The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 37-year-old Shelton Brooks Elder, alleged to have stabbed a victim during an argument inside an establishment on the 1000 block of Vermont Avenue, NW, on Dec. 17. The victim, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, self-transported to a hospital. Elder was apprehended on Jan. 4 in the 1200 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, and charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife).
Editor’s Note: Malik Seltzer was acquitted of the murder, and its corresponding charges, by a jury on Jan. 22, 2026.
A defense attorney argued an apparent revenge murder case against her client lacked evidence and credibility during opening statements in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Jan. 12.
Malik Seltzer, 30, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Paris Odemns on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on Sept. 15, 2021. Odemns suffered from five gunshot wounds to his back and one to his wrist.
Seltzer’s jury trial started with opening statements from both sides. The prosecutors claimed Seltzer planned and carried out Odemns’ “senseless murder.” According to prosecutors, Seltzer came across Odemns at a nearby 7-Eleven the evening of the crime. The prosecution said Seltzer, angry that Odemns stabbed one of his friends, lured Odemns and, when his back was turned, shot him six times and left him to die.
The prosecutors acknowledged their key witness “is not a model citizen” and that the defense will “run [him] through the coals.” However, they asserted the witness’ testimony will be the same story he told Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers before he saw any evidence related to the case.
The prosecution also told the jury their key witness will testify that Seltzer brought Odemns to the apartment the night of the murder and said, “This is the dude that stabbed [friend’s name]. I’m going to bag him.”
Prosecutors expect the witness to state that he saw Seltzer and Odemns walk down the street, heard gunshots, observed Seltzer running back toward the apartment, and when Seltzer returned, he said “I just bagged that n-word.”
The jury viewed a video that prosecutors said depicted Seltzer and Odemns walking together down the street about a minute before the murder. Prosecutors then played ShotSpotter audio of eight gunshots, followed by another video of Seltzer running back to the apartment alone after the shots.
Seltzer’s defense attorney, Bernadette Armand, said the jury would hear evidence of “a false witness, a fake story, and a failed investigation by the [prosecutors] in this case.”
Armand said the video showed Seltzer running for his life, not fleeing because he had shot someone. She said Seltzer and Odemns walked together into the dark, where someone approached them, pointed a gun, and both men ran.
“Odemns didn’t make it–Seltzer was able to run away,” said Armand, emphasizing it could have been Seltzer who was fatally shot. There was no conflict, drama, or problems between Seltzer and Odemns in the video footage, noted Armand.
Regarding the key witness, Armand said the jury should doubt his story because he was on probation with serious legal problems hanging over his head when he spoke with MPD about the case. She added that his account was inconsistent and changed over time.
Additionally, Armand claimed the witness fabricated that Odemns stabbed Seltzer’s friend. Apart from the witness’ testimony, she argued, there would be no evidence of the alleged stabbing presented during the trial.
“The [prosecution] took the easy way out…case closed,” Armand said, urging the jury to focus on what the prosecution did–or failed to do–during the murder investigation.
Following opening statements, the prosecution called Odemns sister to the stand. She described her brother as “a good person” and said “he cared more about other people than himself.”
An MPD officer, who responded to the scene after he received a radio call for the sound of gunshots, said DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) was attending to a shooting victim when he arrived on scene. As the first responding officer, he secured the scene and canvassed for potential evidence. The officer said he found firearm cartridge casings but waited for an official to remove them.
Apart from DCFEMS, the officer said no one entered the scene or attempted to while he was present. After additional MPD officers and detectives arrived, he provided his statement, and had no further involvement with the case.
Kevann Gardner, Seltzer’s other attorney, asked the officer during cross-examination if other shootings occurred nearby around the time Odemns was shot. The officer said there were sounds of other gunshots detected nearby but he was not aware of any investigations into them.
Gardner also established through the officer that cartridge casings are small, light, and easily moved. However, the prosecution confirmed that no one moved the casings while the officer was present.
The trial is scheduled to resume on Jan. 13.
A homicide defendant who fatally shot a man and his own dog accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 14.
Quateze Moore, 47, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Martinez Robinson on Aug. 23, 2024 on the 1300 block of Girard Street, NW.
During the hearing, Peter Odom and Shawn Sukumar, Moore’s attorneys, alerted the court of his intent to accept a deal, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.
The deal also required Moore to plead guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine while armed in connection to an unrelated matter.
Parties agreed that the sentence imposed should be based on the voluntary sentencing guidelines.
According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would’ve proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Moore shot at Robinson eight times, striking him thrice as he ran away from Moore. During the incident, Moore’s dog, Ace, was also shot and killed.
The prosecution claimed Moore had a conscious disregard for Robinson’s safety, and he acted voluntarily and not in self-defense.
Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on March 27.
DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a homicide defendant to 35 years of imprisonment on Jan. 9
Jajuan Gripper, 23, was convicted by a jury of conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Rynell Bradford on the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue, NE on Dec. 20, 2022.
Family members remembered Bradford as a loving father, son, brother and friend “who was deeply loved.”
“I will never be able to unsee my brother lying in his blood,” one of Bradford’s sisters said. “That image plays in my mind over and over again.”
Mentioning Bradford’s five kids, one of whom was four-months-old when Bradford was gunned down, she stated they “wake up to a life without their father, forever.”
“My brother deserved to live. Our family deserves justice,” she cried.
Another of Bradford’s sisters reminisced on their close bond, stating they supported each other through everything – with the sisters being dressed as cheerleaders while Bradford played football in their childhood.
“I do not know what closure looks like for us as a family,” she said, adding her goal is to embody his goofy, happy spirit.
“A person that can do this is a person who has a lack of care and humanity,” she said about Gripper, highlighting his “unfathomable” attitude throughout the case. “He acts like it’s an inconvenience.”
“It is not appropriate or fair for anybody to play games with someone’s life,” the sister stated.
The prosecution requested he be sentenced to 40 years, highlighting the seriousness of the crime. They stated Gripper and two friends gunned Bradford down in the middle of the street as Bradford’s fiancee watched from the window of their apartment.
“It doesn’t get more serious than a premeditated murder,” the prosecutor insisted.
He argued there was an extraordinary cost from the murder. “That cost is not just a life. It’s a cost to five children, a family, and a community. It’s permanent and generational.”
Wole Falodun, Gripper’s defense attorney, asked Judge Ryan for a sentence that “holds him accountable, but rehabilitates him and takes his age and mental health into consideration,” requesting 30 years.
Falodun argued Gripper “has made efforts to change the trajectory of his life,” while he’s been incarcerated. According to Falodun, Gripper got his high school diploma at the DC Jail.
He encouraged Judge Ryan to sentence Gripper to a “not hopeless” sentence, urging him to sentence him based on him as a whole, “not just his worst day.”
“The killing was absolutely unwarranted,” Judge Ryan said, reminding the parties that Bradford was shot and killed as he ran away.
“The harm that’s been done in this case… is a very significant harm. [Bradford] did nothing to warrant that,” Judge Ryan noted.
Judge Ryan imposed a concurrent sentence of 35 years for murder, 84 months for conspiracy and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and 24 months for carrying a pistol without a license.
“You should reflect on what those very sincere people had to say,” Judge Ryan told Gripper about Bradford’s family. He highlighted Gripper’s opportunity to succeed, adding “you need to do so.”
Parties agreed to delay the order that would have Gripper transferred to the Bureau of Prisons (BoP) until May in order for him to finish the Georgetown University Program at the DC Jail.
A shooting defendant pleaded not guilty at an arraignment on Jan. 9, and told DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt that the DC Jail is infested with mold.
Brandon Ross, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE on Dec. 17, 2024.
During the hearing, Carrie Weletz alerted Judge Brandt that she would be filing a medical alert for Ross, stating that there is “a huge mold problem at the jail.” According to Weletz, the showers and areas where Ross is required to do the jobs assigned to him are infected.
Weletz raised concerns about Ross’ respiratory and breathing problems, and stated it has been very difficult to reach out to the jail’s attorney to discuss the issues.
“I’m glad you’ve brought it to my attention,” Judge Brandt stated, saying she had a meeting with the Department of Corrections (DOC) in the coming week and would raise the issues.
Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 7.
“They don’t care that they’re violent. They don’t care that they’re shooting people,” argued the prosecutor in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Jan. 12.
The matter under consideration was a triple-shooting, one from a shotgun blast leaving the victim fighting for life, another from a semi-automatic pistol that killed a teen-ager in what the prosecution described as a gang-related incident. A third victim was shot in the leg.
Zephaniah Wright, 19, was fatally shot and a second victim injured outside the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro Station on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Less than five minutes earlier, another individual was shot in front of the Petworth Recreation Center on the 800 block of Taylor Street, NW.
Jose Hernandez, 19, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed in connection with two drive-by shootings in the Petworth neighborhood on April 29, 2025. However, he accepted a plea deal for committing second-degree murder while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and aggravated assault, which could put him in jail for 25 years.
Jayden Wells, 18, is also charged as a co-defendant with first-degree premeditated murder for his alleged involvement in the shootings. His case was at issue in the current hearing.
Arrest warrants for Hernandez and Wells allege the shootings were linked to an ongoing feud between two criminal gangs–the Columbia Heights Village (CHV) and Kennedy Street (KDY) crews. The defendants are reportedly associated with CHV, while Wright and a surviving victim are linked to KDY.
Surveillance video allegedly showed four individuals in the suspected vehicle traveling between the crime scenes. The prosecutor said it was impossible not to see that Wells was in the car.
“He jumped out of a window to avoid law enforcement,” she said. Officers found buckshot evidence. The buckshot wound from the shotgun was described as a “giant shot in the back” leaving some thirty “defects” or injuries.
“We’re way beyond probable cause,” said the prosecutor.
In defending Wells, his attorney, David Akulian, described the case against his client as circumstantial, lacking ballistic evidence linking a weapon to the shootings. The only direct connection to Hernandez is that they were in the same car, said Akulian
“Everyone in this vehicle was involved in this murder,” said the prosecutor. “It’s clear that there were four firearms in that vehicle and that resulted in a very young person dying,”she said.
Judge Ryan ultimately agreed and found probable cause that Wells was culpable in the murderous shooting spree. “The other explanations in the evidence don’t carry the day,” he said. Judge Ryan noted that there were multiple witness identifications of Wells including family members and that he was likely the one in the back seat that fired the shotgun.
The prosecutor said Wells should stay in jail because there were no conditions that could guarantee his safe release to the community awaiting trial.
However, Akulian painted a different picture, saying that Wells was a good student, earned his high school diploma and had strong family support in that his mother and father were in the courtroom.
There was a brief discussion at the bench about Wells’ previous encounters with law enforcement as a juvenile. However, there was no criminal history disclosed. Still, the prosecutor said that images said to be of Wells brandishing weapons on Instagram were suggestive of gang affiliation.
In explaining his decision to detain Wells, Judge Ryan pointed out that the shootings, beyond their immediate lethality, posed an even greater danger.
“These are shootings that are terrifying people that have nothing to do with the vendetta going on between the two groups.” said Judge Ryan.
He scheduled the next hearing in the case for March 20.
Parties in a homicide case discussed the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) efforts, or lack thereof, to restore a homicide defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Jan. 13.
Jafekka Harris, 34, is charged with second-degree murder of a senior citizen for her alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 79-year-old Bettie Duke on the 3100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE on Oct. 5, 2024.
During the hearing, parties discussed DBH’s report from Jan. 8, which deemed Harris incompetent to stand trial again, citing her schizophrenia diagnosis, and a recent diagnosis of sarcoidosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease which causes cells to form lumps in organs causing health problems.
The report stated that it was not clear if Harris also has neurosarcoidosis, which would impact her brain. Judge Brandt raised concerns because the disease could lead to dementia and other issues with the brain.
“I think we all need to know that,” in order to move forward with the case, Judge Brandt told the parties.
“Time is of the essence,” she added. “Medicating isn’t solving the issue,” Judge Brandt said, referring to the medications prescribed to Harris to help stabilize her mood in order for doctors and health personnel to be able to approach her.
Emma Mlyenic, Harris’ attorney, argued that the medications appear to be more therapeutic, and that no progress has been made towards competency.
She cited Harris’ therapist, who said it was hard to follow Harris in conversations. Mlyenic stated that it was clear Harris continues to experience psychosis and auditory hallucinations.
Judge Brandt stated the best course of action would be to have the treating physicians appear before the court to discuss their plans and where things stand.
Parties agreed that the hearing would be under seal. They’re slated to reconvene on Feb. 5.
In a brief arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 9, Walter Parker, 49, pleaded not guilty to murder in a brutal beating.
Parker, 49, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in killing 77-year-old Bernard Williams on the 400 block of M Street, SE, on April 23.
Parker earlier rejected a plea offer to accept a count of second-degree murder. In exchange, the prosecution would not file other charges and agree to a guideline sentence of 12-to-24 years.
In an indictment filed on Dec. 17 Parker is charged with murder of a senior citizen, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm and destruction of property of less than $1,000.
According to court documents, Williams was beaten in the head dozens of times and was ultimately declared brain dead as a result of his injuries.
During the arraignment, Parker’s attorney, Howard McEachern, indicated he might enter an insanity plea on his client’s behalf, though it is unlikely. Judge Park said an insanity plea would require rescheduling to accommodate the additional complexity.
Judge Park urged McEachern to “take charge of your client.”
The trial is currently scheduled for May 17, 2027.
A murder defendant’s curfew was lifted in spite of the prosecution’s objections in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 9.
Tariq White, 28, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, destruction of property less than $1,000, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that killed Devon Sharp, 16. The incident took place on May 18, 2024, on the 1200 block of V Street, NW.
According to White’s attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, his client has been in perfect compliance with his release conditions, which justifies ending the curfew. White took part in the proceedings through a video link.
The prosecution said there was no reason to modify the curfew which is working well. Furthermore, three members of the victim’s family were at the hearing to express their displeasure with any change in White’s release status
However, Judge Park said the prosecution failed to show why the curfew shouldn’t be lifted.
In another matter, the prosecution said it appears this may become a self-defense case based on a claim of PTSD–White is a veteran. If so, they want to call their own expert in response.
White’s trial date is set for April 19, 2027, and the prosecution’s case is expected to last about a week.
A defendant accepted a plea deal for two drive-by shootings that occurred minutes apart, killing one person, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Jan. 8.
Jose Hernandez, 19, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed in connection with two drive-by shootings in the Petworth neighborhood on April 29, 2025. Zephaniah Wright, 19, was fatally shot and a second victim injured outside the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro Station on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Less than five minutes earlier, another individual was shot in front of the Petworth Recreation Center on the 800 block of Taylor Street, NW.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested Hernandez on June 19, 2025. Court records indicate his case did not have a preliminary hearing due to scheduling conflicts and plea negotiations.
Jayden Wells, 18, is also charged with first-degree premeditated murder for his alleged involvement in the shootings. Judge Ryan is expected to rule on whether probable cause exists in Wells’ case on Jan. 12.
Arrest warrants for Hernandez and Wells allege the shootings were linked to an ongoing feud between the Columbia Heights Village (CHV) and Kennedy Street (KDY) crews. The defendants are reportedly associated with CHV, while Wright and a surviving victim are linked to KDY.
At the hearing, Madalyn Harvey, Hernandez’s attorney, told Judge Ryan that her client accepted a plea deal from prosecutors. As part of the agreement, Hernandez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and aggravated assault.
In exchange, prosecutors will dismiss the first-degree murder charge and not pursue additional charges against Hernandez. The parties also agreed to a sentence range of 20-to-25 years of imprisonment, subject to Judge Ryan’s approval at sentencing.
The prosecutor said that, if the case had gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Hernandez was in the vehicle when one of the two other suspects shot at the recreation center, injuring a victim. The vehicle then drove to the Metro station, where Hernandez fatally shot Wright and wounded another victim. Hernandez did not act in self-defense or with any other legal justification.
After a portion of the factual basis for the plea was placed under seal, Judge Ryan determined Hernandez entered into the agreement knowingly and voluntarily.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 27.
Graphic video of a hooded suspect firing multiple shots at a helpless victim trying to crawl away, weighed heavily on DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt in a probable cause hearing that stretched over two days.
The proceedings culminated on Jan. 9 with Judge Brandt’s determination that 44-year-old Tyrone Spencer is likely guilty of murder.
“There are sometimes times that a video is just worth its weight in gold,” she said.
Spencer is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Francois Adkins, which occurred on Sept. 1.
According to court documents, Adkins died from four gunshot wounds at the Brookland Center Recreational Center on the 2400 block of 14th Street, NE.
During the hearing the prosecution presented extensive surveillance footage of a black clad suspect identified as Spencer mulling around the facility, then pulling a gun, apparently hidden in his right sock, and shooting Spencer in the head, his forearm and both legs as he was desperately trying to get away. The footage shows blood pooling around the victim and bystanders fleeing.
The lead detective testified that in addition to video from the recreation center, home surveillance cameras captured Spencer wearing a distinctive pair of light colored, Jordan Shox tennis shoes distinguished by elevated pods on the heels. Ultimately, Spencer wound up in an apartment complex a few blocks away where a witness–a relative who the detective said, “had known him his whole life,” made a positive identification.
The prosecutor noted the video also showed an obvious bulge in the suspect’s right sock suggestive of a concealed weapon. The evidence, she said, had already persuaded two judges to find probable cause that Spencer committed the crime.
Defense attorney, Patrick O’Sullivan, countered that Spencer’s identification is fatally flawed.
Questioning the lead detective on Jan 7, O’Sullivan asked why a full face shot of the defendant wasn’t shown to the key witness who had lived with Spencer at one point.
Further, O’Sullivan queried why the witness initially needed a pair of glasses to verify the police photo of the suspect. The lawyer pointed out, given the picture, it was impossible to tell if the person said to be Spencer had tattoos, a distinctive hair style or determine his age.
O’Sullivan was also skeptical about the location of the murder weapon. “Do you have any specific evidence as to what that bulge [in the sock] might be?” asked Sullivan. The detective did not. Further, O’Sullivan said that no one identified Spencer from the footage at the recreational center and the lawyer showed a photo of someone else at the center wearing shoes similar to the Jordan Shox.
Nor was any clothing recovered from the incident, nor the gun. O’Sullivan also suggested that Adkins may have had a beef with Spencer although there was no indication of an argument the day of the shooting.
In support of her ruling, Judge Brandt pointed out that, “no one else in the video has that bulge in the right sock.” She continued that there’s enough facial video to identify Spencer as the shooter and that it appears he was, “scoping things out.”
Asking for Spencer’s release to home confinement, O’Sullivan said Spencer had just successfully completed three years of supervised release in another case.
“He does very well when supervised,” said O’Sullivan.
The prosecutor countered that all factors weigh in favor of detention. “The nature of the offense was horrific.” she said, calling it a daylight ambush.
Judge Brandt referred to Spencer’s criminal history that stretched back two decades, including a 2021 conviction for unauthorized possession of a firearm in a crime of violence. This latest charge occurred just three months after completing supervision. She said Spencer disregarded the safety of the community by “flippantly” carrying a gun and ruled that he stay detained pending trial.
During the Jan. 7 hearing, Spencer argued angrily with Judge Brandt that his case had been unduly delayed. However, he apologized for the outburst on Jan. 9 saying he was “very sorry” for speaking out.
Judge Brandt accepted the apology acknowledging that she can get a “little feisty” when it comes to defending the court’s reputation.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 13.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt alerted parties in a homicide case about a juror’s alleged violation of a pre-deliberation instruction Jan. 8, two weeks before the defendant was slated for sentencing.
Reginald Steele, 26, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in multiple shootings, including the March 1, 2020 fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on the 600 block of S Street, NW.
During the hearing, Judge Brandt said earlier this week she was alerted that a juror posted images of the jury deliberation room, one of which depicted jurors as they started deliberations.
The main concern was the jurors’ identities being made public.
Megan Allburn, Steele’s attorney, voiced her “extreme concern,” stating “immediately upon being selected on this jury, [the juror] is directly violating an instruction with the court – which I think then begins to taint his entire action as a juror and deliberating juror in this jury.”
Allburn stated she was concerned about Steele’s right to a fair jury, insisting that the posts call into question all of his actions and whether or not he convicted Steele based on the evidence provided by the parties in trial, or by outside information.
“To post faces of his fellow jurors is just… it completely upsets the justice process. I am extremely concerned,” Allburn said. “I’m in uncharted territory here, your honor.”
The prosecution disagreed the juror might not have given Steele a fair trial, stating “the only thing I see so far is that someone took pictures of a place they were going to spend two months in.”
They further argued there is no evidence that the juror included extraneous information in their deliberations, but agreed it was “not smart to do what he did.”
Parties agreed to have the juror appear before the court to explain what transpired, and are slated to reconvene Jan. 23.
Steele’s sentencing has been postponed.
A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz’s courtroom partially convicted six carjacking co-defendants, but fully convicted another on Jan. 6, following two months of trial.
Irshaad Ellis-Bey, 20, Isaiah Flowers, 20, Taj Giles, 20, Byron Gillum, 20, Jahkai Goff, 21, Jaelen Jordan, 20, and Warren Montgomery, 20, are charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery while armed. These charges stem from the group’s alleged involvement in a series of armed carjackings and the subsequent distribution of the stolen vehicles between February and May of 2023.
Additionally, everyone, except Montgomery, is charged with two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking, receiving stolen property of $1000 or more, and robbery while armed.
The carjackings occurred on Feb. 27, 2023 at the intersection of 20th Street and Sunderland Place, NW, on April 27, 2023 at the intersection of K and 8th Streets, NE, and May 16, 2023 on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW.
During the hearing, the jury, which had been deliberating since Dec. 12, alerted the parties that they had reached a verdict for multiple charges, but were unable to reach a unanimous decision on many others.
According to Judge Kravitz, their note stated any further deliberations would not be productive.
The jury convicted Goff of an armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and unauthorized use of a vehicle, but was unable to reach a unanimous decision on one count of unauthorized use of a vehicle, and acquitted him of all other charges. Montgomery was convicted of all charges.
Flowers was convicted of conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, three counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, and two counts of robbery while armed. The jury acquitted him of two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and was unable to reach a unanimous decision on four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, an armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and an unauthorized use of a vehicle charge.
Ellis-Bey was convicted of two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and acquitted of everything else.
Giles was convicted of conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, three counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, two counts of robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He was acquitted of two additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and the jury was unable to reach a verdict on two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Gillum was convicted of conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, three counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, and two counts of robbery while armed. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking, robbery while armed and unauthorized use of a vehicle. He was acquitted on two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Jordan was convicted of conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, three counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of armed carjacking, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery while armed. He was acquitted of two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and receiving stolen property. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on a charge of unauthorized use of a vehicle, armed carjacking, and robbery while armed.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 30 to allow the prosecution time to decide what to do with the unresolved charges and set sentencing dates.
A homicide defendant with a jury trial scheduled to begin in less than two months rejected a plea offer from prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Jan. 7.
Wonell Jones Jr., 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime od violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Audora Williams on July 19, 2022 on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE. Williams suffered a total of 52 gunshot wounds and other injuries.
Jones’ attorneys, Megan Allburn and Steven Kiersh, told parties their client rejected a plea deal extended by prosecutors. The prosecution said if Jones pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, they would dismiss any greater and remaining charges.
Judge Ryan confirmed with Jones that he rejected the offer and wanted to proceed with his trial scheduled to begin on March 3.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a trial readiness hearing on Feb. 3.
On Dec. 17, the same day Carlton Simon, 20, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, he sent a handwritten note to DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman saying he wanted to reverse course—not only to plead innocent but also get a new lawyer.
“I beg you,” wrote Simon.
However, after a brief conference at the bench with his lawyer, Kevin Irving, on Jan. 8, Simon again changed his mind and withdrew his request to abandon the guilty plea in return for waiving an indictment on greater charges.
Simon was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Angel Dominguez on May 29 on the 900 block of Florida Avenue, NW. Dominguez sustained five gunshot wounds to his chest, calf, thigh, knee, and forearm.
“I was really scared, honestly. I feel like I was peer pressured by my lawyer to take that plea,” wrote Simon. Simon maintained Irving was only focused on the sentencing guidelines, not the defendant’s mental health. In the one page note, he asked the judge to transfer his case to mental health court.
However, Simon said his lawyer told him that couldn’t happen. “Why I don’t know. I asked him why…but he always has some maneuver around what I be asking him,” wrote Simon.
Addressing Simon’s concerns, Judge Edelman said DC’s Mental Health Community Court only handles misdemeanors and that Simon’s case is “not close to being eligible.”
There was no mention about whether Irving would continue to represent Simon. HIs sentencing remains set for Feb. 20.
