Defense Alleges Shooting Evidence is Unconstitutional

Parties discussed evidence that reportedly violated a shooting defendant’s constitutional rights before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Oct. 10.

Anthony Goncalves, 53, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, aggravated assault knowingly while armed against a minor, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Nov. 29, 2023 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. A 14-year-old boy sustained nine gunshot wounds.

At the status hearing, Goncalves’ attorney, James Brockway, informed Judge Ryan that the primary issue in the case was a defense motion to suppress evidence. Filed on Sept. 11, the motion requested evidence obtained as a result of electronic monitoring by Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) be suppressed.

According to the defense motion, while Goncalves was on parole for a prior offense in November 2023, CSOSA ordered him to wear a GPS monitor without legal authority. Brockway claimed after the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) received the GPS data from CSOSA, they designated Goncalves as a suspect in the case. MPD then reportedly used the GPS data as a basis to obtain a search warrant and collect additional evidence against Goncalves.

Brockway asserted the GPS monitoring by CSOSA violated Goncalves Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and requested to exclude all evidence obtained as a result.

The prosecution requested more time to respond to the motion and indicated there might be an argument for some of the evidence to be admitted, despite it being illegally obtained.

Judge Ryan granted the prosecutor’s request and parties are scheduled to reconvene to discuss the issue on Nov. 21.

Trial Delayed as Carjacking Defendant Awaits New Jury

A carjacking defendant’s trial was rescheduled by DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Oct. 8, despite a jury already having been selected.

Raysean Brown, 29, is charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person, armed carjacking, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, destruction of property $1000 or more, two counts of reckless driving, fleeing a law enforcement officer, and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

The charges are in connection to Brown’s alleged involvement in an armed carjacking that occurred on the 5000 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. No injuries were reported.

A jury was selected on Oct. 7 for Brown’s trial, and multiple witnesses were also prepared to testify. However, after discussions with defense attorney Joseph McCoy and prosecutors, Judge Arthur announced that the trial would be rescheduled to Nov. 10 due to the time when a witness would be available.

Judge Arthur thanked and excused the jury from service for the day– an entirely new jury will be selected for the new trial date.

Due to the trial delay, McCoy requested for the release of Brown, which Judge Arthur denied on the basis of the severity of charges in Brown’s case.

Parties are set to reconvene for the new trial on Nov. 10.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Pleads Not Guilty, Seeks Additional Evidence

A stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty and asked the prosecution to share any body-camera footage from the incident in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Oct. 3.

Ovid Gabriel, 20, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and the unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE that wounded one individual on March 28.

During the hearing, Gabriel pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Gabriel also requested that the prosecution comply with its Brady and Rule 16 obligations, which require the prosecution to disclose certain evidence to the defense, including any evidence that might be exculpatory, and share body-worn camera footage obtained from correctional officers, or take all reasonable steps to retrieve and disclose the footage.

In response, the prosecution maintained that it had disclosed all relevant and necessary case materials that it had. The prosecution also noted that it was concerned that the case was being unnecessarily prolonged as a result of the multiple Rule 16 request hearings.

Judge McLean agreed that the hearings were taking additional time, but that it was entirely appropriate for Gabriel to request Rule 16 and Brady compliance. She stated that the additional hearings were not unduly prolonging the case. The prosecution acknowledged the finding, but said it may have to withdraw a favorable plea offer it had previously extended if the hearings continued for much longer. The offer’s terms were not listed.

The defendant also asked to modify his detention, telling the court that he was shackled at all times. Stand-by attorney Raymond Jones argued that Gabriel was far from the most dangerous inmate in the jail and that the excessive shackling was unnecessary.

Judge McLean told Gabriel that it was “not [her] place” to get involved with the jail and that she did not have the power to change jail relief conditions.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 18.

Carjacking Defendant Pleads Guilty, Released Without GPS Monitor

A carjacking defendant pleaded guilty and was released without GPS monitoring in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Oct. 3.

Shannara Macku, 38, was originally charged with carjacking and assaulting a law enforcement officer for her involvement in a carjacking on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW, on Oct. 19, 2024.

Macku entered an agreement with the prosecution, which required her to plead guilty to destruction of property, first-degree theft, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. In exchange, the prosecution agreed not to seek an indictment and dismiss all other charges, as well as two misdemeanor cases.

Defense attorney Destiny Fullwood-Singh asked that Macku’s GPS monitor be removed. Judge McLean responded that Macku’s compliance has “improved in every way” since her release from jail, and that she has gotten back on track. As such, Judge McLean agreed to remove Macku from GPS monitoring.

The prosecution objected, stating that Macku had committed the carjacking while on release from other cases. Judge McLean acknowledged the concern but said that Macku had been fully compliant with the release conditions of this case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 12 for sentencing.

Closing Arguments After Victim Questions Shooter’s Identity in Love Triangle

Closing arguments commenced after the defense introduced a video showing the victim involved in a love triange allegedly naming a different potential shooter before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Oct. 7.

Dominick Jackson, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a shooting that hospitalized an individual at the 700 block of 12th Street, NE, on Nov. 20, 2022.

The trial continued with Jackson’s attorney, Kevin Robertson, presenting a video of an interaction the victim had with an officer on their ambulance ride to the hospital. In the sequence, the officer asked the victim whether they could identify his assailant. In response, the victim seems to mention the name “Foster” before quickly changing it to “Jackson.”

The prosecutor started closing arguments, stating that the events that happened were straightforward. Jackson threatened to “blow [the victim’s] brains out” and tried exactly do do so.

According to the prosecution, Jackson was in a complicated love triangle with the victim and a woman. The prosecution claimed that after Jackson pulled up to the woman’s house, and when she turned away, he shot the victim’s car four times. As a result, the victim was severely wounded, experienced significant blood loss, which resulted in a month-long hospitalization, the prosecution recalled.

Following the incident, the prosecution claimed that Jackson threatened the woman about her involvement in the case, stating, “snitches be bitches, bitches end up in ditches.” The prosecutor mentioned that the witness was terrified to testify, thinking that she would “be six feet under” because of her involvement in the case.

Robertson responded by stating that there were crucial moments in the trial that the prosecution was ignoring.

According to Robertson, when the woman testified in trial, she was asked who she was in a relationship with. After hesitation, she stated she was married to an individual named “Foster.” Robertson insisted he could have been the one to commit the shooting.

Robertson questioned the woman’s credibility, stating that she and the victim both mentioned Foster in statements to police and during trial.

Robertson also insisted the woman was not afraid to testify, but rather afraid to tell the truth, because Foster could retaliate. According to Robertson, this alluded to the fact that there was some “real truth” other than that Jackson shot the victim that night.

The claim was that when the witness was in a difficult spot due to the shooting and heard that the victim mentioned Jackson’s name as the shooter, the prosecutor jumped at the opportunity to put the blame on Jackson.

Robertson emphasized inconsistencies in the testimony and timeline, attempting to cast doubt on the credibility of the victim’s account.

Robertson challenged a protective order filed by the victim, portraying it as a tactical move rather than a genuine plea for protection, claiming it was used to gain control in a volatile situation. The defense argued that Jackso had no clear motive and that the state’s theory relied too heavily on assumptions and emotional testimony.

In response, the prosecution argued that it was a “messy, toxic love triangle.” Rather than distancing itself from the complicated dynamics between the individuals involved, the prosecution leaned into them, arguing that the buildup of “tension, betrayal, and aggression” inevitably led to the violent outcome.

They dismissed the defense’s narrative as a deliberate illusion—an attempt to redirect focus away from clear identifications and credible threats. According to the prosecution, the first name the victim spoke was that of the defendant, and this was repeated more than once. They pushed back against the idea that drugs or confusion were responsible, emphasizing consistency of the identification.

While the defense framed the forensic evidence and witness credibility as distractions, the prosecution insisted the truth was simple: the defendant acted out violently, and two people placed him at the scene.
The prosecution closed with a reminder that “the government does not choose its victims, the defendant did.” The jury left and started deliberating.

Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Deal After Confessing to Murder on Social Media

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Oct. 10.

Shaun Brown, 25, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and eight counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Dametrics Evans on Oct. 25, 2021 on the 4900 block of G Street, SE. Another individual sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, Michael Bruckheim, Brown’s attorney, alerted Judge Edelman of his intent to accept a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of ten-to-12-and-a-half years of imprisonment.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on Oct. 25, 2021, there was a group of individuals hanging around in the hallway of an apartment building where Brown was congregating with other people. As the group walked past the door to the apartment with Brown and his friends, Brown extended his hand out of the door frame and shot at the group, fatally injuring Evans, and seriously injuring a man.

The case was previously dismissed, but was reopened after Brown confessed to the murder on social media in February 2023.

The prosecution claimed Brown’s actions were voluntary and on purpose.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Dec. 19.

Fratricide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges in his brother’s murder before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Oct. 10.

Lamar Odoms, 24, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his brother, 25-year-old Mark Odoms, on Dec. 5, 2024 on the 2700 block of Wade Road, SE.

According to court documents, a witness told officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) they heard and saw the Odoms brothers fighting in a hallway before Lamar allegedly stood over Mark and shot him.

During the hearing, Gemma Stevens, Odoms’ attorney, alerted Judge Edelman of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 24.

Shooting, Robbery Defendant Considering Plea Deal

A shooting defendant’s attorney alerted DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman that he is considering a plea offer on Oct. 10.

Christ Tchakounte, 20, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in a robbery turned shooting on Jan. 19, 2024 at the intersection of A and 16th Streets, SE.

According to court documents, Tchakounte allegedly attempted to rob an individual and shot him, injuring the victim and himself.

During the hearing, Rachel Cicurel, Tchakounte’s attorney, alerted Judge Edelman that the prosecution had extended a plea deal, but they needed additional time to decide whether to accept or reject it.

The deal would require Tchakounte plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. The prosecution would also agree to limit their sentencing request to seven years of imprisonment.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 17.

Homicide Defendant Deemed Mentally Competent

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman deemed a homicide defendant mentally competent to stand trial on Oct. 10, based on a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Cory Heard, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Rodney Snead on Nov. 20, 2023 on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE.

During the hearing, Judge Edelman alerted the parties that a report from DBH stated Heard is competent to stand trial. Neither party had objections to the findings.

In order to stand trial a defendant must understand the charges and be able to assist his attorney.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 24.

Judge Sentenced Repeat Offender to 60 Months In Jail

D.C. Superior Court Chief Judge Milton Lee sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to 60 months in jail as part of a “generous” plea agreement on Oct. 7.

On March 14, Delante Glascoe, 42, pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, and two counts of threatening to kidnap or injure a person for his involvement in a shooting on the 900 block of Shepherd Street, NW on Oct. 14, 2024. No injuries were reported.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 42-to-60 months of imprisonment.

Defense counsel for Glascoe, David Akulian, asked Judge Lee to sentence Glascoe to the lowest end of the sentence according to the plea agreement due in part to Glascoe’s traumatic childhood.

Akulian claimed that Glascoe grew up in the crack epidemic and that people key to his development were lost to drugs. Akulian stated that Judge Lee is seeing the results of Glascoe’s inability to process trauma.

Thus, Akulian asked Judge Lee to sentence Glascoe to 42 months in prison followed by supervised release so Glascoe can complete an behavioral intervention program and get grief counseling.

All things considered, the prosecution believes the plea agreement is “generous” and Judge Lee should consider the seriousness of the offense.

The prosecution argued that this is Glascoe’s fourth gun related offense and he committed these crimes in the presence of a child who is now scared that something will happen to her mother.

Therefore, the prosecution asked for 60 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release.

Glascoe “deeply, sincerely” apologized to everyone and claimed his actions “affected people that I love and care about”. Additionally, he agreed that his repetitive violent behavior has affected his loved ones.

When Judge Lee asked why this offense occurred, Glascoe claimed “certain things [were] going on, certain people that shouldn’t be around”. However, Judge Lee dismissed his rationale as “making a choice.”

Furthermore, Judge Lee was concerned that Glascoe had been in this “crime game” since 2001 and “most of [his] life has been in crime”.

Additionally, Judge Lee pointed out that Glascoe’s actions since he entered the criminal justice system have affected his loved ones, namely his daughter who is hesitant to have a relationship with Glascoe due to his criminal record.

Ultimately, Judge Milton Lee sentenced Glascoe to 46 months in jail for assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm and 14 months for threatening to injure someone. The terms are to be served consecutively.

In addition to the 60 months in jail, Judge Milton ordered Glascoe to undergo mental health and drug treatment, grief and anger management counseling, get his high school diploma, and register as a gun offender.

Additionally, Judge Lee granted the prosecution’s request for a standard no contact order with the victims and young witnesses in this case.

No further dates were set.

Document: MPD Investigating Rhode Island Avenue Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 3 on the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE. The victim, identified as 17-year-old Jermaine Durbin of Northeast, DC, was found unconscious and not breathing, suffering from a gunshot wound, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Document: MPD Arrests Two Suspects in 14th Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with a fatal shooting on the 1600 block of 14th Street, NW. On May 27, Henry Crutchfield, 35, was found dead from a gunshot wound. Damari Brown, 23, and Antoin Whitehead, 24, have been charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Shooting Defendant Waives Prelim Hearing, Release Pending

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz is considering whether to release a non-fatal shooting defendant after she waived her right to a preliminary hearing on Oct. 6.

Meyona Rorie, 25, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault while armed for the non-fatal shooting of a victim on Aug. 20, at the 3600 block of Ames Street, NE. Though she is not accused of pulling the trigger, prosecutors say she instigated someone else to commit the crime.

According to court documents, the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the arm, and told a family member, “Mimi got me shot.”

During the hearing, defense attorney Michael Lawlor alerted Judge Kravitz of Rorie’s intent to waive her preliminary hearing of the evidence against her.

Lawlor also argued for Rorie’s release from pre-trial detention, proposing electronic monitoring and confinement at her mother’s residence.

According to Lawlor, Rorie is a single mother of two children, employed, and currently in school. She has a clean record and her family was in the courtroom as a show of support.

Lawlor insisted she would not be a danger to the community, claiming she didn’t shoot and could only be charged as an aider and abetter.

The prosecutor argued that release should be denied due to the serious nature of the crime. She argued that aiding and abetting carries the same burden of guilt as the person who pulled the trigger.

Additionally, the prosecution expressed concern about Rorie’s “escalation” of violence for someone who doesn’t have a past history.

Furthermore, the prosecution claimed, the shooter has not been identified and Rorie’s release could compromise the ongoing investigation.

Judge Kravitz stated he was taking the request for release under submission. He ordered written statements about the strength of the evidence by Oct. 10.

Parties are set to reconvene Oct. 10.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant rejected a plea deal and opted to proceed to trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Oct. 9.

William Chambers, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on July 22 on the 700 block of Langston Terrace, NE.

According to court documents, Chambers and the victim were neighbors engaged in an ongoing dispute. The victim reportedly confronted Chambers and struck him in the face. Chambers then allegedly retrieved a butcher knife and stabbed the victim in his right thigh.

The prosecutor informed Judge Di Toro that they offered Chambers a plea deal that would require him to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, the prosecution would not pursue an indictment and request a sentence in the bottom third of the applicable guidelines.

“I’m rejecting it,” said Chambers and parties set a trial date in April 2026.

Following the rejection, Chambers’ attorney, Chidi Ogolo requested Judge Di Toro modify his release conditions. The stay-away order imposed by the court required Chambers to stay away from the victim and the incident location. Ogolo said the order restricted Chambers ability to live where he previously resided with his mother.

“I understand that you need to live somewhere,” said Judge Di Toro and granted the request. She issued a “NO HATS” order restricting Chambers from harassing, assaulting, threatening, or stalking behavior towards the victim. “That means stay away from [the victim],” said the judge.

Parties are set to reconvene on April 10, 2026.

Jailed Witness Testifies in Teen Homicide Trial

A jailed witness testified about a defendant in a teen homicide, serial shooting case before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Oct. 2.

Reginald Steele, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, ten counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, and five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.

The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in four shootings, including the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, at the 600 block of S Street, NW, on March 1, 2020. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Steele was also allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on March 1, 2020 at the unit block of Channing Street, NE, and a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 22, 2020 at the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW. No individuals sustained injuries.

Additionally, Steele faces charges for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 24, 2020 at the 1700 block of Ninth Street, NW. Three individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

A 2024 trial proved that Steele’s co-defendants, Tyiion Freeman, 26, Koran Jackson, 25, Stephen Nelson, 34 and Aaron Brown, 29, were involved in the Channing Street shooting and homicide. Prosecutors claim Steele was part of the group.

Prosecutors presented a photo of an individual to the witness who then stated that he didn’t recognize this person.

Prosecutors then played an audio recording of a call between the witness and “Tiiyon”. In the call the witness referred to Brown by his nickname – Stae. When questioned by prosecutors he stated that he learned of Brown through the news and knew his nickname through the “streets” and by process of elimination having known “everybody else”. He stated that he has not had any interactions with Brown.

The prosecution also presented a picture of a call log which included a call between Brown’s phone number and the witness’s phone number. The witness testified that “Tiiyon” has used his phone multiple times, inferring that this could’ve been one of those times.

The witness also testified that he did not remember if he was in any of “D4’s” rap videos. After being presented with a photo of him in the individual’s music video, he testified that people were rapping and dancing in the video.

Prosecutors stated that they would ask the witness about certain aspects of the video including t-shirts the individuals are wearing and the lyrics rapped.

Megan Allburn, Steele’s attorney, argued that the witness should not be confronted regarding someone else’s words.

Judge Brandt stated that because the witness associated himself with the video by signing up for it the prosecution can ask questions about the lyrics.

Additionally, the prosecution pointed out some of the visuals used in the music video, including a writing of “Happy Slatt Day” on the rear window of a car, and a yellow t-shirt with the caption “#LLTheRealNWGoon.”

The witness claimed he never heard of the name Slatt but he identified 19-year-old Tahlil Byrd, who was killed on Sept. 29, 2019 as the “NW Goon.” Throughout the trials, prosecutors have claimed Steele and his co-defendants acted in retaliation for Byrd’s murder. Byrd, was also known as the “North West Goon,” a rapper said to be involved a dispute over who could claim the actual title of his name.

The witness confirmed that the music video was a “D4” song, but when asked if the song was a diss record, he said he did not recall it being a diss track. The prosecution pointed out the lyrics, “B**** I’m the trap Lord,” but the witness stated that he did not know who those lyrics referenced.

Allburn asked the witness if he had any contribution in the making of the song or the lyrics. The witness stated that he did not and was only in the music video for a short period of time.

Prosecutors called a custodian of records for Meta who interpreted data pulled from the Instagram accounts of Steele and co-conspirators. Through the records, prosecutors attempted to establish a connection between the individuals. Allburn noted that some people have Instagram notifications turned off or are public and may not be notified when someone follows them or tags them in a post.

Prosecutors called a retired crime analyst with the Department of Forensic Science (DFS).

The witness confirmed that he participated in a search warrant in a townhome on the 1800 block of Bruce Place, SE, on May 29, 2020.

The witness took several photographs inside the home and collected substantial evidence that was presented before the jury.

The evidence consisted of a 40-caliber semi-automatic handgun, a magazine with smith and wesson ammunition, and several bullet casings. A ballistic vest was also collected from the home.

Additionally, several key fobs, car keys, cell phone, and cell phones were shown before the jury.

The witness also recovered an obituary with the title “In loving memory of Tahlil Byrd,” which had Byrd’s picture on the cover.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 6.

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