Annual Homicide Rate Increased Nearly Fifty Percent Since 2015, D.C. Witness Data Shows

While judges expressed their concerns about the troubling rise of crime in the city, and the city council tried to come up with solutions, 2023 turned out to be a record-setting year for homicides in DC since 1997.

D.C. Witness has monitored homicides in the District since 2015, and our data shows that there was a significant increase from 2017 to 2021, before slightly decreasing in 2022, and hitting a peak in 2023. In eight years, DC’s homicide rate increased nearly fifty percent.

Figure 1.

Figure 1 depicts the change in numbers throughout the years that D.C. Witness has been tracking.

According to D.C. Witness data, there were 173 homicide incidents in the District in 2015, with 178 victims. However there were 256 incidents in 2023, with 278 victims, indicating a 47.97 percent increase in homicide incidents in eight years, and 56.18 percent increase in homicide victims.

Of the 278 homicide victims in 2023, 243 died from gunshot injuries, with less than half of the guns used by the arrested individuals recovered.

With the increase in homicide incidents in 2023, came an increasing number of juvenile defendants, either tried as adults or children, and juvenile victims. In 2023, there were a total of 23 juvenile homicide victims, with ages ranging from five-months-old to 17-year-olds.

The number of juvenile arrests also increased in 2023, with several tried as adults. One of them, 18-year-old Lorinzo Thompson, who was 17 at the time of the incident, is alleged to have shot and killed 14-year-old Niko Estep on Nov. 3 on the 2600 block of 14th Street, NW.

During a detention hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo stated the case has an “extremely troubling set of circumstances,” citing Thompson’s mother’s alleged presence during the incident. She also mentioned his two pending juvenile cases, whose circumstances were not discussed in open court, with the judge arguing that his alleged involvement in Estep’s death was when he was on release from the other two juvenile cases.

Judge Demeo echoed multiple judges’ statements who deemed juveniles’ actions as troubling.

Most notably in the deaths of victims under the age of 18 was five-month-old Kenneth Geo Walton, who was located unconscious and unresponsive on Feb. 11, on the 4000 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW. He succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 18, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) ruled his death a homicide, stating that he died from complications of blunt force trauma. An arrest has yet to be made in relation to the incident.

Likewise, on March 16, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the 1300 block of Morris Road, SE, for the report of an unconscious and unresponsive infant, with no signs consistent with life. The infant was identified as seven-month-old King Phelps, and no arrests have been made.

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld has also deemed various juvenile defendant’s actions troubling, including a juvenile girl that was charged with the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Naima Liggon on Aug. 27 on the 1900 block of 14th Street, NW.

The girl, who accepted a plea deal on Dec. 4, has requested she be released multiple times, with the request being denied due to the dangerousness and circumstances of her case.

However, Judge Hertzfeld granted another juvenile defendant’s motion for release in connection with the deadly carjacking incident on Oct. 28 that left 13-year-old Vernard Toney Jr. dead on the 600 block of D Street, NW.

She released the boy following weeks-long psychiatric evaluations at a District facility due to behavioral issues leading up to the incident and while he was detained at the Youth Services Center (YSC) in the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

Although the homicide numbers are high, arrests have lagged behind. In 2023 alone, only 90 arrests were made in connection to the 256 homicide incidents, meaning that suspects have not been apprehended in nearly 65 percent of homicide incidents last year.

Figure 2.

Figure 2 depicts the similar percentages for arrests throughout the years.

In 2023, the DC Council responded to the uptick in crime by passing legislations like the Safer Stronger Amendment Act of 2023 and Addressing Crime Trends Now Act (ACT Now) of 2023, which aimed to address the safety challenges and the penalties for violent crimes in the District.

The legislation leaves the question of how the city council and mayor’s attempts to control the rise in crime in 2023 will affect 2024’s numbers.

Document: Southeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Jan. 16 on the 2400 block of S Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries inside a residence. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 23-year-old Javonni Anthony Coleman.

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.

‘You Took My Mother From Me and My Sisters,’ Victim’s Daughter Says at Sentencing

On Jan. 12, a homicide defendant was sentenced to 13 years of incarceration by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Christian Monge, 27, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Brittanie Clark on Aug. 31, 2021, on the 5000 block of First Street, NW.

According to court documents, the incident stemmed from an altercation between Clark and Monge’s girlfriend.

On Sept. 13, Monge accepted a deal to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for dismissal of all other charges. Parties agreed to a sentence of 13 years incarceration and five years of supervised release.

During the sentencing, several members of Clark’s family delivered victim impact statements, highlighting the pain and suffering her loss has brought to their family. Many of them stated they wanted to know why Monge did it, with Clark’s aunt saying, “Why? It shouldn’t have gone that far,” referencing the altercation between Monge’s girlfriend, Monge, and Clark.

“You really hurt me,” she added, saying, “You took away the most important person in my life.”

Many of the family members also mentioned Clark’s three girls, who they say need their mom every day, and he took her from them by force. “What if someone did that s**t to your sister, your brother… karma is coming. It’s coming, just know that, you can laugh all you want,” said Clark’s sister, as Monge appeared to smirk during the proceeding.

In an emotional statement, Clark’s daughter, who witnessed the stabbing, said “You took my mother from me and my sisters…I’m hurt.”

“I don’t think he understands that what he did is wrong,” she insisted, adding that she thinks about it every day.

Following the statements, prosecutors stated Clark’s loss has left a hole in her family’s hearts, adding that one of the few reasons they agreed to the plea deal was to ensure Clark’s daughter and the other juvenile present at the time of the incident did not have to endure the trauma that comes from testifying in front of a jury.

Prosecutors said that Monge comes from an unstable family, and has inflicted the same pain on three young girls.

They argued that Monge, in recorded jail calls, tried to shift blame on his girlfriend saying, “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.” The prosecutor insisted that the only reason he’s in the position he’s in is because of his actions in an “unnecessary act of violence.”

Anthony Matthews, Monge’s defense attorney, rested his arguments based on the sentencing memorandum, which is not public, but added that Monge has a young daughter who he wants to support, and she is his motivation moving forward.

Monge asserted his right to not make a statement before the court.

Judge Okun expressed his condolences to the family, adding that the “senseless crime” should not have ended the way it did, adding that it was “uncalled for, unprovoked, and unnecessary.”

“It’s a very concerning crime to me,” he stated, arguing it’s not Monge’s first time stabbing someone. He referenced Monge’s 2015 conviction for stabbing someone in Maryland, for which he now has to serve back-up time due to his conviction in Clark’s death, which occurred while he was released on probation in Maryland.

“Part of me thinks this is not enough time,” claimed Judge Okun, adding that he understands the prosecution’s reasoning for agreeing to the deal.

Prosecutors requested Monge serve the District’s sentence consecutively to the time he has to serve in Maryland, arguing that it’s reasonable due to it being two separate incidents with different victims.

The request was granted, and Judge Okun ordered Monge to participate in anger management, mental health assessments and treatment, and substance abuse assessments.

“For your sake, for your kid’s sake, and community’s sake, I hope you’re never here again,” said Judge Okun.

No further dates were scheduled.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On Jan. 16, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors in front of DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz.

Ernest Conyeir, 34, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a shooting on Oct. 18, 2023, on the 1500 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The incident left one individual suffering from gunshot wounds.

According to court documents, the shooting occurred after a verbal altercation between Conyeir and the victim. The victim was shot in their right forearm and left shin, and walked to a medical center where he received treatment.

During the hearing, Conyeir accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. He was also required to plead guilty to armed robbery in connection to an unrelated matter.

Based on the deal, parties agreed to a seven-and-a-half to nine-year range for sentencing.

“In the end, it’s not going to matter that much as your sentence is going to be seven-and-a-half years if I accept this agreement,” Judge Lebovitz said, referencing the sentencing guidelines for the original charges.

Conyeir will also be required to register as a gun offender.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 8.

Probable Cause Found in Homicide Case and Defendant Detained

On Jan. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause that a homicide defendant must stand trial.

Tremone Jackson, 20, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Charles Towles on the 1400 block of L Street, SE on Nov. 4, 2023.

The prosecution began by calling the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) lead detective on the case to testify about surveillance footage captured on the afternoon of the shooting.

The detective explained that the shooting occurred at a public housing complex and the video captures Townes arriving at the location then having a physical altercation with an individual in a red hoodie as they exit the facility. The individual in the red hoodie was identified by the detective as Jackson. After the altercation, there is observable gunfire.

Townes is then seen lying flat on the ground, as the individual police identify as Jackson, along with one other person, run away quickly from the scene.

During cross-examination, Jackson’s defense attorney, Russell Hairston, pointed out Jackson isn’t seen with a weapon when he went into the building,

Additionally, Hairston questioned the detective whether Townes was seen with a weapon, specifically asking if it is clear in the footage. The detective explained that he since learned that Townes did not have a firearm on him at the time of the shooting, and agreed that simply from the footage, it is unclear if Townes was armed.

The detective explained Jackson and Townes knew each other, and were having a dispute before things became physical, allegedly regarding Jackson’s girlfriend.

Hairston also argued the individual originally seen entering the building, who has been identified as Jackson, could be different than the person seen arguing with Townes. That’s based on surveillance footage showing the suspect going briefly back to his vehicle. Hairston argued that another person could have left the vehicle, and it may not have been Jackson.

Hairston said there is no probable cause given no positive identification, and not knowing if Townes had a firearm.

However, Judge Epstein found probable cause in this case, and there is enough evidence to go to trial. He explained there’s no physical evidence Townes was armed or that the shooting was in self-defense.

Hairston then requested Jackson be released since this is his first criminal offense, and his lawyer said he has very strong family support.

The prosecution argued Jackson should be detained. They explained he shot someone in broad daylight, an extremely dangerous act.

Judge Epstein agreed with the prosecution that Jackson should be detained.

Parties are expected to reconvene Jan 19.

Document: MPD Searching for Vehicle Involved in Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a vehicle involved in a shooting on Jan. 14.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the 600 block of Malcolm X Avenue, SE, for the report of a gunshot wound victim, where they located the victim who stated he was shot on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. He was transported to a hospital for treatment.

The suspect’s 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.

Document: Teen Arrested for Carjacking and Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a teenager after he was involved in a carjacking and shooting on Jan. 12 on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, the victim was sitting in his vehicle at the location when three suspects approached him, assaulted him, and robbed him at gunpoint. Two of the suspects then took the victim’s vehicle.

Shortly after, one of the two suspects in the carjacked vehicle began exchanging gunfire with an unknown person on the 3300 block of Benning Road, NE. The unknown person returned fire, striking the suspect. Responding officers located the injured suspect and the carjacked vehicle.

On Jan. 12, a 15-year-old juvenile male was arrested and charged with armed carjacking, assault with intent to commit robbery, robbery, and assault with a dangerous (gun).

This incident remains under investigation, and 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.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 11 Years

On Jan.12, a non-fatal shooting defendant was sentenced to 11 years incarceration by DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Vincent James, 39, was convicted by a jury of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred at a liquor store on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SE, on July 30, 2020. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident.

The prosecution began by arguing that James should be sentenced to the top of the guidelines for his crimes, which would be 11 years. They explained that the surveillance video of the shooting was shown multiple times in trial, and it is clearly James on the video. The prosecution stated that James is not “18, 19, or 20 years old and trying to find the ways of the world, he is a grown man”.

The prosecution also argued that James has twenty years of arrests, dating back to 2004. In addition to this, the prosecution referenced the arrests that James picked up while this case was still pending, saying he was convicted of a DUI during this time. They also referenced a close link that James has between alcohol and violent behavior, saying “the defendant hasn’t fully appreciated and learned what’s going on with his admitted anger and alcohol problem”.

The prosecution closed their argument by stating that James has yet to accept any responsibility for his actions in this case, and requested that the court give him the highest of the guidelines, 11 years, for his sentencing.

James’ defense attorney, Susan Ellis, argued to the court that James should receive the lower end of the sentencing guidelines, which would be five years. Ellis emphasized that the full story of what happened during the shooting will never be known. She also referenced the abundance of trauma that James has experienced in his life, including the murder of his brother and stepmom, abusive foster care experience, and being bullied as a child.

Ellis insisted that James has been steadily employed for most of his adult life, and that he will have a very strong family support system upon his release from incarceration. She further argued that five years is a sufficient sentence for James, and requested to the court that it be the sentence they impose.

Judge O’Keefe then described James as a “very mild mannered, quiet, and serious person”. He explained that “even though it’s clearly you on that video, you took it to trial, and made the prosecution jump through all the hoops”. He then stated that he has “no basis to cut [James] a break”.

After making these statements, Judge O’Keefe sentenced James to 11 years, with five years of supervised release, for the charge of aggravated assault knowingly while armed. As well as eight years, with three years of supervised release, for the charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Lastly, he sentenced James to three and a half years, with three years of supervised release, for the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict. All of these charges will run concurrently.

Judge O’Keefe then explained that upon release from incarceration, James will have to comply with certain release conditions, such as GPS monitoring and substance abuse testing, as well as registering as a gun offender.

No further dates are set in this case.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request for Release

On Jan. 12, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo denied a murder defendant’s request to be released as he awaits further proceedings.

Lorinzo Thompson, 18, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of a 14-year old Niko Estep on the 2600 block of 14th Street NW, on Nov. 3, 2023. The incident left another juvenile male suffering from gunshot wounds.

Thompson, who was 17 at the time of the incident, is being tried as an adult under Title 16, which allows prosecutors to charge juveniles as adults for crimes like murder.

On Jan. 8, Judge Demeo found probable cause that Thompson was the perpetrator in Estep’s shooting.

On Jan. 12, prosecutors argued that due to new law passed in 2023, there is a rebuttable presumption that Thompson’s release would be unsafe to the community, adding that the defense has failed and will not be able to rebut the presumption.

“This is one of the most serious offenses that can be committed in the District,” said the prosecutor, adding that Thompson is accused of killing a 14-year-old and injuring another juvenile in a public gas station. They added that, during the preliminary hearing, Judge Demeo ruled there was no proof of self-defense.

The prosecution argued further that, although he has no convictions, his pending cases in juvenile court are extremely concerning, including the fact that he was on release at the time of the shooting.

According to the prosecution, Thompson fired 12 or more gunshots in a public place, and continued to fire the gun until his magazine was empty. They added that, although the surviving victim was found to be in possession of an extended magazine, Thompson did as well, and he made sure he shot as many times as possible.

The prosecution added there are “serious concerns for the safety of the community,” arguing that there’s clear evidence Thompson’s mother was present at the time of the shooting and did not attempt to prevent it from occurring.

They also referenced letters of support sent in by Thompson’s family, where they stated they had missed the defendant through the holidays. “His family missed [him] during the holidays, but Estep’s family did too, and they will continue to miss him for the rest of their lives,” prosecutors insisted.

Due to the evidence, the nature and circumstances of the crime, prosecutors insisted no combination of conditions can ensure the safety of the community if Thompson is released.

Joseph Yarbough, Thompson’s defense attorney, noted that some of the victims could have had firearms on them at the time of the incident.

Yarbough added that a defendant’s history is the most important factor for the court to consider when discussing release, and Thompson has no convictions or adjudications, even if he has pending cases.

He argued Thompson has strong family support, and if released he will re-engage in boxing and plans to go to church, adding that Thompson wants to ensure he finishes his schooling, but is having difficulty doing so at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF).

“His family is clearly surrounding him with love and support,” argued Yarbough, although no family members were present at the hearing.

He requested Judge Demeo release Thompson to home confinement or a curfew with GPS monitoring that would allow him to go to school and work.

Judge Demeo denied the request, stating there are “extremely troubling set of circumstances” in this case, adding that the weight of the evidence is strong.

“The mother seems to be complicit with what happened,” she stated, adding that his extended family members who sent letters of support may not be fully aware of what Thompson is involved in.

She agreed the prosecution had met their high burden that the safety of the community cannot be guaranteed if Thompson is released, therefore ordering he be detained pending further proceedings.

Parties are slated to return March 15.

Homicide Defendant’s Release Conditions Modified

On Jan. 12, a homicide defendant’s release conditions were modified by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Jason Lewis, 42, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Karon Blake, 13, on Jan. 7, 2023 on the 1000 block of Quincy Street, NE.

In a hearing on Jan. 12, Lewis’s defense attorney, Edward Ungvarsky, asked Judge Epstein for a continuance in order to allow him time to properly investigate who was the initial aggressor in the incident. The defense attorney intends to hire several expert witnesses to consult regarding evidence in the case and to call as witnesses.

The defense alerted the court they plan to assert their rights to test DNA evidence that could potentially be found on a screwdriver, flashlight, and two automobiles recovered from the crime scene.

Judge Epstein granted the continuance and set a new trial date for Aug. 5, 2024

Ungvarsky requested Lewis’ release conditions be amended, citing his full compliance for a year. Judge Epstein granted the request, removing the home confinement requirement, and setting a curfew of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. with a GPS monitoring device.

Parties are slated to return July 26.

2016 Homicide Defendant Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter

On Jan. 12, a 2016 homicide defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Master Matthew Thomas, 37, was originally charged with felony murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the shooting 59-year-old Chijioke Agbakahion on the 5100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW on Aug. 5, 2016. Thomas is also charged with first and second-degree murder in Prince George’s County, MD.

During the hearing, the prosecution explained that they offered a plea deal to Thomas that would require he plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges, for this case only.

The prosecution explained that this case is unique due to a variety of factors. They explained there are weaknesses in their prosecution against Thomas if it were to go to trial, including a crucial witness who is deceased. Additionally, they explained that there have been scientific issues with their firearms evidence, and that overall they do not believe they have much of a case against Thomas.

Thomas’ defense attorney, Sellano Simmons, informed the court that Thomas would be accepting this plea deal.

Judge O’Keefe then informed Thomas about what plea deal means and ensured that Thomas wanted to proceed with it. Thomas accepted the plea.

Parties are expected to reconvene on March 22 for sentencing.

Surviving Victim Testifies in Homicide Trial

On Jan. 11, a surviving victim testified regarding the shooting that took his best friend’s life before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo’s courtroom.

Vorreze Thomas, 25, and his uncle Delonta Stevenson, 28, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, and two counts of assault with intent to kill, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Terrance Allen. The incident occurred on Jan. 18, 2021, on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE, and left two other individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. All three victims were found inside of a vehicle at the scene.

The victim, who stated all he wanted to do was tell his side of the story, became visibly frustrated when prosecutors questioned him about his personal criminal cases. According to the prosecutors, he has a pending case for driving under the influence in North Carolina, and was put on a GPS monitor by the state to ensure he showed up to testify at this trial.

“You worry about what the f**k I’m doing,” the witness said, adding “he [the prosecutor] thinks it’s a f*****g game or something.” The prosecution mentioned his pending case to ensure the jury knows they are not assisting him with any of his cases, and his testimony is purely for him to explain what happened on the day of the incident.

According to the witness, Allen was his childhood best friend, and they spent a lot of time together growing up. Once they got older and both became “working men,” they only saw one another when they could.

The witness testified that, on the day of the incident, he and Allen “were supposed to get a tire.” According to Allen’s friend, when he got into Allen’s white Ford, “he had a lil youngin’ with him,” referring to the other surviving victim.

The witness insisted he didn’t know the other victim that day, and he “still don’t know his name or nothing.”

He explained that when Allen and the other individual picked him up, they drove to the other victim’s mom’s house, who lived at the apartments “we got shot at.” Allen and the two individuals drove the mother to a grocery store down the street, and dropped her back off at Stanton Glenn Apartments.

As they were leaving the complex, the witness said, he got in the passenger seat, Allen in the driver’s seat, and “lil youngin” in the back seat. “If it wasn’t for the lil youngin, Terrance would still be here,” he claimed, adding that “motherf*****g sh*t started hitting the car,” referencing the bullets. He stated he didn’t see where the shots were coming from, but was shot three times on his shoulder as he was ducked in the vehicle.

When prosecutors asked how many shots were fired, the witness, clearly frustrated, stated he didn’t know, but there were definitely a few shots, adding “you’ve seen the car”.

According to the witness, he still has bullet fragments in his shoulder from the incident. Prosecutors displayed images of the witness at the hospital, one portraying his shoulder injuries with a bloody bandage.

When discussing who sustained injuries in the vehicle, the witness stated “I was right there beside [Allen]… if it wasn’t for the lil youngin in the car, he’d still be here”. All three individuals were shot, he added, saying he tried to help his best friend before Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived.

He added that neither he or Allen had any beefs with anyone, and he was upset that a Special Police Officer (SPO) at the scene had put him in handcuffs before officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) showed up.

Prosecutors also called up a MPD officer who responded to the scene.

According to the officer, he arrived at the scene with two other officers who he was training, and assisted with preserving the life of the victims, the scene, and evidence.

When asked to describe the scene, the officer stated it was a “chaotic, busy, active scene,” adding that there were several people from the complex watching it all unfold.

Prosecutors displayed the officer’s body-worn camera, which depicts him and his trainees arriving at the scene. In the footage, the two surviving victims can be seen in handcuffs, one against the hood of the white Ford, and the other on the curb. Allen’s body can be seen lying next to the vehicle.

The officer stated that Allen was not showing signs of life, and was suffering from gunshot wounds, adding that the attempts to preserve his life were unsuccessful, and he died at the scene.

One of the surviving victims, he said, was arrested and charged for carrying a pistol without a license, after MPD recovered a firearm from the vehicle.

Parties are slated to return Jan. 16.

Jury Convicts Murder Defendant

On Jan. 11, following a weeks-long trial and deliberation, a jury delivered a verdict for a homicide case in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

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

Throughout the trial, prosecutors argued that Rezene lured Villatoro to his death by setting him up a in a drug deal.

According to the prosecutors, Rezene used a burner phone to contact Villatoro in the weeks leading up to his death, and immediately stopped using the phone the night of the shooting.

The evidence 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 proved his intent to kill, premeditation, deliberation, and willingness to ensure Villatoro’s death.

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”.

Throughout the jury’s deliberations, parties received multiple notes stating they were deadlocked, and couldn’t unanimously agree on verdicts for each charge. Judge Okun instructed the jury to continue deliberating and attempt to reach consensus.

Rezene was ultimately convicted of the murder, and acquitted of all other charges.

Parties are slated to return for sentencing March 22.

2014 Homicide Defendant’s Charge Reduced to Second-Degree Murder While Armed

On Jan. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted a joint motion to accuse a homicide defendant of a lesser charge, and impose a lesser sentence.

In 2017, a jury found Johnathan Taylor, 33 guilty of first-degree murder while armed for the death of 25-year-old Dexter Motley on the unit block of 46th Place, NE on Aug. 14, 2014. Taylor was also found guilty of possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with the intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm and obstruction of violence. Taylor was sentenced to 40 years in prison in 2017.

At the Jan. 11 hearing, the prosecution and Taylor’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, discussed a joint motion filed from both parties.

The motion requested Judge Raffinan to dismiss the first-degree murder while armed charge that Taylor was originally charged with, and change it to second-degree murder while armed. By granting this motion, Taylor’s sentence would therefore be reduced.

The reasoning for an agreement is a stipulated disposition of the defendant’s direct appeal. In sum, this means that both parties have agreed to the factual nature of this case weighing in favor of lessening Taylor’s charge and sentence, therefore saving the time and expense of further investigation.

Judge Raffinan granted the motion by both parties, therefore reducing Taylor’s first-degree murder while armed charge to second-degree murder while armed, and therefore eventually shortening his sentence.

Parties are expected to reconvene on March 15.

Final Arguments Heard in a Homicide Defendant’s Motion for Dismissal

On Jan.11, arguments in a motion hearing for the dismissal of a homicide case were heard by DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Terrance Barnes, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the death of 57-year-old Barry Holmes, on April 17, 2019. The incident occurred on the 5100 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

The motion to dismiss the case is based on the defense’s assertion the prosecution failed to preserve evidence.

According to the written filing by Barnes’ attorneys, the prosecution consumed potentially exculpatory DNA evidence. The motion also explains that there was contamination during the DNA testing process, as well as failure by the prosecution to preserve discoverable evidence, stating that Barnes has a constitutional right to test the evidence, and asserted his rights in a previous hearing.

Barnes’ defense attorney, Pierce Suen, explained that the basic facts in this motion are undisputed. Namely, after the shooting gloves were recovered as evidence, and the DC Department of Forensic Science (DFS) sampled the evidence using a swab. During this sampling, biological material was removed from the gloves.

Then, the United States Attorney’s Office retested the materials in relation to another case, including the gloves swabs and the reagent blanks used during testing. They are a control mechanism in DNA testing to ensure that there has been no contamination in the process.

According to Suen, during the additional testing, DFS “completely batched the evidence”, and the reagent blanks in this case were totally consumed. Suen further elaborated the exculpatory evidence was crucial.

Suen further argued that the results from the DNA testing could have shown information regarding physical contact between Barnes and Holmes prior to the shooting.

According to Suen, although a witness testified that further testing can be done without a reagent blank, he argued that this is actually not true. He also said the Federal Bureau of Investigation quality assurance standards require DNA testing to be done with a reagent blank.

He explained that due to the destruction of the reagent blanks, they can’t verify any DNA testing in this case, and therefore no accredited laboratories will agree to test the samples. Suen explained that the witness was from another country, and so may not have been familiar with DNA testing in the United States.

Based on the DNA testing issues, Suen argued the case should be dismissed.

The prosecution emphasized that a non-accredited or international laboratory could perform further DNA testing for the defense. They further explained that the absence of a reagent blank doesn’t necessarily mean that no further testing can be performed, it just may be more difficult.

The prosecution then explained that in a motion for dismissal, bad faith has to be present, and that in this case there was none. They further argued that there is no basis for dismissal just because the process was not done in the most exacting fashion.

In response, Suen argued that he is not alleging that there was nefarious conduct in this case, but that the alleged recklessness of DFS and the U.S Attorney’s Office during the DNA testing rises to a level of bad faith.

Judge Raffinan questioned the prosecution in regards the consumption of the reagent blanks. She also asked for more clarification as to what was said by the prosecution in a previous hearing, about their knowledge of DNA testing misconduct.

The prosecution will have to make a written reply before the questions can be discussed in court.

Parties are expected to reconvene on April 26.