Experts Testify About Validity of Homicide Suspect’s Statements to Police

On Oct. 16 and 17, two expert witnesses testified in a motions hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan about whether a murder suspect fully understood what he told police.

Deon Walters, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempt to commit robbery while armed, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the Oct. 1, 2020 death of 42-year-old Arthur Daniels IV. The incident occurred on the 6000 block of 8th Street, NW.

The expert testimonies were conducted to inform Judge Raffinan’s decision on the defense’s motion to suppress any statements Walters provided to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers while waiving his Miranda rights against self-incrimination.

In the motion filed by Sylvia Smith, Walters’ defense attorney, she argued Walters did not waive his rights voluntarily, as the “circumstances surrounding his waiver were manipulative and coercive.”

Smith called a forensic clinical psychologist to testify about Walters’ interrogation.

In a video clip of the interrogation, Walters says, “My stomach hurts and I haven’t eaten all day”. The psychologist claimed these factors could have an impact on Walters’ understanding of the Miranda waiver and stated, “Your physical state will impact your thinking.”

In addition, she argued Walters’ low IQ, combined with his under developed prefrontal cortex, could lead to a lack of verbal comprehension, thus making it difficult to understand what the officers were telling him.

Smith focused on how fast Walters’ Miranda rights were read to him, arguing how difficult it would be for Walters to understand what was being said. She argued the conditions of the room being cold, and having to wait four hours before the interrogation, would also impact Walters’ ability to provide voluntary statements.

Meanwhile, prosecutors called a former psychology professor and executive director at the Center for Law, Brain, and Behavior to testify his findings on the interrogation of Walters.

From viewing the interrogation video, the doctor didn’t expect Walters to have trouble with oral fluency and comprehension, given he was in a familiar environment since he had previously undergone an interrogation.

In describing the interrogation, the doctor stated, “It was almost like a chess game, in terms of what do they know and what do I have to give up.”

Based on the video, the doctor acknowledged Walters appeared to be fully engaged in the conversation and did not look under duress.

During the cross-examination, Smith argued a person’s IQ can impact their understanding of their Miranda rights. The doctor agreed that youth between the ages of 15-to 17-with a low IQ would perform poorly given a Miranda warning.

There were no rulings at the hearing as a key detective is expected to testify Oct. 18, and the remaining motions will be decided at a later date.

They include the defense motions to dismiss the indictment due to withholding of excupatory evidence, as well as suppress evidence from the search of Walters’ girlfriend’s home.

Because of the pending motions, the trial is expected to be pushed back to November.

Parties are expected to reconvene Oct. 18 in order to continue the motions hearing.

Defendant’s Sentence Suspended in 2022 Non-Fatal Shooting at Police

On Oct. 17, a defendant was given a suspended sentenced in a 2022 non-fatal shooting case in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Lamiko Wheeler, 45, was originally charged with assault of a law enforcement officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 400 block of Oakwood St, SE, on Feb. 26, 2022. The incident left two individuals, including Wheeler, suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

According to court documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Wheeler was ordered by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers to drop his firearm, and did not comply. Two officers discharged their service weapons, striking Wheeler, at the same time as he discharged his weapon. No officers were injured during the incident.

On Aug. 24, Wheeler accepted an offer extended by prosecutors to plead guilty to one count of assault on a police officer and assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. In the agreement, prosecutors also stated they would not seek an indictment.

During the sentencing hearing, Wheeler said, “I want to take full responsibility as a man,” adding, “it wasn’t me.”

Judge Arthur responded, “I understand that it’s not you, but the consequences could have been grave.”

The defense noted Wheeler and others had taken some drugs before the incident leading to his actions.

According to prosecutors and Jesse Winograd, Wheeler’s defense attorney, he has no criminal history. Jesse Winograd said, “He is not a person who requires incarceration.”

The prosecutor acknowledged that Wheeler has, “been a very upstanding citizen.”

Since his release in late 2022 Wheeler has complied with his release conditions and there have been no issues.

Judge Arthur sentenced Wheeler to 18 months for assault on a police officer while armed, and 12 months for assault with a dangerous weapon. However, both sentences were suspended, meaning Wheeler will not have to serve time.

As part of his sentence, Judge Arthur imposed two years of probation for each charge, which will run concurrent.

Wheeler has to register as a gun offender and pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Parties Argue Probable Cause Evidence in a Murder Case

On Oct. 17, during the third day of a homicide preliminary hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard parties make their final arguments regarding probable cause.

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

On Oct. 17, Kevann Gardner, Jones’ defense counsel, resumed his cross-examination of the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

According to the detective, there was a witness that allegedly saw Lavender being “beat-up” by an individual while another individual watched, and that there was surveillance footage allegedly showing Jones and the unidentified individual walking to and away from the shooting location.

The defense argued that the MPD report and the detective’s testimony both state that no witnesses saw the shooting or someone holding a firearm near the scene.

During final arguments, the prosecutor’s argument focused on the video footage and witness testimony that allegedly described and showed two men, identified as Jones and his companion, in the same clothes at several locations around Lavender. The prosecutor said, “they were the aggressors,” and “They cannot argue that they were the victims.”

In Gardner’s final arguments he said, “all that the MPD knew was that there were gunshots and that someone ran away from gunshots,” and “there is no weapon, there is no gun, there is no robbery”. Gardner also argued that the prosecution does not have enough evidence to support the homicide charges against Jones.

Judge Brandt requested additional time to thoroughly review all evidence admitted during the preliminary hearings.

Parties are expected to return for the court’s ruling on Oct. 18.

Probable Cause Found in Co-Defendant Stabbing Homicide

On Oct. 17, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found that a homicide case against two co-defendants has enough evidence to go to trial.

Lewis Jones, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, felony murder and second-degree murder while armed, along with his co-defendant Nichelle Thomas, 27, who is charged with felony murder while armed, obstructing justice of a witness or officer, and accessory after the fact, for their alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 42-year-old Anthony Jordan on Aug. 4, on the 2500 Block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

The prosecution began by calling the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who testified there were blood droplets in several areas in the bedroom of the apartment where the murder occurred. Also, he said he recovered clothing from the scene similar to the clothing worn by the defendants when they allegedly disposed of Jordan’s body.

To support their argument, the prosecution played surveillance footage showing Jones and Thomas allegedly carrying a suitcase with Jordan’s body in it down the steps of their apartment building, and dropping it next to a dumpster. The detective testified that an eyewitness, who lived in the apartment at the time, explained the suitcase appeared to be “dripping with blood”.

According to the detective, the witness said that after the stabbing, Thomas was attempting to persuade her what to tell police, and coerce her to draw attention away from the defendants. The witness was reportedly in the bedroom with Jordan when Jones allegedly stabbed him.

The detective admitted the crime scene was not secured during the initial investigation. Roderick Thompson, Jones’ defense attorney, asked the detective about who had access to the crime scene at that time.

The detective explained that Jordan’s family had been there briefly in between the search warrants, which were roughly two hours apart. When Thompson asked if the authenticity of the blood that was found on the scene was tested, the detective said not to his knowledge.

During additional cross examination, Thomas’ defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, questioned the detective about his interviews with the defendants. The detective testified that the defendants told him that the witness had asked Jones to beat Jordan up earlier that same day.

According to the detective, there had been previous altercations between the witness and Jordan, and Alvin Thomas said the defendants may have been trying to assist the witness,

Judge Okun ruled that, for Jones’ case, there is probable cause for second degree murder while armed, but not for felony murder while armed.

He further ruled that there is sufficient probable cause in Thomas’ case for obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact, but not for felony murder while armed.

Following the probable cause ruling, counsel for both defendants asked if their clients could be released pending trial.

Judge Okun detained Jones. The judge stated that “the nature of the offense is pretty horrific” and that Jordan was “disposed of like trash”.

Judge Okun decided to release Thomas under home confinement, saying that “the nature of her offense weighs in favor of release”.

Parties are expected back on Dec. 12.

Document: Northeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on Oct. 16 on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man with gunshot injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 28-year-old Davon Fuller.

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

Document: Correction Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck by Car

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that killed a man on Oct. 12 at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Ingraham Street, NW.

According to MPD, the man was crossing Georgia Ave. near the crosswalk when he was struck by a Toyota RAV4. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 13.

The victim was identified as 42-year-old Wilmer Rosali Canales Ventura.

The driver of the RAV4 remained on the scene.

Document: Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck by Car

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that killed a man on Oct. 12 at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Ingraham Street, NW.

According to MPD, the man was crossing Georgia Ave. on the crosswalk when he was struck by a Toyota RAV4. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 13.

The victim was identified as 42-year-old Wilmer Rosali Canales Ventura.

The driver of the RAV4 remained on the scene.

Case Acquitted: Homicide Defendant Acquitted of All Charges After Six Years in Jail

This case was acquitted.

On Oct. 17, a jury delivered a not-guilty verdict on all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun following a 2017 homicide trial.

Cedric Alexander, also known as Tony White, 52, was 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.

After deliberating for almost three days, the jury delivered a not-guilty verdict for all charges against Alexander. He’s been jailed for nearly six years.

The prosecution relied heavily on cell phone records showing Alexander was the last person to speak to Hooks before his death, and that Alexander deleted text messages and phone calls from the day of the murder.

The prosecutors also revealed one of Alexander’s recorded jail calls with his ex-wife.

“I’m gonna have to answer to God for that,”Alexander said on the call, to which the prosecutor said one would only say this if “something extremely serious happened”.

In their closing statement, the prosecution told the jury there was a “clear picture” of who committed this crime, arguing that Alexander was the only person who could’ve done it.

The defense highlighted the lack of ballistics or DNA evidence, and challenged the credibility of witnesses from Alexander’s family who were estranged from the defendant.

In his closing statement, Alexander’s attorney, Sellano Simmons, emphasized the prosecution’s burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and insisted that they failed to do so.

Following the verdict, Alexander was released from custody.

Judge Denies Request for Release of 21-Year-Old Mass Shooting Defendant

On Oct 16, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied the defense’s request to release a suspect allegedly involved in a murder.

William Johnson-Lee, 21, is one of six defendants charged in relation to a mass shooting on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021. Johnson-Lee was charged with one count of conspiracy, four counts of first-degree murder while armed premeditated and with aggravating circumstances, nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and one count of carrying a pistol without a license outside of home or business, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 31- year old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year old Keenan Braxton, 37- year old Johnny Joyner, as well as injuring three other individuals.

Co-defendants Erwin DuBose, 28, and Kamar Queen, 25, are charged with 21 counts, which include first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, unlawful possession of a firearm, and assault with significant bodily injury while armed.

Co-defendant Damonta Thompson, 26, is charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, conspiracy, and assault with significant bodily injury while armed.

Toyia Johnson, 50, and Mussye Rezene, 30, are charged for allegedly tampering with physical evidence and for being an accessory while armed after the incident occurred.

The prosecution said that Johnson-Lee “fired indiscriminately into a busy gathering on Labor Day weekend”. They showed video exhibits from the day of the incident, which show an individual, who was allegedly identified by a grand jury witness as Johnson-Lee, directly involved in the shooting. However, the video played in court does not clearly show any of the shooters’ faces or identifying features.

According to prosecutors, the grand jury returning an indictment for Johnson-Lee establishes probable cause for Johnson-Lee to be detained. The prosecution further explained that the “incredibly violent nature” of the crime additionally supports detention.

Johnson-Lee’s defense attorney, Peter Fayne, argued that Johnson-Lee is not a flight risk and that “he does not pose a danger to the community” and therefore should be released. Fayne further explained that Johnson-Lee does not have any previous criminal convictions, and that all of the information against Johnson-Lee is solely from a grand jury witness. Fayne also said that he believes that the defense “will be victorious” in trial due to a lack of evidence from the prosecution.

Judge Okun denied the request for release, saying that “this is the most serious offense in the District”. He also stated that “the nature of the offense clearly weighs heavily, heavily in favor of detention.”

Parties are expected to return Nov. 3.

Two Motions Denied in Co-Defendant Homicide Case

On Oct 16, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied two defense motions in connection to a homicide case.

Malachi McFarland, 23, and co-defendant Andre Smith are charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Kerry Odoms on April 15, 2021, on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE.

Both defendants’ attorneys had filed motions requesting separate trials for different reasons.

Thomas Key, Smith’s defense attorney, filed a motion stating that he would not be ready for the trial date that was previously set in November–that was denied by Judge Okun because a new trial date was set.

Jessica Willis, McFarland’s defense attorney, filed a motion arguing that if the pair is tried together it will be a violation of McFarland’s right to a speedy trial, because his case is older than Smith’s. Judge Okun denied the motion based on a lack of sufficient reasoning provided.

The prosecution said, “we don’t think anyone’s speedy trial rights have been violated” and that they have been doing their best to keep the new trial date in May 2024.

The next hearing for co-defendants, Smith and McFarland will be on Nov 3.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Arraigned on 13 Charges

On Oct. 16, Antoine Johnson was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Johnson, 27, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside of home or business, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

These thirteen charges are for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that resulted in one person being injured on May 21 on the I-695 Bridge Southbound near exit 2B.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Matthew Rist, alerted the court that Johnson pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

The parties will meet for a status hearing on Oct. 19.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in 2023 Homicide Case

On Oct. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ruled that the prosecutor’s evidence met the requirements for probable cause in a 2023 homicide case.

Julius Worthy, 39, is charged with one count of second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing and shooting of 36-year-old Orlando Galloway on April 2 on the 200 block of 14th Street, SE. An adult female victim was found in the apartment suffering from multiple stab wounds to her body, but survived.

Prosecution called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to testify on his findings, including body-worn camera footage depicting officers entering the apartment where the incident occurred. The footage displays the female victim in distress repeating “Help,” and “He ran out the back door.”

Prosecution also displayed footage of someone near the area fleeing on foot. Prosecution said that at the time of his arrest, Worthy was found in bloody clothes that were consistent with the ones pictured on the footage.

Worthy’s defense attorney, Christen Philips, argued that injuries Worthy had to his hands at the time of his arrest could be a sign he was acting in self defense. Philips also alleged one of the key witnesses may have been on drugs at the time of the incident.

Judge O’Keefe ruled there was sufficient evidence for a probable cause ruling to be made.

Judge O’Keefe denied a supervised release for Worthy, acknowledging the surviving victim’s life would be in extreme danger if Worthy was released.

Parties are expected to reconvene Oct. 27 for a mental observation hearing.

Judge Finds Probable Cause For Defendant Charged With 10-Year-Old’s Death

On Oct. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted the prosecution’s request to hold homicide defendant Koran Gregory without bond after finding probable cause in a preliminary hearing.

Gregory, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a fatal drive-by shooting that killed 10-year-old Arianna Davis on May 14, on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE. The defendant also has an additional case in which he is charged with possession of a large-capacity ammunition device, which was recovered during a search warrant execution in response to the homicide case.

Although Gregory is not charged with criminal gang affiliation, he is alleged to be a part of what is known as the Congress Park Crew.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, ShotSpotter detection software was alerted to the consistent sounds of gunfire.

According to the detective, witnesses on the scene recount three individuals exiting a vehicle and pulling out “machine guns” before firing over 50 rounds into the surrounding area.

According to court documents, Davis and her family were driving home on Mother’s Day when they got caught in the crossfire. Davis was struck once in the head, and died from her injuries three days later on May 17.

The shooting is alleged to have started over a feud between the Congress Park Crew and Paradise Crew.

According to the detective, a confidential informant for MPD identified the defendant as one of the shooters based on surveillance footage captured before and after the shooting. The three shooters are seen on video getting out of a car that was allegedly carjacked April 24, and entering the Paradise-Parkside neighborhood, where the shooting occurred. Gregory allegedly acknowledged that video.

Gregory’s defense attorney, Anthony Matthews, argued against probable cause saying the “evidence does not rise to probable cause,” and based on the evidence, suggested his client should only be prosecuted for accessory after the fact.

Judge Epstein disagreed with the defense counsel’s reasoning, saying, “if there’s probable cause he was in the car, then there’s probable cause for the shooting.”

Defense argued for Gregory’s release with any conditions the judge seemed fit, but Judge Epstein ruled in favor of the prosecution re-emphasizing the nature of the crime and dangerousness to society.

The next hearing is set for Nov. 17.

Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

On Oct. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond accepted a defendant’s waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing in a shooting case.

James Jackson, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 6, on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE. The defendant allegedly shot at two individuals, but no one was injured.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Darryl Daniels II, asked the court to release Jackson on personal recognizance or GPS monitoring.

Judge Raymond responded by referencing threatening emails that the defendant allegedly sent to one of the victims two weeks prior to the incident and stated that they are “horrifying.” Judge Raymond stated that these threats were not only threats but they led to action.

So Judge Raymond denied the defense’s request for release and ordered he be held.

Judge Raymond also imposed a stay away order from both victims, as well as from the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE.

Daniels requested an initial mental examination for the defendant, which was granted by Judge Raymond.

A mental observation hearing is scheduled for Nov. 6.

Judge Denies Request to Release Homicide Defendant During Presentments

At an Oct. 16 presentment hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover denied the defense’s request to release a homicide defendant.

Darrell Hinkle, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 32-year-old Dajuan Blakney on April 21 on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police (MPD) went to the reported location after being dispatched for the sounds of gunshots. Police found Blakney lying on the steps in front of a building. He was unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

According to MPD documents, a witness reached out to MPD and stated he was aware that Blakney and Hinkle had been “beefing” for a while.

Another witness told MPD that a person named “Buck” was responsible for Blakney’s murder, according to court documents.

Buck was later allegedly identified as Hinkle through Instagram accounts provided to police.

Prosecutors argued for Judge Glover to find probable cause, stating that there was surveillance footage that showed Hinkle shooting Blakney multiple times, which was described in the affidavit written by the lead detective.

Prosecutors also asked Judge Glover to take into account Hinkle’s criminal history when deciding whether or not to hold him.

Michael Bruckheim, Hinkle’s defense attorney, argued that his criminal history should not be taken into consideration because it’s not connected to this incident.

Bruckheim requested Hinkle be released to home confinement with GPS monitoring. According to Bruckheim, if released, Hinkle could stay with his mother or significant other.

Judge Glover denied the defense’s request to release Hinkle, deeming Hinkle a danger to the community.

Parties are expected back for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 14 in front of Judge Michael O’Keefe.

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