The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a shooting on Dec 7 in the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW. The suspect allegedly shot the victim following a physical altercation, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was captured on surveillance video, and the MPD is urging anyone with information to come forward.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Dec. 21 on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The victim, identified as 23-year-old Dennis Ziegler of Northeast, D.C., was found with a gunshot wound and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Dec 19 in Northeast, Washington, D.C. Officers found 44-year-old Melvin Saunders, who was unconscious and not breathing, with a gunshot wound inside an apartment on the 1000 block of North Capitol Street, NE. Despite lifesaving efforts, Saunders was pronounced dead at the scene.
A defendant with 14 previous convictions, including a stabbing, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for what prosecutors say was the ambush murder of a teenager. In setting the term during a Dec. 19 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan said the evidence in the case leaned heavily toward punishment, rather than rehabilitation.
“I sentence people for specific things they’ve done that harm the community,” said Judge Ryan.
Maurice Corbin, 47, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Daquan Gardner on April 30, 2024 on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NE.
Corbin pleaded guilty in October to one count of second-degree murder while armed with a sentencing range of 20-to-24 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. In return, the prosecution agreed to dismiss an indictment on the remaining counts.
Without the plea deal, the DC sentencing guidelines set the punishment range for someone with Corbin’s record at between 14-to-46 years, said Judge Ryan.
Gardner’s mother in an impact statement demanded the maximum sentence for her son’s loss. “Daquan was a beautiful soul,” she said.
“You laugh and brag about what you did to my son. No mother should have to feel this pain,” she said.
In calling for the 24 year sentence, the prosecutor outlined the details of what she described as a “horrific” crime. Much of what transpired was captured on surveillance video which shows a person said to be Corbin leaving his apartment, calmly walking across the street to a store front where the victim was seated in his car. Corbin appears to open the passenger door and fire seven shots into the victim’s head.
A possible motive for the killing was that Corbin had gotten into an earlier altercation with Gardner, who fired shots at Corbin.
“The murder seems to be revenge for that shooting,” said the prosecutor, acknowledging that the victim was “no angel.”
Still, the prosecutor said it’s extraordinary that Corbin reportedly said, “he would do it again,” if he had to save his life or others, and that he was out of control with seeming disregard for the consequences. “The cowardice of this conduct cannot be overstated,” said the prosecutor, noting the crime was committed while Corbin was on probation for a stabbing in Maryland.
From defense attorney Julie Swaney’s perspective this was a tragedy with multiple dimensions. She said Corbin struggled with “battling personalities.”
Swaney described Corbin as “kind and polite,” and that he can be “extremely humble and loving,” when he is not struggling with inner demons.
Swaney said Crobin was on his own as a teenager and had only his adult sister to rely on. Further, his judgement was impacted by narcotics, particularly PCP which is known to trigger violent outbursts.
Even so, Swaney said Corbin’s fiancée was in the courtroom. “People are here for him,” said Swaney. She asked Judge Ryan to impose a 20 year sentence.
For his part, Corbin accepted responsibility, telling the court, “I’m sorry for what I’ve done.”
Judge Ryan split the range, sending Corbin to jail for 22 years with a recommendation that he be sent to a facility where he could get mental health and substance abuse treatment.
He will also face five years of supervised release and must register as a gun offender as well as pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.
Given Corbin’s age, he could be facing a life sentence.
“It’s a sad state of affairs in my mind that the only thing we can do is send you away to try and figure out what happened,” said Judge Ryan.
In a brief appearance before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Dec. 19, a suspect convicted in a murder case made an unsuccessful attempt to withdraw his guilty plea after his two co-defendants conceded they committed the crime.
“There is no basis to the motion to withdraw his plea,” said Judge Ryan to 20-year-old Ronald Henderson.
On May 30, Daveon Robinson, 19, pleaded guilty to conspiracy, voluntary manslaughter and assault with a dangerous weapon for the fatal shooting of Clayton Marshall, 32, and the non-fatal shooting of another individual on April 12, 2022 on the 2200 block of Savannah Street, SE.
Derricko Johnson, 21, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for the non-fatal shooting of two individuals at the same location, on January 2, 2022.
Henderson initially pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in the incident. However, he changed his mind, because, as Judge Ryan summarized, “He felt pressured to accept the agreement, and that the plea was cumulative.”
According to court documents, Robinson, Johnson and Henderson are members of the “Get Back Gang” and carried out plans to kill their rivals.
To reverse a plea, Judge Ryan said one of three conditions has to be satisfied–a legal assertion of innocence, an inordinate delay in the case or lack of competent counsel. Finding none applied to Henderson’s case, Judge Ryan said, “I have to deny your request for relief.”
Henderson did not comment on the ruling.
At the prosecutor’s request all three defendants will be sentenced on March 6, 3026.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in the Columbia Heights homicide that occurred on Oct. 25. Jermaine McGee-Holmes, 27, was found with gunshot wounds in an apartment on the 3200 block of Hiatt Place, NW, and later died from his injuries on Oct 27. Alan Reginald Wilson Jr., 22, has been arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder While Armed-Felony Murder.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 30-year-old Granderson McClenton Spruill III, of Suitland, MD, in connection with a shooting incident on Southern Avenue, SE. On Feb. 10, an adult male was shot on the 2200 block and later sought treatment at a hospital. Spruill has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) and Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of three individuals following a shooting incident on Dec. 11 near the Navy Yard. Jalen Williams-Austin, 18, and Marquise Plater, 20, were charged with multiple weapons offenses after allegedly shooting each other. Additionally, Ivana Rucker, 18, was charged with possession-related offenses. Both victims survived the incident.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 33-year-old Antoine Gray, who has been charged with Second-Degree Murder While Armed in connection to a 2022 homicide. The incident occurred on Jul 19, 2022, on the 1000 block of Southern Avenue, SE, where 57-year-old Charles Davis was found with gunshot wounds and later pronounced dead.
Lawyers for a trio of defendants accused in a high-profile murder case aggressively questioned the lead detective about apparent inconsistencies in the evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson in a Dec.16 detention hearing.
Naqwan Lucas, 19, his brother Jailen Lucas, 17, and Kelvin Thomas, 17, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed in a drive-by or random shooting, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of a House of Representatives intern, 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym.
The incident occurred on June 30 on the 1200 block of 7th Street, NW. The shooting also injured a woman and a 16-year-old boy.
Naqwan is also charged with first-degree premeditated murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, obstruction of justice, tampering with physical evidence, destruction of property, and second-degree theft for his alleged involvement in the death of 17-year-old Zoey Kelley on July 4 on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.
According to court documents, Kelley was Naqwan’s girlfriend. He was arrested on Oct. 29 in Maryland, while his co-defendants were arrested in September.
Kevann Gardner, Thomas’ attorney, detailed what he claimed were inaccuracies in the 66 page police affidavit defended by the lead detective in the investigation.
The detective who said he was the “quarterback of the evidence” struggled at times to respond to Gardner’s questions. Gardner asked the detective if he found any evidence from Thomas that police could test. The officer did not.
While the report says there were 30 shell casings found, but only for a .9 mm and .223mm weapons,Gardner raised the possibility there may have been three weapons involved.
The detective said a microscopic exam had not been conducted but an outside expert said there was evidence of three guns.
As for the fatal wound, the detective admitted he didn’t know the order or whether the victim was turned around or in what position he was facing the shooter.
Gardner was also critical about how the 79 cartridge casings at the scene were collected, suggesting they could have been contaminated with other DNA, or weren’t “sterile.”.
“You say the best way to collect them is sterile?” “That’s what you said in your report,” said Gardner.
The detective said he didn’t know if sterile collection was the best method. Although detectable DNA doesn’t always have to come from a perfectly clean sample, it is preferred.
Gardner’s inquisition continued regarding a witness statement that there was a lone gunman.
“That was incorrect,” said the detective.
The detective also struggled to recall the personnel involved in the investigation from other agencies.
“You have me confused,” said the officer.
Gardner was particularly critical of a procedure to identify Thomas by a special police officer who was initially presented with an image of Thomas, then advised to search for a match at a specific location in surveillance footage.
“When he identified Thomas was a picture sitting in front of him?” asked Gardner.
The detective said he didn’t know.
Terrence Austin, Jailen Lucas’ attorney, suggested the crime resulted from gang rivalry. Austin said a witness claimed that Thomas was involved in a crew that had beef with other neighborhood groups that may have been involved in the shooting.
Austin saida witness at a bus stop who was wounded in the shooting said he saw possible assailants on bikes and in a car raising a possible self-defense claim.
He also said a black Acura said to be used in the attack was located in Prince George’s County, but didn’t contain any of Lucas’ fingerprints.
The detective said GPS cell data put Lucas near the site of the shooting, but no text messages were recovered. In terms of identification,he said the shooters were wearing black pants. One had Jordan 1 tennis shoes. Further, he said Lucas had a distinctive tattoo on his left forearm.
“We have so much video, it’s unbelieveable,” said the detective.
In closing, Steven Kiersh, Naqwan Lewis’ attorney said, there’s no DNA evidence, no fingerprints, no ballistics or cell site data. “What this case is based on is identification…All we are left with is biased witnesses making identification,” he said.
Arguing for release to home confinement, Gardner said that Thomas has a strong support system and helps his three younger siblings and his mom. Further, he received the highest grades while incarcerated at the Youth Services Center (YSC).
Austin maintained his client has done nothing that suggests a crime of violence, and that the case against him is circumstantial based on misidentification.
In contrast, the prosecution argued for continued detention saying, “an innocent bystander lost his life in downtown DC.” He noted that probable cause had already been found, and claimed the identification of the defendants was solid.
In finding for detention, Judge Dayson said the prosecution had made its case and the crime “ended in one person’s loss of life…and frankly putting quite a few people at risk.”
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 10.
Even though a jury voted by seven-to-five to acquit George Sutton, 46, of murder-related charges, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ruled he needs to stay in jail, at least for now.
The judge said she wants to see a more targeted plan before releasing Sutton. Initially, during the Dec. 18 bond review hearing, Judge Brandt seemed inclined to let Sutton go after she declared a mistrial following a hung jury on Dec. 15.
“In the court’s mind, the evidence is a 50-50 circumstantial case. There’s room in that evidence for reasonable doubt,” said Judge Brandt. “The jury spoke,”continued the judge, “and that has weight.” Further, “He [Sutton] is cloaked in the presumption of innocence.”
Sutton is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old John Coleman on May 1, 2023 on the 2000 block of M Street, NE. Coleman suffered from three gunshot wounds to his neck, knee, and thigh.
Sutton’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, argued that Sutton’s already been held in the case for two years and isn’t expected to go to trial until 2027. He pointed out that Sutton has been married for 28 years and his wife would allow him to come home. Further, he’s been employed by the DC Government.
The hearing’s tone changed when Coleman’s mother delivered a victim impact statement claiming that Sutton’s “entourage” in the courtroom made her feel uneasy during the trial, as a person behind her kept cracking his knuckles.
“I don’t feel safe,” she said of Sutton being in her neighborhood. She accused Sutton of being a drug dealer and a sex offender.
Judge Brandt was surprised by the information and checking court records found a related misdemeanor, but no mention that he was a registered sex offender.
The prosecutor, meanwhile, argued vigorously for detention, noting this was the third time probable cause had been found that Sutton committed the murder.
“We have a plethora of prior convictions,” stated the prosecutor about Sutton’s record going back to 1999 including escape from prison and multiple probation violations.
“Our case gets weaker over time,” the prosecutor warned.
Judge Brandt expressed frustration over the crowded trial calendar, exclaiming, “All I want for Christmas is to get this case tried in 2026.”
She told the parties to come back on Jan. 16 with a new plan to handle the case or face another release hearing.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt complained that a detective’s “sloppiness was a hot mess” in terms of managing evidence in a mother-and- son murder case.
Violet Davenport, 55, and her son, William Davenport, 33, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old, Leonard Turner. The incident occurred near a shelter on the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW, on May 14, 2021.
The issue in the Dec. 17 hearing was whether missing surveillance images could show whether a robbery in a drug deal gone bad the night before the killing could provide prosecutors with the motive for the crime.
Judge Brandt severed Violet Davenport’s case from her son’s on Nov. 7.
Jason Tully, representing William, said he was hamstrung by a ruling by Judge Brandt in 2022 that surveillance video and pictures of the robbery were inadmissible, because a detective inadvertently deleted part of the material instead of transferring it.
The prosecutor said the detective was “embarrassed” by the error but there is no indication that he was lying or not forthcoming.
Nonetheless, the mistake, Tulley said, cut to the heart of his case and he motioned Judge Brandt to suppress any mention of the robbery as prejudicial.
“I can’t defend the robbery because they’ve lost it,” said Tully. “The decedent is not the robber. Mr. Davenport has no reason to kill the decedent,” continued Tully.
Meanwhile, the prosecution claimed the missing video was also hurting its case. “Evidence of bad actions of police should not suppress good evidence,” said the prosecutor.
However, she hinted at trying to get the robbery evidence into the proceedings by calling in person witnesses, possibly co-defendant Violet Davenport
“It makes sense to admit the evidence,” said the prosecutor under the Drew Johnson rule which makes previously inadmissible statements acceptable in certain circumstances. Further, she said Davenport himself made statements he was robbed as did his mother Violet.
However, Tully countered that would open the door to “wildly prejudicial” hearsay citing information from Davenport’s wife, reportedly in an abusive marriage, who talked to police seven months after the fact and got paid for the information. “She threw her husband under the bus,” said Tully who termed the prosecution’s motion an “attempt to cobble together Frankenstein’s monster.”
Meanwhile, Judge Brandt said since the prosecution now wants to admit evidence that will carry the same weight as the video she needs to vet the request “to make sure it’s not running a foul” of her previous ruling.
“I’d probably be losing my mind in a polite way if these motions were submitted the day before trial, ” she said.
Judge Brandt said she would rule on the dueling motions on Jan. 8.
An elderly defendant rejected a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Dec. 19.
Michael Garrett, 70, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, first-degree burglary, attempted first-degree burglary, and three counts of destruction of property for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 71-year-old Sylvia Matthews on Dec. 3, 2021 on the unit block of Elmira Street, SW.
Matthews succumbed to her injuries on Dec. 4, 2021.
During the hearing, the prosecution stated the defense had sent them a plea deal for involuntary manslaughter, which the prosecution rejected.
In return, they had extended a plea offer that would require Garrett plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed with 30 years of imprisonment, which was countered by the defense requesting a sentence of eight-to-11 years of imprisonment based on the defendant’s age. The prosecution refused to accept that sentencing range.
Garrett rejected the 30 year sentence in court.
Parties are slated to reconvene March 19.
A homicide defendant, who is already serving a sentence for another murder, rejected a plea deal extended by prosecutors on Dec. 19, before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz.
Mark Price, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, armed burglary, four counts of firearm possession during a crime of violence, and the unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Andre Young, 47, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE, on July 30, 2018.
During the hearing, Judge Kravitz questioned the case’s lengthy delay, stating it has been ongoing since 2018.
“It’s been through a couple of attorneys and judges, your honor,” Destiny Fullwood-Singh, Price’s attorney, said, stating that the case was also trailing the other homicide case for which Price was convicted, and is serving a 50 year sentence.
The prosecution alerted Judge Kravitz they had extended a deal, which would require Price to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges.
Had Price accepted the plea deal, parties would agree to a sentence of 27-and-a-half years of imprisonment, which would run consecutively to his other sentences.
“Your honor, I’m rejecting it,” Price told Judge Kravitz.
Kravitz suggested parties work together to pursue a resolution in the case, stating “I have no opinion on how this case should be resolved, but if the government has already secured a 50 year sentence, if that case survives appeal, this case kind of becomes moot given Mr. Price’s age and what a 50 year sentence means for him.”
Judge Kravitz added that Price’s only chance at getting out of jail is for his appeal in the other case to prevail and not get convicted in this case, which would “put him in prison for most, if not all, of his life.”
Parties are slated to reconvene April 24.
DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted the prosecution more time to file indictment charges against a homicide defendant despite defense opposition on Dec. 18.
Navar Rogers, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Zyion Turner on Sept. 2, 2023 on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE. Turner suffered from two gunshot wounds to his face and neck.
The prosecution filed a motion on Dec. 6 that requested a 30 day extension for the indictment deadline. The deadline was originally Dec. 22, nine months after initial charges were filed against Rogers on March 22.
The motion argued there was good cause because the prosecution needed to secure the testimony of a critical witness. The details of the prosecution’s argument were ex-parte and under seal.
At the hearing, Rogers’ attorney, Terrence Austin, opposed the extension but acknowledged his argument was limited due to the sealed nature of the prosecution’s request. Austin asserted the prosecution had issues with witnesses since June and questioned how the additional time would help them.
Judge Park was frustrated with the situation because the defense was unaware of the legal basis for the prosecution’s request. However, Judge Park determined the prosecution acted with diligence in the case and thought more time would make a difference.
The judge granted the motion and set a new indictment deadline on Jan. 21, 2026.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene for an arraignment on Jan. 26, 2026.
