Status Hearing Continued Pending Mental Competency Evaluation

On Feb. 16, a status hearing was continued by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun in a matter related to a defendant’s mental competency.

Larry Odoms, 62, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 81-year-old Dennis Stroy. The incident occurred on Feb. 21, 2022, at the Deanwood Rehabilitation & Wellness Center on the 5000 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.

Stroy succumbed to his injuries on March 20, 2022.

Complications in the case have repeatedly surfaced related to Odoms’ competency.

On Sept. 9, 2022, Judge Okun ordered a full competency examination, in which the defendant was found to be mentally incompetent to stand trial. However, the court ruled the defendant could become competent in the future.

Odoms has previously been found “not competent by consent” in a matter from 2019.

After commitment to St. Elizabeths Hospital and the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), Odoms was admitted to George Washington University Hospital for a medical emergency under the custody of the Department of Corrections (DOC).

The case was continued on the grounds that his hospital treatment is ongoing. Odoms will ultimately be released back to DBH.

Parties are set to reconvene on April 12.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On Feb. 20, a homicide defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Dominique Brown-Young, 21, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Deshaun Cupid. The shooting occurred on the 700 block of 18th Street, NE on March 10, 2022.

According to court documents, Cupid’s children were present at the time of the murder.

During the hearing, Molly Bunke, Brown-Young’s attorney, alerted the court that the prosecution offered Brown-Young a deal to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Brown-young rejected the offer.

Bunke also said she needed a new co-counsel on the case due to the previous co-counsel, Anthony Matthew’s, retirement.

Judge O’Keefe questioned parties about where they were with DNA testing and why some items were not tested yet.

The prosecution stated that the reason some items were not tested was because they were “exemplars” or the most promising examples. Also, some items did not have any detectable DNA, thus no implications for the defendant.

Parties are slated to return on July 1st for a trial readiness hearing.

Homicide Co-Defendant’s Request for Severance Denied

On Feb. 16, a motion to sever three co-defendant’s cases was denied before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Daivion Williams, 25, Dijon Williams, 24, and Steven Washington, 24, are charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, conspiracy, attempt to commit robbery while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their alleged involvement in the death of 30-year-old Nurudeen Thomas on the 4100 block of 14th Street, NW, on July 21, 2020.

Daivion’s defense attorneys, Errin Scialpi and Andrew Ain, submitted a motion for severance due to the potential prejudice he might face in a joint trial. Their motion was denied.

Washington’s defense attorneys, Veronice Holt and Quo Mieko Judkins, requested that his release conditions be modified. Instead of Washington remaining in home confinement, they requested he be allowed to go to work and be tracked with a GPS monitor.

Judge O’Keefe granted their request, arguing that Washington has shown substantial compliance while in home confinement.

Dijon is still being held in Georgia, and his presence was waived for today’s hearing.

Parties are expected back in court on Feb. 7, 2025.

Homicide Defendant’s Release Conditions Modified

On Feb. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe approved a defendant’s motion to modify her release conditions.

LaRhonda Stewart, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Tierra Corbett on May 16, 2023 on the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW.

On Feb. 9, Kevann Gardner, Stewart’s defense attorney, filed a motion for modification of a detention order requesting her curfew be lifted and GPS monitoring be removed, because Stewart is trying to get a job.

The prosecution opposed the motion, adding that Stewart remains a danger to Corbett’s family.

However, Judge O’Keefe granted the motion, stating that because the stay-away order was still in place for the victim’s family, the defendant’s GPS tracking should be modified to allow her to maintain employment.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 8.

Judge Continues Hearing for Homicide Defendant

On Feb. 16, DC Superior Court Maribeth Raffinan presided in a motion hearing on behalf of a homicide defendant.

James Lewis, 46, is charged with kidnapping while armed, felony murder while armed, first-degree sexual abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a prohibited weapon, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the stabbing death of 30-year-old Brenea Franklin.

The incident occurred on the 1100 block of Bellevue Street, SE, on Jan. 31, 2021. Lewis also allegedly sexually abused Franklin between Nov. 1, 2020 and January 30, 2021.

On Dec. 27, 2023, Mani Golzari and Prescott Loveland, Lewis’ defense attorneys, filed a motion to sever the homicide charges from the sexual assault charges, arguing there is a potential to prejudice the case unfairly influencing the jury.

The prosecution requested that the homicide and sexual assault cases be tried together because they are related.

Due to time constraints, parties were unable to conclude their arguments,

The motion hearing will continue Feb 26.

Judge Holds Murder Defendant at Initial Hearing

On Feb. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause and detained a woman charged in connection to a 2022 homicide.

Sasha McCoy, 27, is charged with first-degree cruelty to children, and first-degree murder for her alleged involvement in the death of her three-year-old son, Journey McCoy, on Oct. 28, 2022. The incident occurred in their home, on the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE.

According to court documents, Sasha left pills laced with fentanyl on her bed. Journey got a hold of them, overdosed, and died.

During the hearing, prosecutors argued Sasha was negligent and the child had previously ingested marijuana. They added that she failed to consider her actions.

McCoy’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, requested she be released because she needs proper care for substance abuse.

The defense also mentioned that her other children are currently in their father’s custody. .

However, the prosecution argued she should not have access to her children, adding that she poses a grave danger to them. They added that, should she be released, they cannot ensure she will stay away from them, especially if their father permits her to see them.

Ultimately, Judge Raymond found McCoy poses a grave danger to the community, and ordered she be detained without bond as she awaits further proceedings.

The next court date is scheduled March 8.

Preliminary Hearing Waived in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On Feb. 20, before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover, parties agreed to waive a preliminary hearing for a defendant in a non-fatal shooting case.

Jamal Francis, 44, is charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Feb. 15, on the 3000 block of Raleigh Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, two men were having an argument and had agreed to fight when the suspect allegedly pulled a gun and began shooting in the victim’s direction. The victim was not injured. After the suspect fled the scene, responding officers arrested him.

Francis’ defense attorney, Mark Rollins requested a waiver of Francis’ preliminary hearing, and Judge Glover accepted the motion.

Rollins also requested Francis be released, arguing that he only has one prior conviction dating back several years, and Francis is willing to follow a conditional release, such as GPS monitoring.

The prosecution opposed this motion, stating that regardless of Francis’ past convictions, his release would still endanger the community, citing the fact that the shooting occurred near a college campus.

Judge Glover agreed with the prosecution and denied the motion for release.
All parties are slated to return on Feb. 28 in DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s courtroom.

Document: Victim Identified MPD Investigating Homicide in Southwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide after human remains were discovered in a wooded area on Feb. 16, on the 4300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of human remains. Upon their arrival, officers found adult male human remains in an advanced state of decomposition. The remains were transported to the Office of the Medical Chief Examiner, where the cause of death was determined to be gunshot injuries. This case is being investigated as a homicide.

The victim was identified as 29-year-old Leon Powell.

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 Seeks a Suspect and Vehicle in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect involved in a shooting that occurred on Feb. 17 on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. They located a 10-year-old boy suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

A suspect and suspect vehicle were captured by surveillance cameras nearby.

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: Arrest Made After Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that killed a man on Feb. 18, on the 1600 block of Rosedale Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male shooting victim inside of a residence. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 35-year-old Darius Robinson.

The suspect fled the scene after the shooting, but officers were able to quickly apprehend him. Charles Demarco Best, 25, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. The investigation suggests the suspect and victim knew each other.

Document: MPD Investigating Homicide in Southwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide after human remains were discovered in a wooded area on Feb. 16, on the 4300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of human remains. Upon their arrival, officers found adult male human remains in an advanced state of decomposition. The remains were transported to the Office of the Medical Chief Examiner, where the cause of death was determined to be gunshot injuries. This case is being investigated as a homicide.

The victim has not yet been identified.

Document: MPD Arrests a Suspect in the Fatal Shooting at McPherson Square

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that killed a man on Oct. 1, 2023, at McPherson Square on the 900 block of 15th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of the sounds of gunshots. While searching the scene, officers located 56-year-old Leo Colter with gunshot wound injuries across from the location. He died at the scene.

On Feb. 16, 41-year-old Marques Johnson was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

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 Arrests Man for Firing a Gun During a Dispute

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on Feb. 15 on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the 500 block of Raleigh Street, SE, after hearing gunshots nearby. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male who stated he was involved in a verbal argument with the suspect in the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. During the argument, the suspect shot at him with a revolver. The suspect ran into an apartment building on the 300 block of Raleigh Street, SE. Responding officers quickly arrested the suspect. There were no injuries reported.

Jamal Francis, 44, was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Document: Victims Identified MPD Investigating Triple Homicide in Northeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that left three people dead on Feb. 14, on the 5000 block of Jay Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious person, where they located two women and a man dead from apparent gunshot wound injuries inside an apartment.

The victims have been identified as 58-year-old Renee Bigelow, 40-year-old Kimberly Stevens, and 59-year-old Leon Harper.

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: Updated MPD Arrests Gunman After Hours-Long Barricade

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) successfully negotiated the surrender of a gunman who shot three officers, initiating an hours-long barricade on Feb. 14, on the 5000 block of Hanna Place, SE. This is an ongoing investigation.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location to serve an arrest warrant on a suspect who was wanted for cruelty to animals. While officers were outside the door to the residence, the suspect fired multiple gunshots through the door, striking three officers. A fourth officer sustained injuries that were not gunshot related.

The suspect then barricaded himself inside his residence and continued shooting sporadically throughout the standoff.

Members of the Emergency Response Team arrived on the scene and contacted the suspect by phone. After several hours of negotiation, the suspect surrendered.

As a result of the investigation, it was confirmed an involved member fired their weapon during the offense. The suspect was not injured. The use of force is being investigated by the Force Investigations Team.

Upon his surrender, the suspect identified himself to MPD as Julius James. After being booked on the charges, detectives determined his true identity is 48-year-old Stephen Claude Rattigan. He is known to have used Michael Rattigan as an alias.

Rattigan was arrested pursuant to the arrest warrant for animal cruelty. As a result of his actions during the attack on MPD officers and the detective’s investigation, he was also charged with felony assault on a police officer and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

On Feb. 15, detectives executed a search warrant at the home where the barricade occurred. They recovered three handguns, two rifles, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and a bullet proof vest.

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