Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

On Feb.13, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea offer extended by the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Anthony Calvin, 52, was originally charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, endangerment with a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license, among other charges, for his involvement in a shooting incident that occurred in an alleyway on Nov. 9, 2023, on the unit block of Quincy Place, NW. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, on the day of the incident, camera footage provided to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) by a witness shows Calvin allegedly walking into an alleyway at the location and firing a round from what appeared to be a handgun.

The witness told police that they were inside their residence when they heard a gunshot and they saw Calvin outside their window holding a silver firearm.

According to court documents, as MPD was processing the scene, Calvin walked out of his residence and was stopped by responding officers because he resembled the individual captured in surveillance footage. When stopped, Calvin told officers he didn’t hurt anyone, but that he had shot a fake gun.

The plea agreement required him to plead guilty to one count of endangerment with a firearm, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Calvin will be sentenced based on the sentencing guidelines and his criminal history score.

Sentencing is set for April 25.

More Witnesses Called in Homicide Case

On Feb.12, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe presided over the testimony of five additional witnesses, each shedding light on their expertise and involvement in a fatal shooting case.

Terrell Poe, 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old victim, Christopher Washington, on September 23, 2020, on the 400 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

Prosecutors called four witnesses, beginning the proceeding with a DNA analyst to verify the results of DNA swabs taken from a truck suspected to be involved in the shooting.

The analyst testified that most of the evidence was inconclusive, but a phone found in the truck had two distinct DNA profiles on it, adding that one match was unidentified, and one was an almost certain match for Poe.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Marnitta King probed the analyst regarding the last person to handle the phone. The analyst admitted the impossibility of definitively determining whether Poe or the unidentified DNA profile had last possessed the device.

The next witness called by prosecutors was an investigator for the DC Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), who testified collecting DNA evidence from the interior of the truck, confirming the presence of DNA.

The prosecution then called the Chief Deputy Examiner from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office (OCME), who had performed an autopsy on Washington in 2020.

The witness testified that Washington had been shot four times to the chest, buttocks, wrist and left foot. The prosecution showed the jury pictures from the autopsy, a diagram of the injuries, and a sheet that listed projectile fragments recovered from Washington’s body.

The witness testified that the multiple gunshot wounds that he sustained caused his death.

Following the examiner’s testimony, prosecutors proceeded to call an officer of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

The officer pulled Poe over for his alleged involvement in the shooting.

The prosecution presented the officer’s body camera footage, showing Poe getting out of a white truck that matched the description of the suspected white truck involved in the shooting. After he was identified, Poe was arrested and taken into the precinct for questioning.

On cross examination, King presented the officer with a photo from the body camera footage and asked him to testify to Poe’s height and weight, and if it was accurate to Poe’s current appearance. The officer testified that it appeared the defendant had lost weight in the four years since his arrest.

On redirect, prosecutors were quick to clarify that the body camera footage had a fish-eye lens. The officer agreed and testified that the round lens tends to distort the footage, creating an image that is slightly inconsistent with the actual view.

Following the officer’s testimony, the prosecution rested their case.

The defense then called their first and only witness, a former lead detective on the case. He testified to receiving information about Poe allegedly standing outside a witness’ house a few days after the shooting.

King emphasized the absence of this information in the detective’s reports, casting doubt on the coherence of his testimony. King argued that the detective had meticulously documented all conversations with witnesses and fellow officers during that period but had inexplicably omitted this particular piece of information.

“None of the notes that you turned over, or in the 140 pages from your report, states that you received this information,” King asserted.

Following the detective’s testimony, the defense rested their case.

Parties are slated to return Feb. 13 for their closing arguments.

Case Acquitted: Trial Over a Bathroom Brawl That Turned Into a Non-Fatal Shooting Begins

Jose Zuniga was acquitted of all charges on Feb. 15, 2024.

Opening statements as well as victim testimony were delivered on Feb.12 in a non-fatal shooting case. Proceedings began in DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz’s courtroom.

Jose Zuniga, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and simple assault for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW on Nov. 11, 2023.

The attack took place in the bathroom of a homeless shelter, where Zuniga allegedly discharged a firearm and threw a power tool at the victim after Zuniga was refused access to the bathroom. The victim was uninjured.

During their opening statements, the prosecution stated they believe Zuniga “took a minor inconvenience and blew it way out of proportion,” adding that they intend to use body camera footage, surveillance footage, photos, and witness testimony to prove Zuniga’s involvement in the shooting beyond a reasonable doubt.

In response, Zuniga’s defense attorney, Joseph Molina, presented an “alternative version of events,” stating the victim and his brother “ordered” Zuniga out of the bathroom. Molina does not deny that the altercation between Zuniga, his associates, and the victim was “one step short of a brawl”.

However, the defense holds that “confusion over the identities” has caused the victim to falsely accuse Zuniga of being the one to discharge the firearm. Molina is asking the jury to acquit on any charges having to do with the firearm.

Following the opening statements, the prosecution called an officer of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who was the first to interview the victim following the shooting.

Body camera footage of the interview reveals the victim identifying Zuniga by photo from a binder of the homeless shelter residents. The victim also mentions a scar on the shooter’s face in the video.

During cross examination, Molina pointed out that the victim claimed that 15 men were involved in the incident in the video. Molina argued that the MPD officer had not asked the victim for a description of the shooter, and had instead given them a binder with “at least 100 photos” in it.

The officer concerned himself with the shooter rather than any of the possible assailants.

When asked about the description of the shooter given by the victim, the officer stated he heard from other officers that the victim stated the shooter was wearing a black coat.

Following the officer’s testimony, the prosecution called on the victim.

According to the victim, Zuniga was aggressive during the altercation and was the one to pull the trigger.

During his testimony, the victim claimed Zuniga, who he identified as the shooter, was wearing a “long zip-up…white… with cartoons on it,” which seemingly contradicts what the officer claimed.

Due to time constraints, the victim was unable to conclude their testimony.

Trial will resume Feb. 13.

Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On Feb 13, a defendant rejected a plea offer made by the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Anthony Coleman, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on Dec. 7, 2022, on the 100 block of Galveston Place, SW.

According to court documents, one individual sustained multiple gunshot injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, the prosecution put on the record that they had offered a plea deal to Coleman, which required him to plead guilty to one count of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Coleman declined the plea offer, and requested a trial date be set.

Parties are slated to return March 15 for a status hearing.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

On Feb. 13, a homicide defendant entered into plea agreement before DC Superior Court Marisa Demeo.

Latasha Gray, 36, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm during an intra-family offense, for her involvement in the fatal shooting of 40-year-old Anthony Thomas. The incident occurred on March 17, 2023, on the 4200 block of 7th Street, SE.

During the hearing, Gray’s defense attorney, Joseph Yarbough, alerted the court that Gray had come to an agreement with the prosecution.

The plea agreement requires that Gray plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges. This deal also limits the sentencing range to seven-and-a-half-to-ten- years of incarceration and five years of supervised release.

Gray verified that she read and signed each of the documents in the plea agreement and was not coerced or threatened into doing so.

The prosecution said that, had the case gone to trial, the evidence would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Gray was the perpetrator in the shooting of Thomas and was not acting in self defense.

Judge Demeo ensured that Gray still wished to proceed and then accepted the plea agreement.

Parties will return to court on May 8 for sentencing.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide Case

On Feb. 9, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein ruled that there was probable cause in a homicide case.

Reginald Jones, 66, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of his romantic partner, Regina Morris, 52. The incident occurred on May 28, 2023, at the unit block of Potomac Avenue, SE. Morris succumbed to her injuries May 29, 2023.

According to court documents, Morris’ body was found in the apartment she shared with Jones, with a significant amount of stab wounds to the face, head, back, arms, and hands.

Jones turned himself in on June 8 to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) where he was then arrested, according to court documents.

During the hearing, the prosecution introduced the lead detective for the case, who testified about Jones’ alleged involvement in the stabbing.

During his testimony, the detective formally adopted court documents that provide the series of events of the incident and another set of court documents that discuss a mobile app used in the investigation.

Latch is a smart lock app that takes photos of residents whenever they unlock a door. According to the detective, Latch captured an individual, identified as Jones, accessing the elevator and the garage of the building in which Morris’ body was found. There were no other individuals who were allegedly able to access the apartment except Morris and Jones.

Jones’ defense attorney, Madalyn Harvey, believed that the Judge should take into consideration Jones’ age, health issues, and the fact that he turned himself in to make the decision on whether he should be placed in home confinement.

The prosecution argued that an individual who allegedly committed a crime so brutal and savage should stay incarcerated. Judge Epstein agreed and claimed that no accommodation can protect the community from Jones.

Judge Epstein stated that the evidence provided by the prosecution was more than sufficient to find probable cause.

Parties are set to return on May 17 for a felony status conference.

Document: MPD Seeking Vehicle in Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect vehicle involved in a homicide that occurred on the 3200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on Feb. 6.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a traffic collision. Upon arrival, they discovered a man with gunshot wound injuries inside of a vehicle. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 48-year-old Rufus Brown.

The suspect vehicle was captured by surveillance cameras.

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: Decedent Identified MPD Investigates a Hit and Run Traffic Fatality Involving a Scooter

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a hit and run traffic crash that resulted in the death of a man on Feb. 9 on the Whitney Young Memorial Bridge.

According to MPD documents, a vehicle and a scooter were traveling westbound on the bridge in the center lane, when the vehicle struck the back of the scooter, which was occupied by two men.

Both men were thrown from the scooter and were ejected onto the roadway. While on the roadway, the passenger of the scooter was struck by a second vehicle and died at the scene. The driver of the scooter was taken to a local hospital for the treatment of critical injuries.

Both striking vehicles fled the scene without rendering aid or identifying themselves.

The victim that died was identified as 26-year-old Diego Rodriguez-Flores.

Anyone who has knowledge of the incident should call police.

Document: MPD Investigating a Homicide in Northwest DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 12 on the 900 block of Shepherd Street, NW.

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 died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 32-year-old Jeremy Dewayne Johnson.

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 Extradites and Charges Teenager for December Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the extradition of a juvenile suspect wanted for a homicide that occurred on Dec. 18, 2023, on the 5400 block of Illinois Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers were at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Kennedy Street, NW, when they heard gunshots. They responded to the location, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. A private vehicle took the victim to the hospital, where he died.

The victim was identified as 27-year-old Jihad Darden.

On Feb. 7, pursuant to a DC Superior Court custody order, a 15-year-old juvenile male was arrested in Bowie, MD.

He went through the extradition process and was returned to the District. On Feb. 12, he was taken to the Homicide Branch, where he was charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Document: MPD Seeks a Suspect Involved in a Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a man involved in a shooting that occurred on Feb. 7 on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect was captured by surveillance camera.

Document: MPD Arrests a Man for Armed Offenses

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made, and additional suspects are sought, in connection to multiple armed offenses that occurred in the Sixth and Seventh Districts.

According to MPD documents, on Jan. 9, at the 3600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, the suspects approached the victim in the hallway of an apartment building. They displayed a firearm, and took the victim’s property, including their vehicle keys. The suspects fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle. The vehicle has been recovered.

On Jan. 10, the carjacking victims were at the 4100 block of Hunt Place, NE, when the suspects approached them. One of the suspects brandished a handgun, demanded the keys, and ordered them out of the vehicle. The victims complied and the suspects fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle. The vehicle has been recovered.

On Jan. 20, a victim was shot on the 3400 block of 13th Street, SE. After the shooting, the suspects fled the scene in a vehicle. The victim sought treatment at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

On Feb. 10, MPD arrested and charged 26-year-old Deangelo Wooten with armed carjacking, armed robbery, theft one for a stolen auto. The case remains under investigation.

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.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Waives DNA Testing Rights

On Feb. 12, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan accepted a shooting defendant’s waiver to DNA test evidence recovered at the crime scene.

Marcedes Edmunds, 37, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a shotgun or rifle outside a home or business, destruction of property worth $1,000 or more, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on the 4000 block of Haynes Street, NE, on May 1, 2019. One individual sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.

During the hearing, the prosecutor alerted the court that they had multiple pieces of evidence from the crime scene that were believed to contain biological material. None of the evidence mentioned had been tested by the prosecution.

Edmunds’ defense attorney, Mark Rollins, alerted the court that his client had agreed to waive his rights to DNA testing.

Parties are expected to reconvene for trial readiness on Apr. 12.

Document: MPD Makes an Arrest in a Homicide in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a fatal tabbing that occurred on Feb. 10 at the 1600 block of 6th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers were flagged down at the intersection of North Capitol Street and P Streets, NW, by a woman, who reported she had stabbed a man inside of a residence at the 1600 block of 6th Street, NW. Officers responded to the residence and located a male stabbing victim. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

On Feb. 10, 32-year-old Brittany Gaylor was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill (knife).

On Feb. 11, the victim succumbed to his injuries. He was identified as 70-year-old James Gaylor.

Brittany is now charged with second-degree murder.

The detectives’ investigation determined the offense was domestic in nature, and the suspect is the daughter of the victim.

Document: MPD Arrests a Man for a Shooting in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that occurred on Feb. 10 on the 1800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect and the victim were inside a home at the location. The suspect brandished a handgun and shot the victim. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was apprehended by responding officers, and a firearm was recovered at the scene.

MPD officers arrested and charged 42-year-old Raymond Robinson with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of an unregistered firearm.

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