‘I had to Fight Back,’ Attempted Carjacking Victim’s Daughter Said

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel sentenced an attempted carjacking defendant on March 6 to one year in prison and two years of supervised probation following his release.

John Gainey, 52, accepted a plea deal for assault with intent to commit robbery and unauthorized use of a vehicle on Dec. 17, 2025 stemming from an incident that occurred on the 2000 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE on Aug. 30, 2025. Gainey assaulted the victim while attempting to carjack them. The daughter and husband of the victim were able to pin him down for police officers.

Judge Israel imposed a sentence of three years incarceration, suspending all but one year for the assault charge. In addition, Judge Israel sentenced Gainey to one year incarceration, suspending all time, for the unauthorized vehicle charge. After Gainey is released he will serve two years on supervised probation.

Friday, the prosecution began with two victim impact statements given by the victim and her daughter.

The victim’s daughter, who pinned Gainey down during the incident, recalled that Gainey did not look like a threat at first. The victim’s daughter stated she reacted when she saw her mother looking visibly upset.

“[I] did not want to become another statistic.” stated the victim’s daughter during her statement. “I had to fight back.”

The victim’s daughter ended her statement by stating that she felt helpless to moderate her mother’s continuing fear.

The victim, also gave a statement. She was visibly upset while giving her statement in court, and was hesitant to give a statement in front of Gainey.

She recalled the day that the incident happened, stating that she was giving out food to homeless individuals when the incident occurred. The victim stated she was unable to leave her house for a while or sleep following the incident.

Prosecution asked for Gainey to be sentenced to three years of incarceration for the assault charge and two years of incarceration for the unauthorized use charge. The period of incarceration is to be followed by a period of two years supervised probation.

Gainey’s defense attorney, Sellano Simmons, called up Gainey’s daughter for a character statement and noted that seven character letters had been sent in from family and friends on Gainey’s behalf.

Gainey’s daughter was crying while on the stand, upset by her father’s actions that led him here. She stated that her mother, Gainey’s wife, passed away a couple years ago and Gainey used drugs a couple times to cope with the loss.

“This is not who he is.” Gainey’s daughter stated as she ended her statement.

Simmons argued for a sentence of two years incarceration, suspending all but time served for the assault charge and six months, all suspended for the unauthorized use charge. Upon release Gainey would begin a period of two years on supervised probation.

That based on Gainey’s lack of a criminal record and the fact that he committed this crime while on PCP, a hallucinogenic drug that can cause aggressive behavior.

Gainey apologized to his family for putting them through this and to the victim for his actions.

No further dates have been set.

Defendant Accused of Father’s Stabbing Can See His Family on Conditional Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz modified a domestic violence stabbing defendant’s probation conditions to allow him to see his family in a hearing on March 6.

On Sept. 15, 2022, Gabriel Esquina, 23, was sentenced to five years in prison with all but four suspended, followed by probation for aggravated assault knowingly while armed. The sentence stemmed from his involvement in a stabbing on Jan. 26, 2022 on the 2800 block of Myrtle Avenue, NE. The incident left Esquina’s father injured.

At the hearing, parties addressed Esquina’s recent violation of a stay-away order imposed by Judge Kravitz as part of his probation conditions. The prosecution requested a revocation of Esquina’s probation, and that he serve one year in prison as a consequence of the violation.

Esquina’s attorney, Henry Escoto, told Judge Kravitz that the violation, which involved Esquina going to his parents’ house, began as a consensual interaction after was invited. However, something occurred while Esquina was there that led to his parents calling the police.

Escoto said that because the interaction began consensually and Esquina’s parents expressed interest in maintaining contact with Esquina, his probation should not be revoked.

Parties also noted that Esquina was currently serving a 120 day sentence at the DC Jail for a separate matter in DC.

After assessing the arguments presented by the parties, Judge Kravitz said that Esquina had “already been punished” with his sentence in the other matter. In addition, Judge Kravitz acknowledged the unique circumstances surrounding Esquina’s probation violation.

In accordance with suggestions from both parties, Judge Kravitz ruled to modify the conditions of Esquina’s probation so that he could see his parents and talk to them, but was not allowed to be at their home, and would have to meet them elsewhere if they wanted an in-person interaction.

No further hearings were set.

Carjacking Co-Defendants Request Separate Trials

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur heard requests for severance in a three co-defendant carjacking case on Feb. 26.

Omari Dantignac, 20, Ion Cooper, 21, and Javard Harris, 22, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in two incidents that took place on the 1700 block of Bay Street, SE and on the 900 block of 3rd Street, NE on Dec. 1, 2023.

Cooper’s attorney, Thomas Healy, argued for Cooper’s case to be severed from his co-defendants due to the fact that Dantignac and Harris are requesting DNA testing in this case and Cooper is not. Healy asserted that his client is ready for trial and was already held for a significant amount of time. According to court records, Cooper has been incarcerated since the case was filed on Dec. 2, 2023.

Harris’ attorney, Santia McLaurin, stated that she also wanted her client’s case to be severed in order for time for DNA testing to be done.

Dantignac’s attorney, Molly Bunke, requested a new trial date as well regarding DNA testing. Dantignac is not held in this case.

Judge Arthur stated that he would not rule on severance requests at this hearing, and will convert the current trial date on April 8. into a status hearing to discuss these motions further.

The prosecution opposed severing the cases so that the defendants can go to trial together, noting that it would be difficult for the victims to testify more than once if the cases were separated.

Healy also asked for Cooper’s release with home confinement. He explained that Cooper has a place to live with his mother and wants to continue his education.

The prosecution requested that Cooper remain held due to the facts of the case, describing him as the “getaway driver” in the carjacking spree. Judge Arthur agreed that the facts of the case were serious enough to maintain Cooper’s detention.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 20.

Judge Denies Suspect’s Transfer to Juvenile Court in Union Station Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied the defense’s request on March 5 to transfer a shooting case from adult to juvenile court after the case was dismissed for lack of probable cause.

A 17-year-old juvenile defendant was originally charged with assault with intent to murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to his alleged involvement in a shooting at Union Station at the unit block of Massachusetts Avenue, NE on Feb. 6. There was one victim, a juvenile, who sustained a gunshot wound to his ankle.

The defendant was originally charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for certain serious offenses.

According to court documents, a witness reported seeing a large group of individuals engaging in an argument. At some point in the argument, a member backed out of the group, pulled a black firearm from his waistband, and fired three rounds.

Two individuals from the group were reportedly seen fleeing and hid behind planters by the sidewalk, one was allegedly the defendant. When the two individuals were detained by police, the defendant allegedly told a detective that he simply heard gunshots and ran.

At the preliminary hearing on March 2, the defendant’s attorney, Terrence Austin, argued his client acted in self-defense after the victim punched him twice in the head.

In court, Austin requested the case be transferred from adult to juvenile court. Judge Kravitz failed to find probable cause for assault with intent to murder and dismissed the case without prejudice in that hearing meaning the prosecution could refile if new evidence arises.

The prosecution objected to Austin’s request then spoke to Judge Kravitz under the husher without the defense.

Judge Kravitz denied Austin’s motion after a confidential conversation with prosecutors. Additionally, Judge Kravitz said he would not transfer the case without a request from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) which handles most juvenile cases.

Since the case was dismissed without prejudice, Judge Kravitz’s denial of Austin’s motion means the defendant can be tried as an adult if prosecutors refile the case.

After Judge Kravitz’s decision, Austin requested the prosecution cease their search and seizure of the defendant’s cell phone and return the device to him since the case was dismissed.

The prosecution argued the cell phone seizure and case dismissal are separate events and should not be conflated.

Judge Kravitz instructed the prosecution to pause their search of the defendant’s phone until Austin could file a motion regarding the cell phone seizure.

No further dates were set as of March 5.

Judge Denies Release for 2019 Homicide Defendant Despite Maryland Case Dismissal

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied releasing a homicide defendant who argued that a related Maryland case tied to his arrest had been dismissed on March 6.

Alonzo Brown, 29, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Michael Taylor, 22, on Jan. 12, 2019 on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to court documents, investigators reportedly identified Brown as a suspect through a photo identification procedure, and evidence recovered during searches included ammunition and firearm-related items linked to the homicide investigation.

At the hearing, Brown’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, argued that Judge Park should not consider Brown’s arrest in Maryland because the case was dismissed after a judge ruled the pat down that led to the firearm recovery violated the Fourth Amendment protection against illegal search and seizure.

Kiersh likened the dismissal to a “not guilty” verdict and said Brown already spent approximately four years detained because of that arrest. He also argued Brown was previously on release in the DC case without significant issues complying with release conditions. However, Judge Park noted Brown had problems meeting curfew requirements.

The prosecution opposed the release motion. Prosecutors argued that Brown was not fully compliant while on release and emphasized that he was allegedly rrested in Maryland with a firearm while facing a homicide case in DC.

They also cited the seriousness of the homicide charges and argued that no combination of release conditions would sufficiently protect the community.

Judge Park denied the motion for release. He stated that probable cause had been found for the Maryland case before its dismissal and said the material evidence remained the same. Brown allegedly possessed a firearm while on release in a homicide case, even though the Maryland case was later dismissed, said the judge.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 27.

Witness Waffles Over Shooting Suspect’s Demand for Money

Prosecutors introduced video evidence of a witness allegedly saying she heard a shooting defendant demand money from the victim before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 5.

Derrick Gladden, 55, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one victim on April 15, 2024 on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. The victim sustained one gunshot wound.

The victim’s former girlfriend and Gladden’s neighbor testified to hearing one gunshot from her apartment the afternoon of the shooting.

The prosecution presented video clips from police body-worn camera footage in which the victim’s former girlfriend said “I heard Derrick say ‘you’re gonna give me my money.’” However, the witness said she did not remember saying that due to increasing memory problems.

Gladden’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, pointed out that in the victim’s former girlfriend testimony to the grand jury, she did not mention hearing a conversation before the gunshot.

The witness said she knew Gladden since he was a child, and would most likely recognize his voice.

Thomas also asked the victim’s former girlfriend about an incident in which the victim attempted to take knives from her apartment to confront someone. Thomas asked if it was potentially Gladden. The witness said she remembered this happening less than a month before the shooting, but cannot remember who the victim planned a confrontation.

She clarified to prosecutors that to her knowledge the victim did not usually carry weapons.

The victim’s former girlfriend also said that the victim suffered from severe brain cancer at the time of the shooting.

Another witness called by the prosecution lived across the hall from Gladden and his mother in the apartment complex where the incident occurred. The prosecutors questioned the neighbor on photos and videos of Gladden leaving the apartment that he was staying in at the time of the incident. The neighbor identified Gladden said to be the man shown on his Ring camera and the man in the courtroom.

The prosecution also called an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to confirm the presence of physical evidence allegedly founed in Gladden’s apartment, including various types of ammunition, firearm accessories, and a handgun holster.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 6 to discuss evidence, the jury is scheduled to return March 9.

‘I’m An Innocent Man,’ Shooting Defendant Claims Frustrated With Lawyer

A shooting defendant proclaimed his innocence and expressed frustration with his counsel in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 6.

Mario Kirksey, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one victim on the 1300 block of Okie Street, NE on Feb. 28, 2024.

At the hearing, before parties addressed the matter of appointing new counsel for Kirksey, and he asked for the prosecution’s contact information and said, “I’m not being treated fairly.”

“I’m an innocent man, nobody’s fighting for my justice,” Kirksey said, frustrated by his belief that he did not have a defense attorney that would “fight for [him].”

Kirksey’s newly appointed defense attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, said he had only recently been notified of his appointment to this case, and would work to meet with Kirksey as soon as possible to get caught up.

Kirksey also said he did not want to delay the trial past the currently scheduled date of June 29, but Judge Kravitz told him that if he wanted new counsel, he would have to accept a delay. If Kirksey wanted to keep the current date, he would have to keep his current attorney, Terrence Austin, said Judge Kravitz.

Kirksey reiterated his request for the prosecution’s contact information and said he wanted to write to them about what he’s experiencing. Judge Kravitz advised against this and suggested that Kirksey meet with O’Sullivan before deciding whether he wanted to reach out to the prosecution. The judge encouraged Kirksey to keep an “open mind” until he could meet with O’Sullivan.

Throughout the hearing, Kirksey spoke over Judge Kravitz about his frustrations, and had to be removed from the courtroom by US Marshals until he was willing to cooperate. Later O’Sullivan said on Kirksey’s behalf that he did not mean any harm, and that he was “just going through a lot.”

Judge Kravitz reiterated that Kirksey needed to make a decision about which counsel and which trial date he wanted, and said he expected an update on the matter by the next hearing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 17.

Jail Schooling Delays Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz delayed sentencing for a homicide defendant so that he could finish high school at the DC Jail in a hearing on March 6.

On April 24, 2025, Caleb Padilla, 20, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Damion Hill on Dec. 30, 2024 on the 1800 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to court records, Padilla is in school at the DC Jail, which allows his sentencing to be delayed following the plea agreement.

At the hearing, Padilla’s defense attorney, Molly Bunke, as well as a special education attorney from the Public Defender Service (PDS), Nakisha Winston, reported that Padilla was doing well in school and is set to graduate in July, although an exact date was not confirmed.

Upon suggestion from the prosecution, Judge Kravitz set another hearing on Padilla’s progress in school before they proceed with sentencing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 22.

Judge Questions Legality of Prosecutors’ Cell Phone Search

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz challenged prosecutors on the admissibility of cell phone data during a motions hearing on March 4.

Jaime Macedo, 24, is charged with robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, felony murder while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Maxwell Emerson, which occurred on the 600 block of Alumni Lane, NE, on July 5, 2023.

Parties argued a motion to suppress cell phone data that was collected from Macedo’s iPhone using an allegedly invalid warrant. During the hearing, prosecutors argued that the signed warrant gave police the authority to search data on Macedo’s phone by attempting to establish probable cause.

The prosecution stated that it wanted to find information regarding his relationship with Emerson, as well as anyone else involved in the incident. Prosecutors were also hoping to use GPS data from the phone to prove that Macedo was likely on the scene during the incident.

Since the defendant is allegedly seen holding and using his phone before, during, and after the shooting, prosecutors said police have probable cause to search the data on Macedo’s phone.

According to Judge Kravitz, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who had written the warrant in question had previously failed to get the warrant signed, only succeeding after making minor changes and asking a different judge for a signature.

Judge Kravitz stated that it appears the detective didn’t put much effort into the warrant and was using the same template when drafting different warrants; “cherry picking” information.

These deficiencies, according to the judge, call into question the validity of the search warrant, which could have been signed by mistake.

Throughout the hearing, parties discussed the impact of the “Burns decision,” a 2020 DC Court of Appeals ruling that narrows the scope of police interpretations of judicial warrants in regard to searching cell phone data.

On rebuttal, defense attorney Jessica Willis claimed that the prosecution was restrained by Burns which held, “Mr. Burns’s convictions therefore must be reversed unless they were ‘surely unattributable’ to the erroneous admission of his cell phone data.”

Parties are scheduled to meet on March 9, where Judge Kravitz will decide whether or not the cell phone data is admissible.

February Homicides See Significant Increase From January

According to D.C. Witness data, there were 10 reported homicide incidents, resulting in eleven victims in February – one of these victims was originally injured in January, but died in February. A significant increase from January’s three intentional killings.

As of March 3, The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has identified three suspects among the 10 incidents. There were seven fatal shootings, one fatal stabbing, and two deaths resulting from a vehicle crash.

Tyjuan Bazemore, 35, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Nyesha Walden-Hatcher on Feb. 2 on the 3100 block of 16th Street, NW.

Additionally, Jose Perez, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 37-year-old John Despertt on Feb. 5 on the 2400 block of Virginia Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, Perez allegedly stabbed Despertt in the chest inside Miriam’s Kitchen at Western Presbyterian Church. Perez is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March. 30.

On Feb. 11, a murder-suicide occured when Stephon Jeter, 35, fatally shot 34-year-old Rayven Edwards before killing himself on the 4100 block of W Street, NW. A 10-year-old juvenile also sustained gunshot wounds.

According to MPD, Jeter fled the scene with his and Edwards’ three-year-old son and an AMBER Alert was issued. Jeter then dropped his son off at a family member’s residence and MPD found Jeter dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

MPD is currently offering a reward for information on the unsolved cases.

February 2026 Homicides in Washington, DC (Symbol map)

Judge Sentences Repeat Shooter, Says, ‘Lucky’ No One Was Killed

A repeat offender in a non-fatal shooting was sentenced by DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on March 5 after accepting a plea deal.

Thomas Carter, 27, was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence due to his involvement in the non-fatal shooting of an unidentified victim on the 2300 block of Washington Place NE on Sept. 24, 2025. This is Carter’s third firearm conviction.

Carter should be lucky “no one was hurt or even killed,” Judge Arthur said. He sentenced Carter to three-and-a-half years plus three years supervised release for the assault charge, and 20 months plus three years supervised release for the possession charge. Additionally, the defendant will be registered as a firearm offender in DC for two years after his supervised release ends. All convictions will be served concurrently.

In December, Carter pleaded guilty to both assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In exchange, prosecutors agreed not to seek indictments on any other charges relating to the incident.

At sentencing, prosecutors asked Judge Arthur to impose a harsh sentence due to Carter’s criminal record. Additionally, prosecutors highlighted the violent nature of Carter’s actions, firing off 21 rounds in a street lined with businesses and passing cars.

The prosecution requested that the defendant receive 44 months with three years of supervised release for the assault charge, and 20 months with three years of supervised release for the possession charge.

Defense attorney Justin Okezie didn’t offer excuses for the defendant’s actions, calling them “very concerning.” However, he stated there was context for what Carter did. He felt threatened by a man with whom he had previously been in conflict, Ozezie said.

Okezie claimed that in instances where the police are not present to protect citizens, people can feel compelled to protect themselves, however necessary.

According to Okezie, Carter was “extremely remorseful” about the events and never intended to hurt any innocent bystanders.

The defense asked for the lowest range of sentencing possible under the voluntary guidelines.

Carter chose not to comment before the judge made the sentencing decision.

Murder Defendant Won’t Leave Bus to Attend Hearing

US Marshals alerted DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz that a murder defendant arrived at the courthouse but refused to leave the bus for his hearing on March 5.

Jeremiah Evans, 22, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Khalliqo Ford at the 200 block of K Street, SW on June 15, 2023.

According to court documents, Ford was found in a parking lot and died from multiple gunshot wounds. Two witnesses reported that the shooting happened after a dispute among themselves, Evans, and Ford. The witnesses said they watched Evans pull Ford into a parking lot, indicated in court documents. CCTV surveillance footage reportedly captured what appeared to be an argument between Evans and Ford, resulting in Evans allegedly raising his weapon and shooting Ford multiple times.

In court, the parties intended to discuss with Evans his concerns about his lawyer, Stephen LoGerfo, and whether he wanted new representation. However, US Marshals informed the court that Evans wouldn’t enter the courthouse.

Judge Kravitz noted that defendant’s refusals to attend court had become more frequent in his courtroom. LoGerfo agreed, suggesting that the early wake-up call for defendants traveling from the jail might be a deterrent.

LoGerfo said Evans told him at their last meeting, “Please don’t make me come to court.”

According to LoGerfo, Evans did not express a desire for him to withdraw as counsel. Judge Kravitz emphasized that Evans needed to be present and convey the information himselfd.

The parties intend to resolve the issue when Evans is present at court.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 11.

‘This Case is Distractions on Top of Distractions,’ Defense Argues in Homicide Trial

A defense attorney argued that prosecutors’ case was only distractions during closing arguments in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 5 and 6.

Christopher Tyler, 48, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession with a prior conviction, first degree burglary, and attempt to commit robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Nolan Edwards on the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE on July 7, 2023. Edwards was shot in the left arm, thigh, abdomen, and back..

“Nolan Edwards was beloved,” stated prosecutors to begin closing arguments.

The prosecution claimed the defense “lied” to the jury in their opening arguments about why Tyler went to an apartment building. White claimed Tyler went to pick up his clothes from his friend’s apartment, but the prosecution disputed that no witnesses saw Tyler leaving with clothes.

The prosecution highlighted the testimony of several neighbors in the building. Witnesses saw a suspect running from the apartment complex after they heard shots fired and then heard someone run down stairs, asserted prosecutors.

Prosecutors also highlighted physical evidence found at the crime scene, including the bullets found from two different guns, and blood stains on a box in the apartment. According to prosecutors, the bullets embedded in the wall and on the ground point to Edwards trying to back away from the gun shots.

The prosecution presented camera footage they said showed the defendant traveling to and from the Ames Street area around the time of the shooting. Prosecutors argued the footage, along with phone records and location data, placed Tyler in the area shortly before and after the homicide.

They also pointed to phone data from the woman who had been with Tyler that day, arguing messages about money and drugs supported their theory that the pair were seeking both before the shooting. Prosecutors told jurors the evidence showed the defendant had “the motive, the means, and the opportunity.”

Defense lawyer Kevann Gardner focused his closing on the burden of proof, reminding jurors that Tyler is presumed innocent unless the prosecution proves his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

“You begin in the land of innocence,” Gardner said, arguing the prosecution failed to move Tyler from that position.

Gardner argued there was no clear motive for Tyler to commit the crime and said the prosecution’s theory relied on speculation. He suggested Edwards’ apartment, which was described during trial as a marijuana operation, could have been a target for robbery by others.

He also pointed to surveillance footage shown during the trial, arguing Tyler’s behavior while driving before and after the shooting appeared normal rather than consistent with someone fleeing a violent crime. Gardner noted that Tyler did not attempt to run or hide after the incident.

Gardner criticized the investigation, questioning why the lead investigator did not testify at trial. He argued police focused too quickly on Tyler and failed to meaningfully investigate other possible leads connected to Edwards’ drug operation.

“This case is distractions on top of distractions,” Gardner told the jury.

Gardner claimed there were weaknesses in the forensic evidence. He argued there was no direct physical evidence tying Tyler to the shooting, no witness directly identified him as the gunman, and eyewitness descriptions did not clearly match him.

Gardner questioned prosecutors robbery theory, noting that Tyler and Edwards were neighbors and arguing it would have made little sense for Tyler to rob someone who lived nearby.

Gardner urged jurors to return a verdict of not guilty.

The prosecution rejected Gardner’s arguments during their rebuttal and said the evidence clearly pointed to Tyler.

Referring to Gardner’s remarks about the “land of innocence,” prosecutors told jurors the defense had instead created a “land of illusion,” describing Gardner as a “master illusionist.”

They also pushed back on claims that investigators mishandled the case or ignored other suspects, arguing detectives were expected to pursue leads aggressively.

“Would you want a detective to be passive and let important leads slip away?” the prosecution asked.

Prosecutors also dismissed the defense’s theories about missing or mishandled evidence, including arguments about footprints and a bullet possibly striking Tyler, describing them as speculation unsupported by testimony. They urged jurors to focus on the evidence presented at trial.

“Don’t be blinded by a smoke screen,” prosecutors said.

Without the jury present, Tyler’s attorneys, Gardner and Elizabeth Paige White, motioned for judgement of acquittal. White’s motioned on grounds that there was a lack of evidence presented by the prosecution. White argued that none of the evidence was tangible and it was all circumstantial. She continued with pointing out flaws in witness identifications and no evidence of Tyler possessing a firearm.

White concluded “grave suspicion is not enough.”

The prosecution agreed the evidence was circumstantial, but said all the evidence pointed to Tyler as the suspect. Prosecutors also said there was evidence Tyler had a gun when entering Edwards’ apartment, and was surprised that Edwards had a gun himself, resulting in the shooting.

White rebutted that no evidence on the record proved this happened and urged Judge Park to rule for acquittal.

Judge Park stated circumstantial evidence is enough to convict the defendant. He denied the acquittal, asserting that a juror could find Tyler guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Parties will reconvene once the jury reaches a verdict.

‘Extremely Dangerous, Thoughtless and Callous,’ Says Judge at Sentencing

A shooting suspect was sentenced on March 6 to 51 months for firing at unintended targets, a woman and her multiple children, in search of his former lover, drugs, and money.

“Had the government asked for more, I would have sentenced him to more,” said DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe

Daryle Driver, 51, pleaded guilty in December 2025 to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in connection to a shooting on the 100 block of Wilmington Place, SE on July 26, 2025. Driver was also charged with possession and attempt to distribute illicit drugs in a separate case.

In sum, Driver was sentenced 51 months for assault with a dangerous weapon and 23 months in prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm charge. These sentences for each charge will run concurrently. Driver was also sentenced to 14 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for possession and attempt to distribute illicit drugs in a separate case. The sentences for the two cases will run consecutively.

At sentencing, the prosecution read a letter from one of the victims, a friend of Driver’s former lover– the mother of his children. Driver, also known as “TuTu,” had come to the victim’s residence and began yelling about drugs and money.

“He was looking for her,” the victim said in the letter. Driver’s former lover had come to the victim’s house at an earlier date to get away from the defendant. She was not present at the time of the offense.

The victim said she then went outside to talk to Driver.

When her adult son came out as well, she said Driver’s demeanor changed. “He automatically pulled his weapon out and shot,” she said.

The prosecution claimed that Driver shot three times at the mother and son, breaking through glass and causing injuries to both victims. The two victims then ran inside, with the mother’s juvenile children, and hid in the house.

The juvenile children, the prosecution said, hid in the kitchen with the lights off so Driver could not find them.

He drove around the house then shot 10 more times. One of those shots flew through the kitchen window, the prosecutor said.

“We do not feel safe coming to court or going home,” the victim said in her letter.

The prosecution played recorded phone calls from the jail between Driver and his son. The calls depicted Driver’s son talking about paying off his own mother, the victims, and a witness to not come to court.

“I’m doing everything you asked,” the son said to Driver over the phone.

Driver’s defense attorney, Kevin Kassees, asked that the court take into consideration that Driver and his children’s mother had a turbulent history. The defense said Driver’s former lover did not care for their kids and would frequently ask him for money and drugs.

“I think he has a lot of rehabilitation potential. He did accept responsibility,” Kassees said.

Judge Pipe gave Driver the opportunity to speak, but he declined.

Judge Pipe called Driver’s actions “extremely dangerous, thoughtless, and callous.” She said she believed he lacked remorse and said his demeanor toward the incident was that it was simply “the price of business.”

No further dates were set.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Guilty to Felony and Misdemeanor Chargers

A stabbing defendant pleaded guilty to a felony and misdemeanor charge before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on March 5.

Tara Bellinger, 40, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing on the unit block of Forrester Street, SW on Feb. 10.

During the hearing Bellinger pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and misdemeanor assault on law enforcement. In return the prosecution agreed not to seek further indictments.

According to the prosecution, the maximum sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon is 10 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine followed by seven years of supervised release. The misdemeanor assault on law enforcement maximum penalty is 180 days confinement and/or $1,000 fine.

After determining Bellinger understood her rights and knowingly pleaded guilty, Judge Hertzfeld accepted her guilty plea.

If the case would have proceeded to trial, the prosecution stated that they would be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Bellinger stabbed the victim in the hand when he was restraining her from attacking someone else. Later, when officers placed Bellinger under arrest, she spat on an officer.

Louis Kamara, Bellinger’s attorney, requested Judge Hertzfeld release Bellinger to a halfway house pending sentencing. Kamara argued that Bellinger has four children, one of whom has special needs, and her only other conviction was ten years ago.

“I just wanna be there for my son, I need to take care of him,” Bellinger stated.

The prosecution opposed the release, saying “there’s a lot more to this case.” The attorney argued that placing Bellinger in a halfway house would create a risk for the community because “she could walk out at any point.”

Judge Hertzfeld denied the request for release.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 12.