Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred on Jan. 25, 3500 block of 6th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious person, and located a man with gunshot wound injuries inside of an apartment. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim was identified as 31-year-old Malik Gliss.

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

Document: Two Men Arrested for a Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced two men have been arrested for a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 19, 2023, on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious person inside a parking garage, where they located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 24-year-old Anwar Wingate.

On Jan. 24, 20-year-old Jayvon Thomas and 19-year-old Lavar Hunter were arrested and charged first-degree murder while armed (felony murder).

Expert Testimony Featured in Homicide Trial

On Jan. 25, before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo, prosecutors called upon several witnesses to testify and share their expertise regarding collected evidence in a fatal shooting case.

Vorreze Thomas, 25, and his uncle Delonta Stevenson, 28, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, and two counts of assault with intent to kill, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Terrance Allen. The incident occurred on Jan. 18, 2021, on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE, and left two other individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.

All three victims were found inside a vehicle at the scene.

Thomas’ defense attorney, Howard McEachern, questioned a forensics specialist witness regarding information from DNA testing. The witness said you can’t estimate how long or when a person contacted DNA or skin cells collected as evidence, although it takes some time for the material to degrade.

The prosecutors followed with a redirect examination where the witness explained the degradation process of DNA or skin cells and how the process takes a while.

Prosecutors called a witness from the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) who retrieves digital surveillance footage and detailed the area surrounding the street and sidewalk near the crime scene noting timestamps along the locations..

Stevenson’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, followed stating, “I’m not trying to trick you,”

However, he disclosed the footage is not from MPD, but is actually from security cameras around the area and in stores.

The prosecution then an FBI agent who explained that cell phones could be tracked and located based on the cell phone service tower that they automatically connect to. The witness stated that the defendants’ cell phones were in the general area of where the homicide occurred.

Weller asked if he could identify the exact cell phones’ location during the crime, to which he responded he could only identify the general area.

The prosecution then called an MPD homicide detective to testify regarding a woman he interviewed in connection to the defendants. The surveillance footage allegedly shows the woman speaking to the defendants prior to the shooting and then being called in for questioning.

The officer testified that, although the witness had originally given the officer a fake name, he later searched her phone and found her real name. He also found images of Stevenson in her phone alongside his name and contact information. The officer that this helped identify Stevenson as a suspect.

The detective also shared numerous clips from security camera footage that showed two individuals near the scene of the crime. These clips included two individuals walking in a neighborhood, a car crashing into a street object and two individuals leaving the driver and passenger’s seats and fleeing the scene. The prosecution’s implication is that these individuals were Stevenson and Thomas.

Trial is scheduled to continue on Jan. 29.

Witness Presents Disputed Testimony in Homicide Trial

On Jan.25, the defense claimed there were discrepancies in witness testimony in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein,

Elhadji Ndiaye, 24, is facing charges of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, tampering with physical evidence, destruction of property, and obstruction of justice. These charges result from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Travis Ruth, 21, on January 19, 2019, on the 2700 block of Jasper Street, NE.

During cross-examination of the witness who made the 911 call about the incident, Ndiaye’s defense attorney, Nikki Lotze, said he initially told the police and the 911 dispatcher that he did not know the victim, despite their being friends and being together on the day of the incident.

To reinforce her argument, Lotze played the 911 call for the jury, where the witness purportedly said, “Somebody just shot a man,” and added, “I am not trying to go near the person, just come.”

Lotze also presented police video in which the witness allegedly says he did not know the victim. She also said the witness claimed to have the victim’s phone, to which he responded, “I had two phones that day, an android and an iPhone. I never had his phone.”

Lotze said the witness previously told the victim’s family he had his phone, but then admitted to lying to the family.

Then, Lotze read a transcript of the police interview with the witness where he stated, “There is no type of justice.”

Lotze contended the witness made the statement only after the police had threatened to charge him with murder, suggesting he wanted to avoid prosecution.

Next, prosecutors called the deputy medical examiner from the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), who performed the Ruth’s autopsy and showed images of gunshot wounds to his head, neck, thigh, and hand.

Prosecutors then called an individual who was friends with Ndiaye and Ruth, but had a closer relationship with Ruth.

“He was a people person,” said the witness, as he described Ruth.

The prosecution cited responses from prior grand jury transcript and police interview where the witness stated the defendant shot Ruth in response to his calling Ndiaye by his official name instead of his preferred, Boosie, provoking anger.

Due to time constraints, the witness was unable to finish his testimony.

Parties are slated to return Jan. 29.

Opening Statements and Testimony in 2023 Homicide Trial

On Jan. 23, opening statements and witness testimony was presented in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Elhadji Ndiaye, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, robbery while armed, destruction of property less than $1,000, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Travis Ruth, 21, on the 2700 block of Jasper Street, NE, on Jan. 18, 2019.

According to the prosecution, Ndiaye allegedly told an eyewitness to keep his mouth shut about the incident.

The prosecution’s opening statement focused on the night of the crime when a group of friends, including Ndiaye and Ruth, were hanging out, drinking, and listening to music in an alley,

The prosecution alleged that Ruth told the defendant he was going live on Instagram. Then Ndiaye asked Ruth if he had funnel, which is tobacco to mix with marijuana, and Ruth responded, “nah Elijah.” Prosecutors claim that Ruth calling Ndiaye “Elijah” may have led to the shooting, possibly because he preferred to be called by his nickname, “Boosie.”

During the defense’s opening statement, Ndiaye’s attorney, Nikki Lotze, claimed there is no evidence to prove he was on the scene at the time of the incident. Instead, the defense claims Ndiaye was home and was trying to get in contact with his friends who were still at the alley.

Trial is set to resume Jan. 24.

Document: MPD Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Internal Affairs Bureau are investigating an MPD officer-involved shooting that occurred on Jan. 24 on the 1300 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the 2500 block of Benning Road, NE, for a man experiencing a mental health crisis. Over the next few hours, the responding officers spoke with the man, successfully deescalating the situation. DC Fire and EMS then began transporting the man to an area hospital for additional treatment, and the responding officers followed behind the ambulance.

During the transport, the man became combative and attacked the firefighter/paramedic who was riding with him, pinning her against the inside wall of the ambulance. She was able to slip out the side door of the ambulance and flee, and the man followed her outside.

The officers that were following the ambulance went to stop the man, who lunged at and grabbed one of them. The officer attempted to stop the assaultive behavior by deploying OC spray and giving verbal commands. The OC spray did not take effect, and the man fled into traffic. The officer requested that additional units and an official respond to the scene to assist them. The man then crawled underneath a nearby truck and emerged with a metal object clenched in his right hand.

The officer directed the man to drop the metal object, but he refused and moved towards him with the object raised. The officer retreated backwards and again directed the man to drop the metal object. The man charged towards the officer, grabbed at him, and swung the metal object at him. At that time, the officer discharged his firearm, striking the man.

The ambulance crew that was on scene attempted life-saving measures. After all efforts failed, the man was pronounced dead. He has been identified as 41-year-old Clifford Brooks.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 23, 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

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

The vicim was identified as 59-year-old Raymond Leon Ballard.

The suspect vehicle was captured by a nearby surveillance camera.

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

Document: Decedent Identified MPD Investigating Fatal Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 22 on the 4600 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a juvenile male with gunshot wound injuries. A short time later, officers located a man with gunshot wound injuries inside a vehicle nearby. The man died at the scene and the juvenile male was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

The preliminary investigation determined that the two victims were occupying a stolen Kia sedan and traveling northbound on Minnesota Avenue. The suspect vehicle pulled up next to the Kia and opened fire. The suspect vehicle was later recovered unoccupied on Jan. 23.

The victim was identified as 19-year-old Tyreek Sheldon Moore.

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

Judge Finds Probable Cause for First-Degree Murder in Preliminary Hearing

On January 25, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found probable cause to bring two shooting defendant’s cases to trial for a homicide.

Dasani Dawson, 19, and Aaron Walker, 19, are being charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Brian Buxton. The incident occurred on Aug. 9, 2022, on the 100 block of Irvington Street, SW.

Due to scheduling conflicts, the preliminary hearing was a multi-day long proceeding. Throughout the hearing, the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) introduced surveillance videos, which allegedly connect Dawson and Walker to an earlier carjacking incident on the same day of the fatal shooting.

The detective identified the defendants in court as those in the videos.

During his testimony, the detective stated that Dawson allegedly googled “how to take apart a Glock 19” after the shooting occurred. According to the detective, several 9mm shell casings were recovered from the scene, which are the casings used with a Glock 19.

Judge O’Keefe alerted the parties that, after reviewing the evidence and testimony, he found probable cause that Walker and Dawson were the perpetrators in Buxton’s death, and the prosecution has enough evidence to move the case to trial.

Parties are slated to return May 3.

Jury Convicts Road Rage Shooting Defendant

On Jan. 24, following a multi-week long trial, a jury convicted a defendant accused of a road rage shooting incident in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom.

Kenneth Davis, 45, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, two counts of assault with intent to kill against a minor while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one individual on May 19, 2021, on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.

Prosecutors, in their attempt to prove Davis’ guilt, provided the jury with evidence, which included surveillance footage, cell phone location data, and vehicle records for Davis.

The victim, who prosecutors claimed refused to show up from the very start of the trial, was arrested by US Marshals on Jan. 5 after prosecutors pleaded with Judge Brandt to bring her in. She spent the weekend at the DC Jail to ensure she would testify on Jan. 8.

In her testimony, the victim, who was shot in a road rage incident with her two underage children in the vehicle, stated multiple times that she did not want to be a part of the trial and was worried about her and her children’s safety.

Prosecutors also had a cell site expert from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) testify regarding his involvement in the analysis of the defendant’s phone’s location. In his testimony, the expert stated that Davis’ phone was in the general area of the incident at the time of the shooting.

Following multiple days of jury deliberations, the jury convicted Davis of assault with intent to kill, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and three counts of the lesser included charge of assault with a deadly weapon for his involvement in the road rage incident.

“Take a minute, let it wash over you,” said Judge Brandt to Davis, referencing the conviction.

Parties are slated to return March 29 for a sentencing.

Judge Denies Defense Motion for GPS Removal

On Jan. 24, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied the defense’s request to remove a murder defendant’s GPS monitoring device.

Julian Ruffin, 33, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the fatal stabbing of 38-year-old Alphonso Lee. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Butler Street, SE, on Oct. 7, 2022.

Ruffin’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, motioned for the removal of the defendant’s GPS monitor, saying the device is a burden for the defendant. Irving stated Ruffin is “here to assert his innocence” and argued that the incident is a self-defense case.

“There is no reason for the GPS,” Irving said.

Prosecution opposed the motion, stating the GPS was necessary for community safety and that the defendant has a history of criminal assault.

Judge Raffinan ultimately denied the defense’s motion for changing Ruffin’s condition of release.

Prosecution outlined materials recovered from the case and reviewed the results of their DNA testing. The evidence included a blood-stained knife, a blood-stained shirt, shoes, and phones.

The prosecution’s testing revealed Ruffin’s DNA and Lee’s DNA were allegedly found on the knife and the blood-stained shirt.

Ruffin waived the right to independent testing of the materials recovered in the case.

Next hearing is scheduled for April 2.

DNA Testing Links Murder Weapons to Defendants in Homicide Trial

On Jan. 24, an expert witness testified before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo’s courtroom that both defendants in a homicide trial allegedly left behind DNA evidence on the murder weapons and many items from the crime scene.

All three victims were found inside a vehicle at the scene.

The prosecution began by calling an expert witness regarding messages exchanged between one of the defendants and one of the surviving victims. The witness collected digital evidence for the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences (DCFS) at the time of the shooting, and was responsible for data extraction from cell phones for this case which included pictures, videos and records of phone calls.

The witness presented the jury with various screenshots of messages allegedly between Stevenson and one of the surviving victims of the shooting, in which the victim warns Stevenson to tell his nephew, Thomas, not to spend so much time near his neighborhood.

Stevenson’s defense attorney Elizabeth Weller asked if emojis or gifs would show up in the report of cell phone activity he extracted, to which he responded they would not. Weller then stated that the meaning of these texts could possibly have originally been very different had they included emojis or gifs.

The prosecution then called another expert witness who works in a forensic DNA unit to testify regarding DNA testing he analyzed from the objects found at the crime scene including a face mask, an American Tactical Rifle, a pistol, a steering wheel and driver controls, and the interior front passenger door.

The witness stated that all of these objects were very likely a match to at least one of the defendants. The face mask had DNA from two individuals, but it was more likely Thomas’s.

The American Tactical Rifle had DNA from four individuals, and after accounting for inconsistencies in the data that could be caused by the defendants’ similar DNA as uncle and nephew, it was more likely linked to Stevenson and Thomas.

The pistol also had DNA from four individuals, and while it was not found to match Thomas’s DNA, it did link to Stevenson. The steering wheel and driver controls had DNA from two people and while Stevenson was excluded it, was likely a match to Thomas.

Finally, the interior front passenger door of the vehicle had DNA from four people, and it was more likely to be Stevenson and Thomas than others in the sample.

Due to time constraints, the expert witness was unable to finish his testimony.

Parties are slated to return Jan. 25.

Lead Detective Testifies in Double Homicide Case

On Jan. 24, MPD lead detective testified about surveillance footage and social media records allegedly linking Foster to a double homicide.

Kevin Foster, 19, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 23-year-old Dana Faulkner and 15-year-old Abdul Fuller at the 2700 block of Bruce Place, SE, on March 7, 2023. Faulkner died at the scene, and Fuller was located at the intersection of Mississippi Avenue and Wheeler Road on the day of the incident. He succumbed to his injuries March 9.

Before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, prosecutors showed footage of three shooters exiting a gray car and shooting Faulkner. The detective described the driver of the car wearing a light colored hooded top and described Foster as being the alleged driver. The detective stated Fuller was not one of the three shooters involved in Faulkner’s death.

The detective then explained the crews in the neighborhoods close to where the crimes took place, specifically Hartford and Woodland Terrace, have been beefing, without further explaining why they are beefing.

After viewing footage showing a car driving away from an intersection, the detective stated to the prosecution that other witnesses said they saw Fuller fall out of a gray car seen on the surveillance footage at the Mississippi intersection.

“Based on my training, she [the coroner] described the wound as a contact wound,” the detective said, adding that the wound was to Fuller’s head.

The detective added that 40 caliber ammunition was discovered at both crime scenes and that 40 caliber ammunition was found in Foster’s closet.

Prosecution provided social media videos where Foster is seen wearing a light gray hoodie with a black zipper and drawstrings, a blue undershirt, and light-colored jeans, which matches the driver’s outfit on the day of the shooting.

In additional social media videos, Foster and Fuller appear together pointing handguns at the camera. The posts were made approximately two hours before the shooting.

The prosecution then described video recovered from Fuller’s phone where Fuller and Foster appear together, with a gray Hyundai vehicle parked in the background, which is believed to be the suspect vehicle.

Due to time constraints, the detective was unable to finish his testimony.

Parties are slated to return Feb. 1.

Case Acquitted: Witness Testifies the Alleged Shooter Was ‘No Longer in the Courtroom’

Donnell Tucker was acquitted of all charges on Jan. 31, 2024.

On Jan. 24 prosecutors presented opening statements and several witnesses before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno regarding what they say is a non-fatal “retaliation” shooting.

Donnell Tucker, 27, 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, and threat to kidnap or injure a person, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one individual on the night of March 28, 2023. The shooting happened on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE.

On Nov. 6, 2023, Tucker’s mother, Tiaquana Chandler, 42, who was also charged in connection to the incident, was convicted of conspiracy, and acquitted of first-degree burglary, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, soliciting a violent crime, and additional possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charges.

The prosecution opened with video footage from the officer’s body cam on the night of the crime. The video depicted the injuries the victim suffered, leading the prosecution to argue the violent nature of the “attack.”

According to the prosecution, an altercation between Tucker and the victim was allegedly driven by the victim’s treatment of Chandler.

The prosecution said Chandler and the victim got into a heated argument at a friend’s apartment, prompting Chandler to leave and return with Tucker.

“This case is all about retaliation,” argued the prosecutors. “A son who was angry about how his mother was being treated.”

The prosecution described how Tucker had “brutally beat and shot” the victim, leaving him with severe head trauma, several broken limbs, and a gunshot wound in his leg.

“There is only one verdict consistent with this case, which is to find the defendant guilty,” concluded the prosecution.

Marnitta King, Tucker’s defense attorney, reserved their right to not deliver an opening statement until the prosecution concluded their presentation.

Following their opening statement, the prosecution called a witness, who supposedly had romantic relations with the victim and was present the night of the crime. According to her testimony, she and the victim had been living in a friend’s apartment “a week and three days” before the altercation.

The witness testified that on the night of the incident, Tucker, Chandler, and the victim were all under the influence of several substances including alcohol and hallucinogenic phencyclidine (PCP).

The witness recalled that Chandler hit the victim in the heat of their argument, prompting the victim to “remove” Chandler’s wig and call her an “evil devil.”

The eyewitness testified that, after Chandler repeatedly left and came back to the apartment, Tucker and his mother had finally returned to the apartment together.

The witness said they, as well as the owner of the apartment, retired to their rooms while the victim went to take out the trash around 10:30 p.m. The eyewitness then heard a knock at the door and looked through the peephole to see that “his[Tucker’s] mother was standing in front of him and he was carrying a gun”.

When asked for a description of Tucker by the prosecution, the witness remembered Tucker wearing all black clothes with a mask covering all but his face the night of the attack. The witness claims they recognized Tucker’s voice the night of the attack. They had previously met days before the crime.

According to the witness, Tucker allegedly forced the door of the apartment open to press the witness against the wall and walked over to the victim, exclaiming “I’m gonna kill you right now.”

The witness then said they watched from the doorway of the apartment as Tucker and Chandler dragged the victim onto the stairs. Once outside the apartment, Chandler allegedly began to hit the victim with her fist which had four rings.

The witness testified that Tucker then fired five shots outside the apartment, at least one of which injured the victim’s leg. The witness then “told them to stop” only to be ignored as Tucker and his mother allegedly fled the scene.

According to the witness, before leaving the scene Tucker allegedly threatened the witness saying, “You better not tell the police. If you do, I’ll take care of you.”

Early on in their testimony, the witness identified the defendant saying the “person sitting next to the lawyer is the one who shot [the victim] in the leg.”

However, the witness contradicted her statement by claiming that the individual who shot the victim that night was no longer present in the courtroom.

“He’s not here [in the courtroom], he’s gone now,” the witness said.

The prosecution then asked where that person was previously seated in the courtroom, walking three aisles back to where the witness said this person was sitting. The witness described the individual who sat there as “short and slim” with “small eyes,” saying these traits made that person appear more like the man who shot the victim.

The witness then claimed that the man who shot the victim was “darker” than the person “sitting next to the lawyer.” Yet, the witness still asserted that the person who shot the victim was Chandler’s son.

The witness claimed she had only seen the individual who shot the victim wearing dark clothes, a mask and a bandana around his head.

Following the prosecution’s direct examination, Judge Salerno asked the witness how she knew the person who shot the victim was Chandler’s son.

“From his voice, his dark clothing, and his skin was dark, especially around the eyes,” the witness clarified.

The witness confirmed through their testimony that, according to them, the person who shot the victim was no longer sitting in the courtroom.

Due to time constraints, King did not get to cross-examine the witness.

Cross-examination of the witness as well as additional testimony is slated to resume Jan. 25.

Jury Acquits Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

On Jan. 24, following a multi-day trial, a jury acquitted an individual accused of a non-fatal shooting in DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz’ courtroom.

Charles Whitney, 24, was charged with carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, unlawful discharge of a firearm, endangerment with a firearm, and destruction of property, among other charges, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident on the 1500 block of Birney Place, SE, which occurred on Oct. 10, 2023.

Prosecutors argued that Whitney was the shooter in an incident that left an apartment damaged, and attempted to prove his guilt by providing surveillance footage and witness testimony. Throughout the trial, they requested the jury find Whitney guilty of all charges.

Throughout the trial, Quiana Harris, Whitney’s defense attorney, argued he had acted in self-defense, stating that he was protecting himself and two other bystanders from a drive-by shooting.

Following a day-long deliberation, the jury acquitted Whitney of all charges.

There are no further dates set in this matter.

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