Document: MPD Arrests a Suspect in the Fatal Shooting at McPherson Square

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that killed a man on Oct. 1, 2023, at McPherson Square on the 900 block of 15th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of the sounds of gunshots. While searching the scene, officers located 56-year-old Leo Colter with gunshot wound injuries across from the location. He died at the scene.

On Feb. 16, 41-year-old Marques Johnson was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

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 Arrests Man for Firing a Gun During a Dispute

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on Feb. 15 on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the 500 block of Raleigh Street, SE, after hearing gunshots nearby. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male who stated he was involved in a verbal argument with the suspect in the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. During the argument, the suspect shot at him with a revolver. The suspect ran into an apartment building on the 300 block of Raleigh Street, SE. Responding officers quickly arrested the suspect. There were no injuries reported.

Jamal Francis, 44, was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Document: Victims Identified MPD Investigating Triple Homicide in Northeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that left three people dead on Feb. 14, on the 5000 block of Jay Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious person, where they located two women and a man dead from apparent gunshot wound injuries inside an apartment.

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

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: Updated MPD Arrests Gunman After Hours-Long Barricade

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) successfully negotiated the surrender of a gunman who shot three officers, initiating an hours-long barricade on Feb. 14, on the 5000 block of Hanna Place, SE. This is an ongoing investigation.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location to serve an arrest warrant on a suspect who was wanted for cruelty to animals. While officers were outside the door to the residence, the suspect fired multiple gunshots through the door, striking three officers. A fourth officer sustained injuries that were not gunshot related.

The suspect then barricaded himself inside his residence and continued shooting sporadically throughout the standoff.

Members of the Emergency Response Team arrived on the scene and contacted the suspect by phone. After several hours of negotiation, the suspect surrendered.

As a result of the investigation, it was confirmed an involved member fired their weapon during the offense. The suspect was not injured. The use of force is being investigated by the Force Investigations Team.

Upon his surrender, the suspect identified himself to MPD as Julius James. After being booked on the charges, detectives determined his true identity is 48-year-old Stephen Claude Rattigan. He is known to have used Michael Rattigan as an alias.

Rattigan was arrested pursuant to the arrest warrant for animal cruelty. As a result of his actions during the attack on MPD officers and the detective’s investigation, he was also charged with felony assault on a police officer and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

On Feb. 15, detectives executed a search warrant at the home where the barricade occurred. They recovered three handguns, two rifles, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and a bullet proof vest.

Document: MPD Investigating Triple Homicide in Northeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that left three people dead on Feb. 14, on the 5000 block of Jay Street, NE.

The victim’s identities are being withheld pending a positive identification and next of kin notification.

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

Mental Evaluation for Homicide, Robbery Defendant

On Feb. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun continued a hearing following an order for a preliminary screening to determine a defendant’s competency.

Anthony Monroe, 17, and Marlan Smith Jr., 16, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, felony destruction of property, and five counts of robbery, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Antonio Cunningham on Sept. 11, 2023, on the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE, during an alleged armed robbery. The incident also left an adult male suffering from gunshot injuries.

Police reports allege that the defendants were involved in nine robberies, four of which happened on Sept. 11. They are alleged to have shot and killed Cunningham later that day. They were arrested on Oct. 25 in a vehicle that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) alleges was stolen.

A preliminary screening to determine Monroe’s competency was ordered on the grounds that the defendant had “problems understanding or following procedures and cooperating with his attorney”.

Stephen LoGerfo, Monroe’s defense attorney, has stated that the medical report has not yet arrived from the Youth Services Center (YSC). As a result, the court could not come to a conclusion regarding his competency.

The matter is continued, and parties are set to reconvene on March 12.

‘I Forgive You, Even If You Don’t Care,’ Says Victim’s Mother During Sentencing

On Feb. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun accepted a plea deal and sentenced co-defendants for their involvement in a homicide.

Malachi McFarland, 23, and Andre Smith, 26, were charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for their involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Kerry Odoms on April 15, 2021 at the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE.

On Oct. 30, 2023, both defendants accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors, which required the defendants to plead guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the agreement, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 12-to-18-years for McFarland and 16-to-18 years for Smith.

During the hearing, Odoms’ mother delivered a victim impact statement, in which she recounted how Smith frequented her house and how he “ate at my table, and wore my son’s clothes. He was treated like a son by me”.

She was agonized by the loss of her son, stating that “my children were supposed to bury me, not the other way around”. Odoms’ mother was also upset that the defendants never offered an apology and stated “I forgive you, even if you don’t care.”

The prosecution presented arguments in favor of sentences at the higher end of the range for both defendants.

The prosecutor argued that they were both “equally culpable” and that the proposed sentence of 18 years for McFarland and Smith was “extremely generous” while noting that “the behavior was just absolutely horrible”.

Prosecutors presented two videos of the incident, in which Smith can be observed firing at Odoms and then running. McFarland runs away from the gunshots, but then returns to shoot Odoms, ultimately killing him. Prosecutors state that “we will never know the motive,” in relation to the shooting.

Jessica Willis, McFarland’s defense attorney, addressed Odoms’ family and consoled them for their loss. They chose to share a letter from McFarland’s mom, which asked Malachi “how are you going to start to repair the harm?”

Willis noted that McFarland has taken many steps towards rehabilitation since being incarcerated, such as enrolling in college courses and taking classes on parenting skills.

She requested a 12 year sentence, stating that he was “uniquely deserving” of a lower sentence because of his “painful history” and willingness to change.

McFarland directly addressed the Odoms’ family and apologized for his actions, saying “I took your son away, and you can never get him back. There is no excuse”.

Thomas Key, Smith’s defense attorney, argued that Smith knew what he did was wrong, but nevertheless “two wrongs don’t make a right”.

“I apologize to the victim’s family and to my family,” said Smith.

Judge Okun addressed Odoms’ family saying “This is absolutely a very, very tragic situation. No matter what I do today, you are never going to get your son back, and for that, I am sorry.”

When sentencing McFarland, Judge Okun stated that it was “not something that McFarland started, but he surely finished it”. However, Judge Okun also noted that “actions speak louder than words” and that McFarland’s current actions are that of someone who wants to change.

McFarland was sentenced to 14 years of incarceration and 5 years of supervised release.

“It is clear to me that Smith started this completely unprovoked,” said Judge Okun, adding that he has not made any effort to turn his life around.

Smith was sentenced to 18 years of incarceration and 5 years of supervised release.

There were no further dates set.

Case Acquitted: Judge Limits Expert Testimony in a Murder Case

Tierra Posey was acquitted of all charges on March 20, 2024.

On Feb. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo partially granted a motion, filed by the prosecution, to allow a ShotSpotter expert to provide testimony, with limitations, in a homicide trial.

Tierra Posey, 24, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Tia Carey on Jan. 6, 2020, on the 3700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

At the motion hearing, the prosecution argued that the witness, a representative for ShotSpotter, should be allowed to discuss triangulation technology, which is the timing and distance of the shots that were fired from a particular location.

Posey’s defense attorneys, Kevann Gardner and Quiana Harris, argued that if the witness was admitted, the specialist should only be able to testify on a scientific basis of what ShotSpotter is.

Judge Demeo ruled that the witness would be admitted with certain limitations to testify about ShotSpotter’s ability to pinpoint the source of gunfire but not extrapolate with their opinions.

Judge Demeo also allowed the prosecution to have the witness testify about security footage related to the incident.

Parties are slated to return on March 4.

Defendant’s Mental Issues Cause Major Delay in Fatal Stabbing Case

On Feb. 16, parties agreed to a 90 day delay in a homicide defendant’s case before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo, due to his health issues.

Steven Schwartz, 85, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of his 81-year-old wife, Sharron Hilda Schwartz. The incident occurred in their residence on Dec. 10, 2023, on the 1300 block of Corcoran Street, NW.

Schwartz’s defense attorneys, Kobie Flowers and Jacqueline Cadman, informed the court that Schwartz remains unable to speak coherently, emphasizing that no mental health evaluation has been completed.

Judge Demeo found no substantial progress in Schwartzs’ condition and suggested a 90 day delay. However, she noted that if there was an improvement in Schwartzs’ condition then a hearing could be scheduled earlier.

Both parties were unopposed to the suggestion.

Parties are slated to return May 24.

‘You Have Robbed Me of My First Born Son,’ Said Victim’s Mother at Sentencing

On Feb. 16, before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo, a defendant was sentenced to 12 years in prison with a mandatory five year minimum for his involvement in a homicide.

Jamaarr Morgan, 23, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his involvement in the shooting death of Jacques Benjamin Russ, 44, on Dec. 14, 2021, on the unit block of 61st Street, NE.

On July 12, 2023, Morgan accepted a plea extended by prosecutors, which required he plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. The parties agreed to follow the DC Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines on the count, which is a sentencing range of seven-and-a-half to 15 years due to Morgan’s lack of criminal history.

During the sentencing, the prosecution presented a written statement by Russ’ mother on how the fatal shooting of her son had impacted her.

“You have robbed me of my first born son,” said the statement, adding that Russ’ mother cannot help but cry when she thinks of how her son, who was blind, died in the street alone.

Morgan’s defense attorney, Dana Page, argued for Morgan to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows youth offenders’ cases to be virtually sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Page emphasized Morgan’s history of mental illness, adding that he has been a victim of a stabbing and two shootings. She argued that he acted in self defense when shooting Russ.

The prosecution argued against this, citing the evidence significantly undermining the claim he acted in self defense.

The prosecution noted that Morgan was suspended from every school that he attended, had a history of repetitive lying, and committed the offense in spite of strong family support.

Judge Demeo questioned Morgan’s capacity to be rehabilitated, doubting that the work that was done on Morgan’s part would lead to prevention of other offenses.

The judge ultimately decided against sentencing Morgan under YRA guidelines, and imposed 12 years incarceration and five years of supervised release.

In addition, Judge Demeo required Morgan to participate in a program to improve his mental illness and register as a gun offender for two years following his release.

No further dates were set.

‘How Can Someone Walk up to Somebody, and Shoot Them Over a Cigarette?’ Says Judge During Sentencing

On Feb. 16, DC Superior Courthouse Judge Erik Christian sentenced a defendant to twelve years imprisonment for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting stemming from a petty dispute over a cigarette.

Ryan Parker , 24, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his involvement in a shooting on March 6, 2023, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, that left one individual suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

On Aug. 8, 2023, the defendant accepted a global agreement extended by prosecutors, which required he plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, in exchange for a dismissal of a domestic violence and misdemeanor case, as well as the prosecution not seeking charges in connection to an armed carjacking.

Parker’s defense counsel, John Machado, stated multiple times that his client was experiencing mental and substance abuse issues at the time of the crime, and that he does not have a “score” for criminal history.

He spoke of his client’s time spent in St. Elizabeths Hospital, getting the mental health treatment he needs to ensure his life can proceed normally upon completion of his sentence. Machado also requested that Parker be charged under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows for youth offenders’ convictions to be virtually sealed after successfully completing their sentencing requirements.

Machado requested Parker be sentenced to five years of incarceration.

Prior to his guilty plea, Parker was charged or being investigated in connection to six other crimes.

According to the prosecutor, Parker has “disturbing warrants” in the state of Maryland, without further elaboration, and proceeded to show multiple security camera angles of the shooting.

Parker himself apologized to the victim, stating that he was not in his right mind at the time, and reminded Judge Christian that he did not actually harm anybody, but simply “shot in the general direction” of the victim.

After hearing both parties, Judge Christian described the defendant’s actions as unfathomable, specifying “How can someone walk up to somebody, and shoot them over a cigarette?”.

Judge Christian sentenced Parker to 10 years for the aggravated assault while armed charge, and 24 months for the carrying charge.

Parker’s sentencing will run consecutively, after which he will serve five years of supervised release.

No future hearing dates are scheduled at this time.

Homicide Defendant Guilty of All Charges

On Feb. 15, a homicide defendant was found guilty of all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Terrell Poe, 37, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Christopher Washington on Sept. 23, 2020, on the 400 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

“The more time you spend thinking about the man who lost his life, the less you think about the man who took it,” said the prosecution during closing statements.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution provided the jury with evidence they believed could prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Poe committed the crime. The information included DNA, surveillance footage before, during, and after the incident, and multiple eyewitness testimonies of individuals who saw Poe driving a vehicle leading up to the murder.

Prosecutors presented surveillance footage of Poe allegedly stumbling while getting into a white truck after dropping a phone at the scene of the crime. The phone, which was collected by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), belonged to Poe and proved by comparing an iCloud account, Poe’s phone number, DNA, and photos of the defendant in an album on the phone. The phone also had photos of a gun that allegedly matches the bullet fragments found in Washington’s autopsy.

During the trial, Poe’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, highlighted that there were many inconsistencies in witness accounts. According to King, an eyewitness to the crime pointed out Poe in a suspect lineup, but the image did not match the descriptions of the shooter.

King also mentioned that there was no evidence that Poe had his phone at the time of the shooting, contradicting what the prosecution stated previously. Nine days after Poe’s arrest, a different phone was confiscated from him. The prosecution did not present any evidence regarding the other phone, which King questioned.

Throughout the trial, tensions were high, including when an eyewitness was testifying and an unidentified individual in the courtroom made apparently threatening gestures towards the person. As a result, multiple jurors, and the witness, voiced their concern for their safety.

Following a day-and-a-half long deliberations, the jury of 12 found Poe guilty of all charges in connection to the murder of Washington.

A sentencing was scheduled for April 19.

Double Homicide Defendant Accused of Jail Stabbing

At a status hearing on Feb. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan discussed another offense a homicide defendant faces resulting from his incarceration.

Antoine Turner, 30, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the deaths of Demeitri Anderson, 23, and Demetrius Benson, 34.

On Nov. 3, 2020, Turner allegedly shot Benson on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. He was later found on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE. Then, on Nov. 29, 2020, Turner allegedly shot and killed Anderson on the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE.

During the status hearing Judge Raffinan said Turner is additionally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing.

According to court documents, Turner allegedly stabbed an individual at the DC Jail as he awaited further proceedings. The incident occurred on Jan. 1.

The next status hearing has been set for June 14.

Shooting Defendant Acquitted of All Charges

On Feb. 15, a non-fatal shooting defendant was acquitted of all charges in front of DC Superior Court Lynn Leibovitz.

Jose Zuniga, 28, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and simple assault, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident which occurred on Nov. 11, 2023, at a shelter on the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW. There were no injuries reported.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors attempted to prove Zuniga’s guilt by having eyewitnesses, including the victim, testify, with some identifying Zuniga as the shooter. They also presented various clips of surveillance footage from the shelter, including footage depicting an individual identified as Zuniga running across the lobby after shots were fired.

However, one of the eyewitnesses stated that Zuniga was not the shooter, adding that the individual responsible for the shooting had been wearing a white puffer coat on the day of the incident. In the footage, Zuniga is seen wearing a white hoodie with images of Mickey Mouse on it.

In an attempt to prove his innocence, Joseph Molina, Zuniga’s defense attorney, called him to testify. During his testimony, Zuniga stated that when the altercation began, he attempted to leave the location, but was challenged to a fight by the victim and his brother. He added that he and the victim got into a “struggle” in the hallway, before he was able to escape and seek help.

While Zuniga admitted to threatening the victim’s brother with a drill, he ran from the second altercation when he saw a knife in the hand of the victim’s brother. According to Zuniga, he heard the first gunshot as he was running to hide.

Zuniga claims the weapon was fired by an individual in a white puffer coat known as “El Mecanico,” who he saw during the second and third shot. Zuniga claims the video of him running across the shelter lobby was him “escaping.”

Following a day of deliberations, the jury acquitted Zuniga of all charges, and he was released from jail.

No further dates were set.

Defendant in Road Rage Shooting Pleads Not Guilty

On Feb. 16, a non-fatal shooting defendant was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno.

Marquez Beasley, 31, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with a dangerous weapon, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting, which allegedly stemmed from road age, on the 900 block of Division Avenue, NE, on Aug. 16, 2023, resulting in three injuries.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to multiple gunshots after a dispute stemming from a car accident involving Beasley. Allegedly, he shot at two individuals trying to exchange information, with a third victim being a bystander.

At the hearing, Beasley’s defense attorney alerted the court he is pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including a speedy trial.

All parties agreed. Further hearings will be under the jurisdiction of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

The next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 28.

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