Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in a Mass Shooting

During an Oct. 2 felony arraignment, a non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to multiple charges resulting from a mass shooting.

Jaylaun Brown, 21, is charged with seven counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of firearm during crime of violence, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed, among other charges for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting Jan. 21 on the 1400 block of 9th Street, NW. The incident left seven individuals suffering from gunshot injuries.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, officers responded to a shooting at the location, where they discovered one victim suffering from two non-life-threatening gunshot wounds outside a liquor store. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) says the victim and Brown had been shooting at one another.

Terrence Austin, Brown’s defense attorney, alerted the court he was pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserted all constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are expected to reconvene for a status hearing on Oct. 10.

Opening Statements Presented and First Witnesses Testify in Hit-and-Run Case

On Oct. 2, parties delivered opening statements and witnesses were called before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan in a hit-and-run homicide case.

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.

In opening statements, the prosecution played an audio clip of a car hitting the bicycle Farewell was riding, and stated, “That is the sound of first-degree murder.”

The presentation included an eyewitness’ identification of Beasley as the driver of the car that hit Farewell, a gas station surveillance video of Beasley’s appearing to follow Farewell as he walked his bike alongside his girlfriend and a 911 call.

The prosecution’s main focus was surveillance video of an interaction between an individual, who prosecutors identified as Beasley, and Farewell moments before the incident.

In the video, Farewell can be seen and heard shouting, “Knock it off. That’s not right,” in response to Beasley allegedly making crude remarks towards Farewell’s girlfriend. Moments later, the video shows Farewell biking through a crosswalk as a car speeds up and runs him over.

The prosecution told the jury Beasley failed to stay at the scene, and allegedly stated, “No I’m not,” before speeding away from the incident in response to a witness informing him he was going to be in trouble.

In their opening, the defense stated “Beasley never wanted this accident to happen,” and that he never intended Farewell to die as a result of the dispute.

After opening statements the prosecution called Farewell’s daughter who said after initially hearing the news, “I couldn’t do anything, I just broke down.”

Beasley’s defense attorneys did not cross examine her.

Prosecutors also called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer that was one of the first to arrive on scene.

According to the officer, he was sitting in his patrol car with another officer when a woman approached, telling them someone had been struck by a car.

Seven minutes of the officer’s officer’s body-worn camera footage was shown to the jury including scenes of Farewell lying on the ground unconscious but breathing at the time.

During cross-examination, defense attorneys emphasized the importance of preserving a scene, while repeatedly asking the officer if he remembered when the accident area was taped off. The witness could not recall, and said many people were already at the scene by the time he arrived.

The trial is set to resume Oct. 3.

Document: Man Arrested After Shooting Leaves Woman Dead in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 46-year-old Desmond Thurston with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on Oct. 1 on the 4000 block of 13th Street, SE. The shooting is believed to be domestic in nature.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a woman, inside her residence, suffering from gunshot wounds. She succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

The victim was identified as 52-year-old Patricia Johnson.

During Sentencing, Homicide Defendant Says She is ‘Immensely Sorry’

On Sept. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced Nijinsky Dix to 18 years incarceration in connection to a homicide.

Dix, 40, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Terry Hickman on November 14, 2020, on the 1000 block 4th Street SW. Hickman sustained multiple gunshot wounds, and the pair was alleged to have been in an intimate relationship.

On February 13, Dix accepted an agreement extended by prosecutors that required her to plead guilty to second-degree murder in exchange dismissing all other charges.

During sentencing, several of Hickman’s family described him as a “bright light”, “great friend”, and “unique person”.

Hickman’s ex-wife stated “Our world was turned upside down…. you couldn’t accept the fact that someone rejected you”, she directed towards the defendant.

Hickman’s youngest daughter expressed her grief, regarding the brief time she spent with her father, “I only got to see my dad once in my entire life,” when she was 16. “I thought it was going to be a new chapter of my life,” she cried, saying she had looked forward to getting to know him.

Prosecutors requested Judge Demeo follow the sentencing guideline that parties had agreed on when she pleaded guilty. Defense attorneys agreed with the request.

Judge Demeo imposed an 18 year sentence and recommended mental health treatment, stating that Dix “does show potential for rehabilitation.”

Family members expressed their disappointment, saying Dix should be imprisoned for life.

“Each word feels powerless and insignificant…I am immensely sorry”, said Dix as she addressed the court.

Judge Demeo also required Dix to register as a gun offender and pay a $100 fine.

Dix will be transferred to the Federal Bureau of Prison.

Defendant Arraigned in Fatal Pedestrian Collision

On Sept. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan arraigned a homicide defendant involved in a traffic fatality.

Spiro Stafilatos, 36, was charged with second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and fleeing from a law enforcement officer for an incident that occurred on Dec. 30, 2022 on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NW. The incident resulted in the death of 31-year-old Shuyu Sui.

According to court documents, Stafilatos sped away from a traffic stop, ran a red light and collided with a car, sending his vehicle spinning through a crossing intersection that then struck Sui while seriously injuring another victim.

Stafilatos entered a plea of not guilty and waived further reading of his indictment.

A trial date was set for March 10, 2025.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 12 to address Stafilatos’ motion for modification of his bond.

Defendant Arraigned on Three Counts in Juvenile Homicide Case

On Sept. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan arraigned a homicide defendant on three counts.

Bernard Eddy, 23, was accused of first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Sept. 10, 2019 on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE, resulting in the death of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite.

Eddy entered a plea of not guilty and requested the prosecution turn over all DNA test results.

Defense noted prosecution had informally extended an offer that would require Eddy that enter a guilty plea to second-degree murder and other charges from a previous assault case.

Defense indicated that prosecution withdrew the offer, with no further reasoning provided.

The trial is expected to start April 7, 2025.

Parties will reconvene Jan 10.

Homicide Defendant Arraigned on Seven Charges

On Sept. 29, two co-defendants were arraigned on seven counts before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo in connection to a homicide.

Antoine Tucker, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, attempted robbery while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Vernon Harrison on June 22, 2022, on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Tucker’s co-defendant, 30-year-old Nakia Pearson, is charged with accessory after the fact while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and tampering with physical evidence, for allegedly assisting Tucker in after the incident to remain undetected by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in connection to the murder.

Pierce Suen, Tucker’s defense attorney, alerted the court he was pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are expected back Nov. 2 in front of Judge Anthony Epstein.

Judge Limits Sentencing Under Youth Act in Fatal Shooting

On Sept. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced Khamari Perkins to 156 months of incarceration followed by five years of supervised release.

Perkins, 22, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Naseem Simpson on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW, on March 15, 2020. The incident allegedly occurred while Perkins was on release for an unrelated case and had a court-issued GPS device monitoring his location.

Perkins also faced charges of assault with intent to kill while armed, conspiracy, and unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution for an incident that occurred at the D.C. Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Jan. 6.

During a June 26 hearing, Perkins accepted an agreement to plead guilty to second-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon for both cases. All other charges were dismissed.

The prosecution asked for a maximum sentence of 16 years under the plea. They played videos of both incidents before the court, arguing that Perkins’ behavior warrants a sentence “at the upper end of the sentencing range” and that he does not deserve additional leniency.

Beyond suggesting Perkins showed “minimal remorse” for his actions in the Simpson shooting, the prosecution also cited the incident at the D.C. Jail as evidence that he “has not changed” and is not “trying to do better.”

Eight members of the Simpson’s family appeared before the court to deliver victim impact statements. Simpson’s mother spoke first, calling the defendant a “monster” who planned the shooting, but “even sometimes feel[s] sorry for” Perkins.

Simpson’s father made a short statement about Perkins’ betrayal of his son, a former friend. His brother, Simpson’s uncle, added that he and his entire family are traumatized by the defendant’s actions.

Simpson was the youngest of six siblings, and three of his older sisters also addressed the court. One discussed the struggle she faces “to make sense of the injustice of it all,” especially Perkins’ “never-ending cycle” of violence. She said that the plea deal feels like a “slap in the face” for her family, arguing that the defendant is not a first-time offender who made a mistake.

Another of Simpson’s sisters commented about death’s permanence and the temporary nature of punishment. Simpson’s sisters were united with one message: They want to see the defendant “behind bars for as long as possible.”

Simpson’s grandmother echoed this sentiment, calling the defendant’s actions “unbelievable,” “cowardly,” and “selfish.”

Simpson’s aunt—a civil rights advocate—told Perkins, “I fight for you on a daily basis,” but expressed frustration she didn’t see the reform she’s fighting to achieve given what happened. She called upon Judge Raffinan to “stop this gun violence” and make “an example” out of this case.

Perkins himself also addressed the court, saying he has lost friends to violence. He “thinks about [his actions] every day,” and offered to teach young men in the community how to stop violence.

Perkins’ attorney, Kevann Gardner, argued that the incident was not premeditated since the defendant struck the victim before the gun went off. As for the assault at the DC Jail, Gardner said Perkins was simply responding to a fight involving a family member and a family friend.

He urged Judge Raffinan to consider a 15-year sentence and asked for the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) to be applied.

Before imposing sentence, Judge Raffinan expressed how sorry she was for the family’s loss. She said her decision takes into account Perkins’ criminal history as well as the fact that the gun was fired not once but twice.

Judge Raffinan sentenced Perkins to 156 months incarceration followed by five years of supervised release for the first charge, second-degree murder while armed. For the second charge, assault with a deadly weapon, she sentenced him to 36 months followed by three years of supervised release.

These sentences will run consecutively, and the defendant must pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime compensation fund.

In addition, Perkins will be required to remain registered as a gun offender until two years after his supervised release is complete.

The defendant was sentenced under YRA, which would effectively seal his case after he completes his requirements. However, after the sentence was imposed, the defense and prosecution discussed whether the YRA should apply in this case. After review, Judge Raffinan adjusted the sentence applying the YRA to only the second charge, assault with a deadly weapon.

In closing, Judge Raffinan told the defendant that the world “can and must be better on the other side” of his incarceration.

Judge Denies Defense Motion to Dismiss a Murder case

On Sept. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun rejected a defense attorney’s motion to dismiss a murder case.

Ernest Cleveland, 30, is charged with seven counts including first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill and possession of a gun during a crime of violence related to the shooting death of 39-year-old Edward Pearson and the wounding of another individual on Nov. 26, 2020 on the 2900 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

The defense argues that a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer committed perjury and made misrepresentations during testimony about the case. As a result, Cleveland’s attorney, Madalyn Harvey, filed a motion to dismiss.

Judge Okun denied the motion as a “wholly unwarranted response.”

He did, however, schedule a detention hearing for Dec. 1, saying there was a legitimate question about Cleveland’s release.

The trial is scheduled for January 2025.

Judge Sentences Homicide Defendant to 36 Years

During a Sept. 29 sentencing hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced Quincy Garvin to 36 years in prison.

On July 18, 2022, a jury convicted Garvin, 23, and Saquan Williams, 22, of conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and criminal street gang affiliation for his involvement in the murder of 24-year-old Carl Hardy on the 1200 block of I St., SE on Sept. 10, 2017.

After the shooting, Hardy was sent to a local hospital for treatment and succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 1, 2017.

On Sept. 14, Judge Okun sentenced Williams to a total of 35 years in prison.

The prosecution submitted an impact statement on behalf of Hardys’ family, saying that Hardy’s mother died of a broken heart after after his death. “She settled into a depression and passed away,” said the statement.

Hardy’s sister’s son was born shortly after Hardy passed away in the same hospital. Her son is described as being like his uncle, and “both have and had a wonderful spirit.” Hardy left behind a son and a daughter.

The defense urged Judge Okun to consider Garvin’s youth as well as his upbringing, explaining how he lacked parental supervision, and the “streets took over.”

While asking for a sentence of the maximum sentence of 50 years, the prosecution reminded the Judge that although the defendant is young, “Hardy was young.”

Before passing sentence, Judge Okun gave condolences to the Hardy family and stated “his death has affected a lot of people.”

Judge Okun sentenced Garvin to 30 years in prison for first-degree murder while armed, with a consecutive sentence of 6 years for conspiracy. In addition, he received two concurrent sentences of five years for the possession and carrying charges, which will run consecutively to the conspiracy and murder charges.

Judge Okun chose not to impose the mandatory minimum sentence; therefore, Garvin can get time off for good behavior. However, he said, “[Hardy’s] family will never see him again” and that the seriousness of these offenses cannot be overstated.

Before Garvin was escorted out of the courtroom, Judge Okun wished him luck.

Document: Two Dead, Three Injured After Shooting in Northeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a mass shooting that left two men dead and three men injured on Sept. 27 on the 2500 block of 14th Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located 41-year-old Nathaniel Limes and 46-year-old James Cooper Jr. suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims died 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 local hospitals receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

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 homicides.

Document: Correction Man Found Murdered in Burned Apartment

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on April 22 on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers and emergency personnel responded to the location for a fire in an apartment building, where, upon extinguishment, they discovered the remains of a man. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) determined he died from blunt force trauma and ruled the death a homicide.

The victim was identified as 64-year-old James Lavender.

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 Found Murdered in Burned Apartment

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on April 23 on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) determined he died from blunt force trauma and ruled the death a homicide.

The victim was identified as 64-year-old James Lavender.

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: Woman Killed in Northwest Fire

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a fire that left a woman dead on Oct. 30, 2022, on the 1600 block of Park Road, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers and firefighters responded to the location for the report of a fire inside a residential building, where they located three individuals suffering from fire and smoke related injuries. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

One of them, a woman, succumbed to her injuries on Nov. 4, 2022. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) ruled the cause of death to be complications of thermal and inhalation injuries and ruled the manner of death a homicide.

The victim was identified as 45-year-old Maria Lopez.

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.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

On Sept. 29 Defendant Aaron Murchison was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo and pleaded not guilty to three charges.

Murchison, 27, is charged with one count of second-degree murder while armed, one count of possession of a firearm while armed, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Jamontate Brown on October 16, 2022, on the 2500 block Pomeroy Road, SE.

Murchison’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, alerted the court Murchison was pleading not guilty and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are expected back Nov. 15.

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