Document: MPD Internal Affairs Investigating US Park Police Officer-Involved Shooting

Agents from the Force Investigation Team of the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Internal Affairs Bureau are investigating a US Park Police officer-involved shooting that left an officer injured and a suspect dead on Nov. 22 on the 1100 block of M Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, the U.S. Park Police officer and an individual exchanged gunfire at the location. Both the officer and the individual were shot and transported to local hospitals. The officer is listed in stable condition and is recovering from multiple gunshot wounds. The individual was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The individual was identified as 30-year-old Turell Delonte Campbell.

Campbell’s firearm was recovered on the scene. The shooting remains under investigation, and MPD requests that anyone with information about the case call the police.

Case Acquitted: Victim Testifies About Her Injuries in Non-Fatal Shooting Trial, ‘I Felt a Sting’

This case was acquitted on Dec. 1, 2023.

On Nov. 20, the trial of non-fatal shooting defendant Saphire Johnson resumed in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Johnson, 24, is charged with aggravated assault while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon, among other charges, for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 28 at the 4000 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

The shooting occurred outside of Johnson’s grandmother’s church funeral after a dispute between family members. Two people, including Johnson, sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

The prosecution continued to question an individual who described her relationship with Johnson as “like a cousin”. They began by questioning her about the moments leading up to the shooting, when Johnson was allegedly attacked by three men. The witness is the mother of one of the men.

According to court documents, during the confrontation, Johnson allegedly saw two of the men reaching for a gun. Upon seeing this, she fired at the men and accidentally struck a bystander in the face.

The witness claimed she saw Johnson shoot at her son after the confrontation without striking him. However, the defense claims she was not aiming at the son, but her attackers. She also testified that the only person she saw with a gun was Johnson, but was unsure if her son or husband was carrying a weapon.

“It was just so much. It was just so much going on. It was so much, that’s all I can say,” the witness said when asked to describe the scene during the shooting.

During cross examination, the witness said she had tried to intervene in a dispute that occurred before the shooting. Allegedly, one of the men had been threatening to slap their minor child when Johnson interrupted. Then another man allegedly punched her in the back of the head, and she began to run away. The witness could no longer see what was happening at that point.

Defense attorneys Varsha Govindaraju and Christen Phillips claim that Johnson only fired the gun when she was chased by a man appearing to reach for a gun.

The next witness was the victim who had been unintentionally shot, according to Johnson. The witness is the girlfriend of one of the individuals allegedly involved in an altercation with Johnson prior to the shooting.

According to the witness, she heard the beginning of the confrontation in the parking lot but nothing else until she was shot.

“I felt a sting. I felt a lot–it felt like water. Like a faucet. I fell to the ground,” the witness said, describing the moment she was shot. When she looked up she saw Johnson holding her arms out as if she was holding a gun. Since the incident, the witness has not been able to return to her job as a 911 dispatcher, citing injuries to her jaw.

The witness claims she did not hear her boyfriend or Johnson make any threats. She also said that she did not see him reach for a gun like Johnson claims.

The trial will resume in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Nov. 21.

Document: Suspect Sought in a Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a shooting that occurred on Nov. 9 on the 300 block of Delafield Place, NW.

According to MPD documents, the suspect and vehicle became involved in an altercation. The suspect then shot the victim, who was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect’s image is attached.

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

Juvenile in Deadly Carjacking Conditionally Released

On Nov. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld released a juvenile suspect to stay at home based on recommendations from officials at a psychiatric hospital where the boy has been detained.

The juvenile is charged in connection to a carjacking that ended in the death of 13-year-old Vernard Toney Jr., on Oct. 28, on the 600 block of D Street, NW.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) press release, the two juveniles were allegedly attempting to carjack an off-duty security officer. The officer was carrying a legally owned firearm, and shot Toney Jr. The defendant is alleged to have fled the scene.

During a Nov. 8 hearing, following a mental evaluation, the defendant was ordered to be detained at a psychiatric facility for 21 days, in custody of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), to undergo therapy and mental tests.

On Nov. 20, a representative from the psychiatric facility told Judge Hertzfeld the juvenile is “doing well”, has not behaved aggressively, and is taking his medications. However, he is having nightmares and difficulty sleeping.

Still, the facility recommended he be sent home with continued therapy and medications.

The juvenile’s defense attorney requested he be sent home to his mother under 24-hour curfew and GPS monitoring and continue going to school.

According to the defense attorney, his mother is committed to ensuring the juvenile continues in compliance with court requirements, and his school is ready to have him back on campus.

Even so, a representative from Social Services said the boy should be detained under DYRS’ custody once the 21-day psychiatric assessment is done.

Prosecutors stated they do not object to releasing him to his home, stating it would be better than a shelter.

Judge Hertzfeld decided to conditionally release the defendant, under a 24-hour curfew with GPS monitoring, along with continued therapy and medications.

According to Judge Hertzfeld, the 24-hour curfew means the juvenile can “go to school, appointments, and home,” and may only be in other places if he’s with his mother. He’s also required to stay out of cars without his mother or the permission of the owner of the vehicle.

Parties will reconvene Nov. 28.

Judge Deems Homicide Defendant Competent

On Nov. 21, following an evaluation and report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt deemed a homicide defendant competent to proceed with his case.

Terry Thompson, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 64-year-old Christopher Callahan on May 15 on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

On Oct. 31, a DBH doctor authored a report which found that, following evaluations for Thompson, he was found competent.

Pierce Suen, Thompson’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Brandt they are not planning to contest the findings, and are prepared to set new dates in the matter.

Although Thompson is competent, Suen requested he continue to be detained at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, arguing they should prioritize his continued competency as the matter proceeds.

Judge Brandt agreed, and ordered Thompson continue to be held at St. Elizabeth’s.

Parties are expected back Jan. 24, 2024 for a preliminary hearing.

Suspect Accused in Beating, Shooting Death of Domestic Partner, a Special Police Officer

Pernell Sims, 33, appeared before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Nov. 21 in a case he called, “The most serious crime you could ever commit.”

Sims is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the death of Tyshida Williams, 31, on July 30 on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SW. Responding officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) found Williams dead from a gunshot to the head and Sims behaving hysterically.

Police also noted blood on the hallway outside of the couple’s apartment, bloody clothing and a trail of blood leading out of a bedroom. Inside the bedroom, according to the police report, there was “a large pool of coagulated blood” and a Glock handgun on top of the bed next to a bloody pillow.

Reviewing surveillance footage of the apartment garage the morning of the crime, police say Sims “grabs [Williams] by the hair and tosses her to the ground…then kicks [Williams] with his left leg in what appears to be the stomach/upper chest area.”

At issue apparently was information on Williams’ cell phone and she and Sims are observed struggling over the device. Police say at no time during the assault did Williams, a special police officer who owned a handgun, fight back.

According to a witness, the couple had been in a failed romantic relationship but had briefly reconciled before the July 30 argument.

During the hearing, a family member of the victim detailed what she says was Sims’ “tormenting them on the internet” and falsely saying that Williams committed suicide. The family described Sims as having a “hot temper” and they’re worried he knows a lot about them.

In Sims’ account, Williams had a gun and when Sims tried to grab it she snatched it back.

Arguing against Sims release, the prosecutor described a fugue of violence Sims wreaked on Williams for ninety minutes. “He slammed her to the ground, kicked her and took her cell phone…all about her sleeping with another man.” The prosecutor described the crime as “incredibly egregious.”

The prosecutor also noted four other incidents in which Sims was allegedly involved in domestic violence and he illegally possessed a firearm and four ammunition magazines. He is further accused of harassing a witness in the Williams’ case. A review of DC court records shows Sims has been a defendant in numerous domestic violence prosecutions dating back to 2013.

Sims’ defense attorney Quo Mieko Judkins pointed out he had been released for three months and hadn’t harassed Williams’ family.

Judge Epstein called Sims’ criminal history “extremely troubling” and offered his condolences to the Williams’ family for their loss.

The judge also noted that witnesses in the case felt they were “at mortal risk” and ordered Sims be held because there was no “rebuttable presumption” that he wouldn’t be a threat to the community.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Document: Man Succumbs to Injuries after Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 20 on the 4600 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male on the sidewalk, suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital.

The victim was identified as 29-year-old Gary Lavon Love III.

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 Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 20 on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 35-year-old Rodney Snead.

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 Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 19 on the 2300 block of Good Hope Court, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious person inside of an apartment building. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 18-year-old Treyvon Wilson.

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.

Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing and Accepts Plea Agreement

On Nov. 20, a defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing and accepted a plea agreement in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Javier Reyes-Lopez, 34, was charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault on a police officer while armed, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Aug. 17, on the 7400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were dispatched to the scene due to reports of a domestic violence involving a man with a gun. The suspect proceeded to fire shots at the officers and one fired back, injuring Lopez. No officers were injured during the incident.

On Nov. 20, Lopez decided to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

Lopez accepted the prosecution’s offer to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, assault on a law enforcement officer, and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In return, prosecution will dismiss any greater and lesser included charges and will dismiss a 2019 misdemeanor case.

In the 2019 case, Lopez was charged with simple assault and possession of a controlled substance.

Parties will reconvene Feb. 9 for Lopez’s sentencing.

Judge Orders Homicide Defendant’s Transfer to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital

On Nov. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered a homicide defendant transferred from DC Jail to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital to begin mental health treatment and determine if he’s competent to stand trial.

Charles Lee, 29, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the murder of 65-year-old David Dowdell that occurred on March 9, 2022, on the 1100 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Lee’s defense counsel, Laura Rose asked for the treating psychologist to be different than the evaluator for the restoration determine because currently the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) sets the same person to carry out both functions. Rose said this is a potential conflict of interest since information gained in therapy might be significant in determining mental competency.

The prosecution said they need more time to review the proposed order but they believe Lee needs competency restoration.

Defense counsel suggested the court order the defendant’s transfer to St. Elizabeth Hospital to begin some kind of treatment but wait on restoration efforts until the terms have been looked over by the prosecution and both parties are able to make a decision.

Judge Raffinan agreed with the suggestion and ordered that Lee be transferred but may only participate in treatment that is not classified as competency restoration until parties agree on terms.

Parties are set to return Dec. 12 for a status hearing to finalize the terms of the competency restoration.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

On Nov. 20, non-fatal shooting defendant Delonte Sherod accepted a pre-indictment plea deal.

Sherod, 35, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a domestic dispute that occurred on Sept. 22 at the 200 block of Longfellow Street, NW.

According to court documents, Sherod and the victim were in a confrontation about personal space when the victim left to go to his car. Sherod then shot at the car. There were no injuries to any persons.

Prosecutors offered Sherod a pre-indictment plea deal, meaning that they will not be able to upgrade the charges or add more. The plea deal required him to plead guilty to one count of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Prosecutors did not make a sentencing guideline request, but did request that the sentences run concurrently. Sherod must also register as a gun offender.
Sentencing will happen in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 16, 2024.

Homicide Defendant Sentenced to Eight Years for Fatal Car Crash

On Nov. 17, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a homicide defendant to eight years in connection to a fatal car crash.

Reginald Roland Johnson, 31, was originally charged with second-degree murder for allegedly striking and killing 24-year-old Carlos Christian, and severely injuring Christian’s fiancée with his vehicle on Jan. 15, at the intersection of 15th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

On June 30, Johnson accepted an agreement that required him to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter and assault with a dangerous weapon. As a result, his second-degree murder charge was dropped and prosecution agreed to not request his detention pending sentencing.

Some forty family members and friends of Christian’s attended the sentencing, wearing pins with his face on them and providing their victim impact statements.

A friend stated, “The void left by Carlos’ presence is palpable and painful”.

During their impact statements, the parents of Christian’s fiancée remarked on the loving relationship between the pair. They had known each other since they were kids and started dating in high school, before eventually moving to DC together to complete their master’s degrees.

The parents stated, “If such actions are not condemned by the full weight of the law, there’s no way that anyone can feel safe”.

Christian’s fiancée also addressed the court, remarking on the amount of physical and emotional pain she had been in since the incident. She stated, “It took over six months for me to muster the courage to drive again”.

She also expressed the grief of losing the love of her life, stating “He was the perfect match for my heart and soul. I will have to miss Carlos for the rest of my life”.

Prosecution stated Johnson was in a bar drinking for nearly five hours before getting into his vehicle to drive to another bar.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Derrick Hamlin, rebutted that Johnson was sorrowful about his actions. He argued Johnson had never been incarcerated and any amount of jail time would be an immense burden.

Hamlin reflected on Johnson’s being the CEO of his own construction company, and his involvement in numerous community service activities including educating youth and serving meals. Hamlin stated, “He never plans to drink again”.

Johnson’s fiancée expressed her condolences to the family and asked the judge to consider his background prior to the incident. She stated, “The actions of his on Jan. 15 are in no way an indication of who he is”.

Johnson said, “If I could trade places with [the victim], I would”. He said he would be committed to starting a nonprofit against drunk driving and was attending AA meetings. “I have a lot of people I need to make amends to for my destructive actions”.

Judge Okun prefaced his sentencing by stating, “This is just a sad day. I feel as if you all suffered”. He took into consideration Johnson’s background and the seriousness of the case, remarking on how he did not believe the minimum or maximum sentence would fit.

Johnson was sentenced to five years for involuntary manslaughter and three years for assault with a dangerous weapon, with the sentences running consecutively to each other.

In total, Johnson will serve eight years in prison. He was also sentenced to three years of probation for each charge, which will run concurrently. Judge Okun required him to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Act (VVCCA), get mental health treatment, attend alcohol and traffic safety programs, and a victim impact panel. He was also ordered to not drive in DC and not get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or narcotics.

Before Johnson was taken away, Judge Okun stated “You’re going to have a lot of your life ahead of you”.

Judge Grants Shooting Defendant’s Motion for New Counsel, Preliminary Hearing Continued

On Nov. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover granted a defendant’s request for new counsel.

Diamond Early, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on July 31, on the 4000 block of Kansas Avenue, NW. One person suffered from a non-fatal gunshot wound to the right leg.

During a preliminary hearing, Early’s defense attorney, Donna Beasley, asked for a continuance of the hearing due to Early’s request for a new counsel.

The judge granted Early’s request, and no reason was provided why Early wanted a new counsel.

Parties will reconvene Nov. 28 for an ascertainment of counsel and a preliminary hearing.

Three Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty At Arraignment

On Nov. 17, three co-defendants were arraigned on multiple charges and pleaded not guilty in a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Demonte Gibson, 25, Tre’quan Nelson, 23, and Asani Forte, 26, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the murder of 34-year-old Delonte King that occurred on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW.

Through counsel, all three defendants pleaded not guilty and asserted their constitutional rights, emphasizing the right to a speedy trial.

Forte was originally charged with accessory after the fact and has been out on release. However, in light of the new charges, the prosecution stated that they intend to file a motion to modify Forte’s release.

A status hearing is set for Nov. 22 to discuss Forte’s modified bond.

Gibson and Nelson remain detained and are set to return to court on March 8 for a status hearing.

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