Judge Warns Errant Defendant on Curfew Violations

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur warned a defendant in a March 10 hearing that he is risking his freedom because he keeps violating his curfew.

David Cunningham, 27, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license in connection to his involvement in a shooting with an unidentified individual on the 2700 block of Stanton Road, SE on Sept. 1, 2023. Cunningham sustained two gunshot wounds.

Heentered a guilty plea in December of 2023. Judge Arthur sentenced Cunningham to 12 months of imprisonment with time suspended and two years of probation in February of 2024. Cunningham has also been arrested in a case in Maryland.

At the hearing, representatives from the Pre-Trial Services Agency (PSA) requested Cunningham’s release be revoked due to multiple curfew violations and changing his primary residence without authorization or notifying PSA

Defense attorney Diana Yu told the court that Cunningham’s violations were “situational.” She said he has been having arguments with his roommate and that resulted in Cunningham’s being locked out of the residence past curfew.

Yu claimed his other violations were due to traffic and transportation complications with Uber ride-share.

“Time enough for all the excuses,” Judge Arthur said. “He is dropping the ball with his freedom when he is calling an Uber.”

“At age 27 he is past the point where a judge like myself will treat him like an irresponsible young adult,” Judge Arthur said. “You cannot be fashionably late on a court curfew.”

Judge Arthur reminded Cunningham that he has the option to send him to a “place where there is no question about curfew.”

“You’re looking at throwing away your freedom because you can’t be in the house from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Either you can do it, or you can’t do it,” Arthur said about Cunningham’s probationary status. “I recognize the challenge and difficulty, but he needs to do what he has to do to get himself out.”

The judge decided to allow Cunningham to remain on release. “I’m not gonna send you back today, but c’mon,” Judge Arthur said. “I do not want to have this conversation down the line.”

The parties are scheduled to reconvene July 24.

Judge Dismisses Stabbing Case After Prosecutors Keep Evidence From the Defense

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean dismissed a stabbing case because the prosecution failed to send the defense evidence on March 10.

Tekesia Hancock, 44, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 2400 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE on Sept. 29, 2025. The victim sustained three stab wounds to his chest and arm.

According to court records, Hancock’s attorney, Madhuri Swarna, filed a motion requesting evidence on Nov. 21, 2025. The motion asked for specific documents, Hancock’s statements to police officers, photographs and videos,and tape recordings, including body-worn camera footage and the 911 call.

At the hearing, Swarna stated that since she filed the motion, the prosecution only turned over a portion of the evidence that included the original paperwork, body worn camera footage, and custodial interviews.

Swarna noted that on Jan. 5, she made an oral request that the prosecution hand over outstanding evidence. According to Swarna, the prosecution failed to turn over any additional evidence since her oral request.

The prosecutor, standing-in for the assigned prosecutor, did not have any representations regarding the evidence. However, a spokesperson at the US Attorney’s Office says the agency continues to investigate the matter.

Judge McLean dismissed the case due to the lack of progress, and the prosecution’s failure to turn over evidence within a reasonable time frame set by the court.

No further dates were set.

Judge Releases Stabbing Defendant to Home Confinement for Medical Treatment

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean released a stabbing defendant on March 10 pending trial after he did not receive appropriate medical care for an acknowledged medical condition.

Jaylen Gross, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and strangulation for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place at the 2400 block of Pomeroy Road, SE on Feb. 17.

Gross’ attorney, Susan Borecki, explained that he was receiving medical treatment before his incarceration and that being held has deprived him of proper treatment and is causing him pain.

A Department of Corrections (DoC) representative stated that Gross must undergo a welfare check and needs a reassessment before the department can take medical action. The representative advised that Gross could file a grievance in the matter.

Borecki reached out to the jail on March 6 to request that Gross receive medical attention as soon as possible. Gross was brought to a hospital on March 9, three days after the initial request, for immediate medical attention.

“I do not think he should suffer,” stated Judge McLean.

Judge McLean released Gross on GPS monitoring and home confinement pending trial. Gross was ordered to admit himself to a hospital before reporting to pre-trial services for his GPS device.

The judge asked the DoC to release Gross’ medical records.

Parties will reconvene on April 10.

Judge Grants Additional Time to Support New Trial Motion in 2019 Mass Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson granted a defense attorney’s request for a continuance during a hearing on March 6, to allow him more time to gather additional material to support a motion for a new trial.

Ronell Offutt, 37, was found guilty on Sept. 26, 2025, of assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from his involvement in a mass shooting that wounded five people at a Metro bus stop on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on Feb. 4, 2019.

Defense attorney Justin Okezie filed a motion for a new trial on behalf of Offutt because of alleged ineffective counsel and misconduct by one juror.

Judge Dayson instructed parties that she wanted to address Okezie’s ineffective counsel claim first.

The prosecutor told Judge Dayson she can deny the motion for a new trial without a hearing on the matter. He said the defense failed to present any new evidence or legal questions to justify a retrial.

“In a hypothetical world, the same body of evidence will be presented,” the prosecution said.

He claimed that even if the lesser included instruction, which allows a jury to convict a defendant of a less serious crime that is necessarily contained within a more serious charged offense, was faulty, the aim of the trial would remain the same.

No new factual issues were raised, the prosecutor said, noting that the jury would examine the same evidence and the same legal question: Did the prosecution prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Offutt was guilty?

Okeizie disagreed with the prosecutor, saying while he can’t know what happened during jury deliberations, according to case law, the jury would have likely convicted Offutt on a lesser charge had they been given the option.

He said the main reason for requesting a new trial is that Offutt’s previous attorneys, Janai Reed and Donna Beasley, failed at their duties because they didn’t consult with Offutt as is his right.

Okeizie offered to find supporting case law but requested 14 additional days to get the supplemental material together.

Regarding the second issue of jury misconduct, both parties acknowledged if there were an issue it would focus on one juror with some legal knowledge.

However, Judge Dayson dismissed the claim of juror misconduct. During the jury selection process, the judge asked potential jurors if they had studied criminal law and participated in a law clinic. Because the juror in question truthfully disclosed her background, Judge Dayson ruled that she did not provide a false answer.

Judge Dayson told Okeizie there is no allegation that aforementioned juror brought in another legal rationale to explain a concept to the other jurors. According to Judge Dayson, the juror admitted to explaining a concept but didn’t say how she explained it.

Okeizie responded by saying that either way, it’s not a juror’s job to explain legal concepts, it’s the judge’s job. He proposed having a hearing on the matter to question the juror.

Judge Dayson was cautious, telling Okieize that the Court of Appeals strongly suggests that getting into jury deliberations may cause a significant amount of harm. She said it wasn’t enough to have an inference that the juror in question brought in outside knowledge, he has to have an allegation from another juror.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 22.

Victims, Video Surveillance Don’t Identify Shooter’s Face, Detective Says

A lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified March 6 before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson that the victims and video surveillance of a shooter were unable to identify the defendant as the suspect.

Kaevaughn Dudley, 17, is charged with five counts of assault with intent to commit any other offense while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Oct. 24, 2025, on the 600 block of Howard Place, NW.

Dudley, is a being tried as an adult under DC’s Title 16 permitting prosecutors to charge juveniles as adults for certain serious crimes.

Footage of the incident shows an individual wearing black pants and a black hoodie standing with a group before drawing a handgun and firing multiple shots. The suspect then fled down Howard Place, NW.

The prosecution called the lead detective for Dudley’s case, who testified that he believed this individual to be Dudley.

Video footage from a Metrobus that runs near Howard University apparently showed the same individual and three others approaching the scene of the crime, which the detective identified to be Dudley and the suspected group.

The prosecution then presented GPS location data from the phones of the suspected group that placed them near the scene of the crime. The detective testified that the GPS data is consistent with CCTV footage of the suspected group’s movements.

On cross examination, the detective clarified for defense attorney Camille Wagner that he wasn’t at Howard University on the night of the shooting and the information he has about the shooting isn’t his personal knowledge.

He confirmed that there are gaps in the CCTV and body worn camera footage, so there is no continuous tracking of the group.

Based on the angle of the surveillance footage, the detective said he couldn’t identify the shooter by his face.

He clarified that he identified Dudley as the shooter through what he was wearing, his body stature, and his size.

He told Wagner that it’s possible someone left or joined the group wearing something similar to Dudley. He also confirmed that he doesn’t know if clothing or shoes, which were key identifiers of Dudley as the shooter, had been switched out.

According to the detective, none of the victims identified Dudley as the shooter.

Due to time constraints, Judge Dayson continued the hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 13.

Fatal Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for Second-Degree Murder

A defendant accepted a plea deal for a murder that stemmed from a robbery of a marijuana dispensary before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 9.

Trenton Collins, 23, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. The charges stem from his involvement in the fatal shooting incident of 41-year-old Phillip Prendergast on the 5100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW on March 27, 2024.

According to court records, Collins’ trial was scheduled for June 2027, and parties were in plea negotiations since May 2025, with no sign of an agreement between them.

At the hearing, Collins accepted a plea deal that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss any greater and remaining charges against Collins.

The plea deal included an agreed upon sentence range of 13-to-20 years of imprisonment, subject to Judge Park’s approval at sentencing.

The prosecution said that the evidence would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Collins and his accomplice entered a marijauna dispensary, both armed and masked, and demanded two employees give them money and weed. The prosecutors said one of the suspects was captured on video, taking Prendergast into the back and shooting him before continuing the robbery.

According to prosecutors, physical evidence was collected from Collins’ residence, including a firearm, gloves, and shoes possibly used during the incident. DNA testing positively matched Collins’ DNA on the firearm magazine and the shoes.

Collins’ attorney, David Akulian, and the prosecutor disputed whether Collins was the shooter or an aider and abbeter to his accomplice. Judge Park said he would hear arguments from both sides during sentencing as to Collins’ role in the murder.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on May 29.

Probable Cause Found in a Shooting Homicide

The defense’s request for a homicide defendant to be released on home confinement was denied after DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park made a probable cause ruling on March 6.

Melvin Lee, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the homicide of Matthew Ginyard, 22, on the 300 block of 59th Street, NE on March 22, 2024. Ginyard sustained four gunshot wounds, three to the right side of his torso and one to his right buttlock.

Judge Park ordered that Lee will remain in detention, stating that there was probable cause and evidence to argue that Lee was involved in the homicide. Judge Park also said Lee was a danger to the community, referencing two prior gun-related convictions.

At the hearing, the prosecution called a special agent, who works for the DC Office of Inspector General to testify in court about multiple pieces of evidence, including surveillance videos and maps of the area where the homicide occurred.

On the day of the incident, there was surveillance footage said to be Lee and Ginyard at Chick-fil-A. The two had spent the entire day together. The clothing Lee was seen wearing in that video was similar to the suspect’s clothing seen in surveillance footage of an alleyway after the homicide occurred.

During cross-examination, Jason Clark, Lee’s defense attorney, questioned the agent’s way of identifying the suspects in the surveillance videos and argued that a tip the agent received was not reliable.

According to the agent, the tip initially came in as a text but eventually became a phone interview.

In the phone interview, the tipster allegedly mentioned that Lee was upset with Ginyard after Ginyard allegedly went through Lee’s phone and sent himself a sex tape of Lee and Lee’s girlfriend. However, when Clark questioned the agent if there was any proof such as messages or social media posts that proved that Lee was upset with Ginyard, the agent stated that they did not. It was brought to his attention that Lee and Ginyard were friends, the agent said.

The tipster also mentioned there was some alleged plan made by Lee to rob Ginyard. When Clark asked the agent for details of this robbery, the agent did not recall any details of the alleged plan. The agent stated that he never asked the tipster on how the information was obtained.

It was clarified, that the agent never met the tipster in person. The agent said he later became aware that the tipster provided a fake name as well as a fake address that could not be verified.

Clark argued that the prosecution’s case heavily relied on the tipster’s information and that the clothing was not enough to identify Lee as the person who committed the murder since there was no clear image of the suspects faces.

Clark requested that Lee could be released on home confinement, acknowledging his supportive family, his work ethic, and his responsibilities as a father.

However, the prosecution opposed the defense’s request for release, arguing there was enough evidence to support that Lee was involved in the homicide.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 4.

‘The Damage is Not Momentary, it is Generational,’ Says Mother of Fatal Stabbing Victim

A fatal stabbing defendant was sentenced to 21 years of imprisonment by DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on March 6.

Stephen Herring, 26, accepted a plea deal on Nov. 7, 2025 for second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 30-year-old Marcus Thurman on the 100 block of M Street, NE, on Aug. 22, 2023. Thurman sustained injuries to the upper chest and succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 4, 2023.

According to court documents, Thurman was defending a woman and her baby from Herring when he was stabbed.

As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to a sentence of 18-to-22 years in prison, subject to Judge Dayson’s approval at sentencing.

Before requesting Herring’s sentence, the prosecutor called upon members of Thuman’s family to give victim impact statements.

“I stand before this court as a mother who lost her son,” Thurman’s mom said. She told Judge Dayson that Thurman “was loved deeply by everyone who knew him” because “he had a gentle spirit and a kind heart.”

“The loss is not temporary, it’s permanent,” Thurman’s mother said to Judge Dayson. “The damage is not momentary, it is generational.”

The prosecutor read a letter on behalf of Thurman’s sister, who was unable to give her statement in court. “The grief is constant,” she wrote. “It does not come and go, it lies within me.”

Thurman’s sister wrote to Judge Dayson that “no sentence will bring [Thuman] back,” but she asked the judge to consider the impact of the loss on the family when deciding the length.

The prosecutor asked for Herring to receive 22 years of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.

After playing a video of the stabbing before the court, the prosecutor explained how Herring hunted Thurman down. He explained that Herring stabbed Thurman “so hard the blade [got] stuck in” his chest. There was premeditation and a lack of remorse, he said.

The prosecutor said that Herring’s situation is not extraordinary. Many people have bad upbringings and mental health issues, and that doesn’t excuse his actions, he said.

Herring is capable of facing consequences, asserted the prosecutor.

Herring’s attorney, Hannah Claudio, asked for 18 years of imprisonment. According to Claudio, Herring showed remorse and was absolutely devastated by this incident.

Claudio contended that Herring wasn’t capable of making the cold, calculated decisions the prosecutor said he did. When he stabbed Thurman, she claimed, he was operating on “stress, irritability, and chaos.”

She respectfully disagreed with the prosecutor and said that Herring’s situation was not ordinary or run of the mill. Claudio told Judge Dayson that he has had mental health issues since the age of six.

“Where [Herring] was at the time of this incident was decades in the making,” Claudio insisted.

According to Claudio, Herring’s time at the DC Jail for almost three years since this incident occurred marked the longest housing stability Herring had since he was 15-years-old. Claudio said the treatment he received at Saint Elizabeths Hospital marked the most comprehensive mental health help he had received.

“I’m proud of Herring,” Claudio stated, because he is proof of the improvement people can make with the proper support.

Claudio also requested for Herring to stay at the DC Jail for around 90 more days to complete his GED. She explained how the completion of his GED was vital to his future success and would open many doors for other programs within the prison.

A representative from the Public Defender Service (PDS) Office of Rehabilitation and Development told the judge that Herring has “shown awareness and understanding of his mental health.” Another representative said he is “way more than the worst thing he’s ever done” and “has grown” since the incident.

In a statement from Herring, he apologized to his family and Thurman’s family. “My family lost a son too. I’m going to be gone for most of my life,” he said to Thurman’s family.

“It is clear that both families are very dedicated and that this represents a huge and permanent loss for [Thurman’s] family,” Judge Dayson said.

The judge noted that she disagrees with the prosecutor that Herring’s mental health challenges are run of the mill. Judge Dayson maintained that Herring’s problems “weren’t appropriately or consistently treated.”

Judge Dayson sentenced Herring to 21 years of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release.

While on supervised release, Judge Dayson said Herring should continue mental health counseling and substance abuse programs. Additionally, he should earn his GED, stable employment, and any other Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) recommended mental health evaluations.

Despite objections from the prosecutor, Judge Dayson granted Claudio’s request to delay the imposition of the sentence until after Herring completes his GED. Herring will remain held at the DC Jail until then.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 18.

Jury Acquits Defendant of First-Degree Murder

Before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park, a jury acquitted a homicide defendant on all charges except unlawful possession of a firearm on March 9.

Christopher Tyler, 48, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and first-degree burglary for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Nolan Edwards, 34. The incident occurred in an apartment complex on the 4000 block of Ames Street, NE on July 7, 2023.

Prosecutors argued that Tyler allegedly entered Edwards’ apartment and murdered him. Edwards grew marijuana in his apartment and they claimed Tyler killed him for access to “money, marijuana, or anything else.”

Tyler’s defense attorneys, Elizabeth Paige White and Kevann Gardner, claimed that there was no forensic evidence tying their client to the murder.

After less than two days of deliberations, a jury found Tyler not guilty of premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and first-degree burglary.

The jury found Tyler guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Parties are expected to reconvene for Tyler’s sentencing on May 1.

Stabbing Defendant Complies With Probation After Failed Drug Tests

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe checked in with a stabbing defendant’s probation officer to determine her compliance on March 9.

Sharae Hicks, 53, was sentenced to a suspended sentence with one year of probation on June 9, 2025 for simple assault and attempted bail violation. These charges stem from Hick’s alleged nvolvement in a stabbing that took place at the 1400 block of 12th Street, NW on July 29, 2024. The victim sustained a cut across his hand.

According to Hicks’ probation officer from The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), Hicks failed to report for drug testing on Jan. 13 and 15, and tested positive for cocaine on Jan. 10. Along with this, she submitted a non-human urine sample to be tested, said the CSOSA officer.

Despite the violations, the CSOSA officer told the court that Hicks regained compliance and submitted negative drug tests, as well as attending anger management classes.

The CSOSA officer asked Judge Pipe to schedule another hearing in 60 days to allow for Hicks to complete the requirements of her supervision.

Hicks probation is scheduled to end in June and Judge Pipe noted that she hoped Hicks will continue to comply with the terms of her supervision.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 11.

Judge Delays Shooting Defendant’s Motion to Attend Grandfather’s Funeral

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson didn’t grant a shooting defendant’s emergency motion for release, which would allow him to attend his grandfather’s funeral on March 9.

Zion Greely, 19, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and four counts of destroying property less than $1,000 for his alleged involvement in a shooting.

The incident occurred on Oct. 14, 2024 on the 700 block of N Street, NW. No injuries were reported, but three vehicles were stuck with bullets. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) allegedly recovered 27 shell casings and two bullet fragments from the scene.

Lorenzo Covington, 20, and Gregory Nelson, 19, are co-defendants charged for their alleged involvement in the same incident. Covington and Nelson were not present at the hearing.

Prosecutors opposed the motion and claimed that Greely is a danger to the community. Although, they did offer their condolences for his loss.

Greely’s defense attorney, Diana Yu, explained that the release would be “very brief.” She said Greely would be willing to wear a GPS monitor to attend his grandfather’s funeral.

According to the motion filed by Yu on March 6, “this loss has been extremely difficult for Mr. Greely.”

Judge Dayson said she was “not inclined to grant the motion.” She suggested Yu go through the administrative process with the DC Jail. The jail made arrangements in the past for inmates to attend funerals remotely, according to Judge Dayson.

Requests for escorts to attend funerals are “not granted often” due to staffing issues, said Judge Dayson. She said she would “be inclined to grant” the motion if an escort was provided.

For now, Judge Dayson denied the motion for temporary release.

“I love you, Zion,” his mother said as he was escorted out of the courtroom by US Marshals.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 1.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Global Plea Offer

Before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson, a homicide defendant rejected a plea offer that would resolve two of his cases on March 9.

Jordan Therman, 27, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, robbery, three counts of 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 33-year-old Denzel Greenwood. The incident occurred on the 1900 block of 13th Street, NW, on Aug. 4, 2023.

For his alleged involvement in a separate shooting, Therman is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, armed carjacking, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and endangerment with a firearm in a public place. This occurred on Feb. 7, 2024 in a 7-Eleven parking lot, on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW. One person was shot.

At the hearing, prosecutors said they offered Therman a global plea offer to reasolve both of his cases. If accepted, Therman would plead guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. This offer would also include that Therman’s total sentence in both cases would be between 20-to-24 years of imprisonment.

Kevin Irving, Therman’s attorney, said Therman rejected the global plea offer on record.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 24.

Suspect Says Victim ‘Antagonized’ Him Questioning Third Time Plea

A stabbing defendant said his actions were justified while disputing a plea deal for the third time before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 6.

Corey Bridges, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, tampering with physical evidence, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE on June 7, 2025, which left one victim injured with multiple lacerations to his neck.

The prosecution presented the terms of an agreement that would require Bridges to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges.

According to court records, Bridges started accepting this agreement on Jan. 2 and again on Feb. 6, but requested more clarity on the details of the agreement from his defense attorney, Molly Bunke.

At the hearing, Bridges said he was “satisfied to a degree” with Bunke’s work on the case so far, but was frustrated at how long it took to appear in court again. Judge Kravitz confirmed with Bridges that this situation did not affect his desire to enter the plea, and Bridges said he was “just ready to put forth the plea offer.”

The prosecution presented their factual basis for the plea agreement, saying they had evidence that would prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Bridges deliberately stabbed the victim in the neck and caused a serious, life-threatening injury with no legal justification for his actions.

When questioned by Judge Kravitz and Bunke about these facts, Bridges said that his actions were justified because he was “antagonized” by the victim, who he was living at a transitional home with the victim. Bridges said that due to this ongoing dispute, the stabbing was done “rightfully.”

Bunke suggested that Bridges might still be confused about the questions asked due to his not understanding some of the legal terminology, and requested additional time to speak with her client about how to move forward with the plea agreement. Judge Kravitz agreed and passed the case until a later time in the day, during which Bunke said she would waive Bridges’ appearance and request another hearing be scheduled to continue with this matter.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 11.

Defendant Was a Domestic Violence Victim, Defense Claims

The defense claimed on March 6 a stabbing defendant was a victim, not the aggressor in an incident before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

Thelma Speed, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in connection to her alleged involvement in the stabbing of a man on the 200 block of 51st Street, NE on Feb. 6, 2026. The man sustained injuries to both his hands and his forearm.

According to court documents, the man told police the stabbing occurred after a verbal argument with Speed. He said he fled to a neighbor’s apartment in the same building until police arrived on scene.

In court, Speed’s attorney, Darryl Daniels, requested the defendant be released. Daniels argued that she was actually a victim of domestic violence, not the aggressor in the situation, although their relationship was not clear.

“You can’t see it now, but she had a shiner on her eye,” Daniels said about Speed.

Judge Pipe reminded the parties that Speed had reported to officers that the lacerations on her face had nothing to do with the incident. Speed also has a history of assault charges in New Jersey and the facts of this case present her conduct as “very concerning,” Judge Pipe said.

When denying her release, Judge Pipe said “there are no conditions or combination of conditions” that could warrant releasing Speed and ensuring the safety of the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 30.

Defendant Accepts a Plea Deal for 2020 Murder

A defendant accepted a plea deal for a 2020 homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 6.

Taiyonne Goggins, 28, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in a shooting at the 1600 block of W Street, SE on Oct. 9, 2020, that killed Yisa Jeffcoat, 28. Jeffcoat sustained a single gunshot wound to his chest.

At the hearing, Goggins’ attorney, Wole Falodun, confirmed toJudge Ryan that his client accepted a plea deal from prosecutors. The agreement required Goggins to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to not seek an indictment with additional charges and limit their sentence to eight-to-nine years of imprisonment, subject to Judge Ryan’s approval at sentencing. Goggins must also register as a gun offender in DC.

The prosecutors said that if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have proven that Goggins exited a car with two other armed individuals and fired into a crowd of people in a residential area. There was no legal justification for Goggins’ actions.

Judge Ryan questioned Goggins to ensure that he knowingly and willingly pleaded guilty.

Goggins’ sentencing hearing is set for June 5.

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