Prosecution Delivers Opening Statement in Non-Fatal Road Rage Shooting

On Jan. 4, prosecutors delivered opening statements and witness testimony in regards to a non-fatal shooting incident 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.

“On May 19, 2021, the defendant was in a road rage rampage,” said prosecutors in their opening statements. According to the prosecution, Davis was in his custom built dark gray Maserati when an individual attempted to merge into the traffic lane he was in, colliding with his vehicle. They allege that Davis grabbed a gun, got out of his car, and took aim, shooting a woman in a vehicle with her two underaged children, before firing several more shots at other bystanders.

Prosecutors claimed Davis shot 13 times, aiming at five people at least in three different vehicles, injuring one.

“The evidence will prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he is the Maserati shooter,” insisted the prosecutor, pointing at Davis in the courtroom. He alerted the jury they would see and hear things that relate him to his guilt.

The mother and two kids were “just going about their day, having done nothing wrong,” stated the prosecution, before Davis fired at them at close range.

According to prosecutors, the evidence, including cell site records which put Davis’ cell phone at the location of the incident at the time of the shooting, will prove his guilt.

“The only verdict which is consistent with the evidence and demanded by the law is guilty on all counts,” concluded the prosecution.

Marnitta King, Davis’ defense attorney, reserved an opening statement.

Prosecutors called on an eyewitness from the incident. According to the individual, she was driving on Eastern Avenue behind a black car when a Maserati, which was the car in front of the black car, was involved in a commotion with a Lexus.

The witness told the jury that following the commotion, the driver of the Maserati exited his vehicle, tapped the Lexus with his hand, and began shooting at the Lexus multiple times.

According to the witness, as the driver of the Maserati was walking back to his car, he shot at the vehicles in her direction, which caused the black car in front of her to reverse into her car as they tried to get away from the scene.

In surveillance footage displayed in court, the black car can be seen reversing down Eastern Avenue as the Maserati follows close behind it, before each car goes their separate ways.

The witness told the court she called 911 after she composed herself. During the call, which was played in open court, the witness can be heard telling the dispatcher, “Oh my god… a man started shooting at everybody.” In shock, she says, she told the dispatcher the wrong location of the incident, but was able to tell them the shooter drove off in a Maserati.

“I don’t know how I didn’t get hit by a bullet,” the witness could be heard telling the dispatcher.

“This whole situation has changed my life,” she told the court during cross examination, when King questioned her about her involvement in the incident. According to the witness, she was not injured by gunshots on the day of the incident, but did endure back and neck pain in the following days, as well as severe anxiety, which made her previously diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) worse.

Prosecutors then called on another eyewitness to testify regarding the incident, who stated she has “a lot of anxiety” following the situation.

The witness stated she was stopped at a red light, on the opposite side than the Maserati on Eastern Avenue, when she saw someone get out of their car while she was at the stop light. The individual walked up toward another vehicle and began to shoot. She ducked as he began to walk back to his vehicle, before she heard more gunshots being fired.

The witness testified that a Lexus, which was the shooting target, was engaged in a fender bender with her vehicle as they tried to avoid being shot again. Because of the shooting, she said, she carried the boy who was in the vehicle that was shot to a building, as they awaited for police to arrive.

Due to time constraints, the witness was unable to finish her testimony.

Testimony is slated to continue Jan. 5.

Judge Accepts Doctor’s Competency Finding for Homicide Defendant

On Jan. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt alerted parties she was accepting a doctor’s findings that a homicide defendant was competent to withstand trial.

Idrissa Fall, 37, is charged with first degree murder premeditated while armed, a bias-related crime, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in connection to the murder of Dara Northern, 29, on the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW, on July 18, 2021.

Parties and the court received a report from a doctor at the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on Dec. 13, which stated doctors found Fall competent to stand trial.

Kevin Mosley, Fall’s defense attorney, alerted the court he was not planning to contest or object to the findings, and is ready for trial to begin on May 6.

Prosecutors told Judge Brandt they also agree with the report and are ready to proceed.

Parties are slated to return on Feb. 27 for a trial readiness hearing.

Angry Outburst Leads to Postponed Sentencing in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On Jan. 3, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan continued a sentencing hearing in a non-fatal shooting case due to a defendant’s outburst.

Dominic Copeland, 33, was convicted of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left one individual injured on the unit block of N Street, NW, on April 26, 2019. He was acquitted of robbery while armed and one count of possession of a firearm.

His co-defendant, 31-year-old Artie Byrd, was acquitted of accessory after the fact for allegedly helping Copeland flee the scene in a white Toyota Camry soon after the shooting.

Before the sentencing, Copeland in an angry outburst said, “This case wasn’t even triable.”

‘You are insulting my intelligence by saying that was an honest guilty verdict”, and then shouted “b**ch” at Judge Raffinan.

As a result, Copeland was taken out of the courtroom, and the sentencing was postponed briefly.

Copeland’s appearance was waived for the duration of the proceeding. His defense attorney, Michael Madden, explained to the court that Copeland’s family feels he would be in a much better position if there was a more recent mental health diagnosis and evaluation done on him.

However, Madden explained that Copeland hasn’t agreed to an interview with a psychologist. Madden further stated that the only person that Copeland will listen to is his father, and that he needed time for Copeland to speak with him.

Madden explained that Copeland’s father has agreed to meet with him at the DC jail to convince him to get an updated diagnosis. So, Madden requested a continuance for the sentencing.

The prosecution informed the court that they did not object.

Judge Raffinan granted the request.

Parties are expected to reconvene on March 22.

Data Shows 22 Homicides in December Ending The District’s Deadliest Year in Decades

D.C. Witness data shows that in December 2023 there were seven non-fatal shootings and 22 homicides in the District.

Of those 22 homicides, three were stabbings and the rest shootings.

Most notably, 85-year-old Steven Schwartz was charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of his 81-year-old wife, Sharron Hilda Schwartz. The incident occurred in their residence on Dec. 10, on the 1300 block of Corcoran Street, NW.

According to documents from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), officers responded to the location, where they located the woman with stab wounds and the man with self-inflicted wounds. Both were transported to a local hospital, where Sharron succumbed to her injuries.

D.C. Witness reported on one mass shooting in December, which left two individuals dead and two injured.

According to MPD documents, on Dec. 21, officers responded to the 1300 block of Half Street, SW, after receiving a report of a shooting, where they located three men and a woman with gunshot wounds.

The woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene, and the men were all transported to a local hospital, where one remains in treatment, one was released, and another one succumbed to his injuries.

The victims were identified as 35-year-old Patricia Harris and 24-year-old Tyrone Jacobs.

MPD is still searching for the individual or individuals responsible for the shooting.

December put an end to the District’s deadliest year in decades. According to D.C. Witness data, there were 278 homicides for the year, a jump from the 219 homicides recorded in 2022, and the 177 homicides recorded in 2015.

The graphs show that over 250 homicides occurred in DC in 2023, less than 100 individuals were arrested in connection to the incidents, and less than 50 were convicted.

Judge Says Homicide is ‘Not a Strong Case at All,’ But Finds Probable Cause

On Jan. 3, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt said prosecutors did not have sufficient evidence to charge a defendant with first-degree murder while armed, but stated they met the low standard of probable cause for second-degree murder.

Emerita Garcia, 45, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly aiding and abetting her son in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Larry Thomas on Aug. 24, on the 3600 block of 16th Street, NW. Her son hasn’t been apprehended.

She allegedly provided the gun used to kill Thomas, and ensured her son had a clear flight path following the shooting.

She was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, but Judge Brandt argued that there is not sufficient evidence to meet the low standard for the charge.

Jason Tulley, Garcia’s defense attorney argued that the prosecution’s case was based solely on inferences that don’t add up to aiding and abetting, stating that the prosecution must prove that Garcia had knowledge that the shooting was going to occur and had a conscious disregard about the risk of grave injury or death, but they failed to do so.

According to Tulley, the surveillance footage which depicts the moments leading up to the shooting shows what “seems like two guys hanging out amicably.” He insisted there are no facts that support Garcia knew of the shooting prior to her bringing a bag that had a gun down to her son.

Prosecutors insisted there was sufficient evidence to prove probable cause, arguing Garcia knew the gun was in the bag and she took it to her son after he asked her to by yelling towards her apartment window. They argued she facilitated her son’s actions, and knew what she was doing.

Following three tense hearings, Judge Brandt ruled that the prosecution had not met the low standard of probable cause for first-degree murder while armed, arguing that only four things in the case are guaranteed facts, that Thomas died from a gunshot wound, Garcia’s son had a gun, the son got the gun from a bag that was being worn by Garcia, and that shortly after he retrieved the firearm, there were gunshots in the direction that Thomas had gone. Brandt insisted that everything else is inferences.

She argued it was clear that Thomas and Garcia’s son were both under the influence having been drinking at a bar for an extended period of time before the incident, and that their body language in the surveillance footage doesn’t prove a fight was brewing.

Judge Brandt stated that one can make a reasonable inference that Garcia’s son was speaking out loud, and it could’ve been directed at Garcia, but that no one knows what was actually said.

She argued that a logical inference could be made that Garcia’s son yelled something that caused her to bring him the bag, and a weak inference could be made that the bag was hers and she’s responsible for its contents, especially because she continued to wear the bag after the gun was taken from it.

Judge Brandt stated that based on the evidence and the inferences she found weak probable cause for second-degree murder while armed, but that this is “not a strong case at all against [Garcia].”

Tulley requested to return at a later date to argue Garcia’s release conditions, and requested the writ that has held Garcia to this point be extended without further explanation. The parties discussed the request under seal, and a continuation of the preliminary hearing was set.

Parties are slated to return March 29.

Graphic Video Evidence Along with Emotional Testimony Presented in Murder Trial

In a bench trial before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Jan. 3, prosecutors presented dramatic video evidence and emotional witness testimony in an attempt to show that Matthew Walker, 25, murdered 32-year-old David Remen and grievously wounded another man.

Walker is charged with first-degree murder while armed along with seven other counts including assault with intent to kill and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged connection to an incident on the 1700 block of Hamlin Street, NE, on Feb. 14, 2019.

Walker is also charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 23-year-old Jamal Green-Lee to death on the 100 block of Michigan Avenue, NE on April 29, 2019. Green-Lee died on Nov. 4, 2020, due to his injuries.

In opening remarks, the prosecutor said he would prove that recovered items including, “The gun, a hoodie with red and white stripes, and a mask” all link Walker to the Hamlin Street crime.

Surveillance cameras captured the Valentine’s Day shooting at the office of Trojan Labor, a DC business, now renamed Hire Quest Direct, that specializes in placing low-skilled laborers. Prosecutors say that around 6 a.m., the day of the murder, Walker is seen wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a mask, using a Glock 19 semi-automatic pistol allegedly to kill Remen and shoot a company manager six times.

Body-worn surveillance camera footage from a responding Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer shows the chaos after the shooting. Emergency workers are seen frantically trying to revive Remen while counting out repeated efforts of chest compression to get a pulse started in his lifeless body.

Cries of “David…Come on, David…Stay with me, David” punctuate the video, which goes on for several minutes until the rescuers reluctantly give up. A voice is heard saying, “He’s gone!”

Prosecutors brought in David’s father from Wisconsin to testify about his son. With a picture of David projected in the courtroom, his father said David was a “great kid,” had a big family and “everybody loved him.” His father described David as hard-working but loved to play pool.

“He was no gang member,” added David’s father.

While the primary charge in the case is homicide, prosecutors questioned the widow of the surviving victim who died some three years after the initial assault. She tearfully described her husband as full of life, an ardent golfer and sports fan–someone who “loved to make people happy.”

In recalling the event, she said she received a frantic call from her husband saying that he’d been shot and that the gunman was shooting at others.

“I screamed,” she said. Her husband told her he was panicking and “hiding at his desk.”

As prosecutors led her through the incident, she said tearfully, “I was freaking out. I didn’t know what was going on.”

Ultimately, her husband was taken to Howard Hospital where surgeons told her it was a miracle that he survived. Prosecutors showed graphic photos of the damage caused by repeated gunfire. His wife said that he had a hard time emotionally and physically recovering from the ordeal, and needed physical therapy and counseling. She said he was afraid to come back to work in the District.

Many members of the victims’ families were in the courtroom. One person close to the surviving victim said he was “tormented” by what happened and his death at 57 was prematurely caused by Walker’s actions.

Prosecutors also detailed how a tip led them to recover the suspected firearm–a Glock 19– hidden between a house under construction and a retaining wall near the crime scene. Investigators also found discarded clothing in neighborhood trash bins that they say matched what the suspect was wearing during the crime.

A specialist with the DC Department of Forensic Science (DFS) presented evidence showing 10 bullet casings and multiple “defects” or areas of suspected shooting damage in the office. The expert said the casings were consistent with the recovered weapon.

The prosecution still plans to question a firearm expert and introduce DNA evidence to build its case against Walker.

At the end of the proceeding, Stephen Logerfo, Walker’s attorney said his client might take the stand to testify in his defense on Jan. 4.

Even though the case is nearly five years old, family members tell D.C. Witness they still don’t know what inspired the shootings and aren’t aware of a specific motive.

Parties indicated the trial could conclude by week’s end.

Probable Cause Ruling Continued in Juvenile Homicide Case

On Jan. 2, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo has yet to rule there’s probable cause in a homicide case to go to trial.

Lorinzo Thompson, 17, 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. Thompson is being charged as an adult under the so-called Title 16 rule.

According to court documents, Estep sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the torso. An additional juvenile victim had three gunshot wounds, but survived.

During the cross-examination of the lead detective, Thompson’s defense attorney, Joseph Yarbough, asked about the interview with the second victim in this case, who had been severely injured and was hospitalized.

Yarbough pointed out the victim was under the influence of a high dose of fentanyl, and kept “nodding off” while being interviewed. Further, the victim was never able to provide a description of the shooter, nor identify a suspect.

According to Yarbough, several items of the victim’s clothing were found near the scene, and all of them were covered in blood. In addition, a discarded firearm magazine was found near the scene as well, after being discarded by the victim.

Yarbough said when Estep collapsed after being injured, there were three women that came to help him and flag down officers for assistance.

However, there was also an unknown individual standing near Estep. As shown in the surveillance footage, before the police arrived, Estep is seen handing an unidentified object to the unknown individual, and then the individual proceeds to walk away with a suspicious demeanor. The detective stated that the unidentified object was a firearm.

The detective further stated that although the women were present at the time of this suspicious encounter, none of them have been identified or interviewed in this case.

According to Yarbough, Estep had been previously arrested, and was involved in a pending case regarding carrying a pistol without a license at the time of the shooting.

The detective said Estep had been affiliated with a crew or gang, but was unsure about the other victim.

During redirect, the prosecution questioned the detective about Thompson’s affiliation with a crew. The detective explained he was informed that Thomspon was affiliated with a crew, and one that was allegedly in conflict with Estep’s.

The prosecution also explained that there was a video on social media that depicts Thompson bragging about the crime along with other surveillance footage.

Yarbough explained that in the footage, the suspect is wearing a black ski mask where only the eyes can be seen, making an identification impossible.

Further, Yarbough explained that Thompson should not have been identified as the suspect on the basis the officers were aware the woman the suspect was with at the time was Thompson’s mother.

Due to scheduling conflicts, Judge Demeo continued her ruling.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Jan. 5.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Domestic Violence Homicide

On Jan. 3, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide.

Desmond Thurston, 46, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 52-year-old Patricia Johnson on Oct. 1, 2023, on the 4000 block of 13th Street, SE. Johnson and Thurston were involved in a romantic relationship.

Prosecutors called the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify regarding his involvement in the investigation.

According to the detective, officers from MPD were dispatched several times to the incident address the day before and in the hours leading up to the shooting for reports of domestic disturbances between Thurston and Johnson.

Prosecutors played a recording of the 911 call made by an eyewitness, who was a young family member of Johnson’s. In the recording, the child can be heard saying “My auntie, she’s on the floor; I think she’s dead,” and “Her ex-boyfriend came in here and killed her.”

During the call, the child can be heard telling the dispatcher that the individual who broke into the house and shot at Johnson allegedly was Thurston, and he drove away from the location in a black truck. The child also alerted the dispatcher that Johnson had filed for a civil protection order against Thurston, and he broke through a chain on the front door of the residence.

Prosecutors corroborated the juvenile witness’ statement about Johnson filing for a protective order against Thurston by presenting the filing in court.

According to the detective, Thurston turned himself in to police while they were still processing the crime scene, waived his Miranda Rights, and confessed to shooting Johnson.

In body worn camera footage shown in court from hours before the homicide, Thurston can be seen trying to get into Johnson’s residence to retrieve his items, and telling officers that the MPD had been there earlier, and Johnson had him locked out of the house.

Brian McDaniel, Thurston’s defense attorney, submitted to the record that there is probable cause in the case.

Prosecutors stated that, had the law not changed last year, they would be requesting Judge Brandt find substantial probability.

Judge Brandt alerted the parties she found probable cause based on the evidence, the testimony, and Thurston’s confession to police.

McDaniel requested Thurston be released to the community under a high intensity supervision, with GPS monitoring and 24 hour confinement, arguing that he does not pose a threat to the community and Thurston’s only recent contact with the legal system stemmed from the relationship with Johnson. He insisted Thurston could do well in the community, claiming his old employer would welcome him back.

Prosecutors opposed the release, arguing he was on probation for drug related crimes, had a prior assault conviction, and had a previous protection order for another individual which was dismissed due to the individual’s inability to show up to court. They also argued he has seriously traumatized the eye-witness, who remains in the community.

Judge Brandt stated she cannot find that a condition or combination of conditions would ensure the safety of the community, stating that the case was a “homicide born from a domestic violence incident,” which occurred in front of a child.

According to Judge Brandt, the previous threats by Thurston to Johnson, the weight of the evidence, and his confession prove that he must be detained.

Parties are expected to return Feb. 7.

Parties Deliver Closing Arguments in Homicide Trial

On Jan. 2, parties delivered closing arguments following a multi-week trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

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

In their closing arguments, prosecutors claimed that the evidence they presented throughout the trial proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Rezene was the perpetrator of Villatoro’s death.

They specifically argued their evidence, which 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 proves his intent to kill, premeditation, deliberation, and willingness to ensure Villatoro’s death.

Although surveillance footage does not depict the shooting, or the face of the shooter, they argued that clothes recovered from Rezene’s residence during the execution of a search warrant match those of the shooter, claiming that Rezene’s Balenciaga sneakers match the black shoes with white laces seen in surveillance footage.

Prosecutors discussed what many witnesses stated in their testimony, including Villatoro’s friends who they deemed as uncooperative, claiming one of them went as far as stating “there are consequences for testifying”.

They also claimed that one of Rezene’s friends, who has attended the trial regularly, communicated with the uncooperative witnesses, giving one of them a thumbs up. “They feared for their lives, and they showed us that in their testimony,” prosecutors said.

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”.

“The evidence shows he’s guilty and demands you find him guilty,” ended prosecutors.

To the contrary, Jonathan Zucker, Rezene’s defense attorney, argued the prosecution had failed to meet their burden of proof, and their evidence did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Rezene was the shooter.

“Mussye Rezene is looking to you for a fair verdict in this case,” said Zucker, adding “The only verdict that justice allows in this case is not guilty.”

Zucker also argued that it was only by happenstance that the shooting was not recorded by cameras in the area, and insisted that the prosecutors’ arguments are “misleading”.

“This is a case of somebody seeing what they want to see,” he claimed, stating that the prosecution was asking the jury to draw inferences from things that don’t make sense in the case.

“Police make mistakes, prosecutors present those cases, and sometimes people who are not guilty get convicted,” said Zucker, requesting they don’t convict a man who he claims is innocent, adding “Somebody’s life is at stake here,” and “you have a duty to find him not guilty.”

In their rebuttal, prosecutors insisted to the jury, stating “find him guilty of murdering Brayan Villatoro.”

The jury is slated to begin deliberations Jan. 3.

New Judge Appointed to Preside Over Third Trial of Murder Defendant

A new judge has been appointed for theVictor Coley murder trial, a case that is now more than a decade old. DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro took over for DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan who presided over Coley’s two previous trials.

According to court documents, the change was made during a Dec. 29 hearing in what was described as a “caseload transfer.”

That followed a hearing on Dec. 21, during which Judge Ryan questioned how the prosecution intended to proceed in its third trial against Coley.

The prosecutor said she had just gotten the case and, “I literally have one piece of paper.” While she said she’d virtually seen, “nothing, nothing, nothing” she added the case was “very triable”

In response to Judge Ryan’s asking if there will be a new legal framework offered, she responded that the US Attorney’s office doesn’t try cases because it wants to but because “It’s the right thing to do.”

Coley, now 61, was originally found guilty in 2015 of a Nov. 6, 2013 mass shooting that injured four on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. For his involvement in the crime, Coley was accused of assault with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm, along with eleven other counts.

The case took another turn in 2021 when 65-year-old Dennis Foster, one of Coley’s victims, died from gunshot wounds sustained in the original incident. That led the prosecutor to file a murder charge against Coley.

After two weeks of testimony from 27 witnesses, the second trial ended on June 23 after the jury couldn’t reach a verdict.

As Judge Ryan attempted to set up a new trial calendar, the prosecutor alerted him that any proposed dates were conditional based on how extensively she would have to prepare for the case.

“The government has been sitting on the case for ten years,” said Judge Ryan.

“I wish I had taken a picture of the boxes” of information about Coley’s case history, the prosecutor said.

Coley monitored the hearing remotely. Judge Ryan signed an order releasing him from the DC Jail on July 19.

The next hearing will be before Judge Di Toro on Feb. 23, 2024. A trial readiness proceeding is set for Aug. 28, 2024. The trial itself will commence on Oct. 1, 2024.

That should give the prosecution enough time, said Judge Ryan last month, since the period encompassed the shortest to the longest days of the year–” Solstice to solstice,” he said.

Document: Suspect Sought in a Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance to identify and locate a suspect connected to a shooting on Jan. 1, on the 1300 block of H Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult female with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect 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: Arrest Made in the Shooting Death of an 18-Year-Old Woman in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that killed a woman on Jan. 1 on the 4300 block of Military Road, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located 18-year-old Ashlei Hinds inside a hotel room with gunshot wound injuries. She died at the scene.

On Jan. 2, as a result of an investigation, 18-year-old Jelani Cousin was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Preliminary Hearing Rescheduled for Homicide Defendant Amidst Mental Evaluation Request

On Jan. 2, a homicide defendant’s preliminary hearing was continued, in addition to his being ordered to receive a full mental competency evaluation by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Ronzoni Jackson, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the murders of 28-year-old Octavio Quintano and 35-year-old Osmine Quintano on Dec. 12, on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE.

Judge Epstein informed the court that a doctor from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) requested a full mental competency evaluation be done on Jackson, and that he would be ordering the study as a result.

Additionally, the prosecution informed the court that they want the scheduled preliminary hearing postponed and Jackson’s defense attorney, Sellano Simmons, agreed. Judge Epstein then granted this request for continuance.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Feb. 16.

Judge Denies Release for Double Murder Defendant Suspected in Another Crime

In a Jan. 2 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a request to release murder suspect Amarii Fontanelle who’s also accused of attempted murder in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

In the District, Fontanelle, 20, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed.

He was allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Reginald Lamont Cooper, Jr. and 19-year-old Davonte Berkley on Oct. 17, 2022 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. A third victim survived the assault.

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley argued that Fontanelle should be released on the grounds that he had already been so for three months and “there was nothing about his conduct” indicating he should experience a setback.

Mosley also said Fontanelle could be housed in a secure location and that he wants to continue his education while working. In sum, Mosley argued Fontanelle has done “exceptionally well.”

Judge Raffinan conditionally released Fontanelle in May of last year.

However, the judge says the original information has changed in that Fontanelle was picked up on an outstanding warrant for attempted murder charges in Prince George’s County, Maryland, connected to an alleged shooting incident on Nov. 7, 2022.

The prosecutor opposed releasing Fontanelle because she says he remains a danger to the community.

Given that Judge Raffinan says there’s no new reason to change his detention status, she denied Fontanelle’s request.

Judge Raffinan set the next hearing date to discuss defense motions for full disclosure of evidence in the case for Feb. 28.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect in Shooting Death of 18-Year-Old Woman

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking to identify a suspect in the murder of a woman at a hotel on Jan. 1 on the 4300 block of Military Road, NW.

The suspect was captured by nearby surveillance cameras.

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.