Document: Man Arrested for a Traffic Fatality: 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a traffic fatality that occurred on Jun 8, 2023, at the intersection of 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, the investigation revealed that a 2005 Ford Focus was traveling northbound on 11th Street, SE, and entered the intersection with a green signal light. At the same time, a 2017 Mercedes C300 was traveling eastbound on Pennsylvania Avenue and entered the intersection at 11th Street with a red signal light. The Mercedes struck the driver’s side of the Ford, causing an adult female rear seat passenger on the driver’s side of the Ford to be ejected. The two occupants of the Mercedes fled the scene on foot.

DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the scene, and after finding no signs consistent with life, the adult female victim was pronounced dead. Two other occupants of the Ford were treated for minor injuries and released from hospitals.

The victim was identified as 19-year-old Madison Jones.

On Jan. 11, pursuant to an arrest warrant, 30-year-old Andre Johnson was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Anyone with knowledge of the incident should contact MPD.

Document: Decedent Identified Man Killed in Southwest DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the death of a man that occurred on Jan. 3, on the 1400 block of Canal Street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of found human remains, where they located adult human remains inside of a trash can. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) conducted an autopsy and ruled the manner of death a homicide, and the cause of death a gunshot wound.

The victim was identified as 42-year-old Harry Keels, who had been reported missing Nov. 6, 2023.

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.

After Opening Statements Homicide Victim’s Mom Testifies in Co-Defendant Homicide Trial

On Jan. 10, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo and jurors heard parties give opening statements and a victim’s mother testify in a co-defendant homicide matter.

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.

“Thirty-four. That’s the number of times Delonta Stevenson fired a rifle into the car on Jan. 18, 2021,” said prosecutors in their opening statements, adding that Stevenson was “sitting in the passenger seat of a Volvo XC90 driven by his nephew, Vorreze Thomas,” when he shot at a white Ford Crown Victoria with the three victims inside.

“All of this evidence will prove the guilt of Thomas and Stevenson beyond a reasonable doubt,” insisted the prosecution.

According to prosecutors, one of the surviving victims had reached out to Allen for a ride to visit his mother at the Stanton Glenn Apartments after hearing of an alleged assault against her, which was a miscommunication. On their way to the apartment complex, Allen picked up the other surviving victim.

As the surviving victim spoke to his mother, Stevenson’s girlfriend received a text message and voice message stating the surviving victim was at the complex. The victim was blamed for shooting Stevenson in November of 2020.

The victim’s mother requested he drive her to the grocery store, and he asked Allen to drive them.

Once Stevenson’s girlfriend alerted Stevenson and Thomas, the three meet at the complex, which only has one entry and exit way and a looped parking lot, and they are seen waiting for the victims’ vehicle to return from running errands. Prosecutors claim that, as shown in surveillance footage, Thomas removes a rifle from the back seat of the Volvo, and Stevenson a pistol from his waistband.

After dropping the victim’s mother back home, the Crown Victoria can be seen making a u-turn to head towards the entrance. Prosecutors say Thomas and Stevenson get in the Volvo, with Thomas as the driver, and go the opposite direction to meet them at the entrance.

Surveillance footage shows that as the Crown Victoria gets to the exit, those in the Volvo begin to shoot at them multiple times, causing the Crown Victoria to crash against a post.

The Volvo then speeds away , and was later recovered by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers at 29th Street and Erie Street, SE, where it had crashed into several parked cars.

According to the prosecution, two eyewitnesses saw two individuals run away from the Volvo, and MPD recovered a rifle from their flight path, which was tested for DNA evidence, and is considered highly likely to have been used in the murder.

Prosecutors claimed that MPD also recovered an iPhone associated with Thomas from the Volvo.

“The only just verdict for this case is guilty on all counts,” insisted prosecutors.

Stephen LoGerfo, Stevenson’s defense attorney, insisted that “Delonta Stevenson is not guilty… he did not shoot Terrance Allen, and the [prosecution] will not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Stevenson is guilty.”

LoGerfo argued Stevenson is a lifelong DC resident, a devoted father and family man, who “still has a bullet lodged in his brain,” from an unrelated incident.

He claimed that one of the surviving victims was assisted by the prosecution to relocate to Texas following the shooting, where he was arrested again. He argued because the witness is indebted to the prosecution, he will testify saying what they want him to say.

“The only verdict consistent with the lack of evidence is not guilty,” insisted LoGerfo.

“What [LoGerfo] said, ‘me too’,” said Charles Murdter, Thomas’ defense attorney, adding “Thomas sits before you an innocent man.”

He argued the prosecution has the burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Thomas is guilty.

“The only just verdict in this case is not guilty,” Murdter said.

Following opening statements, prosecutors called Allen’s mother to the stand. She testified that Allen was working at the Pentagon and was a “family man,” stating he had two kids, and an unborn child on the way.

“Him and I were close,” said the mother, adding he “was always coming to check on me.”

“I miss watching him walk through the door,” she said.

Parties are slated to return Jan. 11.

Shooting Defendant Files Motion to Dismiss Case

On Jan. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo was alerted that a shooting defendant had filed a motion to dismiss due to a NAPUE violation.

Tyshay Moore, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on May 10, on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW.

On Jan. 10, Hannah Claudio, Moore’s defense attorney, filed a motion to dismiss due to so-called Napue and Jencks violations. According to Justia Law, a Napue violation is the knowing use of false testimony by prosecutors, including testimony affecting only the credibility of witnesses and does not directly touch on the innocence or guilt of a defendant, violates the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment guaranteeing fair treatment.

In the written motion filed with the court, Claudio claims that during a preliminary hearing, prosecutors allowed a detective to give false testimony.

Judge Demeo told the parties she had been unable to review the motion, and argued that the prosecution should have time to respond to the motion in writing.

Prosecutors must respond in writing by Jan. 25.

Parties are slated to return to discuss the motion on Feb. 2.

Motion for Dismissal in Homicide Case Continued

On Jan.10, a motion hearing regarding the dismissal of a homicide case was continued before 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 defense motion to dismiss this case is a result, they say, of the prosecution’s failure to preserve evidence.

According to court documents, the prosecution’s testing consumed potentially exculpatory DNA evidence in this case. The motion further alleges contamination during the DNA testing process, as well as a failure of the prosecution to preserve discoverable evidence, stating that Barnes has a constitutional right to test this evidence if he chooses.

The prosecution began by calling a DNA forensics expert who explained that in this case, the DNA profile of the evidence, specifically a pair of gloves, showed no indication of contamination. The expert also explained the evidence was later tested in relation to a different case, and showed no indication of contamination.

During cross-examination, Barnes’ defense counsel, Molly Bunke and Pierce Suen, questioned the expert about the right glove, saying it was never sampled for DNA. The expert claimed that she was unaware of that, and was unable to recall any information regarding the right glove.

Then, the defense called another DNA expert who explained the use of a reagent blank in DNA testing, saying it is used as a control sample to avoid contamination. The expert emphasized that a reagent blank must accompany samples during DNA analysis and that DNA evidence is not typically accepted if a reagent blank was not used.

According to court documents and the defense, during a second round of DNA testing by the prosecution , the reagent blank that would have been vital for the defense was completely consumed. Therefore, the defense in this case is not able to do any additional testing.

Due to scheduling issues, this hearing will continue on Jan. 11.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 40 Years

During a Jan. 10 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to 40 years of incarceration, with five years of supervised release.

Travis Littlejohn, 38, was found guilty on four charges of assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of aggravated assault while armed, and multiple counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a mass shooting that occurred on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, on July 5, 2019.

According to court documents, four victims sustained non-life threatening wounds as a result of an altercation at a Shell gas station.

Judge Raffinan said that Littlejohn was found guilty on all 28 counts during his trial. She also explained that when deciding Littlejohn’s sentence, she considered the facts of his case, his education, employment status and criminal history.

That includes a previous charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed, as well as abuse and neglect of a child.

Judge Raffinan imposed a sentence of 10 years for all four of Littlejohn’s assault with intent to kill charges, running consecutively, totaling 40 years. Judge Raffinan then imposed a sentence of six years for every other charge, running concurrently with the other four charges. In addition, Littlejohn will face five years of supervised release, and must register as a gun offender. .

There are no further dates set in this case.

document: MPD Searching for Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a Jan. 4 shooting on the 1600 block of Butler Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, the victim was driving at the location, when the suspect intentionally shot at his vehicle. The victim was not injured, but his vehicle was damaged. The suspect then fled the scene.

The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera.

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.

Cell Site Expert Testifies Shooting Defendant’s Phone was in General Area at Time of Incident

On Jan. 10, a cell site expert testified that a cell phone associated with a shooting defendant was in the general area of the incident at the time of the offense in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom.

Kenneth Davis, 45, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, two counts of assault with intent to kill against a minor while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one individual on May 19, 2021, on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.

Prosecutors called on a Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) special agent, who specializes on historical cell site data, to testify about a phone’s location, associated with Davis, on the day of the incident.

Judge Brandt accepted the agent as a qualified specialized witness.

In his testimony, the agent discussed how he was able to map the general location of the cellular device based on the towers it was connected to. According to the witness, a “cell phone is constantly scanning its surroundings looking for the best or strongest signal,” however, it does not mean the phone will connect to the closest tower.

He further explained that through his investigation, he found that the phone number, which the prosecution had shared with him, had been in the “general area” of the incident, and that there is no way for him to tell the cell phone’s exact location.

Parties are slated to return Jan. 11 for more testimony.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

On Jan. 10, a homicide defendant waived his right to independent DNA testing of evidence recovered at a crime scene before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Bernard Eddy, 23, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Sept. 10, 2019 on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE, resulting in the death of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite.

The prosecution informed the court that biological materials were found in relation to this case, but that they did not test any of these materials for DNA.

Eddy’s defense attorney, Julie Swaney, informed the court that Eddy has chosen to waive his right to independently test DNA in his case.

Judge Raffinan explained to Eddy that he has a right to independently test the DNA found in this case if he chooses, but Eddy continued to waive his right.

Parties are expected to reconvene Sep. 12.

Probable Cause Ruling Continued in Homicide Case

On Jan. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun continued a probable cause ruling in a homicide case.

Jahi Settles, 24, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Langston Sharps on July 3, 2023, on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.

The prosecution began by calling the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) lead detective on the case to testify.

The detective explained that in surveillance footage shown to the court, an individual identified as Settles is seen walking up to Sharps’ vehicle. According to the detective, Settles later explained to him that he had previously bought shoes from Sharps, and had not paid him.

The detective said Settles told him about their interaction outside of Sharps’ vehicle that day, saying that Sharps punched him and initiated a fight. However, the prosecution emphasized that Settles never provided information regarding Sharps’ possessing a weapon during the fight.

According to the detective, Settles never admitted to shooting Sharps, and said that at the time of the shooting, Settles ran and hid behind nearby buildings. The detective explained that Settles insinuated the other individuals that were in the vehicle with Sharps at the time could have been responsible for the shooting.

The prosecution mentioned a witness who dropped Settles off to the crime scene that day and had previously dropped him off there as well. This witness said Settles had previously been to that area due to drug sales. However, the defense objected to the comment which was sustained by Judge Okun.

The prosecution also mentioned a witness who has been allegedly receiving threatening messages from a third party, pointing out the danger she could be facing. The threats allegedly involved the witness’ being harmed or killed, and are paired with gun emojis.

During cross-examination, Settles’ attorney, Roderick Thompson, also questioned the detective about the witnesses. According to the detective, none of the witnesses ever described Settles as saying anything threatening, or refer to a gun or weapon. However, the detective explained that a witness said that he heard an argument between Settles and Sharp over money.

According to the detective, through the surveillance footage, he was unable to determine which words were being said by whom. Thompson pointed out that this information was likely important to determine the level of the argument, and the instigator.

Thompson further pointed out that in the footage, Settles falls after being punched twice by Sharps, and then he is seen raising his arm. He also questioned the detective about observing a firearm in the surveillance footage. The detective explained that in the several times he viewed the footage, he agreed a firearm can’t be seen.

Thompson further questioned the detective about the cartridges found on the scene, which the detective explained don’t point to Settles in any way in DNA results.

Thompson then addressed the threats that the witness has allegedly received, saying that Settles was incarcerated at the time of these threats. He then questioned the detective about his knowledge of these texts. The detective explained that he knew about them through the witness, but never actually looked at the texts himself to confirm.

Due to scheduling, Judge Okun continued his ruling.

The parties are expected to reconvene Jan. 10.

‘I Was Kidnapped,’ Victim Claimed About Her Material Witness Arrest in Shooting Trial

On Jan. 8, a shooting victim, who was arrested under a material witness warrant, reluctantly testified in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

The victim, who prosecutors claimed refused to show up from the very start of the trial, was arrested by US Marshals on Jan. 5 after prosecutors pleaded with Judge Brandt to bring her in. She spent the weekend at the DC Jail to ensure she would testify on Jan. 8.

When asked by prosecutors where she spent the weekend, the victim stated “in your hell hole,” referencing the DC Jail. Prosecutors asked why, to which she replied “I didn’t feel comfortable being here today,” claiming the prosecution did not help ensure her and her children’s safety after the incident.

In her testimony, the victim, who was shot in a road rage incident with her two underage children in the vehicle, stated multiple times that she did not want to be a part of the trial and was worried about her and her children’s safety.

Prosecutors asked her if anything unusual occurred on the day of the incident. “Nothing unusual, other than I got shot in broad daylight,” she replied sarcastically.

During her testimony, the victim stated that, at the time of the incident, she did not see the shooter’s face. Rather, she said, she was able to identify the shooter after repeatedly watching surveillance footage of the incident.

According to the victim, she turned on her turn signal to merge into the next lane when her vehicle’s safety system alerted her she was very near the shooter’s car. She claimed that the shooter exited his Maserati, walked towards her Lexus and, “He just started shooting”.

She insisted she never exchanged words or met with the individual who shot her. She testified that in order to ensure her and her children’s safety, she drove off, stopping only after she hit a light post at the intersection.

“Why the f**k would he do that,” she said in her grand jury testimony, which was discussed in open court.

She stated she was transported to a hospital for, “I guess treatment for a gunshot victim”.

“It caused mental havoc,” she insisted, when discussing how the incident has affected her life. “I was kidnapped from my home,” she proclaimed, referencing her arrest on Friday.

She went on to state the incident “traumatized [her son] even to this day… he acts out obscenely from this situation”. She went on to state that on July 4, 2021, her son became uncomfortable with the loud noises, when referring to fireworks, and added that the noises reminded him of gunshots.

The victim made it clear she did not want to continue her involvement with the case, going as far as to say “I don’t want to perjure myself and get sent back to jail,” during her testimony.

During cross examination, Marnitta King, Davis’ defense attorney, questioned her regarding her injury and how big of a hole any type of gun would make. “I don’t wanna know, I couldn’t tell you about a bullet,” she said, adding “Once I knew I was shot, I thought I was gonna die”.

Parties are slated to return Jan. 8.

Request to Modify Release Terms of Shooting Defendant Denied

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Jan. 9, a request to modify the release terms of a juvenile shooting suspect was denied.

Cedrick Brockington, 18, is accused of a shooting that left the victim in critical condition on Nov. 15, 2022 on the 1200 block of 5th Street, NW.

Brockington was indicted on one count of assault with intent to murder while armed, one count of assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of unlawful possession of ammunition, one count of possession of an unregistered firearm, and one count of carrying a dangerous weapon during a felony.

During the proceeding Brockington’s attorney Joseph Yarbough argued his client’s release terms should be modified, extending his curfew from 10 p.m. until midnight.

Yarbough says he received a probation report from DC Pretrial Services indicating Brockington “continues to remain in compliance.”

However, the prosecutor replied she has seen no new information from DC Pretrial Services requesting a change in Brockington’s status. Arguing to reduce his client’s restrictions, Yarbough said Brockington is scheduled to graduate from high school online in April and he’s “doing well.”

Judge Raffinan said she is concerned that Brockington is facing an 11-count indictment including assault with intent to murder while armed.

Therefore, Judge Raffinan denied the motion maintaining Brockington’s 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.

The next hearing in the case is set for April 12.

Document: Man Dead After Being Struck by Vehicle

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Investigations Unit is investigating the death of a man after a vehicle struck him on Jan. 7.

According to MPD documents, an unknown vehicle was traveling westbound on Suitland Parkway, SE, when it struck an adult male pedestrian at the intersection of Stanton Road, SE, and fled the scene. The pedestrian was transported to a hospital for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 22-year-old Kevin Wims.

Anyone with knowledge about the incident should contact MPD.

Document: Man Dead After Being Struck by Vehicle in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Investigations Unit is investigating the death of a man after a traffic crash on Jan. 3.

According to MPD documents, a single car accident occurred on I-295 southbound at the weigh station. The driver called 911 and waited on the side of the road. A short time later, a second accident occurred in the same area and the driver pulled over by the weigh station, called 911, and waited outside his vehicle.

DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived on the scene and partially blocked travel lanes due to the accident. A vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed attempted to use the weigh station lane to bypass the accident scene, striking the second vehicle and its driver. The male driver succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The driver of the striking vehicle fled the scene on foot.

The victim was identified as 54-year-old Michael Scott Hamlin.

Anyone with any knowledge of the incident should contact MPD.

Document: Man Arrested for a Fatal Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 20, 2023 on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 35-year-old Rodney Snead.

On Jan. 5, pursuant to an arrest warrant, 22-year-old Cory Heard was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.