Judge Issues Second Bench Warrant for Shooting Defendant

On Feb. 23, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun issued a bench warrant for a shooting defendant due to multiple failures to appear in court.

Tejan Bah, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 27, 2021, on the 2200 block of 25th Place, NE.

The incident left one victim with a gunshot wound to the chest along with a stab wound to the shoulder.

The prosecution referenced Bah’s failure to appear in court in the past and requested another bench warrant be issued.

Judge Okun previously issued a bench warrant on Feb. 23, which was dismissed when Bah arrived late to the courthouse.

Gemma Stevens, Bah’s defense attorney, requested that another bench warrant not be issued due to his mobility issues and homelessness.

Judge Okun stated that he understood the issues that Bah is facing, but his continuous failures to appear were a problem for the case and issued another bench warrant.

Parties are set to meet again on April 17.

Two Counts Dismissed for Homicide Defendant Due to Inconsistent Investigation

On April 5, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, the prosecution removed two counts from a homicide defendant’s indictment due to inconsistencies in the investigation.

William Brock, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and robbery while armed, among several other charges, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 68-year-old Nathaniel Martin on Nov. 15, 2021, on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to the prosecution, the gun charges listed on Brock’s indictment had no correlation to the incident that resulted in the fatal shooting of Martin.

Due to the “inconsistencies from detectives” during the investigation, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence were included in his indictment. The prosecution said those two counts will be dismissed.

Aubrey Dillon, Brock’s defense attorney, alerted the court he was pleading not guilty to all counts of the indictment, and asserted his constitutional rights, including a speedy trial.

Moreover, the prosecution entered a global plea offer for the record pending another matter in DC District Court, where Brock is facing robbery and conspiracy charges.

The prosecution stated that if Brock accepted the offer, he must plead guilty to the charges in the District Court case, one count of robbery, and one count of carrying a pistol without a license in this case, in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges.

Brock rejected the plea offer.

Parties are slated to return on June 7.

Federal Cases Could Lead to Dismissal for Shooting Co-Defendants

On April 5, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, the prosecution said it’s likely two non-fatal shooting cases will be dismissed.

Emerson Morales, 20, and Jexon Madrid-Flores, 22, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, criminal street gang affiliation and carrying a pistol without a license for their alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting that occurred on the 5700 block of 14th Street, NW, on May 21, 2021. One individual sustained non-life threatening injuries from the incident.

In the hearing, the prosecution claimed that both co-defendant’s cases will likely be dismissed.

According to the prosecution, Morales pleaded guilty in a federal matter, and disclosed that the deal included the dismissal of this case.

However, the prosecution filed for a continued status hearing to wait for Madrid-Flores’ trial in his federal matter to be complete.

The prosecution concluded that they will most likely be dismissing that case, but will base their decision when Madrid-Flores’ trial concludes.

Parties are slated to return May 31.

‘The Defendant Was Motivated by the Idea of Revenge,’ Prosecution States in Homicide Trial Closing

On April 4, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, the prosecution and defense delivered closing statements in a homicide trial hinging on revenge.

Oscar Ramos, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Pedro Alvarado Melendez. The incident occurred on May 28, 2015, on Interstate 295 North at Exit One, in Southwest DC. The incident left another individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

In their closing statement, the prosecution claimed, “Ramos was the person who murdered Pedro Alvarado and shot [the surviving victim].”

The prosecution claimed Alvarado’s family members never expected the murder to and didn’t know “who to put their finger to,” for the murder.

According to the prosecution, witnesses told the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) “exactly” what Ramos had done to “kill the man he [Ramos] believed killed his father.”

“The defendant was motivated by the idea of revenge,” the prosecution stated.

The prosecution reviewed two Facebook accounts allegedly tied to Ramos. They showed several screenshots and time stamps of Ramos, portraying Rosa Lopez. It was a “catfish” identity attempting to stalk Alvarado’s schedule and location, which they argue lured Alvarado leading up to the murder.

The prosecution presented the address book of the Rosa Lopez Facebook account, which had identical contact information to Ramos’s own.

“Rosa Lopez is Oscar Ramos,” the prosecution pronounced.

“All of the evidence put together over years… points in one direction and that is toward the defendant,” the prosecution concluded.

Defense attorney McCoy argued, “If you think [Ramos] probably committed these offenses, this is not enough and you must acquit,” insisting a sliver of doubt is enough.

According to the defense, some of the witness testimonies were “bought testimonies” because the witnesses were informants for the FBI.

The defense also claimed the case is a “puzzle that is missing a lot of pieces,” leaving reasonable doubt that Ramos is guilty.

“Think of a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle,” the prosecution stated, adding “You can have one piece missing and still know what the picture is.”

Parties will reconvene when jury deliberations are concluded.

Main Charges Dismissed in Shooting Case

On April 4, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, the prosecution dismissed the primary charges against a non-fatal shooting defendant following a hung jury, which rendered a guilty verdict on the lesser counts.

Kamara Hoffler, 32, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and multiple unlawful possession of a firearm charges, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 19, 2022, on the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

Following deliberations, the jury found Hoffler guilty of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

Subsequently, the prosecution dismissed the original charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault while armed.

Parties are slated to return on June 14 for sentencing.

Judge Orders Full Competency Exam for Homicide Defendant

On April 5, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo ordered a full mental competency examination for a multi-homicide defendant who already stands convicted of one killing.

Matthew Walker, 26, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence among other charges for his involvement in the fatal shooting of David Remen, 32, on Feb. 14, 2019 on the 1700 Hamlin Street, NE. One other individual sustained severe injuries in the attack.

On Jan. 8, Judge Demeo found Walker guilty of Remen’s first-degree murder while armed and other related charges.

Walker is also charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 23-year-old Jamal Green-Lee on the 100 block of Michigan Avenue, NE, on April 29, 2019. Green-Lee died on Nov. 4, 2020.

Judge Demeo reviewed a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) which revealed the results from a competency evaluation were inconclusive as the doctor was unable to form an opinion.

Judge Demeo told the parties she will order a full competency exam as recommended by the doctor.

Parties are expected to return to court on May 16.

Non-Fatal Shooting Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty During Arraignment

On April 5, co-defendants pleaded not guilty after arraignment for a shooting, before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.

D’Montre Gay, 28, and Micah Cosby, 42, are charged with carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction exceeding one year, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in a shooting on December 16, 2023, on the 700 block of Maine Avenue, SW.

No injuries were reported. During the hearing, Gregg Baron and Marnitta King, Cosby and Gay’s defense attorneys, told Judge Di Toro they pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted their constitutional rights, including a speedy trial.

Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) alerted the court that both defendants were in compliance with release requirements.

Baron requested that Cosby be stepped down from his curfew to allow him to work late shifts for an upcoming job. Judge Di Toro denied the request, stating that she wanted verification of employment before she rescinded Cosby’s curfew.

Gay’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, ended by requesting that her client’s case be separated from Cosby’s. Judge Di Toro will rule on the motion at a later date.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 6.

Suspect’s Phone Records Reveal Information on a Murder Victim, Says Prosecutor

On April 4, a digital analyst continued his testimony before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, introducing new prosecution evidence relating to phone records of an alleged co-conspirator in a 2020 homicide case.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three 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. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, Feb. 24, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy of the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

The analyst to resumed his testimony about the alleged content of Steele’s phone, which included photos, videos, common locations, and web browsing history.

According to the records, Steele searched the terms “13-year-old shot shaw”, “13-year-old killed 600 S Street NW shooting”, “9th and Rhode Island shootant”, and “Malachi” on March 8, 2020.

Prosecutors argued the searches proved Steele’s knowledge and involvement in the attack.

In other testimony, Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, asked a DNA analyst about her previous conclusions regarding DNA tests of evidence in the case.

The analyst testified there was “very strong support” that DNA found on a pair of black and green Nike shoes belonged to Jackson. The prosecution alleges this pair of shoes was worn by Jackson on the day of the crime.

Under cross examination, the witness agreed that the DNA of two other individuals allegedly involved in the homicide also had closely matched DNA, one of which qualified as very strong support for inclusion as a contributor. The witness also admitted that she could not with confidence testify how long DNA had been present in the shoes or where the evidence was found.

Due to time constraints the witness was unable to finish her testimony and will return at a later date.

Parties are slated to return April 9.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Stabbing in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred on April 4 on the 3000 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a person down. They located a man suffering from a stab wound. After all life saving efforts failed, he succumbed to his injuries.

The identification of the victim is being withheld pending next of kin identification.

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 Investigating Brookland Metro Station Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on April 4 at the Brookland-Catholic University Metro Station on the 800 block of Monroe Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers of the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) responded to the station for the report of a shooting. They located a teenager suffering from gunshot wounds, and after all life saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 14-year-old Avion Evans.

The suspect was captured by surveillance footage.

Document: MPD Releases Video of Suspects and Vehicle in Northwest Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect vehicle connected to a homicide that occurred on April 2 on the 2100 block of 9th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots. They located a male with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where after all life saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. He was identified as 19-year-old Marquis Ward.

A second victim was located suffering from a graze wound.

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 homicide in the District.

Parties Deliver Closing Arguments in Milk Crate Shooting Trial

On April 3, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld heard closing arguments in front of a jury for a non-fatal shooting inspired by a thrown milk crate.

Diandre Caesar, 29, is charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, second-degree cruelty to children, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on June 28, 2022, on the 2200 block of New York Avenue, NE. No injuries were reported.

Previous testimony established that the issue was a milk crate that was thrown over a fence by the suspect, then thrown back by the victim.

As its last witness, the defense called Caesar’s employer and friend to the stand.

According to the witness, Caesar has worked full-time at his company, Dream Auto Detail, for nine years. He declared they had a friendship three years prior to working together and referred to Caesar as having a peaceful reputation.

During cross examination, the prosecution asked the witness if he was aware that Caesar had a job at the Salvation Army where the incident occurred. The witness responded he did not know about that job specifically, but was aware of other maintenance jobs.

According to the witness, he didn’t know Caesar carried a gun which was apparently visible in the dash camera footage shown to the court.

During closing arguments, the prosecutors explained the seriousness of Caesar’s alleged actions, including his disregard for the lives of the victims, which included an infant.

“He fired not one, not two, not three, but four shots,” said the prosecutor. “Once the gun is fired, there’s no telling where those bullets will end up.”

During their closing arguments, the defense claimed the victims were violent and hostile towards Caesar. According to the defense attorneys, both victims had knives, one being eight to nine inches long.

They insisted no one saw Caesar with a gun, though there was testimony to the contrary.

Defense Attorney Joseph Fay reminded the jury that the victims had allegedly been at the crime scene to buy marijuana with their infant son.

Meanwhile, one of the victims reportedly has a criminal record, and that the other subject to two restraining orders.

The defense insisted there is insufficient evidence to prove Caesar is guilty, arguing that the weapon hasn’t been found, and that only shell casings were recovered. “You don’t know how long those shell casings have been there, or even what caliber they were.”

The case is in the hands of the jury.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Adams Morgan Homicide

On April 4, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause in a fatal shooting that occurred in the busy, multi-cultural Adams Morgan neighborhood.

Jakeim Miller, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 30-year-old Avon Perkins. The shooting occurred on Dec. 17, 2022, on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW. Another individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries..

The lead detective on the case presented video surveillance footage showing an individual, identified as Miller, leaving a nightclub around 1 a.m. and was approached by Perkins.

The two had a brief conversation before Perkins appeared to strike Miller. In response, Miller appeared to dig into the front of his pants as the two moved out of sight of the camera. Audio footage captured the sound of several gunshots.

According to the detective, Miller allegedly fled the area. Perkins was pronounced dead at the scene and was found to be unarmed by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers. The other victim was transported to the hospital and received treatment for injuries.

The detective also testified that no DNA evidence, ballistics, or fingerprints tied Miller to the case.

Miller’s defense attorney, Steven Kiersh, pointed out that Perkins had been kicked out of the nightclub thirty minutes prior and was “walking and stalking” the street, waiting for Miller to leave.

He also pointed out that Perkins was the one to initiate the violence, and, according to court documents, the two were having “a normal conversation” before Perkins escalated the conflict.

“There is ample evidence Miller was acting in self-defense,” said Kiersh.

While the prosecution agreed that Perkins was the first aggressor, they pointed out there was significant time between Perkins’ strike and the sound of gunshots on the video. The prosecution argued the time interval shows Miller’s actions amounted to premeditation.

The prosecution also pointed out that Perkins was found with gunshot wounds to the side and back, which indicated that he was turned away when he was shot.

Judge Okun ruled there was enough evidence to find probable cause.

While he acknowledged that Perkins was the first aggressor, he stated the number of gunshot wounds to Perkins’ side and back meant it was unlikely Miller was acting in self-defense.

He also ruled for continued detention of Miller to “ensure the safety and protection of the community,” citing the surviving victim from the incident.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 31.

Evidence from Murder Suspect’s Phone Suggests Loving Friendship Between Defendants

On April 3, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony from a digital information analyst suggesting deep ties between two defendants in connection to a 2020 homicide.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, Feb. 24, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy by the defendants to obtain and use specific weapons used in Lukes’ homicide.

The prosecution questioned a digital specialist who analyzed Steele’s phone including his contacts, call records, wireless connections and messages.

Among the findings is that Steele sent a message to a contact named “Boogie”, who the prosecution alleges is co-defendant Nelson, that says, “17 gotta go fool,” on the evening of the murder. An image of a hand holding a painted ghost gun was attached to the message.

Earlier in the trial, the prosecution heard testimony from a firearms expert who concluded that a white 17-caliber ghost gun was very likely used in Lukes’ homicide.

According to the prosecution, the text conversations between Steele and “Boogie” demonstrate a deep level of friendship. For example, a message from Boogie to Steele saying, “Love you for life fool,” with Steele loving the message in reaction.

Meanwhile, Judge Brandt reminded the jury that photos of text conversations are evidence showing a state of mind rather than statements of fact.

Due to time constraints, the witness will finish his testimony at a later date.

Parties are slated to return April 4.

Judge Rules Against Probable Cause for Shooting Defendants, Cases Dismissed

On April 3, DC Superior Judge Eric Glover ruled there was no probable cause in a multi-defendant non-fatal shooting and let the suspects go after a presentment hearing.

Josiah Warfield, 24, Rasheed Mullins, 27, and Alonzo Lover, 30, were arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in a shooting. The incident occurred on April 2, on the 2800 block of Bruce Place, SE. No injuries were reported, but a vehicle sustained bullet damage.

According to prosecutors, officers were patrolling the area near the scene, when they observed three individuals, who they identified as the defendants, shooting at a vehicle. They pursued them and the suspects were arrested.

Officers did a show-up procedure with the victim who identified the three defendants. A “show up” is a type of identification usually based on a single image as opposed to a more comprehensive photo array.

However, Judge Glover argued he was couldn’t find probable cause due to the lack of information on the report authored by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

He added that there is no proof that the defendants were ever holding firearms at the scene or that they shot the vehicle.

All three defendant’s cases were dismissed.

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