Defendant Wants Guilty Plea Withdrawn in Homicide Case

At an Oct. 5 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe addressed a defendant’s request to withdraw his guilty plea and cancel sentencing in connection to a 2019 homicide.

Darius Murphy, 29, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 39-year-old Jason Wood on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE, on February 22, 2019.

According to Judge Iscoe, Murphy filed a request to withdraw his guilty plea on Feb. 28, 2022 and acknowledged that the motion would be discussed at a later date.

Murphy stated his previous lawyer, Dana Page, told him he would get the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter in return for pleading guilty to second-degree murder, but that didn’t happen. His indictment was waived on September 13, 2019, when he accepted the guilty plea.

According to Murphy’s current attorney, Kelsey Penna, they plan on calling Page and Murphy to testify at the next hearing on behalf of the motion to withdraw the guilty plea.

Parties are expected back on Dec. 5.

Murder Defendant Deemed Competent to Stand Trial

On Oct. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found a homicide defendant mentally competent to stand trial based on a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Darius Anderson, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for the alleged murder of 30-year-old Israel Mattocks on June 15, 2022 on the 200 block of 35th Street, NE.

The fatal shooting was reportedly related to an argument about a shoe purchase. Anderson had previously withdrawn a guilty plea in the case.

The DBH report indicated that the defendant was competent and both the prosecution and defense had no objections.

Anderson’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, stated Anderson is requesting his previous attorney be reappointed as counsel.

Judge Demeo stated a separate hearing needs to be set to address a new counsel appointment, and does not know if it is feasible to reappoint the previous attorney.

A motion hearing was scheduled for Oct. 12.

Case Acquitted: More Witness Testimony in 2017 Murder Trial

This case has been acquitted.

On Oct. 5, the defendant’s ex-wife concluded her testimony and a digital expert took the stand in a 2017 homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Cedric Alexander, also known as Tony White, 52, is 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.

Following the prosecutor’s questions, Alexander’s ex-wife was cross-examined by defense attorney Sellano Simmons. He asked her about prior conflicts she had with Alexander, including Alexander’s alleged affair with her coworker. More specifically, Simmons asked why the witness changed her mind and decided to cooperate when, according to Simmons, originally she didn’t want to participate.

In follow-up questioning by the prosecution, the witness emphasized the sole reason she chose to testify is because she had to do what she knew was right. “This is who I am,” she said. In addition, she said, “something happened to a person’s family member”, and she wanted to do right by Hooks’ family.

The witness said she hasn’t received anything from prosecutors for participating in the trial.

Then, the prosecution called a digital forensics expert to discuss text messages between Hooks and Alexander that took place shortly before the murder based on digital “receipts” from the conversation.

The expert noted even though messages are deleted their electronic signature is still present on a phone, and based on that he concluded that Alexander had deleted some of the texts the day of the murder.

When defense counsel Simmons suggested the prosecution may have gone too far in providing information that could influence the expert, he responded that was “dramatizing” the situation and he had no prior knowledge of the case.

Trial is set to resume Oct. 10.

Homicide Defendant Arraigned on Three Charges

On Oct. 5, Deonte Patterson was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan. in a full reading of the charges against him.

Deonte Patterson, 27, is accused of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstruction of justice for his suspected involvement in the murder of 32-year-old Ali Jamil Al-Mahdi. The incident occurred on Aug. 23, 2021, on the 1800 block of 9th Street, NW.

Through a stand-in defense attorney, Patterson pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including a speedy trial.

Patterson’s defense lawyer, Cheryl Stein, had previously motioned for a bond review. At his detention hearing on Jan. 23, the court ordered the defendant held without bond. Patterson is requesting the court reconsider that ruling and release him into the Pretrial Services Agency’s (PSA) high-intensity supervision program.

Stein was ill and could not appear in court on Oct. 5.

The judge postponed ruling on the bond review until Stein can attend.

The court scheduled a status hearing for Oct. 17.

Judge Holds Homicide Defendant for Trial

On Oct. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe detained a defendant charged with murder.

Christopher Tyler, 46, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year old Nolan Edwards in a residence on the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE, on July 7.

Frances D’Antuono, Tyler’s defense attorney, argued that there was lack of evidence to support the charge.

However, the court found probable cause and cited the defendant’s pending cases included his alleged involvement in a robbery as reasons he is still considered dangerous to the community.

Tyler is being held without bond and is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 30 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Document: Suspect Sought in a Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect connected to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 30 on the 4900 block of Central Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect, armed with a handgun, shot at the victim and fled the scene. The victim was not struck by the bullet.

The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera and can be seen in the video below.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone that provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for the crime.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Found Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

On Oct. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow found a non-fatal shooting defendant mentally competent to stand trial.

Andrew Parsons, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 9 on the 800 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Parsons was involved in an argument with a person he knew and shot him several times in the legs. The injuries required a surgical repair.

During the Oct. 4 mental observation hearing, Judge Pasichow described Parsons as “a danger” to society, and she “den[ied] the request for release.”

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Oct. 10.

Judge Orders Competency Analysis for Shooting Defendant

On Oct. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered an initial forensic screening to determine if a shooting defendant is competent to stand trial.

Lawrence Murphy, 50, is charged with aggravated assault while knowingly armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 31, 2020 on the 1300 block of Queen Street, NE. The incident left an individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Murphy’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas Jr., requested the screening based on new information. Thomas discovered a report indicating Murphy has neurological issues when he was reviewing Murphy’s records.

According to Thomas, Murphy was shot in the head as a minor and the bullet remains there.

Judge Brandt stated that she has no choice but to order an initial competency screening because the defense is questioning Murphy’s ability to communicate with his counsel.

A mental observation hearing is scheduled for Oct. 13.

Preliminary Hearing Interrupted in Murder Case

On Oct. 4, a homicide preliminary hearing was interrupted due to scheduling issues.

Jaleil Jones, 18, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Robert Lavender that occurred on July 17 on the 600 block of Monroe Street, NE.

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who identified the defendant in court as the suspect. He also testified the killing lasted for approximately 30 seconds to one minute. During the assault the victim was apparently trying to shield himself.

The prosecution introduced footage from 23 surveillance videos showing two individuals walking from an apartment building to the location of the murder. The MPD detective testified that one of the individuals in the videos was Jones.

According to the detective, minutes before the murder, Lavender was seen with a body bag. Surveillance video then displays a person the detective identified as Jones and another individual running away from the murder scene with what appears to be a body bag.

An individual then appears to be stumbling into the video frame which the detective identified as Lavender.

Due to scheduling issues, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt stopped the hearing and it is scheduled to resume on Oct. 11.

Document: Man Arrested for Homicide in Northeast

On Oct. 4, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 46-year-old Christopher Tyler with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on July 7 on the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite all lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The victim was identified as 34-year-old Nolan Edwards.

Judge Continues to Deny Juvenile’s Motion for Release in Non-Fatal Shooting

On Oct. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied a juvenile defendant’s motion for release, citing dangerousness and flight risk.

The 17-year-old male is charged with assault with intent to kill for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 9 on the 2200 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The incident left an adult female suffering from life-threatening injuries.

The juvenile’s defense attorney has previously motioned for release, stating that he has always been a good student and has substantial family and community support that would assure he succeeds if released.

The defense attorney added the defendant was attacked by a group of individuals in the Youth Services Center (YSC) and believes he remains vulnerable there. Therefore, she moved for his release stating his legal guardian would guarantee he’s enrolled in school and remains compliant with release conditions.

Social Services told Judge Salerno, when they visited the juvenile on Sept. 29, he did not mention being attacked or feeling vulnerable in the detention center. They requested he continue to be detained.

Prosecutors agreed, citing the defendant as dangerous and a flight risk.

Ultimately, Judge Salerno denied the defense’s request for release, stating that he remains a danger and poses a flight risk. He also mentioned the detention center is taking significant steps to maintain the juvenile’s safety moving forward.

Parties are expected back for a trial readiness hearing on Oct. 18.

Document: Suspect and Vehicle Sought in a Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect and a vehicle connected to a shooting that occurred on Aug. 7 at the intersection of 13th Street and U Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male shooting victim. He was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect and their vehicle were captured by surveillance cameras.

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

Document: Decedent Identified Man Dead After Shooting at McPherson Square

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on Oct. 1 on the 900 block of 15th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to McPherson square for the sounds of gunshots. While searching the scene, they located a man with gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 56-year-old Leo Colter.

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

More Prosecution Evidence in Hit-and-Run Homicide Case

On Oct. 4, prosecutors continued their case in a 2020 hit-and-run homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Eric Beasley, 32, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run that resulted in the death of 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.

Prosecutors called Farewell’s girlfriend, who had been with him when the hit-and-run occurred. She acknowledged a history of mental health issues but said she was not affected at the time of the incident nor during her testimony in court.

The woman made an in-court identification, claiming that Beasley was the driver of the red car that followed her and Farewell out of the gas station which made her uncomfortable.

After the incident occurred, she stated, “It scared me. I ran.”

During cross examination, Beasley’s defense attorneys’ argued her history of mental illness could have affected her testimony and perception of the incident.

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey stated, “Your superstitions influence how you see things sometimes.”

The defense said Farewell’s girlfriend made claims about demons and one being inside of Beasley during the incident.

During the prosecution’s redirect, she was asked her to expand on her demon comment and she stated, “He [the defendant] hit my kids’ father aggressively with a car.”

Prosecutors also called a 911 caller who had been walking her dog when she discovered the aftermath of the incident.

She said she witnessed Beasley standing over Farewell, lifting his right arm, dropping it, then dragging him towards the parked cars on the street.

In the 911 audio clip, she can be heard stating, “This man just hit this man with his car.”

The prosecution called the medical examiner who performed Farewell’s autopsy. She testified about Farewell’s injuries displaying images of lacerations on his body, multiple fractured ribs, contusions, and burst blood vessels. The examiner testified the cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries and the manner of death was homicide.

The trial is expected to continue on Oct. 5.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test DNA

On Oct. 4, a defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a homicide scene.

Anthony Lewis, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the killing of 19-year-old Camero Clemons.

Clemons was shot on May 28, 2022, but later died from the gunshot wound on June 4, 2022. The shooting occurred on the 600 block of Otis Place, NW.

According to court documents, two groups were shooting at each other, leaving an additional individual injured.

Prosecutors do not intend to test physical evidence either.

Parties are expected back on Dec. 12.

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