Judge Sentences Shooting Defendant to 18 Months Supervised Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel sentenced a shooting defendant to 18 months of supervised probation in a hearing on Feb. 6.

Martez Robinson, 29, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 3400 block of 15th Street, SE on June 8, 2025.

The prosecution noted that while this is Robinson’s first felony conviction he has had past legal charges in Virginia in the summer of 2024. According to the prosecution, he was found not guilty of malicious wounding and assault and battery.

The prosecution told Judge Israel that Robinson fired a gun at the victim , so there has to be consequences to his actions.

Defense attorney Elliott Queen stated that while Robinson accepts responsibility for his actions. Queen emphasized that Robinson suffers from an alcohol addiction. “He would wake up drinking and go to bed drinking,” said Queen

Robinson wrote a letter to Judge Israel stating he has been through a lot recently, highlighting the loss of his job, car, and home. He even mentioned he was shot in a crossfire shooting.

Judge Israel acknowledged the letters she received from Robinson showed his maturity, awareness, and remorse for the situation.

Judge Israel sentenced Robinson to 18 months of supervised probation. Upon his release, Robinson must register as a gun offender and complete cognitive and behavioral therapy, mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment. The court mandated that Robinson strictly adhere to any prescribed medications.

There are no further hearings scheduled for this case.

‘A Picture Tells a Thousand Words,’ Judge States, in Probable Cause For Officer Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause during a hearing on Feb. 9 that a defendant caused a car crash that killed a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer.

Jerrold Coates, 47, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a high speed vehicle collision on the eastbound lanes of I-695 near South Capitol Street, SE on Dec. 23, 2025 that killed MPD Officer Terry Bennett.

According to court documents, Officer Bennett succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 7.

The prosecution called the lead detective from MPD’s Major Crash Investigation Unit (MCIU) to testify about his knowledge of the incident.

In footage of Coates’ post-arrest interview, an individual the lead detective identified as Coates admitted to drinking one or two shots and smoking cigarettes and marijuana with friends before the incident occurred. “I wasn’t drunk enough to be drunk driving,” Coates told another detective in the video.

According to the lead detective, Coates’ report showed his blood alcohol concentration was .16 – double the .08 legal limit.

In the video interview, Coates, who is paraplegic and wheelchair bound, explained the hand controls that allow him to drive his vehicle have a history of malfunctioning, saying “even the brake will make the accelerator accelerate.” However, he told the other detective he did not get them fixed or raise concerns to the manufacturers.

Rachel Cicurel, Coates’ attorney, noted there were details of the investigation the lead detective did not remember or was unsure of. “There’s a lot of witnesses to keep track of,” said the detective.

The prosecution argued Coates was intoxicated when he chose to drive home at dangerously high speeds, weaving through traffic. They asserted that Coates operated his vehicle so irresponsibly that, according to rulings from the DC Court of Appeals, the vehicle should be classified as a dangerous weapon. They also noted that DC requires all drivers to adjust their speed according to any traffic “to avoid colliding” with anything.

Cicurel argued the investigation was incomplete, with important elements missing. According to Cicurel, there was no evidence that Coates was driving at or above the speed limit, therefore the vehicle was not a dangerous weapon. Cicurel claimed that the detective’s difficulty in remembering the details of witness statements demonstrated a poor investigation, especially “in a case where the [victim] is a fellow police officer.”

Judge Brandt admitted that although the lead detective was a credible witness, his testimony did not provide much clarity because they are still conducting the investigation. Despite this, Judge Brandt said she believed the “video tells the story here.”

Judge Brandt believed that Coates’ decision to drink and “smoke a J,” or a joint, before driving at speeds significantly faster than traffic and weaving between cars endangered the lives of everyone on the highway and led to the crash.

“A picture tells a thousand words,” said Judge Brandt, finding that regardless whether Coates was driving the speed limit or not, the picture of the damaged police cruiser showed Coates drove dangerously fast.

The image demonstrated that the rear of the MPD cruiser and the front of the Volvo were “so crushed, like an accordion… a car going 20 miles an hour did not do that damage, it couldn’t have,” said Judge Brandt.

Judge Brandt found probable cause that Coates acted in “conscious disregard” for the safety of others and caused the death of Officer Bennett.

After the probable cause finding, Cicurel requested Coates be released on 24-hour home confinement with conditions prohibiting him from driving. According to Cicurel, Coates’ family and community describe him as a positive role model. As a paraplegic, Cicurel argued Coates should not be considered a flight risk, stating “he’s not going anywhere,” since his car is impounded as part of the evidence.

The prosecution argued that Coates’ two prior convictions of driving without a permit demonstrated a history of his driving infractions. The prosecution said if Coates was released, he might violate orders not to drive and further endanger the community.

Judge Brandt denied Coates’ release because of his alleged reckless actions in this case. Judge Brandt said the prosecution’s evidence compelled her to hold Coates, citing there were no conditions to ensure the safety of the community. Other people in the area are “lucky to be alive” after Coates chose to drink and drive a faulty car, said Judge Brandt.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 11.

Prosecutor Gets OK to Force-Medicate Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted the prosecution’s motion to involuntarily medicate a shooting defendant in an effort to regain his mental competency on Feb. 2.

Johnathan Jones, 39, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 700 block of 8th Street, NW, on Feb. 8, 2023. No injuries were reported.

According to court records, Jones was found mentally incompetent to stand trial by doctors at the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on May 16, 2023.

According to prosecutors, multiple doctors assessed Jones and created a treatment plan, but he refused to take the prescribed medications. They said two doctors agreed with the treatment plan, claiming it would help Jones whether voluntary or involuntary. Although a third doctor claimed that involuntary medication was not appropriate in this situation. The prosecutors added that a less intrusive treatment was attempted, but was not successful.

At the hearing, prosecutors requested that Jones be involuntarily medicated for his diagnosed schizophrenia, which includes hallucinations. They requested medication to be ordered as soon as possible, citing the need to present time sensitive evidence in trial.

Jones’ attorney, Madhuri Swarma, requested extra time before the involuntary medication, citing Jones’ non-violent behavior during his detention at Saint Elizabeths Hospital. Swarma said she might file an appeal but needed more time to review the prosecution’s request.

Judge Arthur granted the motion to involuntarily medicate Jones, but allowed Swarma to file an appeal.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 6.

Judge Denies Brothers’ Severance in Co-Defendants’ Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied a defense request to sever two co-defendants murder cases on Feb. 11.

Jayden Bracey, 24, and Jadohn Bracey, 26, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Angela Washington, 42, on Sept. 21, 2021 on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE. Washington sustained one gunshot wound to her head.

Jayden is additionally charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. Jadohn is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Jayden’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, and Jadohn’s defense attorneys, Quiana Harris and Kevin Mosley, filed motions to sever the brothers’ cases in December 2025, asking for separate trials.

In the motion filed by Harris and Mosley, they claimed if the defendants were tried together, the prosecution would not have to meet their burden on each individual count. They argued there would be inherent bias because there is minimal evidence against Jadohn compared to Jayden, and their cases have “irreconcilable defenses.”

Baldwin’s motion explained that Jayden would be denied his right to present evidence of his innocence if there is a joint trial.

In court, Harris argued a joint trial would be detrimental to both defendants. Harris suggested that a jury could infer that one brother is “guilty by association.”

Harris added that the case involved two separate events that were not connected. The motion also requested that the murder and assault charges against Jadohn be severed, again, because of Harris’ argument they were separate incidents.

The prosecution argued that the defendants’ cases are connected and should not be separated. They added that the type of evidence for each is different but not unrelated and would not interfere with one another. They argued that the jury could analyze and judge both defendants independently of each other in a joint trial.

Judge Park denied the severance motion, stating that the cases are connected and he found no reason they would interfere negatively with each other, unless the defense teams presented specific evidence.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 17 to further discuss the matter.

Document: MPD Provides Update on Glover Park Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an update on a Feb. 11 homicide in Glover Park. Rayven Amuan Edwards, 34, was fatally shot, and her 10-year-old daughter was injured but survived. The alleged suspect, Stephon Marquis Jeter, 35, fled with their 3-year-old son, prompting an AMBER Alert. Jeter was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a police pursuit. The child was safely located with a family member, and the alert was canceled.

Document: MPD Investigating Rhode Island Avenue Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Feb. 11 on the 1400 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW. Firefighters responding to a report of smoke found 40-year-old Syed Hammad Hussain deceased with blunt force trauma and thermal injuries. The case is under investigation by MPD Homicide detectives.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Columbia Road Assault

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in an assault that occurred on Feb. 11 in Northwest. Sarita Middleton, 45, of Southeast, DC, allegedly brandished a knife during a dispute inside a business on the 1700 block of Columbia Road, NW, injuring a second victim who intervened. Middleton was arrested and charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife), while the second victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Document: MPD Investigating Suitland Parkway Fatal Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a fatal crash on Suitland Parkway that occurred on Feb 6. The incident involved a 2006 Acura TL, which mounted the center median, struck a traffic pole, and collided with a 2014 Honda CRV. The passenger of the Acura, identified as 53-year-old Darwin Thomas of Waldorf, MD, was pronounced dead, while the driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The Honda’s occupant was unharmed.

Co-Defendants Accept Plea Deal in Carjacking Case

Two carjacking co-defendants accepted plea deals before D.C. Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Feb. 11.

Laiten Bell, 21, and Cornell Jamison, 21, were originally charged with conspiracy, armed carjacking, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed for their involvement in a carjacking that took place on the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE on Jan. 22, 2025.

Bell’s charges all faced an aggravating factor of being committed during his release for another matter.

Jamison was also charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of a prohibited weapon, four counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, and two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition.

According to court documents, the victim of the carjacking suffered soft tissue damage to the left side of her face and lacerations and abrasions to her ribs and back from the defendants’ assaulting her. She stated that she knew Jamison for around 10 years and believed that they targeted her due to where she used to live.

Bell and Jamison both accepted plea agreements from the prosecution during the hearing that required them to plead guilty to unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Jamison also pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon, a machine gun.

In exchange, the prosecution dismissed the remaining charges against them. For Bell, prosecutors also dismissed an unrelated misdemeanor case.

If the case had gone to trial, the prosecution would have been able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the offense, Bell and Jamison jumped out of a white van with a firearm and repeatedly assaulted the victim. Jamison filmed while they robbed her of her clothes and her car at gunpoint before hitting her with the gun. Following the assault, Jamison then posted the recording of the offense on Instagram.

The prosecutors continued that after the incident, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) got a search warrant for Jamison’s apartment where they found the victim’s jacket, bank card, and ID, in addition to a black 9 mm Glock 17 handgun with a switch that could turn it into a machine gun.

As part of the plea agreements, parties agreed to a sentence of eight years in prison for Bell and between seven-and-a-half-to-nine years in prison for Jamison. These sentences are subject to the judge’s approval at sentencing.

The parties are slated to reconvene on April 17 for sentencing.

Judge Denies Bond for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release on Feb. 11 after she waived her right to a preliminary hearing.

Thelma Speed, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 200 block of 51st Street, NW, on Jan. 6. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, Speed got into a verbal argument with the victim at the victim’s apartment that allegedly led to her stabbing him in the left forearm, left hand, and right hand.

Defense attorney Darryl Daniels alerted the court of her intent to waive her right to a preliminary hearing of the evidene and requested Speed’s release, citing that she has not failed to appear in court, is a DC native, and has nearby family to support her.

Daniels also argued that the victim has “unclean hands,” arguing they’ve previously had domestic issues, and that the victim committed violent acts as well, saying that Speed’s alleged stabbing was not committed “out of the blue”.

According to Daniels, Speed had multiple lacerations to the face at the time of the incident, as well as a bruise around her eye when he visited her in jail. When officers arrived on the scene, Speed allegedly claimed that her facial cuts were not incurred that day.

Daniels confirmed that Speed has obtained reliable housing since she was barred from the apartment building where the incident occurred. Speed interrupted Daniels to confirm that she has no desire to return to the location of the incident, and does not even know exactly where the building is located. She also interrupted announcing the location of her new address, and both Judge Jones and Daniels warned her to remain quiet.

The prosecution requested that Speed stay incarcerated, citing the fact that she has six previous charges in New Jersey where she lived temporarily, including two aggravated assault charges.

The prosecution thus disputed the argument that Speed’s home is in DC, saying that she lived in New Jersey as recently as August 2025. Speed again interrupted the proceeding, saying that she split her time between New Jersey and DC, but Judge Jones cut her off.

In response, Daniels argued that the assaults were solely confrontations with law enforcement, indicating that she is not a threat to the public and that although her bail sheet may seem long, she is not violent.

The prosecution reminded Judge Jones that Speed refused to answer the door when police officers arrived, eventually resulting in the officers forcing the door after following the blood trail to the apartment.

Daniels said that the hesitation was due to the fear that the victim was knocking, as he had fled the apartment after being stabbed. Judge Jones contended the police would have announced their presence.

Prosecutors also argued that Speed stated she was “wet,” meaning high on PCP, at the time of her arrest, and lost consciousness after being placed in handcuffs. She allegedly tested positive for PCP and cocaine at the time of her arrest.

Judge Jones denied the request for release and stated that Speed will be held without bond, citing her aggravated assault charges, as well as two warrants for her arrest in New Jersey.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 6.

Carjacking Defendant Sentenced to 5-and-a-Half Years

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a carjacking defendant to five-and-a-half years in prison on Feb. 2.

Winston Timoteo, 27, pleaded guilty on Nov. 18, 2025 to robbery while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his involvement in a carjacking that occurred at the 1300 block of 4th Street, NE, on Dec. 26, 2023.

At sentencing, Timoteo’s attorney, Claudine Harrison, said that Timoteo was already incarcerated for over two years, was a hardworking immigrant, and had no criminal history. Harrison emphasized Timoteo’s immigration status and asked for a sentence of four months. After Timoteo’s sentence is finished, Harrison said “let [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] (ICE) deal with him.”

Harrison argued that the mandatory minimum sentence was more than fair considering the time Timoteo already served as well as the possibility of his deportation upon release. According to Harrison, Timoteo’s substance abuse was where “everything went wrong” in his life and noted he repeatedly expressed great remorse for his actions.

Timoteo apologized for his actions, requested placement in a drug rehabilitation facility, and an opportunity to further his education.

The prosecution emphasized the emotional toll inflicted by Timoteo on the victim, and argued that the victim will have to carry this trauma with him for his entire life. The prosecution also highlighted that Timoteo did not cooperate with police when they initially attempted to arrest him at the time of the crime. They said Timoteo instead ran away and was not arrested until five days later. For these reasons, the prosecution requested that Timoteo serve the maximum sentence.

Judge Arthur stated the victim will never be “whole again,” and asked Timoteo to imagine what was going through the victim’s head during the incident. The judge said it did not seem that the offense was indicative of Timoteo as a person, but that did not change his actions.

According to Judge Arthur, the victim, like Timoteo, was an immigrant in search of freedom in the United States. He asked Timoteo if his violent actions were his definition of freedom, to which Timoteo responded “no.”

Judge Arthur sentenced Timoteo to 66 months in prison for robbery and 18 months for carrying a pistol. These prison sentences will run concurrently, followed by five years of supervised release. Timoteo will be required to register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.

No further dates were set.

Defense Seeks More Time to Examine Evidence

A defense attorney asked DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean for more time to look over the prosecution’s evidence in a felony status conference on Feb. 4.

Anthony Mckoy, 33, has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for a non-fatal shooting on the 5000 block of E Street, SE on Jan. 1. 2026.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a “shots fired” call, where they discovered an unoccupied white Nissan Altima that had crashed into a parked Tesla. The investigators observed seven shell casings near the scene and noted two defects consistent with gunfire on the Nissan Altima and one defect on a white van.

Mckoy’s defense attorney, Antoini Jones asked Judge McLean for “a week or two to get up to speed” with Mckoy’s case since he was assigned to it on Feb. 2.

Judge McLean agreed, and the parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 13.

Probation Continues Despite Carjacking Defendant’s Traffic Violations

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson chose to continue a defendant’s probation after two traffic offenses in Maryland on Feb. 6.

Coloshus Haynes, 31, was charged with conspiracy, armed carjacking, and robbery during a crime of violence with a firearm for allegedly attempting to rob individuals responding to online ads on the 3500 and 3700 block of Jay Street, NE, in 2016. He was released early and is currently serving five years probation.

Haynes had been compliant up until he recently obtained a traffic citation for driving an unregistered vehicle, according to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

“Matters before the court today reflect more of a recent regression,” a CSOSA officer said.

Haynes’ defense attorney, Justin Okezie, asked that his probation be terminated. Okezie noted that the recent offenses were minor, including driving an unregistered car. He pointed out that Haynes’ is employed at a New Balance shoe store and has been active in his two-year-old son’s life.

The prosecutor, while not particularly worried by the offenses, was concerned that Haynes failed to report the charges to his probation officer. She suggested following his Maryland cases and make a decision about terminating his probation after these cases conclude.

“I think it would be imprudent to terminate at this time,” the prosecutor said.

Okezie expressed concern that Haynes would not receive proper defense in Maryland because he could not afford an attorney and a court appointed advocate may not be properly informed about the case.

Judge Dayson decided to maintain probation conditions until the Maryland cases have been decided.

“I really would like to see what happens with the rest of these matters,” Judge Dayson said.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 26, 2026.

‘Good Luck to You Sir,’ Judge Says After Sentencing Stabbing Defendant to 32 Months

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a non-fatal stabbing defendant to 32 months of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release on Feb. 10.

Andrew Wooten, 40, pleaded guilty on Dec. 10, 2025 to assault with significant bodily injury while armed for his involvement in a stabbing on Aug. 7, 2025 on the 2500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

At sentencing, the prosecution read an impact statement on behalf of the victim who said that he lives in constant fear and is afraid to open his door to strangers. He also explained that he sustained significant injuries and was stabbed three inches into his brain changing his life forever.

Prosecutors explained that the victim suffered from a brain bleed and skull fracture as a result of the stabbing. Due to the severity of the injuries, the prosecution argued that 32 months of imprisonment and three months of supervised release would be appropriate.

Wooten’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, argued that the victim was “not innocent.” Baldwin claimed that Wooten was standing at a bus stop when the victim confronted him. Wooten was previously assaulted and beaten by the victim, according to Baldwin.

Baldwin explained that there was video footage of Wooten waiting at the bus stop that clearly showed the victim confronting him, within inches of Wooten’s face. According to Baldwin, Wooten pulled the knife out after the victim confronted him.

Although Wooten had a long criminal history, most were misdemeanors, according to Baldwin. Wooten was charged for aggravated assault in 2020, said Baldwin, but noted the case was ultimately dismissed by prosecutors and he was exonerated.

Baldwin suggested that a lengthy prison sentence would just “warehouse” his client and that there are other ways to help Wooten including probation that would help Wooten find housing and connect him with mental health services.

Wooten was given the opportunity to speak and said he was “very apologetic” for pulling a knife on the victim. The past six months in DC Jail was the “closest thing to hell on earth” that Wooten has experienced. He was shivering in his cell, even with three wool blankets, according to Wooten.

Judge Hertzfeld agreed that the DC Jail is a “terrible place to be.” The judge noted Wooten committed the stabbing while he was on probation for a previous offense. Due to his refusal to comply with probation orders in the past, Judge Hertzfeld said she was not confident it would be different this time.

Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Wooten to 32 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.

“Good luck to you sir,” Judge Hertzfeld told Wooten.

No further dates were set.

Judge Weighs Armed Carjacking Defendant’s Pretrial Release Violations

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean reviewed an armed carjacking defendant’s failure to comply with pretrial release conditions in a Feb 4 hearing.

Richard Bates, 19, is charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on Sept. 13, 2023 on the 1600 block of Frankford Street, SE.

According to court documents, two armed men, one later identified as Bates, pulled alongside a parked driver. The two suspects got out of a white sedan and demanded the driver’s belongings. After retrieving the items, one of the suspects allegedly hit the driver on the head with a gun and drove off in the victim’s car.

At the hearing, Bates’ defense attorney, Christin Philips informed Judge McLean about Bates’ violating numerous release conditions regarding missed curfews and failed drug tests.

“There have been a total of seven curfew violations starting from Jan. 16,” Philips said.

Philips argued that Bates’ violations resulted from his eviction from the house where he was living. She also said, communicating with the Pre-Trial Services Agency (PSA) was difficult for Bates

According to Philips, the eviction was not documented or communicated to Bates’ PSA officer or Judge McLean because Bates mistakenly told the wrong people at PSA.

“The last time Bates’ saw his PSA officer was Jan. 14.” Philips said.

As a result of the violations, the prosecution requested 24-hour home confinement.

Judge McLean denied the prosecution’s request because of the miscommunication between the defendant and his PSA officer. McLean said these “unexplained issues” with PSA and Bates’ need to stop and recommended Bates’ case manager attend the next hearing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 13.

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