Document: MPD Arrests Man for Fatal Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that left one individual dead on Feb. 25 on the 700 block of Morton Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a male with gunshot wounds in the rear alley of the location. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 17-year-old Jabari Malloy.

On March 14, 42-year-old Rico Antjuan Parker was arrested and charged, pursuant to an arrest warrant, with first-degree premeditated murder while armed.

Victim Shot 52 Times–Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide

On March 14, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator of a 2022 homicide in which the victim was shot 52 times.

Wonell Jones Jr., 36 is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 33-year-old Audora Williams. The incident occurred on July 19, 2022 on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE.

According to court documents, Jones and Williams were in an intimate relationship. The records say Jones has a history of violence and made numerous threats to Williams before she was killed.

Prosecutors called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective on the case who discussed his involvement in the investigation.

According to the detective, when he arrived at the location, Williams was seen lying on a bedroom floor where the shooting occurred, with two firearms near the victim. Crime scene images, displayed to the court by the prosecution, corroborated the detective’s testimony.

According to the affidavit, a silver and black semi-automatic handgun and a 40 caliber handgun were found at the scene.

When asked about the status of the guns, the detective stated that neither contained any bullets or magazines, further implying that both guns were used and emptied during the shooting.

The detective also stated that William’s autopsy reflected that the victim sustained 52 gunshot wounds and that the cause of death was a homicide.

The prosecution proceeded to show Jones’ mugshot to the detective and asked whether it was the image shown to an underaged witness at the scene, who identified Jones as the father, which the detective confirmed.

According to the prosecution, during the witness’ interview with MPD, the person stated, “This is my father Wonell Jones. He is the one who did it.”

The prosecution presented an audio recording of a phone call between a negotiator from the crisis intervention team and Jones after the shooting, where Jones indicated that he had gotten into an argument with Williams. In the phone call, Jones is heard telling the negotiator that he would only turn himself in if Williams was alive.

“I should have never gotten that angry; if she is not alive I am going to kill myself. Please tell me if she is alive and fighting, I will only turn myself in if she is alive,” Jones is allegedly heard in the recording.

The detective affirmed that Jones never turned himself in, and was arrested onAug. 29, 2022, pursuant to a warrant.

During cross-examination, Jones’ defense attorney, Carrie Weletz, argued that the shooting occurred behind closed doors and that there was no actual witness to the crime.

The detective agreed, but children present at the home reportedly saw Jones entering and exiting the bedroom before and after the shooting.

She also mentioned that the detective did not directly talk to Jones’ child who identified him as the alleged shooter, and that the child made that statement to another officer who informed the detective, as opposed to being told by the witness.

Weletz also said the MPD asssumed Jones was a suspect, as an earlier detective on the scene had called Jones for him to turn himself in.

The detective stated that an officer prior to his arrival was conducting some investigations and was able to obtain Jones’ information from a previous police report filed by Williams against Jones.

The detective claimed that when he arrived he was informed by the officer that Jones wanted to speak to him, and that he identified himself and said he wanted to kill himself.

“I never told him that he was a suspect. He made me believe that he was a witness based on some statements he made during our phone call,” said the detective.

Weletz argued that a 911 call was conducted by a neighbor after being alerted by the children who were present when the shooting happened.

She mentioned that the caller had provided a description of an individual wearing gray pants and a black sweatshirt exiting the building, but there wasn’t any video surveillance that showed an individual wearing those clothes exiting the building.

“You do not have any video evidence that showcases an individual with a black sweat shirt and gray pants exiting that building,” said Weletz, which the detective confirmed.

In re-direct, the detective told the prosecution that he was made aware by Jones’ child, who identified him as the shooter, that Jones had taken Williams’ phone after the shooting. The prosecution also mentioned that the defendant was seen entering and exiting the room in between the shooting, arguing that it further indicated it was premeditated.

The prosecution argued that probable cause should be established against the defendant based on previous protection orders filed by Williams against Jones, witness testimony identifying him as the shooter, and a recorded phone call indicating an altercation occurred on the day of the shooting.

Weletz argued that there was insufficient evidence to establish probable cause, citing that the only identification came from Jones’ child, who did not witness the shooting. She also noted that while Jones admitted to harming Williams, he did not confess to her murder.

Judge Raffinan countered that Jones’ presence at the scene was confirmed by statements he made during the phone call. She pointed out that his remarks about the incident aligned with evidence of his involvement, supporting the witness’ account of his presence, even if he did not explicitly admit to killing Williams.

Judge Raffinan determined probable cause for first-degree murder based on the 52 gunshot wounds sustained by Williams and the deliberate pauses during the shooting, indicating premeditation. Additionally, Judge Raffinan emphasized that Jones’ mental health issues did not excuse his actions.

“From the information from the affidavit, I am aware that he was undergoing mental health issues. However, it does not justify the horrific shooting that took place,” said Judge Raffinan.

Following the hearing, Williams’ relative told D.C. Witness that Jones had previously caused severe injuries to Williams, leading to her undergoing a hysterectomy. Additionally, they highlighted Jones’ history of abuse towards Williams and their children. The family expressed satisfaction with the judge’s ruling on probable cause and decision to continue holding Jones.

The parties are set to reconvene May 16.

Judge Finds Probable Cause of Homicide at a Party

On March 13, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide.

Charles D. Best, 25, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Darius Robinson, which occurred on Feb. 18, 2023, on the 1600 block of Rosedale Street, NE.

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

The prosecutor began by submitting original and supplemental affidavits, written by the detective, which detail officers arriving on scene around three a.m. There, a homeowner explained that the suspect, who was later identified as Best, “killed a man for nothing,” before fleeing the crime scene.

The detective then explained that according to a witness, before the shooting occurred, the individual had invited Robinson, Best, and others to a house party, noting that there were multiple tequila and wine bottles found at the scene, and were “having a fun time.”

A witness present at the party earlier in the evening also noted that they had not been happy with the homeowner inviting Best. According to the witness and the detective, there had been a physical altercation with the host’s sister at an earlier date, in which Best allegedly broke her jaw.

The prosecutor then presented five minutes of body-worn camera footage, which showed an officer knocking on the door of the residence, as well as depicting Robinson who was found unresponsive.

According to the detective, through the investigation, MPD was able to find a flight path for the suspect, and located a firearm from a trash can in the path the following morning.

During cross-examination, Megan Allburn, defense counsel for Best, walked the lead detective through the events of the shooting, challenging him to confirm the timeline and the validity of statements made by an allegedly intoxicated witness.

When asked whether there was any “beef” present at the house party which had ended hours before the shooting, the detective informed the court that he hadn’t talked to witnesses who had left before the shooting, as it didn’t seem relevant at the time.

Allburn questioned the detective about what was happening at the party before the shooting, noting the liquor and wine bottles found in the kitchen, and whether alcohol had played a role. The detective said that the homeowner had consumed alcohol, but had “sobered up quickly after the shooting.”

Additionally, Allburn asked him how he knew a discarded jacket, which was collected by MPD from the suspect’s flight path, belonged to Best. She also reminded the court that the alleged murder weapon was recovered the following day, at a separate location.

The detective noted that the main witness of the shooting had described to MPD the clothing that Best was allegedly wearing. It was also noted that it was mid-twenty degrees on the morning of the investigation, and the defendant was found walking without a jacket, and ran away upon seeing the patrol car.

Given the evidence presented, Judge Raffinan found probable cause in the case.

Judge Raffinan denied the defense’s request for Best to be released, citing the circumstances and the nature of the offense.

Parties are set to reconvene June 28.

Homicide Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty at Arraignment

On March 14, two homicide defendants were arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Jerome Dukes, 33, and Justin Borum, 34, are charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jayvon Jones. The incident occurred Feb. 21, 2023, on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE.

The incident also left two other individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.

According to court documents, the incident occurred in a courtyard, where multiple people were gathered. An individual who worked in the area for many years was able to identify the two defendants as the alleged shooters after reviewing surveillance footage of the incident.

During the hearing, Stephen LoGerfo, Borum’s defense attorney, who also acted as a stand-in attorney for Dukes, alerted the court that both defendants were pleading not guilty to all charges. LoGerfo also asserted their constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to return April 19.

Case Acquitted: ‘You’re Aware You’re Under Oath, Right?’ Defense Asks Murder witness

Tierra Posey was acquitted of all charges on March 20, 2024.

On March 13, eyewitness testimony from the victim’s sister continued in DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo’s courtroom in the case of a fatal shooting caught on video surveillance footage.

Tierra Posey, 24, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Tia Carey on Jan. 6, 2020, at a gas station on the 3700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, a physical altercation allegedly occurred between Posey and Carey at a gas station. The altercation escalated into a shooting, in which Posey allegedly produced a firearm and fired two shots. Carey was severely injured and, despite quick medical intervention, succumbed to her injuries.

Posey’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner began his cross-examination of Carey’s sister by pointing out the witness’ previous testimony contradicted statements she made to a detective on the day of the incident.

In the police interview, the witness claimed that Posey had threatened Carey with physical violence and instigated the fight. The witness also claimed that she had tried to stop the fight, which contradicted video of the incident that showed her attempting to hit Posey and egging Carey on.

“You encouraged your sister to attack Posey,” Gardner said. “You told your sister to ‘Crush her!’ seven times! Even though she did nothing to you.”

“I just witnessed my sister on the ground, killed,” the witness said, in reference to her statements to the police. “A lot was going on.”

She then went on to admit she “may have assumed” some of Posey’s actions in her statements to detectives.

Gardner then asked if the witness remembered striking Posey after the incident. Despite initial denial, the witness changed her answer after Gardner played video surveillance footage from moments after the shooting, which showed two individuals, identified as the witness and Posey, in an altercation in the front seat of the vehicle.

When asked again if she had struck Posey, the witness exclaimed, “Yes, because I was upset! She was trying to get away.”

Further, Gardner asked if she was aware of Carey’s previous arrests. He stated that Carey had previously been arrested twice for allegedly assaulting the father of her children, and once for allegedly assaulting her mother.

The witness denied knowledge of these incidents, to the defense attorney’s disbelief.

“You’re aware you’re under oath, right?” Gardner asked. The witness maintained she had no recollection of Carey’s arrests.

On the prosecution’s redirect, the witness spoke about her emotional state now four years after her sister’s death.

“It’s still fresh,” she said. “And going through all of this has made it even fresher.”

Parties are slated to reconvene March 14.

Document: MPD Arrests Man for February Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 4, on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located 51-year-old David Coe with a gunshot wound. He died at the scene.

On March 14, pursuant to an arrest warrant, 24-year-old Kyree Hairston was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Document: MPD Arrests Man for a Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 11, on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots. When they arrived, they located evidence of a shooting, but did not find any victims. Later, a victim was located at a local hospital seeking treatment for critical gunshot injuries.

On March 8, due to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant, 27-year-old Marcus Martin was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill.

Detective Testifies About Firearm Linked to 2020 Homicide Case

On March 13, an Arlington Police Department (APD) detective testified before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt and detailed the arrest of an alleged associate of a defendant in a 2020 homicide case.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 22, 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 an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.

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

The arrested individual, who was identified as Freeman’s associate, is currently held in Virginia on unknown charges. The prosecution said he had a gun found in a police search linked to the one that killed Lukes.

The prosecution brought in a member of the APD who was a patrol officer on Aug. 1, 2020, and had been on duty in the Crystal City and Pentagon City neighborhoods in Arlington, Virginia. He followed a a Mercedes because he suspected the driver was drunk. Approaching the car in an empty parking lot he detected the smell of marijuana.

The officer testified that as backup arrived, he informed the people in the car that they would be searched and asked them to exit the vehicle. According to the officer, then a man “took off running”.

When he was taken into custody the officer allegedly found a black, Smith and Wesson, M&P handgun on the individual.

According to court documents, a type of firearm linked to Lukes murder was a Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol.

Testimony is scheduled to continue on March 14

In relation to the alleged associate, the prosecution brought in an intelligence unit Sergeant from the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) to authenticate records of three calls made by the alleged

Parties are slated to return March 14.

Judge Denies Evidence Said to Identify Homicide Defendant

On March 12, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied the prosecution’s motion to admit evidence regarding identification of a homicide defendant.

Oscar Ramos, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Pedro Alvarado on May 28, 2015, on Interstate 295 North at exit one, SW. The incident left another individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Ramos was indicted on Sept. 30, 2021, six years after the shooting occurred and arrested on April 20, 2022.

On Jan. 26, Ramos’ defense attorneys, Rachel McCoy and Camille Wagner, filed a motion to suppress out of court and in court identifications in relation to Ramos.

The hearing resumed with parties focusing on this motion.

The prosecution called a witness, a former FBI special agent, to testify. He explained his relationship with a witness who claimed to know Ramos and received information from the witness that Ramos was involved in the murder.

The agent stated he identified the witness to be a confidential informant for the FBI for about a year.

The agent was also involved in the coordination of Ramos’ arrest in connection to Alvarado’s murder, and was one of the two officers who interviewed Ramos following his arrest.

The prosecution presented body camera footage from a Montgomery County police officer present at the time of Ramos’ arrest. In court, the agent identified himself and Ramos in the footage.

The agent elaborated that he was responsible for making sure all those present at the scene of Ramos’ arrest left safely, and afterwards headed to where Ramos was being held to interview him.

During cross examination, Wagner asked about the informant’s agreement termination with the FBI.

According to the agent, he found out the informant was being investigated by another police department primarily regarding drugs.

Regarding Ramos’ arrest, the agent recalled that he expressed concerns about his immigration status and being judged because of his tattoos. He also mentioned that Ramos did not sign his Miranda document waiving his right to have a lawyer.

The prosecution explained that the transcript was for the agent to review and confirm the FBI’s identification information of Ramos.

The defense argued against this, citing the transcript was one sided and didn’t provide an opportunity for defense cross examination.

Judge Raffinan sided with the defense argument and denied the prosecution’s request to admit the transcript.

Parties are slated to return to follow up on pending motions on March 18.

Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

On March 13, a shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Kamaree Robinson, 20, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that injured one individual. The incident occurred on Aug. 23, 2023, outside a Subway sandwich shop on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Robinson confessed to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that he had shot the victim because “he was coming around his grandmother’s house and texting him with threats”.

The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his lower left abdomen, and had a collapsed lung.

During the hearing, Robinson’s defense attorney, Wole Falodun, alerted the court he was waiving his right to a preliminary hearing.

Judge Epstein inquired Robinson’s understanding of the action and found that he was doing it knowingly and voluntarily.

Falodun and the prosecution also alerted the court that they were in the process of global plea negotiations, which would include Robinson’s outstanding robbery charge.

Parties are slated to return April 19.

Case Acquitted: ‘The First Bullet Killed Her. The Second One Was Extra,’ Says Prosecutor in Homicide Trial Opening

Tierra Posey was acquitted of all charges on March 20, 2024.

On March 12, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo heard opening statements and eyewitness testimony in the case of a fatal shooting caught on gas station video surveillance.

According to court documents, a physical altercation occurred between Posey and Carey at a gas station. This escalated into a shooting, in which Posey allegedly produced a firearm and fired two shots. Carey, despite quick medical intervention, succumbed to her injuries.

The prosecution began recounting the incident, most of which was captured by the gas station’s video surveillance and bystander recordings.

According to the prosecution, Carey confronted Posey and another man at the gas station, who was later identified as Carey’s boyfriend.

“He was, essentially, caught cheating,” the prosecution said. They claimed this caused Carey to grow confrontational. “It is Tia [Carey] that is, in fact, the first aggressor.”

The ensuing fight between Carey and Posey caused many bystanders, including Carey’s boyfriend, to intervene. This also included Carey’s sister, who had been waiting in the car with Carey’s two children during the altercation.

But then, according to prosecutors, once the fight was over, Posey grabbed a firearm from the boyfriend’s vehicle and fired at Carey, who was standing mere feet away.

“Who, in this moment, is thinking someone is about to die?” the prosecution asked.

They then presented the jury with video footage of the incident, overlayed with audio from a bystander’s recording. The video showed the group scattering once shots were fired. Posey and the boyfriend apparently attempt to flee in their vehicle, but Posey was stopped by Carey’s sister until the police arrived.

“Posey pointed, arm straight, purposefully, accurately, and shot twice,” the prosecutors said. Of Carey, they said, “The first bullet killed her. The second one was extra.”

They argued that Posey was the only person with a firearm and was no longer in fear for her life when she pulled the trigger.

“She makes the decision … while Carey is not even looking at her,” the prosecutors said, alleging that Carey had turned away to talk to her boyfriend when Posey fired.

“We ask you to deliver the only verdict consistent with the facts,” the prosecution concluded. “Guilty.”

Posey’s defense attorney, Quiana Harris, began her opening statement by quoting the words Carey’s sister shouted to Carey during the altercation: “Crush her! Crush her! Crush her!”

“Those are the words Posey hears as she is surrounded,” Harris said.

She claimed that Posey had been acting in self-defense after being assaulted by Carey, Carey’s boyfriend, Carey’s sister, and multiple bystanders in an attack that caused her “to fear for her life.”

“Posey did what the law allows someone to do,” said Harris. “She did what she had to do to save her life.”

Harris claimed that prior to the altercation at the gas station, Posey and Carey had never met, and were not aware of each other. Posey had been spending time with the victim’s boyfriend and was in the passenger seat of his car when Carey confronted her boyfriend before approaching Posey.

According to Harris, Carey opened the passenger door and said, “B***h, get out of the car, I’m gonna f**k you up.”

Harris stated that when Posey refused to leave the car and engage with her, Carey entered the rear passenger seat and punched her in the back of the head. Both then exited the vehicle.

“Posey is scared to death!” Harris said, claiming the events happened quickly, with “unknown people approaching her from all sides.”

According to Harris, the prosecution was trying to downplay Posey’s fear during the attack.

“It’s very easy to second guess what she should have done,” Harris said. “Posey couldn’t pause time, slow it down, or fast forward like we can when we watch the video. She acted in a second to a reasonable fear she would be killed.”

Harris requested the jury find Posey not guilty of all charges.

The prosecution then called Carey’s sister who said she was not concerned about Tia Carey’s initial confrontation with her boyfriend as she was too preoccupied with “trying to maintain the kids” in the backseat of her car.

It wasn’t until she saw Posey and Carey fighting that she grew concerned, citing that Posey “was a bit bigger than my sister,” so she got out of the car to intervene.

“I was trying to help my sister,” she said, but testified she never saw who threw the first punch and also tried to hit Posey herself.

According to her, the others at the scene managed to break up the fight, so she headed back to her still-running car.

“I assumed it was over,” she said. “I assumed everything was broken up.”

She then claimed she heard shots fired, and sprinted back to her car, as did the crowd that had formed. But when she got there, she realized Carey hadn’t fled.

“When I saw my sister wasn’t behind me, I panicked,” she said.

The prosecution then played video surveillance footage for the witness, who testified to sitting in Posey’s lap when she tried to get in the driver’s seat of the vehicle.

“I’m trying to stop her from leaving the scene,” the witness said of her actions in the footage. “I’m freaking out.”

Her testimony and other witness testimony will continue March 13.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide Case

On March 13, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found probable cause that a homicide defendant was the perpetrator in the incident.

Charles D. Best, 25, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year old Darius Robinson, which occurred on Feb. 18, 2023, on the 1600 block of Rosedale Street, NE.

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

The prosecutor began by submitting original and supplemental affidavits, written by the detective, which detail officers arriving on scene around three o’clock in the morning. There, the homeowner explained that the suspect [Best] “killed a man [Robinson] for nothing,” before fleeing the crime scene.

The detective then explained that before the shooting had occurred, the host had invited Robinson, Best, and other individuals to a house party, noting that there were multiple tequila and wine bottles found at the scene, and were “having a fun time.”

A witness present at the party earlier in the evening also noted that they had not been happy with the homeowner inviting the defendant. According to the witness and the detective, there had been a physical altercation with the host’s sister on an earlier date, in which the defendant allegedly broke her jaw.

A map showcasing the crime scene, the point of arrest, the point of discarded jacket allegedly belonging to the defendant, and a trash can containing a firearm believed to have been used in the shooting were submitted as well.

The prosecutor then showed five minutes of body-worn camera footage, which showed an officer knocking on the door of the residence, and also showed Robinson’s body, who was found unresponsive.

Additionally, the prosecutor showed photos from different angles and distances of a handgun recovered from a trashcan one block from the crime scene, as well as an empty magazine.

Allburn also asked Judge Raffinan to strike the original police affidavit from the record, as the lead detective himself had not signed it, and she questioned its validity.

When asked whether there was any “beef” present at the houseparty which had ended hours before the shooting, the detective informed the court that he hadn’t talked to witnesses who had left before the shooting, as it didn’t seem relevant at the time.

Allburn questioned the detective about the party that happened before the shooting, noting the liquor and wine bottles found in the kitchen, and questioning whether alcohol had played a role.

Additionally, Allburn asked him how he knew the discarded jacket belonged to the defendant. The detective noted that the primary witness to the shooting had described to him and other officers the clothing the shooter was allegedly wearing. It was also noted that it was mid-twenty degrees on the morning of the investigation, and the defendant was found walking without a jacket, and allegedly ran away upon seeing the patrol car.

The detective also noted that when the suspect fled the crime scene, he allegedly disposed of the jacket down the street, and when officers retraced Best’s flight path after arresting him, the jacket was found in the way.

Given the evidence presented, Judge Raffinan found probable cause in the case, and Best will remain detained.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 28.

Judge Orders Mental Competency Evaluations for Murder Co-Defendants

On March 12, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ordered mental competency evaluations for two juveniles, charged as adults under Title 16, in connection to a homicide.

Marlan Smith and Anthony Monroe, both 17, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Antonio Cunningham on Sept. 11, 2023, on the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE.

According to court documents, the incident stemmed from a failed robbery attempt and injured a bystander that tried to intervene.

During the hearing, Stephen LoGerfo, Monroe’s defense attorney, stated Monroe is currently receiving restoration classes at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ (DYRS) Youth Services Center (YSC), based on the findings of a competency evaluation ordered by another judge in an unrelated matter.

LoGerfo stated that as of now Monroe is incompetent in the unrelated matter, and would request that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) do an mental evaluation on Monroe.

Likewise, Thomas Key, Smith’s defense attorney, requested a competency evaluation for his client.

Judge Okun and the prosecutors agreed with the parties, stating that it would be best for DBH to do the evaluation, rather than doctors at DYRS.

Judge Okun ordered a mental competency evaluation for both defendants.

The prosecution also alerted the court they had extended a wired plea offer to the defendants, which will be dealt with when their competency issues are resolved.

According to court documents, the prosecution offered Smith a plea deal that requires him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment, and a dismissal of his current juvenile cases.

Through the plea deal, parties would agree to a sentencing range of 13-to-18 years of incarceration.

It is unclear what the offer would entail for Monroe.

Parties are slated to return May 3.

Defendant Charged with Shooting Mother Cradling Baby Rejects Plea Deal

On March 12, a non-fatal shooting defendant rejected a plea offer extended by the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Darrious Johnson, 22, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 5, 2023, on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE.

According to court documents, Johnson allegedly shot a woman in her left arm while she was cradling her baby. The infant was unharmed, and the victim received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

The incident stemmed from a dispute over money with an individual at the residence. Johnson allegedly retrieved a handgun and discharged it, with one witness reporting a total of 13 shots fired.

During the hearing, defense attorney Wole Falodun notified Judge Arthur that he had reviewed the prosecution’s plea offer, and Johnson had opted to reject it. The offer purportedly required Johnson to plead guilty to unlawful use of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 28.

Eyewitnesses Testify to Non-Fatal Shooting in Connection with Teen Homicide Case

On March 11, two eyewitnesses testified before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt regarding a pattern of violence surrounding the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old boy.

That shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.

During the hearing, the prosecution focused on a shooting that occurred 10 minutes after Lukes was murdered. That incident occurred at the 2400 block of Channing Street, NE, but no injuries were reported.

The prosecution called an eyewitness, who lived in the neighborhood and observed a man fleeing into an alley after the shooting.

The eyewitness described his neighborhood as a “nice neighborhood” and “generally pretty quiet,” even though the sound of gunfire was familiar.

The witness testified that he had been watching TV when “several shots in rapid succession” startled him. After waiting a few seconds, the witness went outside and saw a man standing next to a white car in the alley that drove away southbound.

Moments later, the witness observed a familiar looking man run from the crosswalk toward the witness’ home and into the alley.

When asked if he recognized the man, the witness claimed that the man had lived in the neighborhood previously and would often come back to visit residents.

The prosecution claims the man was the victim of the shooting spree and will testify later in the trial.

To corroborate his testimony, the prosecution introduced photos that the witness took of the man running into the alley.

In his cross examination, Brian McDaniel, Jackson’s defense attorney, asked the witness if he had seen or spoken to the fleeing man about the incident since 2020. The witness had not and admitted that he does not recall giving descriptions to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) about anyone involved.

In response, the prosecution presented MPD body-worn footage of the witness showing police the photos he had taken of the former neighbor.

The prosecution then brought a second witness from Channing Street, NE who called 911 and reported the gunshots.

This witness also testified after hearing the shots, he looked out of his window to see a man running down an alley, as well as a white car at the end of the same alley.

The witness testified that the man running into the alley was wearing a hoodie, but could not recall the color or design.

In cross examination, McDaniel asked, “You’re not sure how you know the individual was African American correct?” to which the witness responded “yes”.

The witness admitted that he had seen the man for around eight seconds maximum before calling the police.

McDaniel concluded by asking the witness if he had seen anyone get into the white car or if he could give a facial description of the man running to the alley. The witness replied “no” to both questions.

In redirect, the prosecution asked the witness how close the shots had been. When the witness told the court that the shots were very near, the prosecution asked if anything had obstructed his view from the window. The witness testified that he was able to see most of the alley.

The prosecution also called an officer of the (MPD) who had responded to Channing Street, NE, for reported gunshots.

He said he found a black Toyota Prius with an apparent bullet hole in the windshield and shell casings while canvassing the crime scene.

Prosecution asked the witness to show on a map how to get from the area of the fatal shooting to Channing Street, NE. When the witness was shown a video of a gray Kia Soul on the day of both shootings, he affirmed that it was heading in the direction of Channing Street, NE.

Additionally, the officer stated that he interviewed two witnesses to the shooting, including a resident of Channing Street, NE, who had taken photos of a man running into a nearby alley shortly after the shooting.

According to the officer’s police report, he also interviewed a teenage boy who had called 911 after hearing the shots.

Following the officer’s testimony, the prosecution brought in another MPD officer who testified that the shell casings were consistent with nine millimeter firearms.

Parties are slated to return March 12.

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