Parties Postpone Trial for Co-Defendants in Non-Fatal Shooting Case Due to Delays in DNA Testing

A status hearing on Feb. 7, for a 2021 shooting case resulted in the postponement of a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Eric Latney, 27, and James Crossland, 27, are charged with conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with a dangerous weapon, for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting. The incident occurred on July 8, 2021, on the 200 block of 56th street NE.

According to court documents, the victim was found at the crime scene with four gunshot wounds, and was transported to a local hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.

In the hearing, Nikki Lotze, Latney’s defense attorney, and Johnathan Armstrong, Crossland’s defense attorney, requested that a sample of DNA evidence collected for the case be split.

Prosecution held that the splitting of DNA evidence was typically a risk to the reliability of the findings. However, they weren’t sure and requested one week’s continuance to speak with forensic officials.

The judge granted the prosecution’s request, giving them until Feb. 16. So the original March 18 trial date was vacated.

Lotze requested Latney’s stay-away order from the District to be lifted as the family member he had been living with during his release will be moving to the city.

She argued that the stay-away order was unfair to Latney because the prosecution had much stronger evidence against Crossland and they did not request a stay-away order.

The prosecution responded that they would need to know the exact address Latney would potentially be moving to in order to determine if it was sufficiently far from the crime scene to amend the stay-away order.

Judge Okun agreed with the prosecution, and temporarily denied the defense’s motion, telling them to refile it once they had more information.

Another status hearing is set for March 8.

‘We Didn’t Know Where He Was,’ Victim’s Mother Testifies in Homicide Trial

On Feb. 6, an opening statement was presented along with testimony from several prosecution witnesses at the start of a fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Terrell Poe, 37, is 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 alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Christopher Washington on Sept. 23, 2020, on the 400 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

Prosecutors delivered their opening statement identifying Poe as the individual responsible for the fatal shooting.

They narrated a timeline of events leading up to the incident showing images related to the crime scene, including an image of the bus stop where the incident took place and an image of a red iPhone, which they claimed belonged to Poe.

The prosecution also presented CCTV footage that corresponded with their timeline of the crime.

The video showed an individual, who they identified as Poe, on the incident scene as further evidence of guilt.

Poe’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, reserved her opening statement.

Prosecutors then summoned an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who said he was at a gas station close by when he heard the sounds of gunshots and promptly drove to the crime scene.

At the crime scene, the officer cordoned off the area.

During the incident, the officer wore a body cam, which the prosecution says confirms its sequence of the events.

During King’s cross-examination the officer acknowledged he did not witness the shooting and does not know the individual responsible.

Then the prosecution called Washington’s mother to testify about how she discovered her son had passed away.

According to Washington’s mother, she and her daughter got a call from Washington’s wife that there had been an incident. They both showed up to the crime scene and his body was gone.

“We didn’t know where he was,” proclaimed his mother, adding that the next time they saw him was at a funeral home.

King began her cross examination by questioning the mother if she knew that her son was dealing illegal substances.

Washington’s mother said she was aware, but she said it was not in large amounts, and he only he did it to have some cash.

King also questioned her regarding the nickname her son had on social media and his activities with his friends. His mother was only aware of the nickname, “Flock,” but did not know why they called him that.

Washington’s mother said she had no information about the activities her son was involved in.

Following Washington’s mother’s testimony, prosecutors called on a witness from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) who collected more than ten pieces of evidence from the crime scene including cartridge casings, a red iPhone 12 and a white iPhone XR, along with a camouflage knuckle knife and Toyota car keys. She also took DNA swabs from the scene as well as photos to document the area.

Then she collected the victim’s clothing.

During cross-examination the witness acknowledged there was approximately an hour between when the crime occurred and her arrival so the defense argued that some items might have been placed there intentionally.

Parties are slated to return Feb 7.

Document: MPD Extradites and Charges Man for 2023 Fatal Northwest Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a wanted suspect has been extradited and charged for a stabbing that killed a woman on Dec. 19, 2023, on the 1200 block of 11th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a domestic disturbance, where they located a woman inside of a residence with stab wound injuries. She died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 31-year-old Reyna Garcia-Lopez.

On Dec. 20, 2023, pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant, members of the Great Lake Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested 54-year-old Alberto Valle-Carranza in Michigan City, Indiana.

Valle-Carranza went through the extradition process and was returned to the District. On Feb. 6, he was transported to the Homicide Branch, where he was charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Judge Rules on Evidence in Murder Case

On Feb. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ruled on several prosecution motions to introduce evidence before selecting a jury for a homicide trial.

During the hearing, Judge O’Keefe addressed a pending prosecution motion to introduce a sticker image of a bottle of D’Usse cognac which appears on a picture of a gun on Poe’s phone.

At a previous hearing, the prosecution argued the image is significant because D’Usse stickers were also found on the vehicle allegedly used to commit the crime.

However, Poe’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, argued the symbol is not relevant because it’s trendy and not unique.

Judge O’Keefe allowed the prosecution to introduce the sticker image but redacted so it’s only seen without the gun visible in the background.

Judge O’Keefe allowed the victim’s mother to make limited testimony for the prosecution.

However, the judge denied prosecution requests to present an image of the victim with his two children and a video that the prosecution created, syncing the visual and audio recordings made by ShotSpotter technology of the incident.

However, that evidence may be presented at a later hearing.

Meanwhile the jury has been selected and opening statements are expected to begin Feb. 6.

Document: MPD Seeks Suspects Involved in a Carjacking and Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating suspects in connection to a carjacking and unlawful discharge of a firearm.

According to MPD documents, on Jan. 13, three suspects approached a victim who was sitting in his vehicle on the 3000 block of Idaho Avenue, NW. The suspects, all armed with handguns, demanded the victim get out of the vehicle. When he complied, the suspects took property from him and fled the scene in his vehicle.

On Feb. 3, officers responded to the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE, for the report of sounds of gunshots. A crime scene was located, and no victims were found.

The suspects and the victim’s vehicle, a 2012 Kia Sorento, were captured by surveillance cameras.

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.

Mental Observation for Shooting Defendant Continued and Release Denied

On Feb. 6, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz allowed more time for a defendant’s mental observation hearing while denying his request for release.

Kevin Settles, 36, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, armed carjacking, assault on a police officer while armed, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence shooting. The incident occurred on the 100 block of Ridge Road, SE, on Feb. 23, 2021, and no one was injured.

According to documents from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), officers were in the area of the incident when they heard sounds of gunshots. While they were investigating, the officers encountered the suspect, and he allegedly began shooting at them. He was arrested at the scene.

Settles’ defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, alerted the court they needed additional time before discussing his mental competency to stand trial, stating they’re waiting for a doctor to evaluate him.

McDaniel also requested Settles release from incarceration, adding that he has been held for a long time in jail with no infractions.

The prosecution objected because of Settles’ lengthy criminal record, adding that the circumstances of the case have not changed.

Judge Leibovitz denied his request, stating she would like Settles to meet with doctors in the coming weeks to provide any feedback about his mental health status.

Parties are slated to return March 7.

Judge Continues Two Defense Motions in Homicide Case

On February 6, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt continued two separate motions made by the defense in a 2020 first-degree murder trial

Koran Jackson, 24 and Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, are two 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.

Stephen Nelson, 33, was also allegedly involved and has been charged with two counts of accessory assault after the fact with intent to kill and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm having had a prior conviction less than a year before the shooting.

In the final motion hearing before jury selection, defense attorneys Andrew Ain and Shawn Sukumar spoke on behalf of Freeman, and discussed two motions filed regarding jail phone calls between Freeman and an alleged associate, and the defendant’s criminal history.

On Jan. 31, Judge Brandt granted the admission of three out of four jail phone calls from an associate of Freeman, who had allegedly purchased a firearm that was used in the shooting of Lukes after the incident.

During the motions hearing, parties argued the relevance of information highlighted in the fourth phone call, where the associate and his fiancee discuss whether she is still talking to “Ty,” who prosecutors claim is in reference to Freeman.

Sukumar, on behalf of Freeman, objected to the use of the fourth phone call due to the associate’s unavailability to testify, being detained in another jurisdiction.

Sukumar also raised concern about the prosecution using the phone call in opening statements, without the defense counsel having enough information on the statements made regarding Freeman.

The prosecution responded they are attempting to contact the associate and his attorney to discuss testifying. They added that the associate has a “Fifth Amendment problem”.

Sukumar concurred, and added that if the associate does testify, their statements could be self-incriminating and be against their self-interest.

Parties will continue discussing the motion when the prosecution hears back from the associate’s attorney.

The second motion was to limit the prosecution’s mention of the defendants’ criminal history in establishing an alleged conspiracy to obtain firearms illegally.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, stated that Jackson doesn’t have prior adult convictions.

“It would be very prejudicial for the jury to hear criminal history,” Sukumar stated.

Freeman’s attorneys claim that while the defense will not argue that the firearms in the shooting were obtained legally, the prosecution should not be able to bring attention to the nature of the defendants’ criminal records as reason for illegally obtained firearms.

The defense pointed to the fact that two of the three defendants were underaged at the time of the shooting. Ain claimed the elaboration of specific criminal records would be “prejudicial” toward Freeman.

Defense attorneys for Nelson and Jackson joined in Freeman’s second motion.

According to the prosecution, to prove conspiracy to obtain illegal firearms, they must be able to make reference to any criminal history during the trial.

Judge Brandt has not made any final decisions on either motion.

Jury selection will begin on Feb. 7.

Defense Motions To Reopen Plea Deal in Shooting Case

On Feb 6, before Superior Court Judge Jason Park, a non-fatal shooting defendant’s attorney motioned for the prosecution to re-extend a plea offer due to what was described as an inadequate explanation to the defendant

Travone Henderson, 20, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of unregistered firearm, destruction of property, and receiving stolen 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.

According to documents from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), an off-duty sergeant watched an individual discharge a firearm several times while running down the block.

After officers canvassed the area a 2018 Mercedes GLC linked to the suspect was located with significant damage to the rear right side of the vehicle. MPD was able to stop the suspect at the scene, who was identified as Henderson.

On Jan. 3, during a hearing where another attorney stood in for Henderson’s designated attorney, he rejected a plea deal extended by prosecutors.

Sara Kopecki, Henderson’s current attorney, claims that Henderson was not adequately advised about the plea and that’s why he declined the offer. Kopecki claimed that if the offer was properly discussed, the defendant would have taken the deal.

The defense motioned for Henderson to be allowed to reconsider the offer and requested another date to ensure Henderson’s previous attorney is present.

Parties are slated to return on Feb 20 for a motions hearing.

Newly Appointed Defense Attorney Requests Continued Preliminary Hearing in Shooting Case

On Feb. 6 Superior Court Judge Eric Glover approved a request from the defense attorney to continue a preliminary hearing on a later date.

Amonate McCalvin, 19, is charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of aggravated assault knowingly while armed. McCalvin was allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting incident over a mutual lover on Sept. 8, 2023, on the 4500 block of Condon Terrace, SE.

According to court documents, defense attorney Brandi Harden was appointed as the new counsel for McCalvin on Jan. 31. During the preliminary hearing, Harden requested to have the hearing continued to allow her more time to prepare.

Parties are slated to return on Feb. 22.

Judge Grants Probable Cause Denying Self-Defense Argument

On Feb.6, D.C Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause to bring a homicide defendant’s case to trial.

Roy Jordan, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Gary Lavon Love III on the 4600 block of South Capitol Street, SW, on Nov. 20, 2023.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located Love on the sidewalk, suffering from a gunshot wound. Love later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to discuss surveillance footage from the incident. All four clips were taken from the location of the shooting, and the areas surrounding it.

In one of the videos, an individual identified as Love was observed outside of a tobacco store with other individuals. A few minutes later, an individual, identified as Jordan, emerged from the store brandishing a weapon at Love, who moved towards the sidewalk.

The detective also stated the video evidence showed Jordan firing shots at Love, and added that Love responded by fleeing and firing back at Jordan.. The witness further stated that video evidence showed the defendant fleeing the scene after the shooting.

During cross-examination, Jordan’s defense attorney, Antoini Jones, questioned the detective about any additional shots fired, to which the witness denied any such claim.

Jones alleged there was an inconsistency with the police report in that the evidence presented failed to show an initial shot fired by Love. He cited the video footage, stating that the victim was reaching inside his coat for a gun, and that he later re-entered wearing gloves.

Hence, the defense stated that his “client felt threatened”, and that he was “acting in self-defense.”

In arguing for probable cause, the prosecution stated there was “no indication that the defendant was acting in self-defense.” The defense countered, saying that there was “more than one way to look at this case.”

Skeptical about the self-defense argument, Judge Epstein found probable cause, and held the defendant based on his previous criminal convictions.

The judge agreed with the prosecution stating, “The evidence establishes that beyond probable cause that Jordan did not have an objective basis to believe that he was threatened by Love. If anyone faced a threat, it was Love.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 19.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Request for Release

On Feb. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt reaffirmed probable cause for a fatal shooting case to go to trial and heard parties’ arguments for detention.

Deandre Miles, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Davon Fuller. The shooting took place on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE, on Oct. 16, 2023.

On Feb. 2, Judge Brandt found probable cause that Miles had been the perpetrator, which prompted Miles to storm out of the courtroom as she discussed her ruling. Due to his absence, parties were unable to argue for detention or release.

During the Feb. 5 hearing, Miles apologized.

Judge Brandt accepted the apology, and amended the record that Miles has “been nothing but a gentleman and attentive” in the courtroom.

In light of Miles’ lack of prior criminal convictions, and his courtroom demeanor, defense attorney Kevin Robertson requested Miles be released to home confinement with GPS monitoring to live with a family member.

On the day of the incident, Miles was allegedly helping a family member run errands before the shooting. happened.

The prosecution argued that, while Miles’ does not have prior convictions, he does have two prior contacts with law enforcement where he was arrested after conflicts with two individuals, one of which was a police officer.

Taking into account Miles’ demeanor during the incident, where Miles is seen by surveillance footage allegedly “following, confronting, and waiting for Fuller,” the prosecution argued that Miles should remain detained.

Judge Brandt ruled in favor of the prosecution, explaining that she took into account the nature of the offense as well as the circumstances. Judge Brandt determined that, because the shooting happened in a very public setting in daylight, Miles allegedly endangered the public significantly.

Miles will remain detained as he awaits further proceedings.

Parties are expected to return April 26.

Judge Rules to Suppress Evidence in Non-Fatal Shooting Incident

On Feb. 2, D.C. Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein heard arguments on a defense motion to suppress evidence in connection to a non-fatal shooting incident. Then on Feb. 5, Judge Epstein delivered a 17 page ruling affirming the defense’s argument

“The Court grants defendant Kamara Hoffler’s motion to suppress the handgun that the
police seized from his waistband after he was stopped and searched, because the government has not carried its burden to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the police had reasonable suspicion to stop and search him,” wrote Judge Epstein.

Kamara Hoffler, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and multiple possession of a firearm charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on Sept. 19, 2022, at the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, the prosecution called on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer to testify and review his body-worn camera footage in relation to another matter on the same day as the incident. The officer stated that while he and his partner were on patrol, they came across a group of people, including Hoffler, on the 1200 of Shepherd Street, NW.

The officer testified that he saw what looked like a “huge, L-shaped bulge” in the waistband of Hoffler’s pants, which he believed was a firearm. The officer said that he stepped out of the car to try to speak with Hoffler, but when he started walking away, the officer returned to his car to follow the defendant.

The officer then testified that Hoffler grabbed his waistband in a manner consistent with securing the firearm and ran, at which point the officer’s partner followed after the defendant.

During cross-examination, Jamison Koehler, Hoffler’s defense attorney, reviewed the MPD officer’s partner’s body-worn camera footage. Koehler noted that nowhere in either of the two officers’ camera footage can an L-shaped bulge be seen in the waistband of the defendant, and that in the partner’s camera footage, it appears that the defendant started running away after being chased by the officer’s partner.

The prosecution then called the MPD officer’s partner in to testify.

The partner testified that he had only seen the firearm after the defendant was already in handcuffs and that he never saw the L-shaped bulge.

The prosecution argued that the officers had “reasonable, articulable suspicion” there was a weapon. However, Koehler countered saying that, “Officers seem to see firearms wherever they go.”

Koehler also noted the actions of the MPD officers are inconsistent with their training in that “they are tackling [the defendant] on a hunch”.

He argued this is a violation of Hoffler’s Fourth Amendment right to protect against unreasonable search and seizures as the officers did not have “reasonable suspicion or probable cause to suspect Hoffler at the time they affected the seizure”, evident by the apparent contradiction between the MPD officers’ testimony and the body-worn camera footage.

Judge Epstein ruling reflects the gravity of his decision when he concluded, “Suppression of the alleged murder weapon found in the physical possession of the defendant a few hours after the murder deprives the government of what appears to be its strongest evidence against Mr. Hoffler and may mean that a guilty and possibly dangerous defendant will go free. However, the Court’s duty is to find the facts objectively and impartially.”

Parties are slated to return Feb. 23.

Judge Rules on Text Messages in Homicide Case and Grants Severance for Co-Defendant

On Feb. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ruled on defense’s motion to suppress text messages recovered as evidence from a homicide defendant’s phone.

Koran Jackson, 23, Reginald Steele, 24, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 22,, are four 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.

Steele is also charged in connection to a separate incident which left a seven-year-old boy suffering from gunshot wound injuries on March 20, 2020, on the 2400 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

As a result of the prosecution’s moving forward with the motion to use statements made on Steele’s phone as evidence, Steele motioned for his case to be severed from the other defendants. Judge Brandt granted the motion.

Parties read through 50 pages of text message statements made among the four co-defendants, and the court considered which statements would be admitted into evidence.

Judge Brandt granted in-part, and denied in-part select statements that were sourced from Steele’s phone.

Select statements that were denied include the discussion of narcotics or about individuals not directly involved in the trial. The court considered text message conversations as a whole, rather than ruling on individual statements without context.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, raised concern that some terminology found in the granted text statements were confusing to the defense counsel, and may be confusing for the jury such as “Bet” that can be a confirmation or “FR,” which is an acronym for for real.

Prosecution announced their plans to introduce an intelligence officer as a witness so that the court and jury will have a credible source to understand the slang. According to the prosecution, the officer has more than 20 years of experience, and works closely with young people.

The prosecution added that the defense will be able to cross-examine the witness about the terminology as well.

Parties are slated to return Feb. 6 to continue discussing motions.

Shooting Defendant’s Request For Release Denied

On February 6, Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow denied a motion for release of a non-fatal shooting defendant.

Tyequan Taylor, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business for his alleged involvement in an incident on August 22, 2023, on the 500 block of Taylor Street, NW. No injuries were reported.

According to MPD documents, Taylor allegedly assaulted three victims attending a social event after they confronted him. Taylor then walked towards the front of the residence and allegedly shot a firearm, before fleeing the location in a vehicle, which belonged to another victim.

Taylor’s defense attorney, John Machado, requested his client’s release so that he could reside with his girlfriend and her mother until his next court appearance.

Judge Pasichow stated that due to the serious nature of his charges, and his history of firearm-related offenses, it would be dangerous and wouldn’t “bode well” for her to grant him release.

The defense and prosecution both requested for a continuance in the case so they can continue to negotiate a plea offer.

Parties are slated to return on February 22.

Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

On Feb. 2, a homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors in front of D.C. Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Clarence McKnight, 22, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Brandon Lewis on Dec. 1, 2023. The incident occurred on the 900 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE.

During the hearing, McKnight’s defense attorney, Joseph McCoy, stated that McKnight intended to enter into a plea deal with the prosecution.

The agreement required McKnight to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter unarmed and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The parties agreed to a sentencing range of six-to-12 years, with charges running concurrently.

Judge Epstein accepted the plea as McKnight “knowingly and voluntarily” entered into it.

Parties are slated to return Apr. 12 for sentencing.

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