Judge Denies Motion To Postpone Sentencing in Vehicular Homicide Case

On Oct. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a motion to postpone sentencing for a homicide defendant involved in a fatal car crash.

Reginald Roland Johnson, 31, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly striking and killing 24-year-old Carlos Christian, and severely injuring his fiancée with his vehicle on Jan. 15, at the intersection of 15th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Johnson was traveling at excessive speed when he crashed into the rear of a car in which Christian and his fiancée were riding.

Johnson was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time.

On Sept. 26, Johnson’s defense attorney, Derrick Hamlin, filed a motion to postpone sentencing hearing, which was opposed by prosecutors and the victims’ families.

However, since defense counsel wasn’t available to answer questions at the hearing, Judge Okun denied the motion.

The sentencing hearing remains set for Oct. 13.

Judge Grants Partial Motion to Modify Homicide Defendant’s Release Conditions

On Oct. 6, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun partially granted a homicide defendant’s request to modify release conditions as he awaits trial.

River Barfield, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Jacky Brooks on March 17, 2022, on the 4100 Block of South Capitol Terrace, SW.

On Oct. 4, Sylvia Smith, Barfield’s defense attorney, filed an emergency motion for bond review requesting Barfield’s release condition be modified from GPS monitoring to personal recognizance, stating he would be more than willing to check-in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

The motion also requested Barfield’s required participation in an intensive outpatient treatment program be terminated, since it’s preventing him from working in a recently acquired job.

A representative for PSA stated that, although Barfield has been compliant with his conditions of release, the agency would recommend no changes be made.

Prosecutors agreed with PSA, adding that Barfield is on release for “an execution-style murder” and has previously tested positive for cocaine while on release.

Judge Okun partially granted the motion, terminating Barfield’s required participation in the intensive outpatient treatment program. However, he ordered Barfield’s GPS monitoring remain in place, stating the court system should be able to keep track of his whereabouts due to the nature and circumstances of the charges.

Parties are expected to return Jan. 12.

Document: Man Dead After Shooting in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Oct. 5 on the 2600 block of Douglas Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 37-year-old Joshua Starr.

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

Hit-And-Run Homicide Trial Continues

On Oct. 5, prosecutors rested their case against the defendant accused in the vehicular homicide of David Farewell.

Eric Beasley, 32, is charged with first-degree murder for his involvement in a hit-and-run incident that killed the 45-year-old while he was riding a bicycle on Sept. 4, 2020, on the 2100 block of Young Street, SE.

Prosecutors called an automotive consultant who analyzed the vehicle that allegedly hit Farewell. The expert concluded there was nothing was functionally wrong with the car that would have prevented Beasley from stopping before striking Farewell.

The defense began by calling an investigator from the Public Defenders Service (PDS) who collected information and interviewed witnesses at the crime scene to evaluate the evidence.

During cross-examination, prosecutors pointed out the investigator wrote down the wrong place of employment for one of the witnesses.

The trial resumes on Oct. 10.

Case Acquitted: Defendant’s Ex-Wife Testifies in 2017 Homicide Case

This case has been acquitted.

On Oct. 4, prosecutors continued their case in a fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Cedric Alexander, also known as Tony White, 52, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, and carrying a pistol outside a home or place of business with a prior felony for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting of 38-year-old Daquan Hooks on the 1900 block of 13th Street, SE on March 23, 2017.

Alexander’s ex-wife testified that on the day of the shooting, he was on the phone with someone around 3 a.m. or 4 a.m., but was unsure of the caller’s identity.

During the call, she overheard a brief mention of a gun but could not say anything further about why a firearm was discussed.

She also stated she never had the full story as to what happened on the day of the incident, just “bits and pieces.”

“Everybody knew when [Hooks] was deceased. It was not a secret,” she stated.

Prosecutors also called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who described the area around the crime scene. The officer said items of clothing were found believed to be Hooks’ including a jacket with suspected blood stains on it. However, no bullets or shell casing were discovered.

Parties are expected back on Oct. 5.

Defendant Wants Guilty Plea Withdrawn in Homicide Case

At an Oct. 5 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe addressed a defendant’s request to withdraw his guilty plea and cancel sentencing in connection to a 2019 homicide.

Darius Murphy, 29, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 39-year-old Jason Wood on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE, on February 22, 2019.

According to Judge Iscoe, Murphy filed a request to withdraw his guilty plea on Feb. 28, 2022 and acknowledged that the motion would be discussed at a later date.

Murphy stated his previous lawyer, Dana Page, told him he would get the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter in return for pleading guilty to second-degree murder, but that didn’t happen. His indictment was waived on September 13, 2019, when he accepted the guilty plea.

According to Murphy’s current attorney, Kelsey Penna, they plan on calling Page and Murphy to testify at the next hearing on behalf of the motion to withdraw the guilty plea.

Parties are expected back on Dec. 5.

Murder Defendant Deemed Competent to Stand Trial

On Oct. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found a homicide defendant mentally competent to stand trial based on a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Darius Anderson, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for the alleged murder of 30-year-old Israel Mattocks on June 15, 2022 on the 200 block of 35th Street, NE.

The fatal shooting was reportedly related to an argument about a shoe purchase. Anderson had previously withdrawn a guilty plea in the case.

The DBH report indicated that the defendant was competent and both the prosecution and defense had no objections.

Anderson’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, stated Anderson is requesting his previous attorney be reappointed as counsel.

Judge Demeo stated a separate hearing needs to be set to address a new counsel appointment, and does not know if it is feasible to reappoint the previous attorney.

A motion hearing was scheduled for Oct. 12.

Case Acquitted: More Witness Testimony in 2017 Murder Trial

This case has been acquitted.

On Oct. 5, the defendant’s ex-wife concluded her testimony and a digital expert took the stand in a 2017 homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Cedric Alexander, also known as Tony White, 52, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of possession during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside the home or place of business with a prior felony for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Daquan Hooks on the 1900 block of 13th Street, SE on March 23, 2017.

Following the prosecutor’s questions, Alexander’s ex-wife was cross-examined by defense attorney Sellano Simmons. He asked her about prior conflicts she had with Alexander, including Alexander’s alleged affair with her coworker. More specifically, Simmons asked why the witness changed her mind and decided to cooperate when, according to Simmons, originally she didn’t want to participate.

In follow-up questioning by the prosecution, the witness emphasized the sole reason she chose to testify is because she had to do what she knew was right. “This is who I am,” she said. In addition, she said, “something happened to a person’s family member”, and she wanted to do right by Hooks’ family.

The witness said she hasn’t received anything from prosecutors for participating in the trial.

Then, the prosecution called a digital forensics expert to discuss text messages between Hooks and Alexander that took place shortly before the murder based on digital “receipts” from the conversation.

The expert noted even though messages are deleted their electronic signature is still present on a phone, and based on that he concluded that Alexander had deleted some of the texts the day of the murder.

When defense counsel Simmons suggested the prosecution may have gone too far in providing information that could influence the expert, he responded that was “dramatizing” the situation and he had no prior knowledge of the case.

Trial is set to resume Oct. 10.

Homicide Defendant Arraigned on Three Charges

On Oct. 5, Deonte Patterson was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan. in a full reading of the charges against him.

Deonte Patterson, 27, is accused of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstruction of justice for his suspected involvement in the murder of 32-year-old Ali Jamil Al-Mahdi. The incident occurred on Aug. 23, 2021, on the 1800 block of 9th Street, NW.

Through a stand-in defense attorney, Patterson pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including a speedy trial.

Patterson’s defense lawyer, Cheryl Stein, had previously motioned for a bond review. At his detention hearing on Jan. 23, the court ordered the defendant held without bond. Patterson is requesting the court reconsider that ruling and release him into the Pretrial Services Agency’s (PSA) high-intensity supervision program.

Stein was ill and could not appear in court on Oct. 5.

The judge postponed ruling on the bond review until Stein can attend.

The court scheduled a status hearing for Oct. 17.

Judge Holds Homicide Defendant for Trial

On Oct. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe detained a defendant charged with murder.

Christopher Tyler, 46, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year old Nolan Edwards in a residence on the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE, on July 7.

Frances D’Antuono, Tyler’s defense attorney, argued that there was lack of evidence to support the charge.

However, the court found probable cause and cited the defendant’s pending cases included his alleged involvement in a robbery as reasons he is still considered dangerous to the community.

Tyler is being held without bond and is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 30 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Document: Suspect Sought in a Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect connected to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 30 on the 4900 block of Central Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect, armed with a handgun, shot at the victim and fled the scene. The victim was not struck by the bullet.

The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera and can be seen in the video below.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone that provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for the crime.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Found Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

On Oct. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow found a non-fatal shooting defendant mentally competent to stand trial.

Andrew Parsons, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 9 on the 800 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Parsons was involved in an argument with a person he knew and shot him several times in the legs. The injuries required a surgical repair.

During the Oct. 4 mental observation hearing, Judge Pasichow described Parsons as “a danger” to society, and she “den[ied] the request for release.”

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Oct. 10.

Judge Orders Competency Analysis for Shooting Defendant

On Oct. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered an initial forensic screening to determine if a shooting defendant is competent to stand trial.

Lawrence Murphy, 50, is charged with aggravated assault while knowingly armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 31, 2020 on the 1300 block of Queen Street, NE. The incident left an individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Murphy’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas Jr., requested the screening based on new information. Thomas discovered a report indicating Murphy has neurological issues when he was reviewing Murphy’s records.

According to Thomas, Murphy was shot in the head as a minor and the bullet remains there.

Judge Brandt stated that she has no choice but to order an initial competency screening because the defense is questioning Murphy’s ability to communicate with his counsel.

A mental observation hearing is scheduled for Oct. 13.

Preliminary Hearing Interrupted in Murder Case

On Oct. 4, a homicide preliminary hearing was interrupted due to scheduling issues.

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.

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who identified the defendant in court as the suspect. He also testified the killing lasted for approximately 30 seconds to one minute. During the assault the victim was apparently trying to shield himself.

The prosecution introduced footage from 23 surveillance videos showing two individuals walking from an apartment building to the location of the murder. The MPD detective testified that one of the individuals in the videos was Jones.

According to the detective, minutes before the murder, Lavender was seen with a body bag. Surveillance video then displays a person the detective identified as Jones and another individual running away from the murder scene with what appears to be a body bag.

An individual then appears to be stumbling into the video frame which the detective identified as Lavender.

Due to scheduling issues, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt stopped the hearing and it is scheduled to resume on Oct. 11.

Document: Man Arrested for Homicide in Northeast

On Oct. 4, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 46-year-old Christopher Tyler with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on July 7 on the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite all lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The victim was identified as 34-year-old Nolan Edwards.

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