Defendant Wants to Renew Plea Deal Based on Lawyer Communication Issues

On Feb. 20, before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park, multiple witnesses testified about a motion to allow a shooting defendant to reconsider a rejected global plea offer.

Travone Henderson, 20, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of unregistered firearm, and destruction of property, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on May 3, 2022, on the 2400 block of Shannon Place, SE. No injuries were reported.

On Jan. 8, Henderson’s defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, filed a motion for a hearing on adequate representation. She argued he should Henderson be allowed to “determine whether he was denied effective assistance of counsel during the critical stage of plea bargaining which resulted in him losing a global plea offer… he asks for the remedy of putting him back into a position where he could take the global plea offer.”

Kopecki called Theodore Shaw, a defense attorney, to testify regarding his involvement in the case.

Shaw stood in for Henderson’s former defense attorney, Varsha Govindaraju, who was not able to attend the continued preliminary hearing on Nov. 28, 2023.

Shaw testified that he had received court documents and preparation notes from Govindaraju detailing what she wished to cover during the preliminary hearing.

However, Shaw mentioned there was no communication from Govindaraju about the global plea offer, so he was not aware that moving forward with the preliminary hearing meant rejecting the deal.

Next, Kopecki called Henderson to testify about his understanding of when the global plea offer was rejected.

He recalled that when he learned about the plea deal before the preliminary hearing, he was certain that he wanted to accept it. However, he was unaware of how the preliminary hearing would impact the plea offer.

Henderson testified that he didn’t realize the plea offer was rejected until he was in court for another case, which would’ve been dropped according to the terms of the plea agreement.

During cross examination by the prosecution, Henderson was presented with a court transcript of the preliminary hearing. The transcript showed the prosecution “put on the record” that if the hearing was to go forward, this would mean the global plea offer would be rejected.

Afterwards, Kopecki called Varsha Govindaraju to testify about her involvement as Henderson’s former defense attorney.

Govindaraju said that she filed a motion to withdraw from the case after she failed to communicate the full extent of the plea agreement to Henderson and Shaw.

Judge Park questioned Govindaraju’s thought process on why she didn’t communicate with Shaw regarding the plea offer.

Govindaraju attributed her ineffectiveness to her schedule which she said was “at capacity” the weekend before the preliminary hearing.

Following Govindaraju’s testimony, Judge Park expressed needing “to think about this for a [second]” and suggested scheduling a follow up hearing which both parties agreed to.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Feb. 22.

Homicide Trial Postponed to July 2025

On Feb. 20, a homicide defendant’s attorney requested a new trial date before DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe.

Samuel Mack, 57, 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 35-year-old Erica Ward. The shooting occurred in an apartment on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE, on Dec. 30, 2020.

According to court documents, Mack and Ward used to be in a relationship and began arguing on the night of the incident when Mack took their son to visit Ward.

Mack’s defense attorney, Prescott Loveland, asked the court to reschedule the trial, which was set to happen in early June to a later date. At first Judge O’Keefe denied the continuance.

Loveland argued that he was recently put on this case and the original trial date was not feasible. He claimed that delaying the trial date would allow him to be fully prepared to represent Mack, who could be facing life in prison.

O’Keefe wanted to move the case along and pushing trial to a later date would do the opposite. “There is no availability for the people who want to exercise a speedy trial, they have to sit in jail and wait,” Judge O’Keefe stated.

Loveland questioned the judge’s impartiality. He claimed that O’Keefe hasn’t continued a Public Defender Service (PDS) case in over a year.

Judge O’Keefe responded that his intentions were to never make Loveland or other attorneys from PDS feel disregarded and this is simply due to the fact that the court schedule is overbooked.

“I came here to demonstrate that significant progress has been made,” Loveland said.

Before Loveland was appointed, Mack had no counsel for about eight months, according to the prosecution. Since he’s been appointed, Loveland stated he has developed a good relationship with Mack and has been able to move the case forward.

After all parties discussed their availability, a new trial date was scheduled for July 28, 2025.

The next status hearing is set for October 11.

‘I Want Justice,’ Says Shooting Victim During Sentencing Hearing

During a Feb. 16 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe accepted a defendant’s guilty plea and sentenced him to five years of incarceration for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting.

Clint Broadus, 25, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property, among other counts, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 23, 2021, on the 1900 block of Fairview Avenue, NE. The incident left one individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

On Sept. 22, 2023, Broadus accepted an agreement that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed Broadus should serve five years of incarceration, concurrently for each charge, followed by three years of supervised release, as well as register as a gun offender.

“My peace of mind and safety were stolen that day,” said the victim to the court, during his impact statement. He continued on to describe the emotional and psychological havoc that being “targeted and stalked,” had on his life.

“So much was swiped from my life that day, and for that I want justice,” the victim concluded.

Broadus apologized to the victim, and his defense attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, requested the court grant credit for Broadus’ taking responsibility for his crimes.

Judge O’Keefe accepted the plea agreement, and sentenced Broadus to five years of incarceration with three years of supervised release.

Judge O’Keefe acknowledged that Broadus’ co-defendant, 22-year-old Tyrone Hawkins, was the individual who fired at the victim, not Broadus.

“I hope you learn your lesson,” and “I wish you luck,” were among Judge O’Keefe’s concluding remarks to the defendant.

No further dates were scheduled for this matter.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Non-Fatal Shooting

On Feb. 20, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow.

Dakia Thomas, 43, faced charges including four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm, for her involvement in a shooting incident on the 3500 block of Albert Irvin Cassell Place, NE, on December 16, 2021. No injuries were reported.

A trial scheduled for Feb. 20 was cancelled after parties agreed on a plea.

Brandon Burrell, Thomas’ attorney, alerted the court Thomas pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the agreement, the prosecution agreed to not seek any sentencing enhancements.

The parties also agreed to a suspended sentence, which would allow Thomas to stay out of jail. However, if she is arrested and charged with any other offenses, or if she violates any sentencing requirements, she could be required to serve the full sentence of ten years in prison and a pay $25,000 fine.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) stated that the defendant has complied with pretrial orders, and that she has tested negative for any illegal substances. PSA recommended out-patient treatment for Thomas.

The prosecution stated that if the case had gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Thomas assaulted the victims with a weapon, and committed this act voluntarily.

Parties are to reconvene March 20 regarding Thomas’ medical treatment.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 3.

Status Hearing Continued Pending Mental Competency Evaluation

On Feb. 16, a status hearing was continued by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun in a matter related to a defendant’s mental competency.

Larry Odoms, 62, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 81-year-old Dennis Stroy. The incident occurred on Feb. 21, 2022, at the Deanwood Rehabilitation & Wellness Center on the 5000 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.

Stroy succumbed to his injuries on March 20, 2022.

Complications in the case have repeatedly surfaced related to Odoms’ competency.

On Sept. 9, 2022, Judge Okun ordered a full competency examination, in which the defendant was found to be mentally incompetent to stand trial. However, the court ruled the defendant could become competent in the future.

Odoms has previously been found “not competent by consent” in a matter from 2019.

After commitment to St. Elizabeths Hospital and the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), Odoms was admitted to George Washington University Hospital for a medical emergency under the custody of the Department of Corrections (DOC).

The case was continued on the grounds that his hospital treatment is ongoing. Odoms will ultimately be released back to DBH.

Parties are set to reconvene on April 12.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On Feb. 20, a homicide defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Dominique Brown-Young, 21, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Deshaun Cupid. The shooting occurred on the 700 block of 18th Street, NE on March 10, 2022.

According to court documents, Cupid’s children were present at the time of the murder.

During the hearing, Molly Bunke, Brown-Young’s attorney, alerted the court that the prosecution offered Brown-Young a deal to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Brown-young rejected the offer.

Bunke also said she needed a new co-counsel on the case due to the previous co-counsel, Anthony Matthew’s, retirement.

Judge O’Keefe questioned parties about where they were with DNA testing and why some items were not tested yet.

The prosecution stated that the reason some items were not tested was because they were “exemplars” or the most promising examples. Also, some items did not have any detectable DNA, thus no implications for the defendant.

Parties are slated to return on July 1st for a trial readiness hearing.

Homicide Co-Defendant’s Request for Severance Denied

On Feb. 16, a motion to sever three co-defendant’s cases was denied before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Daivion Williams, 25, Dijon Williams, 24, and Steven Washington, 24, are charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, conspiracy, attempt to commit robbery while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their alleged involvement in the death of 30-year-old Nurudeen Thomas on the 4100 block of 14th Street, NW, on July 21, 2020.

Daivion’s defense attorneys, Errin Scialpi and Andrew Ain, submitted a motion for severance due to the potential prejudice he might face in a joint trial. Their motion was denied.

Washington’s defense attorneys, Veronice Holt and Quo Mieko Judkins, requested that his release conditions be modified. Instead of Washington remaining in home confinement, they requested he be allowed to go to work and be tracked with a GPS monitor.

Judge O’Keefe granted their request, arguing that Washington has shown substantial compliance while in home confinement.

Dijon is still being held in Georgia, and his presence was waived for today’s hearing.

Parties are expected back in court on Feb. 7, 2025.

Homicide Defendant’s Release Conditions Modified

On Feb. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe approved a defendant’s motion to modify her release conditions.

LaRhonda Stewart, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Tierra Corbett on May 16, 2023 on the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW.

On Feb. 9, Kevann Gardner, Stewart’s defense attorney, filed a motion for modification of a detention order requesting her curfew be lifted and GPS monitoring be removed, because Stewart is trying to get a job.

The prosecution opposed the motion, adding that Stewart remains a danger to Corbett’s family.

However, Judge O’Keefe granted the motion, stating that because the stay-away order was still in place for the victim’s family, the defendant’s GPS tracking should be modified to allow her to maintain employment.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 8.

Judge Continues Hearing for Homicide Defendant

On Feb. 16, DC Superior Court Maribeth Raffinan presided in a motion hearing on behalf of a homicide defendant.

James Lewis, 46, is charged with kidnapping while armed, felony murder while armed, first-degree sexual abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a prohibited weapon, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the stabbing death of 30-year-old Brenea Franklin.

The incident occurred on the 1100 block of Bellevue Street, SE, on Jan. 31, 2021. Lewis also allegedly sexually abused Franklin between Nov. 1, 2020 and January 30, 2021.

On Dec. 27, 2023, Mani Golzari and Prescott Loveland, Lewis’ defense attorneys, filed a motion to sever the homicide charges from the sexual assault charges, arguing there is a potential to prejudice the case unfairly influencing the jury.

The prosecution requested that the homicide and sexual assault cases be tried together because they are related.

Due to time constraints, parties were unable to conclude their arguments,

The motion hearing will continue Feb 26.

Judge Holds Murder Defendant at Initial Hearing

On Feb. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause and detained a woman charged in connection to a 2022 homicide.

Sasha McCoy, 27, is charged with first-degree cruelty to children, and first-degree murder for her alleged involvement in the death of her three-year-old son, Journey McCoy, on Oct. 28, 2022. The incident occurred in their home, on the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE.

According to court documents, Sasha left pills laced with fentanyl on her bed. Journey got a hold of them, overdosed, and died.

During the hearing, prosecutors argued Sasha was negligent and the child had previously ingested marijuana. They added that she failed to consider her actions.

McCoy’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, requested she be released because she needs proper care for substance abuse.

The defense also mentioned that her other children are currently in their father’s custody. .

However, the prosecution argued she should not have access to her children, adding that she poses a grave danger to them. They added that, should she be released, they cannot ensure she will stay away from them, especially if their father permits her to see them.

Ultimately, Judge Raymond found McCoy poses a grave danger to the community, and ordered she be detained without bond as she awaits further proceedings.

The next court date is scheduled March 8.

Preliminary Hearing Waived in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On Feb. 20, before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover, parties agreed to waive a preliminary hearing for a defendant in a non-fatal shooting case.

Jamal Francis, 44, is charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Feb. 15, on the 3000 block of Raleigh Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, two men were having an argument and had agreed to fight when the suspect allegedly pulled a gun and began shooting in the victim’s direction. The victim was not injured. After the suspect fled the scene, responding officers arrested him.

Francis’ defense attorney, Mark Rollins requested a waiver of Francis’ preliminary hearing, and Judge Glover accepted the motion.

Rollins also requested Francis be released, arguing that he only has one prior conviction dating back several years, and Francis is willing to follow a conditional release, such as GPS monitoring.

The prosecution opposed this motion, stating that regardless of Francis’ past convictions, his release would still endanger the community, citing the fact that the shooting occurred near a college campus.

Judge Glover agreed with the prosecution and denied the motion for release.
All parties are slated to return on Feb. 28 in DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s courtroom.

Document: Victim Identified MPD Investigating Homicide in Southwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide after human remains were discovered in a wooded area on Feb. 16, on the 4300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of human remains. Upon their arrival, officers found adult male human remains in an advanced state of decomposition. The remains were transported to the Office of the Medical Chief Examiner, where the cause of death was determined to be gunshot injuries. This case is being investigated as a homicide.

The victim was identified as 29-year-old Leon Powell.

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 Seeks a Suspect and Vehicle in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect involved in a shooting that occurred on Feb. 17 on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. They located a 10-year-old boy suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

A suspect and suspect vehicle were captured by surveillance cameras nearby.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each violent crime in the District.

Document: Arrest Made After Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that killed a man on Feb. 18, on the 1600 block of Rosedale Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male shooting victim inside of a residence. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 35-year-old Darius Robinson.

The suspect fled the scene after the shooting, but officers were able to quickly apprehend him. Charles Demarco Best, 25, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. The investigation suggests the suspect and victim knew each other.

Document: MPD Investigating Homicide in Southwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide after human remains were discovered in a wooded area on Feb. 16, on the 4300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

The victim has not yet been identified.

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