Lead Detective Gives Testimony in Road Rage Shooting Trial

A non-fatal shooting trial resumed with the lead detective’s testimony in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on Jan. 18.

Kenneth Davis, 45, is charged with six counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm.

The counts are related to his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left an individual suffering from a gunshot wound to the left shoulder, on May 19, 2021, on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

In her testimony, the victim, who said she 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.

Marnitta King, Davis’ defense attorney, called the lead detective to testify regarding his involvement in the investigation of the incident. I

Initially, King questioned the detective about “racially insensitive” social media reposts he made in 2018, which he deemed “probably one of the biggest mistakes” in his career. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) disciplined the detective for the social media posts in 2019, but the detective did not specify the sanctions.

King questioned why the detective pursued tips from an anonymous hotline focusing on African American owners of a Gran Turismo Maserati vehicle. According to the detective, his decision was based on two of three witnesses recalling the dark complexion of the shooter.

According to the detective, he spoke with an employee at a Maserati dealership in Maryland, who recognized the vehicle and the suspect in the video published by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and shared the vehicle identification number.

He acquired the information for the owner of the Maserati, who is allegedly Davis, and searched him on the MPD database to find an image.

The detective testified that, once he retrieved Davis’ driver license image, he displayed it to the victim in a photo array, and she identified Davis as the shooter.

Following the detective’s testimony, both parties rested their case.

Parties are slated to return Jan. 22 for closing arguments.

Homicide Defendant Agrees to Plea Deal

On Jan. 18, a homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Anthony Lewis, 25, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his involvement in the shooting of 19-year-old Camero Clemons. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Otis Place, NW, on May 18, 2022.

Clemons succumbed to fungal pneumonia on June 4, 2022, prosecutors say, as a result of the gunshot wound.

During the hearing, Julie Swaney, Lewis’ attorney, stated that Lewis intended to enter into a plea agreement with the prosecution.

The deal required Lewis to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed; the penalties range from a 30 year maximum to a five year minimum sentence. The defendant’s attorney requested a sentence of 130 months.

Lewis accepted the plea agreement, and told Judge Okun he understands that he waived his right to an indictment, independent DNA testing of the evidence, trial, and appeal.

Parties are slated to return on Apr. 5 for a sentencing.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Pre-Preliminary Plea Deal

On Jan. 18, in what was supposed to be a preliminary hearing, a shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Carlson Mackall, 21, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured an individual on May 1, 2023. The incident occurred on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, at a bus bay outside the Minnesota Avenue Metro Station.

During the hearing, William Alley, Mackall’s defense attorney, alerted Judge O’Keefe the parties had come to an agreement, and Mackall would be pleading out.

The deal required Mackall to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges and the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Parties agreed to a 60 month sentence.

Mackall accepted the plea agreement, and told Judge O’Keefe he understands he’s giving up his rights to a preliminary hearing, a trial, appeals, and DNA testing.

Parties are slated to return March 15 for a sentencing.

Eyewitness to Car Crash Testifies About Fleeing Murder Suspects

On Jan. 17, a witness testified in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo that she personally witnessed two men swerve their car into another before fleeing the scene with a rifle.

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.

The prosecution called an eyewitness to the car crash prosecutors claim was caused by Thomas and Stevenson fleeing the shooting scene. The witness explained that the crash occurred outside of the apartment complex where she lived, and she was able to see it from her second story window.

She further explained that she heard a screeching sound, which prompted her to go to her window, where she saw a black car swerve into another car, impacting both cars and pushing them into the middle of the street.

Then, she saw two men exit the vehicle from the driver and passenger side. Although their backs were turned to her, she claimed that she could see that the passenger appeared to be holding a long rifle. She claimed the passenger was a black male that had long blond dreadlocks with black roots, and that both the passenger and the driver were wearing all black clothing.

According to the witness, the pair ran into a wooded area behind an apartment complex after leaving the vehicle where the witness lost sight of them.

During cross-examination, Stevenson’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, asked the witness whether her apartment had an outdoor camera and if it captured the accident. She responded that she did possess a camera, but that it had a limited view and was only focused on her car.

During their redirect, the prosecution questioned the witness about her description of the passenger, claiming that she had never mentioned that he had blond hair during her grand jury testimony. The witness did not elaborate about the discrepancy.

The prosecution then called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sergeant who had been in the area in an unmarked car when he heard several gunshots nearby, and viewed a “getaway car” leaving an apartment complex. He pursued the car until it eventually came to a halt, leading the officer to approach the vehicle with his gun drawn. The officer explained that the vehicle then took off again, and he lost sight of it.

Parties are expected to reconvene Jan. 18.

Opening Statements Delivered in Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

On Jan. 17, opening statements and witness testimony were given in a non-fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz.

Charles Whitney, 24, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm and destruction of property for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 1500 block of Birney Place, SE, which occurred on Oct. 10, 2023.

“We will ask you to find the defendant guilty of unlawful endangerment, unlawful discharge, and destruction of property,” the prosecution said.

The prosecution explained that on the day of the incident, two apartments were struck by gunfire, with one of the bullets traveling through the window of one apartment and exiting an adjacent apartment.

Building their case, the prosecution showed the jury CCTV surveillance footage of an individual, who they identified as Whitney, approaching an apartment building, removing a firearm from his waist, raising his arm, shooting the gun and then running away.

The prosecution also presented a bullet fragment found in the apartment, showed damage to the unit as well as shell casings found at the scene of the crime.

Quiana Harris, Whitney’s defense attorney, argued he is not guilty, and he was merely using his lawful right of self-defense to protect himself and two other women from an apparent drive-by-shooting.

“Whitney acted reasonably and justifiably,” Harris insisted.

Harris described the scene, acknowledging that the area where the alleged crime happened is an open community with no security. She argued that crime is common in the area, and added that there are threats of violence and gunshots often.

Harris added that Whitney, who grew up in the neighborhood, knew that these types of incidents are “life or death,” stating Whitney allegedly saw a gun pointed at him from a vehicle. When shots were fired, he fired back, attempting to defend himself and the two female bystanders.

Following opening statements, prosecutors called on a sergeant with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer to testify.

According to the officer, he collected evidence at the crime scene in an effort to corroborate the prosecution’s arguments.

Harris cross examined the officer about his crime scene report which indicated there were two different types of shell casings recovered at the scene– 40 mm and 9 mm. Due to time constraints, the sergeant was unable to conclude his testimony.

Parties are slated to return Jan. 18.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment

On Jan. 16, a shooting defendant was arraigned on nine counts in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Shawnette Greene, 47, is charged with three counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, one count of armed robbery, one count of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, one count of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, and 3 counts of accessory after the fact.

She’s charged for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left an individual suffering three gunshot wounds to the upper left leg, on Feb.13, 2023, on the 200 block of Allison Street, NW.

During the hearing, Hannah Claudio, Greene’s defense attorney, alerted the court she was pleading not guilty to all counts and asserted her constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to return on Feb.15.

Annual Homicide Rate Increased Nearly Fifty Percent Since 2015, D.C. Witness Data Shows

While judges expressed their concerns about the troubling rise of crime in the city, and the city council tried to come up with solutions, 2023 turned out to be a record-setting year for homicides in DC since 1997.

D.C. Witness has monitored homicides in the District since 2015, and our data shows that there was a significant increase from 2017 to 2021, before slightly decreasing in 2022, and hitting a peak in 2023. In eight years, DC’s homicide rate increased nearly fifty percent.

Figure 1.

Figure 1 depicts the change in numbers throughout the years that D.C. Witness has been tracking.

According to D.C. Witness data, there were 173 homicide incidents in the District in 2015, with 178 victims. However there were 256 incidents in 2023, with 278 victims, indicating a 47.97 percent increase in homicide incidents in eight years, and 56.18 percent increase in homicide victims.

Of the 278 homicide victims in 2023, 243 died from gunshot injuries, with less than half of the guns used by the arrested individuals recovered.

With the increase in homicide incidents in 2023, came an increasing number of juvenile defendants, either tried as adults or children, and juvenile victims. In 2023, there were a total of 23 juvenile homicide victims, with ages ranging from five-months-old to 17-year-olds.

The number of juvenile arrests also increased in 2023, with several tried as adults. One of them, 18-year-old Lorinzo Thompson, who was 17 at the time of the incident, is alleged to have shot and killed 14-year-old Niko Estep on Nov. 3 on the 2600 block of 14th Street, NW.

During a detention hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo stated the case has an “extremely troubling set of circumstances,” citing Thompson’s mother’s alleged presence during the incident. She also mentioned his two pending juvenile cases, whose circumstances were not discussed in open court, with the judge arguing that his alleged involvement in Estep’s death was when he was on release from the other two juvenile cases.

Judge Demeo echoed multiple judges’ statements who deemed juveniles’ actions as troubling.

Most notably in the deaths of victims under the age of 18 was five-month-old Kenneth Geo Walton, who was located unconscious and unresponsive on Feb. 11, on the 4000 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW. He succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 18, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) ruled his death a homicide, stating that he died from complications of blunt force trauma. An arrest has yet to be made in relation to the incident.

Likewise, on March 16, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the 1300 block of Morris Road, SE, for the report of an unconscious and unresponsive infant, with no signs consistent with life. The infant was identified as seven-month-old King Phelps, and no arrests have been made.

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld has also deemed various juvenile defendant’s actions troubling, including a juvenile girl that was charged with the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Naima Liggon on Aug. 27 on the 1900 block of 14th Street, NW.

The girl, who accepted a plea deal on Dec. 4, has requested she be released multiple times, with the request being denied due to the dangerousness and circumstances of her case.

However, Judge Hertzfeld granted another juvenile defendant’s motion for release in connection with the deadly carjacking incident on Oct. 28 that left 13-year-old Vernard Toney Jr. dead on the 600 block of D Street, NW.

She released the boy following weeks-long psychiatric evaluations at a District facility due to behavioral issues leading up to the incident and while he was detained at the Youth Services Center (YSC) in the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

Although the homicide numbers are high, arrests have lagged behind. In 2023 alone, only 90 arrests were made in connection to the 256 homicide incidents, meaning that suspects have not been apprehended in nearly 65 percent of homicide incidents last year.

Figure 2.

Figure 2 depicts the similar percentages for arrests throughout the years.

In 2023, the DC Council responded to the uptick in crime by passing legislations like the Safer Stronger Amendment Act of 2023 and Addressing Crime Trends Now Act (ACT Now) of 2023, which aimed to address the safety challenges and the penalties for violent crimes in the District.

The legislation leaves the question of how the city council and mayor’s attempts to control the rise in crime in 2023 will affect 2024’s numbers.

Document: Southeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Jan. 16 on the 2400 block of S Street, 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 residence. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 23-year-old Javonni Anthony Coleman.

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.

‘You Took My Mother From Me and My Sisters,’ Victim’s Daughter Says at Sentencing

On Jan. 12, a homicide defendant was sentenced to 13 years of incarceration by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Christian Monge, 27, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Brittanie Clark on Aug. 31, 2021, on the 5000 block of First Street, NW.

According to court documents, the incident stemmed from an altercation between Clark and Monge’s girlfriend.

On Sept. 13, Monge accepted a deal to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for dismissal of all other charges. Parties agreed to a sentence of 13 years incarceration and five years of supervised release.

During the sentencing, several members of Clark’s family delivered victim impact statements, highlighting the pain and suffering her loss has brought to their family. Many of them stated they wanted to know why Monge did it, with Clark’s aunt saying, “Why? It shouldn’t have gone that far,” referencing the altercation between Monge’s girlfriend, Monge, and Clark.

“You really hurt me,” she added, saying, “You took away the most important person in my life.”

Many of the family members also mentioned Clark’s three girls, who they say need their mom every day, and he took her from them by force. “What if someone did that s**t to your sister, your brother… karma is coming. It’s coming, just know that, you can laugh all you want,” said Clark’s sister, as Monge appeared to smirk during the proceeding.

In an emotional statement, Clark’s daughter, who witnessed the stabbing, said “You took my mother from me and my sisters…I’m hurt.”

“I don’t think he understands that what he did is wrong,” she insisted, adding that she thinks about it every day.

Following the statements, prosecutors stated Clark’s loss has left a hole in her family’s hearts, adding that one of the few reasons they agreed to the plea deal was to ensure Clark’s daughter and the other juvenile present at the time of the incident did not have to endure the trauma that comes from testifying in front of a jury.

Prosecutors said that Monge comes from an unstable family, and has inflicted the same pain on three young girls.

They argued that Monge, in recorded jail calls, tried to shift blame on his girlfriend saying, “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.” The prosecutor insisted that the only reason he’s in the position he’s in is because of his actions in an “unnecessary act of violence.”

Anthony Matthews, Monge’s defense attorney, rested his arguments based on the sentencing memorandum, which is not public, but added that Monge has a young daughter who he wants to support, and she is his motivation moving forward.

Monge asserted his right to not make a statement before the court.

Judge Okun expressed his condolences to the family, adding that the “senseless crime” should not have ended the way it did, adding that it was “uncalled for, unprovoked, and unnecessary.”

“It’s a very concerning crime to me,” he stated, arguing it’s not Monge’s first time stabbing someone. He referenced Monge’s 2015 conviction for stabbing someone in Maryland, for which he now has to serve back-up time due to his conviction in Clark’s death, which occurred while he was released on probation in Maryland.

“Part of me thinks this is not enough time,” claimed Judge Okun, adding that he understands the prosecution’s reasoning for agreeing to the deal.

Prosecutors requested Monge serve the District’s sentence consecutively to the time he has to serve in Maryland, arguing that it’s reasonable due to it being two separate incidents with different victims.

The request was granted, and Judge Okun ordered Monge to participate in anger management, mental health assessments and treatment, and substance abuse assessments.

“For your sake, for your kid’s sake, and community’s sake, I hope you’re never here again,” said Judge Okun.

No further dates were scheduled.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On Jan. 16, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors in front of DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz.

Ernest Conyeir, 34, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a shooting on Oct. 18, 2023, on the 1500 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The incident left one individual suffering from gunshot wounds.

According to court documents, the shooting occurred after a verbal altercation between Conyeir and the victim. The victim was shot in their right forearm and left shin, and walked to a medical center where he received treatment.

During the hearing, Conyeir accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. He was also required to plead guilty to armed robbery in connection to an unrelated matter.

Based on the deal, parties agreed to a seven-and-a-half to nine-year range for sentencing.

“In the end, it’s not going to matter that much as your sentence is going to be seven-and-a-half years if I accept this agreement,” Judge Lebovitz said, referencing the sentencing guidelines for the original charges.

Conyeir will also be required to register as a gun offender.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 8.

Probable Cause Found in Homicide Case and Defendant Detained

On Jan. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause that a homicide defendant must stand trial.

Tremone Jackson, 20, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Charles Towles on the 1400 block of L Street, SE on Nov. 4, 2023.

The prosecution began by calling the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) lead detective on the case to testify about surveillance footage captured on the afternoon of the shooting.

The detective explained that the shooting occurred at a public housing complex and the video captures Townes arriving at the location then having a physical altercation with an individual in a red hoodie as they exit the facility. The individual in the red hoodie was identified by the detective as Jackson. After the altercation, there is observable gunfire.

Townes is then seen lying flat on the ground, as the individual police identify as Jackson, along with one other person, run away quickly from the scene.

During cross-examination, Jackson’s defense attorney, Russell Hairston, pointed out Jackson isn’t seen with a weapon when he went into the building,

Additionally, Hairston questioned the detective whether Townes was seen with a weapon, specifically asking if it is clear in the footage. The detective explained that he since learned that Townes did not have a firearm on him at the time of the shooting, and agreed that simply from the footage, it is unclear if Townes was armed.

The detective explained Jackson and Townes knew each other, and were having a dispute before things became physical, allegedly regarding Jackson’s girlfriend.

Hairston also argued the individual originally seen entering the building, who has been identified as Jackson, could be different than the person seen arguing with Townes. That’s based on surveillance footage showing the suspect going briefly back to his vehicle. Hairston argued that another person could have left the vehicle, and it may not have been Jackson.

Hairston said there is no probable cause given no positive identification, and not knowing if Townes had a firearm.

However, Judge Epstein found probable cause in this case, and there is enough evidence to go to trial. He explained there’s no physical evidence Townes was armed or that the shooting was in self-defense.

Hairston then requested Jackson be released since this is his first criminal offense, and his lawyer said he has very strong family support.

The prosecution argued Jackson should be detained. They explained he shot someone in broad daylight, an extremely dangerous act.

Judge Epstein agreed with the prosecution that Jackson should be detained.

Parties are expected to reconvene Jan 19.

Document: MPD Searching for Vehicle Involved in Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a vehicle involved in a shooting on Jan. 14.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the 600 block of Malcolm X Avenue, SE, for the report of a gunshot wound victim, where they located the victim who stated he was shot on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. He was transported to a hospital for treatment.

The suspect’s vehicle was captured by surveillance footage.

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

Document: Teen Arrested for Carjacking and Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a teenager after he was involved in a carjacking and shooting on Jan. 12 on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, the victim was sitting in his vehicle at the location when three suspects approached him, assaulted him, and robbed him at gunpoint. Two of the suspects then took the victim’s vehicle.

Shortly after, one of the two suspects in the carjacked vehicle began exchanging gunfire with an unknown person on the 3300 block of Benning Road, NE. The unknown person returned fire, striking the suspect. Responding officers located the injured suspect and the carjacked vehicle.

On Jan. 12, a 15-year-old juvenile male was arrested and charged with armed carjacking, assault with intent to commit robbery, robbery, and assault with a dangerous (gun).

This incident remains under investigation, and MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each violent crime in the District.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 11 Years

On Jan.12, a non-fatal shooting defendant was sentenced to 11 years incarceration by DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Vincent James, 39, was convicted by a jury of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred at a liquor store on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SE, on July 30, 2020. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident.

The prosecution began by arguing that James should be sentenced to the top of the guidelines for his crimes, which would be 11 years. They explained that the surveillance video of the shooting was shown multiple times in trial, and it is clearly James on the video. The prosecution stated that James is not “18, 19, or 20 years old and trying to find the ways of the world, he is a grown man”.

The prosecution also argued that James has twenty years of arrests, dating back to 2004. In addition to this, the prosecution referenced the arrests that James picked up while this case was still pending, saying he was convicted of a DUI during this time. They also referenced a close link that James has between alcohol and violent behavior, saying “the defendant hasn’t fully appreciated and learned what’s going on with his admitted anger and alcohol problem”.

The prosecution closed their argument by stating that James has yet to accept any responsibility for his actions in this case, and requested that the court give him the highest of the guidelines, 11 years, for his sentencing.

James’ defense attorney, Susan Ellis, argued to the court that James should receive the lower end of the sentencing guidelines, which would be five years. Ellis emphasized that the full story of what happened during the shooting will never be known. She also referenced the abundance of trauma that James has experienced in his life, including the murder of his brother and stepmom, abusive foster care experience, and being bullied as a child.

Ellis insisted that James has been steadily employed for most of his adult life, and that he will have a very strong family support system upon his release from incarceration. She further argued that five years is a sufficient sentence for James, and requested to the court that it be the sentence they impose.

Judge O’Keefe then described James as a “very mild mannered, quiet, and serious person”. He explained that “even though it’s clearly you on that video, you took it to trial, and made the prosecution jump through all the hoops”. He then stated that he has “no basis to cut [James] a break”.

After making these statements, Judge O’Keefe sentenced James to 11 years, with five years of supervised release, for the charge of aggravated assault knowingly while armed. As well as eight years, with three years of supervised release, for the charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Lastly, he sentenced James to three and a half years, with three years of supervised release, for the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict. All of these charges will run concurrently.

Judge O’Keefe then explained that upon release from incarceration, James will have to comply with certain release conditions, such as GPS monitoring and substance abuse testing, as well as registering as a gun offender.

No further dates are set in this case.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request for Release

On Jan. 12, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo denied a murder defendant’s request to be released as he awaits further proceedings.

Lorinzo Thompson, 18, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of a 14-year old Niko Estep on the 2600 block of 14th Street NW, on Nov. 3, 2023. The incident left another juvenile male suffering from gunshot wounds.

Thompson, who was 17 at the time of the incident, is being tried as an adult under Title 16, which allows prosecutors to charge juveniles as adults for crimes like murder.

On Jan. 8, Judge Demeo found probable cause that Thompson was the perpetrator in Estep’s shooting.

On Jan. 12, prosecutors argued that due to new law passed in 2023, there is a rebuttable presumption that Thompson’s release would be unsafe to the community, adding that the defense has failed and will not be able to rebut the presumption.

“This is one of the most serious offenses that can be committed in the District,” said the prosecutor, adding that Thompson is accused of killing a 14-year-old and injuring another juvenile in a public gas station. They added that, during the preliminary hearing, Judge Demeo ruled there was no proof of self-defense.

The prosecution argued further that, although he has no convictions, his pending cases in juvenile court are extremely concerning, including the fact that he was on release at the time of the shooting.

According to the prosecution, Thompson fired 12 or more gunshots in a public place, and continued to fire the gun until his magazine was empty. They added that, although the surviving victim was found to be in possession of an extended magazine, Thompson did as well, and he made sure he shot as many times as possible.

The prosecution added there are “serious concerns for the safety of the community,” arguing that there’s clear evidence Thompson’s mother was present at the time of the shooting and did not attempt to prevent it from occurring.

They also referenced letters of support sent in by Thompson’s family, where they stated they had missed the defendant through the holidays. “His family missed [him] during the holidays, but Estep’s family did too, and they will continue to miss him for the rest of their lives,” prosecutors insisted.

Due to the evidence, the nature and circumstances of the crime, prosecutors insisted no combination of conditions can ensure the safety of the community if Thompson is released.

Joseph Yarbough, Thompson’s defense attorney, noted that some of the victims could have had firearms on them at the time of the incident.

Yarbough added that a defendant’s history is the most important factor for the court to consider when discussing release, and Thompson has no convictions or adjudications, even if he has pending cases.

He argued Thompson has strong family support, and if released he will re-engage in boxing and plans to go to church, adding that Thompson wants to ensure he finishes his schooling, but is having difficulty doing so at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF).

“His family is clearly surrounding him with love and support,” argued Yarbough, although no family members were present at the hearing.

He requested Judge Demeo release Thompson to home confinement or a curfew with GPS monitoring that would allow him to go to school and work.

Judge Demeo denied the request, stating there are “extremely troubling set of circumstances” in this case, adding that the weight of the evidence is strong.

“The mother seems to be complicit with what happened,” she stated, adding that his extended family members who sent letters of support may not be fully aware of what Thompson is involved in.

She agreed the prosecution had met their high burden that the safety of the community cannot be guaranteed if Thompson is released, therefore ordering he be detained pending further proceedings.

Parties are slated to return March 15.