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Probable Cause Ruling Continued in Homicide Case

On Jan. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun continued a probable cause ruling in a homicide case. 

Jahi Settles, 24, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Langston Sharps on July 3, 2023, on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE. 

The prosecution began by calling the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) lead detective on the case to testify.

The detective explained that in surveillance footage shown to the court, an individual identified as Settles is seen walking up to Sharps’ vehicle. According to the detective, Settles later explained to him that he had previously bought shoes from Sharps, and had not paid him.

The detective said Settles told him about their interaction outside of Sharps’ vehicle that day, saying that Sharps punched him and initiated a fight. However, the prosecution emphasized that Settles never provided information regarding Sharps’ possessing a weapon during the fight. 

According to the detective, Settles never admitted to shooting Sharps, and said that at the time of the shooting, Settles ran and hid behind nearby buildings. The detective explained that Settles insinuated the other individuals that were in the vehicle with Sharps at the time could have been responsible for the shooting.

The prosecution mentioned a witness who dropped Settles off to the crime scene that day and had previously dropped him off there as well. This witness said Settles had previously been to that area due to drug sales. However, the defense objected to the comment which was sustained by Judge Okun. 

The prosecution also mentioned a witness who has been allegedly receiving threatening messages from a third party, pointing out the danger she could be facing. The threats allegedly involved the witness’ being harmed or killed, and are paired with gun emojis. 

During cross-examination, Settles’ attorney, Roderick Thompson, also questioned the detective about the witnesses. According to the detective, none of the witnesses ever described Settles as saying anything threatening, or refer to a gun or weapon. However, the detective explained that a witness said that he heard an argument between Settles and Sharp over money.

According to the detective, through the surveillance footage, he was unable to determine which words were being said by whom. Thompson pointed out that this information was likely important to determine the level of the argument, and the instigator.

Thompson further pointed out that in the footage, Settles falls after being punched twice by Sharps, and then he is seen raising his arm. He also questioned the detective about observing a firearm in the surveillance footage. The detective explained that in the several times he viewed the footage, he agreed a firearm can’t be seen. 

Thompson further questioned the detective about the cartridges found on the scene, which the detective explained don’t point to Settles in any way in DNA results. 

Thompson then addressed the threats that the witness has allegedly received, saying that Settles was incarcerated at the time of these threats. He then questioned the detective about his knowledge of these texts. The detective explained that he knew about them through the witness, but never actually looked at the texts himself to confirm.

Due to scheduling, Judge Okun continued his ruling.

The parties are expected to reconvene Jan. 10. 

‘I Was Kidnapped,’ Victim Claimed About Her Material Witness Arrest in Shooting Trial 

On Jan. 8, a shooting victim, who was arrested under a material witness warrant, reluctantly testified in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt. 

Kenneth Davis, 45, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, two counts of assault with intent to kill against a minor while armed,  assault with a dangerous weapon, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one individual on May 19, 2021, on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. 

The victim, who prosecutors claimed refused to show up from the very start of the trial, was arrested by US Marshals on Jan. 5 after prosecutors pleaded with Judge Brandt to bring her in. She spent the weekend at the DC Jail to ensure she would testify on Jan. 8. 

When asked by prosecutors where she spent the weekend, the victim stated “in your hell hole,” referencing the DC Jail. Prosecutors asked why, to which she replied “I didn’t feel comfortable being here today,” claiming the prosecution did not help ensure her and her children’s safety after the incident. 

In her testimony, the victim, who 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. 

Prosecutors asked her if anything unusual occurred on the day of the incident. “Nothing unusual, other than I got shot in broad daylight,” she replied sarcastically. 

During her testimony, the victim stated that, at the time of the incident, she did not see the shooter’s face. Rather, she said, she was able to identify the shooter after repeatedly watching surveillance footage of the incident. 

According to the victim, she turned on her turn signal to merge into the next lane when her vehicle’s safety system alerted her she was very near the shooter’s car. She claimed that the shooter exited his Maserati, walked towards her Lexus and, “He just started shooting”. 

She insisted she never exchanged words or met with the individual who shot her. She testified that in order to ensure her and her children’s safety, she drove off, stopping only after she hit a light post at the intersection.

“Why the f**k would he do that,” she said in her grand jury testimony, which was discussed in open court. 

She stated she was transported to a hospital for, “I guess treatment for a gunshot victim”. 

“It caused mental havoc,” she insisted, when discussing how the incident has affected her life. “I was kidnapped from my home,” she proclaimed, referencing her arrest on Friday. 

She went on to state the incident “traumatized [her son] even to this day… he acts out obscenely from this situation”. She went on to state that on July 4, 2021, her son became uncomfortable with the loud noises, when referring to fireworks, and added that the noises reminded him of gunshots. 

The victim made it clear she did not want to continue her involvement with the case, going as far as to say “I don’t want to perjure myself and get sent back to jail,” during her testimony. 

During cross examination, Marnitta King, Davis’ defense attorney, questioned her regarding her injury and how big of a hole any type of gun would make. “I don’t wanna know, I couldn’t tell you about a bullet,” she said, adding “Once I knew I was shot, I thought I was gonna die”. 

Parties are slated to return Jan. 8.

Request to Modify Release Terms of Shooting Defendant Denied

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Jan. 9, a request to modify the release terms of a juvenile shooting suspect was denied.  

Cedrick Brockington, 18, is accused of a shooting that left the victim in critical condition on Nov. 15, 2022 on the 1200 block of 5th Street, NW.

Brockington was indicted on one count of assault with intent to murder while armed, one count of assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of unlawful possession of ammunition, one count of possession of an unregistered firearm, and one count of carrying a dangerous weapon during a felony. 

During the proceeding Brockington’s attorney Joseph Yarbough argued his client’s release terms should be modified, extending his curfew from 10 p.m. until midnight.

Yarbough says he received a probation report from DC Pretrial Services indicating Brockington “continues to remain in compliance.” 

However, the prosecutor replied she has seen no new information from DC Pretrial Services requesting a change in Brockington’s status. Arguing to reduce his client’s restrictions, Yarbough said Brockington is scheduled to graduate from high school online in April and he’s “doing well.”

Judge Raffinan said she is concerned that Brockington is facing an 11-count indictment including assault with intent to murder while armed.  

Therefore, Judge Raffinan denied the motion maintaining Brockington’s 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.  

The next hearing in the case is set for April 12.  

Document: Man Dead After Being Struck by Vehicle

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Investigations Unit is investigating the death of a man after a vehicle struck him on Jan. 7.

According to MPD documents, an unknown vehicle was traveling westbound on Suitland Parkway, SE, when it struck an adult male pedestrian at the intersection of Stanton Road, SE, and fled the scene. The pedestrian was transported to a hospital for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 22-year-old Kevin Wims.

Anyone with knowledge about the incident should contact MPD.

Document: Man Dead After Being Struck by Vehicle in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Investigations Unit is investigating the death of a man after a traffic crash on Jan. 3.

According to MPD documents, a single car accident occurred on I-295 southbound at the weigh station. The driver called 911 and waited on the side of the road. A short time later, a second accident occurred in the same area and the driver pulled over by the weigh station, called 911, and waited outside his vehicle.

DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived on the scene and partially blocked travel lanes due to the accident. A vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed attempted to use the weigh station lane to bypass the accident scene, striking the second vehicle and its driver. The male driver succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The driver of the striking vehicle fled the scene on foot.

The victim was identified as 54-year-old Michael Scott Hamlin.

Anyone with any knowledge of the incident should contact MPD.

Document: Man Arrested for a Fatal Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 20, 2023 on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 35-year-old Rodney Snead.

On Jan. 5, pursuant to an arrest warrant, 22-year-old Cory Heard was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Eyewitnesses Testify Regarding Shooting Incident

On Jan. 5, two eyewitnesses testified regarding their experience observing a non-fatal shooting incident in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom. 

Kenneth Davis, 45, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, two counts of assault with intent to kill against a minor while armed,  assault with a dangerous weapon, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one individual on May 19, 2021, on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. 

An eyewitness who began her testimony on Jan. 4 returned to be cross-examined by Davis’ defense attorney, Marnitta King. 

During cross-examination, King questioned her about her previous testimony in the grand jury, where she discussed the shooter’s position from her vehicle and how long he remained outside his. “I can’t tell you what I remembered in the grand jury… I’m trying to forget the whole situation,” said the witness, who had previously stated the situation gives her severe anxiety. 

“I did not want to come here today,” the witness added, stating that the only reason she did is because prosecutors told her the court could send a warrant out for her arrest to come testify. 

Following the witness’ testimony, prosecutors called on another eyewitness to testify. According to the eyewitness, he has prior military experience serving in the Army in Afghanistan. He told the court he was on his way home from work when the incident ensued in May 2021. 

According to the witness, he heard about seven to nine shots being fired, but did not actually see the shooter until later on, when he researched the incident online and found surveillance footage of the shooting. 

During his testimony, the witness explained that, following the shooting, he got out of his vehicle to attend to those in a Lexus who had been involved in the shooting incident. In the vehicle, he testified, was an agitated mother and her son and daughter. According to the witness, the boy was scared and trembling, and suffered an injury to his right hand. The mother, he said, sustained an injury to her left arm. 

Prosecutors displayed images of the victims at the crime scene, which the witness identified as the people he helped that day. 

During cross examination, King questioned the witness about what he specifically saw. The witness explained he didn’t specifically see the shooting occur, but did see the shooter facing in his direction, get back in his car and flee the scene. 

When asked why he researched the incident days later, the witness stated he wanted to know what happened and “I just wanted the full picture”.

Parties are slated to return Jan. 8 for further testimony. 

Judge Denies Plea Deal in Sentencing of Homicide Defendant

On Jan. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe  denied a guilty plea deal for a homicide defendant, claiming the crime requires a stronger sentence. 

Dreaun Young, 19, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the shooting of 26-year-old Michael Brittingham on Aug. 6, 2020, on the 600 block of 46th Street, SE.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) located and arrested Young in Hollywood, California for an ongoing rape case, before later finding out that he was wanted for a murder charge in the District. He was extradited to DC on Sept. 20, 2022.

According to court documents, Young and Brittingham knew each other from around the neighborhood, and had become friends. According to witnesses from the night of the incident, there was a dispute between them about money. Brittingham allegedly sold drugs in the area and Young owed him money. According to the documents, the shooting occurred outside of an ice cream truck, in a public place.  

On Aug. 21, 2023, Young accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors, which required he plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in connection to the killing. The parties agreed on a sentencing range of 7-and-a-half to 11 years incarceration. 

During the sentencing hearing, Judge O’Keefe  considered and denied Young’s plea deal, stating that something about this case is more ominous than initially appears. He further argued that the first two shots may have been voluntary manslaughter, but that the other seven shots were first-degree murder, and Young’s actions required more time incarcerated.. 

Judge O’Keefe then informed the court that he was not accepting the plea deal, and argued that it would not effectively fit the crime. 

Prior to Judge O’Keefe’s denial, the prosecution characterized this crime as “an act of anger, someone who lost control, and could have taken numerous other lives,” arguing the incident occurred in broad daylight. They followed by calling up members of Brittinghams’s family to make statements to the court. 

The first person to make a statement was Brittingham’s brother, who emotionally expressed that “Michael always had a smile on his face no matter what he was doing”. Brittingham’s aunt followed with her statement, saying “the sad part is that when you get shot in the back, but you turn around to see who’s holding the smoking gun, it’s worse”.

This in reference to the relationship that Young and Brittingham had, which was described as Brittingham taking Young under his wing. According to Brittingham’s family, Young and Brittingham were close friends. 

Then Brittingham’s sister emotionally addressed the defendant. She said “You know that Michael Brittingham loved you and cared for you”, and “I want you to think in your mind how it feels to take a sibling away”. 

Brittingham’s mother then addressed the defendant and the court in her statement. “You made one heck of an impact on my life,” she told Young, adding  “I don’t think 11 years is remotely enough time…your soul belongs to Michael.”

She added, “When you close your eyes you see Michael too”, “you felt no remorse”, and “He will be remembered”. 

Then, Young’s defense attorney, Dana Page, explained that Young had a very traumatic childhood, including the loss of his mother and living in an impoverished neighborhood. Page exclaimed that, “he regrets this deeply”, and insisted Young grew up in a “cycle of hell”. 

Page explained further that Young became trapped in the cycle, and that the “regret he has for what happened is real”. She further referenced his criminal history score of zero, past trauma, and that he has learned a lot in jail. She asked the court to accept the plea deal and sentence Young to 7-and-a-half-years. 

In addition to Page’s pleadings, Young made a statement to the court himself, saying “I truly do apologize”, and “However I am sentenced, I’ll accept it”, saying “I am truly sorry from the top of my heart and my mind”. 

Folllowing Judge O’Keefe’s denial of the plea agreement, defense counsel requested additional time to discuss the decision with Young.

The parties are expected to reconvene on Jan. 26.

Judge Finds Probable Cause Teen Suspect Committed Murder

In a second preliminary hearing DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo ruled on Jan. 5 there is enough evidence to bring a teen-age murder suspect to trial. 

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. Thompson, who was 17 at the time of the incident, is being tried as an adult under the Title 16 rule giving prosecutors that option.

According to court documents, Estep sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the torso. An additional juvenile victim had three gunshot wounds, but survived. 

Based on her review of the evidence, including photo and surveillance footage showing clothing worn by the suspect is similar to images of Thompson in an Instagram live post, Judge Demeo said, there is “strong identification of the defendant as the shooter.”  

Prosecutors say Thompson refers to the victim in the video.  

Thompson’s attorney Joseph Yarbough said that his client has already received letters of family support.  Further, there’s a video from the family made on Thompson’s behalf, but they are reluctant to show it to anyone besides Judge Demeo for fear of retaliation.  

However, given that it’s evidence, the prosecutor says she needs to see the material which could ultimately be the subject of a protective order.  

Judge Demeo says she will rule on Thompson’s continued detention at a hearing on Jan.12.  Meanwhile, he’s being held in the DC Jail. 

Murder Suspect Rejects Plea Deal, Trial Date Set

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Jan. 5, David Howard rejected a plea deal from prosecutors. 

Howard, 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of Ali Zarrincalaki, 45, on March 2 on the 4200 block of Kansas Avenue, NW. Howard and Zarrincalaki were both experiencing homelessness and camping near one another close to the Petworth Metro Station. 

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found Zarrincalaki at the Petworth Library with multiple stab wounds. Howard was detained by several bystanders as they awaited medical assistance for the victim who succumbed to his wounds.

The prosecution offered Howard the option of pleading guilty to second-degree murder while armed, destruction of property in the amount of less than $1,000 and unlawful entry.  The latter changes related to Howard allegedly setting the victim’s tent on fire. 

Howard said he rejected the deal which would have included the dismissal of all greater charges.  

When Judge Demeo asked Howard if he understood that rejecting the deal could expose himself to the original counts, he acknowledged the risk.

The judge set Howard’s trial date for Oct. 20, 2025.

Judge Finds Suspect Guilty of Murder With ‘Intent to Kill Without Warning’

In an emotionally charged hearing on Jan. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found Matthew Walker guilty of first-degree murder and all other charges in connection to a shooting that also maimed another victim. 

Walker was accused of first-degree murder while armed and seven other counts including assault with intent to kill and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence for hisconnection to an incident on the 1700 block of Hamlin Street, NE, on Feb. 14, 2019. 

In a separate case, Walker is also charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 23-year-old Jamal Green-Lee to death on the 100 block of Michigan Avenue, NE on April 29, 2019. Green-Lee died on Nov. 4, 2020, due to his injuries.

In a painstaking recapitulation, Judge Demeo reviewed the evidence presented in the four day bench trial. The judge said the prosecution had met its burden of proof showing that Walker had premeditatively and voluntarily killed David Remen, 32, along with grievously wounding Mike Hardy who was also shot multiple times. 

The pair was at an employment agency for low-skilled workers just as the business was opening at 5:49 a.m. on Valentine’s Day.

“Simply put, the defendant came with the intent to kill, quickly and without warning,” said Judge Demeo. She labeled it a “heinous crime.”

As Judge Demeo methodically worked her way through the verdict, about a dozen members of the shooting victim’s family watched as the five-year-old case finally headed toward conclusion.  Meanwhile, Walker showed no emotion as Judge Demeo repeatedly pronounced him guilty.  

In the end, Walker’s defense counsel, Stephen LoGerfo called for a delay in the pre-sentencing report to see if a “global disposition” that would include Walker’s other charges could be addressed.  Meanwhile, the prosecution wanted to proceed immediately.

To accommodate “room for dissent” Judge Demeo agreed to hold off on the report in lieu of a “post disposition status” hearing Jan.19 to see if there was any progress toward a resolution.  She set the sentencing for April 5.

After the proceeding, family members and supporters gathered around Hardy’s widow as she fought back tears.  He died three years after the attack at age 57, still suffering the physical and emotional aftermath.

While one family member expressed frustration that the “wheels of justice” hadn’t finalized the case in five years, the shooting victim’s widow expressed mixed feelings.  While she felt that the verdict was just, there was “no full closure” because her husband was gone.  

She promised to have “a lot to say at the sentencing,” things she wasn’t able to say during the trial. 

In closing arguments on Jan. 5, the prosecutor said Walker’s state of mind was assault with intent to kill,  “Souley, intentionally and premeditatively” at point blank range.  The prosecutor also said Walker caused, “horrible, horrible, horrible bodily injury” to Hardy. 

In summarizing the evidence, the prosecutor referenced surveillance footage of a masked man wearing a hoodie with a distinctive red and white stripe on the jacket entering victims’ office.  The footage shows the suspect opening fire with Remen collapsing as smoke from the gunfire fills the area.  More footage traces the suspect’s “flight path” as he runs away from the scene. 

Police were able to recover the clothing, the gun, and mask near the shooting which were subjected to DNA analysis.  It  showed with astronomical odds in many instances that Walker’s DNA was “very likely”  on the evidence compared to others who might have been involved. 

Another critical piece of evidence was a piece of paper found in the abandoned jacket that contained Walker’s phone number.  The prosecutors said there was a series of concentric circles tightening around Walker who was a denizen of the neighborhood near the crime scene. 

In his closing, defense attorney LoGerfo said the killing was “hardly planned.”  Further, he said, “Someone would have had a motive.”  There was apparently no connection between Walker and his victims.  He had never worked at the employment agency.

LoGerfo tried to discredit a firearms expert who said the recovered gun likely fired the fatal bullets as lacking statistical validity.  The defense counsel also noted there was varying degrees of certainty about the strength of the DNA comparisons. 

In the end, LoGerfo said, the government’s case was purely circumstantial.  

In redirect the prosecutor said, someone who looked like Walker, shot two people, with DNA evidence linking him to the crime, with DNA probability range of septillions and quadrillions.  

“Who else?” said the prosecutor.

Prosecutors Present Detailed Physical and DNA Evidence Linking Suspect to Murder

On Jan. 4, the second day of a bench trial before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo, the lead detective in the case, a firearms expert and a DNA analyst presented evidence prosecutors say links Matthew Walker, 25, to the murder of David Remen, 32.  

Walker is charged with first-degree murder while armed along with seven other counts including assault with intent to kill and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged connection to an incident on the 1700 block of Hamlin Street, NE, on Feb. 14, 2019. 

Walker is also charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 23-year-old Jamal Green-Lee to death on the 100 block of Michigan Avenue, NE on April 29, 2019. Green-Lee died on Nov. 4, 2020, due to his injuries.

The detective, a 20 year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), arrived at the scene about an hour after the shooting.  As part of his investigation, the officer reviewed surveillance footage from different angles which captured the shooting at a business that places low-skilled workers.

The silent video initially shows a person standing in a doorway who appears to be Remen.  Then a suspect dressed in black and wearing a hoodie enters the frame and starts shooting.  The area is filled with smoke and Remen disappears from the screen.

In another sequence, the detective describes footage from outside surveillance cameras nearby showing the suspect fleeing the scene and dropping items of clothing into a trash can and recycle bin.

The detective was then able to recover a black hoodie with red and white stripes as well as a pair of sweatpants and a black mask.  

Of particular value, said the officer, was a slip of paper with Matthew Walker’s phone number found in the jacket.  Two days later acting on a tip, police found a Glock 19 semi-automatic pistol and a magazine not far from the murder scene.  As a local, Walker was known to hang out in the neighborhood and became a target of the investigation.

In cross examination, Walker’s defense lawyer Stephen Logerfo asked the detective if he’d interviewed disgruntled employers at the firm.

“We scraped the bottom of the bowl,” said the detective but he had to follow the evidence. Logerfo pressed the detective on the physical description of the suspect. 

He said the eyewitness descriptions were “all over the map.”  Logerfo pointed out one witness identified the handgun as a MAC 10, not the recovered Glock 19.

In re-direct, the prosecution asked the detective if the suspect’s gun looked like a MAC 10.  He responded it did not.

The prosecution also called a firearms expert to compare bullet casings and fragments collected at the crime scene to see if they were a match for the recovered firearm.  

The expert explained that when a bullet is fired it acquires distinctive “tool marks” like ridges and grooves as it travels through the barrel.  Under microscopic examination it’s possible to see the changes and make comparisons.   

After a test firing of the suspect’s Glock 19, the expert said there was “sufficient agreement” the conclusion that the casings at the crime scene were likely fired from the Glock.

Under cross examination from Logerfo, the expert admitted he couldn’t say with certainty the bullets came from the same gun and that his analysis was not built on an established statistical model.

The final prosecution witness, a DNA analyst, explained how she tested the articles of clothing and the weapon to see if there was specific genetic residue linking Walker to the evidence.  

The analyst was able to retrieve bits of DNA from the waistband of the jumpsuit pants as well as material from the sweatband of the hoodie and a discarded glove.  For the firearm, the analyst needed to gather additional samples from the DC Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS).  

To make the comparison, the analyst used a mixture profile of DNA including those at the crime scene to see if Walker’s DNA was more likely to match the evidence than the other samples.  

By exponentially large numbers–in the range of quadrillions and septillions–the analyst said, the samples were “more likely” to come from Walker than the comparators.  

However, Logerfo pointed out that in terms of the glove and the firearm there was less compelling evidence of Walker’s DNA.  

The prosecution intends to present one more witness.  Still to be determined is whether Walker will take the stand in his own defense.  No motive has been established for the crime.

The trial continues on Jan. 5.

Brothers Plead Not Guilty During Homicide Arraignment 

On Jan. 5, two brothers pleaded not guilty during a felony arraignment in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Davon Alston, 21, and his brother Juvan Alston, 22, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Dennis Simms on the 800 block of Yuma Street, SE on July 1, 2022. 

Juvan is also charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. 

During the arraignment, Stephen LoGerfo and Madalyn Harvey, the Alston’s defense attorneys, alerted the court that both brothers were pleading not guilty to all charges and asserted their constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial. 

A trial date was previously set for April 2025. 

Parties are slated to return to court May 10. 

Dismissal Motion in Homicide Case Continued

On Jan.5, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan continued a hearing in response to the defense’s motion for dismissal of a homicide case. 

Alisa Randall, 35, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 59-year-old Ronald Jones, on July 15, 2019, on the 1300 block of Euclid Street, NW. 

According to court documents, Jones suffered two superficial stab wounds on his left arm and one fatal stab wound to his upper chest. 

Randall’s defense counsel, Dana Page and Ashley Guzman, argued to the court that Randall’s case should be dismissed.

They explained she has never been found mentally competent after several evaluations, and her situation is unchanged.

The prosecution also requested more time to prepare a final pleading for this motion, and explained that they have new information they want to sort through before presenting it to the court.

Page and Guzman did not oppose the request which Judge Raffinan granted.

The parties are expected to reconvene on Jan. 25.

Judge Holds Shooting Defendant Accused of ‘Extremely Violent Conduct’

Appearing In an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Jan. 5, Andrew Parsons, 28, pleaded not guilty to a non-fatal shooting. 

In a five-count indictment read aloud in court, Parson was charged with assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a dangerous weapon in connection to an incident that occurred on Aug. 9 on the 800 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

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

During an Oct. 4 mental observation hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow described Parsons as “a danger” to society in denying his release request.

Parsons’ attorney, Darryl Daniels II argued for his client’s release saying he had arranged for stable housing.

However, the prosecutor said that Parson exhibited “extremely violent conduct” in that he allegedly got a gun and fired ten times, putting people in the surrounding area at risk.

Daniels countered that Parsons had a positive release experience after an earlier incident. 

Judge Demeo was skeptical, noting Parsons’ prior offenses, in particular outstanding warrants in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Further, she was concerned about the use of a firearm in a public setting and that Parsons could be a flight risk.  Therefore, she ordered Parsons held pending trial.

Judge Demeo also advised Parsons that he might want to add an experienced litigator to his defense team given the serious nature of the accusations. 

The next hearing in the case is set for March 8.