Judge Denies Motion for Release in Fatal Drunk Driving Case

On Nov. 17, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a motion to release a 2023 homicide defendant.

Nakita Walker, 43, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder for allegedly crashing into a car carrying Mohamed Kamara, 42, Jonathan Alberto Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22, on March 15, on Rock Creek Parkway near the intersection of 26th Street and P Street, NW.

The DC Medical Examiner’s report indicates Walker’s blood alcohol content was 0.1– beyond the legal limit– with cannabis also present in her body.

Walker’s defense attorney, Albert Amissah, motioned for Walker’s release as she was not being provided with the medical treatment she needed for injuries sustained in the crash. Amissah stated that in the last six months, Walker had attended physical therapy once and her health was deteriorating.

Prosecution rebutted Walker was an extreme danger to the community and stated, “She will do whatever she wants to do when she wants to do it”.

Judge Okun denied the defense’s motion for release and stated, “My decision is based on whether she would be a danger to the community”. Judge Okun reflected on how Walker struck the other car at almost 80 miles-per-hour, highlighting her recklessness.

Parties will reconvene Feb. 22 for a felony status conference.

Homicide Defendant Sentenced After Accepting Plea Deal

On Nov. 17, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced Demetrius Void to six years incarceration for a homicide.

Void, 36, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and armed carjacking, for his involvement in fatal shooting of 24-year-old Anthony Lawson, on Sept. 25, 2018, on the 6200 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Lawson and Void were allegedly having a dispute over a vehicle that belonged to Void’s mother.

On Aug. 24, Void accepted an agreement extended by prosecutors to plead guilty to one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for dismissal of all other charges.

Prosecutors requested Judge O’Keefe follow the six-to -eight year sentencing guideline that parties had agreed on when Void pleaded guilty. Prosecutors mentioned Void’s lack of remorse stating, “Not once did I hear him express regret… he did not think it’s a big deal”.

Void’s defense attorneys, William Alley and Madalyn Harvey, requested Judge O’Keefe impose a six year sentence, emphasizing it is a “significant amount of time”. Void’s attorneys noted “being in prison is not going to do any good”.

Although the first-degree murder charge was dismissed, Judge O’Keefe allowed Lawson’s family members to give an impact statement. Lawson’s mother stated, “From the sounds of it, it sounds like you’re going to be blessed, do what you have to do for your kids and your family”.

Judge O’Keefe sentenced Void to 72 months in prison followed by a three year supervised release. The judge expressed his concern, saying “You are not only hurting yourself, you’re also hurting your family”.

“I apologize to my family,” said Void.
He is also required to register as a gun offender and pay a fine of 100 dollars to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund.

Probable Cause Found In Shooting Homicide

On Nov. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause in a homicide case.

Iesha Marks, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 46-year-old Donald Childs that occurred July 30, on the 100 block of Farragut Street, NW.

Earlier prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who testified that an individual, identified as Marks, was involved in a dispute in an alleyway. She got into a black Toyota Camry’s passenger side, and the car drove away.

According to the detective, that same vehicle returned 20 minutes later, and an individual sitting inside fatally shot Childs. The detective’s testimony was backed by surveillance footage.

Judge Brandt stated the evidence “overwhelmingly points to Marks as the shooter.”

She also stated that there are alley surveillance videos where gunshots are heard and Marks is allegedly seen getting in a black Toyota Camry after the gunfire. In the videos an individual is seen wearing a white T-shirt and black shorts consistent with clothes found in the trash can at Marks’ apartment.

In a video allegedly from Marks’ phone a firearm is in her lap.

Judge Brandt also stated that there is a consciousness of guilt argument in that it appeared Marks was returning to the scene of the crime looking for information.

She added that there is nothing that supports self-defense at this time and that the crime was premeditated.

Marks’ defense attorney, Dana Page, asked the court that Marks be released on home confinement as she has two young children. Page added that Marks has a bachelor’s degree and was in a master’s program at the time of the incident. She also explained that Marks has mental health problems and would be able to get the treatment she needs if released.

Page stated that Marks has family support and is not a flight risk.

The prosecution wanted Marks detained because she presents a danger to the community. She is alleged to have opened fire in a busy intersection on a Sunday afternoon in broad daylight. The prosecution added that she has two previous incidents involving a gun and a misdemeanor case while on probation.

Judge Brandt said, “Loss of human life is as egregious as it gets,” and Marks’ “shooting was bracingly reckless.” And added, “The weight of the government’s evidence is strong.”

The judge found that there is no condition or combination of conditions where Marks would not pose a threat to the community; therefore she will remain detained.

A felony status conference is scheduled for Jan. 19.

Bloody Clothes Found at Crime Scene in Fatal Stabbing

On Nov. 16, witnesses testified before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt that a defendant accused of a fatal stabbing was allegedly found with bloody clothing when he was stopped by police.

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 involvement in the fatal stabbing of 40-year-old Ivan Lynch that occurred on April 30, 2018, on the 900 block of Fifth Street, SE.

The prosecution called an investigator from the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) who allegedly observed blood on Jordan’s pants and tank top and collected it for evidence. The T-shirt that Jordan was wearing that night was ripped in the collar.

The witness also photographed two other individuals but didn’t find any blood.

Defense counsel, Michael Bruckheim, asked why Jordan’s were the only clothes collected for evidence, despite two other individuals being there. The witness responded since no blood was found on their clothing, she wasn’t asked to evaluate it.

Additionally, the prosecution called the lead scientist from DFS who displayed Lynch’s hoodie, T-shirt, and tank top to the jury, and stated that there was blood and multiple cuts found on the front and back of each garment. She explained the clothing had to be placed in a drying cabinet in order to be processed because they were wet with blood and there was also an unidentified bloody shoe print found at the scene.

The prosecution also called the overnight security officer from the apartment complex who testified at some point three men, two women, and two children entered the building. According to the officer an individual wearing a hood accompanied by two children later left the building.

Lastly, prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who found Lynch lying on his back began administering CPR. Lynch was later pronounced dead at MedStar Hospital.

During cross examination, Bruckheim asked the detective why he never questioned any witnesses if they cleaned up the scene before police arrived since there were bloody paper towels and water found next to Lynch’s body.

The witness responded his priorities were helping Lynch and securing the crime scene.

Parties are set to return Nov. 17 to continue witness testimony.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

On Nov. 17, homicide defendant Reginald Jones rejected a plea deal before DC Superior

Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Jones, 66, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing death of Regina Morris, 52. The incident occurred on May 28 at the unit block of Potomac Avenue, SE. Morris was found in her apartment where she lived with Jones. The two were involved in a romantic relationship.

Prosecution offered Jones a pre-indictment plea, which would require him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed. If he accepted the plea, the prosecution would not go through with an indictment.

Jones rejected the deal and his case will be continued for a preliminary hearing.

The hearing is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2024.

Case Acquitted: Trial Starts in Church Shootout after a Family Funeral

This case was acquitted on Dec. 1, 2023.

On Nov. 16, opening statements were delivered in the trial of non-fatal shooting defendant Saphire Johnson.

Johnson, 24, is charged with aggravated assault while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon, among other charges, for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 28 at the 4000 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The incident occurred at Johnson’s grandmother’s church funeral after a dispute between family members. Two people, including Johnson, sustained non-life-threatening injuries as a result.

Many family members saw what happened which was also captured by surveillance cameras.

In their opening statement, prosecutors claimed that a confrontation occurred between Johnson and a relative which rapidly escalated. Then Johnson ran into the street and allegedly began firing at her relative before unintentionally shooting her relative’s wife. The prosecution says Johnson was then shot in the leg by her cousin, who was trying to stop the attack.

“September 28th was already a day of mourning, and then the defendant’s bullet struck,” the prosecution said.

Johnson’s defense attorneys, Varsha Govindaraju and Christen Phillips, claimed Johnson was acting in self- defense, saying that she felt “targeted, terrified, and trapped.” They say she intervened when she saw a man threatening to beat his fifteen-year-old daughter; then Johnson was attacked by three men and punched in the back of the head.

When Johnson thought her life was in danger, she did what she had to do. She did what the law allows her to do,” Govindaraju said, asking the jury to find her not guilty.

The prosecution claims that Johnson was the aggressor and the first person to pull out a gun. They requested the jury find her guilty of all charges.

The prosecution’s first witness said Johnson was “like a cousin,” and they knew each other very well. According to the witness, her mother was the individual Johnson shot, and one of the witness’s children allegedly attacked Johnson. The witness stated she heard Johnson and others arguing as they were exiting the funeral. She then heard gunshots and ran behind a car.

Due to time constraints, the witness will continue testifying when trial resumes on Nov. 20.

Document: Man Killed in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting 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 victim was identified as 38-year-old Carlos Javier-Blanco Fernandez.

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

Help Us Continue to Equip You with Criminal Justice Facts in 2024

Our city’s homicide number says it all – 50 more murders this year than at the same time last year.

But why? What is happening beyond the headlines? Other media focuses on click-bait content, “if it bleeds it leads,” but that does little to keep us informed. And, good luck getting information from the city or the courts.

This is where D.C. Witness steps in to fill the information gap, exposing the statistics behind violent crime in the nation’s capital and humanizing those statistics with the heartbreaking stories from the city’s murderous gun crime culture.

It’s old-fashioned, but we do that with just the facts. Not opinion.

This year we added the DC Victim Notification System, which sends direct updates on cases without the frustrating, and usually unsuccessful, search for information. It would seem something the city should do. But it doesn’t. So we did.

We are committed to being your source for violent crime information in DC, so you can understand what’s going on in your community and hold Mayor Bowser, the new police chief and our courts accountable.

Since we don’t pepper every post with requests for funding, nor take advertisements, we are asking for your generosity as the year winds down to help us continue keeping the information flowing into 2024.

Please consider a tax deductible donation.

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Donations can be made by either clicking on one of the two links above, or entering this url in your web browser: https://dcwitness.org/donations/.

Document: Victim Identified Southeast Shooting Leaves Woman Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a woman on Nov. 14 on the 1900 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers were flagged down at the location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they located a woman with gunshot wound injuries. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment, where she succumbed to her injuries.

The victim was identified as 26-year-old Nakysia Rachael Lemon-Williams.

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

Outcome for Juvenile in Two Non-Fatal Shootings Delayed

On Nov. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno granted a defendant’s motion to continue his disposition, due to a delay in a psychological evaluation that could impact the case.

The juvenile was arrested on Sept. 15 for his involvement in two separate shooting incidents.

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.

On June 9, the defendant fired a gun at a vehicle that was exiting a parking lot on the 2200 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The driver, a woman, suffered from a life-threatening gunshot wound to her back. Her child was present in the vehicle at the time of the shooting.

MPD officers identified the defendant as the shooter from a still-shot that was recovered from surveillance footage that depicted the incident.

On Nov. 15, in what was supposed to be his disposition hearing, defense attorneys for the juvenile argued they were missing the report for a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation, and were told the court could not go through with the sentencing at that time.

Once the disposition was continued, the defense requested the juvenile be released as he awaits disposition, arguing he has had constant family support, and his grandmother, who is his legal guardian, wants him to return home and transfer him to an out-of-state school with a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program.

According to the defense attorney, the juvenile is doing well in the virtual school his family arranged stating he has outstanding grades.

She also argued he is serious about being better, and has become a role model in the Youth Services Center (YSC) in the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). Still, the attorney alerted the court the juvenile has filed a grievance with YSC for denial of breakfast, pain medication, and meetings with attorneys.

In a letter written to the court and read aloud by the defendant, he apologized to the victims, and insisted he wants a chance to show he’s changed and can do well in the community. “I want to turn my life around,” said the juvenile, arguing he’s “not a bad person,” but he “made a mistake”.

According to the juvenile, he’s realized that “there’s more to life than this,” and wants to move forward and be great.

On Oct. 18, the juvenile 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.

A Court’s Social Services representative recommended continued detention as he awaits disposition. Prosecutors agreed stating the defendant continues to pose an extreme danger to the community.

According to prosecutors, the juvenile has always had support and good grades, even before the shootings occurred. They commended his efforts and progress in secure detention, but stated that the progress has occurred due to his detainment.

Following the arguments, Judge Salerno stated the juvenile’s conduct was extremely dangerous, and does not want to release him until the appropriate services are set in place.

A new disposition date was set for Dec. 4, and the sentencing will occur with or without the psychiatric evaluation report.

Judge Denies Motion to Release Juvenile Charged With Father’s Murder

On Nov. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a juvenile defendant’s motion for release.

The juvenile is charged in connection to the death of his father, 41-year-old Travis Dash, on Nov. 12, on the 3100 block of 16th Street, NW.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) press release, officers responded to the location to assist DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with the report of a man down inside a building. Upon arrival, officers located a victim suffering from puncture wound injuries, who succumbed at the scene.

The juvenile’s defense attorneys filed a motion for his release, stating that the Court’s Social Services original recommendation was for the individual to be placed in a shelter, but he has remained at the Youth Services Center (YSC) in the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

According to the boy’s attorneys, the juvenile’s cousin, who has worked as a police officer for decades, is willing to take him in and have him live with him outside of the District. They alerted the court that the cousin has been working and helping the family in the days following the incident.

The defense also argued the killing stemmed from a lifetime of domestic violence, and insisted the circumstances are extremely complex. They stated the juvenile has a lot of healing to do, and needs resources that are not available at YSC. They requested he be placed on GPS monitoring or 24-hour curfew.

According to the defense attorneys, Dash had a long history of domestic violence, an extensive criminal history, and was a known prolonged drug user.

A Social Services representative is currently recommending the child continue to be detained because they need to assess him psychologically, but are not arguing the juvenile be held indefinitely.

Prosecutors agreed with Social Services, stating they do not oppose a quick turnaround time, and their request and recommendations may change.

According to the juvenile’s attorneys, he is not receiving any resources and psychological support while he’s detained in YSC.

Judge Hertzfeld stated she understands the recommendations, and argued that on Nov. 13, a judge had found substantial probability that the juvenile had committed the offense, therefore continued detention is warranted.

A trial date was set for Jan. 2, 2024. Parties are expected back Nov. 30 to further discuss the juvenile’s release status.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide Case

On Nov. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found the prosecution established probable cause in a stabbing homicide.

Mussay Rezene, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 30-year-old Darrow Johnson that occurred on Aug. 17 on the 1900 block of E Street, SE.

According to court documents, Darrow was stabbed on the left side of his head and abdomen inside D.C. Jail’s physical therapy treatment facility. He was transported to Washington Hospital Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries on Nov. 19.

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

In addition, the prosecution provided surveillance footage of the physical therapy facility showing a group of inmates entering before an altercation broke out between two men. A zoomed in frame showed one inmate which the MPD detective identified as Rezene with a sharp knife in his hand. The officer testified that the same knife was later recovered in a toilet in the jail bathroom.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Jonathan Zucker asked the witness who started the fight. The witness acknowledged that the fight began out of view and that he could not confirm who started it.

According to the prosecution, probable cause is appropriate since there is video footage of the defendant attacking the victim and there is no evidence of aggression by the victim, “this isn’t even a close one.”

Zucker argued that there are still things that need to be examined in the case, “we don’t know who started the fight, we don’t know who brought the knife.” He urged the judge to “not ignore these unanswered questions.”

Judge Raffinan found that “all elements of first-degree murder have been met in regards to probable cause” due to the stabbing being shown on video and the knife being recovered after the stabbing. She stated, “[in the video] you can see the decedent backing away from the defendant and he still continues to approach and swing while armed with a knife.”

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

Parties are expected back Dec. 4.

Opening Statements Delivered in 2018 Homicide trial

On Nov.15, opening statements and witness testimony were presented in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

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 involvement in an April 30, 2018 stabbing homicide of 40-year-old Ivan Lynch on the 900 block of Fifth Street, SE.

According to prosecutors, Jordan yelled “B*tch, I’m gonna kill you too” to his girlfriend, right after he stabbed and killed Lynch.

The prosecution explained that on April 30, 2018, Lynch was celebrating his birthday at a cookout with several people, including Jordan. At the cookout, according to the prosecutors, there was a fight between Jordan and his girlfriend at the time, which began to turn physical. The prosecution claimed that in order to diffuse the fight, Lynch stepped in to intervene and defend Jordan’s girlfriend.

After intervening, according to the prosecution, Jordan shouted “you want a piece of this!” at Lynch, shifting his anger from his girlfriend onto Lynch. The prosecution then claimed that Jordan’s girlfriend will testify that after this encounter, she saw Jordan grab a butcher knife and stab Lynch multiple times.

The prosecution further explained that after Lynch had been stabbed, Jordan proceeded to threaten his girlfriend while still holding the knife. According to the prosecutors, after Jordan threatened her, his girlfriend grabbed a couch cushion to protect herself, and eventually ran out of the apartment. The prosecution exclaimed that after running out of the apartment, Jordan’s girlfriend hid under a car for several hours in fear of Jordan.

The prosecution also explained that due to running out of the apartment in great fear, Jordan’s girlfriend left her young children in the apartment, who had also been at the cookout that day. According to the prosecution, after searching Lynch’s body and taking items like his wallet, Jordan left the apartment, taking his girlfriend’s children with him.

According to the prosecutors, as police were arriving on the scene, Jordan hat he had multiple different stories to explain the blood on his clothing.

According to the prosecutors, following the murder, Jordan mailed Lynch’s wallet to his father with a return address to an elementary school that was in the area near the location of the stabbing.

In conclusion the prosecution said, “Ivan Lynch on April 30, 2018 should have been celebrating his birthday”, and claimed that instead that day will always mark his death.

During their opening, Jordan’s defense attorney, Camille Wagner, claimed that “this case is filled with inconsistencies”. She asked the jury to “render the only correct verdict of not guilty”. She said there are several different versions of what actually happened that night, and that witness testimony will prove it.

Wagner then referenced the fight between Jordan and Lynch, claiming that Lynch was significantly larger than Jordan. She argued that Lynch had Jordan “locked in”, and that Jordan was “rendered defenseless.”

She further argued the reason Jordan left with his girlfriend’s children, is because their mother had left them alone. She explained that Jordan was the individual acting normally after Lynch was stabbed, and that he had not left the apartment in any sort of panic.

Wagner explained that Lynch’s friend took ten minutes to call 911. Additionally, she said that when the police arrived, that friend was the only person that was still there, and that there were bounty paper towels and smeared blood next to Lynch’s body. She also claimed that Lynch’s friend was only cooperative with the police after he was threatened with an arrest. “Ask yourself why?” Wagner exclaimed.

Additionally, Wagner pointed out that no murder weapon was ever found. “You won’t see one. There isn’t one,” she said.

Wagner finished her opening statement by saying, “No one deserves this. But your job is to figure out who is responsible”. She closed saying, “I submit to you that the facts of this case, or lack thereof, will leave you with lots of doubt”.

The prosecution called a supervisor with the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) who said that there were two 911 calls that came in for this incident and one caller refused to give her name and stayed anonymous.

The prosecution also called an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who was the responding officer the night of the incident and testified that he saw Jordan leaving the apartment area with two children. He stated that Jordan was calmly walking away from the building and at that time he had no reason to suspect him.

However, officer stated that after seeing Lynch’s bod lying on the ground with no sign of life and talking with Lynch’s friend a family member of Lynch who was also in the apartment, he sent out a description of Jordan who was stopped a half a block away for questioning.

Trial is set to resume Nov. 16 to continue witness testimony.

Acquitted: Judge Denies Motion to Suppress Witness Identification

Editor’s note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Brothers is still being held on homicide charges in another case.

On Nov. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein denied a motion to suppress the identification of a homicide defendant.

Devonte Brothers, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 27-year-old Deron Leake on Oct. 17, 2019, on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE. The incident also left one individual suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

Brothers’ defense counsel, Molly Bunke and Dominique Winters, filed a motion to suppress a witness’s identification of Brothers as a suspect. Bunke and Winters argued the photo identification process, as well as behavior from the detectives when performing the identification, was unjust.

Judge Epstein denied the motion, saying the photo array used to identify Brothers was not unduly suggestive. He explained that the procedure was done using a double-blind method meaning the person administering the test didn’t know the identify of the suspect so the officer couldn’t prompt the witness.

Judge Epstein said the defense objections go more towards weight of the evidence and not its permissibility overall. The judge said the prosecution had produced evidence the identification from the witness was reliable.

The parties are expected back to begin trial on Nov. 27.

Shooting Defendant’s Motion to Withdraw Guilty Plea Unsuccessful

On Nov. 16, defendant Tyrone Hawkins’ motion to withdraw his plea was denied by Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Hawkins, 22, is accused of 14 charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, assault with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 23, 2021, at the 400 block of Valley Avenue, SE. One person sustained non-life threatening injuries.

On Sept. 22, Hawkins accepted a deal which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for dropping the rest of the charges.

On Nov. 13, Hawkins filed a motion to withdraw his plea. Hawkins claimed he didn’t fully understand the plea, saying that attorney Gemma Stevens did not adequately explain it to him.

“She gave me the plea ten minutes before I walked in here. They read it to me one time,” Hawkins said.

Judge O’Keefe reminded Hawkins that before he took the plea, Hawkins was granted a break to better understand the plea after he complained about being uninformed. When the hearing resumed, Judge O’Keefe asked if he understood the plea, to which Hawkins replied that he did.

Hawkins argued that he wanted a better plea, but Stevens was unable to provide that. “No defense attorney can provide the defendant a plea offer the government is not willing to agree to,” the prosecution said. Stevens is Hawkins’ third attorney.

Prosecutors argued that the plea agreement had been offered when his previous attorney was still in place.

Hawkins also complained about being unable to access documents related to his case, saying “I’ve been locked up two years, and I don’t have nothing but an affidavit.” According to the prosecution, Stevens had requested that he have access to court documents, but the prosecutors denied the request due to a stay-away order that was in place.

Stevens also filed a motion to withdraw from the case, citing a “fundamental lack of trust between him and me”. Hawkins agreed and requested a new attorney, saying he didn’t want an attorney that he didn’t believe wanted to help him.

Judge O’Keefe hesitated to fulfill the request, saying that Hawkins had some of the best attorneys available and would be unable to get a better plea regardless of the attorney.

O’Keefe ultimately decided to grant Hawkins’ a new attorney, however, he did not accept the withdrawal of the plea, saying there was no legal basis for it.

Sentencing is set for Dec. 1, but will be continued if the new attorney does not have proper time to prepare.

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