Judge Rules on Text Messages in Homicide Case and Grants Severance for Co-Defendant

On Feb. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ruled on defense’s motion to suppress text messages recovered as evidence from a homicide defendant’s phone.

Koran Jackson, 23, Reginald Steele, 24, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 22,, are four of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020 on the 600 block of S Street, NW.

Steele is also charged in connection to a separate incident which left a seven-year-old boy suffering from gunshot wound injuries on March 20, 2020, on the 2400 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

As a result of the prosecution’s moving forward with the motion to use statements made on Steele’s phone as evidence, Steele motioned for his case to be severed from the other defendants. Judge Brandt granted the motion.

Parties read through 50 pages of text message statements made among the four co-defendants, and the court considered which statements would be admitted into evidence.

Judge Brandt granted in-part, and denied in-part select statements that were sourced from Steele’s phone.

Select statements that were denied include the discussion of narcotics or about individuals not directly involved in the trial. The court considered text message conversations as a whole, rather than ruling on individual statements without context.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, raised concern that some terminology found in the granted text statements were confusing to the defense counsel, and may be confusing for the jury such as “Bet” that can be a confirmation or “FR,” which is an acronym for for real.

Prosecution announced their plans to introduce an intelligence officer as a witness so that the court and jury will have a credible source to understand the slang. According to the prosecution, the officer has more than 20 years of experience, and works closely with young people.

The prosecution added that the defense will be able to cross-examine the witness about the terminology as well.

Parties are slated to return Feb. 6 to continue discussing motions.

Shooting Defendant’s Request For Release Denied

On February 6, Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow denied a motion for release of a non-fatal shooting defendant.

Tyequan Taylor, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business for his alleged involvement in an incident on August 22, 2023, on the 500 block of Taylor Street, NW. No injuries were reported.

According to MPD documents, Taylor allegedly assaulted three victims attending a social event after they confronted him. Taylor then walked towards the front of the residence and allegedly shot a firearm, before fleeing the location in a vehicle, which belonged to another victim.

Taylor’s defense attorney, John Machado, requested his client’s release so that he could reside with his girlfriend and her mother until his next court appearance.

Judge Pasichow stated that due to the serious nature of his charges, and his history of firearm-related offenses, it would be dangerous and wouldn’t “bode well” for her to grant him release.

The defense and prosecution both requested for a continuance in the case so they can continue to negotiate a plea offer.

Parties are slated to return on February 22.

Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

On Feb. 2, a homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors in front of D.C. Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Clarence McKnight, 22, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Brandon Lewis on Dec. 1, 2023. The incident occurred on the 900 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE.

During the hearing, McKnight’s defense attorney, Joseph McCoy, stated that McKnight intended to enter into a plea deal with the prosecution.

The agreement required McKnight to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter unarmed and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The parties agreed to a sentencing range of six-to-12 years, with charges running concurrently.

Judge Epstein accepted the plea as McKnight “knowingly and voluntarily” entered into it.

Parties are slated to return Apr. 12 for sentencing.

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

On Feb. 2, D.C. Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein ordered a homicide defendant transferred from DC Jail to St. Elizabeths Hospital to see if he’s mentally fit to stand trial.

Javon Duckwilder, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Juwan Smith that occurred on Oct. 23, 2021, at a BP gas station on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Jesse Winograd, Duckwilder’s defense attorney, presented a report from Duckwilder’s doctor who believes the best course of action is for Duckwilder to go through the competency restoration process at St. Elizabeths before being reassessed to stand trial.

Parties are slated to return Mar. 22.

‘I Died That Day,’ Said Victim’s Mother During Homicide Defendants’ Sentencing

On February 2, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced two co-defendants for their involvement in a homicide.

Ron McLeoud, 30, was originally charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges. Joseph Brown, 33, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges.

The defendants were arrested for their involvement in the deaths of Amari Jenkins, 29, and Antwan Baker, 21. Jenkins was shot on the 4900 block of East Capitol Street, SE, on Aug. 15, 2015. Baker, and a surviving victim, were found suffering from gunshot wound injuries on the 5300 block of Clay Terrace, NE, on Nov. 12, 2015.

On Sept. 18, 2023, McLeoud and Brown accepted plea offers extended by prosecutors.

Brown’s offer required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in connection to Jenkins’ death, and voluntary manslaughter while armed in connection to Baker’s death, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

In the agreement, parties concluded that Brown would serve 25 years in prison with five years of supervised release. Brown is currently serving time for a federal case, the sentencing in this case would be served consecutively.

McLeoud’s offer required him to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed in connection to Jenkins’ death, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Under the agreement, parties concluded McLeoud should be sentenced to serve ten years in prison and five years of supervised release.

Both victims’ families had a hard time accepting the terms of the plea deal, as they stated both defendants deserved “no mercy” and should receive the maximum sentence.

During victim impact statements, Jenkin’s children stood before the court next to Amari’s mother. Through tears, they said, “My dad never shows up to my football and basketball games.”

“This pain… you can’t fix it,” said Amari’s mom, in regards to the pain the defendants have caused their family, adding “I died that day.”

Baker’s mom also stood before the court, saying that everyone always asks, “What’s wrong with your grandkids?” To which she answers, “Their father’s dead, that’s what.”

Following the victim impact statements, Judge Demeo accepted the defendants’ plea agreements.

McLeoud was sentenced to 10 years with five years supervised release.

Brown was sentenced to 180 months for his second-degree murder while armed charge and 120 months for his voluntary manslaughter charge, in addition to five years of supervised release. The sentences will run consecutive to one another and any other sentence he may be serving for unrelated matters.

During the sentencing, Judge Demeo denied the defendants’ request to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) because she did not feel it applied to this case, and deemed them unfit to enjoy its benefits.

Judge Marisa Demeo acknowledged that while there is no justice because nothing she could do in the court of law would “bring the victims back”, there is a sense of peace in “closure” for their families upon sentencing.

Document: MPD Searching for Vehicle Involved in Two Shootings

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the community’s help to identify a vehicle used in two shootings on Feb. 4.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the 1200 block of Howison Place, SW, around 2:26 a. m. for the report of sounds of gunshots, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

A few minutes later, officers responded to the 700 block of 12th Street, SE, for the report of a shooting, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

During the investigation, detectives identified a suspect vehicle used in both shootings. The vehicle, described as a gray four door sedan with tinted windows, was captured by nearby 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 violent crime in the District.

Document: MPD Seeking Person of Interest in Southwest Double Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a person of interest in a shooting that killed a man and a woman on Dec. 21, 2023, on the 1300 block of Half Street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located three men and a woman with gunshot wounds. The woman died at the scene and, after all life-serving efforts failed, one man died at the hospital. The other victims were treated at local hospitals.

The victims were identified as 35-year-old Patricia Harris and 24-year-old Tyrone Jacobs.

A person of interest was captured by nearby 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.

Non-Fatal Shooting Trial Rescheduled Amid Prosecution Issues

On Feb. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno rescheduled the trial date in a non-fatal shooting case due to prosecution issues.

Marquez Beasley, 31, faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 900 Block of Division Avenue, NE on Aug. 16, 2023, resulting in three injuries.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to multiple gunshots after a dispute stemming from a car accident involving Beasley. Allegedly, he shot at two individuals trying to exchange information, with a third victim being a bystander.

Judge Salerno granted a motion to extend the trial date, citing the prosecutor’s health issues. He emphasized that a medical emergency takes precedence over a scheduling conflict, stating, “I am more sympathetic to someone facing a medical emergency than them having to go to trial.”

Defense attorney John Machado raised concerns about DNA and fingerprinting evidence in the case, noting that Beasley hadn’t agreed to proceed with DNA testing. Machado also mentioned a missing order to provide body-worn camera footage.

Given those issues, Judge Salerno questioned the trial preparations.

Given the impending date Judge Salerno announced he would sign a standard protective order to expedite availability of the video, emphasizing the lack of such an order on the record as a primary concern.

The next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 16, with parties set to reconvene on Feb. 26 for the trial.

Data Shows Significant Decrease in Homicide Rate from December 2023 to January 2024

According to D.C. Witness data, there was a 59 percent decrease in homicides in January when compared to numbers from December 2023.

January had nine homicides and 13 non-fatal shootings, with all homicides this month being shooting-related. December 2023 had 22 homicide incidents.

Moreover, January saw the same number of shooting-related homicides as January 2023.

In the early morning hours of the New Year, 18-year-old Ashlei Hinds was shot and killed on the 4300 block of Military Road, NW. She had been attending a New Year’s Eve party at a hotel when a shooter opened fire.

Jelani Cousin, 18, was identified as the suspect. On Jan. 2, he was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed. This incident marked the first homicide of 2024 in Washington DC.

On the morning of Jan. 3, police responded to a call regarding human remains on the 1400 block of Canal Street, SW. According to documents from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), an autopsy revealed that the victim was Harry Keels, 42, who died from a gunshot wound.

Keels had been reported missing on Nov. 6. MPD has yet to arrest anyone in connection to the case.

A crime spree that began on Jan. 29 as a carjacking and shooting led officers pursuing the suspect, Artell Cunningham, 28, into Maryland.

Michael Gill, a 56-year-old ex-Trump official, was in his vehicle on the 900 block of K Street, NW, when Cunningham entered the car and shot him. The suspect fled the scene on foot.

A few hours later, Alberto “AJ” Vasquez, a 35-year-old father of two, was shot and killed after giving Cunningham his car keys on the 300 block of N Street, NE.

Cunningham was later killed in a police shootout in neighboring Prince George’s County after carjacking two more vehicles and firing at two police cruisers. He was believed to be experiencing a mental health crisis at the time.

Gill was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 3.

D.C. Witness data also shows that, as of Feb. 1, at least 13 incidents reported in January do not have named suspects or arrests in connection with their cases.

January 2024’s nine homicides overall, make it the lowest number of homicides in January since 2017.

In Observation Hearing Judge Finds Defendant Needs More Mental Health Treatment

On Feb. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur presided during a mental observation hearing in the case against Jonathan Jones.

Johnathan Jones, 37, is charged with one count of carrying a pistol without a license, one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm, one count of possession of an unregistered firearm, and one count of possession of unregistered ammunition, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident on Feb. 8, 2023, on the 800 block of H Street, NW. No injuries were reported.

After a brief discussion between the parties, Judge Arthur ordered a 60-day period of inpatient competency restoration based on a report, which found Jones in need of further treatment before standing trial.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 12.

Document: MPD Arrests a Teen for Assault with Intent to Murder

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest has been made in reference to a shooting that occurred on Jan. 3 on the 1000 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect shot at the victim at the location. The bullet did not strike the victim, and the suspect fled the scene.

On Feb. 2, as a result of the investigation, a 16-year-old juvenile male of SE DC was arrested. He was charged with assault with intent to murder, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of unregistered ammunition, and receiving stolen property.

Document: MPD Seeks a Vehicle Involved in a Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect vehicle involved in a shooting that occurred on Feb. 4 on the 700 block of 12th 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 gunshot wound injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect vehicle was captured by surveillance footage.

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

Document: MPD Investigating a Homicide in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 4 on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim was identified as 51-year-old David Coe.

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: Second Victim Dies After Man’s Overnight Crime Spree

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that a second shooting victim has died from his injuries in connection to a Jan. 29 crime spree.

On Jan. 29, at the 900 block of K Street, NW, the suspect approached an occupied vehicle while it was parked along the block. The suspect got inside the vehicle and shot the adult male driver, before exiting the vehicle and fleeing the scene on foot. The victim was transported to a local hospital for life-threatening injuries, where he died on Feb. 3.

The victim was identified as 56-year-old Michael Gill, who was an ex-Trump official.

A few hours later, the suspect attempted to carjack an individual driving a vehicle at the intersection of 5th and K Street, NE, but was unsuccessful. The victim fled the scene and called police.

Then, the suspect approached a man and a woman by their car on the 300 block of N Street, NE, and demanded their keys. The suspect then shot the man and fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle. The victim was transported to a hospital, where he died. He was identified as 35-year-old Alberto Vasquez Jr. His vehicle was later recovered in Prince George’s County, MD.

The suspect committed two additional carjackings in PG County. In the early hours of Jan. 30, while driving a carjacked vehicle on I-295 Northbound, the suspect began shooting at a MPD cruiser while it was driving near Exit 1. A round struck the cruiser, but the officer was not injured.

At that time, the suspect drove to the 7500 block of Annapolis Road in PG County, where he had an interaction with members of the New Carrolton Police Department, which led to an officer-involved shooting that killed the suspect.

Shooting Defendants Plead Not Guilty During Arraignment

On Feb. 2, two non-fatal shooting defendants were arraigned before DC Superior court Judge Robert Salerno.

Jonah Harris, 47, and Gerald Jones-Hall, 23, are charged with conspiracy to rob, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, among other charges, after allegedly participating in the shooting and attempted robbery of two victims at the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE, on July 10, 2023.

At the hearing, the prosecution stated that Hall had a prior criminal history of second-degree assault and pointed out that Hall was allegedly the individual who carried a rifle in a bag before the shooting.

At the hearing, Jones-Hall’s defense attorney, Janai Reed, and Harris’ defense attorney, Christen Romero Phillips, alerted the court they were pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserted their constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial and the right to a trial by jury.

Reed argued that Jones-Hall’s GPS monitoring should be removed, stressing that Jones-Hall has been compliant with most of his release requirements.

Prosecutors opposed the request, stating that he was previously convicted of second-degree assault, and is now charged in connection to a shooting that left two individuals suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, insinuating he is a danger to the community.

“I find it hard to believe that he has been fully compliant given that he has been charged with a felony one offense,” Salerno said, referencing their newly upgraded charges through indictment.

Harris’ and Jones-Hall’s cases have been transferred to DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, due to the nature and circumstances of the offense.

Parties are slated to return Feb. 13.