Juvenile Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

On Dec. 4, a juvenile charged in connection to the fatal stabbing of another juvenile accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

The juvenile was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault, felony assault and carrying a dangerous weapon, for her involvement in the Aug. 27 fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Naima Liggon. The incident occurred on the 1900 block of 14th Street, NW.

During the hearing, the juvenile’s defense attorneys alerted the court she was entering into a plea deal with prosecutors. According to the defense, the plea required the juvenile to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

According to prosecutors, had the case gone to trial, they would’ve been able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that, on the day of the incident, the juvenile murdered Liggon. The proffer of facts, which was read aloud in court and agreed to by the juvenile, stated that Liggon, the defendant, and three witnesses drove to a McDonald’s at the location after a party.

A verbal disagreement over sweet and sour sauce occurred when all five individuals were back in the car. Liggon, sitting between the defendant and one of the witnesses in the back seat, interfered when the defendant attempted to grab the sauce away from the witness. Liggon told the defendant to calm down. The defendant told the witness sitting next to Liggon to get out of the car to fight, and Liggon attempted to prevent the witness from leaving the vehicle.

Once the witness and the defendant were out of the vehicle, Liggon attempted to prevent a physical altercation from occurring by getting between the two individuals. The defendant punched Liggon on the face, which caused Liggon to fight back. Liggon and the witness attempted to return to the vehicle, and as Liggon was facing away from the defendant, the defendant took out a knife and walked toward Liggon.

According to prosecutors, surveillance footage shows the defendant swinging the knife five times at Liggon, stabbing her in the abdomen once. One of the witnesses got in between the defendant and Liggon to try to get Liggon back in the vehicle. The defendant pushed the witness out of the way, getting Liggon to face her. The defendant then stabbed Liggon in the chest.

The witnesses drove Liggon to the hospital where she died.

The juvenile agreed that, on the day of the incident, Liggon and the three witnesses were not armed and did not pose a threat to her. She also agreed that she was in possession of a dangerous weapon, and did not act in self defense.

The juvenile alerted Judge Hertzfeld she was pleading guilty to both charges in the plea offer.

Judge Hertzfeld ordered updated versions of psychiatric and psychoeducational evaluations be done prior to her sentencing.

The juvenile’s defense attorneys requested she be released to her parents or a shelter house as she awaits sentencing, stating she has taken responsibility for her actions. Attorneys also argued the conditions of the Youth Services Center (YSC) at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) are not good, citing overcrowding and lack of resources.

A representative for Social Services recommended she continue to be detained as she awaits sentencing. Prosecutors agreed, stating she took responsibility for taking someone’s life, and unprovokedly attacked another resident in the youth center. They argued she continues to behave in a way that poses a threat to the community.

The juvenile’s defense attorneys argued the altercation at YSC was not unprovoked, as the other individual had been “antagonizing” the juvenile by discussing the case against her wishes. They claimed the issue had been resolved, with another judge ordering both individuals to participate in restorative justice to accept responsibility.

Prosecutors argued that the video of the incident at YSC clearly shows the juvenile started the fight “over mere words,” and she showed violent behavior. They insisted Liggon’s death also stemmed from mere words, and it’s troubling to think what could happen if she is released back to the community.

Defense attorneys argued that due to the overcrowding and lack of resources at YSC, she needs to be removed to prevent potential violence. They claimed she’s been a “model member of YSC’s community,” and asked Judge Hertzfeld to “see her as a whole”.

Judge Hertzfeld deemed it troubling that she needs to be removed to prevent her from taking violent actions.

The judge deemed it unsafe for the juvenile to be released, stating she proves a risk of harm and admitted to a killing. She will continue to be detained as she awaits a disposition.

A disposition was scheduled for Jan. 3.

Defendant Rejects Plea Offer in 2021 Homicide Case

On Dec. 6, a homicide defendant rejected a plea offer extended by the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Dearay Wilson, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting Jeremy Black, 53, on the 1400 block of R. Street, NW on June 29, 2021.

According to court documents, Black and three other people were taking a walk on 15th Street, NW, when four individuals, one of them alleged to be Wilson, got out of a White Chevrolet Equinox, fired multiple shots at Black and the three other individuals, and then left the scene.

During the status hearing, the prosecution informed the court that they had offered a plea agreement to Wilson.

According to prosecutors, the agreement required Wilson to plead guilty to the first-degree murder while armed charge, in exchange for dismissing the possession charge.

After the plea offer was presented to Wilson, he informed Judge Okun he was rejecting the prosecution’s plea offer.

Parties are expected to reconvene for a status hearing on March 4, 2024

Document: Man Arrested in a Southwest Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a homicide that occurred on Oct. 6 on the 900 block of Maine Avenue, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious person, where they located an adult male inside of a residence. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition. On Oct. 11, he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim’s remains were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where an autopsy was performed. The cause of death was ruled to be from blunt force trauma and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

The victim was identified as 31-year-old Peter Miller III.

On Dec. 5, 31-year-old Juan Manuel Guerra was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Case Acquitted: Defendant in Shooting and Stabbing Case Acquitted

This case was acquitted on Dec. 1, 2023.

On Dec. 1, a defendant charged in relation to a shooting and stabbing incident was acquitted of all charges by a jury.

Randy Deleon, 46, was acquitted of three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting and stabbing incident, which occurred at a family-owned restaurant, at the intersection of Lamont and 17th Street, NW, on Aug. 27. The victims were a father and son, one suffering from a stab wound during the altercation. No injuries were reported from the gunshot.

After deliberating for a few hours, the jury delivered a verdict of not guilty for all counts.

Throughout the week-and-a-half-long trial, jurors heard from members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the victims, and individuals who live near the incident.

The son, who was stabbed, testified that on the day of the incident, he was down the street from the restaurant standing near a bus stop cutting down flags because Cinco de Mayo had passed.

During his testimony on Nov. 28, the victim told prosecutors he saw a red SUV pull up behind a black car, which belonged to his father. The victim saw a man get out of the red SUV and walk to the window of the black car.

According to the victim,two individuals, who he identified as his father and Deleon, got out of their cars and began to fight.

The victim stated to prosecutors that he saw them make their way in front of the restaurant, where he recalls seeing a knife and a belt or a chain that Deleon was swinging back and forth.

The victim told prosecutors that he knew it was Deleon because he owned a shoe store across the street from his father’s restaurant.

He stated that when he saw the altercation occurring, he ran to where Deleon was swinging the chain, grabbed it, wrapped it around his hands, put his foot behind Deleon’s foot, and tripped him up.

The victim testified that he recalls his father grabbing a metal rod from his car and he started to hit the hands of Deleon to get the knife out of his hands. Deleon had another knife, according to the victim, but he removed it in the struggle.

After the initial incident was over, the victim said he saw Deleon walk toward his father’s black car and begin to load a firearm. Deleon pointed the firearm at the father’s car as he was pulling out of the spot and he said he recalls hearing one shot.

According to prosecutors, the case is about jealousy and anger, and they urged the jury to consider a verdict of guilty based on the alleged shooting and stabbing that Deleon did to the victims.

Deleon’s defense attorney, Peter Odom, argued that everything Deleon did was in self-defense and that Deleon was the one who was attacked by the owner of the restaurant.

Following a few hours of jury deliberations, the jury delivered their verdict.

Following the acquittal, Deleon was released from custody.

No further dates are scheduled.

Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

On Dec. 5, a homicide defendant accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Jordan C. Jones, 23, was originally 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 involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Noel Nicol. The incident occurred on Oct. 11, 2021, on the 2000 block of Savannah Place, SE. Nicol’s body was found on Oct. 14, 2021 inside a vehicle.

During the hearing, Todd Baldwin, Jones’ defense attorney, alerted the court Jones was accepting a plea offer extended by prosecutors, which requires he plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

According to Baldwin, the prosecutors agreed to limit their sentencing request within a range of 10-to-13 years imprisonment.

According to the prosecutor’s proffer of fact, which was read in open court and agreed to by the defendant, had the case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Jones, while armed, killed Nicol by shooting him.

On Oct. 14, 2021, officers responded to the report of an unconscious individual in a vehicle, where they located Nicol. An autopsy report and the decomposition of the body showed that the shooting had occurred days earlier, on Oct. 11.

The prosecutors claimed Jones acted in conscious disregard of Nicol’s life.

A sentencing was scheduled for March 15, 2024.

Case Acquitted: Jury Acquits Suspect of Charges in Non-Fatal Funeral Shooting

This case was acquitted on Dec. 1, 2023.

On Nov. 30, non-fatal shooting defendant Saphire Johnson was acquitted of all charges by a jury before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Johnson, 24, was found not guilty of aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and five charges related to illegal possession of a firearm. The incident occurred at a church during a funeral on June 28, on the 4000 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Defense attorneys Christen Romero Philips and Varsha Govindaraju claimed Johnson was acting in self-defense when she began shooting after the service. According to the defense, Johnson was attacked by three men and pulled out a gun after she perceived one of the men pulling out his own gun.

Johnson then fired multiple shots, one of them accidentally striking a bystander. Johnson was shot herself by another funeral attendee, who was attempting to intervene. No others were injured.

Prosecution claimed that Johnson instigated the argument, which occurred after she heard her relative threatening to hit his 15-year-old daughter. They tried to prove Johnson’s guilt by showing surveillance footage of the incident, which was captured entirely by nearby cameras. They claim that the men attacking Johnson did not have a gun, however, there was little evidence to point either way.

Many witnesses testified in the trial, including Johnson herself. She insisted she had been making “life or death decisions”, only shooting because the attackers had been threatening her and she believed they were carrying a gun.

The man who shot Johnson also testified. He claimed that while he did not want to shoot her, he felt he had to de-escalate the situation. The victim of the shooting also testified and recounted the moments she was shot, saying “I felt a sting”.

According to the defense, Johnson was “targeted, terrified, and trapped.” She had been punched in the back of the head by one of her attackers before jumping a fence in an attempt to get away. At this point, she ran behind a car. That, according to the defense, is when one of the attackers approached her, reaching across his chest as if he had a gun. Johnson then took out her gun and fired to protect herself.

Defense also claims that Johnson’s identity as a gay woman is essential to understanding the incident. They say her level of fear escalated given past homophobia related violence and gun violence she had witnessed.

Defense requested that she be acquitted of all charges. The verdict came back the same day, with the jury declaring her not guilty on every count.

Probable Cause Found in Murder Case

On Nov. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found a homicide defendant’s case has enough evidence to go to trial.

John Dickens, 46, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 41-year-old Kelvin Hamlett who was left in his burning car, on the 1500 block of Gales Street, NE, on Nov. 12.

The prosecution began by calling the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to detail surveillance footage from the apartment crime scene.

The detective explained that part of the footage shows Hamlett’s vehicle pulled into a parking lot, then the same vehicle drives into a different parking lot near the crime scene. An individual, identified as Dickens by prosecutors, is also seen at this parking lot, dressed in dark clothing, walking towards the vehicle where the shooting occurred.

According to the prosecution, there was a security guard who observed a man in the area waving a gun around. The detective said the security guard confirmed that the suspect was Dickens after identifying a confirmation photo by the police.

During cross-examination, Kevann Gardner, Dickens’ defense attorney, questioned the witness regarding a plastic bag of drugs was found in Hamlett’s vehicle. Gardner then explained that Hamlett has a criminal history of drug use.

The detective explained he was unsure about the amount of drugs. Gardner said as the lead detective, the witness should know, since a drug deal could be a motive for the crime.

Additionally, Gardner questioned the detective about the suspect’s description which was based off of what the defense believes largely unclear surveillance footage.

Gardner pointed out that the security guard who identified Dickens didn’t report the incident until police were already on the scene for the murder later that morning.

Gardner concluded, “The [prosecution] is cutting corners in this case, and that is how innocent people go to jail!”.

Judge Raffinan ruled for probable, however, saying there may not be enough evidence for proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Judge Raffinan ruled to detain Dickens, agreeing he could pose a potential threat to the community.

Parties are expected back on Jan. 23.

Document: Wanted Suspect Apprehended for Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a wanted suspect has been apprehended in connection to a homicide that killed a man on Nov. 16, on the 2200 block of New York Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he died.

The individual was identified as 38-year-old Carlos Javier-Blanco Fernandez.

On Dec. 4, members of the United States Marshals Task Force located and arrested 23-year-old Eliexander Lopez-Burgos in Colorado. Lopez-Burgos was wanted on a DC Superior Court arrest warrant, charging him with first-degree murder while armed. He will go through the extradition process and will be returned to DC, where he will face charges.

Victim’s Sister Offers Emotional Testimony in Homicide Retrial

On Dec. 4, more witness testimony, including from the victim’s sister, was presented in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Marquette Jordan, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, assault with a dangerous weapon, simple assault, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside of a home or business with a prior felony for his alleged involvement in an April 30, 2018 stabbing homicide of 40-year-old Ivan Lynch on the 900 block of Fifth Street, SE.

This is a retrial since a jury hearing the case in April 2022 was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

The prosecution continued their case by calling a forensic DNA analysis and serology specialist. Serology is the study of blood serum.

The prosecution questioned the witness about items previously analyzed by the Department of Forensic Science (DFS), that the witness additionally reviewed.

The witness explained some items traced back to Lynch’s DNA, such as the interior front door at the crime scene, a black tank top, and a pair of khaki pants though the wearer was unknown.

The expert emphasized that the DNA data she reviewed from DFS was reliable and accurate.

During cross examination, the witness explained that many items had been collected from the crime scene, but only these four were tested and analyzed for DNA.

The prosecution called Lynch’s sister who said she and Lynch were very close, and that “He was her favorite brother”.

In emotional testimony, Lynch’s sister explained a woman approached her at home the day after her brother’s death, claiming to have information regarding the crime. The witness said the woman said Jordan killed Lynch, and that “he picked up a knife and stabbed my brother in the back”.

Lynch’s sister later discovered that the woman was Jordan’s ex-lover, who had allegedly been present at the time of the murder.

Lynch’s sister said she took the woman into her home to reveal details of the murder to Lynch’s father, describing this woman as a “victim herself,” and appearing a “hot mess.”

During cross-examination, Jordan’s defense counsel, Michael Bruckheim and Camille Wagner, questioned Lynch’s sister about Jordan’s ex-lover’s appearance and manner when she arrived at her home. Specifically, “Was she being careful with her words?”, and “Was she making eye contact?”

The sister responded that the woman had not been exhibiting any suspicious behavior. Lynch’s sister reiterated that she had taken Jordan’s ex-lover into her home because she was a victim and not the aggressor.

Following the sister’s testimony, the prosecutors rested its case. Bruckheim and Wagner alerted Judge Brandt they would not be presenting a case to the jury.

Additionally, Judge Brandt denied defense counsel’s motion for acquittal.

Parties are expected back Dec. 5 for closing arguments.

Document: Man Arrested in Shooting Death of Woman

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a man was arrested in connection to a shooting that killed a woman on June 28 on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult female shooting victim. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the scene, and after finding no signs consistent with life, the victim was pronounced dead.

The woman was identified as 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn.

On Dec. 3, 25-year-old Bobby Gupton was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

The case remains under investigation, and MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide committed in the District.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On Dec. 4, a homicide defendant rejected a plea offer extended by the prosecution.

Seth Andrews, 35 is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of his mother, 67-year-old Hazel Evans, on the unit block of 35th Street, SE on July 16, 2020. According to court documents, an autopsy revealed that Evans’ injuries were consistent with strangulation.

During the status hearing, Andrews rejected an agreement that would require him to plead guilty to second-degree murder, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan confirmed that she was satisfied with the defendants rejection of the plea offer.

Parties are expected back on Feb. 9, 2024.

Sentencing Delayed in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On Dec 4. a non-fatal shooting defendant’s sentencing was delayed 30 days in front of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Chantel Seltzer, 44, is being charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place on the 300 Block of 62nd St, NE, on March 22nd, 2023. No injuries were reported during the incident.

On Oct. 13, Seltzer accepted a pre-indictment offer extended by prosecutors, which required her to plead guilty to the two counts and is awaiting sentencing.

The court is reviewing the sentencing guidelines and could increase the severity of her punishment based on Seltzer’s prior convictions.

Sentencing is delayed until Jan. 4.

Shooting Defendant’s Request for Release Denied

On Dec. 1, non-fatal shooting defendant Purnell Jackson’s request for release was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Jackson, 37, is charged with eight counts of assault with intent to kill, conspiracy, carjacking, and burglary, among other charges. He, along with Kharee Jackson, 24, and Charles Turner, 36, were allegedly involved in a drive-by shooting that left three people injured. The incident occurred on August 24, 2022, on the unit block of Quincy Place, NE.

Defense attorney Julie Swaney motioned for Jackson to be placed on home confinement with GPS monitoring to allow him to spend time with family and engage with the community. She says the case against him is weak due to no DNA evidence and he lacks a history of violent crime.

Prosecution countered that while he has no violent crime history, he has an extensive history of drug and firearm convictions. They also stated DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found substantial probability that he was involved in the carjacking in Jackson’s preliminary hearing.

Prosecutors also referred to the serious nature of the crime, saying Jackson would be a “serious danger” to the community if released.

Jackson’s release motion was denied, with Judge O’Keefe citing his criminal history and the nature of the crime as reasons for the denial.

Parties will reconvene August 8, 2024, for a trial readiness hearing.

Homicide Defendant Found Mentally Competent To Stand Trial

On Dec. 4, homicide defendant Darryl Thompkins was found competent to proceed to trial.

Thompkins, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the deaths of 29-year-old Edward Roberts Jr. and 23-year-old Tyler McEachern. Roberts was fatally shot on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW, on July 30, 2016. McEarchern was fatally shot on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE, on Aug. 29, 2016.

According to court documents, mental competency examinations have been requested on multiple occasions for Thompkins. On June 6, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ordered a mental competency exam through the Department of Mental Health.

According to Judge O’Keefe, Thompkins refused to do the examination. However, the examiner did find Tompkins competent to stand trial by referencing previous medical reports and court documents.

Thompkins told the judge his concerns about constitutional rights and cross-examining witnesses. Judge O’Keefe assured Thompkins his Constitutional rights would be upheld and the questions he raised “are trial issues that we will hopefully get to soon.”

Judge O’Keefe added there had been delays in the case due to the numerous mental competency examinations.

The parties will reconvene on Dec. 11.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Asserts Rights to Independently Test DNA Evidence

On Dec. 1, a non-fatal shooting defendant asserted his right to independent DNA testing on a firearm recovered from a crime scene, before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Deon Cannon, 29, is charged with conspiracy, assault with intent to kill, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 5, 2021, on the 2700 block of Terrace Road, SE. There were no reported injuries resulting from the incident.

The prosecution stated that only a firearm and a magazine that were recovered were tested for DNA.

Through his attorney, Karen Minor, Cannon asserted his right to independent DNA testing and Minor stated that they plan to retest swabs from the firearm.

Minor also requested that Cannon be moved to the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) for medical treatment of a previous injury from a gunshot wound he sustained to his hand.

Additionally, Minor argued the move would be beneficial because Cannon is concerned about his security from a previous incident that happened in August in the DC jail.

Judge Epstein stated that he does not have any control over an inmate’s being held in a certain area of the jail.

Epstein advised Minor to submit a medical form so Cannon can ensure he is receiving the treatment he needs.

A motion hearing is set for May 16.

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