Sentencing Continued For Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

On Dec. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein continued a sentencing due to a defendant’s changing circumstance.

Rickeis Watkins, 23, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on March 24, 2022, on the 1400 block of Brentwood Road, NE. According to police records, there were no injuries reported at the scene.

Watkins currently has two pending cases in Maryland.

According to court documents, Watkins entered into a guilty plea on two charges including distribution of drugs, and possession of a firearm.

Watkin’s defense attorney, Peter Odom, stated to the court that his guilty plea would affect Watkins’ criminal history score which impacts the severity of the sentence.

Due to the change, Odom requested that the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) deliver an updated pre-sentencing report. Odom also requested that the sentencing be continued for thirty days.

The prosecution agreed.

Judge Epstein continued sentencing for thirty days in light of new information.

Watkins is now set to be sentenced on Jan. 3.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Request for Change of Counsel

On Dec. 1, a homicide defendant requested that his lawyer withdraw from the case before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Keshawn Lavender, 22, Raymond Mathis, 36, and Deandre Sams, 27, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in a fatal shooting that killed 32-year-old Matthew Miller that occurred on Sept. 5, on the 200 block of M Street, SW. The incident left five other individuals suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

Lavender’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, filed a motion on behalf of Lavender requesting a change of counsel. In the motion, Lavender outlined that he was requesting for his attorney to withdraw as counsel, with no further explanation.

Judge Epstein denied the motion stating that there is no basis for a change of counsel.

Epstein stated that “granting it would delay things further.”

A status hearing is set for July 28, 2024.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

On Dec. 1, a homicide defendant waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence recovered from the crime scene in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Gary Rush, 41, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a fatal vehicle collision, which caused the death of Keena Dowtin on Sept. 20, 2020, near Fort Dupont Drive and Fort Davis Drive, SE.

According to court documents, when responding officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrived they located Rush lying face down, but conscious, in a wooded area. He “complained of injuries consistent with having been in a motor vehicle collision.” Rush told MPD officers the vehicle was further up in the woods and his passenger was dead. Dowtin was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the hearing, prosecutors alerted Judge Okun they have not conducted any DNA testing on evidence recovered from the scene. According to prosecutors, they have access to the vehicle, phones, the autopsy, blood recovered from the vehicle, and personal items which were returned to Rush and Dowtin’s family.

Rush’s defense attorney, Madalyn Harvey, alerted the court they were not planning on testing any evidence.

Harvey also requested Rush’s release conditions be modified, stating he struggles with his monthly in-person check-in because it interferes with his work schedule.

According to a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), Rush continues to be compliant with his release conditions.

Parties are expected back Aug. 23, 2024.

Homicide Defendant Files Motion to Sever

At a Dec. 1 status hearing for five homicide co-defendants, defendant Darryl Little declared his intent to file a motion to sever from others accused in the case.

Little, 29, Marcel Gavin, 36, Johnny Wilkins, 33, Earl Robinson, 31, and Kharee Jackson, 24 are charged with conspiracy, four counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, and other charges for their alleged involvement in the shooting of Albert Smith, 21. The incident occurred on June 14, 2020, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

Little’s attorney, Wole Falodun, said the motion has not yet been filed, but he intends to do so in the coming weeks.

Parties will reconvene June 21, 2024, for a status hearing.

Defense Plans to Contest Competency Finding for Homicide Suspect

On Dec. 1, homicide defendant Huey Bandy’s defense attorneys announced that while he was found mentally competent, they may be challenging the decision.

Bandy, 52, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing death of 60-year-old Orlando Murphy. Allegedly, Bandy stabbed Murphy after being shown a video of Murphy sexually assaulting Bandy’s 18-year-old daughter. The incident occurred on June 7, 2022, at the 3600 block of Brothers Place, SE.

Bandy had previously been evaluated for mental competency, with the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) declaring him competent. However, defense attorneys Christen Phillips and Sylvia Smith stated that they may be contesting the findings, depending on the results coming from their own expert.

The mental observation hearing was continued for Jan. 22, 2024, where the defense will declare if they plan to contest competency.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment

On Dec. 1, a non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Anthony Coleman, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on Dec. 7, 2022, on the 100 block of Galveston Place, SW. The incident left an individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

During the hearing, Coleman’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas Jr., alerted the court his client pleads not guilty to all counts and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are expected to reconvene Jan. 9, 2024.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

On Nov. 30, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors in front of DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz.

Briana Milam, 33, was originally charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for her involvement in a non-fatal shooting. The incident occurred on Aug. 21, on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, Milam accepted an offer extended by prosecutors, which required her to plead guilty to unlawful discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm, in exchange for a dismissal of other charges. In addition, Milam was also required to plead guilty to assault, in connection to a domestic violence incident that occurred on April 22.

According to prosecutors, Milam in anger threw a vase at a man who they identified as her ex-partner. However, Milam claimed that she was never in a relationship with the individual. Milam’s defense attorney, Theodore Shaw, alerted Judge Leibovitz they would not be opposing the proffer of facts provided by prosecutors.

In their offer, the prosecution stated they will limit their sentencing requests to the mandatory minimum or the bottom of the guidelines for each charge, whichever is greater.

Parties will reconvene Feb. 2, 2024 for a sentencing.

Document: Man Killed in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Dec. 3 on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers were in the area when they heard the sounds of gunshots and saw a vehicle fleeing the area. Officers located the vehicle a short distance away, and the male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

The victim was identified as 26-year-old Dionte Claytor.

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.

Document: Man Killed in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Dec. 2 on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male on the sidewalk, suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

The victim was identified as 38-year-old Michael Hansley.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of a person or persons responsible for each homicide that occurs in the District.

Document: Man Arrested in a Southwest Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest has been made in connection to a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 20 on the 4600 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male on the sidewalk, suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital.

The victim was identified as 29-year-old Gary Lavon Love III.

On Dec. 1, members of MPD’s Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested and charged 21-year-old Roy Jordan with first-degree murder while armed – premeditated.

Document: Man Arrested for a Homicide in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch announced the arrest of a man in connection to a homicide that occurred on Dec. 1 on the 900 block of Rhode Island 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 succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 23-year-old Brandon Lewis.

On Dec. 1, 22-year-old Clarence McKnight was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Fatal Shooting Case

On Dec. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found probable cause in a homicide defendant’s case.

George Sutton, 44 , is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old John Coleman, on May 1, 2023, on the 200 block of M Street, NE.

During a preliminary hearing on Nov. 30, prosecutors called an MPD detective to testify. Judge Raffinan provided an overview stating that the prosecutors offered exhibits, including surveillance footage that show Sutton allegedly driving toward Coleman, who was on a bike. Additionally, Sutton allegedly said he is the owner of the vehicle in the surveillance footage during an interview with a detective;

Judge Raffinan mentioned Sutton’s previous offenses stating that “He does have a criminal history, and there is a risk to the community”, finding probable cause that he was involved in the incident, and detaining the defendant.

Suttons defense attorney, Steven Keirsh, motioned for release, however Judge Raffinan denied the request.

Parties are expected back on Dec. 20 for a felony status conference.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

On Nov. 30, a homicide defendant was arraigned on multiple charges and pleaded not guilty to all counts before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Sherman Holley, 46, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed offenses committed during release, arson offenses committed during release, carrying a pistol without license outside of home or business offenses committed during release, destruction of property $1000 or more offenses committed during release, resisting arrest offenses committed during release, and assault on a police officer offenses committed during release, for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old James Brooks Jr., on Jan. 15 at the 200 block of 37th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Brooks suffered multiple stab wounds to the torso. Holley allegedly fled the scene but was seen entering a residence in the area the next day. Metropolitan Police Officers (MPD) arrived shortly after and confronted Holley. As he refused to step out of the residence, officers noticed smoke emerging from the window. As the fire progressed, Holley was forced to leave turning in to the officers.

Holley pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are expected back on Jan. 10.

Lead Detective Testifies In 2018 Homicide Case

On Nov. 30, a lead detective in a homicide investigation testified about a “frightened” eyewitness to a 2018 homicide case.

Marquette Jordan, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside of a home or business with a prior felony for his alleged connection of the fatal stabbing of 40-year-old Ivan Lynch on April 30, 2018 at the 900 block of 5th Street, SE.

Jordan was first tried in April 2022 and but the jury hung on the first-degree murder charge. However, he was convicted on the lesser counts. The retrial started on Nov. 14.

In body-worn camera footage Jordan told officers he had cancer. A medical doctor who examined Jordan on May 1, 2018, said he did not find any signs or symptoms of the disease. According to the doctor, Jordan didn’t claim any medical issues.

The prosecution also called a detective with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)who said he recovered a cellphone that was later identified as Lynch’s.

The detective stated that he saw blood on Jordan’s clothes and instructed the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) to collect the items. Additionally, a set of keys were recovered from Jordan’s pockets, which were later identified as Lynch’s car keys.

The lead detective also interviewed Jordan’s ex-partner who was in an initial altercation with Jordan that allegedly sparked the stabbing,. The detective stated that the witness was “frightened, disheveled, and terrified” during her initial interview and had no shoes. Due to her state of mind, the detective stated that he made sure to give her adequate time for her interview and at one point she was “balled up in the chair.”

Parties are set to return Dec. 4 to continue witness testimony.

Judge Grants Defendant’s Request For New Counsel in 2020 Homicide case

On Dec. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted the defendant’s request for new counsel in a homicide case.

Daundrey Scott, 29, is charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and two counts of arson for his alleged involvement in the murder of 62-year-old Darryl Finney that occurred on May 13, 2020, on the 900 block of H Street, NE.

Judge Epstein stated that there has been an “immediate breakdown between the defendant and counselor” and he therefore will be appointing a new lawyer. The explanation was discussed under seal and closed to the public.

Epstein stated that he is “Concerned Scott will be in the same situation a few months from now, but we will see if a new lawyer can get what you want.”

Scott’s previous defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, filed a motion to withdraw a guilty plea on behalf of the defendant. The motion will be discussed at a later date, once new counsel is appointed.

Epstein addressed Scott stating, “I will not be continuously appointing a new attorney.”

An ascertainment of counsel hearing is set for Dec. 15.

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