Case Acquitted: Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Release Motion

This case was acquitted on Dec. 1, 2023.

On Oct. 3, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a non-fatal shooting defendant’s motion for release, arguing she remains a danger to the community.

Saphire Johnson, 24, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 28 on the 4100 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The incident left one individual, and Johnson, suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

According to court documents, the incident occurred during a funeral and stemmed from a verbal altercation between Johnson and a family member. Once Johnson began to shoot, another individual returned fire and struck Johnson on her leg which prevented her from shooting at the crowd.

Varsha Govindaraju, Johnson’s defense attorney, filed a motion for release, stating Johnson has substantial community support and is ready to comply with any conditions the court finds necessary. Govindaraju, stated if Johnson is released, she would continue to receive the mental health treatment she needs and go back to her long standing job.

According to Govindaraju, Johnson has been traumatized while detained at the DC Jail. She stated that a corrections officer took images of her naked and that Johnson has been attacked by other inmates.

Govindaraju also argued since Johnson has never been incarcerated before the drastic change in lifestyle has negatively affected her.

The defense requested Johnson be released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) which requires defendants check-in frequently with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and be monitored by GPS at all times.

Prosecutors quickly opposed the defense’s motion, stating that Johnson continues to be a danger to others. According to prosecutors, on July 28, Johnson assaulted an officer at the jail by throwing a hot liquid at the individual who sustained second-degree burns.

Judge Hertzfeld agreed Johnson poses a danger and that no release conditions will ensure the community’s safety.

Once Judge Hertzfeld delivered her ruling, Johnson screamed “What danger am I?”.

Parties are expected back for a trial readiness hearing Nov. 3.

Defendant Accepts Last Minute Plea Offer in Murder Case

On Oct. 3, a defendant decided to waive his right to a jury trial and accepted a plea offer on the morning his homicide trial was scheduled to begin.

Niko Hall, 31, is one of three co-defendants charged in relation to the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Anthony Lee.

The incident occurred on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, on Sept. 26, 2020. Hall was charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession with a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business while armed.

The prosecution previously offered Hall the option to plead down to second-degree murder while armed with a sentence of twelve-to-fourteen years in prison. Hall rejected that deal during a hearing on Sept. 26.

Hall’s co-defendants, 21-year-old Kyrie Wells and 20-year-old Darquise Montgomery previously accepted plea offers that reduced their first-degree murder charges to second-degree murder while armed dismissing all other counts.

After the parties had negotiated, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt said, “parties have reached a disposition” and confirmed the trial would not continue.

Hall accepted an offer that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. He faces a fourteen-to-nineteen year sentence. Hall will also be required to register as a gun offender.

The prosecution called Hall’s involvement in the shooting, “voluntary, and intentional” and said, “The defendant aided and abetted his co-conspirators.”

Hall accepted the plea offer and took responsibility for his involvement in the incident.

Judge Brandt said to Hall, “You just stepped up and did a brave thing,” before accepting Hall’s guilty plea.

The sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 27.

Jury Finds Defendant Guilty of Second-Degree Murder

On Oct. 3, a jury delivered a guilty verdict before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe following four days of deliberation in a 2020 murder case

Ravel Mills, 29, was charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Toussaunt Strong. The incident took place on the 3400 block of 24th Street, SE, on April 18, 2020.

After a two-week trial, the jury acquitted Mills of the first-degree murder charge, but found him guilty of the lesser offense of second-degree murder, and all other charges.

During the trial, both parties acknowledged the circumstantial nature of the evidence. There is no DNA linking Mills to the murder weapon, a firearm. Neither is there video of, or witnesses to the murder.

The defense argued prosecutors didn’t present any hard evidence.

The prosecution’s case was focused around one surveillance video that showed Mills following Strong up a street before his murder. However, the footage does not show the shooting, only the scenes before and after. Mills is seen leaving the scene after shots were fired.

When Mills took the stand in his own defense, he claimed a PCP dealer came down the opposite side of the street and killed Strong in front of him.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 11.

Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

On Sept. 29, a homicide defendant accepted a plea offer extended by the prosecution.

Carson Posey, 23, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Shantal Hill on April 15, 2020, on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

Posey accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges and a misdemeanor case. He faces 12-to-18 years incarcerated and must register as a gun offender.

According to the prosecutors, had the case gone to trial, there would be evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Posey shot and killed Hill.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe confirmed he was satisfied with the defendant’s understanding of the terms and accepted his guilty plea.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 19.

Trial Continues in 2020 Hit-and-Run Homicide

On Oct. 3, prosecutors continued their case in a vehicular 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 a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, who recovered Farewell’s clothing after it had been cut off by first responders including his ripped black sweatpants and compression leggings that contained blood stains.

Prosecutors also called an MPD officer who used scrape marks on the street that were allegedly caused by an exhaust pipe scraping the street in order to identify an abandoned car involved in the incident.

During cross examination, defense attorneys suggested other cars on the road and bystanders in the area may have contaminated the crime scene.

Another MPD officer showed video of a mangled bike that Beasley may have allegedly discarded in a backyard to get rid of incriminating evidence.

A Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) officer was called to testify regarding the discovery of Beasley’s wallet, ID, and mail in the abandoned car.

In addition, prosecutors displayed images of damage to the hood, bumper, and undercarriage of the suspect vehicle.

According to the DFS officer, the bicycle seat had been wedged in the front passenger side tire. “I had to manually pull it out, it was stuck up under there,” he stated.

The trial is expected to continue on Oct. 4.

Jury Finds Defendant Guilty On All Counts in Domestic Shooting

On Oct 3, a jury found a shooting defendant guilty on all counts in a domestic violence case.

Rae Kwon Sutton, 26, was convicted of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon committed during release, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence committed during release, three counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person committed during release, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm committed during release, burglary committed during release, and escape from an officer committed during release, for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 4800 block of Benning Road, SE, on March 19. No injuries were reported in the incident.

During the six-day trial, the jury heard from a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, an investigator from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), and Sutton’s ex-girlfriend whom was he was looking for the day of the incident.

The court also heard from two sisters of the ex-girlfriend who saw the shooting, and a representative from T-Mobile who testified about phone records linked to Sutton.

In their closing arguments, the prosecution described how Sutton became more aggressive with the ex-girlfriend and one of her sisters on the day of the shooting.

“I’m shoot her house up,” Sutton said in an Instagram message to one of his ex-girlfriend’s sisters on the day of the shooting.

Prosecutors showed the jury screenshots of messages and voice messages sent by Sutton to his ex-girlfriend and her sister in the early hours of the morning of the incident.

The defense said the messages sent to Sutton’s ex-girlfriend do not mean anything because she didn’t read them as they were being sent.

The prosecution countered saying Sutton’s ex-girlfriend had read them when she met with police following the shooting.

Prosecutors said that in one of the messages sent by Sutton to the sister, he threatened to kill her.

The defense attacked the testimony of his ex-girlfriend’s sisters, calling it unreliable and because one of them was allegedly drunk at the time of the shooting.

The prosecution denied these allegations and said Sutton was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt simply because he didn’t care about the crime that he committed.

The defense asked the jury to consider a verdict of not guilty based on insubstantial evidence.

Parties are expected back for sentencing on Dec. 1.

Document: Correction Man Dies from Injuries in May Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that stemmed from a shooting on May 18 on the intersection of 1st Street and Q Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital for treatment of critical injuries. Shortly after, another man was located in a hospital seeking treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

On Oct. 1, the man with critical injuries succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. He was identified as 28-year-old Malik Lyons.

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.

Case Acquitted: Trial Resumes in 2017 Homicide Case

This case has been acquitted.

On Oct. 3, prosecutors called forth more witnesses to testify in a 2017 homicide case 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.

A Department of Defense (DoD) technician said she took photos, DNA samples, and latent fingerprints from Hooks’ vehicle after it was recovered. She said she found a cartridge casing on the driver’s seat and a wallet in the center console, then turned those items in to be processed.

During cross examination, Alexander’s attorney, Sellano Simmons, questioned the witness about where she took DNA samples. The witness said she checks for DNA anywhere where an individual might touch the vehicle, like the rim surrounding a rearview mirror.

Simmons said that DNA could just potentially identify an individual. The witness said she is not responsible for analyzing the evidence, only testing it.

Then prosecutors called forth an FBI Special Agent to discuss cell site data and geolocation evidence.

The witness said Alexander was the last person to share phone contact with Hooks prior to his phone’s going straight to voicemail.

According to the agent the cell site closest to Hooks’ phone shows eight calls prior to his death, all of which were to Alexander. This allegedly makes Alexander the last person to speak to Hooks prior to his death.

When cross examined, Simmons asked if cellular devices would always connect to the nearest cell site tower.

The witness replied, “no”, and in some cases devices will connect to cell sites with the strongest signal, and not the closest.

Simmons then argued that it’s not always possible to tell if a cell tower is closest to a phone call, and that the analysis may have some inaccuracies.

The trial is set to resume Oct. 4.

Defendant Found Mentally Competent to Stand Trial in Domestic Violence Case

At an Oct. 3 mental observation hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz stated doctors found a shooting defendant competent to stand trial.

Kevin Settles, 36, is charged with one count of armed carjacking, assault on a police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of ammunition, attempted unarmed carjacking, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, carry pistol outside home or business, unlawful possession of a firearm, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence shooting that occurred on the 100 block of Ridge Road, SE, on Feb. 23, 2021.

There were no injuries reported.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, the incident began as Settles and his significant other were driving down the 100 block of Ridge Road when he became agitated and pointed a handgun at her head.

Settles allegedly ordered his girlfriend to get out of the car, which she did while removing the ignition key. Then she hid behind a parked car and Settles allegedly ran down the street shooting the gun multiple times in the air.

Brian McDaniels, Settles’ defense attorney, argued he isn’t getting a proper mental evaluation at the DC jail, and requested that the court allow an independent competency exam.

Judge Leibovitz said the defense needs to get their examination done within 30 days.

Parties are expected back for a follow-up mental observation hearing on Nov. 7.

Witness Testimony Continues in Shooting Trial

On Oct. 2, the prosecution continued their direct examination of witnesses in a jury trial for non-fatal shooting defendant Raekwon Sutton.

Sutton, 26, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon offenses committed during release, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence committed during release, burglary committed during release, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm committed during release, and three counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person offenses committed during release.

The charges are for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 4800 block of Benning Road, SE, on March 19, 2022. No injuries were reported.

Prosecutors called two sisters that saw the shooting. Sutton supposedly was looking for a third sister, who was not present at the scene. However, the witnesses were unable to provide much information about what happened.

Other prosecution witnesses included a representative of T-Mobile who explained records linked to Sutton’s account indicate he may have been using a call blocker to hide a phone number.

An investigator from the DC Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) also testified that a gun recovered at the scene showed evidence of being fired several times. DFS found six fragments, one projectile, and ten casings.

The jury trial will resume Oct. 3.

Case Acquitted: Hostile Prosecution Witness Testifies During A 2017 Murder Trial

This case has been acquitted.

On Oct. 2, a hostile witness for the prosecution was called to testify 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 of a firearm 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.

The prosecution questioned a reluctant member of Hooks’ family who responded angrily saying, “Be careful man” and “You need to stop f***ing with me man”. In response, Judge Okun and the prosecutor explained courtroom decorum, and that the witness needed to moderate his behavior.

The witness then said he was supposed to meet Hooks outside of a methadone clinic where the witness was being treated for addiction on the morning of the murder.

Hooks was late to pick him up, and eventually the witness noticed a group of people running from the clinic to surround a body lying on the ground. The family member knew it was Hooks and he called 911.

In the 911 call, which was played during the trial, the witness can be heard begging the operator to make sure the ambulance was quick.

As the questioning proceeded, the witness remained confrontational.

Finally, the prosecution asked, “Did you kill Daquan Hooks?” to which he replied “No”. Then, when asked if he recognized Alexander as the suspect, the witness replied he had never seen him before.

During cross examination, Sellano Simmons, Alexander’s defense attorney asked the witness from whom he got the suspect’s name, and the witness said it was the prosecutor.

“He tried to taunt me,” the witness said. “I know he probably bribed everybody that got up here on the stand,” the witness replied in response to these inquiries.

The witness said he was struggling to answer many of the questions due to a head injury that resulted in some memory loss.

During the prosecution’s redirect, the witness admitted he had seen a photo of Alexander in a newspaper before the prosecution mentioned him, but he did not recognize him. The witness maintained his position that the prosecution informed him that the suspect for Hook’s is Alexander.

The trial is set to resume Oct. 3.

Judge Holds Homicide Defendant During Presentments

At a presentment hearing on Oct 2, DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe detained a homicide defendant based on the evidence

Desmond Thurston, 46, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in shooting 52-year-old Patricia Johnson in a townhouse on the 400 block of 13th Street, SE on Oct. 1.

According to court documents, two nine millimeter shell casings were recovered from the second floor hallway of the building along with one cartridge casing and a firearm.

Steven Kiersh, Thurston’s defense attorney, argued Thurston acted in self-defense.

Judge Pipe found probable cause that Thurston was the perpetrator and said the weight of the evidence was “strong,” so Thurston will be held in custody.

Thurston is scheduled to appear in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 16.

Document: Man Dies from Injuries in May Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that stemmed from a shooting on May 17 on the intersection of 1st Street and Q Street, NW.

On Oct. 1, the man with critical injuries succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. He was identified as 28-year-old Malik Lyons.

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.

Document: 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.

His identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

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.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant is Sentenced After Accepting a Plea

During an Oct. 2 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to 36 months incarceration, with credit for time served.

Lorenzo Graham, 32, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and second-degree cruelty to children at a grave risk, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 3200 Block of Bannecker Drive, NE, on Jan. 1, 2021.

On July 13, Graham accepted an offer from prosecution to plead guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a previous conviction, in exchange for dismissal of the other charges.

During sentencing, the prosecution recommended 36 months with three years of supervised release–the mandatory minimum.

Defense counsel argued that Graham has been held for 33 months stating he is three months away from serving the complete sentence. Defense counsel further requested that Graham remain at St. Elizabeths, where he is currently being detained and receiving mental health treatment.

Judge Okun sentenced Graham to a 36 month sentence with credit for time served, meaning Graham only has to serve three more months before being released.

Judge Okun also granted the defense’s request that Graham continue to be detained at St. Elizabeth’s to guarantee he’s getting the treatment he needs. Graham is also required to register as a gun offender and pay a fine to the court.

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