Document: Correction Southeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 1 on the 3900 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of the sounds of gunshots, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 36-year-old Julius McCree.

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.

Document: Persons of Interest Sought in a Fatal Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Oct. 21 on the 900 block of U Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. They located a man with a gunshot wound, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The victim was identified as 24-year-old Diamonte Lewis.

The persons of interest can be seen in the photos below and in a video.

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.

Parties Give Opening Statements in a Shooting and Robbery Trial

On Oct. 31, parties gave opening statements regarding an April 2020 shooting and robbery incident 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 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.

According to court documents, on the morning of April 15, Owens and Belk allegedly ran toward the victim as they were walking back to their vehicle on T Street, SE. The two men then allegedly tried to rob him as he was attempting get in his car.

As the struggle continued, an unidentified person who knew the victim fired shots at Belk and Owens, striking both of them.

After he was hit, Owens briefly shot back at the unknown man but he fled into an alley.

In opening statements, prosecutors told the jury that the unknown individual who allegedly shot at Owens and Belk should not be a part of their decision-making process at the end of the trial, they should only consider Owens and Belk.

“This case is not about what that man did, it is about what the two men sitting here did,” prosecutors said as they pointed to Owens and Belk.

Prosecutors urged the jury to deliver a guilty verdict based on closed circuit video footage and the credibility of the witnesses.

Bruce Cooper, Belk’s defense attorney, told the jury the defendants are not guilty because they did not shoot or rob anybody. According to Cooper, the video tells a different story.

He said they should also take into account the fact that the victim allegedly had narcotics such as cocaine and marijuana in his car at the time of the incident.

Everald Thompson, Owen’s defense attorney, told the jury that they will also see surveillance footage of an unknown male believed to be “Mr. B”, who allegedly shot Owens and Belk and knows the complainant.

Thompson went on to blame a “shoddy” police investigation that showed nothing except statements made by the complainant saying that he was almost kidnapped and that he was robbed.

According to Thompson, no gun was ever found on Owens or Belk at the time of their arrests and the police didn’t take the time to execute a search warrant for Owen’s or Belk’s house.

Thompson claimed the victim had a handgun in his vehicle in spite of a prior felony conviction. He noted that marijuana and cocaine were allegedly found in the complainant’s vehicle following the incident.

“The [prosecutor’s] case constitutes a miscarriage of justice in the worst way,” Thompson said.

The trial is set to resume Nov. 1.

Charges Upgraded and Trial Delayed for Juvenile Murder Defendant

On Nov. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld granted motions filed by parties in connection to a homicide that involved a juvenile victim and defendant.

The defendant, a 16-year-old female, was originally charged with second-degree murder for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Naima Liggon, 16, on Aug. 27. The incident occurred outside a McDonald’s restaurant on the 1900 block of 14th Street, NW.

During the Nov. 1 hearing, Judge Hertzfeld granted the prosecutor’s motion to amend the charge and upgrade it to first-degree murder while armed, which was filed at a previous hearing and opposed by defense attorneys.

Judge Hertzfeld also granted the defense’s motion to delay the trial date, in which they argued they can not be ready for the previously scheduled Nov. 13 trial date since Liggon’s autopsy and hospital records aren’t yet unavailable.

Prosecutors stated they should be receiving the autopsy by Nov. 3 and the hospital records by Nov. 13, but defense attorneys argued they could not accurately prepare their self-defense case without having access to both reports.

Defense attorneys also requested the defendant be released from the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ (DYRS) Youth Services Center (YSC), arguing the defendant does not have a criminal record, has been doing well in the detention center, and the confrontation was a response to her being attacked by Liggon and another unnamed individual.

According to the defense attorney, the defendant is restricted at YSC and is a “tiny, tiny human being,” who has substantial support from her family.

Prosecutors opposed the motion for release, stating that, although it is her first alleged offense, between the Sept. 27 hearing and this hearing, she reportedly got into an altercation at YSC with another detainee who was discussing her charges with other juveniles.

Prosecutors stated they’re worried she’ll react similarly to people in the community, and insisted the public would not be safe if she is released.

A representative from the Court’s Social Services stated that, although she’s doing well in YSC, they believe she should continue to be detained due to the nature of the charges.

Judge Hertzfeld agreed with prosecutors and Social Services, and ordered the juvenile continue held as she awaits further proceedings.

Parties are expected back for a suppression hearing on Nov. 13.

Document: Southeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 1 on the 3900 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

The victim was identified as 36-year-old Julius McRee.

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.

Spurned Lover Goes on Trial For 2014 Murder

On Oct. 31, opening statements and witness testimony were presented in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Marvin 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.

According to prosecutors, Arroyo was arriving at her job as a waitress when she was shot twice.

According to court documents, Lopez fled to El Salvador after the shooting without a passport, where he remained until he was extradited in early 2023.

The prosecution presented threatening text messages Lopez allegedly sent to Arroyo after their romantic relationship ended, including, “If you leave me, I’ll kill you”.

According to the prosecutor, after a few months, “Their relationship turned rocky, it turned volatile, and it led to some points of violence”.

According to the prosecution Arroyo found had a new romantic interest and moved out. As a result, Lopez allegedly took Arroyo’s phone and car keys. Meanwhile, Lopez continued to send threatening messages and even approached her and her new partner, allegedly saying “Oh, I see you’re happy with your new love”.

The prosecution also referenced Lopez’s Facebook page showing his profile picture was changed after the breakup with a quote that said, “I love you, but if you fail me, all of these are for you”. The quote was surrounded by bullets and two firearms.

According to the prosecution, on December 18, 2014, Lopez messaged Arroyo that she would die soon, and that he had “four bullets just for her”.

Six days later, Lopez allegedly shot Arroyo to death.

Two nearby officers reported seeing a Latino male wearing a red shirt, blue jacket, and light pants fleeing the scene. One of the officers chased the man, but did not manage to catch him.

During their opening, Lopez’s defense attorney, Justin Okezie, said every criminal defendant is innocent until proven guilty and the jury will hear “very little about the day of the shooting,” and an abundance of information about before the actual crime.

Okezie also stated that “Neither of them were perfect,” in reference to the relationship between Lopez and Arroyo, and that this is not proof of guilt.

The prosecution then called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who testified that he responded to the scene of the crime on the evening of the murder.

The detective explained that he had heard gunshots while in the area and found Arroyo lying on the ground covered in blood.

The trial is slated to continue Nov. 1.

2023 Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

On Nov. 1, a non-fatal shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond.

Brandon Sparrow, 31, 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 at a 7-Eleven. The incident occurred on Sept. 3 on the 3900 block of MLK Jr Avenue, SW. One person suffered from a non-fatal gunshot wound.

Sparrow is also charged in another case with unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction. That incident occurred on Sept. 22 on the 4600 block of South Capitol Street, SE. Officers were alerted to one gunshot in the area and while canvassing the scene, noticed Sparrow allegedly trying to conceal a firearm in his pants. According to court documents, no one was shot.

During their investigation, officers were able to identify him as the named suspect in the 7-Eleven shooting.

Sparrow waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Sparrow’s defense attorney, Lauren Morehouse, asked that he be released, stating he had extensive family in the area to support him and a residence to return to.

Judge Raymond denied his release, stating there was “clear and convincing evidence” that the community’s safety would not be ensured if Sparrow was released.
Parties are expected to reconvene Nov. 14 for a felony status conference with DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Preliminary Hearing Continued as Parties Negotiate Plea Deal in Non-Fatal Shooting

On Nov. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond granted a defendant’s request for a continuance of a preliminary hearing so the parties could negotiate a plea deal.

Malique Outland, 18, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Aug. 16 on the 200 block of 37th place, SE. One person sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Outland’s defense attorney, Gregg Baron, requested the preliminary hearing be continued to another date, stating that the parties were negotiating a plea deal and needed more time.

Parties are expected to reconvene Nov. 27 for the preliminary hearing.

Case Acquitted: Witness Testified that Victim had ‘Threatened to Fight’ Defendant in Homicide Trial

This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

On Oct. 31, witnesses recounted events surrounding 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 fatal shooting of 26-year-old Kayvon Kinney near an apartment complex on the 1800 block of Gainesville Street, SE, on May 24, 2020.

Prosecutors called Austin’s girlfriend, who testified that she was with Austin, her mother, Kinney, and Kinney’s girlfriend “hanging-out” and “drinking and smoking” on their apartment porch when an “argument” started between Kinney’s and his girlfriend.

According to Austin’s girlfriend, he was trying to “get everyone to chill”, but Kinney started to argue with him. While she testified Kinney did not physically assault anyone, he was “threatening to fight” Austin.

The witness, who still maintains a close relationship with Austin, said “everything had died down” when she returned to her apartment.

The prosecution called another eyewitness from the apartment complex who said he went outside to get a cigarette from his car when he heard a “commotion” and two men walking towards the scene. He described the men as being both “African American” with one wearing “a mask below his chin” and the other with a “short-fade” haircut. The witness heard shots and rushed back to his apartment to check on his children.

Jason Tulley, Austin’s attorney, finished questioning an eyewitness who saw the shooting from her apartment window. During cross-examination, the witness said there was a third person at the scene around the time of the shooting but was unable to provide further details.

The witness’ testimony will continue Nov. 1.

Document: Southeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead, Another Injured

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that left one man dead and another injured on Oct. 30 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.

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.

Document: Man Killed in Southeast DC

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. When they arrived, they located adult male human remains inside a trash can.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and determined the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds and ruled the manner of death a homicide.

The victim’s identity is unknown.

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.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide in Southwest DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch announced a man has been arrested in connection to a homicide that occurred on July 30 on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a suicide, where they located a woman suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where, after all life-saving efforts failed, she succumbed to her injuries. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) ruled her death a homicide.

The victim was identified as 31-year-old Tyshida Williams.

On Oct. 30, MPD arrested and charged 32-year-old Pernell Sims with second-degree murder while armed.

Sentencing Delayed Twice for Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

On Nov. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian pushed back sentencing for a non-fatal shooting defendant for the second time due to a delay in receiving a key document called the Youth Rehabilitation Act Study (YRA).

Ryan Parker, 24, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his involvement in a shooting on March 6 on the 3900 block of Minnesota AVE, NE, that left one individual suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, ShotSpotter alerted to consistent sounds of gunfire in the area of the shooting. The ShotSpotter system is a software company that assists in locating gunfire throughout the District.

MPD then located the victim, who had walked to the DC Public Library on the 3900 block of Benning Road, NE, with gunshot wounds to the right thigh and right hand.

On Aug. 8, Parker accepted a plea deal for aggravated assault while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in exchange for the dismissal of the possession charge.

Defense counsel for Parker, John Machado, spoke of his frustration about the delay in obtaining the YRA Study, an assessment that provides more information about young adult defendants and recommends sentencing guidelines.

Judge Christian ruled to continue the sentencing until the YRA is obtained and reviewed.

Parties are expected to return on Dec. 13.

Case Acquitted: Eyewitnesses Testify They Saw the Shooter During a Homicide Trial

This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

On Oct. 30, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein and a trial jury heard two eyewitnesses and one firearms expert testify in a homicide trial.

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 fatal shooting of 26-year-old Kayvon Kinney on the 1800 block of Gainesville Street, SE, on May 24, 2020.

During the hearing the prosecution asked an eyewitness to describe in detail what he saw the day of the incident out his bedroom window. According to the witness he saw the shooter wearing a white T-shirt, jean shorts, and had a short fade hairstyle. The witness also stated that he watched the shooter running behind apartment buildings while carrying a gun, which prompted the witness to call the police.

An earlier witness described the suspect as a “young Black man in his 20’s,” wearing black jeans and a shirt, with something unidentifiable in his hand and sprinting frantically to a car.

Prosecutors called another eyewitness, who testified that she heard one gunshot then saw the shooter fire four shots at Kinney from her apartment window while he was lying on the ground.

Following the eyewitness’ testimony, the prosecution called a firearm expert who said all the shell-casings recovered from the crime scene came from the same firearm, and six of the seven bullets found at the scene were from the same semi-automatic weapon.

Due to time constraints, the witness was unable to finish her testimony.

The eyewitness’s testimony will continue Oct. 31.

Parties Give Opening Statements in 2023 Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

On Oct. 31, parties gave opening statements 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 and serious injuries after an apparent altercation in an apartment building.

In their opening, prosecutors showed body camera footage from one of the first responders to the scene. The video showed the victim curled up bleeding profusely in a stairwell. He had been shot in the leg and his head was severely beaten, with cuts and bruises on his forehead and face.

Prosecutors alleged that Chandler and the victim had an argument earlier that day while they were hanging out at a mutual friend’s apartment. The victim kicked Chandler out of the apartment and, according to prosecutors, Chandler returned to the apartment later that day with her son Donnell Tucker, 27, to “seek out [the victim] to get revenge”.

Judge O’Keefe granted a motion earlier to sever Tucker’s case because Chandler

Prosecutors claimed Tucker shot the victim while Chandler beat him. They called it a “retaliatory assault”.

According to the prosecution there are two witnesses, including the victim, who will testify that Chandler and Tucker committed the crime.

In response, defense attorney Thomas Healey said, “Something terrible did happen,” but added, “Chandler did not do this–she’s innocent”.

According to Healey, the evidence does not line up “Listen hard to the facts, try to connect them,” he told the jury.

The defense argued that there is no clear and convincing evidence that Chandler committed the crime.

After opening statements, prosecutors called one of the first responders, a Metropolitan Police Department(MPD) officer, for testimony.

According to the officer, when she arrived on the scene, she found the badly injured victim and tried to ask him questions but he was in severe pain. In body camera footage the victim can be heard yelling in agony.

During cross examination, the officer stated she did not see a shooter or a weapon at the scene.

Parties will reconvene Nov. 1.

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