Document: Man Killed in Southeast DC

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. When they arrived, they located adult male human remains inside a trash can.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and determined the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds and ruled the manner of death a homicide.

The victim’s identity is unknown.

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: Arrest Made in a Homicide in Southwest DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch announced a man has been arrested in connection to a homicide that occurred on July 30 on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a suicide, where they located a woman suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where, after all life-saving efforts failed, she succumbed to her injuries. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) ruled her death a homicide.

The victim was identified as 31-year-old Tyshida Williams.

On Oct. 30, MPD arrested and charged 32-year-old Pernell Sims with second-degree murder while armed.

Sentencing Delayed Twice for Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

On Nov. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian pushed back sentencing for a non-fatal shooting defendant for the second time due to a delay in receiving a key document called the Youth Rehabilitation Act Study (YRA).

Ryan Parker, 24, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his involvement in a shooting on March 6 on the 3900 block of Minnesota AVE, NE, that left one individual suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, ShotSpotter alerted to consistent sounds of gunfire in the area of the shooting. The ShotSpotter system is a software company that assists in locating gunfire throughout the District.

MPD then located the victim, who had walked to the DC Public Library on the 3900 block of Benning Road, NE, with gunshot wounds to the right thigh and right hand.

On Aug. 8, Parker accepted a plea deal for aggravated assault while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in exchange for the dismissal of the possession charge.

Defense counsel for Parker, John Machado, spoke of his frustration about the delay in obtaining the YRA Study, an assessment that provides more information about young adult defendants and recommends sentencing guidelines.

Judge Christian ruled to continue the sentencing until the YRA is obtained and reviewed.

Parties are expected to return on Dec. 13.

Case Acquitted: Eyewitnesses Testify They Saw the Shooter During a Homicide Trial

This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

On Oct. 30, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein and a trial jury heard two eyewitnesses and one firearms expert testify in a homicide trial.

Michael Austin, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Kayvon Kinney on the 1800 block of Gainesville Street, SE, on May 24, 2020.

During the hearing the prosecution asked an eyewitness to describe in detail what he saw the day of the incident out his bedroom window. According to the witness he saw the shooter wearing a white T-shirt, jean shorts, and had a short fade hairstyle. The witness also stated that he watched the shooter running behind apartment buildings while carrying a gun, which prompted the witness to call the police.

An earlier witness described the suspect as a “young Black man in his 20’s,” wearing black jeans and a shirt, with something unidentifiable in his hand and sprinting frantically to a car.

Prosecutors called another eyewitness, who testified that she heard one gunshot then saw the shooter fire four shots at Kinney from her apartment window while he was lying on the ground.

Following the eyewitness’ testimony, the prosecution called a firearm expert who said all the shell-casings recovered from the crime scene came from the same firearm, and six of the seven bullets found at the scene were from the same semi-automatic weapon.

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

The eyewitness’s testimony will continue Oct. 31.

Parties Give Opening Statements in 2023 Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

On Oct. 31, parties gave opening statements in a non-fatal shooting trial in front of 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 and serious injuries after an apparent altercation in an apartment building.

In their opening, prosecutors showed body camera footage from one of the first responders to the scene. The video showed the victim curled up bleeding profusely in a stairwell. He had been shot in the leg and his head was severely beaten, with cuts and bruises on his forehead and face.

Prosecutors alleged that Chandler and the victim had an argument earlier that day while they were hanging out at a mutual friend’s apartment. The victim kicked Chandler out of the apartment and, according to prosecutors, Chandler returned to the apartment later that day with her son Donnell Tucker, 27, to “seek out [the victim] to get revenge”.

Judge O’Keefe granted a motion earlier to sever Tucker’s case because Chandler

Prosecutors claimed Tucker shot the victim while Chandler beat him. They called it a “retaliatory assault”.

According to the prosecution there are two witnesses, including the victim, who will testify that Chandler and Tucker committed the crime.

In response, defense attorney Thomas Healey said, “Something terrible did happen,” but added, “Chandler did not do this–she’s innocent”.

According to Healey, the evidence does not line up “Listen hard to the facts, try to connect them,” he told the jury.

The defense argued that there is no clear and convincing evidence that Chandler committed the crime.

After opening statements, prosecutors called one of the first responders, a Metropolitan Police Department(MPD) officer, for testimony.

According to the officer, when she arrived on the scene, she found the badly injured victim and tried to ask him questions but he was in severe pain. In body camera footage the victim can be heard yelling in agony.

During cross examination, the officer stated she did not see a shooter or a weapon at the scene.

Parties will reconvene Nov. 1.

Preliminary Hearing Rescheduled Because Homicide Co-Defendant Faces other Charges

On Oct. 31, a preliminary hearing held in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo was rescheduled when defense attorneys discovered one of the co-defendants was being charged with another homicide.

Aaron Walker, 19, and Dasani Dawson, 19, are charged with first-degree murder 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.

Walker’s defense attorney, Brandi Harden, stated she was informed by prosecution that Walker would be charged in another homicide minutes before the proceeding was set to begin.

The details of the case were not specified.

Harden explained she needed more time to prepare for the preliminary hearing given this new information.

Parties will reconvene Dec. 14 for the rescheduled preliminary hearing.

Defendants Plead Guilty in Homicide Case

On Oct 30, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun conditionally accepted Malachi McFarland and Andre Smith‘s guilty pleas for their involvement in a homicide case.

McFarland, 23, and Smith, 26, 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 suspected involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Kerry Odoms on April 15, 2021, on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE.

McFarland and Smith agreed to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed. Both waived their rights to a jury trial.

Judge Okun conditionally accepted the guilty plea of the defendants, pending further review of the plea offer.

Scheduling is set for Jan 12.

Judge Orders Full Competency Exam for Homicide Defendant

On Oct. 30, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein ordered a full mental competency exam for a homicide defendant.

Raymond Mathis, 36, along with Deandre Sams, 27, and Keshawn Lavender, 22, are charged with first-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Matthew Miller on Sept. 5 in an apartment on the 200 block of M Street, SW.

According to the police report, all three defendants attempted to steal drugs and money from the victims. The incident led to a shooting that injured five and killed Miller. All three defendants were shot.

A doctor from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) recommended a full exam to determine Mathis’ mental competency. During the hearing the prosecution and defense agreed and Judge Epstein ordered the screen be done before the next hearing.

The next hearing is Dec. 1.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty In Arraignment

On Oct. 31, a homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to ten indictment charges in connection to a homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Jerome Israel, 19, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old ChaQuan Barbett. The incident occurred on Aug. 23, 2022, on the 2300 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

According to prosecutors, Israel is also charged in another case with conspiracy, six counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a string of carjackings that occurred between Aug. 20 and Aug. 29, 2022.

Lisbeth Saperstein, Israel’s defense attorney, alerted the court Israel is pleading not guilty to all charges in connection to the murder and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

When setting trial dates, prosecutors told Judge Raffinan that they may combine the trials for both cases, but that it’s not yet guaranteed.

Judge Raffinan ordered prosecutors to alert defense attorneys and the court by May 1, 2024 whether or not they’re planning to combine the cases.

A trial date was set for February 2025.

Parties are expected back Jan. 9, 2024 for a status hearing.

Defense Motions Likely Delay 2020 Homicide Case

On Oct. 25, the defense presented a series of complicated motions that all but certainly delayed a 2020 fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

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

The pending defense motions include a request to dismiss the indictment due to so-called Brady violations meaning the prosecution failed to turn over potentially exonerating evidence.

The defense is also asking the court to suppress GPS tracking data regarding the suspect’s movements, as well as a motion to suppress evidence from the search of Walters’ girlfriend’s home. In addition, the defense is challenging statements Walters made while waiving his rights along with physical evidence collected in the case.

In response prosecutors asked for the Nov. 6 trial date to be moved so the court could resolve the outstanding matters.

Also during the proceeding, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective finished his account of Walter’s arrest, warrants filed, and evidence uncovered. He acknowledged the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) was actually monitoring Walter’s whereabouts by GPS at the time of the shooting.

Displaying a draft of a search warrant affidavit, defense attorney Sylvia Smith notes Daniels as saying words to the effect of, “You are going to let him hit me,” suggesting another person could have been at the incident.

The detective testified the statements were recovered from an audio recording but could not recall if he left out that remark in the final version of the warrant.

Following the detective’s testimony, Smith called an investigative specialist from the DC Public Defenders Service (PDS). The specialist spoke with another MPD detective who wrote a search warrant to track a T-mobile phone number that is allegedly linked to Walters but had no knowledge of the case at that point.

According to the investigator, the detective didn’t speak to witnesses or other law enforcement officers and wasn’t conducting any “on the ground work.”

Meanwhile, Smith alleged the prosecutors were attempting to stall the trial but presuming the outstanding issues are resolved, “We’re ready to go, prosecution should be too.”

Judge Raffinan asked that the prosecution file a motion for continuance effectively delaying the trial date.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Oct. 30 to resume the motions hearing.

Document: Updated with Photo MPD Investigating Death of Juvenile Male After Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a 13-year-old male on Oct. 28 on the 600 block of D Street, NW, after he was shot by a man he carjacked.

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. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The investigation found that the carjacking victim was sitting in his car when he was approached by two juveniles. They demanded he get out of his car, with one holding his hand in his front waistband pocket as if he had a handgun. As the victim was getting out, he produced a handgun and shot one of the suspects. The other suspect fled the scene.

The decedent has been identified as 13-year-old Vernard Toney Jr.

The victim of the carjacking was an off-duty federal security officer who was waiting in his vehicle for his shift to begin. He had a legally owned firearm and is cooperating with the investigation.

Detectives are searching for the second suspect involved in the carjacking, who was captured by a surveillance camera and can be seen in a photo below.

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

Trial Date Pushed to Next Year as Motions Hearing Continues in 2020 Homicide Case

On Oct. 30, a lengthy motions hearing for a 2020 fatal shooting continued before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

On July 13, defense attorneys filed a motion to release so-called Brady information, on the grounds the prosecution failed to disclose all potentially exculpatory evidence against Walters. It would also require both parties to share the evidence and witnesses they plan to use during trial.

Walter’s defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, argued someone in jail contacted the prosecution with key information about the homicide and those involved. The unnamed person allegedly denied Walter’s involvement in the shooting. Smith stated, “There is evidence of other people committing this crime.”

However, the prosecution argued the previous prosecuting attorney attempted to set up a meeting with the witness, but was unsuccessful due to Covid regulations. A disclosure letter was not sent until much later, when the current prosecutor was assigned to the case.

Since then that individual has died, leading Smith to argue key information had been deleted.

Smith stated, “This is the type of Brady information that results in dismissal.”

Responding to Smith’s motion to suppress statements Walters provided while waiving his Miranda rights, prosecutors argued Walters was “knowing and aware” of his situation discussing the matter with police.

“There is clear understanding on both sides,” said the prosecution.

Smith said Walters was never told he could withhold consent at any time. She stated detectives started asking questions before they had read him his rights.

She also said Walters was sleep deprived, hungry, and had been “held outside in the cold for over an hour…He wasn’t provided adequate food, he was given water and chips”. Smith said there were multiple times where Walters said he did not want to speak to police.

Judge Raffinan expressed concern with the motions’ timeline and did not believe she could rule on all of the requests before the scheduled Nov. 6 trial.

The new trial date is set for March 4.

Parties are expected to reconvene Oct. 31 for a continued motions hearing.

Defendant Pleads Guilty in Non-Fatal Shooting

On Oct. 30, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow accepted a non-fatal shooting defendant’s guilty plea.

Manaen Hines, 31, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his involvement in a shooting on Aug. 18, on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. One individual was shot and transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries to their abdomen.

Hines agreed to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license, to avoid an indictment. Under oath, he waived his right to trial and request independent DNA evidence testing.

The prosecution agreed to disregard certain factors that could lead to a harsher sentence. They also discussed the evidence they would have presented had the case gone to trial. They claimed that on Aug. 18, witnesses saw Manaen shooting a victim in the back, then leaving the scene.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2024

Defense Counsel Surprised by Pre-Preliminary Plea Deal

On Oct. 30, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park presided over a status hearing during which a non-fatal shooting defendant rejected a plea deal.

Deon Jenkins, 45, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, felony possession of a firearm, carrying a dangerous weapon outside the home or business with a prior felony, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of a destructive device for his alleged involvement in an exchange of gunfire on June 5 on the 1200 block of 18th Place, NE.

Jenkins is allegedly seen on surveillance footage running through an alleyway before shooting at a vehicle the defendant claims was driving towards him.

According to court documents, Jenkins was later located by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) with gunshot wounds to both legs and right hand on the 1700 block of M Street, NE. No injuries were reported.

When asked by Judge Park if a plea offer was ever on the table, defense counsel Lauren Morehouse said she did not believe so, but the prosecution disagreed.

The prosecution said they’d made an offer before the preliminary hearing that would have allowed Jenkins to plead guilty to felony unlawful possession of a firearm with all other indictment charges being dismissed.

Morehouse discussed the plea offer with her client, but Jenkins quickly rejected it, standing by the alleged self-defense aspects of this case.

Morehouse requested extensive so-called Brady materials to be disclosed, specifically the information regarding Jenkins’ shooting. This kind of information includes material evidence that is often favorable for the defense.

A trial date is set for April 2024.

Parties are expected to return on April 5 for a trial readiness hearing.

Data Shows Three Mass Shootings Occurred in DC in September

D.C. Witness recorded a total of 43 non-fatal shooting and homicide victims for the month of September, in 25 different incidents.

Of those victims, 23 were homicide victims and 20 were non-fatal shootings victims. All the homicides stemmed from shootings.

There were three mass shootings in the District in September. The first, which occurred on Sept. 5 in an apartment on the 200 block of M Street, SW, left five individuals suffering from non-life-threatening injuries but took the life of 32-year-old Matthew Miller.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, three suspects attempted to steal drugs and money from those in the apartment. The plan went awry, leading to the mass shooting.

Keshawn Lavender, 22, Deandre Sams, 27, and Raymond Mathis, 36, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed and felony murder for their alleged involvement in the incident.

On Sept. 23, a mass shooting occurred at a nightclub on the 1300 block of H Street, NE which left three individuals suffering from non-life-threatening injuries but killed 31-year-old Blake Bozeman.

MPD is still searching for the individual or individuals responsible.

Likewise, on Sept. 27, MPD officers responded to the 2500 block of 14th Street, NE, following the report of a shooting, where they located 41-year-old Nathaniel Limes and 46-year-old James Cooper Jr. suffering from gunshot wounds. They both succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

A third victim was located with gunshot wounds, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Two additional victims were located at other hospitals receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

MPD is still searching for the individual or individuals responsible for that shooting.

MPD has arrested and charged individuals in connection to three out of the 25 incidents through the District in September.

Search