Juvenile Sentenced to Restricted Commitment for Two Shooting Incidents

Despite a youth defendant pleading for another chance, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced the juvenile to two years in the custody of the District’s Department of Youth and Rehabilitative Services (DYRS).

The action in a Dec. 15 hearing means the agency must detain the juvenile for the entire sentence.

“When young people make a decision to carry a firearm, people get hurt,” said Judge Salerno in a courtroom crowded with multi-generational members of the defendant’s family.

A key factor in the sentence, said the judge, was that the juvenile pleaded guilty to two shooting incidents. The judge continued saying “the only way to make [rehabilitation] happen is commitment.”

According to prosecutors, the defendant fired a gun into the air on Feb. 22, on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE. There were no reported injuries. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were able to identify the juvenile as the shooter from surveillance footage.

Also, on June 9, the defendant fired at a vehicle on the 2200 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The driver, a woman, suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound to her back. MPD officers identified the defendant as the shooter from a still-shot that was recovered from surveillance footage that depicted the incident.

He was arrested on Sept. 15 and charged with several counts, including assault with intent to kill.

He accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to felony assault, two misdemeanor counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, two misdemeanor counts of possession of unregistered ammunition, and two misdemeanor counts of unlawful discharge of a firearm, for his involvement in both incidents. He is required to pay $1,200 in restitution for the June 9 incident.

In arguing for commitment, the prosecutor said the victim suffered lifelong physical and acute mental injuries including PTSD, flashbacks and abiding fear. An aggravating factor is that a small child was in the car and just missed the line of fire.

In the prosecution’s view, commitment until the youth’s nineteenth birthday would provide the kind of intensive help enabling the young man to “turn his life around.”

Speaking on the youth’s behalf, his attorney said his family is “deeply, deeply, deeply committed” to the boy. She described him as bright and enthusiastic in spite of a troubled childhood. The best path to recovery said his lawyer was to return the youth to school where he is doing well and provide adequate support services.

“He wants to show the court you can trust him,” said his lawyer.

Speaking on his own behalf, the juvenile said he was “so, so sorry.” He talked about plans to join the AirForce, start a business and pursue his musical passion. He added he wants to spend the holidays with his family.

After the judge’s ruling, one young woman sitting with the family was overcome with emotion and left the courtroom.

Judge Sentences Drive-By Shooting Defendant to 12 Years

On Dec. 19, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced an individual involved in a drive-by shooting and a stabbing attack at the DC Jail to 12 years incarceration.

Alvin Jackson, 29, was originally charged with conspiracy, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and three counts of criminal street gang affiliation, for his involvement in a May 2, 2020 drive-by shooting that injured three individuals on the 5000 block of H Street, SE. Jackson was one of seven individuals charged in connection to the incident.

Prosecutors alleged Jackson is part of the Simple City Crew, which they argue is a criminal street gang and responsible for crimes throughout the District. Though Judge Epstein stated there is not sufficient evidence to prove his involvement in the crew.

Jackson was also charged with aggravated assault while armed for his involvement in a stabbing of another inmate at the DC Jail on Aug. 5, 2022, at the 1900 block of D Street, SE.

On April 20, Jackson accepted a plea deal for both cases, which required he plead guilty to one count of assault with intent to kill while armed for the shooting, and assault with a dangerous weapon for the stabbing case, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

On June 11, Jackson filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea, arguing his previous defense attorney failed to fully ensure he understood the plea.

Judge Epstein denied the motion through a written order, which states “the court denies [Jackson’s] motion to withdraw his guilty plea because he does not contend that he is innocent of the two crimes to which he pled guilty.”

During the sentencing, prosecutors and Steven Kiersh, Jackson’s defense attorney, stated they had no additional arguments to make, and requested the judge take their sentencing memorandums, which are not public, as their arguments.

Judge Epstein stated that a “drive-by shooting is a serious crime, and it may be a miracle that nobody died,” and that, although Jackson was not a shooter, he played a significant role in the conspiracy.

He continued that the pre-sentence report writer stated Jackson “expressed minimal remorse,” and that he could not fully understand what that meant.

Judge Epstein imposed a sentence of 120 months for the shooting and 24 months for the stabbing, which are required to be served consecutively for a total of 12 years. Jackson is also required to serve a supervised release term of five years, and register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.

Homicide Defendant’s Mother Testifies in 2021 Murder Trial

On Dec. 18, more witness testimony, including from a murder defendant’s mother was presented before 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 Sep. 18, 2021, on the 1300 block of Nicholson Street, NW.

The prosecution questioned a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective about the outfit worn by the suspect compared to Rezene’s attire. On the night of the murder, the person last seen with Villatoro on surveillance cameras was wearing gray jeans, a light colored top, and shoes with light colored laces.

In the surveillance footage, the suspect goes into an alley with Villatoro, and then eventually gunshots are fired.

According to the prosecution, Rezene’s appearance in social media posts after the crime matches the description of the suspect’s clothing including the type of shoe he was wearing.

Next, the prosecution called Rezene’s mother to offer specific identifications of her son. She also said she’s frequently in contact with her son over the phone.

Under cross-examination by Rezene’s attorney, Jonathan Zucker, Rezene’s mother explained that the phone number her son had in 2021 is the same as it has always been. She explained in limited English that she and Rezene have always been on the same phone plan, meaning she was well aware of his phone number and to her knowledge, this was the only number her son had ever had.

Following her testimony, Rezene’s mother asked permission to say hello to her son, going over and planting a kiss on his hand.

Lastly, the prosecution called up an MPD sergeant who was responsible for crime scene management the night of the murder. He explained there was a lot of physical evidence, such as shell casings from the shooting.

The prosecution asked if he found any weapons on Villatoro that night. The sergeant explained that he doesn’t recall finding one on the scene, but later learned Villatoro did, in fact, have a weapon on him at the time of his death.

Additionally, the sergeant said he did not see any cameras in the alleyway where Villatoro was shot. However, he saw tire tracks imprinted with blood. The sergeant explained that there had to have been a good amount of blood pooled on the ground for a long time, in order to stain tire tracks.

During cross-examination, Zucker, questioned the sergeant about the lighting in the alleyway. The sergeant said the alley was well lit, and is not considered to be a “dark alley”.

The parties are expected to reconvene Dec. 19.

Motion to Continue Trial Granted in First-Degree Homicide

On Dec. 14, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe continued a jury trial date in a homicide case.

Rashon Hall, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the murder of Joseph Simmons, 22, on Jan. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue SE.

Dana Page, Hall’s defense attorney, requested a later trial date based on the prosecution’s delay in providing evidence developed in the discovery process. She explained the delay is “not fair to Hall” and informed Judge O’Keefe that the defense is “just asking for time.”

Prosecution argued that the discovery is “really not as much material as it seems” and that the trial date should not be pushed back.

Judge O’Keefe granted the motion to continue. Parties are expected back in January for a motions hearing.

Document: Man Killed in Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Dec. 18 on the 5400 block of Illinois Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. A private vehicle took him to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 27-year-old Jihad Darden.

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

Document: Man Arrested for Murder of Brothers

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that killed two men on Dec. 12 on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located 28-year-old Octavio Quintano and 35-year-old Osmine Quintano in the roadway with gunshot wound injuries. Both died at the scene.

On Dec. 17, 24-year-old Ronzoni Jackson Jr. was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide Case

On Dec. 14, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found a homicide defendant’s case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Darrell Hinkle, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 32-year-old Dajuan Blakney on April 21 on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police (MPD) went to the reported location after being dispatched for the sounds of gunshots. Police found Blakney lying on the steps in front of a building. He was unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. A witness reached out to MPD and stated he was aware that Blakney and Hinkle had been “beefing” for a while.

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lead detective, who identified Hinkle as the suspect.

The prosecution provided surveillance footage depicting the scene of the crime at the time of the shooting. In the footage, a man identified by the detective as Hinkle is shown approaching Blakney with a firearm in his hand. The footage then allegedly shows Hinkle firing the gun as multiple flashes of light come from the weapon and Blakney slumps to the ground.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Michael Bruckheim made note that the video has no volume and there is no way to tell what is being said between the two individuals.

According to the prosecution, probable cause is appropriate since there is video footage of the defendant shooting the victim and there is no evidence that the victim had a weapon, “The decedent was held at gunpoint.”

Judge O’Keefe found that there is “more than probable cause that Hinkle was the person who killed Dajuan Blakney.”

The judge also denied the defense’s request for release, stating there were no conditions that could “protect the community.”

Parties are expected back July 2024.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

On Dec. 14, a homicide defendant waived his right to independent DNA testing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Aaron Jackson, 30, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon in connection to the death of 27-year-old Damohn Gill on the 3600 block of 22nd Street, SE on June 24, 2021.

According to court documents, members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) found Gill unconscious, unresponsive, and suffering from nine stab wounds before he succumbed to his injuries that night.

During the hearing, the prosecution outlined what was tested for DNA and the results on each item.

The prosecution said they tested fingernail clippings, a pair of sneakers, a t-shirt, boxer shorts, and sidewalk swabs at the scene. Of those, Brown’s DNA was allegedly found on the sidewalk swabs.

The defendant confirmed that he does not wish to have any item independently tested and waived his right to do so. When Judge O’Keefe began discussing the May 2024 trial date, Brown proclaimed “I’m ready.”

Parties are expected back April 2024 for a trial readiness hearing.

Co-defendants Reject Plea Offer

On Dec. 14, two homicide co-defendants rejected plea offers extended by prosecutors in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Justin Borum, 33, and Jerome Dukes, 31, are charged with second-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of Jayvon Jones, 21, on Feb. 21, around the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE.

During the hearing, prosecutors alerted Judge O’Keefe that they had extended an offer which would require Borum and Dukes to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed.

Through their counsels, Dukes and Borum both rejected the offers.

Parties are expected back on Jan. 12 for a felony status conference.

Homicide Defendant Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

During a Dec. 18 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a first-degree murder defendant to 120 months incarceration, with five years of supervised release.

Raymond Davis, 50, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with the murder of Henry Hackett, 41. The incident occurred on the 2000 block of Langston Place, SE on June 3, 2020.

On March 10, Davis accepted an offer from prosecution to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for dismissal of the other charges.

The sentencing began with the prosecution reading a letter from a close relative of Hackett’s stating, “I am writing this letter with tears streaming down my face.”

“Since his death there has been a hole in my life”, and “[Hackett] will never be able to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day”.

The prosecution recommended Davis be sentenced to the maximum sentence of 126 months with five years of supervised release. The prosecutor referenced a “cycle of violence”, explaining that this crime was an accumulation of a “lifetime of criminal behavior”. The prosecutor emphasized Davis’ lengthy criminal history, and explained this shooting occurred when Davis was prohibited access to a firearm.

According to the prosecutor, in the past, Hackett murdered one of Davis’ friends. The prosecutor stated that although this was tragic, Hackett is “still protected by the law”, and that Davis should not be responsible.

Matthew Davies, Davis’ defense counsel, explained that Davis came to this hearing to “accept responsibility for his actions”. Davies also argued that Davis should be sentenced to 114 months, stating that this is a significant amount of time for punishment, emphasizing that upon release, Davis does not intend to resume a life of crime.

Davis stated to the court that he is deeply apologetic to the “citizens of the District of Columbia”. He exclaimed, “I hope you all one day will be able to find some forgiveness for my inexcusable actions,” and “I wholeheartedly wish this was something I could reverse or fix”.

Judge Okun sentenced Davis to 120 months, with five years of supervised release. He explained Davis’ lengthy criminal record is in the past, and he believes Davis has done a lot of good in his life while incarcerated. However, he also stated that the nature of this crime was horrific, and supports a higher sentence. So Judge Okun explained he was “ending up in the middle” of both parties’ requests.

Davis is also required to register as a gun offender upon a release, and pay a fine to the court.

Judge Okun further exclaimed to Davis, “You’re gonna have a life ahead of you”, and “a family waiting for you”.

No further dates are set in this case.

Man Accused in Fatal Stabbing Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Dec. 18, Alton Rivers, 59, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter ending a longstanding homicide case.

Rivers was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed of a senior citizen and voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the death of Anthony Anderson, 68, on the 3600 block of 14th Street, NW, on July 27, 2018.

Since he was arrested Rivers has changed attorneys multiple times and appeared before three different judges.

According to court documents Rivers and Anderson were engaged in an argument when the victim hit Rivers in the mouth. In response, Rivers pulled out a screwdriver and fatally stabbed Anderson in the chest and abdomen.

Rivers claimed he thought Anderson was armed.

Represented by Stephen Logerfo, Rivers agreed to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter.

The offense carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. However, the prosecutors said he reserves the right to “allocute” for the minimum sentence of eight years with credit for time served. Rivers has been jailed since 2018.

Judge Epstein asked Rivers if he understood that he was giving up his right to trial or to retract his guilty plea. Rivers acknowledged his acceptance of the terms.

The judge said in Rivers’ situation he doesn’t have to follow the sentencing guidelines. “It’s my decision,” said Judge Epstein.

Logerfo argued for the penalty to be the five years Rivers has already served.

Judge Epstein set a pre-sentencing hearing for Feb. 23, 2024.

Three Homicide Co-Defendants Waive Right for Independent DNA Testing

On Dec. 18, three homicide co-defendants waived their right to independently test DNA evidence recovered at a homicide scene before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Raymond Avent, 23, Tyler Stringfield, 24, and Keith Baham, 23, are charged with allegedly murdering Rafiq Hawkins, 23, on March 23, 2019, on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

Avent, Baham, and Stringfield are facing multiple counts, including first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, two counts of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition.

Counsel for the defendants, Elizabeth Weller, Todd Baldwin, and Brian Shefferman, informed the court that they will all be waiving their right to independent DNA testing.

Judge Okun explained to the Avent, Stringfield, and Baham that they all have a right to independently test DNA in their case if they choose. Avent, Stringfield, and Baham then continued to waive their right.

Parties are expected back March 19.

‘You Got a Lucky Break,’ Says Judge to Defendant in Homicide Sentencing

On Dec. 18, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a defendant to 11 years for his involvement in a fatal shooting after a drug deal went bad.

Brandon Nguyen, 25, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for the shooting of Brian Ward, 17, on Sept. 29, 2020, on the 300 block of Allison Street, NW.

According to court documents, the day after the incident, Ward’s family reported him missing to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and an investigation into Ward’s whereabouts ensued.

Ward’s body was not located until December 2021, when Nguyen admitted to his involvement in Ward’s death and led MPD to where he dumped the body in the woods in Laurel, MD. According to court documents, Nguyen’s father helped him sell the vehicle used following the incident.

On Jan. 18, Nguyen accepted a plea deal that required he plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Parties agreed to a sentencing range of seven-and-a-half years to 11 years.

Three of Ward’s family members gave impact statements to Judge Brandt. His mother, through tears, told Judge Brandt “He’s telling me over and over again to be strong,” and “I love my son, I miss him dearly.”

Ward’s oldest sister claimed Nguyen has no remorse, claiming that his family helped him get away with it. “Victims have no voice,” she said, “You took a life. You took a brother. You took a family member,” she insisted. “My brother was a good kid. He was loved. He was smart,” she said.

Likewise, Ward’s father stated “This is the worst pain anyone can feel,” and “Why do you need to shoot somebody five to six times in the head?”. During his impact statement, Ward’s father stated he was frustrated with the agreed sentencing range, saying “This is why there’s so much killing, cause ain’t nobody getting time.”

As for the defense’s claim that Nguyen was acting in self-defense, Ward’s father said “That’s not self defense your honor, that’s cold blooded murder.”

Judge Brandt told the family “I can’t imagine what you and your family have been through,” and stated she noticed the “raw pain” in everyone’s voice. “What happened to your family shouldn’t happen to anyone,” she stated.

Prosecutors requested Judge Brandt sentence him to 11 years, arguing that Ward was missing for 15 months, before his family found out what actually happened to him, and Nguyen fired at least six shots, including some to the back of his head.

Prosecutors argued that, instead of taking Ward to a hospital or fire station, Nguyen drove to Laurel from the District during rush hour, which Google Maps estimated could take up to an hour- and -20 minutes, and dumped his body in the woods. He cleaned and bleached his vehicle and sold it, and left the area to live in California with a family member.

“[Ward’s] family will never be the same,” said the prosecutor. He stated they were requesting the highest amount possible due to the “horrible loss that the victim’s family has to deal with.”

Mary Paloger, Nguyen’s defense attorney, stated that on the day of the incident “He made one of the worst decisions of his life,” and panicked, not knowing what to do. According to Paloger, Nguyen was not the individual who brought the gun to a drug deal, but rather wrestled it out of Ward’s possession and shot him.

“This is not a case of self-defense,” said Judge Brandt.

Paloger requested Judge Brandt sentence Nguyen under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which sets aside his conviction if he successfully completes all sentencing requirements. “Brandon is an excellent candidate for rehabilitation,” said Paloger, adding, “He’s so remorseful, it haunts him day and night.”

In his statement to the court, Nguyen stated, “The event has been in my head all the time,” adding that he let his family down. He stated he will try to better himself and his life as he serves his time.

Judge Brandt stated that there’s “too much violence, too many people dying for no reason in this city,” adding “I feel powerless to stop that.”

“You have to be punished for what you did,” said Judge Brandt, stating that she is denying the request to sentence Nguyen under the YRA until she sees how he deals with being in prison. She argued that “the YRA is synonymous to a gift. I can’t give a gift until I know what I’m dealing with. Giving a gift would be a slap to the [Ward] family.”

“The adult thing to do, the mature thing to do, would have been to call 911 and drive Brian to the closest hospital to get some help,” she insisted, adding “that should have been the only option that day.”

“Allowing them to wonder for a year and some months… that’s some stone cold callous,” she continued. “We have to send a message to the community that you can’t commit a crime and get away with it,” she insisted.

“You got a lucky break here,” Judge Brandt said, as she imposed an 11 year sentence with five years of supervised release. Nguyen must also register as a gun offender, and pay $100 to the Victim of Violent Crime Fund.

“I hope you find some sort of peace, good luck,” she said to Nguyen.

Document: Man Killed in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Dec. 16 on the 1200 block of 44th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the report of the sounds of gunshots at the location, where they located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale Jr.

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: Decedent Identified Man Killed in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Dec. 15 on the 600 block of Hamlin Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, officers located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He died at the scene.

The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Marcus Vines.

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.

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