Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 40 Years

During a Jan. 10 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to 40 years of incarceration, with five years of supervised release.

Travis Littlejohn, 38, was found guilty on four charges of assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of aggravated assault while armed, and multiple counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a mass shooting that occurred on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, on July 5, 2019.

According to court documents, four victims sustained non-life threatening wounds as a result of an altercation at a Shell gas station.

Judge Raffinan said that Littlejohn was found guilty on all 28 counts during his trial. She also explained that when deciding Littlejohn’s sentence, she considered the facts of his case, his education, employment status and criminal history.

That includes a previous charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed, as well as abuse and neglect of a child.

Judge Raffinan imposed a sentence of 10 years for all four of Littlejohn’s assault with intent to kill charges, running consecutively, totaling 40 years. Judge Raffinan then imposed a sentence of six years for every other charge, running concurrently with the other four charges. In addition, Littlejohn will face five years of supervised release, and must register as a gun offender. .

There are no further dates set in this case.

document: MPD Searching for Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a Jan. 4 shooting on the 1600 block of Butler Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, the victim was driving at the location, when the suspect intentionally shot at his vehicle. The victim was not injured, but his vehicle was damaged. The suspect then fled the scene.

The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera.

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.

Cell Site Expert Testifies Shooting Defendant’s Phone was in General Area at Time of Incident

On Jan. 10, a cell site expert testified that a cell phone associated with a shooting defendant was in the general area of the incident at the time of the offense in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom.

Kenneth Davis, 45, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, two counts of assault with intent to kill against a minor while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one individual on May 19, 2021, on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.

Prosecutors called on a Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) special agent, who specializes on historical cell site data, to testify about a phone’s location, associated with Davis, on the day of the incident.

Judge Brandt accepted the agent as a qualified specialized witness.

In his testimony, the agent discussed how he was able to map the general location of the cellular device based on the towers it was connected to. According to the witness, a “cell phone is constantly scanning its surroundings looking for the best or strongest signal,” however, it does not mean the phone will connect to the closest tower.

He further explained that through his investigation, he found that the phone number, which the prosecution had shared with him, had been in the “general area” of the incident, and that there is no way for him to tell the cell phone’s exact location.

Parties are slated to return Jan. 11 for more testimony.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

On Jan. 10, a homicide defendant waived his right to independent DNA testing of evidence recovered at a crime scene before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Bernard Eddy, 23, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Sept. 10, 2019 on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE, resulting in the death of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite.

The prosecution informed the court that biological materials were found in relation to this case, but that they did not test any of these materials for DNA.

Eddy’s defense attorney, Julie Swaney, informed the court that Eddy has chosen to waive his right to independently test DNA in his case.

Judge Raffinan explained to Eddy that he has a right to independently test the DNA found in this case if he chooses, but Eddy continued to waive his right.

Parties are expected to reconvene Sep. 12.

Probable Cause Ruling Continued in Homicide Case

On Jan. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun continued a probable cause ruling in a homicide case.

Jahi Settles, 24, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Langston Sharps on July 3, 2023, on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.

The prosecution began by calling the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) lead detective on the case to testify.

The detective explained that in surveillance footage shown to the court, an individual identified as Settles is seen walking up to Sharps’ vehicle. According to the detective, Settles later explained to him that he had previously bought shoes from Sharps, and had not paid him.

The detective said Settles told him about their interaction outside of Sharps’ vehicle that day, saying that Sharps punched him and initiated a fight. However, the prosecution emphasized that Settles never provided information regarding Sharps’ possessing a weapon during the fight.

According to the detective, Settles never admitted to shooting Sharps, and said that at the time of the shooting, Settles ran and hid behind nearby buildings. The detective explained that Settles insinuated the other individuals that were in the vehicle with Sharps at the time could have been responsible for the shooting.

The prosecution mentioned a witness who dropped Settles off to the crime scene that day and had previously dropped him off there as well. This witness said Settles had previously been to that area due to drug sales. However, the defense objected to the comment which was sustained by Judge Okun.

The prosecution also mentioned a witness who has been allegedly receiving threatening messages from a third party, pointing out the danger she could be facing. The threats allegedly involved the witness’ being harmed or killed, and are paired with gun emojis.

During cross-examination, Settles’ attorney, Roderick Thompson, also questioned the detective about the witnesses. According to the detective, none of the witnesses ever described Settles as saying anything threatening, or refer to a gun or weapon. However, the detective explained that a witness said that he heard an argument between Settles and Sharp over money.

According to the detective, through the surveillance footage, he was unable to determine which words were being said by whom. Thompson pointed out that this information was likely important to determine the level of the argument, and the instigator.

Thompson further pointed out that in the footage, Settles falls after being punched twice by Sharps, and then he is seen raising his arm. He also questioned the detective about observing a firearm in the surveillance footage. The detective explained that in the several times he viewed the footage, he agreed a firearm can’t be seen.

Thompson further questioned the detective about the cartridges found on the scene, which the detective explained don’t point to Settles in any way in DNA results.

Thompson then addressed the threats that the witness has allegedly received, saying that Settles was incarcerated at the time of these threats. He then questioned the detective about his knowledge of these texts. The detective explained that he knew about them through the witness, but never actually looked at the texts himself to confirm.

Due to scheduling, Judge Okun continued his ruling.

The parties are expected to reconvene Jan. 10.

‘I Was Kidnapped,’ Victim Claimed About Her Material Witness Arrest in Shooting Trial

On Jan. 8, a shooting victim, who was arrested under a material witness warrant, reluctantly testified in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

The victim, who prosecutors claimed refused to show up from the very start of the trial, was arrested by US Marshals on Jan. 5 after prosecutors pleaded with Judge Brandt to bring her in. She spent the weekend at the DC Jail to ensure she would testify on Jan. 8.

When asked by prosecutors where she spent the weekend, the victim stated “in your hell hole,” referencing the DC Jail. Prosecutors asked why, to which she replied “I didn’t feel comfortable being here today,” claiming the prosecution did not help ensure her and her children’s safety after the incident.

In her testimony, the victim, who was shot in a road rage incident with her two underage children in the vehicle, stated multiple times that she did not want to be a part of the trial and was worried about her and her children’s safety.

Prosecutors asked her if anything unusual occurred on the day of the incident. “Nothing unusual, other than I got shot in broad daylight,” she replied sarcastically.

During her testimony, the victim stated that, at the time of the incident, she did not see the shooter’s face. Rather, she said, she was able to identify the shooter after repeatedly watching surveillance footage of the incident.

According to the victim, she turned on her turn signal to merge into the next lane when her vehicle’s safety system alerted her she was very near the shooter’s car. She claimed that the shooter exited his Maserati, walked towards her Lexus and, “He just started shooting”.

She insisted she never exchanged words or met with the individual who shot her. She testified that in order to ensure her and her children’s safety, she drove off, stopping only after she hit a light post at the intersection.

“Why the f**k would he do that,” she said in her grand jury testimony, which was discussed in open court.

She stated she was transported to a hospital for, “I guess treatment for a gunshot victim”.

“It caused mental havoc,” she insisted, when discussing how the incident has affected her life. “I was kidnapped from my home,” she proclaimed, referencing her arrest on Friday.

She went on to state the incident “traumatized [her son] even to this day… he acts out obscenely from this situation”. She went on to state that on July 4, 2021, her son became uncomfortable with the loud noises, when referring to fireworks, and added that the noises reminded him of gunshots.

The victim made it clear she did not want to continue her involvement with the case, going as far as to say “I don’t want to perjure myself and get sent back to jail,” during her testimony.

During cross examination, Marnitta King, Davis’ defense attorney, questioned her regarding her injury and how big of a hole any type of gun would make. “I don’t wanna know, I couldn’t tell you about a bullet,” she said, adding “Once I knew I was shot, I thought I was gonna die”.

Parties are slated to return Jan. 8.

Request to Modify Release Terms of Shooting Defendant Denied

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Jan. 9, a request to modify the release terms of a juvenile shooting suspect was denied.

Cedrick Brockington, 18, is accused of a shooting that left the victim in critical condition on Nov. 15, 2022 on the 1200 block of 5th Street, NW.

Brockington was indicted on one count of assault with intent to murder while armed, one count of assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of unlawful possession of ammunition, one count of possession of an unregistered firearm, and one count of carrying a dangerous weapon during a felony.

During the proceeding Brockington’s attorney Joseph Yarbough argued his client’s release terms should be modified, extending his curfew from 10 p.m. until midnight.

Yarbough says he received a probation report from DC Pretrial Services indicating Brockington “continues to remain in compliance.”

However, the prosecutor replied she has seen no new information from DC Pretrial Services requesting a change in Brockington’s status. Arguing to reduce his client’s restrictions, Yarbough said Brockington is scheduled to graduate from high school online in April and he’s “doing well.”

Judge Raffinan said she is concerned that Brockington is facing an 11-count indictment including assault with intent to murder while armed.

Therefore, Judge Raffinan denied the motion maintaining Brockington’s 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.

The next hearing in the case is set for April 12.

Document: Man Dead After Being Struck by Vehicle

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Investigations Unit is investigating the death of a man after a vehicle struck him on Jan. 7.

According to MPD documents, an unknown vehicle was traveling westbound on Suitland Parkway, SE, when it struck an adult male pedestrian at the intersection of Stanton Road, SE, and fled the scene. The pedestrian was transported to a hospital for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 22-year-old Kevin Wims.

Anyone with knowledge about the incident should contact MPD.

Document: Man Dead After Being Struck by Vehicle in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Investigations Unit is investigating the death of a man after a traffic crash on Jan. 3.

According to MPD documents, a single car accident occurred on I-295 southbound at the weigh station. The driver called 911 and waited on the side of the road. A short time later, a second accident occurred in the same area and the driver pulled over by the weigh station, called 911, and waited outside his vehicle.

DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived on the scene and partially blocked travel lanes due to the accident. A vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed attempted to use the weigh station lane to bypass the accident scene, striking the second vehicle and its driver. The male driver succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The driver of the striking vehicle fled the scene on foot.

The victim was identified as 54-year-old Michael Scott Hamlin.

Anyone with any knowledge of the incident should contact MPD.

Document: Man Arrested for a Fatal Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 20, 2023 on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 35-year-old Rodney Snead.

On Jan. 5, pursuant to an arrest warrant, 22-year-old Cory Heard was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Eyewitnesses Testify Regarding Shooting Incident

On Jan. 5, two eyewitnesses testified regarding their experience observing a non-fatal shooting incident in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom.

An eyewitness who began her testimony on Jan. 4 returned to be cross-examined by Davis’ defense attorney, Marnitta King.

During cross-examination, King questioned her about her previous testimony in the grand jury, where she discussed the shooter’s position from her vehicle and how long he remained outside his. “I can’t tell you what I remembered in the grand jury… I’m trying to forget the whole situation,” said the witness, who had previously stated the situation gives her severe anxiety.

“I did not want to come here today,” the witness added, stating that the only reason she did is because prosecutors told her the court could send a warrant out for her arrest to come testify.

Following the witness’ testimony, prosecutors called on another eyewitness to testify. According to the eyewitness, he has prior military experience serving in the Army in Afghanistan. He told the court he was on his way home from work when the incident ensued in May 2021.

According to the witness, he heard about seven to nine shots being fired, but did not actually see the shooter until later on, when he researched the incident online and found surveillance footage of the shooting.

During his testimony, the witness explained that, following the shooting, he got out of his vehicle to attend to those in a Lexus who had been involved in the shooting incident. In the vehicle, he testified, was an agitated mother and her son and daughter. According to the witness, the boy was scared and trembling, and suffered an injury to his right hand. The mother, he said, sustained an injury to her left arm.

Prosecutors displayed images of the victims at the crime scene, which the witness identified as the people he helped that day.

During cross examination, King questioned the witness about what he specifically saw. The witness explained he didn’t specifically see the shooting occur, but did see the shooter facing in his direction, get back in his car and flee the scene.

When asked why he researched the incident days later, the witness stated he wanted to know what happened and “I just wanted the full picture”.

Parties are slated to return Jan. 8 for further testimony.

Judge Denies Plea Deal in Sentencing of Homicide Defendant

On Jan. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe denied a guilty plea deal for a homicide defendant, claiming the crime requires a stronger sentence.

Dreaun Young, 19, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the shooting of 26-year-old Michael Brittingham on Aug. 6, 2020, on the 600 block of 46th Street, SE.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) located and arrested Young in Hollywood, California for an ongoing rape case, before later finding out that he was wanted for a murder charge in the District. He was extradited to DC on Sept. 20, 2022.

According to court documents, Young and Brittingham knew each other from around the neighborhood, and had become friends. According to witnesses from the night of the incident, there was a dispute between them about money. Brittingham allegedly sold drugs in the area and Young owed him money. According to the documents, the shooting occurred outside of an ice cream truck, in a public place.

On Aug. 21, 2023, Young accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors, which required he plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in connection to the killing. The parties agreed on a sentencing range of 7-and-a-half to 11 years incarceration.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge O’Keefe considered and denied Young’s plea deal, stating that something about this case is more ominous than initially appears. He further argued that the first two shots may have been voluntary manslaughter, but that the other seven shots were first-degree murder, and Young’s actions required more time incarcerated..

Judge O’Keefe then informed the court that he was not accepting the plea deal, and argued that it would not effectively fit the crime.

Prior to Judge O’Keefe’s denial, the prosecution characterized this crime as “an act of anger, someone who lost control, and could have taken numerous other lives,” arguing the incident occurred in broad daylight. They followed by calling up members of Brittinghams’s family to make statements to the court.

The first person to make a statement was Brittingham’s brother, who emotionally expressed that “Michael always had a smile on his face no matter what he was doing”. Brittingham’s aunt followed with her statement, saying “the sad part is that when you get shot in the back, but you turn around to see who’s holding the smoking gun, it’s worse”.

This in reference to the relationship that Young and Brittingham had, which was described as Brittingham taking Young under his wing. According to Brittingham’s family, Young and Brittingham were close friends.

Then Brittingham’s sister emotionally addressed the defendant. She said “You know that Michael Brittingham loved you and cared for you”, and “I want you to think in your mind how it feels to take a sibling away”.

Brittingham’s mother then addressed the defendant and the court in her statement. “You made one heck of an impact on my life,” she told Young, adding “I don’t think 11 years is remotely enough time…your soul belongs to Michael.”

She added, “When you close your eyes you see Michael too”, “you felt no remorse”, and “He will be remembered”.

Then, Young’s defense attorney, Dana Page, explained that Young had a very traumatic childhood, including the loss of his mother and living in an impoverished neighborhood. Page exclaimed that, “he regrets this deeply”, and insisted Young grew up in a “cycle of hell”.

Page explained further that Young became trapped in the cycle, and that the “regret he has for what happened is real”. She further referenced his criminal history score of zero, past trauma, and that he has learned a lot in jail. She asked the court to accept the plea deal and sentence Young to 7-and-a-half-years.

In addition to Page’s pleadings, Young made a statement to the court himself, saying “I truly do apologize”, and “However I am sentenced, I’ll accept it”, saying “I am truly sorry from the top of my heart and my mind”.

Folllowing Judge O’Keefe’s denial of the plea agreement, defense counsel requested additional time to discuss the decision with Young.

The parties are expected to reconvene on Jan. 26.

Judge Finds Probable Cause Teen Suspect Committed Murder

In a second preliminary hearing DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo ruled on Jan. 5 there is enough evidence to bring a teen-age murder suspect to trial.

Lorinzo Thompson, 18, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of a 14-year old Niko Estep on the 2600 block of 14th Street NW, on Nov. 3. Thompson, who was 17 at the time of the incident, is being tried as an adult under the Title 16 rule giving prosecutors that option.

According to court documents, Estep sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the torso. An additional juvenile victim had three gunshot wounds, but survived.

Based on her review of the evidence, including photo and surveillance footage showing clothing worn by the suspect is similar to images of Thompson in an Instagram live post, Judge Demeo said, there is “strong identification of the defendant as the shooter.”

Prosecutors say Thompson refers to the victim in the video.

Thompson’s attorney Joseph Yarbough said that his client has already received letters of family support. Further, there’s a video from the family made on Thompson’s behalf, but they are reluctant to show it to anyone besides Judge Demeo for fear of retaliation.

However, given that it’s evidence, the prosecutor says she needs to see the material which could ultimately be the subject of a protective order.

Judge Demeo says she will rule on Thompson’s continued detention at a hearing on Jan.12. Meanwhile, he’s being held in the DC Jail.

Murder Suspect Rejects Plea Deal, Trial Date Set

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Jan. 5, David Howard rejected a plea deal from prosecutors.

Howard, 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of Ali Zarrincalaki, 45, on March 2 on the 4200 block of Kansas Avenue, NW. Howard and Zarrincalaki were both experiencing homelessness and camping near one another close to the Petworth Metro Station.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found Zarrincalaki at the Petworth Library with multiple stab wounds. Howard was detained by several bystanders as they awaited medical assistance for the victim who succumbed to his wounds.

The prosecution offered Howard the option of pleading guilty to second-degree murder while armed, destruction of property in the amount of less than $1,000 and unlawful entry. The latter changes related to Howard allegedly setting the victim’s tent on fire.

Howard said he rejected the deal which would have included the dismissal of all greater charges.

When Judge Demeo asked Howard if he understood that rejecting the deal could expose himself to the original counts, he acknowledged the risk.

The judge set Howard’s trial date for Oct. 20, 2025.

Judge Finds Suspect Guilty of Murder With ‘Intent to Kill Without Warning’

In an emotionally charged hearing on Jan. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found Matthew Walker guilty of first-degree murder and all other charges in connection to a shooting that also maimed another victim.

Walker was accused of first-degree murder while armed and seven other counts including assault with intent to kill and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence for hisconnection to an incident on the 1700 block of Hamlin Street, NE, on Feb. 14, 2019.

In a separate case, Walker is also charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 23-year-old Jamal Green-Lee to death on the 100 block of Michigan Avenue, NE on April 29, 2019. Green-Lee died on Nov. 4, 2020, due to his injuries.

In a painstaking recapitulation, Judge Demeo reviewed the evidence presented in the four day bench trial. The judge said the prosecution had met its burden of proof showing that Walker had premeditatively and voluntarily killed David Remen, 32, along with grievously wounding Mike Hardy who was also shot multiple times.

The pair was at an employment agency for low-skilled workers just as the business was opening at 5:49 a.m. on Valentine’s Day.

“Simply put, the defendant came with the intent to kill, quickly and without warning,” said Judge Demeo. She labeled it a “heinous crime.”

As Judge Demeo methodically worked her way through the verdict, about a dozen members of the shooting victim’s family watched as the five-year-old case finally headed toward conclusion. Meanwhile, Walker showed no emotion as Judge Demeo repeatedly pronounced him guilty.

In the end, Walker’s defense counsel, Stephen LoGerfo called for a delay in the pre-sentencing report to see if a “global disposition” that would include Walker’s other charges could be addressed. Meanwhile, the prosecution wanted to proceed immediately.

To accommodate “room for dissent” Judge Demeo agreed to hold off on the report in lieu of a “post disposition status” hearing Jan.19 to see if there was any progress toward a resolution. She set the sentencing for April 5.

After the proceeding, family members and supporters gathered around Hardy’s widow as she fought back tears. He died three years after the attack at age 57, still suffering the physical and emotional aftermath.

While one family member expressed frustration that the “wheels of justice” hadn’t finalized the case in five years, the shooting victim’s widow expressed mixed feelings. While she felt that the verdict was just, there was “no full closure” because her husband was gone.

She promised to have “a lot to say at the sentencing,” things she wasn’t able to say during the trial.

In closing arguments on Jan. 5, the prosecutor said Walker’s state of mind was assault with intent to kill, “Souley, intentionally and premeditatively” at point blank range. The prosecutor also said Walker caused, “horrible, horrible, horrible bodily injury” to Hardy.

In summarizing the evidence, the prosecutor referenced surveillance footage of a masked man wearing a hoodie with a distinctive red and white stripe on the jacket entering victims’ office. The footage shows the suspect opening fire with Remen collapsing as smoke from the gunfire fills the area. More footage traces the suspect’s “flight path” as he runs away from the scene.

Police were able to recover the clothing, the gun, and mask near the shooting which were subjected to DNA analysis. It showed with astronomical odds in many instances that Walker’s DNA was “very likely” on the evidence compared to others who might have been involved.

Another critical piece of evidence was a piece of paper found in the abandoned jacket that contained Walker’s phone number. The prosecutors said there was a series of concentric circles tightening around Walker who was a denizen of the neighborhood near the crime scene.

In his closing, defense attorney LoGerfo said the killing was “hardly planned.” Further, he said, “Someone would have had a motive.” There was apparently no connection between Walker and his victims. He had never worked at the employment agency.

LoGerfo tried to discredit a firearms expert who said the recovered gun likely fired the fatal bullets as lacking statistical validity. The defense counsel also noted there was varying degrees of certainty about the strength of the DNA comparisons.

In the end, LoGerfo said, the government’s case was purely circumstantial.

In redirect the prosecutor said, someone who looked like Walker, shot two people, with DNA evidence linking him to the crime, with DNA probability range of septillions and quadrillions.

“Who else?” said the prosecutor.