger. He also discussed her new work experience and how she has been clean of drugs since the day of the incident.

Madsen asked Judge Staples to vacate the mandatory minimum sentencing requirement, and only sentence her to five years.

However, Judge Staples said to Chandler, “You need to be punished for the conduct you participated in.” He highlighted the severity of injuries caused to the victim and the violent nature of the crime.

Ultimately, Judge Staples sentenced Chandler to 72 months with 5 years supervised release. She will serve 60 months with 3 years supervised release for conspiracy, 72 months with 5 years supervised release for aggravated assault while armed, and 72 months with 3 years supervised release for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, all of which will run concurrently.

She will also be required to register as a gun offender and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund.

Judge Grants Homicide Defendant Additional Time for DNA Hearing

On Feb. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan did not conduct a hearing to determine how the defense intends to independently test for DNA evidence because of insufficient testing resources.

Eric Smith, 24, is charged with first-degree murder and murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 38-year-old Rondell Wills on May 3, 2018, at the 200 block of 50th Street, NE. Smith allegedly shot Wills in a drive-by shooting.

Smith’s defense attorney, David Knight, stated that Smith wants to exercise his right to DNA test evidence but is unable to do so, due to multiple labs denying their requests for testing because critical chemical components are not available.

“No accredited lab would do testing on those items,” Knight said. “Smith is not waiving [his right], he practically cannot do the thing he wants to do.”

According to Knight, doing DNA testing on these items at an unaccredited lab would put Smith at a “disadvantage” when it came to trial. Upon the defense’s request, Judge Raffinan granted Knight more time to find a lab that could conduct the desired testing.

The prosecution said they will be conducting firearm testing in this case by the end April.

Judge Raffinan decided that she would not conduct a so-called IPA hearing or waive further discussion because the evidence could not yet be tested for DNA.

Parties are slated to return on May 17.

Eyewitness to Shooting Testifies in 2020 Teen Homicide Case

On Feb. 27, two witnesses testified before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt in connection to a 2020 homicide case.

The prosecution called an eyewitness to testify on the events leading up to Lukes’ homicide.

They presented an image of Lukes’ taken Christmas 2019 to the witness. The witness turned and looked away. After hesitating to identify Luke’s, he later confirmed the person was Lukes.

At that point, Lukes’ mother became emotional and rushed out of the courtroom. She later returned.

The witness explained it was not easy for him to talk about the incident “because my friend died.” He had known Lukes since elementary school.

Prosecution presented an additional photograph exhibit to the witness, where he identified himself, Lukes’ and two other friends in a store before the incident.

Unable to recall why the group was in a store, the prosecution played video surveillance footage of four juveniles asking an employee for a basketball. Then the witness explained that in order to get to the basketball court, they had to walk through an alley.

The witness stated that he was unable to recall what happened in the alley.

After the prosecution presented the police interview transcript from the day of the incident, and his grand jury testimony from July 2021, the witness’ memory still wasn’t reminded about the events that took place in the alley. The witness stated he was “reading lines on paper,” rather than remembering on his own.

The prosecution admitted his interview with an officer from March 2020 into evidence. The video was previously adopted as part of his testimony in the grand jury.

In the video, the witness explained to an officer that while the friends were walking down the alley, he heard a car door open and then gunshots. “I wasn’t looking back, I heard the door close, I took off running,” the witness said.

Later in the interview, the witness explained that he was not aware of any neighborhood feuds. According to his grand jury testimony, the witness admitted that he had learned about feuds in the area.

However, when the witness was presented with the portion of his transcript of his grand jury testimony in court discussing neighborhood feuds, he exclaimed “Do you have a video of me saying that?… I never said that”.

In his grand jury testimony, the witness stated he knew of Tahlil Byrd, known as rapper “NW Goon”, who was shot and killed on the 600 block of S Street, NW on Sept. 29, 2019. During trial testimony, the witness did not recall the individual or the shooting.

The prosecution showed screenshots of a message exchange between the witness and an unnamed individual from social media from Oct. 2019.

In the exchange, the witness was asked to remove an image from his story, which depicted the mention of a neighborhood gang or “crew.”

During his testimony, the witness attempted to plead to the Fifth Amendment to protect against self-incrimination regarding his responses to the messages. Judge Brandt denied the request and to confirm he was a part of the message exchange.

The image was a screenshot from a music video of a rapper from the 9th Street area, where an individual was holding up a hoodie that said “9th Street Compound.” The witness was allegedly identified in the image.

Before cross examination, the witness was asked what significance the photo had to him. The witness claimed “it didn’t mean nothing.”

In his cross examination, Freeman’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, asked the witness about where Lukes was living at the time of the shooting.

Because the witness did not recall, Ain used the witness’ grand jury testimony transcript to establish that, while Lukes was not living on 9th Street at the time of the shooting, he had previously resided in the area.

Turning to the rap video, Ain asked the witness if he was in the videos because it was “a fun thing to do with your friends,” to which the witness agreed.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, asked the witness if Lukes was also in rap videos from 9th Street. The witness did not recall if Lukes participated in any videos.

McDaniel then asked the witness if he had seen any individuals or distinctive vehicles during the shooting. The witness testified that he had only looked back after the shots and he saw his friend collapse.

“I started crying,” testified the witness as he explained how he and another eyewitness went back and tried to help Lukes up before the police arrived. The witness testified to having been handcuffed with his friends when police arrived.

McDaniel revisited the Oct. 2019 messages which included the witness and asked why he had posted the photo. The witness restated that he had “posted it just to post it,” and that he decides what to post on his account.

McDaniel then asked where the rapper that the witness had testified about in the grand jury had been shot. The witness explained that the rapper had died on 6th Street, NW, which he claims was not associated with the so-called 9th Street Crew.

Before ending cross examination, McDaniel asked if the witness recognized Jackson. The witness did not.

According to the witness’s grand jury testimony, Byrd died on the same street as Lukes did.

The prosecution’s next witness was an employee of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified the validity of three CCTV street video recordings as well as the records on the database those recordings were stored as collections of metadata. The witness affirmed that all three videos had a correct date and an operational camera to the best of his knowledge.

In cross examination, Ain asked about where metadata was stored in 2020 and where it is stored now. The witness admitted that the data had been transferred along with records of who had pulled that data since 2020.

According to the witness, only the prosecution is granted access to the database, and it is their responsibility to share it with the other parties. .

Trial is set to resume Feb. 28.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Global Plea Deal

On Feb. 28, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a global plea agreement in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Travone Henderson, 20, was originally charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, destruction of property, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful discharge of a firearm for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on May 3, 2022 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road SE. No injuries were reported.

Henderson was also charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 3100 block of 14th Street, NW, on Nov. 13, 2023. Two individuals sustained gunshot injuries to their legs, and were taken to Howard University Hospital for treatment.

Henderson waived his rights to trial, and accepted a plea agreement, which required him to plead guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges, including the 2022 case.

Parties are expected to return for sentencing on May 17.

Judge Upholds Probable Cause Following Defense Challenge

On Feb. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo rejected a motion to dismiss a non-fatal shooting case on constitutional grounds during a re-opened preliminary hearing.

Tyshay Moore, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on May 10, on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW.

On Jan. 10, Hannah Claudio, Moore’s defense attorney, filed a motion to dismiss due to so-called Napue and Jencks violations. According to Justia Law, a Napue violation is the knowing use of false testimony by prosecutors, including testimony affecting only the credibility of witnesses but not directly touching on the innocence or guilt of a defendant. This, nonetheless, violates the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment guaranteeing fair treatment.

In the written motion filed with the court, Claudio claims that during a preliminary hearing, prosecutors allowed a detective to give false testimony.

On Feb. 28, the prosecution called the detective back to the stand to discuss his handwritten notes that previously had not been disclosed to the court. He testified that he had taken notes regarding the witnesses’ testimonies during his investigation.

During direct examination, he stated that one witness had described the shooter as a heavyset black woman. However, in the security camera footage of the shooting, the shooter did not match this description.

During cross-examination, the detective testified that another witness had stated that he “heard shot three, pulled pistol.” The detective stated that he had interpreted this to mean that the witness had seen the shooter pull out a pistol, and then had heard three shots fired from the pistol.

Neither party made any new argument.

Judge Marisa Demeo upheld her prior probable cause ruling, and did not make any further findings.

Parties are slated to return to court on May 17.

Document: MPD Identifies Victim Killed in Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred on Feb. 25, on the 700 block of Lamont Street, NW.

According to court documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located 17-year-old Jabari Malloy with gunshot wounds in the rear alley of the location. He died at the scene.

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.

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