Document: Correction Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck by Car

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that killed a man on Oct. 12 at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Ingraham Street, NW.

According to MPD, the man was crossing Georgia Ave. near the crosswalk when he was struck by a Toyota RAV4. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 13.

The victim was identified as 42-year-old Wilmer Rosali Canales Ventura.

The driver of the RAV4 remained on the scene.

Document: Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck by Car

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that killed a man on Oct. 12 at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Ingraham Street, NW.

According to MPD, the man was crossing Georgia Ave. on the crosswalk when he was struck by a Toyota RAV4. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 13.

The victim was identified as 42-year-old Wilmer Rosali Canales Ventura.

The driver of the RAV4 remained on the scene.

Case Acquitted: Homicide Defendant Acquitted of All Charges After Six Years in Jail

This case was acquitted.

On Oct. 17, a jury delivered a not-guilty verdict on all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun following a 2017 homicide trial.

Cedric Alexander, also known as Tony White, 52, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of possession during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside the home or place of business with a prior felony for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Daquan Hooks on the 1900 block of 13th Street, SE on March 23, 2017.

After deliberating for almost three days, the jury delivered a not-guilty verdict for all charges against Alexander. He’s been jailed for nearly six years.

The prosecution relied heavily on cell phone records showing Alexander was the last person to speak to Hooks before his death, and that Alexander deleted text messages and phone calls from the day of the murder.

The prosecutors also revealed one of Alexander’s recorded jail calls with his ex-wife.

“I’m gonna have to answer to God for that,”Alexander said on the call, to which the prosecutor said one would only say this if “something extremely serious happened”.

In their closing statement, the prosecution told the jury there was a “clear picture” of who committed this crime, arguing that Alexander was the only person who could’ve done it.

The defense highlighted the lack of ballistics or DNA evidence, and challenged the credibility of witnesses from Alexander’s family who were estranged from the defendant.

In his closing statement, Alexander’s attorney, Sellano Simmons, emphasized the prosecution’s burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and insisted that they failed to do so.

Following the verdict, Alexander was released from custody.

Judge Denies Request for Release of 21-Year-Old Mass Shooting Defendant

On Oct 16, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied the defense’s request to release a suspect allegedly involved in a murder.

William Johnson-Lee, 21, is one of six defendants charged in relation to a mass shooting on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021. Johnson-Lee was charged with one count of conspiracy, four counts of first-degree murder while armed premeditated and with aggravating circumstances, nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and one count of carrying a pistol without a license outside of home or business, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 31- year old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year old Keenan Braxton, 37- year old Johnny Joyner, as well as injuring three other individuals.

Co-defendants Erwin DuBose, 28, and Kamar Queen, 25, are charged with 21 counts, which include first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, unlawful possession of a firearm, and assault with significant bodily injury while armed.

Co-defendant Damonta Thompson, 26, is charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, conspiracy, and assault with significant bodily injury while armed.

Toyia Johnson, 50, and Mussye Rezene, 30, are charged for allegedly tampering with physical evidence and for being an accessory while armed after the incident occurred.

The prosecution said that Johnson-Lee “fired indiscriminately into a busy gathering on Labor Day weekend”. They showed video exhibits from the day of the incident, which show an individual, who was allegedly identified by a grand jury witness as Johnson-Lee, directly involved in the shooting. However, the video played in court does not clearly show any of the shooters’ faces or identifying features.

According to prosecutors, the grand jury returning an indictment for Johnson-Lee establishes probable cause for Johnson-Lee to be detained. The prosecution further explained that the “incredibly violent nature” of the crime additionally supports detention.

Johnson-Lee’s defense attorney, Peter Fayne, argued that Johnson-Lee is not a flight risk and that “he does not pose a danger to the community” and therefore should be released. Fayne further explained that Johnson-Lee does not have any previous criminal convictions, and that all of the information against Johnson-Lee is solely from a grand jury witness. Fayne also said that he believes that the defense “will be victorious” in trial due to a lack of evidence from the prosecution.

Judge Okun denied the request for release, saying that “this is the most serious offense in the District”. He also stated that “the nature of the offense clearly weighs heavily, heavily in favor of detention.”

Parties are expected to return Nov. 3.

Two Motions Denied in Co-Defendant Homicide Case

On Oct 16, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied two defense motions in connection to a homicide case.

Malachi McFarland, 23, and co-defendant Andre Smith are charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Kerry Odoms on April 15, 2021, on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE.

Both defendants’ attorneys had filed motions requesting separate trials for different reasons.

Thomas Key, Smith’s defense attorney, filed a motion stating that he would not be ready for the trial date that was previously set in November–that was denied by Judge Okun because a new trial date was set.

Jessica Willis, McFarland’s defense attorney, filed a motion arguing that if the pair is tried together it will be a violation of McFarland’s right to a speedy trial, because his case is older than Smith’s. Judge Okun denied the motion based on a lack of sufficient reasoning provided.

The prosecution said, “we don’t think anyone’s speedy trial rights have been violated” and that they have been doing their best to keep the new trial date in May 2024.

The next hearing for co-defendants, Smith and McFarland will be on Nov 3.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Arraigned on 13 Charges

On Oct. 16, Antoine Johnson was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Johnson, 27, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside of home or business, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

These thirteen charges are for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that resulted in one person being injured on May 21 on the I-695 Bridge Southbound near exit 2B.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Matthew Rist, alerted the court that Johnson pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

The parties will meet for a status hearing on Oct. 19.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in 2023 Homicide Case

On Oct. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ruled that the prosecutor’s evidence met the requirements for probable cause in a 2023 homicide case.

Julius Worthy, 39, is charged with one count of second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing and shooting of 36-year-old Orlando Galloway on April 2 on the 200 block of 14th Street, SE. An adult female victim was found in the apartment suffering from multiple stab wounds to her body, but survived.

Prosecution called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to testify on his findings, including body-worn camera footage depicting officers entering the apartment where the incident occurred. The footage displays the female victim in distress repeating “Help,” and “He ran out the back door.”

Prosecution also displayed footage of someone near the area fleeing on foot. Prosecution said that at the time of his arrest, Worthy was found in bloody clothes that were consistent with the ones pictured on the footage.

Worthy’s defense attorney, Christen Philips, argued that injuries Worthy had to his hands at the time of his arrest could be a sign he was acting in self defense. Philips also alleged one of the key witnesses may have been on drugs at the time of the incident.

Judge O’Keefe ruled there was sufficient evidence for a probable cause ruling to be made.

Judge O’Keefe denied a supervised release for Worthy, acknowledging the surviving victim’s life would be in extreme danger if Worthy was released.

Parties are expected to reconvene Oct. 27 for a mental observation hearing.

Judge Finds Probable Cause For Defendant Charged With 10-Year-Old’s Death

On Oct. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted the prosecution’s request to hold homicide defendant Koran Gregory without bond after finding probable cause in a preliminary hearing.

Gregory, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a fatal drive-by shooting that killed 10-year-old Arianna Davis on May 14, on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE. The defendant also has an additional case in which he is charged with possession of a large-capacity ammunition device, which was recovered during a search warrant execution in response to the homicide case.

Although Gregory is not charged with criminal gang affiliation, he is alleged to be a part of what is known as the Congress Park Crew.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, ShotSpotter detection software was alerted to the consistent sounds of gunfire.

According to the detective, witnesses on the scene recount three individuals exiting a vehicle and pulling out “machine guns” before firing over 50 rounds into the surrounding area.

According to court documents, Davis and her family were driving home on Mother’s Day when they got caught in the crossfire. Davis was struck once in the head, and died from her injuries three days later on May 17.

The shooting is alleged to have started over a feud between the Congress Park Crew and Paradise Crew.

According to the detective, a confidential informant for MPD identified the defendant as one of the shooters based on surveillance footage captured before and after the shooting. The three shooters are seen on video getting out of a car that was allegedly carjacked April 24, and entering the Paradise-Parkside neighborhood, where the shooting occurred. Gregory allegedly acknowledged that video.

Gregory’s defense attorney, Anthony Matthews, argued against probable cause saying the “evidence does not rise to probable cause,” and based on the evidence, suggested his client should only be prosecuted for accessory after the fact.

Judge Epstein disagreed with the defense counsel’s reasoning, saying, “if there’s probable cause he was in the car, then there’s probable cause for the shooting.”

Defense argued for Gregory’s release with any conditions the judge seemed fit, but Judge Epstein ruled in favor of the prosecution re-emphasizing the nature of the crime and dangerousness to society.

The next hearing is set for Nov. 17.

Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

On Oct. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond accepted a defendant’s waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing in a shooting case.

James Jackson, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 6, on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE. The defendant allegedly shot at two individuals, but no one was injured.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Darryl Daniels II, asked the court to release Jackson on personal recognizance or GPS monitoring.

Judge Raymond responded by referencing threatening emails that the defendant allegedly sent to one of the victims two weeks prior to the incident and stated that they are “horrifying.” Judge Raymond stated that these threats were not only threats but they led to action.

So Judge Raymond denied the defense’s request for release and ordered he be held.

Judge Raymond also imposed a stay away order from both victims, as well as from the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE.

Daniels requested an initial mental examination for the defendant, which was granted by Judge Raymond.

A mental observation hearing is scheduled for Nov. 6.

Judge Denies Request to Release Homicide Defendant During Presentments

At an Oct. 16 presentment hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover denied the defense’s request to release a homicide defendant.

Darrell Hinkle, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 32-year-old Dajuan Blakney on April 21 on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police (MPD) went to the reported location after being dispatched for the sounds of gunshots. Police found Blakney lying on the steps in front of a building. He was unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

According to MPD documents, a witness reached out to MPD and stated he was aware that Blakney and Hinkle had been “beefing” for a while.

Another witness told MPD that a person named “Buck” was responsible for Blakney’s murder, according to court documents.

Buck was later allegedly identified as Hinkle through Instagram accounts provided to police.

Prosecutors argued for Judge Glover to find probable cause, stating that there was surveillance footage that showed Hinkle shooting Blakney multiple times, which was described in the affidavit written by the lead detective.

Prosecutors also asked Judge Glover to take into account Hinkle’s criminal history when deciding whether or not to hold him.

Michael Bruckheim, Hinkle’s defense attorney, argued that his criminal history should not be taken into consideration because it’s not connected to this incident.

Bruckheim requested Hinkle be released to home confinement with GPS monitoring. According to Bruckheim, if released, Hinkle could stay with his mother or significant other.

Judge Glover denied the defense’s request to release Hinkle, deeming Hinkle a danger to the community.

Parties are expected back for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 14 in front of Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Document: Man Arrested for April 2023 Homicide in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 35-year-old Darrell Hinkle with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on April 21 on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to a call for service at the location, where they located a man suffering from gunshot wounds. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The victim was identified as 32-year-old Dajuan Blakney.

Page 1 of DARRELL HINKLE – Man Arrested for April 2023 Homicide in Southeast _ mpdc

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Document: Person of Interest Sought in a Homicide in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a person of interest in a shooting that left a teenage male dead on Sept. 25 on the 2300 block of Green Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located 16-year-old Jamal Jones suffering from gunshot wounds. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

A person of interest was captured on surveillance footage and can be seen below.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.

Document: Northeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Oct. 12 on the intersection of 14th and Downing Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man with gunshot injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

He was identified as 21-year-old Carlos Haythe.

Defendant Sentenced to 18-and-a-Half Years For Father’s Homicide

During an Oct. 15 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a defendant to 18- and-a half years in prison for a homicide.

Christian Arndt, 28, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of his 54-year-old father, Donald Arndt that occurred on Jan. 28, 2021 on the 3300 block of Newark Street, NW

According to court documents, Arndt beat his father to death with a metal baseball bat. Prior to his arrest, the defendant served as a practicing attorney.

On June 2, Arndt accepted a deal that reduced the charge from first-degree murder while armed to voluntary manslaughter. The charge requires that Arndt serve eight-and-a-half to 18-and-a half years of incarceration and five years of supervised release.

Arndt’s mother delivered an emotional victim impact statement, explaining her deceased husband would “want me to be brave and take care of Christian”. Turning directly to the defendant, she said, “We are here Chris, with you. We are going to support you.”

Looking at his mother in the audience, Arndt apologized to his family for “putting them through this.”

Weighing the sentence, Judge Okun explained that “the parties have agreed to a plea, and I have to decide whether to accept that plea.”

Before accepting the plea, Judge Okun described it as a “thoughtful, individually tailored plea agreement” and acknowledged how both parties negotiated the outcome.

Arndt was sentenced to 18-and-a-half years incarceration for voluntary manslaughter while armed with five years of supervised release and five years probation. Arndt also must participate in cognitive behavioral therapy twice a week, as well as outpatient or inpatient treatment, and not use alcohol or narcotic substances.

Before wishing the defendant luck, Judge Okun acknowledged the presence of Arndt’s mother by saying “I can tell how much she cares for you.”

Judge Declares Mistrial After Hung Jury in 2020 Hit-And-Run Case

On Oct. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted the defense attorneys’ request for a mistrial in a homicide case due to a hung jury.

Eric Beasley, 32, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly committing a hit-and-run on 45-year-old David Farewell while he was riding his bicycle. The incident occurred on Sept. 4, 2020 on the 2100 block of Young Street, SE.

After a six-day trial, jurors deliberated for three days, eventually sending multiple notes to the judge that they were deadlocked and could not come to consensus.

During the trial, the defense and prosecuting attorneys called multiple witness testimonies and detailed evidence offering divergent views about whether Beasley purposely hit Farewell.

Through a series of 911 audio clips, crime scene images, gas station surveillance videos, and body-worn camera footage, prosecutors argued Beasley’s actions were done with a “consciousness of guilt,” as he fled the scene, disposed of evidence, and failed to call 911.

A key piece of evidence prosecutors presented was surveillance footage of Beasley hitting Farewell with his vehicle. Prosecutors argued the incident wasn’t an accident, as they highlighted the sound of the car accelerating after Farewell had been hit.

Prosecutors also displayed the extent of Farewell’s injuries, including lacerations, contusions, and fractured ribs, through autopsy images and a medical examiner’s testimony.

Closing their argument, prosecutors stated, “He wanted the guy dead and he did what he had to do to kill him.”

In their arguments, Beasley’s defense attorneys, Madalyn Harvey and Patrick Nowak, utilized various photos, videos, and testimony of a Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) employee to allege the crime scene may have been contaminated.

Harvey and Nowak displayed police body-worn camera footage showing various people in the area before it was taped off, and a witness picking up an alleged piece of evidence before dropping it back to the ground.

During their cross-examination of Farewell’s girlfriend, the defense alluded to mental illness playing a role in her testimony and perception of events during the incident.

Beasley also testified to the jury, expressing his remorse and stating he was concerned about an alleged altercation between Farewell and Farewell’s girlfriend.

Beasley argued he didn’t mean to hit Farewell and stated, “I feel horrible, because the man lost his life.”

Harvey and Nowak closed their arguments by stating, “The prosecutors have truly failed here to meet their burden of proof. There are so many reasons to doubt.”

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 27 for a status hearing, where they’ll decide how to proceed.

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