Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Homicide Defendant

On Nov. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ordered a bench warrant for Nichelle Thomas, a homicide defendant, after she failed to appear in court.

Thomas, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of accessory after the fact, and three counts of obstructing justice, for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 42-year-old Anthony Jordan, which occurred on Aug. 4, on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

Alvin Thomas, her defense attorney, said he has not been able to get into contact with her, but has been in contact with her significant other, who has not seen her since Oct. 27 and is worried about her.

According to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), Thomas is non-compliant because there has not been an update on her status since Oct. 27. Therefore, Judge Okun issued a bench warrant.

No further court dates have been scheduled.

Lead Detective and Victim Testify in Shooting and Robbery Trial

On Nov. 1, members of the jury heard from the lead detective and the victim regarding an April 2020 shooting and robbery incident.

Anthony Owens and George Belk, both 44, are charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in a shooting and robbery incident that occurred on April 15, 2020, on the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE. The incident left Owens and Belk with minor injuries.

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to testify.

According to the detective, there is an MPD surveillance camera at the intersection of 14th Street and T Street, SE, which faces the crime scene.

Prosecutors played video footage from the camera that they say shows a blue car on the left-hand side of the screen parked on 14th Street, across from Owen’s black van parked on the opposite side of the street.

The footage shows the robbery victim getting out of his car and walking across the street towards a restaurant on Good Hope Road while Owen’s van pulls away toward T Street.

According to court documents, Owen and Belk allegedly walked back towards the restaurant while the victim was still inside. When the victim walked back to his vehicle, Owen and Belk approached him on the sidewalk.

The detective identified Owens and Belk running after the victim as he is opening the door of his car and they attempt to rob him. According to the detective, they didn’t find a weapon on the victim.

During the struggle, the car door opens and it appears that Owens and Belk try to push the victim inside his car.

Later in the footage, an individual identified as “Mr. B,” walked to the right of the victim’s vehicle and apparently fired shots at Belk and Owens, which struck them both. After the shots were fired, “Mr. B” is seen fleeing the scene into an alleyway.

According to court documents, “Mr. B” and the victim know each other.

The video portrays Owens and Belk lying down towards the back left of the victim’s car. The victim appears to grab a firearm from the front of his car and fire shots at Owens and Belk, the detective describes seeing “muzzle flashes.”

The detective pointed out to the jury that the victim could be seen fleeing to the same alleyway as “Mr. B” did. According to the detective, “Mr. B” was never located.

The detective also stated that during the victim’s interviews, he would rarely discuss “Mr. B,” and the MPD was unable to bring him in for questioning, even though they wanted to do so.

Everald Thompson, Owen’s defense attorney, asked the detective if he made any sort of deal with the victim to try and bring in “Mr. B.”

The detective, said he does not have that authority.

Following the detective’s testimony, prosecutors called the victim to testify.

On the morning of April 15, 2020, he went to get breakfast. He told the court that when he got out of his car and walked to the restaurant, he had to walk back because he forgot his money.

According to the victim, as he got to the door of his car, a man approached him from behind and was told to “give it up” while another individual held a firearm to his stomach and as another person appeared behind the victim simultaneously.

The victim claimed he heard gunshots as he opened his vehicle’s door.

Following the gunfire, the victim grabbed a gun from the inside of his car and fired in the previous direction of the would be robbers.

The victim stated that the individual who stepped in to help him and shot at the defendants was his “guardian angel”.

The trial is set to resume Nov. 2.

Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing in Triple Shooting

In a Nov. 2, hearing Daniel Mendoza waived his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered at the scene of a crime.

Mendoza, 23, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He is alleged to have been involved in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 27 on the 3100 block of 16th Street NW.

According to court documents, Mendoza is alleged to have shot three victims, one of whom confronted him for an alleged sexual assault. The first victim sustained five gunshot wounds to his arms, legs, and rib, the second victim sustained gunshot wounds to his right buttocks and right knee, and the third victim received a gunshot wound that grazed her inner thigh.

After the shooting, the defendant allegedly fled the scene and was arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on June 28. He was reportedly in possession of a firearm.

During the hearing, the prosecution explained to DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun that they would not be conducting any DNA testing on the firearm recovered from the defendant on June 28. However, they did conduct holistic testing referring to the bigger picture of evidence In the case.

Candace Mitchell, Mendoza’s defense attorney, stated that the defense was not seeking independent testing and Judge Okun accepted the defendant’s waiver.

Mendoza is expected to appear in front of Judge Okun on March 13 for a trial readiness hearing.

Victim Testifies in 2023 Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

On Nov. 1, the victim testified in a non-fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples.

Tiaquana Chandler, 42, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree burglary while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed and soliciting a violent crime, for her alleged involvement in a shooting that took place March 28, on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE.

One individual sustained a gunshot wound to the leg after an apparent altercation in an apartment building.

Prosecutors called a witness who was at the apartment when the altercation took place.

According to the witness, there was a group hanging out, doing drugs and drinking alcohol in a friend’s apartment when an altercation between Chandler and the victim broke out. She said when Chandler acted disrespectfully toward the victim and punched him, the victim punched her back and tried to remove her from the apartment.

The witness said later that evening Chandler knocked on the door, and Chandler’s son Donnell Tucker, 27, barged through and grabbed the victim. She said the pair was threatening to kill him and beating him. She said Tucker shot the victim five times in the leg and then they ran away–however according to court documents only one shot was fired.

The witness said what happened was “very mean and very sad”.

Following the eyewitness’ testimony, prosecutors called the victim.

The victim told a similar story; however he claims he never struck Chandler and that he was not doing drugs that evening.

According to the victim, after he kicked Chandler out, she returned and he said that “Her [Chandler] and her son attacked me”.

To show the severity of his wounds, the witness displayed scars on his head to the jury and explained that it has been difficult for him to walk since the incident.

In cross examination, Chandler’s defense attorney, Thomas Healy, asked the victim if he was sure who shot him, he said, “I believe that [Chandler’s] son shot me,” referring to Tucker.

The prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who interviewed Chandler when she was initially arrested.

According to the detective, in a video displayed to the court, Chandler explained her side of the story, in which she claimed that, after an incident outside of the apartment, the victim choked Chandler. In that video, Chandler claims that she gave a random man marijuana in return for assaulting the victim and said her son was nowhere near the scene of the crime.

According to the detective, Chandler was cooperative during the interview.

Parties will reconvene Nov. 2.

Document: Man Killed in Southeast DC Identified

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a man that occurred on Oct. 30 on the 1800 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of found human remains. Upon arrival, officers located adult male human remains, inside of a trash can. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) conducted an autopsy and determined the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds and ruled the manner of death a homicide.

The victim was identified as 25-year-old Kwame Keith.

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 committed in the District.

Document: Correction Southeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 1 on the 3900 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

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

The victim was identified as 36-year-old Julius McCree.

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 committed in the District.

Document: Persons of Interest Sought in a Fatal Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Oct. 21 on the 900 block of U Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. They located a man with a gunshot wound, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The victim was identified as 24-year-old Diamonte Lewis.

The persons of interest can be seen in the photos below and in a video.

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 committed in the District.

Parties Give Opening Statements in a Shooting and Robbery Trial

On Oct. 31, parties gave opening statements regarding an April 2020 shooting and robbery incident before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

According to court documents, on the morning of April 15, Owens and Belk allegedly ran toward the victim as they were walking back to their vehicle on T Street, SE. The two men then allegedly tried to rob him as he was attempting get in his car.

As the struggle continued, an unidentified person who knew the victim fired shots at Belk and Owens, striking both of them.

After he was hit, Owens briefly shot back at the unknown man but he fled into an alley.

In opening statements, prosecutors told the jury that the unknown individual who allegedly shot at Owens and Belk should not be a part of their decision-making process at the end of the trial, they should only consider Owens and Belk.

“This case is not about what that man did, it is about what the two men sitting here did,” prosecutors said as they pointed to Owens and Belk.

Prosecutors urged the jury to deliver a guilty verdict based on closed circuit video footage and the credibility of the witnesses.

Bruce Cooper, Belk’s defense attorney, told the jury the defendants are not guilty because they did not shoot or rob anybody. According to Cooper, the video tells a different story.

He said they should also take into account the fact that the victim allegedly had narcotics such as cocaine and marijuana in his car at the time of the incident.

Everald Thompson, Owen’s defense attorney, told the jury that they will also see surveillance footage of an unknown male believed to be “Mr. B”, who allegedly shot Owens and Belk and knows the complainant.

Thompson went on to blame a “shoddy” police investigation that showed nothing except statements made by the complainant saying that he was almost kidnapped and that he was robbed.

According to Thompson, no gun was ever found on Owens or Belk at the time of their arrests and the police didn’t take the time to execute a search warrant for Owen’s or Belk’s house.

Thompson claimed the victim had a handgun in his vehicle in spite of a prior felony conviction. He noted that marijuana and cocaine were allegedly found in the complainant’s vehicle following the incident.

“The [prosecutor’s] case constitutes a miscarriage of justice in the worst way,” Thompson said.

The trial is set to resume Nov. 1.

Charges Upgraded and Trial Delayed for Juvenile Murder Defendant

On Nov. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld granted motions filed by parties in connection to a homicide that involved a juvenile victim and defendant.

The defendant, a 16-year-old female, was originally charged with second-degree murder for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Naima Liggon, 16, on Aug. 27. The incident occurred outside a McDonald’s restaurant on the 1900 block of 14th Street, NW.

During the Nov. 1 hearing, Judge Hertzfeld granted the prosecutor’s motion to amend the charge and upgrade it to first-degree murder while armed, which was filed at a previous hearing and opposed by defense attorneys.

Judge Hertzfeld also granted the defense’s motion to delay the trial date, in which they argued they can not be ready for the previously scheduled Nov. 13 trial date since Liggon’s autopsy and hospital records aren’t yet unavailable.

Prosecutors stated they should be receiving the autopsy by Nov. 3 and the hospital records by Nov. 13, but defense attorneys argued they could not accurately prepare their self-defense case without having access to both reports.

Defense attorneys also requested the defendant be released from the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ (DYRS) Youth Services Center (YSC), arguing the defendant does not have a criminal record, has been doing well in the detention center, and the confrontation was a response to her being attacked by Liggon and another unnamed individual.

According to the defense attorney, the defendant is restricted at YSC and is a “tiny, tiny human being,” who has substantial support from her family.

Prosecutors opposed the motion for release, stating that, although it is her first alleged offense, between the Sept. 27 hearing and this hearing, she reportedly got into an altercation at YSC with another detainee who was discussing her charges with other juveniles.

Prosecutors stated they’re worried she’ll react similarly to people in the community, and insisted the public would not be safe if she is released.

A representative from the Court’s Social Services stated that, although she’s doing well in YSC, they believe she should continue to be detained due to the nature of the charges.

Judge Hertzfeld agreed with prosecutors and Social Services, and ordered the juvenile continue held as she awaits further proceedings.

Parties are expected back for a suppression hearing on Nov. 13.

Document: Southeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 1 on the 3900 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

The victim was identified as 36-year-old Julius McRee.

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 committed in the District.

Spurned Lover Goes on Trial For 2014 Murder

On Oct. 31, opening statements and witness testimony were presented in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Marvin Lopez, 43, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Evelyn Arroyo on Dec. 24, 2014, on the 3900 block of 14th street, NW.

According to prosecutors, Arroyo was arriving at her job as a waitress when she was shot twice.

According to court documents, Lopez fled to El Salvador after the shooting without a passport, where he remained until he was extradited in early 2023.

The prosecution presented threatening text messages Lopez allegedly sent to Arroyo after their romantic relationship ended, including, “If you leave me, I’ll kill you”.

According to the prosecutor, after a few months, “Their relationship turned rocky, it turned volatile, and it led to some points of violence”.

According to the prosecution Arroyo found had a new romantic interest and moved out. As a result, Lopez allegedly took Arroyo’s phone and car keys. Meanwhile, Lopez continued to send threatening messages and even approached her and her new partner, allegedly saying “Oh, I see you’re happy with your new love”.

The prosecution also referenced Lopez’s Facebook page showing his profile picture was changed after the breakup with a quote that said, “I love you, but if you fail me, all of these are for you”. The quote was surrounded by bullets and two firearms.

According to the prosecution, on December 18, 2014, Lopez messaged Arroyo that she would die soon, and that he had “four bullets just for her”.

Six days later, Lopez allegedly shot Arroyo to death.

Two nearby officers reported seeing a Latino male wearing a red shirt, blue jacket, and light pants fleeing the scene. One of the officers chased the man, but did not manage to catch him.

During their opening, Lopez’s defense attorney, Justin Okezie, said every criminal defendant is innocent until proven guilty and the jury will hear “very little about the day of the shooting,” and an abundance of information about before the actual crime.

Okezie also stated that “Neither of them were perfect,” in reference to the relationship between Lopez and Arroyo, and that this is not proof of guilt.

The prosecution then called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who testified that he responded to the scene of the crime on the evening of the murder.

The detective explained that he had heard gunshots while in the area and found Arroyo lying on the ground covered in blood.

The trial is slated to continue Nov. 1.

2023 Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

On Nov. 1, a non-fatal shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond.

Brandon Sparrow, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting at a 7-Eleven. The incident occurred on Sept. 3 on the 3900 block of MLK Jr Avenue, SW. One person suffered from a non-fatal gunshot wound.

Sparrow is also charged in another case with unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction. That incident occurred on Sept. 22 on the 4600 block of South Capitol Street, SE. Officers were alerted to one gunshot in the area and while canvassing the scene, noticed Sparrow allegedly trying to conceal a firearm in his pants. According to court documents, no one was shot.

During their investigation, officers were able to identify him as the named suspect in the 7-Eleven shooting.

Sparrow waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Sparrow’s defense attorney, Lauren Morehouse, asked that he be released, stating he had extensive family in the area to support him and a residence to return to.

Judge Raymond denied his release, stating there was “clear and convincing evidence” that the community’s safety would not be ensured if Sparrow was released.
Parties are expected to reconvene Nov. 14 for a felony status conference with DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Preliminary Hearing Continued as Parties Negotiate Plea Deal in Non-Fatal Shooting

On Nov. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond granted a defendant’s request for a continuance of a preliminary hearing so the parties could negotiate a plea deal.

Malique Outland, 18, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Aug. 16 on the 200 block of 37th place, SE. One person sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Outland’s defense attorney, Gregg Baron, requested the preliminary hearing be continued to another date, stating that the parties were negotiating a plea deal and needed more time.

Parties are expected to reconvene Nov. 27 for the preliminary hearing.

Case Acquitted: Witness Testified that Victim had ‘Threatened to Fight’ Defendant in Homicide Trial

This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

On Oct. 31, witnesses recounted events surrounding a homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

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 near an apartment complex on the 1800 block of Gainesville Street, SE, on May 24, 2020.

Prosecutors called Austin’s girlfriend, who testified that she was with Austin, her mother, Kinney, and Kinney’s girlfriend “hanging-out” and “drinking and smoking” on their apartment porch when an “argument” started between Kinney’s and his girlfriend.

According to Austin’s girlfriend, he was trying to “get everyone to chill”, but Kinney started to argue with him. While she testified Kinney did not physically assault anyone, he was “threatening to fight” Austin.

The witness, who still maintains a close relationship with Austin, said “everything had died down” when she returned to her apartment.

The prosecution called another eyewitness from the apartment complex who said he went outside to get a cigarette from his car when he heard a “commotion” and two men walking towards the scene. He described the men as being both “African American” with one wearing “a mask below his chin” and the other with a “short-fade” haircut. The witness heard shots and rushed back to his apartment to check on his children.

Jason Tulley, Austin’s attorney, finished questioning an eyewitness who saw the shooting from her apartment window. During cross-examination, the witness said there was a third person at the scene around the time of the shooting but was unable to provide further details.

The witness’ testimony will continue Nov. 1.

Document: Southeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead, Another Injured

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that left one man dead and another injured on Oct. 30 on the 4300 block of Halley Terrace, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. While responding to the scene, officers were flagged down on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue by a man with gunshot wound injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, and admitted in stable condition. During the investigation, officers were notified of a walk-in shooting victim at a local hospital, who later died.

The victim was identified as 23-year-old Melvin Dock Jr.

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 committed in the District.

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