Judge Orders Defense to Decide on DNA Testing

On March 8, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe issued a DNA testing order in a homicide case.

Purnell Jackson, 37, Kharee Jackson, 24, and Charles Turner, 36, are charged with eight counts of assault with intent to kill, conspiracy, carjacking, and burglary, among other charges, for their alleged involvement 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.

Turner appeared in court, whereas appearances were waived for Purnell and Kharee.

Today’s hearing followed a previous proceeding in which Turner’s former attorney, Leo Alley, asserted his right to independent DNA testing. Then, defense counsel stated that they would determine how to proceed after analyzing the evidence.

Turner’s new attorney, Rachel Cicurel, said she has not yet decided to test the DNA evidence but has no immediate intention.

The prosecution responded this contradicted the defense’s previous position.

The judge concurred, stating not testing the evidence is inconsistent with asserting rights to testing, and is “waiving them by inaction.” The judge cautioned the defense against arguing that the DNA testing was incomplete at trial if they fail to test the evidence now.

The court ordered that, if the defense is asserting the right to independent testing, the decision to test DNA evidence needs to be made before parties reconvene on April 5.

Son Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

On March 8, a homicide defendant was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

William Davenport, 30, and his mother Violet Davenport, 53, are charged with first-degree murder while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the May 14, 2021, homicide of 27-year-old Leonard Turner. The incident occurred near a shelter on the 400 block of Second Street, NW.

William was arrested for the offense on Aug. 17, 2021, while Violet was later arrested on Feb. 7, 2024.

William’s defense attorney, Lauren Morehouse, informed the court during his arraignment that he is pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights to a speedy trial.

Morehouse also requested Judge Brandt amend William’s release conditions by removing his curfew.

Judge Brant stated that since he has been compliant with all of his release conditions, she would accept his request. However, she warned him that, “If you step out of line, I’m gonna lock you up.”

A trial date for both defendants was set for Feb. 2, 2026.

Violet’s defense attorney stated the trial was delayed because the prosecution charged Violet almost three years after the incident to place additional pressure on the defense.

Parties are set to return to court on Nov. 8.

Prosecutors Detail Video Evidence in Murder Conspiracy Trial

On March 7, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony during a conspiracy trial from two witnesses who testified that their home surveillance footage recorded multiple gunshots in a homicide.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020 on the 600 block of S Street, NW. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from a gunshot wound to the right leg.

The defendants are also alleged to have been involved in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 1, 2020, on the 2400 block of North Capitol Street, NE, moments after Lukes’ shooting.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27, whose cases were severed and will be tried at a later date.

The prosecution called a prior resident from the 2400 block of North Capitol Street, NE, to authenticate footage from his home security camera.

On March 1, 2020, at 2:18 p.m., footage shows an individual and a silver vehicle in an alley on Channing Street, NE. Multiple gunshots are heard before the silver car is seen speeding away.

From the homeowner’s account, “It looks like there’s someone in the video with their hand up and it looks like they’re exchanging gunfire.” The witness also heard a voice saying, “come on son.”

During cross examination, Jackson’s defense attorney Brian McDaniel asked the witness to confirm whether or not he had been able to see the person in the alley. He stated that no one could be identified or seen from the video.

Another individual who lived in the neighborhood at the time, testified that she heard multiple gunshots in the area, but was unable to see anything. When asked why she couldn’t see anything happen, she stated she “moved away from the window,” due to fear and concern.

The prosecution played footage from the witness’ home security camera which recorded four gunshots and a vehicle speeding away. She recalled hearing urgent shouts then called 911

Prosecutors also called two representatives from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), who testified to their involvement in the processing of the suspect vehicle in the case, Kia Soul, which was recovered on March 4, 2020, on the 500 block of Lamont Street, NW.

The images of the recovered vehicle showed a flat tire on the front driver’s side, bullet holes on the rear driver’s side door and back fender, collision damage to the hatchback, blue tape on the right side mirror, and two parking tickets on the windshield, due to parking in a handicapped spot.

The testimony corroborated a witness who testified he had seen several men leave the Kia Soul in a handicapped parking spot in his neighborhood, with significant damage.

The prosecution called a second DFS crime scene analyst whose photographs showed items recovered from the car which included a pair of blue jeans, empty drink containers, and a parking pass from Feb. 27, 2020 at 10:52 a.m.

He also swabbed numerous items left in the car as well as surfaces in the vehicle for DNA samples.

Parties are slated to return March 11.

Lead Detective Testifies in Co-Defendants’ Homicide Hearing

On March 6, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun heard testimony and cross-examination of the lead detective in a homicide case.

Jayvon Thomas, 20, and Lavar Hunter, 19, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year old Anwar Wingate. The incident occurred on Nov. 19, 2023, on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW.

The prosecutor began by calling the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to the stand to detail evidence in the case.

Multiple surveillance videos were played, in which the detective allegedly identified Thomas and Hunter based on their appearance.
The first clip shows the initial meeting of two individuals, identified as Thomas and Hunter, interacting with others in the parking garage in the moments leading up to the shooting.

The next three clips showed individuals identified as the defendants taking photos and interacting with Wingate, who was shown flashing what appears to be a firearm in his waistband, and stumbling allegedly from the influence of marijuana and alcohol.

Once again, the detective identified both Thomas and Hunter in the video, noting their clothing and distinctions between the two.

Finally, different video angles show individuals identified as the defendants physically attacking and eventually firing at Wingate, then grabbing his midsection to supposedly steal his firearm, before running off in different directions.

In addition to the video surveillance clips, the prosecutor submitted physical evidence recovered from the crime scene, including shell casings and a cell phone.

During cross-examination, Sylvia Smith, defense counsel for Thomas, walked the lead detective through the events of the shooting, challenging him to confirm that the individuals pictured in the surveillance video were in fact the defendants.

She questioned if the 911 caller who reported the incident was the first person to see the victim. Smith also questioned if Wingate had any “beef” with the defendants or with anyone else outside of the incident that could have contributed to his murder, but the detective did not know.

Smith ended her cross examination by discussing a witness, who may have been Wingate’s girlfriend on a FaceTime call with him moments before the shooting.

The detective stated that he never spoke directly to that witness, but according to other officers, she claimed Wingate called her drunk and that she did not see who shot him, nor did she see either defendant on the FaceTime call.

Parties are set to continue preliminary hearings on April 5.

Judge Continues Probation but Revokes Youth Sentencing in Non-Fatal Shooting

On March 8, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan discharged Ibrahim Camara’s show cause for probation and withdrew a previous Youth Rehabilitation Act sentence from 2022 based on the nature of the crime.

Camara, 22, is charged with one charge of assault with a dangerous weapon and one charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 3000 block of Rhode Island Ave, SE on September 21, 2021.

Prosecutors requested Camara be arrested and his probation be revoked due to the severity of the crime. In court the prosecution described the scene as a “gun battle,” leaving one injured.

Damon Catacalos, Camara’s defense attorney, argued Camara has been compliant probation for this case and an additional case in Prince George’s County, Maryland, for which he pleaded guilty to one count of intent to sell and distribute marijuana.

Camara’s sentence for the charges in Maryland is unknown, but his sentence was approved under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). The YRA provides sentencing alternatives and the possibility of having criminal records virtually sealed.

Catacalos asked Judge Ryan to not revoke Camara’s probation, and allow him to remain under the YRA. Catacalos pointed out Camara’s ability to hold a steady job and his desire to improve his life stating, “the road to maturity, growth, and wisdom is not always a straight line.”

The hearing ended with Camara pleading with the court, stating, “I do own up for my mistakes”.

Judge Ryan did not revoke Camara’s probation, however, he did cancel the Youth Act sentence agreeing with the prosecutor about the severity of the charges.

Camara’s probation is now set to end in June of 2024.

Judge Orders Full Mental Competency Exam for Shooting Defendant

On March 8, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered a full mental competency examination for a non-fatal shooting defendant to see if can work with his lawyer and understand the charges against him.

Stephen Rattigan, 48, also known as James Julius, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, cruelty to animals, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of assault on a police officer while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of three Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on Feb. 14 on the 5000 block of Hanna Place, SE. A fourth officer received injuries unrelated to gunshots.

According to MPD documents, officers went to the location to locate Rattigan due to an arrest warrant for animal cruelty. When the officers were outside, Rattigan allegedly fired multiple gunshots through the doorway hitting three officers. Then, Rattigan barricaded himself inside his residence and continued to shoot. Eventually, he surrendered and was taken into custody.

On Feb. 29, the court ordered Rattigan undergo a preliminary mental competency exam through the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

On March 8, the court reviewed the report which was inconclusive as the doctor was unable to form an opinion.

The doctor recommended a full competency exam to determine if Rattigan was mental competent. The prosecution and defense counsel agreed, and Judge Raffinan said the exam should be completed by the next hearing.

Parties are expected to return to court on April 11 for a mental observation hearing.

Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Test DNA Evidence

On March 8, a shooting defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Andrew Parsons, 28, 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 carrying a dangerous weapon, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident. The incident occurred on June 26, 2023, on the 800 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

At the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court they had recovered multiple items from the scene that could be tested for biological material. The items included cartridges, fragments of bullets, and multiple pairs of pants with suspected blood on them.

The prosecution also told Judge Demeo they had not tested any of the items, and do not intend to do so in the future.

Darryl Daniels III, Parsons’ defense attorney, alerted Judge Demeo that Parsons was waiving his right to independently test the evidence.

Judge Demeo found that Parsons made the decision voluntarily.

Parties are slated to return May 14.

Attorneys Argue if Shooting Was a ‘Terrible Misunderstanding,’ or Assault with Intent to Kill

On March 7, closing arguments were delivered in a non-fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Kamara Hoffler, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and multiple unlawful possession of a firearm charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 19, 2022, on the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, Hoffler allegedly attempted to enter an apartment that was not his own. As a result of the disturbance, a physical altercation occurred with a resident of the apartment. It escalated into a shootout, with the resident sustaining a gunshot wound to his knee. No other injuries were reported.

In their closing argument, the prosecution argued the victim’s main concern was to protect his children. “That’s what you do as a father,” the prosecution said.

The prosecution reviewed the sequence of events that occurred the day of the shooting and argued that Hoffler was not acting in self-defense, but instead had intent to kill.

“He isn’t just trying to hurt him,” said the prosecutors, in reference to Hoffler’s allegedly firing over 15 shots at the victim. “He’s trying to kill him,” said the prosecutor.

The prosecution also claimed the testimony delivered by Hoffler’s girlfriend, who was an eyewitness to the shooting and said she thought she was going to die was not credible. They argued that her relationship with Hoffler gave her “reason to present a story that is favorable to him.”

They pointed out that other witness testimony, including the victim’s, did not include threats or brandishing his firearm. The prosecution says this is supported by video surveillance footage.

“Return the only verdict that is consistent with the facts and the law,” the prosecution concluded, as they requested a guilty verdict.

Hoffler’s defense attorney, Jamison Koehler, began his closing arguments by stating, “None of this would’ve happened if not for this terrible misunderstanding.”

Koehler asked the jury to “put yourself in Hoffler’s shoes,” and said he was acting in defense of himself and his girlfriend.

Koehler argued the victim allegedly accosted them, brandished his firearm, and pushed them from the apartment building after they knocked on the wrong apartment door.

“The crime happened on those stairs, not in the parking lot,” Koehler stated. When the victim continued to pursue them outside, allegedly still making threats, Hoffler turned and fired.

“He’s furious!” Koehler exclaimed, in reference to the victim kicking a piece of trash on surveillance footage. “It’s too bad we don’t have audio,” he continued.

Koehler reminded the jury of the testimony of Hoffler’s girlfriend, who said that no one in the apartment self-identified before the victim arrived.

“No one said ‘go away.’ No one said ‘you have the wrong apartment,’” said Koehler. In referring to the other witness’ testimonies, “They minimized any evidence that Hoffler would’ve feared for his life.”

He also pointed out that, regardless of the number of shots Hoffler fired, only one struck the victim. If the two were in “close range,” as the prosecution claimed, then Hoffler could have easily aimed for a more vulnerable spot.

“They would’ve never met, but [the victim] took matters into his own hands,” Koehler said.

“Based on the evidence you’ve heard,” the defense concluded, “Hoffler respectfully asks you to find him not guilty of all charges.”

Judge Raffinan excused the jury for deliberation.

Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On March 6, before DC Superior Judge Jason Park, a shooting defendant rejected a plea offer extended by the prosecution.

Shawnette Greene, 48, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, robbery while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident. The incident occurred on Feb. 13, 2023, on the 200 block of Allison Street, NW. One individual sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.

According to court documents, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) located an individual in an alley suffering from three gunshot wounds to his upper left leg.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court they had extended a plea deal, which required Greene to plead guilty to armed robbery, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Hannah Claudio, Greene’s defense attorney, alerted the court Greene decided to reject the plea offer, and requested a trial date.

Parties agreed to set a trial date for January 2025.

They are slated to return on June 21.

Judge Grants Motion to Sever Co-Defendants in Homicide Case

On March 6, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted a homicide defendant’s request to sever his case from a co-defendant’s.

Terrance Prue, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Bruce Gilmore. The incident took place on the 3500 block of 22nd Street, SE, on June 5, 2019. One other individual suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Prue’s co-defendant, Miguel Gibson, 21, is charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly making false statements to the police.

Judge Raffinan ruled from her chambers to sever the two co-defendants. According to court documents, while Gibson’s case is linked to Prue’s case, the severance is justified by the possibility that Gibson would be called as a witness during Prue’s trial.

Gibson has stated in court documents that he intends to assert his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination and does not wish to testify at Prue’s trial. The court found that scheduling his trial before Prue’s trial would resolve any such issues.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 26.

Eyewitness Describes Night of Terror in Non-Fatal Shooting

On March 6, the trial of a non-fatal shooting case resumed before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, as parties rested their cases.

Kamara Hoffler, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and multiple unlawful possession of a firearm charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting. The incident occurred on Sept. 19, 2022, on the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, Hoffler and another individual allegedly tried to enter an apartment that was not their own. As a result of this disturbance, a physical altercation occurred with a resident of the apartment. The altercation escalated into a shootout, in which the resident suffered a non-fatal gunshot wound to his knee. No other injuries were reported.

Hoffler’s defense attorneys, Jamison Koehler and Karen Minor, called Hoffler’s girlfriend, an eyewitness to the shooting, to the stand.

The witness testified that, on the night of the incident, she and Hoffler intended to go to a friend’s apartment. According to the witness, the friend was at work, but told them that his girlfriend would let them into the apartment and host them until he arrived.

When Hoffler and the witness had arrived at the apartment and no one answered, they allegedly called the friend who informed them the girlfriend must be sleeping. He allegedly instructed them to “knock harder, knock louder,” to wake her up.

According to the witness, they continued to knock until the victim arrived at the apartment building. He allegedly shouted, “Get the f**k away from my door,” and “You b****s are going to die tonight.”

The witness testified she tried to explain that they must be in the wrong place, but was ignored as the victim retrieved his firearm from his apartment and brandished it at Hoffler. The victim then allegedly pushed Hoffler and the witness out of the apartment and continued to shout at them.

“I was scared at this point,” the witness said. “I was trying to walk away. I didn’t know what to do. I really thought I was about to die.”

On cross examination, the prosecutors replayed the video surveillance footage of the parking lot when the shooting occurred, during which the eyewitness was crouched behind a car.

The prosecution pointed out that Hoffler was allegedly the first one to fire, and the victim was no longer brandishing his weapon as he had allegedly done inside the apartment building.

The witness said she did not recall the events in the parking lot because she was “a little intoxicated” at the time of the shooting.

Further, the witness admitted neither she nor Hoffler ever reported the incident to the police.

Following the eyewitness’ testimony, Koehler and Minor called a Criminal Justice Act (CJA) investigator to the stand.

He verified that the apartment next door to the victim’s was leased to the individual Hoffler and the eyewitness intended to meet.

The prosecution presented evidence that shell casings found in the parking lot were consistent with the gun owned by the victim, but he was licensed to carry a firearm. It’s alleged he fired fewer shots than Hoffler.

A DNA specialist analyzed material from a cigarette butt found at the scene and concluded there was a high probability the sample came from Hoffler.

Parties rested their case and are slated to return March 7 for closing arguments.

Detective Identifies Homicide Co-Conspirator From Surveillance Footage

On March 5, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard additional testimony from a detective regarding surveillance footage in connection to a homicide case.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

The detective, who previously testified was recalled to talk about the video footage he collected on March 15, 2020.

According to the detective, he said his team was able to retrieve surveillance from Trinity Towers, an apartment building on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW.

The video, which was displayed in court, shows the suspect vehicle, a silver Kia with a rental car company logo on it, pulling up to the complex. One individual was seen leaving the apartment building and entering the vehicle through the rear passenger door on the driver’s side in the moments prior to the shooting.

The detective identified the individual entering the vehicle, wearing glasses, and light-colored jeans with tears as Brown.

Freeman’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, said the detective’s previously testified at a preliminary that the vehicle could have been “several places.” including Freeman’s residence and Jackson’s family’s residence, on the 1200 block of Otis Place, NW, shortly after the vehicle left a gas station before the shooting.

The detective explained that he didn’t locate any cameras, on the 1200 block of Otis Place, to determine if an individual entered or exited the vehicle in the hours leading up to the homicide.

The prosecution also introduced footage of the 300 block of Georgie Ave, NW, where an individual identified as Brown and two other individuals were walking sometime after the shooting.

The detective could not recall the exact time the three individuals were walking in the area. However, he recalled one of the individuals was wearing a dark cap and shirt. The other individual was observed to be wearing a hoodie with a NASA logo on the back, as well as dark green shoes.

A search warrant was conducted on Jackson’s family member’s home, and the detective recalled a pair of “greenish” shoes being recovered. The detective did not identify who owned the shoes, but noted that they were similar to the shoes the individual wearing the NASA hoodie was wearing in the previous video.

Ain said the detective’s previous uncertainty is enough to question how evidence was collected at the beginning of this case.

“In a fast-moving investigation errors of judgment can be made,” Ain said. “And sitting here today you don’t recall specifically the questions and answers about Otis Place.”

The detective said he could not recall if he tested the video’s accuracy by comparing its time stamps to those of other devices.

This led Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, to confirm that there was “no documentation” that anyone had checked the video’s actual time.

The prosecution countered by confirming with the detective that “not everything that happens in an investigation is always documented.”

The detective said he only documents something significant to the case.

“This report says ‘the 600 block of S Street, NW was negative for camera footage,’ so there was no footage,” Ain said. “But the absence of cameras does get noted sometimes.”

McDaniel followed by recalling the detective’s interview with an eyewitness on March 4.

According to the detective’s notes, the witness said four men exited the vehicle and one was wearing “a sweatshirt with a sports team on it.” However, McDaniel confirmed that the detective never took note of what team this was.

“That seems like something that would be good to know to identify a suspect,” McDaniel said. “But we don’t know because you never asked that question.”

McDaniel questioned the reliability of the surveillance footage that captured the sounds of the shooting.

“There is no video where you can see into the vehicle to determine who was driving at that time,” McDaniel said. “There is no video that tells us how tall they were or what they looked like, and there is no video of the actual shooting, only the sounds of gunshots.”

Parties are slated to return on March 7.

‘There Is a Dead Three-Year-Old Here,’ Says Judge Denying Release for Homicide Suspect

On March 6, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied a homicide defendant’s release request to mandatory in-patient drug treatment after her 3-year-old son overdosed on fentanyl.

Sasha McCoy, 27, is charged with first-degree cruelty to children, and first-degree murder for her alleged involvement in the death of her three-year-old daughter, Journey McCoy, on Oct. 28, 2022. The incident occurred in a neighbor’s home, on the 3400 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to the autopsy report, Journey’s death was due to the “accidental” ingestion of and intoxication from fentanyl and fluorofentanyl.

According to court documents, on Sept. 25, 2019, Journey was born with percocet withdrawal and experiencing a marijuana high.

In September of 2020, DC Child and Family Services Agency (CSFA) received a report of Journey’s ingesting marijuana. CSFA determined that there was inconclusive evidence to support the allegation, and the case was closed.

During the proceeding, Sasha waived her right to a preliminary hearing, and her defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, said they are requesting she be released and placed in a mandatory in-patient rehabilitation center.

Weller said Sasha recognizes the severity of what happened, but the court should note that the death was purely accidental.

“While this is first-degree murder, there is no indication of any intent to hurt the child,” Weller said. “There was accidental conduct and an accidental death.”

Weller said Sasha’s background indicates that she has and still is in the “darkest recesses of her narcotics addiction,” and was never treated.

“When we look at McCoy’s case, there is no reason to believe she will be a danger,” Weller said. “The court needs to impose conditions of release that will deal with this very specific circumstance because she deserved an opportunity for drug treatment.”

Weller said it’s the best option.

“It does not benefit anyone to sit her in jail and be done with her,” Weller said. “In-patient [treatment] is the thing that helps everyone because, at some point, she has to walk through the door.”

The prosecution insisted that it’s inaccurate for Weller to argue that Sasha was never offered treatment, but this may be the first time she wants treatment.

Due to Sasha’s previous interactions with CSFA, the prosecution explained she was aware of the consequences of inadequately supervising her child.

“We’re passed reckless, we’re at conscious disregard,” the prosecution said.

According to court documents, when police approached Sasha after the incident and offered her treatment, she refused.

“Not right now, this is not the time, I’m not going to lie I’m going to get high as a mother f**ker when I leave,” she allegedly said to the police.

Judge Brandt responded this “all sounds like the blame game,” and Sasha can’t shift responsibility for the tragedy that occurred.

“At the end of the day there is a dead three-year-old here,” the judge said. “The only one person who stands responsible is McCoy.”

Judge Brandt said, based on the law, because Sasha waived her right to a preliminary hearing, the court has reasons to believe there is probable cause. This inherently establishes Sasha is a “danger to the community” and a “danger to her children.”

Considering Sasha’s drug use history and the weight of the prosecution’s evidence, the judge said this was a clear case of “parental neglect” and that she could see it no other way.

“I can’t believe that you could sit here and argue the release of this defendant,” the judge said to Weller. “A child is dead, and no amount of drug treatment can take that back.”

Weller stated “The court does realize this is my duty, correct?”

Judge Brandt acknowledged Weller as a good attorney, however, the court decided that Sasha would remain in custody and there would be no consideration of release.

Parties are slated to return on April 17.

Document: MPD Arrests Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that occurred on Nov. 29, 2023, on the 5900 block of Foote Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect shot the victim inside the hallway of the listed location. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On March 6, 46-year-old Jerry Tyree was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Document: MPD Arrests Third Man in Mother’s Day Murder of 10-Year-Old Girl

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a third arrest was made in connection to the shooting that killed a 10-year-old girl on May 14, 2023, on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots, and located evidence of a shooting. A short time later, 10-year-old Arianna Davis was taken to a DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) station with gunshot wound injuries. She was transported to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries on May 17.

On March 6, 24-year-old Charles Edward Owens was charged with first-degree murder while armed, in connection to an arrest warrant. Owens was already in custody at the DC Jail.

Previously, two 19-year-old men were arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

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