Graphic Video Evidence Along with Emotional Testimony Presented in Murder Trial

In a bench trial before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Jan. 3, prosecutors presented dramatic video evidence and emotional witness testimony in an attempt to show that Matthew Walker, 25, murdered 32-year-old David Remen and grievously wounded another man.

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

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 opening remarks, the prosecutor said he would prove that recovered items including, “The gun, a hoodie with red and white stripes, and a mask” all link Walker to the Hamlin Street crime.

Surveillance cameras captured the Valentine’s Day shooting at the office of Trojan Labor, a DC business, now renamed Hire Quest Direct, that specializes in placing low-skilled laborers. Prosecutors say that around 6 a.m., the day of the murder, Walker is seen wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a mask, using a Glock 19 semi-automatic pistol allegedly to kill Remen and shoot a company manager six times.

Body-worn surveillance camera footage from a responding Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer shows the chaos after the shooting. Emergency workers are seen frantically trying to revive Remen while counting out repeated efforts of chest compression to get a pulse started in his lifeless body.

Cries of “David…Come on, David…Stay with me, David” punctuate the video, which goes on for several minutes until the rescuers reluctantly give up. A voice is heard saying, “He’s gone!”

Prosecutors brought in David’s father from Wisconsin to testify about his son. With a picture of David projected in the courtroom, his father said David was a “great kid,” had a big family and “everybody loved him.” His father described David as hard-working but loved to play pool.

“He was no gang member,” added David’s father.

While the primary charge in the case is homicide, prosecutors questioned the widow of the surviving victim who died some three years after the initial assault. She tearfully described her husband as full of life, an ardent golfer and sports fan–someone who “loved to make people happy.”

In recalling the event, she said she received a frantic call from her husband saying that he’d been shot and that the gunman was shooting at others.

“I screamed,” she said. Her husband told her he was panicking and “hiding at his desk.”

As prosecutors led her through the incident, she said tearfully, “I was freaking out. I didn’t know what was going on.”

Ultimately, her husband was taken to Howard Hospital where surgeons told her it was a miracle that he survived. Prosecutors showed graphic photos of the damage caused by repeated gunfire. His wife said that he had a hard time emotionally and physically recovering from the ordeal, and needed physical therapy and counseling. She said he was afraid to come back to work in the District.

Many members of the victims’ families were in the courtroom. One person close to the surviving victim said he was “tormented” by what happened and his death at 57 was prematurely caused by Walker’s actions.

Prosecutors also detailed how a tip led them to recover the suspected firearm–a Glock 19– hidden between a house under construction and a retaining wall near the crime scene. Investigators also found discarded clothing in neighborhood trash bins that they say matched what the suspect was wearing during the crime.

A specialist with the DC Department of Forensic Science (DFS) presented evidence showing 10 bullet casings and multiple “defects” or areas of suspected shooting damage in the office. The expert said the casings were consistent with the recovered weapon.

The prosecution still plans to question a firearm expert and introduce DNA evidence to build its case against Walker.

At the end of the proceeding, Stephen Logerfo, Walker’s attorney said his client might take the stand to testify in his defense on Jan. 4.

Even though the case is nearly five years old, family members tell D.C. Witness they still don’t know what inspired the shootings and aren’t aware of a specific motive.

Parties indicated the trial could conclude by week’s end.

Probable Cause Ruling Continued in Juvenile Homicide Case

On Jan. 2, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo has yet to rule there’s probable cause in a homicide case to go to trial.

Lorinzo Thompson, 17, 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 is being charged as an adult under the so-called Title 16 rule.

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

During the cross-examination of the lead detective, Thompson’s defense attorney, Joseph Yarbough, asked about the interview with the second victim in this case, who had been severely injured and was hospitalized.

Yarbough pointed out the victim was under the influence of a high dose of fentanyl, and kept “nodding off” while being interviewed. Further, the victim was never able to provide a description of the shooter, nor identify a suspect.

According to Yarbough, several items of the victim’s clothing were found near the scene, and all of them were covered in blood. In addition, a discarded firearm magazine was found near the scene as well, after being discarded by the victim.

Yarbough said when Estep collapsed after being injured, there were three women that came to help him and flag down officers for assistance.

However, there was also an unknown individual standing near Estep. As shown in the surveillance footage, before the police arrived, Estep is seen handing an unidentified object to the unknown individual, and then the individual proceeds to walk away with a suspicious demeanor. The detective stated that the unidentified object was a firearm.

The detective further stated that although the women were present at the time of this suspicious encounter, none of them have been identified or interviewed in this case.

According to Yarbough, Estep had been previously arrested, and was involved in a pending case regarding carrying a pistol without a license at the time of the shooting.

The detective said Estep had been affiliated with a crew or gang, but was unsure about the other victim.

During redirect, the prosecution questioned the detective about Thompson’s affiliation with a crew. The detective explained he was informed that Thomspon was affiliated with a crew, and one that was allegedly in conflict with Estep’s.

The prosecution also explained that there was a video on social media that depicts Thompson bragging about the crime along with other surveillance footage.

Yarbough explained that in the footage, the suspect is wearing a black ski mask where only the eyes can be seen, making an identification impossible.

Further, Yarbough explained that Thompson should not have been identified as the suspect on the basis the officers were aware the woman the suspect was with at the time was Thompson’s mother.

Due to scheduling conflicts, Judge Demeo continued her ruling.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Jan. 5.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Domestic Violence Homicide

On Jan. 3, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide.

Desmond Thurston, 46, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 52-year-old Patricia Johnson on Oct. 1, 2023, on the 4000 block of 13th Street, SE. Johnson and Thurston were involved in a romantic relationship.

Prosecutors called the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify regarding his involvement in the investigation.

According to the detective, officers from MPD were dispatched several times to the incident address the day before and in the hours leading up to the shooting for reports of domestic disturbances between Thurston and Johnson.

Prosecutors played a recording of the 911 call made by an eyewitness, who was a young family member of Johnson’s. In the recording, the child can be heard saying “My auntie, she’s on the floor; I think she’s dead,” and “Her ex-boyfriend came in here and killed her.”

During the call, the child can be heard telling the dispatcher that the individual who broke into the house and shot at Johnson allegedly was Thurston, and he drove away from the location in a black truck. The child also alerted the dispatcher that Johnson had filed for a civil protection order against Thurston, and he broke through a chain on the front door of the residence.

Prosecutors corroborated the juvenile witness’ statement about Johnson filing for a protective order against Thurston by presenting the filing in court.

According to the detective, Thurston turned himself in to police while they were still processing the crime scene, waived his Miranda Rights, and confessed to shooting Johnson.

In body worn camera footage shown in court from hours before the homicide, Thurston can be seen trying to get into Johnson’s residence to retrieve his items, and telling officers that the MPD had been there earlier, and Johnson had him locked out of the house.

Brian McDaniel, Thurston’s defense attorney, submitted to the record that there is probable cause in the case.

Prosecutors stated that, had the law not changed last year, they would be requesting Judge Brandt find substantial probability.

Judge Brandt alerted the parties she found probable cause based on the evidence, the testimony, and Thurston’s confession to police.

McDaniel requested Thurston be released to the community under a high intensity supervision, with GPS monitoring and 24 hour confinement, arguing that he does not pose a threat to the community and Thurston’s only recent contact with the legal system stemmed from the relationship with Johnson. He insisted Thurston could do well in the community, claiming his old employer would welcome him back.

Prosecutors opposed the release, arguing he was on probation for drug related crimes, had a prior assault conviction, and had a previous protection order for another individual which was dismissed due to the individual’s inability to show up to court. They also argued he has seriously traumatized the eye-witness, who remains in the community.

Judge Brandt stated she cannot find that a condition or combination of conditions would ensure the safety of the community, stating that the case was a “homicide born from a domestic violence incident,” which occurred in front of a child.

According to Judge Brandt, the previous threats by Thurston to Johnson, the weight of the evidence, and his confession prove that he must be detained.

Parties are expected to return Feb. 7.

Parties Deliver Closing Arguments in Homicide Trial

On Jan. 2, parties delivered closing arguments following a multi-week trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Mussye Rezene, 31, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the death of 17-year-old Brayan Villatoro on Sept. 18, 2021, on the 1300 block of Nicholson Street, NW.

In their closing arguments, prosecutors claimed that the evidence they presented throughout the trial proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Rezene was the perpetrator of Villatoro’s death.

They specifically argued their evidence, which included conversations between the two where they discussed drugs, guns and meet ups, Rezene’s social media, and cell site data all put Rezene in the surrounding area of the homicide at the time of the shooting. Prosecutors insist the evidence proves his intent to kill, premeditation, deliberation, and willingness to ensure Villatoro’s death.

Although surveillance footage does not depict the shooting, or the face of the shooter, they argued that clothes recovered from Rezene’s residence during the execution of a search warrant match those of the shooter, claiming that Rezene’s Balenciaga sneakers match the black shoes with white laces seen in surveillance footage.

Prosecutors discussed what many witnesses stated in their testimony, including Villatoro’s friends who they deemed as uncooperative, claiming one of them went as far as stating “there are consequences for testifying”.

They also claimed that one of Rezene’s friends, who has attended the trial regularly, communicated with the uncooperative witnesses, giving one of them a thumbs up. “They feared for their lives, and they showed us that in their testimony,” prosecutors said.

Prosecutors insisted that, on the night of the murder, Rezene and his close friend and co-defendant in another homicide matter posted images on Instagram bragging about the killing, with both individuals including songs on their stories.

One was titled Murder, and the other had the words “rest in peace to all the opps, f**k them”. In Rezene’s post, which was displayed to the jury, the defendant added “you’re better off fu***n round wit Aids and cancer”.

“The evidence shows he’s guilty and demands you find him guilty,” ended prosecutors.

To the contrary, Jonathan Zucker, Rezene’s defense attorney, argued the prosecution had failed to meet their burden of proof, and their evidence did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Rezene was the shooter.

“Mussye Rezene is looking to you for a fair verdict in this case,” said Zucker, adding “The only verdict that justice allows in this case is not guilty.”

Zucker also argued that it was only by happenstance that the shooting was not recorded by cameras in the area, and insisted that the prosecutors’ arguments are “misleading”.

“This is a case of somebody seeing what they want to see,” he claimed, stating that the prosecution was asking the jury to draw inferences from things that don’t make sense in the case.

“Police make mistakes, prosecutors present those cases, and sometimes people who are not guilty get convicted,” said Zucker, requesting they don’t convict a man who he claims is innocent, adding “Somebody’s life is at stake here,” and “you have a duty to find him not guilty.”

In their rebuttal, prosecutors insisted to the jury, stating “find him guilty of murdering Brayan Villatoro.”

The jury is slated to begin deliberations Jan. 3.

New Judge Appointed to Preside Over Third Trial of Murder Defendant

A new judge has been appointed for theVictor Coley murder trial, a case that is now more than a decade old. DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro took over for DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan who presided over Coley’s two previous trials.

According to court documents, the change was made during a Dec. 29 hearing in what was described as a “caseload transfer.”

That followed a hearing on Dec. 21, during which Judge Ryan questioned how the prosecution intended to proceed in its third trial against Coley.

The prosecutor said she had just gotten the case and, “I literally have one piece of paper.” While she said she’d virtually seen, “nothing, nothing, nothing” she added the case was “very triable”

In response to Judge Ryan’s asking if there will be a new legal framework offered, she responded that the US Attorney’s office doesn’t try cases because it wants to but because “It’s the right thing to do.”

Coley, now 61, was originally found guilty in 2015 of a Nov. 6, 2013 mass shooting that injured four on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. For his involvement in the crime, Coley was accused of assault with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm, along with eleven other counts.

The case took another turn in 2021 when 65-year-old Dennis Foster, one of Coley’s victims, died from gunshot wounds sustained in the original incident. That led the prosecutor to file a murder charge against Coley.

After two weeks of testimony from 27 witnesses, the second trial ended on June 23 after the jury couldn’t reach a verdict.

As Judge Ryan attempted to set up a new trial calendar, the prosecutor alerted him that any proposed dates were conditional based on how extensively she would have to prepare for the case.

“The government has been sitting on the case for ten years,” said Judge Ryan.

“I wish I had taken a picture of the boxes” of information about Coley’s case history, the prosecutor said.

Coley monitored the hearing remotely. Judge Ryan signed an order releasing him from the DC Jail on July 19.

The next hearing will be before Judge Di Toro on Feb. 23, 2024. A trial readiness proceeding is set for Aug. 28, 2024. The trial itself will commence on Oct. 1, 2024.

That should give the prosecution enough time, said Judge Ryan last month, since the period encompassed the shortest to the longest days of the year–” Solstice to solstice,” he said.

Document: Suspect Sought in a Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance to identify and locate a suspect connected to a shooting on Jan. 1, on the 1300 block of H Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult female with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was 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: Arrest Made in the Shooting Death of an 18-Year-Old Woman in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that killed a woman on Jan. 1 on the 4300 block of Military Road, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located 18-year-old Ashlei Hinds inside a hotel room with gunshot wound injuries. She died at the scene.

On Jan. 2, as a result of an investigation, 18-year-old Jelani Cousin was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Preliminary Hearing Rescheduled for Homicide Defendant Amidst Mental Evaluation Request

On Jan. 2, a homicide defendant’s preliminary hearing was continued, in addition to his being ordered to receive a full mental competency evaluation by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Ronzoni Jackson, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the murders of 28-year-old Octavio Quintano and 35-year-old Osmine Quintano on Dec. 12, on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE.

Judge Epstein informed the court that a doctor from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) requested a full mental competency evaluation be done on Jackson, and that he would be ordering the study as a result.

Additionally, the prosecution informed the court that they want the scheduled preliminary hearing postponed and Jackson’s defense attorney, Sellano Simmons, agreed. Judge Epstein then granted this request for continuance.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Feb. 16.

Judge Denies Release for Double Murder Defendant Suspected in Another Crime

In a Jan. 2 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a request to release murder suspect Amarii Fontanelle who’s also accused of attempted murder in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

In the District, Fontanelle, 20, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed.

He was allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Reginald Lamont Cooper, Jr. and 19-year-old Davonte Berkley on Oct. 17, 2022 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. A third victim survived the assault.

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley argued that Fontanelle should be released on the grounds that he had already been so for three months and “there was nothing about his conduct” indicating he should experience a setback.

Mosley also said Fontanelle could be housed in a secure location and that he wants to continue his education while working. In sum, Mosley argued Fontanelle has done “exceptionally well.”

Judge Raffinan conditionally released Fontanelle in May of last year.

However, the judge says the original information has changed in that Fontanelle was picked up on an outstanding warrant for attempted murder charges in Prince George’s County, Maryland, connected to an alleged shooting incident on Nov. 7, 2022.

The prosecutor opposed releasing Fontanelle because she says he remains a danger to the community.

Given that Judge Raffinan says there’s no new reason to change his detention status, she denied Fontanelle’s request.

Judge Raffinan set the next hearing date to discuss defense motions for full disclosure of evidence in the case for Feb. 28.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect in Shooting Death of 18-Year-Old Woman

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking to identify a suspect in the murder of a woman at a hotel on Jan. 1 on the 4300 block of Military Road, NW.

The suspect was captured by nearby 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 homicide in the District.

Document: 18-Year-Old Woman Dead After Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting that killed a woman on Jan. 1 on the 4300 block of Military Road, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a woman inside a hotel room with gunshot wound injuries. She died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 18-year-old Ashlei Hinds.

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: Man Dies from Injuries Sustained in December Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a man has died from injuries sustained in a December 2023 shooting.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE, on Dec. 20 for the report of a shooting. They located a man with gunshot wound injuries, and he was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.

On Dec. 31, the victim succumbed to his injuries.

He was identified as 39-year-old Dwayne Barbour.

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: 18-Year-Old Woman Dead After Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting that killed a woman on Jan. 1 on the 4300 block of Military Road, NW.

The victim was identified as 18-year-old Ashalei Hinds.

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: Man Dead After Multi-Vehicle Crash in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Investigations Unit is investigating the death of a man after a traffic crash on Dec. 29.

According to MPD documents, the preliminary investigation revealed that a white 2007 Volvo S80 was traveling northbound on the 1700 block of Branch Avenue, SE.

As the Volvo crossed Pennsylvania Avenue to travel north on Branch Avenue, the Volvo struck a black 2020 Nissan Altima. As a result of the collision, three other vehicles were damaged.

The Volvo was occupied by a man and woman, and both were taken to local hospitals where the man died from his injuries. The woman sustained non-critical injuries.

The operators of the other vehicles sustained non-life-threatening injuries from the crash and refused treatment.

The decedent was identified as 31-year-old Kyree Amon Napper.

Anyone with knowledge of the incident should contact MPD.

Document: MPD Searching for Shooting Suspect Vehicle

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the suspects involved in the shooting of two teenagers on Dec. 31, on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located two juvenile males with gunshot wound injuries. The victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect vehicle was 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.