Judge Holds Defendant in Non-Fatal Shooting

During presentments on Sept, 27, DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond decided to hold Johnathan Young on 3 charges.

Young, 33, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of firearm during crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4600 Block of Benning Road, SE on July 24.

Damon Catacolas, Young’s defense attorney said that the prosecution has not provided more than probable cause. He said they only had “mundane connects”

However, Judge Raymond said that there was more than probable cause found, which led to his detainment as he awaits further procedures.
Young will appear with co defendant Daquawn Lubin, 28, on Sept. 29.

Homicide Defendant Waives His Right for Independent DNA Testing

On Sept. 27, a defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered at a homicide scene.

Marcus Walker, 23, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon against a minor, second-degree cruelty to children, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for his alleged role in the killing of 28-year-old Erik King on Oct. 11, 2022. The shooting occurred on the 800th Block of 21st Street, NE.

According to witnesses, Walker got into a dispute with King prior to shooting him in his chest and groin area.

Defense counsel, Jesse Winograd, informed the court that they will be waiving their right to independent DNA testing.

All results have been disclosed by prosecutors at this time as the case heads on the path to trial.

Parties are expected back to court April 5.

Document: Infant Death Ruled a Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating an infant death that occurred on March 16, 2023 on the 1300 block of Morris Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious infant, where they located an unconscious and unresponsive infant with no signs consistent with life.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for DC ruled that the infant’s death was caused by complications of blunt force trauma and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

The victim was identified as seven-month-old King Phelps.

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 Dies from Injuries Sustained in 2017 Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on March 17, 2017, on the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Division Avenue, 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 was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

On Aug. 17, 2023, the man was pronounced dead. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for DC ruled that he died as a result of complications from the gunshot injury sustained in 2017. They ruled the manner of death a homicide.

The individual was identified as 26-year-old Anthony Smith.

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

Document: Man Dead After a Fight in Northeast, DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on July 27, 2022, on the 4400 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a fight in progress, where they located 52-year-old Keith Sistare suffering from trauma. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

On Sept. 11, 2022, he succumbed to his injuries. He was transported to the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland where it was later ruled that he died from complications from blunt force 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 for the homicide.

Case Acquitted: Drug-Related Murder Trial Gets Underway

This case has been acquitted.

On Sept. 27, opening statements along with witness testimony were 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 of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside the home or place of business with a prior felony, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Daquan Hooks on the 1900 block of 13th Street, SE on March 23, 2017.

According to court documents, Hooks was shot in the back of his neck.

The prosecution introduced text and phone call communications between Alexander and Hooks prior to the shooting they say link Alexander to the crime. The prosecution also said a jail call between Alexander and his mother reveal Alexander saying that something “has come back to bite me.”

Both parties concur that Hook was Alexander’s drug dealer. Additionally, the prosecution explained one of Alexander’s family member reported to police that the defendant confessed he had murdered someone, saying, “He killed his plug,” possible slang for a connection.

Defense attorneys, Michelle Lockard and Sellano Simmons explained the communications between Hooks and Alexander were normal daily messages. In addition, they argue none of Alexander’s DNA was found on the evidence, and Hooks was shot with a different caliber bullet than anything discovered in Alexander’s home.

The murder weapon hasn’t been found.

Lockard said detectives took the “easy way out,” when they should looked for other suspects.

Following opening statements, a member of Hooks’ family testified about the impact of the crime. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of him,” she said.

The trial is slated to continue on Sept. 28.

Document: Woman Killed in Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on July 30 on the 4000 block of South Capitol street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a suicide, where they located a woman suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where, after all lifesaving efforts, she succumbed to her injuries. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later ruled her death a homicide.

The victim was identified as 31-year-old Tyshida Williams.

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

Document: Second Arrest made in a Shooting in Southeast

On Sept. 26, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged a second individual in connection to a shooting that occurred on July 24 on the 4600 block of Benning Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located two adult male shooting victims. They were transported to local hospitals for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On Sept. 26, MPD arrested and charged 33 year-old Johnathan Young with assault with intent to kill (gun) for his alleged involvement in the incident.

Previously, on July 28, a 28-year-old male was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) for his alleged involvement.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Domestic Shooting

On Sept. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Shelly Mulkey granted the prosecution’s request to hold a non-fatal shooting defendant without bond after finding probable cause in a preliminary hearing.

Delonte Sherod, 35, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a reported family dispute on Sept. 22, on the 200 block of Longfellow Street, NW.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, police received a trouble call at the incident address. Sherod told officers that there had been an argument about personal space issues. A witness claimed that the defendant and victim were having an argument that turned into a physical altercation and then the victim went to his car and Sherod shot towards the vehicle.

At the hearing, the prosecution called a MPD officer who recalled no shell casings were found and no one was struck by a bullet, but that a gun was found at the scene.

Sherod’s defense attorney argued against probable cause saying, “Other people had access to where the gun was found” and “the only evidence of a shot fired is [the witness] say so”.

Judge Mulkey ultimately found that the prosecution had met the standard of probable cause.

Additionally, the prosecution requested Sherod be detained, stating the defendant “discharged a weapon at a family member” and “has a fugitive warrant out of Virginia.”

Defense argued for Sherod’s release with any conditions the judge seemed fit.

Judge Mulkey granted the prosecution’s request for detention. She also added that she believed Sherod is a danger to family members.

The next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 1.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Release Request

On Sept. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian denied a non-fatal shooting defendant’s release request because of previous noncompliance.

Marquett Brown, 35, is charged with assault on a police officer while armed, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 400 block of Benning Road, SE, on Feb. 11, 2022.

According to court documents, the incident stemmed from Brown’s refusal to wear an appropriate COVID-19 face mask, as required at the time by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A Special Officer working at the DMV told Brown that if he did not comply, he would be required to leave. Brown allegedly got into a tussle with the officer, got a hold of the officer’s gun, and shot it once.

Adgie O’Bryant, Brown’s defense attorney, argued that Brown is “responsible now,” for his actions, and is ready to be released into the community where he has support from family and friends.

Judge Christian denied the motion, stating that each time Brown has been released, he has failed to comply with the conditions.

According to O’Bryant, parties are in the midst of plea negotiations and requested a new date to see where the negotiations go.

Brown is expected back before Judge Christian on Oct. 16.

Defendant Rejects Plea Offer in Murder Case

On Sept. 25, a homicide defendant rejected a plea offer extended by prosecutors and DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted two motions from the government.

Niko Hall, 31, one of three co-defendants is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Anthony Lee. The incident occurred on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, on Sept. 26, 2020.

Earlier this year, Hall’s co-defendants, 21-year-old Kyrie Wells and 20-year-old Darquise Montgomery accepted plea offers for second-degree murder while armed.

The prosecution offered Hall the option to plead down to second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for dismissing all other charges. Had he accepted, he would have faced a sentence of 12 to 14 years.

In July, Hall rejected a different plea offer from the prosecution.

Prosecutors argued that, because all three defendants fired during the incident, it was not necessary to prove which defendant was the one that caused the fatality. They argued that any of the thirteen shots could have caused Lee’s death.

Judge Brandt agreed saying, “[The prosecutors] don’t have to prove that someone’s specific bullet killed the victim”.

Prosecutors also filed a motion to exclude evidence that a third party committed the crimes. The motion was granted by Judge Brandt.

The trial will begin on Oct. 2.

Judge Sanctions Prosecution for Evidence Violation in Shooting Case

On Sept. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt accepted a defense motion to sanction prosecutors over their handling of evidence in a non-fatal shooting case.

Kenneth Davis, 44, is charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE, on May 19, 2021. The incident left one individual suffering from non life-threatening injuries.

On Sept. 21, Marnitta King, Davis’ defense attorney, filed a motion to request sanctions against prosecutors for not giving the defense discovery of outstanding evidence.

Judge Brandt agreed there was a so-called Rule 16 violation because the defense didn’t have access to crucial information. She explained that this evidence could have been potentially exculpatory for Davis.

A Rule 16- Discovery violation is related to the prosecution having to disclose to the defense any evidence that may be relevant and beneficial to their case.

Due to the violation, Judge Brandt imposed a sanction that allows the defense to cross-examine a representative from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) about the integrity of their investigation.

Parties are expected back in court Nov. 14.

Judge Denies Motion for Competency Hearing in Hit-and-Run Case

On Sept. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled on multiple motions, including reviewing the competency of a witness, in an ongoing 2020 homicide case.

Eric Beasley, 32, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly committing a hit-and-run on 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.

While presenting evidence about a key witness’ mental health diagnoses, prior hospitalizations, and behavior during interactions after the incident, the defense argued she had demonstrated she was not competent and was being affected by mental illness at the time she was talking to officers.

This included the statement, “I’m having a panic attack.”

The prosecution rebutted the argument saying that the witness’ panicky demeanor and her statement right after the incident were merely the result of experiencing something traumatic.

After hearing arguments from both sides the issue carried over into Sept. 27, when Judge Raffinan denied the defense’s motion to either exclude the witness’ testimony or hold a pre-trial competency hearing.

Judge Raffinan ensured the issues defense had raised would be further explored during cross examination if needed.

In addition, she granted the prosecution’s motion to admit audio from the body camera of the first responding officer, ruling it was admissible as excited utterances at the scene.

Judge Raffinan also granted the prosecution’s motion to admit portions of the 911 calls that she deemed admissible, under the same guidelines of the body camera audio. This included a statement from a witness with Farewell at the time of the accident, who said, “Oh God. They started CPR.”

In what was supposed to be the start of jury trial on Sept. 27, the defense claimed Beasley had not received his haircut they had requested on Sept. 13 and the jury could be prejudiced by his appearance.

Judge Raffinan granted their request and waived Beasley’s appearance for part of the hearing.

The trial is expected to start Sept. 28.

Parties Give Closing Arguments in 2020 Murder Trial

On Sept. 26, parties gave closing arguments in a 2020 murder trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

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

“Ladies and gentlemen, Ravel Mills hunted down and murdered Toussaunt Strong,” said the prosecutor.

A witness, who was a neighbor of Strong’s father and a friend of Mills, said that Mills had mentioned a beef with a man next door who had dreadlocks. The prosecution insists that was Strong, stating he had dreadlocks before he was murdered.

Prosecutors showed an exchange caught on video in which Mills appears to point an object at Strong outside of the witness’ house. Both parties agree this is the way someone would hold a gun; however Mills claims it was a scale, used for drug transactions, which he pretended was a gun as a joke.

This interaction led to a chase caught on surveillance where Mills appears to be following Strong through an alley and up 24th Street. However, the video does not reach the area where the prosecution claims Mills killed Strong. Mills is caught on video leaving the area where Strong’s body was found shortly after.

Mills claims he witnessed a PCP dealer come down from the other direction and shoot Strong.

The prosecutor said, “When you think about [Mills’] story it makes absolutely no sense.”

According to prosecutors, Mills has long been aware of the evidence in the case and came up with a cover story to match it.

”[Mills] would have to be the most unlucky man in the world,” to believe his story said prosecutors.

According to Mills’ defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, “The government has not provided any credible evidence.” Mosley cited the fact that there is no DNA evidence, eyewitnesses or connection between Mills and the murder weapon.

The defense claims the murder was not properly investigated by police and prosecutors.

Mosley also argued there is no video evidence of the murder and the area up the street where Mills says the PCP dealer emerged.

Mosley ended his statement saying, “If it’s possible what we said happened, that is a reason to doubt,” adding, “The government’s case is built on speculation.”

The prosecutor said the jury “needs to hold [Mills] accountable.”

The jury will begin its deliberations Sept. 27.

Document: Teen Dead After Shooting in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that left a teenage male dead on Sept. 25 on the 2300 block of Green Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located 16-year-old Jamal Jones suffering from gunshot wounds. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

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

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