D.C. Witness Data Shows Homicides Drop 30 Percent in March

According to D.C. Witness data, there were 11 homicide victims and 16 non-fatal shooting victims in March, based on press releases by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). All March homicides stemmed from shootings.

Data from March shows a 31 percent decrease in homicides and 27 percent decrease in non-fatal shooting victims in comparison to February.

On March 17, a mass shooting occurred at the intersection of 7th and P Streets NW, causing five non-fatal injuries and two deaths. 32-year-olds Anthony Brown and Jay Lucks, both 32, both succumbed to their wounds at the scene, while the other victims were hospitalized.

The surviving victims include three men and two women. An investigation is ongoing and MPD is offering a reward for any information about potential assailants.

On March 8, 27-year-old Damon Clark allegedly shot 46-year-old Jimmy Thomas Jr. six times, killing him on the spot. The incident occurred on the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE.

According to court documents, the attack stemmed from a verbal altercation regarding an Airbnb booking. Clark originally left the scene following the shooting, but returned and allegedly handed his firearm and a magazine to responding officers.

Clark was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed. He’s scheduled to appear in court on April 19.

Then, on March 27 there was a shooting at the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE killing 26-year-old Amaru Cureton and the injuring two other victims, including one juvenile. An investigation is still ongoing and police are asking the public for any information in return for a cash reward.

Also on March 27, two armed suspects robbed several victims at a business in the 5100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. During the robbery, one of the assailants fired a shot and killed 41-year-old Philip Prendergast.

The two suspects were caught by a surveillance camera, but have yet to be publicly identified. MPD is asking the community for help identifying the suspects.

D.C. Witness data ultimately shows that only three suspects have been identified and arrested out of the 17 incidents in March.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On April 5, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, a homicide defendant rejected a plea deal offered by prosecution.

Tywan Morris, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Danielle Stuckey on Oct. 17, 2021, at the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Morris’ partner and co-defendant, Key Juan Sinclair, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, for her alleged involvement in the stabbing.

During the hearing, the prosecution offered a deal that would require Morris to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter and obstruction of justice, in connection to an incident that took place after the defendant’s arrest in October of 2021, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Morris rejected the plea, so trial for that matter is still set for 2025.

Prosecution reminded the court of an impending nine-month indictment deadline regarding Morris’ pending obstruction of justice charge in the 2025 case.

Parties will reconvene for a status hearing on Aug. 20.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Release in 2021 Homicide Case

On April 8, DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe denied a defense motion to reconsider a murder defendant’s pretrial release conditions.

Bernard Matthews, 44, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Diamonte Green. The incident occurred on Feb. 16, 2021, on the 300 block of 33rd Street, SE.

In the hearing, Matthew’s attorney, Marnitta King, motioned for reconsideration of his pretrial release conditions.

King argued that despite his alleged challenges with GPS monitoring, Matthews “had shown so much compliance for two years,” before he was taken back into custody in June of 2023.

Given that and few infractions at the DC Jail, King requested that the court release Matthews again with GPS monitoring.

The prosecution opposed King’s motion, and pointed out Matthews’ prior challenges with GPS were because he “didn’t communicate with Pretrial Services” about changes in his employment schedule.

Judge O’Keefe denied the motion, due to the case’s proximity to trial, and Matthews’ prior curfew violations,

Parties are slated to return June 28.

Homicide Defendant Refuses to Attend Hearing

On April 8, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe continued a homicide case after a defendant wouldn’t come to court.

Da’John Blunt, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 34-year-old Kevin McDowell on the 2100 block of H Street, NE, on Aug. 19, 2023.

During the hearing, Judge O’Keefe alerted the parties he had received a note from the US Marshals stating Blunt refused to be transported from the DC Jail to the hearing.

Kevin Mosley, Blunt’s defense attorney, stated “I need some more time to discuss things” with Blunt and requested a continuance.

Judge O’Keefe granted the request.

Parties are slated to return April 17.

Document: Updated MPD Investigating Fatal Stabbing in Northwest Apartment

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred on April 5 on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious person in an apartment. Responding officers located an adult male suffering from stab wounds. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 53-year-old Fasil Teklemariam.

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.

Three Homicide Defendants Sentenced for ‘Senseless’ Killing of Teen

On April 5, three homicide co-defendants were sentenced after agreeing to a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Nelfy Hernandez, 20, Trey Prillerman , 20 and Deandre Levy, 22, were originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, and three counts of assault with intent to kill, among other charges, in the shooting of 17-year-old Taijhon Wyatt, Jr. on the 5500 block of 9th Street, NW, on Aug. 10, 2020.

According to court documents, the three shot into a crowd of juveniles from inside of a stolen vehicle, killing Wyatt and injuring one other individual.

Prillerman was also charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and unarmed carjacking for his involvement in an Oct. 1, 2020, incident on the 6200 block of 8th Street, NW, that claimed the life of 42-year-old Arthur Daniels IV.

In August of 2023, the defendants accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors.

According to the terms, Prillerman pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for his involvement in Wyatt’s shooting, and to robbery for his involvement in the Daniels incident, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Levy pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in Wyatt’s shooting, while Hernandez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for his involvement in Wyatt’s shooting, and to assault for his involvement in the attack of an officer in jail, months after his arrest.

During the proceedings, prosecution used security footage and audio to depict how the three defendants “stalked” Wyatt and his friends, “trying to trap” him in the minutes leading up to the shooting.

Wyatt’s parents and siblings begged the court for the maximum sentence, expressing the grief and outrage they felt after their loved one was taken away from them so abruptly.

Wyatt’s step-mother told the court, “I am not sure if they are even remorseful.”

Defense attorneys Elizabeth Weller, Thomas Healy, and Douglas Wood argued in favor of sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a defendant’s conviction when their sentencing requirements are successfully completed, for Prillerman, Levy, and Hernandez respectively.

All three attorneys noted that their clients had completed GEDs since incarceration, and had demonstrated both remorse for their actions and initiative in their rehabilitation.

Judge Raffinan acknowledged that all three defendants had no criminal history score prior to the shooting, and that all three had made participatory efforts in their rehabilitation.

Raffinan emphasized, however, that the defendants’ “senseless act” took away the life of “someone who will not get the opportunity to get their GED.”

Levy was sentenced to eight years of incarceration, and five years of supervised release for voluntary manslaughter while armed.

Hernandez was sentenced to a total of 13 years, with 12 years of incarceration for second-degree murder and a consecutive year for assault, to be followed by five years of supervised release.

Prillerman was sentenced to 15 years of incarceration, with 12 years for second-degree murder, and a consecutive 5 years, all but 36 months suspended, for robbery, to be followed by a year of probation consecutive to five years of supervised release.

All three defendants were granted YRA status for their sentences and are required to register as gun offenders.

Following closing statements, an online spectator unmuted to say “f**k y’all,” before exiting the call.

No further dates were set for this matter.

Document: Suspects Sought in Shooting in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance to identify and locate three suspects involved in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 6 on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds inside a residence. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspects were captured by surveillance footage.

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.

Document: Wanted Suspect Sought in an Assault with a Dangerous Gun

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 41-year-old Kevin Snead, who is wanted in connection to a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on April 3 on the 1500 block of Independence Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of the sounds of gunshots, where they located a vehicle damaged by gunfire. No injuries were reported.

The detectives’ investigation revealed the suspect had discharged a gun towards the victim prior to leaving the scene. He was identified as Snead.

Snead is known to drive a black Ford Mustang with West Virginia tag N3X894.

Anyone who knows Snead’s whereabouts, or his vehicle’s, should call police.

Judge Says Fair Jury Question Affects Every Case and ‘Needs to Be Resolved’

In a contentious hearing on April 5, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein urged both sides in a complex constitutional case to work out their differences without making a ruling from the bench.

The abiding issue is how much information the DC Superior Court is required to disclose about whether the DC jury selection process includes enough Black people.

Judge Epstein said the outcome “affects every criminal case in the courthouse. It needs to be resolved.”

“The goal as required is to have a representative jury pool that meets or exceeds constitutional requirements,” said the judge.

The case dates back to 2022 when Jason Tulley, the lead Public Defender, filed a motion,“to grant discovery of information relating to the selection of jurors during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that…jurors have been selected from a fair cross-section of the D.C. community.”

Depending on the outcome, dozens of felony convictions could be overturned on grounds that the defendants were denied their Sixth Amendment rights to be tried by a jury of their peers.

Tulley said the stakes of the case couldn’t be higher.

“This is a huge issue..that juries are so unrepresentative of Blacks is shocking,” he said. “It’s a terrible practice,” he continued.

During the past two years Tulley and the DC Superior Court, which manages jury selection, have been bickering over procedural questions about the quantity and quality of the information provided about how jurors are picked.

In today’s proceedings, Public Defender Lmelme Umana said that her office had received a new master jurors’ list that “magically” contained addresses whereas the previous list only included zip codes.

Tulley said that he should not have to fight the Superior Court “tooth and nail” to provide relevant information, not only lists but all relevant communication relating to the case.

Representing the DC Superior Court Richard Sobiecki from the DC Attorney General’s office opposed the request as irrelevant and a rehash of data already provided.

Judge Epstein denied the public defender’s motion but added that if there is any indication of impropriety it can be addressed later. The judge expects the attorney general’s office to be “open- handed” and “do the right thing.”

Despite Umana’s strenuous objections, the judge declined to set a new hearing date for the case. He urged the parties to resolve their differences and develop a new briefing schedule.

At the beginning of the hearing Judge Epstein offered the parties a chance to file a motion for his recusal by April 15. The judge sits on the Jury Instructions Committee of the court. DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo was previously handling the case.

Judge Allows Defendant to Stay With Family in Louisiana

On April 5, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted a shooting defendant’s request for release to his family outside of DC.

Jeremiah Downing, 22, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured one individual. The incident occurred Nov. 27, 2022, on I-395 SB at the exit of Maine Avenue, SW.

Brian McDaniel, Downing’s defense attorney, requested Judge Epstein amend the conditions of release in order for him to move to Louisiana with his parents.

McDaniel argued that Downing’s family could help ensure he cooperates with court orders if he lives with them and has their support.

Judge Epstein said it is unusual to grant release to parents for third party custody since Downing is an adult. The judge also expressed concern about his lack of control after the move.

The prosecution believed the request to be inappropriate due to the severity of the case.

Even so, Judge Epstein granted the motion under the conditions that Downing reports to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week by phone, returns to the District for hearings, and doesn’t possess a firearm in Louisiana.

The next hearing date was scheduled for March 14, 2025.

Judge To File Writ Order for Return of DC Homicide Defendant

On April 5, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt agreed to file a writ ordering a homicide defendant back to the DC Jail who is in federal prison on unrelated charges.

Delonte Jackson, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 44-year-old Artavarn Wagner on March 3, 2022, on the 1700 block of Gales Street, NE.

Megan Allburn, Jackson’s defense attorney, waived his appearance for this hearing, due to the fact that he is currently held in a federal prison. Allburn stated that he pleaded guilty to a federal gun charge in District Court, and was sentenced in December, which caused the US Marshals to transfer him to prison.

Judge Brandt agreed to file the writ order to transfer Jackson back to the DC Jail, where he will be held pending further proceedings in this case.

The parties are slated to return on May 17.

Judge Denies Release and Orders Evaluations for Juvenile Murder Defendants

On April 4, DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs ordered evaluations and denied one preteen and two teenage defendants’ request for release.

The three girls, a 12-year-old and two 13-year-olds, are charged with second-degree murder, assault, and conspiracy for their alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 64-year-old Reggie Brown on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

According to testimony by a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, Brown was physically handicapped and had no connections to the juveniles.

During the hearing, Judge Briggs reviewed reports for the three minors by their probation officers from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

The probation officers recommended the juveniles remain detained at the Youth Services Center (YSC) under the custody of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). They also requested that the court order psychiatric and psycho-educational evaluations for them.

Therapy services was also recommended for one of the 13-year-old’s family members as well as the appointment of an education attorney and a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

The judge agreed with CSOSA, ordering a psychiatric and psycho-educational evaluation for the 12-year-old and a 13-year-old. However, she granted the other 13-year-old’s request to order the psychiatric evaluation at a later date.

Judge Briggs denied the two 13-year-olds’ request for release, stating that the circumstances have not changed since they first appeared in court last week. She cited that the previous judge made a finding of substantial probability that the girls committed second-degree murder.

The girls will continue to be held as they await their next court date.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 8.

Judge Delays Probable Cause Ruling in Homicide Case

On April 4, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe heard from police witness and reviewed surveillance footage evidence in a first degree murder trial.

Rico Antjuan Parker, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jabari Malloy, 17, in an alleyway on the 700 block of Lamont Street, NW on February 25.

According to court documents, officers were dispatched to the location due to a ShotSpotter alert for two gunshots. When they arrived, they found Malloy unconscious at the rear of an alley behind Lamont Street, NW. They began CPR until DC Fire and EMS arrived, and despite all life saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

The prosecution called the lead detective with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who showed a surveillance video from the night of the incident, which depicted an individual, later identified as Parker, fleeing an alleyway after the gunshots were heard. The detective positively identified the exact location of the camera and the murder based on the video.

Parker’s defense attorney, David Akulian, began cross examination by showing a separate video of the alleyway, in which he identified one potential point of entry to the alley other than the two points identified by the detective. They pointed out that there is no video footage from the houses further down the alley.

Akulian also questioned the detective about details in the affidavit of the case

According to the document, Parker posted an Instagram story about him and his father 22 hours after the murder. The detective stated that this was likely a cover-up story for the shooting, as his father stated that Parker did not come to his residence when he claimed he did.

Then Akulian questioned the detective about discrepancies between witness testimonies. He argued that certain witnesses gave biased and character-based statements against Parker. In one example, a witness described Parker as “not a good person” and alleged that he made threatening statements against another witness.

However, the witness recanted this allegation. The detective stated that this was because the witness, a close friend of Parker, was in denial about the murder and did not want to believe Parker committed it.

The detective told the court that this witness told them in an interview that they believe Parker should be punished “by the courts, and not by the streets.”

According to Akulian, when Parker arrived at a MPD station to clear his name two days after Malloy was shot, he waived his Miranda Rights and participated in an interview with officers.

However, following the interview, officers seized Parker’s phone as evidence. He argued this violated Parker’s Fourth Amendment rights against illegal search and seizure, adding that officers were biased against Parker which tainted the affidavit.

The prosecution responded that even if there was a violation of the Fourth Amendment, there is no probable connection with bias against Parker.

The detective stated that he was not present during Parker’s interview, but he did prepare the arrest warrant based on the audio recording that was taped by MPD officers.

Akulian then argued that the police could not corroborate Parker’s phone’s GPS data with the scene of the crime. This was relevant because Parker had been sharing his location with one of the witnesses.

The defense pointed out that Parker’s location was recorded by the witness at an Exxon gas station on Ridge Road for about 30 minutes, but there was no surveillance footage of either Parker or his vehicle to verify that he was present at that location.

The detective stated that he did not know what he was looking for when he reviewed the gas station footage, and he did not know why the witness’ phone located Parker’s phone at the gas station.

Akulian argued the inconsistency of reports on the color of Parker’s vehicle, which was reported to be “grayish/greenish” in the affidavit. However, the prosecution described the car as “silvery green.” He claims the car is simply silver.

Because of this difference in reporting, Akulian argued that there is a possibility that the person who shot Malloy might not have been Parker at all.

However, Judge O’Keefe said this was irrelevant, as there was no real indication that there were two separate vehicles of the same make and model with different colors involved in the crime.

Ultimately, the prosecution concluded there was about “20 minutes of continuous footage” showing Parker and Malloy parking their car, walking into the alley, Parker shooting Malloy, fleeing the scene, and finally driving away.

They and the detective on the stand determined that it was only Parker and Malloy in the alley at the time of the murder, and there was no third party involved.

Conversely, Akulian argued that because there was no way of knowing whether it was Parker in the alley with Malloy, there was no known motive, and there was no GPS data, it could have been a third party who committed the murder.

Judge O’Keefe decided to delay the probable cause ruling in order to review the evidence and arguments.

Parties are slated to return April 12 for a ruling on probable cause.

Homicide Sentencing Postponed for Youth Rehabilitation Act Study

On April 5, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun postponed the sentencing of a homicide defendant in order to allow for a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) study.

The law gives judges more latitude in sentencing offenders younger than 26 the opportunity to have these cases sealed from public view.

Anthony Lewis, 25, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Cameron Clemons. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Otis Place, NW, on May 18, 2022.

Clemons died of fungal pneumonia on June 4, 2022, as a result of the gunshot wound.

On Jan. 18, Lewis accepted a deal which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Defense attorney Julie Swaney stated she was requesting a Youth Act Study because she had recently become aware that Lewis was eligible. The prosecution responded that the request was unfortunate but they had no legal basis for objecting.

Judge Okun permitted members of Clemons’ family to make any victim impact statements they had prepared for the sentencing hearing.

Clemons’ grandmother, who appeared at the hearing virtually, addressed the court briefly. Referring to Lewis, she stated, “I just want him to know how much devastation he has caused to our family.”

The sentencing hearing has been rescheduled for June 21.

Doctor Says Homicide Defendant Made ‘Unsophisticated Attempt to Appear Mentally Disordered’

On April 5, a homicide defendant was ruled mentally competent before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Deonte Spicer, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tyvez Monroe on Dec. 26, 2023, on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW. The incident occurred at a bus station.

During the hearing, Judge O’Keefe alerted the parties that a doctor from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) had found Spicer to be mentally competent to stand trial.

According to the evaluation, Spicer made an “unsophisticated attempt to appear mentally disordered” as he was “motivated by evading criminal proceedings.”

Spicer requested new counsel on the basis that he believes his current defense attorney, Russell Hairston, is trying to “sabotage” his case.

“My faith and trust is gone,” Spicer stated.

Judge O’Keefe argued, “it’s a little premature,” arguing that his case has not been indicted and a preliminary hearing is yet to be held. As a matter of course, Judge O’Keefe denied Spicer’s request for new counsel.

“I can and will do my job effectively,” Hairston stated.

Parties are slated to return on April 30 for a preliminary hearing.

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