‘You Can’t Bring a Gun to a Mace Fight,’ Prosecutor Says in Shooting Trial

Prosecutors asserted that a shooting defendant did not act in self-defense during closing arguments in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 25.

Gerald Day, 34, a Special Police Officer, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person for allegedly pointing a gun at a woman after a fight on Oct. 29, 2023, at the intersection of O Street and Carrollsburg Place, SW.

Day’s co-defendant, Paul Poston, 32, was sentenced on June 26, 2024, to two years of imprisonment, with all but 10 months suspended, for shooting at the same victim’s car after the altercation.

During closing statements, the prosecution summarized witness testimony and a video of the incident. They argued the evidence proved Day’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and that he did not act in self-defense or in the defense of others. The prosecution stated that even if the victim threatened Day, he escalated the situation.

You, “can’t bring a gun to a mace fight,” prosecutors said and they asked the jury to return a guilty verdict on all charges.

IDay’s attorney, Stevin Polin, focused on the credibility of the witnesses and the reasoning for Day’s pulling out his weapon. Polin described the situation as a “girl fight” and the victim as an “out of control woman” who “was looking for a fight” and made Day feel as if his or others’ lives were in danger. According to Polin, the victim “has to get out and start something because that’s her nature.”

Polin asserted that Day’s “actions were reasonable” because he pulled his gun as a de-escalation tactic that he was taught in his role as a Special Police Officer (SPO) for Howard University. A SPO is authorized by the mayor to exercise police powers at a certain location.

In their rebuttal, the prosecution emphasized that the jury should consider how Day responded to the situation and claimed his response was unreasonable.

The parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

‘Make Sure My Brother is Okay,’ Recalling Agonizing Screams in Fatal Shooting

A homicide victim’s brother told jurors he heard “agonizing” screams coming from an apartment moments after the gunfire, during a Feb. 25 trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Christopher Tyler, 48, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, first-degree burglary while armed, and attempt to commit robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Nolan Edwards, 34, on July 7, 2023 on the 4000 block of Ames Street, NE.

The prosecution called Edwards’ brother to the stand, who said he and Edwards lived as neighbors in the same apartment complex for a few years. When the shooting occured, Edwards’ brother said he was in an adjacent apartment and heard the shots.

He testified after business call ended around 3:48 p. m., two-to-three minutes later, he heard several loud bangs inside the building. Then, he described hearing his brother’s “agonizing” screams coming from the neighboring apartment.

After hearing the shots, Edwards’ brother said he heard footsteps but did not see anyone leave the building. When he went to check on Edwards, he said he found him sliding down the wall, visibly shot. “It was a lot,” he told the jurors. When asked what he did when the first responders arrived, Edwards’ brother remembered repeating, “Make sure my brother is okay.”

Edwards’ brother also testified that he and Edwards operated a marijuana business out of Edwards’ apartment, primarily selling to friends and family. They were frequently in and around the building, handling orders, inventory, and making sales, said Edwards’ brother.

According to Edwards’ brother, after a new tenant moved into the building, he noticed unusual activity in the complex, including tampering with the front door of the complex so it wouldn’t lock properly. Edwards’ brother added that he observed Tyler coming in and out of an apartment on the same floor as Edwards.

The brother also testified that he was unaware of any direct contact between Edwards and Tyler. He recalled only one personal interaction with Tyler, when Tyler asked him for five dollars, and he gave him the money.

During cross-examination, Tyler’s attorney, Kevann Gardner, asked about Edwards’ firearms. Gardner asked how Edwards stored his guns and whether they were kept in a safe or loaded. Edwards’ brother testified that Edwards owned multiple registered firearms but said he did not know specific details about how they were stored or whether Edwards was carrying a weapon at the time of his death.

Gardner also questioned Edwards’ brother about the day of the incident. Edwards’ brother described the day as “nothing out of the ordinary,” calling it a “standard shipping day.”

Jurors also heard from a former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, who testified he was the first to arrive at the scene. Prosecutors played the officer’s body-worn camera footage that showed the officer running into the apartment, finding Edwards lying on the kitchen floor in a pool of blood, and a firearm nearby.

Gardner asked if the officer could identify “bloody footprints” in the video and the officer said he could not confirm whether it was footprints but he identified the blood stain.

A Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) forensic scientist photographed the scene and collected evidence.

The jurors were shown photographs of cartridge casings recovered from inside the apartment. Four firearms were recovered from different areas of the unit, including a handgun inside a bag and others found on the bedroom dresser and the floor, said the forensic scientist.

The photographs depicted what appeared to be a marijuana operation inside the apartment. The forensic scientist said the apartment included tall, vertical “grow towers,” which grow marijuana indoors under artificial light. In addition to the towers, there were several jars and bags of marijuana present in the apartment.

Photographs showed one bullet’s path, which included bullet holes in a grow tower, a bedroom wall, and the bedroom door past the wall.

On cross-examination, the forensic scientist acknowledged that he did not swab cartridge cases from the scene, and only the blood found on a box in the kitchen. He also did not dust cartridge cases or firearms for DNA testing, but asserted that he collected all the evidence steriley.

He explained that detectives primarily direct DFS workers on what to collect, but the forensic scientist must deem their value “forensically valid.”

Trial is set to resume Feb. 26.

Judge Won’t Let Carjacking Defendant Reject Plea Before Reviewing Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld told a carjacking defendant to review all of the evidence in his case before officially rejecting a plea offer on Feb. 24.

Dartanian Owens, 21, is charged with armed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and three counts of armed robbery for his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking on the 4300 block of Polk Street, NE on April 6, 2025.

The additional charges stem from Owens’ alleged involvement in three armed robberies on April 7, 2025 on the 2700 block of Naylor Road, SE, the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, and the 3800 block of South Capitol Street, SE.

The prosecution previously extended an offer to Owens that would require him to plead guilty to unarmed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, and robbery. In exchange, prosecutors would not seek an indictment and dismiss any greater or remaining charges against Owens.

As part of the agreement, the prosecution stated that the sentences for carjacking and the possession charge would be served concurrently. The sentences for robbery and carrying a pistol would also be served concurrently.

Owens stated he wanted to reject the plea offer. Judge Hertzfeld explained that rejecting the plea offer would mean Owen would serve a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years if he were convicted during trial as opposed to seven years if he accepted the plea offer.

Before Owens made a final decision regarding the plea offer, his attorney, Albert Amissah, stated they hadn’t received all the evidence in the case even though the prosecution denied it. However, Judge Hertzfeld determined that Owens had not yet seen some of the video evidence in his case.

As a result, Judge Hertzfeld did not permit Owens to formally reject the plea offer, stating that, because he had not seen the video evidence, he was unable to make an informed decision.

Judge Hertzfeld scheduled a follow-up hearing so the defendant could review the video evidence before making a final decision.. The prosecution stated the plea offer would remain open until the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 10.

Carjacking, Robbery Defendant Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced a carjacking defendant to seven years in prison on Feb 23.

Michael Mitchell, 34, pleaded guilty on Dec. 10 to unarmed carjacking and possession of a prohibited weapon for his involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 3000 block of 4th Street, SE, on April 29, 2025. He also pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property for his involvement in an unrelated matter.

At the sentencing, the prosecution asked Judge McLean for the mandatory minimum sentence, which according to DC Sentencing Commission’s sentencing guidelines, was seven years.

The prosecution also spoke on behalf of the carjacking victim, saying he remains unemployed after the incident. Formerly a delivery driver, the man is now too traumatized to return to work and is struggling to provide for his family. According to the prosecutor, the victim suffers from persistent nightmares.

The prosecution also noted the increasing violence of the defendant’s actions, escalating from robbery to carjacking, and requested a stay-away order from the victims if Mitchell is granted probation.

In a statement on Mitchell’s behalf, defense attorney Anthony Dimillio said that Mitchell has had a difficult life. He said that all of Mitchell’s charges occurred at once, indicating that he does not have an extensive criminal history, but rather made a few bad decisions. Although Dimillio linked Mitchell’s actions to his mother’s death, he did not indicate when she died.

Mitchell apologized to the court and the victims of both the robbery and the carjacking, stating he took full responsibility for his actions. He specifically apologized for the delivery driver’s job loss, of which he was not aware.

Judge McLean said she appreciated his apology and taking responsibility for his mistakes. She acknowledged Mitchell’s own trauma but noted it does not excuse the ordeal he inflicted on others..

Judge McLean said Mitchell requested a second chance and a probationary sentence in his letter to the court, but she ruled that this was not an option.

She explained that she is technically bound by the terms of the plea agreement and the mandatory minimum sentence.

Judge McLean sentenced Mitchell to seven years in prison for unarmed carjacking, six months in prison for possession of a prohibited weapon, and six months in prison for receiving stolen property. The sentences are scheduled to run concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release. Mitchell must also register as a gun offender for two years after his release

No further dates were set.

Homicide Defendant Returned to Jail After Non-Compliance with Marshals

A homicide defendant was sent back to DC Jail after non-compliance with U.S. Marshals before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 24.

Jadohn Bracey, 26, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with attempt to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the death of Special Police Officer Angela Washington, 42. The incident occurred on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE on Sept. 21, 2021. Washington died from one gunshot wound to her head. His brother Jayden Bracey, 24, is also charged in the case.

At the hearing, US Marshals informed parties Bracey was not cooperating when he arrived at the courthouse, therefore they sent him back to the DC Jail.

Without Bracey present, parties did not discuss a plea offer that has been extended by the prosecution.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 25.

Defendant Rejects Plea Offer in 2021 Murder Case

A defendant turned down a plea offer in a murder case before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 25.

Jadohn Bracey, 25, rejected an agreement for first-degree murder while armed to his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Special Police Officer Angela Washington, 42, that occurred in September 21, 2021 on the 3300 block of 10th Place SE.

Washington suffered from a gunshot wound to the head and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. His brother Jayden Bracey, 24, is also charged in the case.

Judge Park read the terms of the plea into the record including a sentence of 16-to-20 years in prison for first-degree murder while armed.

Defense counsel, Quiana Harris, added that the agreement also required the defendant to provide a statement in connection with the plea but details were not specified in open court.

Judge Park asked the defendant whether he understood the agreement. Bracey said he did but rejected the offer.

Bracey’s other attorney, Kevin Mosley, informed the court that a crime scene reporter working with the defense had been out of town due for family issues and needed additional time to complete the investigation.

According to the prosecutor, she consulted two expert witnesses and said they are expected to provide discovery evidence to the defense as required.

The case is scheduled for a hearing on March 2.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in 14th Street, NW Fatal Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found probable cause at a preliminary hearing on Feb. 23 that a homicide defendant committed second-degree murder while armed.

Shawn Conway, 50, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a fatal stabbing of Jermaine Foster, 34, on the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW on Sept. 12, 2025.

According to court documents, officers responded to reports of a large fight and located Foster, suffering from multiple stab wounds to the chest. Foster sustained six stab wounds, including one to the heart, and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Two additional individuals involved in the fight sustained non-fatal injuries.

At a prior hearing on Feb. 18, prosecutors called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lead detective assigned to the case and parties presented arguments regarding probable cause.

In delivering her ruling, Judge Dayson stated that the elements of the offense were supported by the evidence presented. She said a reasonable inference could be made from video footage that the suspect possessed a knife prior to the stabbing and continued the assault even after being physically restrained by another person.

Judge Dayson found probable cause to infer an intent to kill, noting that the nature and continuation of the stabbing demonstrated at least a conscious understanding that serious harm would result.

Addressing self-defense, Judge Dayson said the video did not show that anyone else was armed or that there was a clear and present danger requiring a lethal response. She stated the evidence did not support a claim that Conway acted in response to an immediate serious threat.

Judge Dayson also referenced the video evidence, noting that the individual depicted making stabbing motions was wearing a gray sweatshirt and light-colored jeans. She stated that MPD surveillance footage showed the suspect entering and later exiting the driver’s seat of a silver Chevy Cruze in the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW, which is registered to Conway. The clothing and physical build of that individual were consistent with the suspect shown in the Instagram video.

Although the primary witness did not initially identify the suspect by name or specify who drove the Chevy Cruze identified in footage as the suspect vehicle, the witness described clothing consistent with the individual depicted in the video. Judge Dayson acknowledged the description —a gray sweatshirt and light-colored jeans— was general, but stated there was no other individual in the footage matching that description.

Judge Dayson addressed ,Rachel Cicurel, Conway’s attorney’s argument that cell phone data showed Conway was on his phone at the time of the incident. The data showed Conway’s phone communicating with cellular towers in the area of the homicide. Judge Dayson stated that this information did not defeat probable cause when considered alongside the video evidence, witness statements, and vehicle evidence.

Following the ruling, the prosecution requested Conway remain held, citing the nature of the offense, the downtown location, allegations that he fled the scene, and that he was on supervised release for a prior violent offense at the time.

Cicurel, requested release to 24-hour home confinement with GPS monitoring. Cicurel argued the probable cause finding was close, noting Judge Dayson took time to consider her ruling. She stated that the description of the suspect’s clothing was vague and that neither Conway nor the suspect vehicle was clearly visible in the footage.

According to Cicurel, Conway was employed at Amazon, connected with a mental health provider, and had no other reported violations of his supervised release.

Judge Dayson denied the request for release and ordered Conway remain held. She cited the seriousness of the offense and noted that one surviving victim described attempting to restrain the suspect, giving him an opportunity to stop the assault. She stated that the continuation of the stabbing weighed against any argument that the incident occurred in the heat of passion.

Additionally, Judge Dayson referenced Conway’s criminal history, including a prior violation of a civil protection order and multiple assault convictions. She noted he was placed on supervised release only months before the alleged offense.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 29.

Judge Denies Release for Defendant Accused of Playground Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe rejected a request to release a shooting defendant accused of firing shots at a playground near children in a hearing on Feb. 24.

Eric Glascoe, 64, is charged with endangerment with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or a business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place at the 1300 block of 49th Street, NE on Jan. 22.

According to court documents, Glascoe allegedly fired one round in the air and one round at a dog. A witness reportedly stated that the dog attacked two children at the playground where prior to the shooting where the offense occurred.

Arguing for release, Glascoe’s attorney, Naveen Hammad, emphasized that Glascoe’s prior convictions were not recent. Hammad noted that Glascoe was born and raised in DC and resides in a home that was passed down to him from his mother who had recently passed away, making hiim responsible for taking care of the property.

Judge Pipe however, pointed out the facts of the case, stating that Glascoe is accused of firing a gun at his dogs with children nearby which adds to the seriousness of the offense. Based on the circumstances of the incident, Judge Pipe denied Glascoe’s release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 24.

Sentence Suspended After Plea in Road Rage Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced a shooting defendant to a probation only sentence after he accepted a plea deal on Feb. 24.

Akinde Akinseye, 44, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that stemmed from a road rage incident on Aug. 12, 2025 at the 2000 block of New York Avenue, NE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Akinseye was on his motorcycle when he fired shots at the victim’s car. Akinseye turned himself in to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) later the same day and told them that he shot in fear for his life.

At the hearing, Akinseye accepted a deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to simple assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon.

The prosecution said that if the case had gone to trial they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Akinseye assaulted the victim by firing multiple rounds.

Akinseye disputed this account in court, telling Judge Pipe that was not what happened. At his request, the prosecution amended the proffer of facts to state that a single round was fired rather than multiple rounds.

After Akinseye accepted the deal the prosecution asked for a probationary sentence, with 180 total days of incarceration, all suspended.

Akinseye’s counsel, Brandon Burrell argued that Akinseye acted out of fear for his life, asserting that the victim’s vehicle swerved toward his motorcycle. Burrell requested a suspended sentence of 95 days incarceration.

Addressing the court, Akinseye acknowledged he was in the wrong and said he learned his lesson.

Judge Pipe sentenced Akinseye to 90 days of concurrent incarceration for each charge, all suspended, in favor of one year probation.

No future proceedings were scheduled.

Judge Won’t Release Stabbing Suspect Considering Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant considering a plea offer was denied release in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Feb. 24.

Jasmine Armwood, 33, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on Nov. 29, 2025. The victim sustained one stab wound to the abdomen.

Armwood’s defense attorney, John Machado, requested that Armwood be released from custody as she has a four-month-old child at home. Machado also asked for Armwood to receive bed-to-bed in patient drug treatment.

The prosecutor opposed any modification to Armwood’s hold, including drug treatment, due to the severity of the case.

Judge Di Toro denied Machado’s oral motion, describing the case as “very serious.” The judge stated that she could not find a combination of conditions to ensure Armwood would return to court, citing five bench warrants Armwood received between 2017 and 2023.

Prosecutors also informed Judge Di Toro that they extended an offer to Armwood, which would require her to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Machado requested time to consider the offer with his client, which the judge allowed.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 16.

Prosecutors Dismiss Two Charges in Police Stabbing

A prosecution motion to dismiss two charges in a stabbing case involving a police officer was granted by DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Feb. 23.

Tanesha Davis, 31, is charged with two counts of assault on a police officer while armed for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1000 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE on Jan. 21, 2023.

According to court documents, the incident allegedly occurred when two officers were dispatched to Davis’ residence to arrest her. The two officers reportedly requested that Davis go with them, and when she refused they applied force. The two officers reported that Davis swung at one of the officers, stabbing one of them three times in the face.

Davis was originally also charged with assault on a police officer and possession of a prohibited weapon. The prosecution filed a motion on Feb. 2 to dismiss these charges.

Sara Kopecki, Davis’ attorney on this case, agreed with the motion. Davis’ attorney in a separate civil case, Sloan Johnson, agreed as well, and also requested charges in her civil case be dropped.

Judge Pipe granted the prosecutors’ motion to dismiss charges in the stabbing case, along with all charges in Davis’ civil case.

Kopecki then asked Judge Pipe to dismiss all charges in this case, arguing that Davis was found mentally incompetent to stand trial at a hearing on Nov. 6, 2024. Kopecki continued that the prosecution had not requested Davis’ competence be reevaluated by an expert.

Judge Pipe denied the motion for now, on the grounds that the prosecution legally had five years to prosecute the defendant and find evidence. Court records indicate that charges were initially filed against Davis in January 2023. Judge Pipe advised Kopecki to file a written motion with more information if she wishes to continue her arguments.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 23, 2028.

Teen Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Remains Detained

A teen shooting defendant was denied release after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones on Feb. 17.

Kenard Howard, 17, is charged with robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 300 block of 62nd Street, NE on Oct. 28, 2025.

Howard is charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be charged as adults for certain serious offenses.

At the hearing, Howard waived his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence, which Judge Jones accepted.

While requesting his release, Howard’s defense attorney, Clarence Powell, informed Judge Jones that Howard was enrolled in high school where he earned exceptional grades and was a member of the basketball team.

Powell also pointed out that Howard’s mother and grandfather were present in court for the hearing, and assured Judge Jones that Howard had a support network in the community. Powell requested that Howard be released from custody so he could continue his education.

The prosecutor argued Howard remain jailed because he posed a threat to the community, claiming that the incident was an assault with intent to kill.

While describing the offense to Judge Jones, the prosecutor stated that they have no evidence to lead them to believe Howard was armed. However, the prosecutor asserted that Howard and other suspects involved in the case knew each other, disputing Powell’s argument that Howard was unfamiliar with the other suspects.

The prosecutor played the CCTV video footage of the incident that showed a large group of suspects moving toward the victim and stealing his jacket. The video showed some of the suspects reaching for what prosecutors allege was their firearms. According to prosecutors, the suspects then started to walk away but instead chased after the victim. The victim then pulled out his own firearm and began shooting, causing the suspects to flee, said prosecutors.

Powell claimed that based on the video, Howard remained in place and did not follow the suspects when they began chasing the victim.

Judge Jones stated that Howard was possibly associated with two individuals who were armed during the incident, and that he faced the same charges as the other suspects, concluding the hold should stay in place.

Judge Jones said he did not believe any combination of release conditions could ensure the safety of the community.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 23.

Domestic Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal For Multiple Offenses, Awaits Sentencing

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Feb. 23.

Latanya Leonard, 55, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a domestic stabbing that occurred on the 300 block of N Street, NE on Jan. 13.

According to court documents, Leonard and the victim got into an argument where she reportedly accused him of killing a woman. Leonard then grabbed a knife and allegedly slashed him and calling him names. The victim sustained several cuts to his arm and a cut to his face.

During the hearing, Leonard accepted a plea deal from prosecutors that required her to plead guilty to simple assault, possession of a prohibited weapon, and two counts of misdemeanor contempt. As part of her plea agreement, Leonard pleaded guilty to an additional count of simple assault in a separate case.

In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss the charge of assault with a dangerous weapon and three separate domestic violence cases against Leonard. Prosecutors also agreed to not seek an indictment with additional charges in any of the four cases.

After finding Leonard understood her rights and knowingly pleaded guilty, Judge Hertzfeld accepted her guilty plea.

Had the case gone to trial, the prosecution said they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the day of the offense, Leonard unlawfully assaulted the victim with a kitchen knife by slashing him.

They also would have proved that in December 2025, Leonard violated court orders to not engage in any aggravated or threatening behavior towards the victim and to keep at least 100 yards away from the victim, his home, and place of employment.

Louis Kamara, Leonard’s attorney, requested Judge Hertzfeld release Leonard with GPS monitoring because she was at risk of being evicted. Judge Hertzfeld denied the request because Leonard pleaded guilty, stating Leonard would remain detained pending sentencing.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 27 for sentencing.

Domestic Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A stabbing defendant rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Feb. 23.

Otis Ransom, 51, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing that occurred on the 1200 block of 3rd Street, NE on Dec. 13, 2025.

According to court documents, an argument reportedly broke out after the victim told Ransom she would not have sex with him. The fight allegedly escalated into Ransom’s grabbing a knife and attacking the victim. She suffered multiple stab wounds and lacerations to her face, neck, left hand, right forearm, and body. When police arrived on scene, the victim was unconscious but breathing before she was transported to the hospital.

John Harvey, Ransom’s attorney, told Judge Hertzfeld that he was prepared for a preliminary hearing of the evidence. However, the prosecution said Ransom waived that right in December 2025. Harvey said was confused about the waiver’s language.

According to court records, Harvey was recently appointed to Ransom’s case on Feb. 6.

The prosecution then extended an offer in which Ransom would plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, the prosecution would not seek an indictment with greater or additional charges. Ransom rejected the plea offer, stating he is the victim in this case.

Harvey also requested Ransom’s release. Judge Hertzfeld said she would not hear any arguments given the lack information, stating she would address motions for release at a separate time.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 21.

Probable Cause Found After Carjacking Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause in a carjacking case after a defendant rejected a plea agreement at a preliminary hearing on Feb. 23.

Antwoin Rivers, 35, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in stealing a moped on the 900 block of 17th Street, NE, on Sept. 3.

The prosecution extended an agreement that would have required Rivers to plead guilty to one count of robbery and one count of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle for a maximum sentence up to 17 years in prison. Both counts would run concurrently. According to the DC Sentencing Commission’s sentencing guidelines, the sentence for robbery ranges between 18- to- 60 months in prison.

During the hearing, the arresting officer testified that another off-duty officer allegedly witnessed Rivers pushing a victim off a moped and fleeing the scene. Neither officer checked the vehicle’s registration before pursuing Rivers.

The arresting officer attempted a traffic stop, but Rivers allegedly refused to comply, prompting a chase which ended in a parking lot where Rivers crashed the moped into the arresting officer’s patrol car.

Rivers’ defense attorney, Patrick Nowak, argued the prosecution’s case was built on inferences rather than direct observations. He highlighted that the arresting officer relied on “word of mouth” from the other officer noting the moped’s registration.

He also argued that because the arresting officer briefly lost sight of the suspect for five minutes, the identification of Rivers was compromised. The defense asked Judge Raymond to rule against probable cause, asserting unverified accounts of the incident created reasonable doubt.

The prosecution argued that the “five- minute window” of losing sight of the suspect was “miniscule” and not enough of a gap to be relevant. They addressed the identification issue by stating the registration on the moped was not important because it was taken by force.

As a result, the prosecution asked the judge to find probable cause.

Judge Raymond sided with the prosecution, ruling that probable cause was established. The judge dismissed the defense’s argument regarding the time gap when following the suspect.

“There was no issue at all with identification,” Judge Raymond said, given the short period of time.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 31.

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