Parties Give Closing Arguments in 2020 Robbery and Shooting Case

On Nov. 2, parties gave closing arguments in a 2020 shooting and robbery trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan

Anthony Owens and George Belk, both 44, are charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, assault with intent to commit another offense, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their alleged involvement in a shooting and robbery incident that occurred on April 15, 2020, on the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE. The incident left Owens and Belk with minor injuries.

Prosecutors cited the closed circuit surveillance footage showing Owens and Belk allegedly walking up to the victim and attempted to rob him near his car. The prosecutor cited the victim’s testimony when he says he was told by Owens to “give that sh*t up,” referring to the victim’s belongings and that one of the suspect’s pointed a gun at this stomach.

According to prosecutors, there’s proof that Owens and Belk waited for the victim in a black van as he entered a restaurant.

Prosecutors insisted the trial was not about the individual who stepped in to help the victim by shooting Owen and Belk, but rather about the actions taken by Owens and Belk.

Bruce Cooper, Belk’s defense attorney, argued that there is no evidence to suggest that Owens or Belk used a firearm during the robbery.

Cooper told the jury the victim was armed when he went to breakfast on the day of the incident, stating the only individuals in possession of a gun were the victim and the individual that shot at Belk and Owens.

He said that following the incident, police didn’t search Belk’s or Owens’ home to look for a firearm that might link them to the incident.

Additionally, Cooper said that when the suspect’s van made its way from T Street to the United Medical Center at the 1300 block of Southern Avenue, SE following the incident, there were no guns or ammunition found in the vehicle.

Cooper said cited the differences between the victim’s grand jury testimony where he stated he was shot during the incident, and his testimony during the trial where he said he was not shot.

In a rebuttal prosecutors urged the jury to consider the surveillance and victim’s testimony where he said Owens and Belk were armed.

The case is now in the hands of the jury.

Homicide Defendant Deemed Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

On Nov. 3, following the recommendation from a report written by doctors at the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo deemed a homicide defendant competent to stand trial.

Chad Hawthorne, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Antonio Bassett on May 22, 2017, on the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Parties received a report from DBH on Oct. 26, in which doctors state he is competent. Following the parties’ acceptance of the report, Judge Demeo deemed Hawthorne competent to stand trial.

Prosecutors filed a motion to delay the trial date that was previously set, stating that both prosecutors are unavailable for the Jan. 16, 2024, jury trial date.

Judge Demeo granted the motion to delay the trial, and a new trial date was set for February 27, 2024.

Parties are expected back for a motion and trial readiness hearing on Dec. 13.

Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

On Nov. 3, a non-fatal shooting defendant waived his right to independently test evidence for DNA.

Kamara Huffler, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm prior conviction one year, carrying a pistol without license outside home or business, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Sept. 19, 2022, at the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE.

According to court documents, the defendant and victim were involved in a verbal altercation. The defendant proceeded to shoot at the victim who shot back.

The victim sustained multiple gunshots, but survived.

The prosecution noted that they have completed DNA testing but are waiting for further discovery.

Huffler’s defense attorney, Joseph Fay, informed the court that Huffler waives his right to independent DNA testing.

Parties are expected back to court before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Feb. 23, 2024.

Case Acquitted: Prosecution Witnesses Testify in 2020 Homicide Case

This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

On Nov. 2, prosecutors continued to call witnesses to testify in a homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Michael Austin, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 26-year-old Kayvon Kinney on May 24, 2020, on the 1800 block of Gainesville Street, SE.

The prosecution began by calling a DNA expert to testify regarding DNA samples collected from the crime scene.

The witness testified that she received four samples from two cartridges found at the crime scene and that there was no DNA found on either of the cartridges based on the swabs provided.

The prosecution continued by calling a lieutenant from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who canvassed the area and found Kinney’s body.

She stated that there were no firearms found on the body of the victim or in any other location of the crime scene.

During cross examination by defense attorney, Jason Tulley, the officer was questioned about the notification she received from Veritracks, a GPS system used to monitor the location of known offenders that have ankle monitors. She testified that, at the time of the incident, she received a Veritracks notification that there was a known offender in the location of the shooting.

However, the individual was not considered a suspect. She said, “His address was on Gainesville and he was still in a small radius of the scene.”

The prosecution also called an MPD administrative sergeant to testify about his interview with Kinney’s girlfriend.

She said Kinney had been in an argument with Austin earlier that night. She also identified Austin in a photo array conducted by MPD.

The detective stated that MPD was unable to locate Austin in May 2020 and was searching for any known addresses. The detective found an address and went to request surveillance footage from the manager of that building, when he learned that the manager was Austin’s mother.

She said Austin had recently received traffic citations that resulted in the impounding of his car.

So the detective he was able to locate Austin’s vehicle in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and discovered several clothing items.

Another MPD detective testified that during an interview with police, Austin was seen signing forms with his left hand. The prosecution noted that the individual seen shooting by a witness was holding the gun in his left hand.

Trial is set to resume Nov. 6.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

On Nov. 3, homicide defendant Karon Brown was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Brown, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year old Cynthia Barringer on Oct. 31, 2021 at the 2000 block of Green Street SE.

Brown’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, alerted the court that Brown was pleading not guilty and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are expected back on Jan. 26, 2024.

Parties Give Closing Arguments in 2023 Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

On Nov. 2, parties gave closing arguments in a non-fatal shooting trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples.

Tiaquana Chandler, 42, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree burglary while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed and soliciting a violent crime, for her alleged involvement in a shooting that took place March 28, on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE.

One individual sustained a gunshot wound to the leg after an apparent altercation in an apartment building.

Initially, prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who discussed jail calls which were made by Chandler the week following her arrest.

In the jail calls, Chandler said “they ain’t got no evidence on me,” and “the ring got no blood on it,” referring to a ring prosecutors alleged she was wearing during the assault. The injuries sustained to the victim’s head were severe deep cuts that prosecutors claim were caused by a ring.

The detective also discussed video from outside the apartment building where the crime took place. A person who prosecutors claim is Chandler’s son, 27-year-old Donnell Tucker, is seen walking up the driveway. Minutes later, a gunshot is heard and two people, who the detective identified as Chandler and Tucker, exit the building.

Then Chandler’s defense attorney, Eric Madsen, made a motion for acquittal based on lack of evidence Chandler committed the crime while armed.

Judge Staples denied the motion citing the large amount of circumstantial evidence, as well as the injuries to the victim.

In their closing arguments, prosecutors stated “even though she didn’t possess the gun, she is just as culpable for the shooting”.

According to prosecutors, under the law Chandler was an aider and abetter, and can be found guilty of the actions taken by the shooter. The prosecutor said, “She put a person with a gun in that position,” referring to Tucker.

According to prosecutors, the crime could not have happened without Chandler.

The prosecutor said, “[Chandler] wanted to take justice into her own hands”.

And, “Justice for [the victim] is guilty on all counts.”

Chandler’s defense attorney, Thomas Healy, said in response, “the question is whether the evidence points to Chandler”. According to Healy, “this is a conspiracy case without a conspiracy”.

The defense argued that prosecutors did not provide enough evidence to prove that Chandler committed these crimes, “beyond a reasonable doubt”.

In their rebuttal, a prosecutor said “[Chandler] chose vengeance.”

The prosecutor cited how multiple people, including the victim, identified Chandler as one of the attackers. The prosecution acknowledged that she wasn’t the one with the gun, but said her goal was to bring her son there to assault the victim.

The jury is expected to begin deliberations Nov. 3.

Document: Correction Suspects Arrested in a Homicide in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of two individuals in connection to a homicide that occurred on Sept. 11, on the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sound of gunshots, where they located a juvenile male and an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Services responded to the scene, and transported the individuals to local hospitals. After all life-saving efforts failed, the juvenile male succumbed to his injuries. The adult male is in critical, but stable condition.

The homicide victim was identified as 17-year-old Antonio Cunningham.

On Nov. 2, officers arrested and charged 17-year-old Anthony Monroe and 16-year-old Marlan Smith Jr. with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, felony destruction of property, and five counts of robbery, for their alleged involvement in the incident.

They are charged as adults under Title 16.

Document: Suspects Arrested in a Homicide in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of two individuals in connection to a homicide that occurred on Sept. 11, on the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE.

The homicide victim was identified as 17-year-old Antonio Cunningham.

On Nov. 2, officers arrested and charged 17-year-old Anthony Moore and 16-year-old Marlan Smith Jr. with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, felony destruction of property, and five counts of robbery, for their alleged involvement in the incident.

They are charged as adults under Title 16.

Document: Man Dies From Injuries in 2021 Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a man that stemmed from a shooting that occurred on June 13, 2021 on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, on June 13, 2021, officers responded to the location for the report of a man down, where they located an adult male suffering from an unknown injury. The man was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and it was determined he was suffering from a gunshot wound.

On Aug. 29, 2023, he succumbed to his injuries.

The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and determined the cause of death was due to the gunshot wound, and ruled the manner of death a homicide.

The victim was identified as 47-year-old Tekoar Jennette.

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 committed in the District.

Threatening Messages Revealed in a 2014 Homicide Case

On Nov. 1, the second day of Marvin Lopez’s, homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe a Metropolitan Police Officer (MPD) detective testified about threatening text messages allegedly sent from the defendant to the victim.

Lopez, 43, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Evelyn Arroyo on Dec. 24, 2014, on the 3900 block of 14th street, NW.

Prosecutors called the detective who had previously worked with Arroyo. As part of the investigation, he reviewed threatening Facebook messages allegedly exchanged between Arroyo and Lopez weeks prior to her murder. The witness translated the messages from Spanish to English.

The threats included, “You’re gonna die, I swear, you prostitute bitch”, and “Remember these four shots, I’m gonna give them to you”.

Prosecutors also called an MPD officer who responded to a domestic assault call from Arroyo in October 2014. He described seeing her visibly upset and shaking when he arrived at the scene. According to the witness, Lopez was removed from the scene but he did not elaborate.

Meanwhile, an officer, near the shooting scene chased after the suspect. She described him as a light skinned Hispanic male wearing white pants and a red shirt. However, she was only able to see his face in profile. The officer also stated that the way his hands were positioned indicated the suspect was carrying a weapon, but she did not see a weapon.

The officer said she continued to chase the individual until she lost sight of him.

The prosecution then called a witness who was near the restaurant where Arroyo worked at the time of the shooting.

He said he “heard a pop, and then a girl screaming”. Then he and his romantic partner and two others immediately dropped to the ground.

Then immediately after the shooting, as he and his partner fled, he noticed a suspicious person walking behind them.

The witness testified he said “Oh s**t, here he comes!” to his partner, in reference to the alleged shooter.

The witness stated the suspect was wearing a hooded jacket, with his face concealed and his sleeves covering his hands. He also said he saw “the nose of a gun in his hands”..

The owner of the restaurant where Arroyo worked testified he saw Arroyo banging on the door. After calling his name she lost consciousness and fell to the ground. As he got closer, he could see a large amount of blood on the ground. He then waved down a nearby police officer who chased the suspect.

Due to time constraints, the officer was unable to finish his testimony.

The trial is slated to continue Nov. 2.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Homicide Defendant

On Nov. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ordered a bench warrant for Nichelle Thomas, a homicide defendant, after she failed to appear in court.

Thomas, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of accessory after the fact, and three counts of obstructing justice, for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 42-year-old Anthony Jordan, which occurred on Aug. 4, on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

Alvin Thomas, her defense attorney, said he has not been able to get into contact with her, but has been in contact with her significant other, who has not seen her since Oct. 27 and is worried about her.

According to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), Thomas is non-compliant because there has not been an update on her status since Oct. 27. Therefore, Judge Okun issued a bench warrant.

No further court dates have been scheduled.

Lead Detective and Victim Testify in Shooting and Robbery Trial

On Nov. 1, members of the jury heard from the lead detective and the victim regarding an April 2020 shooting and robbery incident.

Anthony Owens and George Belk, both 44, are charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in a shooting and robbery incident that occurred on April 15, 2020, on the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE. The incident left Owens and Belk with minor injuries.

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to testify.

According to the detective, there is an MPD surveillance camera at the intersection of 14th Street and T Street, SE, which faces the crime scene.

Prosecutors played video footage from the camera that they say shows a blue car on the left-hand side of the screen parked on 14th Street, across from Owen’s black van parked on the opposite side of the street.

The footage shows the robbery victim getting out of his car and walking across the street towards a restaurant on Good Hope Road while Owen’s van pulls away toward T Street.

According to court documents, Owen and Belk allegedly walked back towards the restaurant while the victim was still inside. When the victim walked back to his vehicle, Owen and Belk approached him on the sidewalk.

The detective identified Owens and Belk running after the victim as he is opening the door of his car and they attempt to rob him. According to the detective, they didn’t find a weapon on the victim.

During the struggle, the car door opens and it appears that Owens and Belk try to push the victim inside his car.

Later in the footage, an individual identified as “Mr. B,” walked to the right of the victim’s vehicle and apparently fired shots at Belk and Owens, which struck them both. After the shots were fired, “Mr. B” is seen fleeing the scene into an alleyway.

According to court documents, “Mr. B” and the victim know each other.

The video portrays Owens and Belk lying down towards the back left of the victim’s car. The victim appears to grab a firearm from the front of his car and fire shots at Owens and Belk, the detective describes seeing “muzzle flashes.”

The detective pointed out to the jury that the victim could be seen fleeing to the same alleyway as “Mr. B” did. According to the detective, “Mr. B” was never located.

The detective also stated that during the victim’s interviews, he would rarely discuss “Mr. B,” and the MPD was unable to bring him in for questioning, even though they wanted to do so.

Everald Thompson, Owen’s defense attorney, asked the detective if he made any sort of deal with the victim to try and bring in “Mr. B.”

The detective, said he does not have that authority.

Following the detective’s testimony, prosecutors called the victim to testify.

On the morning of April 15, 2020, he went to get breakfast. He told the court that when he got out of his car and walked to the restaurant, he had to walk back because he forgot his money.

According to the victim, as he got to the door of his car, a man approached him from behind and was told to “give it up” while another individual held a firearm to his stomach and as another person appeared behind the victim simultaneously.

The victim claimed he heard gunshots as he opened his vehicle’s door.

Following the gunfire, the victim grabbed a gun from the inside of his car and fired in the previous direction of the would be robbers.

The victim stated that the individual who stepped in to help him and shot at the defendants was his “guardian angel”.

The trial is set to resume Nov. 2.

Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing in Triple Shooting

In a Nov. 2, hearing Daniel Mendoza waived his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered at the scene of a crime.

Mendoza, 23, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He is alleged to have been involved in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 27 on the 3100 block of 16th Street NW.

According to court documents, Mendoza is alleged to have shot three victims, one of whom confronted him for an alleged sexual assault. The first victim sustained five gunshot wounds to his arms, legs, and rib, the second victim sustained gunshot wounds to his right buttocks and right knee, and the third victim received a gunshot wound that grazed her inner thigh.

After the shooting, the defendant allegedly fled the scene and was arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on June 28. He was reportedly in possession of a firearm.

During the hearing, the prosecution explained to DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun that they would not be conducting any DNA testing on the firearm recovered from the defendant on June 28. However, they did conduct holistic testing referring to the bigger picture of evidence In the case.

Candace Mitchell, Mendoza’s defense attorney, stated that the defense was not seeking independent testing and Judge Okun accepted the defendant’s waiver.

Mendoza is expected to appear in front of Judge Okun on March 13 for a trial readiness hearing.

Victim Testifies in 2023 Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

On Nov. 1, the victim testified in a non-fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples.

One individual sustained a gunshot wound to the leg after an apparent altercation in an apartment building.

Prosecutors called a witness who was at the apartment when the altercation took place.

According to the witness, there was a group hanging out, doing drugs and drinking alcohol in a friend’s apartment when an altercation between Chandler and the victim broke out. She said when Chandler acted disrespectfully toward the victim and punched him, the victim punched her back and tried to remove her from the apartment.

The witness said later that evening Chandler knocked on the door, and Chandler’s son Donnell Tucker, 27, barged through and grabbed the victim. She said the pair was threatening to kill him and beating him. She said Tucker shot the victim five times in the leg and then they ran away–however according to court documents only one shot was fired.

The witness said what happened was “very mean and very sad”.

Following the eyewitness’ testimony, prosecutors called the victim.

The victim told a similar story; however he claims he never struck Chandler and that he was not doing drugs that evening.

According to the victim, after he kicked Chandler out, she returned and he said that “Her [Chandler] and her son attacked me”.

To show the severity of his wounds, the witness displayed scars on his head to the jury and explained that it has been difficult for him to walk since the incident.

In cross examination, Chandler’s defense attorney, Thomas Healy, asked the victim if he was sure who shot him, he said, “I believe that [Chandler’s] son shot me,” referring to Tucker.

The prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who interviewed Chandler when she was initially arrested.

According to the detective, in a video displayed to the court, Chandler explained her side of the story, in which she claimed that, after an incident outside of the apartment, the victim choked Chandler. In that video, Chandler claims that she gave a random man marijuana in return for assaulting the victim and said her son was nowhere near the scene of the crime.

According to the detective, Chandler was cooperative during the interview.

Parties will reconvene Nov. 2.

Document: Man Killed in Southeast DC Identified

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a man that occurred on Oct. 30 on the 1800 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of found human remains. Upon arrival, officers located adult male human remains, inside of a trash can. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) conducted an autopsy and determined the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds and ruled the manner of death a homicide.

The victim was identified as 25-year-old Kwame Keith.

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 committed in the District.

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