Judge Denies Motions for Recusal, Reconsideration of Plea Deal and Sentences Shooting Defendant

On Sept. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe denied a defense motion to recuse himself from a non-fatal shooting case as well as an alternative motion to reconsider a plea deal.

Charles Monroe, 18, was originally charged with five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, ten counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of robbery while armed, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 10, 2021, on the 700 block of 7th Street, SE.

Monroe accepted an offer on Nov. 22, 2022, to plead guilty to robbery in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Monroe’s defense attorney, Terrence Austin, filed a motion calling for Judge O’Keefe to recuse himself and an alternative motion to reconsider his client’s plea agreement if the judge refused to withdraw from the case. The motions were based on O’Keefe’s previous comments Austin characterized as negatively stereotyping the defendant.

Specifically, O’Keefe remarked that, “They are all like Mr. Monroe,” in reference to young defendants. Austin claimed the court is biased and that, “Monroe is not receiving a fair shake.”

Judge O’Keefe denied the motions and proceeded with the sentencing stating Monroe’s previous criminal history continues in spite of receiving many social services.

Monroe was sentenced to 66 months of incarceration with all but 36 months suspended, and credit for time served. He must also serve three years of a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) supervised probation.

As part of his sentence, Monroe must refrain from all drugs and alcohol and complete substance abuse treatment, complete grief counseling, participate in cognitive therapy to address dysfunctional core beliefs and current cognition, participate in the violence reduction program, complete mental health evaluation and treatment as deemed necessary, maintain or seek employment, be tracked by GPS once released, and address outstanding warrants in other jurisdictions.

Jury Trial in Shooting Case Begins

On Sept. 28, attorneys delivered opening statements in regards to a 2022 non-fatal shooting case before DC Superior Court Lynn Leibovitz.

Raekwon 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. These charges are for his suspected involvement in a shooting where no one was injured on the 4800 block of Benning Road, SE, on March 19, 2022.

In opening statements, the prosecutor said, “This is not a he said, she said situation, ladies and gentlemen. This is a he said, he did.”

The prosecution described how Sutton allegedly threatened his ex-girlfriend before coming to her apartment, where the shooting occurred. The ex-girlfriend was absent when Sutton came over, yet her two sisters were there.

During the defense’s opening statement, Everland Thompson, Sutton’s defense attorney, claimed that Sutton had no reason to try to harm his ex-girlfriend’s sisters because he had helped them when they were homeless. Thompson told the jury, “I am asking to render a verdict of not guilty.”

The prosecution called their first witness, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, who responded to the 911 call. He said shell casings were found, and holes were found in the front door. However,officers did not find a suspect that day.

The jury trial will resume Oct. 2.

Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun presided over a Sept. 28 status hearing during which a homicide defendant rejected a plea deal.

Robert Green, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 43-year-old Andre Junior on the 1500 block of Park Road, NW, on March 15, 2018.

According to court documents, officers found Junior falling out of a White SUV suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life saving attempts, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead only a few hours later.

The prosecution’s plea deal would have allowed the defendant to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed.

A trial date is set for February 2024.

Parties are expected to return Nov. 1 for a motion hearing.

Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On Sept. 28, a shooting defendant, Kevin Bailey, rejected a plea offer extended by prosecutors.

Bailey, 23, is being charged with conspiracy while armed, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and additional counts for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on April 14, 2020. The incident occurred after an alleged drug deal turned robbery at the intersection of Gallaudet Street and Central Place, NE.

The offer required Bailey to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license in exchange fo dismissal of all other charges. Even though Bailey rejected it, the prosecutors said they would continue to negotiate with Bailey and his defense attorney.

The trial for this matter is set to begin March 3, 2024.

Homicide Defendant Waives DNA Testing Right

On Sept. 28, Defendant Bernard Matthews waived his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a homicide scene.

Matthews, 44, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Diamonte Green on February 16, 2021, on the 300 block of 33rd Street, SE.

According to court documents, Green suffered eight gunshot wounds to the torso, arms and legs, neck and head.

Matthews’ defense attorneys alerted the court they were not planning on testing any evidence, and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

Parties are expected back for a trial readiness hearing on June 28, 2024.

Document: Woman Dead After Being Struck by Vehicle in Northeast, DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that killed a woman on Sept. 26 at the intersection of 17th Street and Lang Place, NE.

According to MPD documents, the woman was crossing the road when she was struck by an unknown dark colored vehicle that was traveling northbound on 17th Street, NE. The vehicle fled the scene before officers arrived.

She was transported to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Document: Man Dies from Injuries Sustained in 2021 Assault

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a man from injuries sustained on Aug. 16, 2021, on the 800 block of Bladensburg Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an assault, where they located a man on the sidewalk with life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

On Jan. 18, 2023, the victim died from the injuries sustained during the assault. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death as complications from impact head trauma and the manner of death a homicide.

The victim was identified as 30-year-old Antonio Bennett.

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

Case Acquitted: Family Member Testifies Against Defendant in Murder Trial

This case has been acquitted.

On Sept. 28, more witness testimony was presented 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 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 began by calling an Alexander family member, The witness explained the relationship between the two of them had been estranged, despite their few moments of reconciliation. The witness testified that Alexander had confessed to murdering someone. “I done’d him,” Alexander allegedly confided to the witness.

After feeling uncomfortable with the information, he relayed the information about the murder to a police officer who called for reinforcements.

Sellano Simmons, Alexander’s defense attorney, questioned why the witness turned in Alexander. The witness explained that he had hoped to get a ride back to his residence in Virginia in exchange for providing more information to the police.

The witness acknowledged he originally did not give all the accurate details of the encounter with Alexander to the police, but that he was being truthful now.

Due to the nature of their estranged relationship, Simmons asked the jury to consider why Alexander chose to confide in this witness about such a private matter.

The prosecution called a Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) Detective who explained how Alexander’s family member inquired about transportation to his residence after giving a detective all the information Alexander told him about the murder. The detective transferred the case to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

The trial is set to resume Oct. 2.

In Sentencing Judge Calls Victim’s Death ‘Senseless’

During a Sept. 28 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a homicide defendant to a total of 10 years in prison.

Wayneice Ellis, 31, was charged with second-degree murder while armed for her involvement in the stabbing of 41-year-old Talaya Wright on the 600 block of Parkland Place, SE, on Oct. 7, 2021.

According to court documents,Wright was transported to a local hospital for treatment and succumbed to her injuries later that day.

On March 17, Ellis accepted an offer from the prosecution that required her to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for the dismissal of the second-degree murder while armed charge.

During the sentencing, Wright’s daughter, twin sister, niece, and brother-in-law delivered impact statements describing the victim as “soft-spoken and dainty.”

In an emotional statement to the court, Wright’s niece explained how her upcoming homecoming dance is on the anniversary of her aunt’s death. She told Judge Okun that she hoped to see Ellis “behind bars” during that date. Wright’s niece also spoke about how she does not feel anger towards Ellis, instead stating, “I feel bad for her.”

While speaking to the court, Wright’s twin sister turned directly to Ellis and stated, “Part of my heart died when she died.” She then demanded Ellis look at her, before being cut off and instructed by the prosecution not to speak directly to the defendant.

The defense urged Judge Okun to consider Ellis’ “use of drugs, as well as a long history of psychiatric issues” while requesting the minimum sentence.

In a short statement, Ellis expressed remorse and apologized to her family, the family of the victim, and the Judge. “God forgive me for everything,” she stated through tears.

Based on the “seriousness and utter senselessness” of the act, Judge Okun sentenced Ellis to 120 months for one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed and supervised release for five years.

Before Ellis was escorted out of the courtroom, Judge Okun reminded her that she is “young enough to have many years ahead of you.” He then offered his condolences and luck to the victim’s families.

Document: Man Dead After Being Admitted to a Hospital with Traumatic Injuries

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide after a man was admitted to a local hospital for treatment of traumatic injuries. The incident occurred on Oct. 7, 2022 on the 2900 block of Glover Road, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers were notified of the victim at the local hospital on the day of the incident. On Oct. 19, 2022, 88-year-old Gordon Wilson succumbed to his injuries.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled he died from complications from traumatic injuries and ruled the death a homicide.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.

Document: Infant Death Ruled a Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating an infant death that was ruled a homicide. The incident occurred on Feb. 11 on the 4000 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious infant, where they located an unconscious and unresponsive infant. He was transported to a hospital for the treatment of life-threatening injuries.

On Feb. 18, the infant succumbed to his injuries. The Office of the Medical Examiner ruled that the infant’s death was caused by complications of blunt force trauma and the manner of death as homicide.

The infant was identified as 5-month-old Kenneth Geo Walton.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for homicides.

Document: Teen Dead After Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a 16-year-old that occurred on Sept. 26 on the 1400 block of New Jersey Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located 16-year-old Maurice Jackson suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

MPD documents state that it appears Jackson was walking near the intersection of New Jersey Avenue and P Street, NW, when he began speaking with a group of individuals. A suspect then produced a firearm and fired multiple times, striking Jackson.

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: Shooting Leaves Man Dead in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a man after a shooting occurred on Sept. 26 on the 1300 block of Savannah Street, SE.

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

The victim was identified as 21-year-old Kamal Jones.

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

Document: MPD Investigating Death of Man in 2022

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a man after a fight on Oct. 14, 2022 on the 1100 bock of K Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, on Nov. 4, 2022, officers responded to a local hospital for the report of a man’s death. They learned that the individual had been receiving treatment for injuries sustained during a fight on Oct. 14, 2022. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and ruled the manner of death a homicide.

During the initial investigation, an arrest was made for the assault. MPD is is working with prosecutors to upgrade the charges to reflect the death.

The victim was identified as 61-year-old Thomas Gray.

Prosecutors Move to Upgrade Charges in Juvenile Murder Case

On Sept. 27, prosecutors filed a motion to upgrade the charges for an adolescent girl accused in the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old.

The defendant, a 16-year-old female, is charged with second-degree murder for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Naima Liggon, 16, on Aug. 27. The incident occurred outside a McDonald’s restaurant on the 1900 block of 14th Street, NW.

Prosecutors alerted the court they had filed a motion to amend the charge and upgrade it to first-degree murder while armed. The motion was quickly opposed by defense attorneys, who stated they would be filing a response to the motion in writing.

Prosecutors also requested the Oct. 12 trial date be delayed, which was granted by DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell IV. A new trial date was set for Nov. 13.

The defendant will remain held at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) as she awaits trial.

Parties are expected to return Nov. 1 for a trial readiness hearing.

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