Defense Asks About Possible Gang Connection to 2020 Homicide

On Feb. 7, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe resumed the trial of a 2020 fatal shooting case with questions raised about a possible link to a criminal gang.

Terrell Poe, 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Christopher Washington, 30, on Sept. 23, 2020, on the 400 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

Prosecutors called an individual who claimed his white truck had been stolen in July 2020. The prosecution presented photographs of the truck, which he identified as his. He also identified stickers on the truck present when it was stolen.

Prosecutors alleged that Poe stole the witness’ truck and that the vehicle was used to carry out the crime.

Prosecutors also called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who testified about the recovery of “a phone and key fob” at the scene.

They utilized surveillance footage to corroborate the detective’s testimony. One of the videos showed the white truck at the scene of the crime, with an individual leaving the vehicle. Moments later, a shooting occurred at a bus stop next to where the truck was parked.

“Based on the videos, we followed either the decedent or the suspect video from one location to the next,” the detective said.

According to the detective, a compilation created with footage from local businesses presented “a fair and accurate” representation of events that day.

A white pickup truck was spotted across different location including a convenience store and a church. The detective alleged it was the same truck that had been stolen months before the shooting.

Prosecutors say Poe first drove the vehicle from a parking lot near a church to the scene of the shooting. After the shooting, they say, Poe drove it back to the church parking lot.

During cross-examination, Poe’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, questioned the detective about a comment made by his partner in several reports about a “Duffy gang-gang crew,” a gang which is believed to congregate in the neighborhood where the crime occurred.

Although the detective could not recall gathering information about the group, he affirmed that detectives are advised to make note of which neighborhood where crews operate.

“It could garner more investigative leads as to whether a particular crew is having a feud in that area,” the detective confirmed.

During King’s cross-examination of the detective, he acknowledged the timing of the surveillance footage from the nearby church was slightly off.

“If you don’t know that [the exact time], then how would you be able to place it in a timeline?” King questioned.

To compensate, the detective said he used a witness statement from Washington’s best friend to determine how the footage fit chronologically.

The prosecution called their next witness, a friend of Washington’s who lived across the street from the church connected to the crime scene.

According to the witness, on the day of the incident, he, his friend, and both their daughters were in the church parking lot riding bikes. The witness said he saw Poe pull into the parking lot driving a white pick-up truck, immediately able to sense something wasn’t right.

“He pulled in very aggressively,” the witness recalled, adding, “Being a parent, I knew something was wrong. I just got a bad vibe.”

The witness said he and his group left the parking lot to go to the gas station nearby. Returning to his apartment, the witness said he could hear a gun firing.

“I heard some shots,” the witness said. “Not knowing it was my friend [who was shot].”

The prosecution proceeded by presenting several text messages between the witness and a number that he believed belonged to Poe. The texts reached out to the witness after the incident saying that he had money to give him. The unknown number repeatedly used the nickname “Fat Boy,” which the witness indicated refers to Poe.

“I only know one ‘Fat Boy’ who hangs around them,” the witness said. “It threw a red flag, and I was confused on what was going on.”

In the days following the incident, the witness said he noticed Poe and his friends outside his apartment. The witness alleged they were “looking for (my) red BMW” to exchange the money they previously promised.

In King’s cross-examination, she raised the witness’s criminal history along with his possible involvement in the “Duffy gang-gang crew.” King pointed to records that indicated the witness was convicted of selling drugs more than 10 years ago. However, the witness claimed he was no longer involved in drug sales and had never been involved in any “gang” in his area.

King continued by questioning the witness’s recollection of the events that occurred on the incident date.

The witness returned to his original testimony that said he and his daughter were in the lot together riding bikes, as footage of them shows only that he was present in the parking lot.

King emphasized the contradictions between his testimony at trial and his prior testimony in front of the grand jury.

“You said to the Grand Jury that you were concerned at that time because your daughter was in the lot with you and now you’re testifying that she was in the house,” King said.

The witness reiterated that he and his daughter were riding bikes in the parking lot that day, and the exact timing of each event was no longer as clear in his mind as it was when he testified before the grand jury.

“That video [his original testimony] was right after the crime,” the witness said. “Now it’s been years since it happened.”

Due to time constraints, King did not get to conclude her cross-examination of the witness.

Parties are slated to return on Feb. 8.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

In a Feb. 7 hearing, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors in DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian’s courtroom.

Chanel Clinton, 27, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her involvement in a non-fatal shooting on January 18, outside of a 7-Eleven on the 4800 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE. The incident left one individual suffering from gunshot wounds.

Clinton accepted an offer which required her to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution’s not indicting her on other charges.

Clinton’s attorney, John Sample, alerted the judge and prosecutor that Clinton has no criminal history, graduated from a military school, and was working as an armed security guard at the time of the incident.

Sample requested Clinton be placed on 24-hour house arrest, and gestured towards her family members in the gallery, who agreed to house her for the duration of her supervised release.

The prosecutor reiterated that, despite the defendant’s educational achievements and career, it didn’t justify the irresponsible use of her duty firearm against the victim.

Prosecutors displayed body-worn camera footage, which showed the officer who made contact with Clinton attempting to break up the argument between Clinton and the victim. The defendant then drew her firearm and shot the victim, striking her in the shoulder.

Judge Christian denied the request, citing the severity of the offense, and the irresponsible use of her work-provided firearm.

Parties are expected to reconvene on April 22 for sentencing.

Judge Orders Prosecution to Give Defense Some Body-Worn Camera Footage

On Feb. 7, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ordered the prosecution to provide the defense with body-worn camera footage of a homicide defendant at the scene of the crime.

Juan Guerra, 31, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 31-year-old Peter Miller, which occurred on Oct. 6, 2023, on the 900 block of Maine Avenue, SW.

According to court documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious person, where they located Miller inside of a residence. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition. On Oct. 11, he succumbed to his injuries. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) ruled Miller’s death a homicide, and the cause of death to be from blunt force trauma.

In Guerra’s preliminary hearing, defense attorney Kevin Mosley requested certain pieces of evidence in the prosecution’s possession be turned over to defense counsel.

Including body-worn camera footage of Metro Police Department (MPD) officers speaking with Guerra at the scene, as well as footage of the search of the residence where Miller was found.

According to court documents and the prosecution, Guerra appeared to be moving objects in the residence when MPD arrived.

The prosecution responded that the defense is not entitled to the footage because it was four hours long, and that Guerra was only visible in portions of it. They stated that they had already provided the defense with the facts of what had occurred in the video, so sending them the video would be unnecessary.

Additionally, the prosecution argued several witnesses are present in the video, and they could be endangered risk if the footage was released.

Mosley argued he was entitled to the footage because he needed to confirm the prosecution’s summary of events, and could not simply accept their version as fact. Further, all of the witnesses were already known to Guerra and had been his former friends, so the footage should not pose any safety risk,

Mosley also stated that he would need the footage in order to see any potential injuries Guerra might have that could indicate that he was acting in self defense. Mosley stated that since there had been no eyewitnesses to the crime, this footage could be useful in determining what had actually happened.

Judge Okun ruled that the defense does not need the full four-hour video, but the prosecution has to provide them clips of the footage where the defendant can be seen or heard speaking.

The prosecution agreed to do this, but stated that it would take them around a week to edit the footage and address safety concerns regarding any witnesses visible in the clips.

Judge Okun issued a continuance for the preliminary hearing and scheduled it for Feb. 27 with a different judge, as he would be unable to preside on that date.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 6 on the 3200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a traffic collision, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries inside of a vehicle. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 48-year-old Rufus Brown.

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 Makes Second Arrest in Northwest Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a second arrest was made in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 21, 2023, on the 900 block of U Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a male victim with gunshot wound injuries. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 24-year-old Diamonte Lewis.

On Dec. 5, a 16-year-old male from Virginia was arrested and charged as an adult with second-degree murder while armed.

On Feb. 6, pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant, 20-year-old Na’eem Butler was arrested after he was extradited from State College, PA. He was charged with second-degree murder while armed.

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.

Search