Victim Testifies in Non-Fatal Shooting Incident Started by a Milk Crate

On March 28, prosecutors called three witnesses to testify against a non-fatal shooting defendant in front of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

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 non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on June 28, 2022, on the 2200 block of New York Avenue, NE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, the incident stemmed from a disagreement regarding a milk crate in a parking lot, which led to the suspect shooting at the victim’s vehicle.

During the hearing, prosecutors called one of the victims to the stand, who was present during an alleged altercation between her boyfriend and the defendant.

According to the witness, she and her boyfriend were in their car with their one-year-old son at a McDonald’s drive-through when they were blocked by a milk crate left on the ground.

Dash cam footage, which was shown in open court, allegedly shows the witness’ boyfriend throwing the milk crate over the fence and into a Salvation Army parking lot. The footage then showed a man, identified as Caesar, running through the Salvation Army parking lot and throwing the crate back over the fence, hitting the victims’ car.

The boyfriend and the other man got into a verbal altercation with another. The boyfriend then got back into the car and made an attempt to leave, but when the car was stopped, the defendant allegedly kicked the rear passenger car door, at which point the witness can be heard saying “run him over.”

She said her “momma bear instincts kicked in” and that she was worried for her son’s safety.

They then sped off as the man allegedly shot at their car.

The witness testified that after a few minutes, the boyfriend pulled the car over at a gas station to make sure that the dash cam footage was saved. They also inspected the car and saw four bullet holes in the rear bumper and trunk.

Following the victim’s testimony, prosecutors called on a bus driver, who works for Coach USA, and testified that while driving his bus on New York Avenue, he heard “loud commotion” coming from his left-hand side.

The witness said he saw two people inside a car by the fence of the Salvation Army and a male outside the car who seemed to be involved in an argument with each other.

According to the witness, an “individual pulled out what I thought was maybe a handgun and started firing at the car.”

He then testified that he heard two gunshots and saw muzzle flashes. The witness identified the shooter as an African American male.

Prosecutors also called upon a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident.

The detective testified that she was able to recover video footage from the Salvation Army that allegedly showed the altercation between the victims and the defendant.

Parties are slated to return April 1.

Judge Sentences Non-fatal Shooting Defendant to Five Years

On March 29, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to five years of incarceration for his involvement in a traffic incident that resulted in a victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

Brandon Rawlings, 32, was initially charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 7, 2023, on the 3700 block of 9th Street, SE. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

In addition, 28-year-old Lynette Davis was charged with carrying a pistol without a license, for her involvement in the incident. She was previously sentenced to a suspended sentence of nine months.

According to court documents, the shooting occurred following an altercation that resulted from a traffic accident between the vehicle occupied by Rawlings and Davis, and the vehicle occupied by the victim of the shooting.

On Nov. 20, 2023, Rawlings accepted an offer that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

At the hearing, the prosecution shared a video depicting Rawlings chasing after the victim after the crash, and firing multiple gunshots in their direction.

Rawlings’ defense attorney, Gregg Baron, responded by stating how Rawlings admits his guilt and takes full responsibility and ownership for his actions.

The defense established a motive for the incident claiming that Rawlings was trying to protect his family, however, Rawlings admitted that he overreacted in the moment during his statement to the court.

The defense mentioned the progress Rawlings made while incarcerated, such as taking a CPR class and regularly attending anger management classes twice a week.

Rawlings also started a group in jail where he and other inmates share their stories and reflect on how they could’ve handled certain situations more productively. According to Baron, the jail has even set aside time for Rawlings’s group to meet twice weekly.

In addition, Rawlings has earned a job cutting hair while incarcerated and his defense attorney stated, “He’s making the most of his situation.”

Rawlings prepared a letter to read before Judge Arthur and the courtroom. In his letter, Rawlings apologized to the victim and expressed penitence over his actions, adding that he accepted the plea deal as a way to take full responsibility for his actions.

“He could have lost his life, I just welcomed my firstborn, and having them made me realize my irresponsibility,” Rawlings said.

Judge Arthur stated that he hoped Rawling’s statements were heartfelt and believed him to be sincere, but said that Rawling took himself away from what mattered most to him because of what he did, adding that what transpired could have been avoided.

“The video shows you firing shots at a person. It’s only by grace that you are here. I don’t know what led up to that besides what the [prosecution] has represented, but what appears to be a reaction that occurred in less than a minute is going to affect you and your family for much longer,” Judge Arthur said.

Judge Arthur imposed a sentence of five years for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, and four years for the possession charge, which will be served concurrently. He also imposed a requirement of three years of supervised release and mandated Rawlings to register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.

Judge Allows Prosecutors to Display Tattoos Identifying Homicide Defendant

On March 29, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled on defense motions to exclude photo and text evidence from a homicide defendant’s trial.

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 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.

Ramos’ defense attorney, Rachel McCoy, started arguments on the issue of presenting photos of Ramos which allegedly contain his tattoos and can help witnesses identify him. Whilst the court has previously stated that any tattoos with gang-related evidence may not be explained, McCoy stated that the redactions would cause the jury to speculate.

The prosecution argued that the photos are probative and relevant as they connect Ramos to his Facebook account which exists under the name Oscar Rodriguez. They also said they don’t plan to reference his gang affiliation, but rather will use it to show photos that depict Ramos in interactions with law enforcement and showed tattoos on his chest.

Judge Raffinan ruled six of the ten photos of his tattoos to be admissible, and the others to be inadmissible due to their cumulative nature.

McCoy requested that Judge Raffinan give jury instructions when the evidence is admitted to prevent any speculation by the jury.

Judge Raffinan denied McCoy’s request and said that she will give instructions in regard to the redactions at the end of the trial, but not when the photos are presented.

The judge also addressed a motion to exclude Facebook messages involved with another Facebook account, which the defense deemed hearsay.

Ramos allegedly operated a second Facebook account under the alias Rosa Lopez and used the photo of a different individual in the account’s profile.

The prosecution has submitted interactions of the Rosa Lopez account with Alvarado and the individual whose photo was used.

The defense stated that these messages amount to hearsay as they are not relevant to interactions with Alvarado. The prosecution counter that the messages are necessary as they support factual claims about the ownership of the account.

Judge Raffinan found the messages to be admissible as the prosecution intends to call a digital analyst to testify that both accounts came from the same source.

The court addressed one final matter relating to a witness currently in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Prosecutors stated that the witness in question had a request for stay denied by ICE, and is hence unable to testify in person.

Judge Raffinan stated that the pre-recorded deposition will be used for the purposes of testimony.

Defense attorneys requested that the deposition be subject to redaction before it is presented in front of the jury.

The trial is slated to continue April 1.

Judge Delays Ruling on Severance Motion in Co-Defendant Shooting Case

On March 29, Dc Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe requested more time to consider a shooting defendant’s motion to sever from his co-defendant.

Jonah Harris, 47, and Gerald Jones-Hall, 24, are charged with conspiracy to rob, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, among other charges, after allegedly participating in the shooting and attempted robbery of two victims at the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE, on July 10, 2023. Both victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Harris’ defense attorney, Christen Romero, motioned to sever the co-defendants’ cases on the basis that Harris and Jones-Hall cases were improperly joined in the first place.

Romero claimed that the “weight of the evidence” for both defendants varies and it would be prejudicial to Harris to be tried at the same time as Jones-Hall.

According to Jones-Hall’s defense attorney, Janai Reed, evidence from Harris’ case will prejudice Jones-Hall in the event that the case is not severed.

Romero argued that the jury will infer that Jones-Harris was involved simply by assuming he is “guilty by association.”

“I have faith in DC juries,” Judge O’Keefe stated. “They’ll have no problem acquitting one and not the other.”

The prosecution argued that the weight of the evidence thus far was identical on both defendants.

Of the two defendants’ 19 charges, 15 were shared between Harris and Jones-Hall. The prosecution played footage of an altercation captured by a DC Metro bus, and stated that, in the prosecution’s opinion, Harris and Jones-Hall were both depicted allegedly assaulting the victims.

Judge O’Keefe told parties that he needed time for further research about a potential severance.

In the event that the defendants are tried together, a tentative date is set for April 28, 2025.

Parties will reconvene for a status hearing on April 10.

Defense Questions Handling of Evidence in 2020 Homicide Trial

On March 28, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony from a forensic analyst and a firearms expert about evidence related to 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 by the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

The prosecution called a Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) crime scene scientist to authenticate items recovered during a March 29, 2020 search warrant at an address associated with defendant Steele.

The scientist stated that he catalogued a pair of multicolored Balenciaga running shoes, a Glock with an extended magazine, and two phones that investigators requested in their investigation.

In cross-examination, Freeman’s defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, raised questions about the witness’ credibility based on a petition before the Supreme Court of Virginia about alleged discrepancies in evidence he presented in a blood spatter case

The scientist explained that the discrepancies were due to improper bookkeeping by different agencies and hasn’t affected his ability to testify since 2013.

Sukumar introduced body-worn camera footage of one of the officers from the search warrant pointing out a discrepancy between the time the officer arrived on the scene versus the time stamp on the footage.

Sukumar also asked the witness about a two-day suspension from DFS in May of 2023 for “lolly gagging”, to get overtime pay.

In adamant disagreement the witness replied, “I thought I was doing what was asked of me.”

In redirect, the prosecution pointed out that the alleged “mischaracterizations” by the witness were ruled unfounded by the court.

The prosecution also pointed out that despite his suspension, the witness still currently serves as a DFS supervisor.

Throughout the trial, the defense has wanted to cross-examine DFS witnesses about the lab’s loss of accreditation in 2021 official due to mishandling evidence and not fully acknowledging mistakes.

Judge Brandt said the defense is only allowed to mention DFS’ loss of accreditation as it relates to this specific case.

Continuing with scientific testimony, the prosecutor asked a firearms expert about his analysis of several guns allegedly used by the defendants between February and March of 2020. The witness said distinctive markings found on shell casings collected at the scene of Lukes’ homicide “were consistent” with a Smith and Wesson semi-automatic handgun that had been found in the possession of an unnamed associate of Freeman’s in August of 2020.

Additionally, the witness confirmed that four more bullet casings found at the scene of Lukes’ homicide were consistent with Polymer 80, semi-automatic handgun. The firearm had previously been introduced to the court as a “ghost gun” collected by DFS at a traffic stop on Rhode Island Avenue, NE, in March of 2020.

The witness also affirmed that one additional cartridge casing discovered at another shooting on Channing Street, NE, which occurred on March 1, 2020, was also consistent with the ghost gun.

That shooting happened right after Lukes’ murder and is alleged to have been committed by Freeman and Jackson.

The witness also identified seven additional cartridge casings from the shooting on Channing Street as consistent with a Glock 26 firearm with a laser sight. The court had previously heard testimony from a DFS technician who had recovered the firearm from a crime scene in April of 2020.

Additionally, the prosecution had introduced a photo allegedly of Nelson and Steele with guns equipped with laser sights.

In cross examination, Freeman’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, said, “You can’t say what happens to items before you review them, correct?” asked Ain. The witness concurred. He also acknowledged that since the DFS lab has lost its accreditation, his company had gotten more prosecution business.

Under defense questioning, the witness confirmed he had been sent a Glock 26 which was labeled a Glock 32. The witness testified he saw the mix up as “a typo” when Ain asked if the error gave the witness “confidence that that evidence has been properly handled”.

In the prosecution’s redirect, the witness testified that the mislabeled evidence did not affect his testing of the firearms and that there were several characteristics he had used to connect certain cartridges to firearms.

Parties are slated to return April 1.

Homicide and Non-Fatal Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Agreement

On March 25, a homicide defendant accepted a plea agreement in a homicide extended by prosecutors in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Joseph Melton, 54, was originally charged with carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that claimed 48-year-old Kevin Chamberlain’s life. The incident occurred on Jan. 14, 2020, on the 700 block of 24th Street, NW.

Melton was also charged with assault with intent to kill for his alleged involvement in another stabbing incident that injured one on the same day on the 800 block of Vermont Ave, NW.

After a stay at St. Elizabeths mental hospital, Melton was declared competent to stand trial by O’Keefe on March 22, and was originally expected to go to trial April 29 before accepting the plea agreement.

After the prosecutor finished reading the proffer of facts, Melton explained to Judge O’Keefe that, “A lot of it is not correct.”

“What about the stabbing part,” O’Keefe asked? “Did you stab him?” Melton responded “Yes.”

“Are you claiming you acted in self-defense,” O’Keefe asked? Melton responded no.

By accepting the plea agreement, Melton’s first-degree murder charge was downgraded to second-degree murder. He also pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. The prosecutor agreed to drop all additional charges and reserve a final allocution recapping the facts in the case at sentencing.

Melton could be sentenced to between 12-and-a-half and 29 years in prison.

Parties are set to reconvene for sentencing in mid-June.

Document: MPD Seeking Suspects in Northwest Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are searching for the suspects involved in a fatal shooting during an armed robbery of a business that occurred onMarch 27 on the 5100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, the two suspects brandished handguns and entered the business at the location. The suspects demanded property and money, and the victims complied. During the robbery, one of the suspects fired their gun, striking one of the victims. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 41-year-old Phillip Prendergast.

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 homicide in the District.

Witness Testifies a Homicide Defendant ‘Created a Girl Page’ to Stalk his Victim

On March 28, a homicide defendant’s ex-coworker testified about the suspect’s alleged gang involvement before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

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.

The prosecution called on an ex-coworker of Ramos, who testified he is an ex-gang member.

Ramos is alleged to belong to the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang, but the prosecution was prohibited from mentioning his specific involvement by Judge Raffinan.

The prosecution mentioned the witness’ nervousness and apprehension to being in the courtroom, stating he was “shaking like a leaf,” with his head down and avoiding eye-contact. However, he was able to provide an in-court identification of Ramos.

The witness was employed as a dishwasher at Cadillac Ranch where he met Ramos, who was employed as a cook. The witness claimed he and Ramos would spend time together outside of work, “about a couple days a week.”

The witness recounted times when he and Ramos used to hang out, stating that on one occasion, the witness and Ramos spoke about the murder of Ramos’ father. The witness claimed that after Ramos’ father was killed, he moved to Boston.

Ramos is alleged to have left El Salvador with the intent to kill his father’s alleged killer, who he claims is Alvarado.

Ramos allegedly told the witness he was a part of a gang and offered the witness a chance to join him. At first, the witness claimed he refused, but after about a year, accepted Ramos’ invitation.

According to the witness, on another occasion, they were parked outside of an apartment complex in Alexandria, Virgina, when Ramos pointed out that was where he began to follow Alvarado leading up to the incident. “He[Ramos] said that was the place he started following the dude[Alvarado],” the witness stated.

He[Alvarado] was the one that did it,” he said, “he killed his[Ramos’] father,” the witness stated.

According to the witness, in an attempt to get closer to Alvarado, Ramos “created a girl page and started texting” Alvarado through Facebook.

According to the witness, Ramos “created a girl page and started texting the dude,” and was allegedly able to get Alvarado’s address by posing as a woman on a phony Facebook account.

The witness stated that when Ramos began following Alvarado, Ramos was in his friend’s car, with two other individuals. Ramos allegedly told the witness he and another individual shot into Alvarado’s car, killing him and injuring another passenger.

According to the witness, he knew the surviving victim, adding it was his father’s cousin.

In cross examination, Ramos’ defense attorneys, Rachel McCoy and Camille Wagner, questioned the witness about the benefits he’s received from the prosecution for his compliance to testify in court.

The witness claimed he received about $15,000, which helped pay for him and his family to move to a safer location. Also, the witness claimed the prosecution would help him obtain an S-visa.

According to U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services, an S-visa can be obtained when an individual has assisted a law enforcement agency as a witness, allowing the law enforcement agency to submit an application for a Green Card on behalf of the witness.

McCoy questioned the witness about his involvement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a confidential informant.

McCoy argued that as an informant, you cannot engage in gang activity, which the witness allegedly continued to do.

According to the witness, he was kicked out of the confidential informant program because he was “engaging in illegal activities” and “dealing with weed and stuff.”

When McCoy asked the witness why he continued to engage in illegal activities, the witness stated he “did it for his own safety.”

Parties are slated to return on March 29 for a motions hearing regarding testimony for a representative from Meta.

Prosecution Suggests ‘Catfishing’ Ploy in 2015 Murder Case

On March 27, opening statements in a murder case suggested a possible “catfishing” ploy to track and trap a murder victim. Such schemes aim to entice gullible individuals into romantic relationships on social media sites then manipulate them.

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 shooting of 50-year-old Pedro Alvarado Melendez 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.

During his opening statement, a prosecutor accused Ramos of using a “phony Facebook account” as a catfish ploy to communicate with the Melendez. Ramos was allegedly “pretending to be a woman named Rosa Lopez” and that the Facebook account was closed “within a few hours” of the a murder.

The prosecutor said the bogus account was used for “finding the decedent, getting close enough to him, and murdering him.”

The woman, whose identify was allegedly stolen in the scam, testified when she discovered a Facebook account using her photo, she asked the company for an explanation.

Melendez’s son testified that he had seen his father using Facebook to look at “pictures of women and news articles.”

The prosecutor told the jury that Melendez dropped his son off at school and was heading to his workplace down Interstate 295 when a man fired at the vehicle killing Melendez.

It would be “the last day Pedro Melendez would know,” the prosecutor said displaying a photo of the victim and of Melendez’s former brother-in-law who was injured in the incident. Melendez and his wife were divorced at the time of the shooting.

On May 31, 2015, Maryland authorities found a car that had been set on fire alongside a highway. A license plate identified Ramos as the owner.

Defense attorney Camille Wagner attacked the prosecution’s case, describing it as “speculation and guesswork.” She said the prosecution is asking the jury to “jump to conclusions. [However] Mr. Oscar Ramos is innocent.”

Wagner said the jury is “not going to see” significant evidence related to firearms, DNA testing, and cell site data. She also questioned the credibility of prosecution witnesses who she says are gang members and have “every motive to lie.” Earlier, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, who is hearing the case, granted a motion that prohibited the prosecution from specifically mentioning the defendant’s alleged involvement in a gang.

The trial is slated to continue on March 28.

Judge Holds Shooting Suspect Accused in Traffic Melee

On March 26, DC Superior Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause, agreeing with the prosecution, to hold a non-fatal shooting defendant for his alleged involvement in a traffic dispute.

Adrian Lee, 49, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting a victim twice in the chest in an incident that occurred on April 18,2023, on the 700 block of Gresham Place, NW.

During the hearing the prosecution said Lee should not be released given the nature of the offense and because of a prior conviction for voluntary manslaughter when he stabbed a victim in the heart.

According to court documents, Lee was called by a woman who was driving a GMC SUV that struck a Tesla sedan on the 2800 block of Sherman Avenue, NW. He responded to the scene presenting an insurance card for the SUV as demanded by the victim.

After the victim discovered the card was expired, Lee and the woman absconded. The victim pursued Lee in his car and when Lee got to his house, he allegedly pulled out a gun and shot the victim.

He was taken to Howard University Hospital by his wife to receive extended treatment for severe injuries.

At the hearing, the prosecution showed video footage of the victim’s car and a person identified as Lee approaching it. Police were able to determine Lee as a suspect by obtaining his auto insurance card and following up on an anonymous tip.

However, the defense argued that there was no clear identification by the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) investigating detective that Lee was the shooter. Further, the defense said the police should have determined who actually caused the accident more thoroughly.

Parties are slated to return to court on April 9.

Preliminary Hearing Delayed Due to Plea Offer in Shooting Case

On March 28, in what was supposed to be a preliminary hearing, the prosecution offered a non-fatal shooting defendant a plea deal, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Anthony Goncalves, 51, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 29, 2023, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. A 14-year-old boy sustained life-threatening injuries from the incident.

According to court documents, Goncalves allegedly shot the victim nine times while the victim was waiting at a bus stop.

During the hearing, Christen Romero Phillips, Goncalves’s defense attorney, alerted the court the prosecution had extended a plea offer to her client and they needed additional time to discuss it.

The prosecution stated that if Goncalves accepted the offer, he would plead guilty to one count of aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

As part of the deal, the parties would agree to a sentence of nine-to-twelve-years of incarceration.

Parties are slated to return April 24.

Judge Detains Two Homicide Defendants During Initial Presentment Proceeding

On March 27, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann found probable cause for two homicide defendants making their initial court appearance and ordered them detained.

Tyree Bratcher, 17, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 18-year-old Tyreek Moore on Jan 22, 2024 on the 4600 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Moore was shot after picking up a friend from school. Court records also show images of individuals exiting a Black BMW and entering a vehicle identified as the defendant’s car, and images of the defendant’s car approaching the victim’s car minutes before the murder.

At the hearing, Aubrey Dillon, Bratcher’s defense attorney, argued that he was not a knowing or willing participant in the murder and that his client was under duress from gunmen from the black SUV who entered his car.

The prosecution argued the defendant was not coerced, stating that there was footage of Bratcher conversing with the individuals in the black BMW minutes before the murder.

The judge reasoned that the timeline of events leading up to the murder did not suggest that the individuals who entered the defendant’s car from the BMW was a random event and that there was some familiarity between Bratcher and the BMW driver.

“I find the nature of the offense is extremely concerning, it was in an area where many people could have been hurt,” said Judge Herrmann.

Bratcher will return to court April 25, in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Judge Herrmann also suspended the public from a presentment hearing for 32-year-old Lashawn Washington, who is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder, and kidnapping, among other charges, for her alleged involvement in the fatal disappearance of 25-year-old Chyna Crawford. The incident occurred on Oct. 23, on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

Judge Herrmann suspended the public from the Webex meeting due to safety concerns over members of the public recording and live streaming court proceedings.

Parties are slated to return on April 5, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Suspect in Peace Corps Worker Homicide Denied Release, Waives Independent DNA Testing

On March 28, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found that a homicide defendant “knowingly and voluntarily” waived his right to independently test DNA evidence.

Dearay Wilson, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 53-year-old Jeremy Black. The incident occurred on June 29, 2021, on the 1400 block of R Street, NW.

Black, a former Peace Corps worker, was eulogized by the National Peace Corps Association as an individual whose life work was, “[p]romoting understanding between people” in challenging parts of the world.

“He played guitar and trumpet, was a triathlete and a skier; he took up karate with his two sons.” the statement continued.

According to prosecutors, Wilson was one of multiple individuals who exited a white Chevy SUV at the location and unleashed a “barrage of bullets,” which fatally injured Black. Wilson has been the only individual arrested and charged in connection to the incident.

During the hearing, Thomas Healy, Wilson’s defense attorney, alerted the court he was waiving his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from the crime scene.

Prosecutors told the court that they had tested various items, including cartridge casings, disposable gloves, and a t-shirt with suspected blood on it, which closely matched Wilson as part of the mixture of individuals’ DNA or the sole match.

Before the hearing concluded, Healy requested Judge Okun release Wilson, stating he has been detained for a while and has no significant criminal history. He pointed out the large community support, citing the more than ten individuals in attendance for the proceeding.

However, the prosecution objected to the request, arguing he’s charged with the “most dangerous and highest charge possible in the District,” and adding that the other individuals responsible for the crime have yet to be apprehended.

Judge Okun agreed with the prosecution, and stated that no condition or combination of conditions of release would guarantee the community’s safety.

Parties are slated to return June 28.

Judge Grants Defense Request to Reschedule Murder Trial

On March 27, defense attorney Joseph Yarbough requested to reschedule a July 2025 trial date before DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe.

Samuel Mack, 57, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Erica Ward. The shooting occurred in an apartment on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE, on Dec. 30, 2020.

Mack’s defense attorney requested a new trial date because he had another trial during that time period. Judge O’Keefe agreed to the request to reschedule the trial date.

After all parties discussed their availability, a new trial date was scheduled for Aug. 4, 2025.

The next status hearing is set for Oct. 11.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in a 1990 Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a homicide that occurred on March 28, 1990, on the 500 block of M Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to a shooting at the location, where they located 34-year-old Norman Rich inside of a residence, with gunshot wound. He died at the scene.

As a result of the detectives’ investigation, 66-year-old Sheila Brown was indicted and arrested for charges including second-degree murder and obstruction of justice.

The investigation revealed the case was domestic in nature.

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