Judge Finds Probable Cause in Preliminary Hearing for Homicide Case

On March 7, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause for second-degree murder in a preliminary hearing.

Dayshawn Nolan, 21, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of Antoinette Davis on July 3, 2022. The incident occurred on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE.

According to court documents, on the night of the incident, an apartment at the listed location caught on fire. Davis, who inside, sustained multiple first, second, and third-degree burns and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. On July 17, 2022, Davis succumbed to her injuries.

During the hearing, the prosecution called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify about Nolan’s alleged involvement in the fire that caused Davis’ death.

The detective interviewed Nolan multiple times throughout the investigation. According to the prosecution, Nolan relayed different information at these interviews.

According to the detective, at the last interview, Nolan gave a different recollection of what happened during the night of the incident.

During the interview, Nolan explained to the detective how he and a friend were playing with roman candles inside the apartment building where Davis and her partner lived. According to Nolan, his friend shot a roman candle in his direction, near the Davis’ apartment. Afterwards, they left the building.

According to the detective, this was different than past interviews where Nolan stated he and a friend were outside playing with roman candles.

The detective concluded that the incident was not premeditated.

During cross examination, Nolan’s defense attorney, Pierce Suen, played snippets of his interview with the detective, where Nolan explained that he was standing at the top of the staircase leading up to Davis’ apartment and was facing down towards his friend, opposite direction of Davis’ apartment, when Nolan shot the roman candles.

Suen also mentioned that none of the witnesses identified Nolan as shooting fireworks at the night of the incident.

Judge Okun alerted the parties that, after reviewing the evidence and testimony, he found probable cause that Nolan’s actions caused the death of Davis.

Judge Okun described the incident as a “tragic accident,” and added that Nolan acted in conscious disregard of human life, but he did not intend to kill or hurt anyone.

Parties did not argue for Nolan’s release, due to his detention in another matter.

Parties are slated to return May 30.

Defendant in Shooting Case Rejects Plea Offer

On March 11, before DC Superior Judge Michael O’Keefe, a defendant in a shooting case rejected a plea offer from the prosecution.

Daniel Cary, 29, and Chantel Stewart, 32, are charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on July 22, 2020, on the 4000 block of First Street, SE.

Cary’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, alerted the court that the prosecution had extended an offer to Cary, which required he 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 agreement, parties would have agreed to a seven year sentence.

However, Cary rejected the offer.

Thomas also alerted the court that he and his client had extended a counteroffer to the prosecutor, and were waiting on a response.

Parties are expected to reconvene for the beginning of Cary’s and Stewart’s trial on March 25.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Request for Release

On March 11, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz denied a non-fatal shooting defendant’s request for release.

Cornellius Ruffin, 40, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left one victim injured on April 12, 2021, on the 200 block of Bates Street, NW.

Natalie Stokes, 33, is charged with accessory after the fact for her alleged involvement in the incident.

Ruffin’s defense attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, requested Ruffin to be released from confinement, arguing that he wishes to resolve pending court matters in Virginia.

The prosecution argued against Ruffin’s release due to the level of dangerousness and risk of not returning to court, citing Ruffin’s failure to appear to court on two previous cases in Virginia, which have outstanding warrants.

The prosecution added that Ruffin was on ankle monitoring from another case in Virginia when the non-fatal shooting took place.

Judge Leibovitz ruled in favor of the prosecution, and denied LoGerfo’s request for release based on Ruffin’s history of failures to appear at court.

LoGerfo also mentioned he is waiting on a global plea offer from the prosecution and will need additional time to receive and review the offer with Ruffin.

Parties are slated to return on April 1.

Document: MPD Seeking Vehicle in Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect vehicle, in connection to a shooting that occurred March 9 on the 500 block of H Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, the victim was exiting a vehicle at the location, when he was approached by two suspects. The suspects produced a gun, demanding the victim’s property. Once the victim handed over his property, an altercation ensued between the suspects and the victim, resulting in the victim getting shot.

He was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The vehicle of interest was captured by surveillance footage.

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

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Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred on March 8 on the 1400 block of Ridge Place, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, they found a man with gunshot wounds in the roadway. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 45-year-old Adam Dove.

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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Document: Arrest Made in a Fatal Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a homicide that occurred on March 8 on the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of the sounds of gunshots. Upon their arrival, officers located a man who had been shot. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 46-year-old Jimmy Thomas Jr.

As a result of the detectives’ investigation, 27-year-old Damon Clark was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Two of Three Homicide Co-Defendants Waive Right for DNA Testing

On March 8, two homicide co-defendants waived their right to independently test DNA evidence while the third asserted his option before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Mark Fletcher III, 23, 22-year-old Malik Bynum, and 22-year-old Larry White are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Rosendo Miller, 21. The incident occurred on the 1300 block of Brentwood Road, NE, on July 2, 2021.

Fletcher’s defense attorneys, Thomas Healy and Gretchen Franklin, and White’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, told the court that their clients were prepared to waive their right to DNA testing.

However, Pierce Suen, Bynum’s defense attorney, alerted the court Bynum decided to assert his right to test DNA evidence.

During the hearing, the prosecution said they had recovered two firearms from a nearby vehicle, cartridge casings, Miller’s clothing and clothing that allegedly belonged to the defendant from the scene.

According to the prosecution, they had tested the evidence and shared the results with the parties.

Judge Raffinan told Fletcher and White that they would not be able to test DNA evidence if they change their minds in the future.

Parties are expected to return to court on June 14.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On March 8, DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause in a non-fatal shooting case.

Andre Harvey, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE on Dec. 2, 2022. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

The prosecution called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective on the case who recounted seeing the aftermath of the shooting, talking with individuals at the scene, and reviewing video evidence including two surveillance clips that captured the shooting, allegedly showing the suspect and the victim.

The officer also identified the defendant from previous interactions with him and his grandfather, and stated he knows him by the alias “DeAndre.”

According to the detective, the footage shows Harvey allegedly pulling out a weapon and shooting the victim before fleeing the scene. He stated the shooting stemmed from an argument between the two individuals, although he didn’t state the nature of the dispute.

Defense attorney, Gail Engmann, argues that there is insufficient evidence to prove probable cause, and that there is evidence suggesting the shooting was in self-defense.

In cross-examination, the defense challenged the detective’s account in that he did not see anything first hand, and can’t recall what the argument was about.

Judge Raymond agreed that while there could be indications of self-defense, it is not proven in video footage.

Judge Raymond found probable cause that Harvey was the shooter, and denied his release, citing a history of probation violations and the severity of the charges.

Parties will meet again on March 13, before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

On March 8, a homicide defendant was arraigned in the courtroom of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Keith Williams, 23, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the death of 17-year-old Brendan Ofori on the 300 block of M Street, SW. The incident occurred on May 28, 2023.

According to court documents, Ofori was shot and killed in a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) train car, and his body was recovered at the Navy Yard Metro Station. Williams’ defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, alerted the court he was pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserted Williams’ constitutional rights, which include a speedy trial with legal representation.

Smith requested that the prosecution produce discovery evidence, which the judge ordered them to complete within 30 days.

A status hearing is set for April 5.

Judge Orders Defense to Decide on DNA Testing

On March 8, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe issued a DNA testing order in a homicide case.

Purnell Jackson, 37, Kharee Jackson, 24, and Charles Turner, 36, are charged with eight counts of assault with intent to kill, conspiracy, carjacking, and burglary, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting that left three people injured. The incident occurred on August 24, 2022, on the unit block of Quincy Place, NE.

Turner appeared in court, whereas appearances were waived for Purnell and Kharee.

Today’s hearing followed a previous proceeding in which Turner’s former attorney, Leo Alley, asserted his right to independent DNA testing. Then, defense counsel stated that they would determine how to proceed after analyzing the evidence.

Turner’s new attorney, Rachel Cicurel, said she has not yet decided to test the DNA evidence but has no immediate intention.

The prosecution responded this contradicted the defense’s previous position.

The judge concurred, stating not testing the evidence is inconsistent with asserting rights to testing, and is “waiving them by inaction.” The judge cautioned the defense against arguing that the DNA testing was incomplete at trial if they fail to test the evidence now.

The court ordered that, if the defense is asserting the right to independent testing, the decision to test DNA evidence needs to be made before parties reconvene on April 5.

Son Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

On March 8, a homicide defendant was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

William Davenport, 30, and his mother Violet Davenport, 53, are charged with first-degree murder while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the May 14, 2021, homicide of 27-year-old Leonard Turner. The incident occurred near a shelter on the 400 block of Second Street, NW.

William was arrested for the offense on Aug. 17, 2021, while Violet was later arrested on Feb. 7, 2024.

William’s defense attorney, Lauren Morehouse, informed the court during his arraignment that he is pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights to a speedy trial.

Morehouse also requested Judge Brandt amend William’s release conditions by removing his curfew.

Judge Brant stated that since he has been compliant with all of his release conditions, she would accept his request. However, she warned him that, “If you step out of line, I’m gonna lock you up.”

A trial date for both defendants was set for Feb. 2, 2026.

Violet’s defense attorney stated the trial was delayed because the prosecution charged Violet almost three years after the incident to place additional pressure on the defense.

Parties are set to return to court on Nov. 8.

Prosecutors Detail Video Evidence in Murder Conspiracy Trial

On March 7, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony during a conspiracy trial from two witnesses who testified that their home surveillance footage recorded multiple gunshots in a homicide.

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 a gunshot wound to the right leg.

The defendants are also alleged to have been involved in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 1, 2020, on the 2400 block of North Capitol Street, NE, moments after Lukes’ shooting.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27, whose cases were severed and will be tried at a later date.

The prosecution called a prior resident from the 2400 block of North Capitol Street, NE, to authenticate footage from his home security camera.

On March 1, 2020, at 2:18 p.m., footage shows an individual and a silver vehicle in an alley on Channing Street, NE. Multiple gunshots are heard before the silver car is seen speeding away.

From the homeowner’s account, “It looks like there’s someone in the video with their hand up and it looks like they’re exchanging gunfire.” The witness also heard a voice saying, “come on son.”

During cross examination, Jackson’s defense attorney Brian McDaniel asked the witness to confirm whether or not he had been able to see the person in the alley. He stated that no one could be identified or seen from the video.

Another individual who lived in the neighborhood at the time, testified that she heard multiple gunshots in the area, but was unable to see anything. When asked why she couldn’t see anything happen, she stated she “moved away from the window,” due to fear and concern.

The prosecution played footage from the witness’ home security camera which recorded four gunshots and a vehicle speeding away. She recalled hearing urgent shouts then called 911

Prosecutors also called two representatives from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), who testified to their involvement in the processing of the suspect vehicle in the case, Kia Soul, which was recovered on March 4, 2020, on the 500 block of Lamont Street, NW.

The images of the recovered vehicle showed a flat tire on the front driver’s side, bullet holes on the rear driver’s side door and back fender, collision damage to the hatchback, blue tape on the right side mirror, and two parking tickets on the windshield, due to parking in a handicapped spot.

The testimony corroborated a witness who testified he had seen several men leave the Kia Soul in a handicapped parking spot in his neighborhood, with significant damage.

The prosecution called a second DFS crime scene analyst whose photographs showed items recovered from the car which included a pair of blue jeans, empty drink containers, and a parking pass from Feb. 27, 2020 at 10:52 a.m.

He also swabbed numerous items left in the car as well as surfaces in the vehicle for DNA samples.

Parties are slated to return March 11.

Lead Detective Testifies in Co-Defendants’ Homicide Hearing

On March 6, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun heard testimony and cross-examination of the lead detective in a homicide case.

Jayvon Thomas, 20, and Lavar Hunter, 19, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year old Anwar Wingate. The incident occurred on Nov. 19, 2023, on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW.

The prosecutor began by calling the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to the stand to detail evidence in the case.

Multiple surveillance videos were played, in which the detective allegedly identified Thomas and Hunter based on their appearance.
The first clip shows the initial meeting of two individuals, identified as Thomas and Hunter, interacting with others in the parking garage in the moments leading up to the shooting.

The next three clips showed individuals identified as the defendants taking photos and interacting with Wingate, who was shown flashing what appears to be a firearm in his waistband, and stumbling allegedly from the influence of marijuana and alcohol.

Once again, the detective identified both Thomas and Hunter in the video, noting their clothing and distinctions between the two.

Finally, different video angles show individuals identified as the defendants physically attacking and eventually firing at Wingate, then grabbing his midsection to supposedly steal his firearm, before running off in different directions.

In addition to the video surveillance clips, the prosecutor submitted physical evidence recovered from the crime scene, including shell casings and a cell phone.

During cross-examination, Sylvia Smith, defense counsel for Thomas, walked the lead detective through the events of the shooting, challenging him to confirm that the individuals pictured in the surveillance video were in fact the defendants.

She questioned if the 911 caller who reported the incident was the first person to see the victim. Smith also questioned if Wingate had any “beef” with the defendants or with anyone else outside of the incident that could have contributed to his murder, but the detective did not know.

Smith ended her cross examination by discussing a witness, who may have been Wingate’s girlfriend on a FaceTime call with him moments before the shooting.

The detective stated that he never spoke directly to that witness, but according to other officers, she claimed Wingate called her drunk and that she did not see who shot him, nor did she see either defendant on the FaceTime call.

Parties are set to continue preliminary hearings on April 5.

Judge Continues Probation but Revokes Youth Sentencing in Non-Fatal Shooting

On March 8, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan discharged Ibrahim Camara’s show cause for probation and withdrew a previous Youth Rehabilitation Act sentence from 2022 based on the nature of the crime.

Camara, 22, is charged with one charge of assault with a dangerous weapon and one charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 3000 block of Rhode Island Ave, SE on September 21, 2021.

Prosecutors requested Camara be arrested and his probation be revoked due to the severity of the crime. In court the prosecution described the scene as a “gun battle,” leaving one injured.

Damon Catacalos, Camara’s defense attorney, argued Camara has been compliant probation for this case and an additional case in Prince George’s County, Maryland, for which he pleaded guilty to one count of intent to sell and distribute marijuana.

Camara’s sentence for the charges in Maryland is unknown, but his sentence was approved under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). The YRA provides sentencing alternatives and the possibility of having criminal records virtually sealed.

Catacalos asked Judge Ryan to not revoke Camara’s probation, and allow him to remain under the YRA. Catacalos pointed out Camara’s ability to hold a steady job and his desire to improve his life stating, “the road to maturity, growth, and wisdom is not always a straight line.”

The hearing ended with Camara pleading with the court, stating, “I do own up for my mistakes”.

Judge Ryan did not revoke Camara’s probation, however, he did cancel the Youth Act sentence agreeing with the prosecutor about the severity of the charges.

Camara’s probation is now set to end in June of 2024.

Judge Orders Full Mental Competency Exam for Shooting Defendant

On March 8, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered a full mental competency examination for a non-fatal shooting defendant to see if can work with his lawyer and understand the charges against him.

Stephen Rattigan, 48, also known as James Julius, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, cruelty to animals, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of assault on a police officer while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of three Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on Feb. 14 on the 5000 block of Hanna Place, SE. A fourth officer received injuries unrelated to gunshots.

According to MPD documents, officers went to the location to locate Rattigan due to an arrest warrant for animal cruelty. When the officers were outside, Rattigan allegedly fired multiple gunshots through the doorway hitting three officers. Then, Rattigan barricaded himself inside his residence and continued to shoot. Eventually, he surrendered and was taken into custody.

On Feb. 29, the court ordered Rattigan undergo a preliminary mental competency exam through the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

On March 8, the court reviewed the report which was inconclusive as the doctor was unable to form an opinion.

The doctor recommended a full competency exam to determine if Rattigan was mental competent. The prosecution and defense counsel agreed, and Judge Raffinan said the exam should be completed by the next hearing.

Parties are expected to return to court on April 11 for a mental observation hearing.

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