Document: Man Killed in Northwest DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a man that occurred on Oct. 17 on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a man down, where they located a man with trauma. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The victim was identified as 64-year-old Reggie Brown.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and ruled the cause of death to be blunt force trauma and the manner of death a homicide.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in homicides that occur in the District.

Document: Suspect Sought in a Shooting of Off-Duty DC Housing Authority Officer

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a shooting of an off-duty DC Housing Authority Officer that occurred on Oct. 24 on the 2300 block of New York Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, the off-duty officer was driving their personal vehicle to work, when a driver of a silver two door Honda Accord pulled up at a high rate of speed behind him. The officer slowed down and the Accord pulled up alongside, when the off-duty officer motioned for the driver to move on, the driver pointed a handgun at him. As the officer grabbed his handgun, the driver fired at him striking the officer. The officer returned fire, as the Accord fled northbound towards Montana Avenue, NE.

The officer was transported to a local hospital after he arrived at the DC Housing Authority Police Department Headquarters located on the 2000 block of Walt Lincoln Way, NE.

The off-duty officer’s weapon was recovered on the scene.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone that provides informations that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a violent crime committed in the District.

Jury Finds Defendant Guilty in 2020 Non-Fatal Shooting

On Oct. 24, a jury found Vincent James guilty on three felony counts before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

James, 39, was convicted of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, 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 that took place at a liquor store on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SE, on July 30, 2020. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors relied on security camera footage from the liquor store and an adjacent AutoZone where the suspect was seen making a purchase hours before the shooting. They stated that the video clearly portrays James in the area leading up to the shooting.

They used testimony from a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who gathered the footage and corroborating information that put James in that AutoZone making that purchase.

According to the detective, AutoZone transaction records showed James used his rewards card hours before the shooting.

The detective also testified the man in the liquor store parking lot footage, identified as the shooter, had the same clothes on as the man making the AutoZone purchase.

Throughout the trial, Susan Ellis, James’ defense attorney, claimed there was not enough evidence to convict James. She argued no DNA evidence was submitted and no gun was recovered.

“You can’t find him guilty,” insisted Ellis, claiming that the prosecutors had failed to put all the puzzle pieces of the case together.

Despite Ellis’ arguments, the jury believed prosecutors had made their case.

A status hearing is set for Oct. 26 to decide if James will remain on release as he awaits sentencing.

Defense Questions Detective in Hearing for 2020 Homicide Case

On Oct. 24, a hearing for a 2020 fatal shooting continued with the resumption of a detective’s testimony before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Deon Walters, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempt to commit robbery while armed, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the Oct. 1, 2020 death of 42-year-old Arthur Daniels IV. The incident occurred on the 6000 block of 8th Street, NW.

During the proceeding, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective continued his testimony from Oct. 1 about the official report of what happened and who was involved.

According to the report, one witness saw two young boys hanging around the area prior to the incident. The report places the boys’ height at around five-feet-nine-inches.

Defense attorney Sylvia Smith displayed a video clip of the detective interviewing the witness, in which the witness pointed to another detective for reference and said the boys were around six-feet tall.

Smith alleged the detective had not written an accurate description of the witness’ statement. The detective testified another section of the video provided more elaboration, and Smith remarked the prosecutors could argue that later.

Smith maintained at the time of Walters’ arrest, there was no video footage of him involved in the incident, no witnesses brought up his name in relation to the shooting, and detectives had not found any weapons they believed to be involved. The detective agreed.

Smith argued that before his arrest, Walters was not considered a suspect and the arrest warrants failed to mention him as one.

During the redirect, prosecutors displayed a picture of a firearm sent through text message, alleging this could have been the gun used in the shooting.

According to the police report, Daniels was attempting to purchase the pictured handgun from a phone number linked to Walters.

The detective testified this was a possibility, as the gun is a Glock 23, which is a .40 caliber gun. In previous testimony, the detective revealed he had discovered multiple .40 caliber shell casings near the scene.

The detective was not able to complete his testimony due to time constraints.

As a result, outstanding motions will be ruled on at a later time.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 25 for a continuation of the motions hearing.

Defendant Pleads Guilty in Non-Fatal Shooting and Armed Carjacking

On Oct. 25, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park accepted a non-fatal shooting defendant’s guilty plea.

Antwann Carter, 25, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and armed carjacking for his involvement in an incident on the 2700 block of 22nd Street, NE, on July 21, 2019.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Carter attempted to force his way into multiple vehicles, assaulting and shooting victims who confronted him. Two individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries. These offenses occurred while Carter was on release for another case.

Carter agreed to the accusations and voluntarily pled guilty to possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carjacking. Under oath, he waived his right to trial and to request independent DNA testing of evidence.

The prosecution agreed to waive factors that could lead to a harsher sentence, dismiss another case Carter was involved in, and limit sentencing to five years for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and seven years for carjacking. Judge Park suggested the terms will run concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release.

During the hearing, prosecution also discussed the evidence they would have presented had the case gone to trial. They claimed that on July 21, 2019, witnesses saw Carter attempting to break into vehicles outside of a church. Carter allegedly went on to order, then drag, a victim out of their car, shooting another victim in the leg who had stepped in to confront him.

Sentencing in this case is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2024.

Attorney Argues Defendant Was ‘Bullied’ in Preliminary Hearing Held for 2023 Homicide Case

On Oct. 24, evidence in a preliminary hearing for a 2023 homicide defendant was presented to DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Franklin Dorn, 43, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Antonio Brown. The incident, in which the defendant said he’d been bullied, occurred on Aug. 6 on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street.

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who stated he discovered a cartridge casing and a 9mm magazine at the scene.

Prosecutors then displayed surveillance footage of two men allegedly getting into a physical altercation. In the video, Dorn points a gun at an unidentified man, hitting him with it multiple times as he falls to the ground. Brown is pictured standing in close proximity to both men and eventually falls backwards as Dorn, his girlfriend, and the unidentified man flee in “a manner consistent with people running from gunfire.”

According to court documents, Brown died from one gunshot wound to the torso.

The detective made an in-court identification of Dorn as one of the men involved in the altercation.

Although the cause of the altercation is unknown since there was no audio on the footage, the detective testified Dorn’s girlfriend had been inappropriately grabbed by the unidentified man.

During cross examination by defense attorney Kevin McCants, the detective testified Dorn spoke of the other man acting like a “bully” toward him.

In his interview with the MPD, Dorn alleged that there was no magazine in the gun at the time of the shooting. McCants argued the detective couldn’t say whether Dorn took the magazine out of the gun.

In response the prosecution rebutted Dorn’s version as “self-serving” and not believable. “The fact that somebody is a bully does not give someone the right to shoot someone,” said the prosecutor.

The prosecution also highlighted Dorn’s knowledge that the other man had a gun on him, arguing someone wouldn’t brandish an unloaded weapon at someone in possession of a loaded gun.

Referencing the video, the prosecution alleged you can see an object that appears to be a magazine falling from the gun. This would contradict Dorn’s allegation of the magazine falling from his pocket.

On Nov. 2, parties are expected to reconvene to hear Judge Raffinan’s ruling on if there is probable cause.

Case Acquitted: In Opening Statement, Defense Argues There is Little Evidence in a Homicide Trial

This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

On Oct. 24, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein and the jury listened to opening statements from the prosecution and the defense 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 prosecution’s opening statements they said Austin was seen by multiple eyewitnesses, “running away because he killed Kayvon Kinney” and described to jurors Austin’s alleged movements with a map featuring an overhead view of the crime scene.

Austin’s defense attorney, Leo Alley, responded saying “Austin did not shoot Kayvon Kinney” and that this is “a case with a lack of evidence”. Alley also argued the eyewitness descriptions did not match what Austin was wearing at the time and that the police failed to follow up with eyewitnesses until months later.

Prosecutors called a detective who recounted that she was the first to check Kinney to see if he had a pulse and she preserved the shell-casings found at the scene. In cross-examination, the defense asked the detective if she had talked to any witnesses besides Kinney’s girlfriend, but acknowledged she had not.

Prosecutors then called Kinney’s girlfriend who testified that Kinney and Austin got into a dispute and Austin asked her and others at the scene to go inside. The girlfriend claimed she never saw Kinney or Austin with a firearm at any point.

Due to time constraints, Kinney’s girlfriend was unable to finish her testimony.

The trial will continue Oct. 25.

Pre-Trial Motions Still Pending One Day Before Homicide Case Jury Selection

On Oct. 25, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo addressed several motions submitted by defense counsel in a co-defendant homicide case but did not make any definitive rulings.

Delonta Stevenson, 28, and co-defendant Vorreze Thomas, 25, are both charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Terrance Allen on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE on Jan. 18, 2021.

Stevenson is also charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm committed during release with a prior conviction, and Thomas is also charged with carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or place of business and unlawful possession of a firearm committed during release with a prior crime of violence.

Brianca Phillips, 26, was previously a co-defendant, but her case was severed from both Thomas and Stevenson’s cases in May. Phillips was charged with conspiracy in connection to this case.

According to court documents, Allen and two other individuals were in a car when they were hit with gunfire in an apartment building parking lot. Allen was struck multiple times in the head, shoulders, back, and torso area. The additional passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Judge Demeo heard arguments from the defense and prosecutors on defense motions to preclude the prosecution from opening with what the defense sees as unapproved hearsay statements, inflammatory statements, or exhibits, and to preclude the government from introducing evidence of Stevenson’s alleged nickname and to compel discovery of so-called Brady evidence favorable to the accused.

Stevenson’s defense counsel, Elizabeth Weller, argued that the prosecution should be required to turn over the PowerPoint to be shown during opening statements so defense lawyers could review the exhibits, but the prosecution said, “We object to pre-showing our hands.” The prosecution felt it was an “unfair burden on the government” to share their argument.

Defense Counsel Weller continued her argument saying that unapproved hearsay statements from witnesses made outside of the courtroom used to assert the facts of the case should be restricted.

Judge Demeo did not rule on this motion.

Defense counsel Stephen Logerfo spoke on the motion to preclude Stevenson’s alleged nickname, “Shoota,” from being introduced at trial on grounds it’s more prejudicial than probative, stating the only reason the name is being used is to “make him look bad.”

Prosecutors argued the nickname is needed for identification purposes, specifically to show “collaboration and connection” to social media, witnesses, and the co-defendant, Thomas.

Judge Demeo agreed with the defense, saying, “Let’s take off our law hat and use our common sense” in reference to the prejudicial aspects of the nickname, and the prosecution will need to establish a more substantial argument as to why the nickname is essential to their case.

Defense counsel also expressed concern regarding the lack of disclosures from the prosecution, but the prosecution said they feel they “gave more details than typically provided.”

Judge Demeo has not yet ruled on this motion to compel more evidentiary disclosure.

Lastly, the prosecution requested defense counsel submit their DNA expert notice prior to opening statements, but the defense counsel is unsure if that is possible. Judge Demeo will rule on this request at the next hearing.

All pending pre-trial motions will be discussed after jury selection on Oct. 26.

Document: Man Arrested in 2009 Homicide in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch announce the arrest of a man in connection to a homicide that occurred on Dec. 31, 2009, on the 200 block of Hawaii Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the 200 block of Webster Street, NE, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they located 19-year-old Emmanuel Durant Jr. on the 200 block of Hawaii Avenue, NE, suffering from gunshot wound injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

On Oct. 20, MPD took custody of 40-year-old Randolph Thomas Jr.. He was transported to the Homicide Branch, where he was charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder.

Case Acquitted: Descriptions of Confrontation Between the Victim and the Accused in a Murder Trial

This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

On Oct. 25, prosecutors questioned a key witness in a 2020 homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

The prosecution called Kinney’s romantic partner up to the stand and questioned her about the early morning murder. The witness explained Kinney and Austin had gotten into a dispute regarding Kinney’s feeling offended by comments Austin made about the witness.

According to the witness, Kinney wanted to fight Austin. The witness said that Kinney said, “I want to fight with these hands!”. The witness also said that Austin attempted to ignore him. She described Kinney as being persistently eager to fight.

According to the prosecutors, there was another man present Kinney attempted to fight. She said Kinney said, “I’ll fight anyone.”

The prosecution questioned the witness about finding Kinney after he had been shot. She said she heard seven shots in the courtyard of her apartment complex but didn’t see the shooting. Following the sounds of gunfire she found Kinney lying on his back, covered in blood.

The prosecutors played the 911 call that the witness made after finding Kinney unconscious. Listening to the call, the witness became extremely emotional and confirmed that it was her voice.

During cross-examination, Austin’s defense attorney, William Alley, questioned the witness regarding Kinney’s aggressive tendencies. She explained that Kinney had been antagonizing Austin, and was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the shooting.

She also described Kinney as “someone who would get in people’s faces”. Alley also questioned the witness about Kinney’s recent move into her home after his recent release from prison.

The prosecution called two other witnesses, a lead forensic investigator at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), and a forensics crime scene technician from the Department of Forensic Science (DFS). Kinney was dead when they arrived.

Trial is set to resume Oct. 26.

Judge Miffed When Key Witness Again Fails to Appear for a Non-Fatal Shooting Case

At an Oct. 24 status hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz delayed a non-fatal shooting trial for lack of a key witness. However, she made it clear she was unhappy with the situation.

“When you walk out of this court, you get subpoenas in your detective’s hands and you don’t wait until the day of the trial to say you don’t know where your witnesses are,” Judge Leibovitz said to prosecutors.

The defendant, Marcellus Stewart, 27, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, along with other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on May 17 on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE. The incident left three people suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

At a previous hearing on Oct. 18, prosecutors told Judge Leibovitz they were having trouble bringing a witness to court due to his incarceration outside the District in an unrelated matter.

Then on Oct. 24, when asked by Judge Leibovitz to explain the problem, prosecutors said the witness had a bond hearing but is still incarcerated.

Camille Wagner, Stewart’s defense attorney, filed another motion to dismiss the case as a result of the prosecution’s failure once again to bring the witness to court.

Judge Leibovitz denied the defense’s request.

Parties are expected back for a trial readiness hearing on Nov. 21.

Judge Finds Murder Defendant Incompetent to Represent Himself at Trial

On Oct. 24, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found a homicide defendant incompetent to represent himself in trial based on a lengthy report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Marcus Barringer, 32, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstruction of justice, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the death of 32-year-old Rashad Davis on the 2300 block of Nicholson Street, SE, on May 6, 2022.

Based on the DBH’s report Judge Okun ruled that Barringer’s current attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, will represent him. However, she said her client objected to the ruling.

Judge Okun also ruled that Barringer undergo another competency evaluation to determine his competency to stand trial.

Sapirstein informed Judge Okun that Barringer wanted to be placed at St. Elizabeths Hospital for psychiatric treatment, rather than stay at the jail.

She argued he has been compliant with the care he is receiving at the DC Jail, but it has not been effective. She said professionals at St. Elizabeth’s hospital would likely provide Barringer with more adequate treatment.

The prosecution opposed this request, stating that the DBH report said all of the treatment Barringer needs is available at the jail.

Judge Okun granted Barringer’s request, and stated that he will receive treatment at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for an extended period of time.

In response to the decision, a member of Davis’ family responded by saying “Really? No!”, and walked out of the courtroom.

Parties are expected back on Dec. 13.

Document: Woman Arrested in July Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch arrested a woman in connection to a homicide that occurred on July 30 on the 100 block of Farragut Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where despite all life-saving efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 46-year-old Donald B. Childs.

On Oct. 24, 29-year-old Iesha Marks was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed (premeditated).

Document: Suspects Sought in a Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating suspects in connection to a shooting that occurred on Oct. 22 on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots. They did not locate any victims. A short time later, an adult female was located at an area hospital receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspects were captured by surveillance footage and can be seen below.

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

Document: Teen Arrested for a Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that a juvenile male was arrested and charged in connection to a shooting that occurred on June 2 on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

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

MPD’s investigation determined a large fight occurred which involved the suspect and the victim. The victim fled from the fight and the suspect chased after him. Video footage captured the suspect pointing and firing the gun at the victim, who was struck by gunfire.

On Oct. 23, MPD arrested a 15-year-old juvenile male and charged him with assault with intent to kill – gun, for his alleged involvement in the incident.

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