Judge Denies Motion to Release Shooting Defendant

On Feb. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro rejected a shooting defendant’s request for release.

Donte Evans, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident on April 23, 2023, on the 3500 block of Stanton Road, SE.

According to court documents, Evans allegedly shot at a Lyft driver after he refused to stop at a gas station. The victim sustained a gunshot wound.

During the hearing, Evans’ lawyer, Howard McEachern, requested Evans be released. He cited concerns about Evans’ mental and emotional health and requested that he be released for “a short duration”.

He stated that he could be released to home confinement, or restricted to a specific location.

The judge acknowledged the defendant had family-related issues and stated that she was “sorry for (his) loss” and that he was in a “tough situation”.

However, Judge Di Toro rejected the defense’s motion for release, emphasizing that Evans has “detainers” in Maryland which prevent the DC Superior Court from releasing him.

The judge stated that “even if she were to grant permission for two hours”, referring to Evans attending a “function”, he would be extradited if released.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 6.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On Feb. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found probable cause a suspect committed a non-fatal shooting case.

Deangelo Wooten, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting his 16-year-old girlfriend on the 3400 Block of 13th Street, SE, on Jan. 20. The victim sustained serious injuries.

During the hearing, the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified that the victim and an eyewitness identified Wooten as the shooter, and that Wooten had sent the victim threatening text messages prior to the shooting.

In cross examination, Wooten’s defense attorney, Todd Baldwin, pointed out that the victim of the shooting initially named someone else as the shooter. He also stated that no DNA evidence currently linked Wooten to the incident, and that the threatening messages were sent from a phone number not associated with Wooten’s.

“You can indict a ham sandwich if you want, because a ham sandwich has meat,” Baldwin said. “This case has no meat.”

The prosecution responded saying the victim initially identified someone else as the shooter out of fear of violent retaliation because Wooten is allegedly part of a criminal crew–a neighborhood gang.

“The weight of evidence is strong,” Judge Demeo said.

Judge Demeo ultimately found probable cause there was sufficient evidence Wooten committed the crime given the facts, Wooten’s criminal record, and other pending cases.

As a result, no conditions of release would ensure the safety of the community, according to Judge Demeo, and Wooten was detained. .

Parties are expected to return to court on May 8.

Document: MPD Seeks a Suspect in a Northeast Fatal Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect involved in a fatal stabbing that occurred on Feb. 24 at the intersection of Maryland Avenue and Bladensburg Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the report of a stabbing at the location. When they arrived, they found a man suffering from a stab wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where after all life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 53-year-old Christopher King.

The suspect was captured by nearby surveillance footage.

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 in the District.

Defense Motions to Sever Charges in Homicide Case

On Feb. 26, a motion to sever certain charges in a homicide case was discussed in the courtroom of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

James Lewis, 46, is charged with kidnapping while armed, felony murder while armed, first-degree sexual abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon, and three counts of felony contempt, for his alleged involvement in the fatal-stabbing of 30-year-old Brenea Franklin. The incident occurred on the 1100 block of Bellevue Street, SE, on Jan. 31, 2021.

In the hearing, Lewis’ attorneys, Mani Golzari and Prescott Loveland, requested that Lewis’ contempt charges be dismissed.

The prosecution opposed this, claiming that Lewis violated his stay away order by allegedly calling a witness while being held at DC Jail. The calls went unanswered by the witness in question, but the call was traced to Lewis’ unique pin number.

Golzari argued that there is no clear evidence that proves Lewis was the one who made the phone call, and even if he did, Lewis was unaware that there was a stay away order in the first place.

When the prosecution was able to prove that Lewis was present in the courtroom when the stay away order was placed, Glozari argued that Lewis had “cognitive limitations” that impacted his understanding of the stay away order.

Further, Golzari argued that the first-degree sexual assault charge and any associated charges should be severed from the homicide charges.

He explained that the sexual assault charge referred to an incident that took place months before Franklin’s homicide. The victim of this alleged assault came forward only after another witness reported it to the police in connection to the murder.

For this reason, Golzari claimed that the victim of the alleged sexual assault was not credible. He cited other instances where the victim allegedly made “false allegations” to the police in relation to claims of sexual assault. He argued that these allegations could be the result of a mental health crisis.

The prosecution opposed these claims, stating that someone experiencing a mental health crisis did not make them discreditable, and there were many reasons a sexual assault victim would give varying accounts of their assault and not want to report it to the police.

Golzari disagreed, and pointed to grand jury testimony where the victim testified that they had never been assaulted prior to Lewis’ alleged sexual assault.

After both parties concluded their arguments, Judge Raffinan informed the court she would make a ruling on the motions from chambers.

All parties are slated to return April 26.

‘Disproportionately Harsh,’ Judge Says in Sentencing Homicide Defendant

On Feb. 23, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz reluctantly sentenced a co-defendant to 30 years in prison for his involvement in a 2017 homicide.

On July 26, 2021, Malik Hewitt, 43, was convicted of conspiracy, attempted robbery while armed, and felony murder while armed, for his involvement in the murder of 37-year-old Christopher Heard during an attempted robbery on April 27, 2017, at the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE.

Hewitt’s co-defendant, Nyekemia Everett, 38, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, attempted robbery while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his involvement in the incident.

The new sentence comes after a post-conviction appeal filed by Everett’s defense attorney Michael Madden and Hewitt’s defense attorney Nikki Lotze over a prior sentencing, which occurred on Oct. 19, 2021.

At the Feb, 23 hearing, Judge Kravitz vacated Hewitt’s charge for attempted robbery while armed, but denied his request to dismiss the charge for felony murder, citing precedent that prevented him from eliminating specific charges that were returned to him for consideration.

According to Judge Kravitz, if he had the authority, he would have delivered a different verdict for Hewitt, adding that the sentencing is “disproportionately harsh” to the crime. He also argued that it seems Hewitt did not intend to kill anyone on the day of the incident, and that Hewitt was “less culpable” than Everett.

He added that he hoped Hewitt would consider appealing to the DC Court of Appeals, saying that his appeal could help provide clarity as to whether a trial judge has discretion on which felony counts should be vacated.

“I’m either right about everything, or wrong about everything,” said Judge Kravitz, asserting that though he believed there were inconsistencies between the precedents preventing him from vacating the charge, he also believed that his assessment would not be a “harmless error” if he was wrong.

Judge Kravitz sentenced Hewitt to 30 years in prison with five years of supervised release for felony murder while armed, and two years in prison with three years of supervised release for conspiracy. The sentences will be served concurrently with credit for time served.

Everett was not present at the hearing due to his relocation to a new Bureau of Prisons (BoP) facility.

Everett’s sentencing date is set for April 12.

Document: Man Apprehended for a Homicide in Northwest DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a homicide that occurred on Feb. 12, on the 900 block of Shepherd Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 32-year-old Jeremy Dewayne Johnson.

On Feb. 24, pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant, 37-year-old Kyle Britton was arrested in Millbrae, California. He is charged with second-degree murder while armed.

He will go through the extradition process and will be returned to DC, where he will face charges.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal stabbing that left one man dead on Feb. 24, on the intersection of Maryland Avenue and Bladensburg Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a stabbing. When they arrived, they found a man suffering from a stab wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where, after all life-saving efforts failed, he was pronounced dead.

The victim was identified as 53-year-old Christopher King.

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 in the District.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that left one man dead and another injured on Feb. 23, on the 6200 block of Dix Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots. When they arrived, they located a man who had been shot. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 35-year-old Ronald Clark.

At the same time, additional officers responded to the 300 block of 63rd Street, NE, for the report of a shooting victim. When they arrived, they found another man with gunshot wounds. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

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

Document: MPD Arrests Man for Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a man has been arrested in connection to a homicide that occurred on Feb. 23, on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the report of an unconscious person at the location. When they arrived, they located a woman, inside a hotel room, suffering from apparent trauma to the body. The victim was pronounced dead on the scene.

The victim was identified as 36-year-old Romaine Maddox.

On Feb. 23, as a result of the detectives’ investigation, 69-year-old William Barrett was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The detectives’ investigation also suggests that the victim and the suspect were known to each other.

Document: Arrest Made in a Southeast Shooting that Left One Man Dead, Another Injured

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that left one man dead and another injured on Oct. 30, 2023, on the 4300 block of Halley Terrace, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. While responding to the scene, officers were flagged down on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue by a man with gunshot wound injuries. He was transported to a local hospital and admitted in stable condition. During the investigation, officers were notified of a walk-in shooting victim at a local hospital, who later died.

The victim was identified as 23-year-old Melvin Dock Jr.

On Feb. 22, 21-year-old Maleek Thomas was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Defendant in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On Feb. 23, D.C Superior Court Judge Robert Okun issued a bench warrant for a defendant after successive failures to appear.

Tejan Bah, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 27, 2021 on the 2200 block of 25th Place, NE. The incident left an individual suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest and a stab wound to his shoulder.

Bah failed to appear in court today, after being released from D.C Jail on Aug. 24.

The judge opened by noting the defendant’s failure to appear at a previous hearing on Jan.19. He reserved the right to issue a bench warrant at the time, stating that he would do so if Bah failed to appear.

The prosecution referenced a Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) report that stated that Bah was last in contact with them on Feb. 6, stating that he failed to appear on Feb. 12 and in two other required appearances.

Gemma Stevens, Bah’s defense attorney, stated that there is “no indication he is doing anything violent or dangerous”, pointing out that he has had no arrests or “incidents with law enforcement.”

The judge stated that his failure to appear represented a problem for the case, and issued a bench warrant. The matter was continued.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 11.

Mental Observation Findings Delayed in Non-fatal Shooting Case

On Feb. 23, before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian, a mental observation hearing was delayed due to a request for a full competency exam to be conducted for a non-fatal shooting defendant.

Jordan Therman, 25, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW. The incident occurred on Feb. 07, 2024, in which two individuals were injured.

On Feb. 21, the court received a preliminary screening report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

On Feb. 23, parties discussed the content of this report in which a psychiatrist could not form an opinion on Therman’s competency to stand trial, and requested a full competency exam be conducted.

Judge Christian agreed with this request and ordered for a full competency exam to be conducted for Therman.

Parties are to reconvene on April 12.

Acquitted Homicide Defendant’s Remaining Charges Dismissed

On Feb. 23, an acquitted homicide defendant’s remaining charges were dismissed before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Elhadji Ndiaye, 24, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, and destruction of property, in connection to the death of 21-year-old Travis Ruth on the 2700 block of Jasper Street, NE on Jan. 18, 2019.

On Feb. 2, a jury acquitted Ndiaye of all charges, except the robbery while armed charge and the obstruction of justice charge. They alerted the court they were unable to reach a verdict on the two charges.

On Feb. 23, the prosecution informed the court that they had dismissed the two remaining charges against Ndiaye, and announced that “the case is closed.”

Ndiaye still has to wear the ankle monitor due to his involvement in another case, which was not discussed in open court.

No further dates were set.

Homicide Defendant Sentenced to 96 Months in Prison

On Feb. 23, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a homicide defendant to 96 months in prison with credit for time served.

Alton Rivers, 59, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed of a senior citizen for his involvement in the death of Anthony Anderson, 68, on the 3600 block of 14th Street, NW, on July 27, 2018.

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.

On Dec. 18, 2023, Rivers pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. During the sentencing, the prosecution requested that the sentence provide Rivers the structure he needs to get routine help and medication due to his mental health issues.

Rivers’ defense attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, said that Rivers has already been incarcerated for six years and has worked hard to understand the gravity of his actions.

Rivers stated before the court, “This is a very unusual situation for me and I feel for the decedent as well as the family.”

Judge Epstein said that although Rivers would be credited for accepting responsibility and pleading guilty, he would still receive a harsher sentence because of his “very lengthy criminal history” and four previous felony convictions.

Judge Epstein stated, “If you commit increasingly severe crimes, punishment will be increasingly severe.”

He then sentenced Rivers to 96 months in prison with credit for time served, placement in a mental health prison facility, and supervised release of five years.

No further court dates were set.

Judge Rules Indictment Deadline Satisfied, Release Denied

On Feb. 23, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan heard arguments from parties regarding a homicide defendant’s request for release.

Wonell Jones, 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.

During the hearing, Jones’ defense attorney, Carrie Weletz, motioned for his release due to a nine-month indictment deadline that he believed passed on Feb. 10.

Jones was under the assumption that the deadline had passed and felt he had not been properly consulted throughout court proceedings by his prior attorney, Jason Clark.

The court heard Jones’s requests, but after further review of previous transcripts, it was determined that the actual deadline of the indictment is June 14, 2024.

After Judge Raffinan evaluated the case and Jones’ request, she denied his motion for bond review and release.

Parties will reconvene for a preliminary hearing on March 14.

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