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Document: *Rerelease* Suspect Sought in a Traffic Fatality: 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit seek the public’s assistance in locating a suspect in reference to a traffic fatality that occurred on June 8 at the intersection of 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The suspect has been identified as 30-year-old Andre Maurice Johnson.

According to MPD documents, the investigation revealed that a 2005 Ford Focus was traveling northbound on 11th Street, SE, and entered the intersection with a green signal light. At the same time, a 2017 Mercedes C300 was traveling eastbound on Pennsylvania Avenue and entered the intersection at 11th Street with a red signal light. The Mercedes struck the driver’s side of the Ford, causing an adult female rear seat passenger on the driver’s side of the Ford to be ejected. The two occupants of the Mercedes fled the scene on foot.

DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the scene, and after finding no signs consistent with life, the adult female victim was pronounced dead. Two other occupants of the Ford were treated for minor injuries and released from hospitals.

The victim was identified as 19-year-old Madison Jones.

Images of the suspect can be seen below.

Parties Give Closing Statements in 2020 Non-Fatal Shooting Case 

On Oct. 23, parties gave closing statements in a 2020 non-fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Vincent James, 39, is charged with 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 alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place at a liquor store on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SE, on July 30, 2020. One individual sustained severe injuries. 

Trial resumed with the cross examination of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who was the lead investigator. He previously gave testimony on Oct. 19, during which he spoke about security camera footage at the liquor store and an adjacent AutoZone.

James’ defense attorney, Susan Ellis, argued that no witnesses had identified James as the person shown in the security camera footage. 

The detective agreed, but stated all the evidence points to the shooter’s being the man shown on camera, making a purchase at the AutoZone. According to the detective, James used a card with his name on it at the car parts store, which is around the corner from the crime scene hours before the shooting. 

Ellis continued to argue about the lack of evidence confirming with the detective that no gun was discovered and no DNA evidence was found.

Before closing statements, Ellis made a motion for judgment of acquittal on all counts, citing a lack of concrete evidence.

The prosecutors responded saying that there was strong circumstantial evidence that points to James as the shooter.

Judge O’Keefe agreed with the prosecution and denied the motion.

During closing arguments, prosecutors displayed the receipt and Autozone rewards account naming Vincent James as the owner. Prosecutors mentioned that during James’ police interview, he said he had been purchasing license plate frames, which matched the receipt’s content. 

They also argued the man displayed in the Autozone footage wearing all black clothing and patterned socks matched the surveillance footage of the shooter, alleging this further proved James’ involvement. 

They also presented footage that allegedly displayed the shooter taking a gun out of his pocket with his left hand and said detectives witnessed James signing papers with his left hand during his non-custodial interview. 

Prosecutors detailed the hospital had to call a “Code Yellow,” “because of the gravity of the victim’s injuries.” 

At a previous hearing a doctor, who identified herself as a specialist in trauma surgery, testified this is the most severe code, which requires doctors to call in a chaplain to prepare the victim’s last rights in case they succumb to their injuries. 

Ending their argument, prosecutors stated, “This is a shooting captured on video, you can see it with your own eyes.” 

During closing arguments, Ellis argued most of the evidence provided was “fuzzy” and not clear enough to prove James’ guilt. Ellis emphasized James’ compliance in voluntarily attending a police interview.

Ellis stated, “I ask you to remember the holes and the pieces that are missing.”

Prosecutors rebutted by stating “You don’t need every single piece of a puzzle to know what you’re looking at.” Prosecutors also alleged James’ sister may have been covering up for him during her testimony and interactions with police. 

Starting Oct. 24, the jury is expected to begin their deliberations.

Judge Finds Credible evidence for Probable Cause in Homicide Case

On Oct. 18, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide case. 

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

Following three days of arguments in the preliminary hearing, Judge Brandt delivered her ruling for probable cause.

Judge Brandt found the Metropolitan Police Detective (MPD) who was called to testify regarding his involvement in the investigation to be a credible witness. 

She stated that there are three types of identification present that reveal the defendant as the suspect: First, there was an in court identification by the MPD detective; then Jones placed himself in the area of the incident when questioned by police; and, finally, Jones identified himself as the person in a video when shown a still image of footage taken from the area of the incident.

There are three witnesses that describe the shooter wearing some kind of black shirt, which is similar clothing to Jones on the night of the incident. 

Another witness who was an acquaintance of Jones, identified the defendant from a video shown to them by police. 

Metro footage shows suspect one, who was identified as Jones, wearing the same kind of black jacket that is displayed in an Instagram photo that was posted by the defendant. Judge Brandt stated that at the identification level, there is probable cause. 

In discussing an alleged robbery, a witness reported that the decedent always carried a black and white crossbody bag that contained a nine millimeter handgun. 

Citing one of the prosecution’s exhibits, Brandt states that suspect two, who has yet to be identified, is seen walking away from the area carrying a black crossbody bag that he did not previously have. Jones is then seen approaching Lavender with his arm extended and something in his hand that moves in an upward motion. Lavender is then seen staggering and Judge Brandt stated that the court has made a reasonable inference that Lavender was shot in the head.  

In surveillance footage, Jones is seen dropping contents of Lavender’s wallet onto the floor, which was later identified by MPD as Lavender’s belongings. In seeing all surveillance footage, Judge Brandt stated Jones caused Lavender’s death while attempting to commit a robbery. 

Brandt argued that the suspects never separate from each other and never attempt to dissociate. Thus, there is probable cause for aiding and abetting, meaning they assisted and encouraged one another to commit the crime. 

Judge Brandt affirmed that the weight of the evidence has substantial probability findings and “if put in front of a jury, they may be able to find [you guilty] beyond a reasonable doubt”. 

Following the ruling, Jones’ defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, requested Jones be released on personal recognizance, high intensity supervision, or home confinement as he awaits trial. Gardner asserted that Jones has a very limited criminal history and has a very strong family support system with a younger brother who depends on him. 

The prosecution responded by stating that under a new condition recently passed by the city, due to a surge in crime and violence, there is a presumption that there are no conditions that would allow for the safety of the community if a defendant that utilized a gun during a crime is released. The prosecution stated that Jones poses a “grave, grave danger” to the community if released and therefore they requested he be held. 

Judge Brandt stated that she does not believe family ties adequately rebut the danger argument, stating that the nature of the crime committed is random. She addressed Jones stating, “You could have walked away but Lavender was shot in a random, senseless act of violence.”

Judge Brandt stated that even if the court assumed that it was an accident, Jones did not render aid or call 911. She stated that the crime was “brutal and cold-hearted.”

Citing the evidence presented by prosecutors, in conjunction with an Instagram post that Judge Brandt classified as “showboating” love for a gun that was posted by Jones, she found that Jones is a danger to the community and will remain detained. 

A felony status conference is scheduled for Dec. 14 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Rafinnan.  

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Shooting Case

On Oct. 20, non-fatal shooting defendant Marquett Brown accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Brown, 35, was originally charged with assault on a police officer while armed, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, among other charges, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 11, 2022 on the 400 block of Benning Road, SE.  

According to prosecutors, the incident stemmed from Brown’s refusal to wear a face mask as required at the time in a Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) service center. The situation escalated quickly as Brown became “disoriented” and proceeded to punch a police officer on the head and reach to grab his pistol. Brown shot it once.

While no one sustained gunshot wounds, the prosecutor noted that the physical altercation between Brown and the police officer resulted in the officer sustaining serious injuries. 

Brown accepted a deal extended by prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and attempted aggravated assault. Additionally, all parties agreed on dismissing two other misdemeanor cases, regarding his alleged involvement in a simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm.

Following the guilty plea, Brown’s defense requested a motion for release pending sentencing. However, the motion was denied. Judge Christian noted Brown’s history of non-compliance in prior incidents.

Parties are expected back for a full report and sentencing on Feb. 1, 2024.

Document: Gunman Shoots and Injures MPD Officer

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Force Investigation Team for the Internal Affairs Bureau are investigating a MPD officer-involved shooting that occurred on Oct. 19 on the 2900 block of Gainesville Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, two officers responded to the 2800 block of Gainesville Street, SE, for the report of a man with a gun arguing with two women. Upon their arrival, the officers approached the suspect and attempted to speak with him, when they noticed the man was armed with a handgun.

The suspect turned and fled to the 2900 block of Gainesville Street, and, as he ran, he fired multiple shots back at the officers. One of the officers was struck by gunfire and sustained a serious injury. The second officer returned fire at the suspect, who continued shooting at them.

In the midst of the gunfire, additional officers arrived at the scene to assist. The suspect pointed his handgun at one of the assisting officers, who discharged his service weapon, striking the suspect.

During the exchange, two additional officers sustained minor injuries.

Officers provided first aid to the suspect until Emergency Medical personnel were able to arrive and transport him to a hospital. After all life-saving efforts failed, the suspect was pronounced dead.

The suspect was identified as 33-year-old Arthur Porter. A firearm was recovered at the scene.

The officer that was shot was transported to an area hospital and is listed in a stable condition. He was released Oct. 20.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Shooting Case

On Oct. 19 DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Rafinnan found probable cause in a shooting defendant’s case. 

Nathaniel Arce-Washington, 28, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Oct. 9, on the 1200 block of Queen Street, NE. The incident left two individuals suffering from life-threatening injuries. 

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who identified Arce-Washington in the court as the suspect. He testified that the shooting occurred in the Trinidad Neighborhood at the intersection of Queen Street and Montello Avenue at approximately 11 p.m. 

The prosecution presented footage from two surveillance videos which showed two individuals running, holding black duffel bags, and attempting to enter a moving white van. They appeared to be running from a third individual who fired shots towards them. 

The detective identified Washington as the shooter in the video. Surveillance footage shows that one individual was shot and left lying in the street, while the white van drove off. The shooter then appears to approach the individual on the street, and then flees on foot.

In the second surveillance video presented by the prosecution, the alleged shooter was seen lying on the floor while an officer detained the individual. The MPD detective then identified Arce-Washington as the detained individual in the video.

At the scene officers recovered a Glock 26 nine millimeter handgun from the sewer  

The MPD officer testified that immediately following the arrest, Arce-Washington stated that he was “robbed and pistol whipped” by the men who he was seen allegedly shooting at in the surveillance video.

After his arrest, Arce-Washington was determined to have a laceration above his right eye that was severely bleeding. The MPD detective testified that there was a blood trail beginning at Queen Street and ending at the 1600 block of Trinidad Ave, NE, the location of the arrest.

The MPD found a firearm on the individual who was shot and was lying in the intersection of Queen Street and Montello Avenue. They also found a magazine casing at the start of the blood trail and the detective testified that the magazine casing matches the firearm found on the victim. 

Arce-Washington’s defense counsel, Steven Oglivie, argued that since the magazine casing matches the victim’s firearm, there is a presumption that the magazine casing belonged to the victim. Oglivie stated that Arce-Washington explained to him that he took over the the firearm during the alleged robbery and acted in self-defense. 

The MPD detective testified that there were no witnesses found and no additional video footage has been received. 

The prosecution requested that Judge Rafinnan find substantial probability that Arce-Washington shot the two victims, stating that one victim suffered from a gunshot wound that left them paralyzed from the neck down and the second victim suffered from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

The prosecution argued that legal self-defense is not a plausible argument because he was firing at fleeing individuals. 

The defense responded by stating that the victims were not “innocent” individuals; they were individuals attempting to rob Arce-Washington. 

Oglivie stated that, from the surveillance video presented, it can clearly be seen that the victims are running down the street carrying bags taken from Arce-Washington’s car. He stated that the laceration sustained by Arce-Washington caused blood to obstruct his vision and once he gained control of the firearm, he fired in the direction of the victims because he was “fighting for his life.”

The prosecution asserted that “following someone down the street and shooting a fleeing individual is not case law for self-defense.”

Judge Rafinnan stated that, based on the video, Arce-Washington didn’t show self-defense since the victims are running away from the shooter, but stated that it is an appropriate argument for trial. She didn’t find that the prosecution showed substantial probability, but that they have proven probable cause. 

The prosecution requested that Arce-Washington be held because he responded to a situation by firing a firearm, fleeing from police, and disposing of evidence. For these reasons, they posed the defendant as a danger to society. 

Oglivie argued that Arce-Washington only used a firearm to fight back and was unarmed at the time of the incident. He stated that the defendant is a father, currently employed, and has no prior criminal history. The defense presented Arce-Washington as an “excellent candidate for pretrial release.” 

Judge Rafinnan stated that the injury Arce-Washinton sustained, in part, corroborates his story. She stated that “the evidence weighs in favor of detainment, but personal characteristics show a lack of criminal history, among other factors.” Judge Rafinnan found that the defense rebutted the presumption that there are no conditions or combination of conditions that will ensure the safety of the community.

Judge Rafinnan ordered that Arce-Washington be released on home confinement and remain on GPS monitoring. 

Arce-Washington must report to pretrial services as directed and is scheduled for a 30-day court check-in. 

Judge Rafinnan also ordered stay away orders from both victims and the location of the 1200 block of Queen Street, NE. 

A status hearing is scheduled for Nov. 20. 

Lead Detective Testifies in 2020 Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On Oct 19, prosecutors called the lead detective to testify in a 2020 non-fatal shooting trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Vincent James, 39, is charged with 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 alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place at a liquor store on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SE, on July 30, 2020. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries. 

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to testify.

The detective was the lead investigator and gathered security camera footage from the AutoZone and adjacent liquor store, where the incident took place. The footage portrays what occurred leading up to the shooting. 

Prosecutors showed surveillance footage, who the detective identified as James, purchasing items at the Autozone hours before the shooting. 

In the footage from the liquor store, a shirtless man is seen pacing around moments before the shooting. The detective identified the man as the victim. 

Prosecutors also showed footage from another angle that shows the victim interacting with two men in the parking lot of the liquor store. A car pulls up and two other men approach the men interacting with the victim. 

The prosecution highlighted the video segment where one of the men, who was originally talking to the group, pulled out a gun and started firing at the victim. The group then disperses and the victim runs down the street.

The detective said that he identified James as the suspect by inquiring about a transaction at the AutoZone.  According to the detective, James’ reward number was linked to a purchase at the AutoZone at the same time as the suspect was seen in the video. 

The detective used the videos to identify similar features between individuals portrayed in the footage, specifically, the fact that the clothing the individual wore in the AutoZone was the same clothing the gunman wore during the shooting.

According to the detective, he interviewed James voluntarily before any arrest was made. Around a month later, James denied being the man in the video. The detective also identified a tattoo on James’ right forearm that can be seen in the video at the AutoZone and noticed it during the interview.

When asked by the prosecution, the detective noted that the gunman fired with his left hand. He also mentioned that James used his left hand when filling out paperwork at the police station.

The detective’s testimony supports the prosecutors’ argument that James is the individual portrayed in both videos and responsible for the shooting.

Then prosecutors called a doctor who treated the victim at MedStar Washington Hospital Trauma Center following the shooting. 

According to the doctor, the victim was treated for gunshot wounds in the front and back of his left shoulder, and stated that x-rays showed signs of a collapsed lung, which if left untreated could’ve caused the victim’s death. 

Trial is expected to continue Oct 23.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment

On Oct. 20, a non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun. 

Tejan Bah, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 27, 2021 on the 2200 block of 25th Place, NE. The incident left an individual suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest and a stab wound to his shoulder. 

Gemma Stevens, Bah’s defense attorney, alerted the court Bah was pleading not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial. 

Parties are expected to return to court Nov. 28. 

Judge Orders Seal of ‘Pro Se’ Motions Submitted By Defendant

On Oct. 18, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered that recent motions filed by a shooting defendant on his own behalf, or pro se, must be placed under seal. 

Kenneth Davis, 45, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill against a minor while armed, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a shooting on May 19, 2021, on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. The incident left one individual suffering from non-life threatening injuries. 

Among the motions submitted by the defendant was a request to suppress the identification of the defendant as the suspect. Attached to the motions were medical records of the victims and a report submitted by a special agent.

Judge Brandt stated that medical records and special agent reports are completely inappropriate to be presented as public records. She stated that the motions violate laws protecting the victims’ privacy laws and must be sealed immediately. 

Judge Brandt also warned defense counsel, Marnitta King, that all future filings must only be sent in by counsel.

Another motions hearing is scheduled for Nov. 3. 

Parties Give Opening Statements in a Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

On Oct 18, parties gave opening statements in a 2020 non-fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Vincent James, 39, is charged with 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 alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place at a liquor store on the 3900 block of South Capitol St, SE, on July 30, 2020. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries. 

According to court documents, there were ten shots fired during the incident. The victim was found conscious with there gunshot wounds to the upper body.

During opening statements, a prosecutor told the jury while, “There will be some things that you will wonder about at the end of this trial…one thing you are not going to wonder is who shot the victim, it was [James]”

According to prosecutors, surveillance footage proves that James committed the shooting. 

They say hours before the shooting, James used a credit card with his name on it at an AutoZone car parts store around the corner from the incident. They also cite surveillance footage from Autozone and security camera footage from outside the liquor store showing a man prosecutors identified as James wearing similar clothes in both videos.

The prosecution called the former owner of the liquor store who stated he recognized James as a customer who would come in every so often, but he was not there on the day of the shooting.

In her opening statements, James’ defense attorney, Susan Ellis, said, “[the prosecutor] has failed to put the pieces together,” adding, “[James] sits here as an innocent man”.

According to the defense, there is no DNA evidence or eyewitness testimony tying the suspect to the crime.

Ellis argued the evidence is not enough to prove that James shot the victim.

Parties will reconvene Oct 19.

Document: Male Arrested and Charged with Twenty Violent Crimes

The Metropolitan Police Department announced a man was arrested for multiple violent offenses throughout the city.

On Oct. 19, MPD officers executed a search warrant on the 2000 block of 1st Street, NW. As a result of the warrant, a man was arrested and a firearm recovered from the home. 18-year-old Malique Tyrone Outland was arrested and charged with armed carjacking (gun), for an incident that occurred on Sept. 3 on the 1500 block of Spring Place, NW. He’s also charged with possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of unregistered ammunition, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, for his alleged involvement in multiple incidents.

He faces an assault with a dangerous weapon charge for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on Aug. 16, on the 200 block of 37th Place, SE. It is unclear if anyone sustained injuries from the shooting.

Document: *Victim Identified* Man Dead After Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Oct. 18 on the 700 block of 15th Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The victim was identified as 37-year-old Daniel Hansford.

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

Co-Defendants Arraigned in Homicide Case

On Oct. 19, two homicide defendants were arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan. 

Rafael Stevens, 38, and Jermall Johnson, 40, are charged with premeditated first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, attempted robbery, and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2700 block of 7th Street, NE. 

Stevens and Johnson pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted their constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial. 

Attorney Stephen Logerfo is representing Johnson with attorney Jason Tulley representing Rafael Stevens. The defense announced their intent to file a motion for severance, which would allow the defendants to hold separate trials. 

The defense also motioned to modify a protective order to allow witness videos to be shown to the defendants, however, the motion was denied. 

Parties will reconvene on Dec. 13.

The trial is set to begin Nov. 4, 2024.

Technical Issue Prevents Defendant from DNA Testing

On Oct. 19, a homicide defendant stated he wants to assert his rights to independently test DNA evidence but is unable to due to a shortage of essential materials used to test the evidence. 

Eric Maurice Smith, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in a drive-by or random shooting, two counts of assault with intent to kill, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of Rondell Wills, 38, on the 200 block of 50th Street, NE on May 3, 2018.

According to court documents, witnesses stated Smith was the driver of the vehicle the shots were fired from. 

At the recent status hearing, the prosecution reported that two swabs taken from the shooters’ car were consistent with Smith’s DNA. Smith waived his right to test the rest of the evidence but declared his intent to retest the samples that prosecution had said allegedly matched him. 

However, Smith’s defense attorney, Anthony Matthews, said that Smith had been unable to test the samples because of a shortage of reagents in the testing agencies. Reagents are used in chemical analysis and are an essential component of DNA testing –thus no agency has been willing to test the samples.

If the defendant is still unable to test by Nov. 9, he will decline his right to testing and the case will continue without it. 

Parties are set to reconvene for a status hearing Feb. 13. 

Homicide Defendant Refuses to Get off the Bus

On Oct. 19, a felony arraignment for a homicide defendant was rescheduled after he refused to get off the bus at DC Superior Court. 

Jerome Israel, 19, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and two counts of destruction of property, for his alleged involvement in the death of ChaQuan Barbett, 24, on Aug. 23, 2022. The incident occurred on the 2300 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE. 

Israel’s defense attorney, Janai Reed, had no explanation why Israel would refuse to attend his hearing. 

Israel was ultimately transported back to the jail.
He is scheduled to return Oct. 26 and arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.