Homicide Defendant Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

During a Dec. 18 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a first-degree murder defendant to 120 months incarceration, with five years of supervised release.

Raymond Davis, 50, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with the murder of Henry Hackett, 41. The incident occurred on the 2000 block of Langston Place, SE on June 3, 2020.

On March 10, Davis accepted an offer from prosecution to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for dismissal of the other charges.

The sentencing began with the prosecution reading a letter from a close relative of Hackett’s stating, “I am writing this letter with tears streaming down my face.”

“Since his death there has been a hole in my life”, and “[Hackett] will never be able to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day”.

The prosecution recommended Davis be sentenced to the maximum sentence of 126 months with five years of supervised release. The prosecutor referenced a “cycle of violence”, explaining that this crime was an accumulation of a “lifetime of criminal behavior”. The prosecutor emphasized Davis’ lengthy criminal history, and explained this shooting occurred when Davis was prohibited access to a firearm.

According to the prosecutor, in the past, Hackett murdered one of Davis’ friends. The prosecutor stated that although this was tragic, Hackett is “still protected by the law”, and that Davis should not be responsible.

Matthew Davies, Davis’ defense counsel, explained that Davis came to this hearing to “accept responsibility for his actions”. Davies also argued that Davis should be sentenced to 114 months, stating that this is a significant amount of time for punishment, emphasizing that upon release, Davis does not intend to resume a life of crime.

Davis stated to the court that he is deeply apologetic to the “citizens of the District of Columbia”. He exclaimed, “I hope you all one day will be able to find some forgiveness for my inexcusable actions,” and “I wholeheartedly wish this was something I could reverse or fix”.

Judge Okun sentenced Davis to 120 months, with five years of supervised release. He explained Davis’ lengthy criminal record is in the past, and he believes Davis has done a lot of good in his life while incarcerated. However, he also stated that the nature of this crime was horrific, and supports a higher sentence. So Judge Okun explained he was “ending up in the middle” of both parties’ requests.

Davis is also required to register as a gun offender upon a release, and pay a fine to the court.

Judge Okun further exclaimed to Davis, “You’re gonna have a life ahead of you”, and “a family waiting for you”.

No further dates are set in this case.

Man Accused in Fatal Stabbing Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Dec. 18, Alton Rivers, 59, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter ending a longstanding homicide case.

Rivers was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed of a senior citizen and voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the death of Anthony Anderson, 68, on the 3600 block of 14th Street, NW, on July 27, 2018.

Since he was arrested Rivers has changed attorneys multiple times and appeared before three different judges.

According to court documents Rivers and Anderson were engaged in an argument when the victim hit Rivers in the mouth. In response, Rivers pulled out a screwdriver and fatally stabbed Anderson in the chest and abdomen.

Rivers claimed he thought Anderson was armed.

Represented by Stephen Logerfo, Rivers agreed to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter.

The offense carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. However, the prosecutors said he reserves the right to “allocute” for the minimum sentence of eight years with credit for time served. Rivers has been jailed since 2018.

Judge Epstein asked Rivers if he understood that he was giving up his right to trial or to retract his guilty plea. Rivers acknowledged his acceptance of the terms.

The judge said in Rivers’ situation he doesn’t have to follow the sentencing guidelines. “It’s my decision,” said Judge Epstein.

Logerfo argued for the penalty to be the five years Rivers has already served.

Judge Epstein set a pre-sentencing hearing for Feb. 23, 2024.

Three Homicide Co-Defendants Waive Right for Independent DNA Testing

On Dec. 18, three homicide co-defendants waived their right to independently test DNA evidence recovered at a homicide scene before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Raymond Avent, 23, Tyler Stringfield, 24, and Keith Baham, 23, are charged with allegedly murdering Rafiq Hawkins, 23, on March 23, 2019, on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

Avent, Baham, and Stringfield are facing multiple counts, including first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, two counts of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition.

Counsel for the defendants, Elizabeth Weller, Todd Baldwin, and Brian Shefferman, informed the court that they will all be waiving their right to independent DNA testing.

Judge Okun explained to the Avent, Stringfield, and Baham that they all have a right to independently test DNA in their case if they choose. Avent, Stringfield, and Baham then continued to waive their right.

Parties are expected back March 19.

‘You Got a Lucky Break,’ Says Judge to Defendant in Homicide Sentencing

On Dec. 18, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a defendant to 11 years for his involvement in a fatal shooting after a drug deal went bad.

Brandon Nguyen, 25, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for the shooting of Brian Ward, 17, on Sept. 29, 2020, on the 300 block of Allison Street, NW.

According to court documents, the day after the incident, Ward’s family reported him missing to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and an investigation into Ward’s whereabouts ensued.

Ward’s body was not located until December 2021, when Nguyen admitted to his involvement in Ward’s death and led MPD to where he dumped the body in the woods in Laurel, MD. According to court documents, Nguyen’s father helped him sell the vehicle used following the incident.

On Jan. 18, Nguyen accepted a plea deal that required he plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Parties agreed to a sentencing range of seven-and-a-half years to 11 years.

Three of Ward’s family members gave impact statements to Judge Brandt. His mother, through tears, told Judge Brandt “He’s telling me over and over again to be strong,” and “I love my son, I miss him dearly.”

Ward’s oldest sister claimed Nguyen has no remorse, claiming that his family helped him get away with it. “Victims have no voice,” she said, “You took a life. You took a brother. You took a family member,” she insisted. “My brother was a good kid. He was loved. He was smart,” she said.

Likewise, Ward’s father stated “This is the worst pain anyone can feel,” and “Why do you need to shoot somebody five to six times in the head?”. During his impact statement, Ward’s father stated he was frustrated with the agreed sentencing range, saying “This is why there’s so much killing, cause ain’t nobody getting time.”

As for the defense’s claim that Nguyen was acting in self-defense, Ward’s father said “That’s not self defense your honor, that’s cold blooded murder.”

Judge Brandt told the family “I can’t imagine what you and your family have been through,” and stated she noticed the “raw pain” in everyone’s voice. “What happened to your family shouldn’t happen to anyone,” she stated.

Prosecutors requested Judge Brandt sentence him to 11 years, arguing that Ward was missing for 15 months, before his family found out what actually happened to him, and Nguyen fired at least six shots, including some to the back of his head.

Prosecutors argued that, instead of taking Ward to a hospital or fire station, Nguyen drove to Laurel from the District during rush hour, which Google Maps estimated could take up to an hour- and -20 minutes, and dumped his body in the woods. He cleaned and bleached his vehicle and sold it, and left the area to live in California with a family member.

“[Ward’s] family will never be the same,” said the prosecutor. He stated they were requesting the highest amount possible due to the “horrible loss that the victim’s family has to deal with.”

Mary Paloger, Nguyen’s defense attorney, stated that on the day of the incident “He made one of the worst decisions of his life,” and panicked, not knowing what to do. According to Paloger, Nguyen was not the individual who brought the gun to a drug deal, but rather wrestled it out of Ward’s possession and shot him.

“This is not a case of self-defense,” said Judge Brandt.

Paloger requested Judge Brandt sentence Nguyen under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which sets aside his conviction if he successfully completes all sentencing requirements. “Brandon is an excellent candidate for rehabilitation,” said Paloger, adding, “He’s so remorseful, it haunts him day and night.”

In his statement to the court, Nguyen stated, “The event has been in my head all the time,” adding that he let his family down. He stated he will try to better himself and his life as he serves his time.

Judge Brandt stated that there’s “too much violence, too many people dying for no reason in this city,” adding “I feel powerless to stop that.”

“You have to be punished for what you did,” said Judge Brandt, stating that she is denying the request to sentence Nguyen under the YRA until she sees how he deals with being in prison. She argued that “the YRA is synonymous to a gift. I can’t give a gift until I know what I’m dealing with. Giving a gift would be a slap to the [Ward] family.”

“The adult thing to do, the mature thing to do, would have been to call 911 and drive Brian to the closest hospital to get some help,” she insisted, adding “that should have been the only option that day.”

“Allowing them to wonder for a year and some months… that’s some stone cold callous,” she continued. “We have to send a message to the community that you can’t commit a crime and get away with it,” she insisted.

“You got a lucky break here,” Judge Brandt said, as she imposed an 11 year sentence with five years of supervised release. Nguyen must also register as a gun offender, and pay $100 to the Victim of Violent Crime Fund.

“I hope you find some sort of peace, good luck,” she said to Nguyen.

Document: Man Killed in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Dec. 16 on the 1200 block of 44th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the report of the sounds of gunshots at the location, where they located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale Jr.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide committed in the District.

Document: Decedent Identified Man Killed in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Dec. 15 on the 600 block of Hamlin Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, officers located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He died at the scene.

The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Marcus Vines.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide committed in the District.

Document: Two Men Arrested for Carrying Illegal Firearms in Southwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced two men were arrested for carrying illegal firearms on Dec. 17 on the 700 block of Maine Avenue, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers were in the area when they heard the sounds of gunshots. When they arrived on the scene to investigate, a security officer who also heard the shots provided a lookout for two men who fled the scene. The officers were able to apprehend both men and both were found to be in possession of a handgun.

D’Montre Gay, 28, and Micah Cosby, 42, were arrested for carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of unregistered ammunition. Gay was additionally charged with destruction of property and unlawful discharge of a firearm.

Document: Man Dies After Traffic Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Investigations Unit are investigating a traffic crash that killed a man on Dec. 14 on the 2500 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, an unknown vehicle, traveling westbound at the location, struck a pedestrian who was standing in the middle of the block. The vehicle fled the scene.

DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the scene and determined there were no signs consistent with life.

The pedestrian has been identified as 54-year-old Maurice Oliver.

MPD requests that anyone with information call them.

Document: Man Killed in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Dec. 15 on the 600 block of Hamlin Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, officers located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He died at the scene.

The victim’s identity is being withheld a positive identification and next of kin notification.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide committed in the District.

Document: Man Arrested for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest has been made in connection to a shooting that occurred on Aug. 22, on the 500 block of Taylor Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, the suspect assaulted three victims attending a social event after being confronted by them. The suspect then walked towards the front of the residence and unlawfully discharged a firearm before fleeing the location in a vehicle, which belonged to another victim.

On Dec. 14, 27-year-old Tyequan Taylor was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, and leaving after colliding. The offense was deemed domestic in nature.

Document: Man Arrested for a Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in connection to a shooting that occurred on the 5800 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE, on Sept. 20.

According to MPD documents, the victim attempted to confront the suspect about running a stop sign, when the suspect exited his vehicle with a gun. The victim fled, and the suspect followed them, once again exited his vehicle, and shot at the victim. The victim was not injured, but his vehicle sustained damage from the gunshots.

On Dec. 13, an 18-year-old male was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. He was a juvenile at the time of the offense.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Murder During Arraignment

On Dec. 14, a defendant pleaded not guilty in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun during a formal reading of the charges against him.

Malik Seltzer, 23, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged role in the killing of 37-year-old Paris Odemns on Sept. 15, 2021, on the 4000 Block of 1st Street, SE.

Seltzer pleaded not guilty on all counts during the arraignment.

According to the court documents, Seltzer was filmed by CCTV cameras on the day of the shooting wearing “distinctive shorts.” He then leaves a convenience store and interacts with Odemns.

The footage depicts the two together 11 minutes before the murder. Seltzer runs away from the location holding something close to his side.

Trial is slated to begin Jan. 29, 2024.

Shooting Defendant Rescinds Motion to Withdraw Guilty Plea

On Dec. 15, a shooting defendant alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe that he was rescinding his request to withdraw his guilty plea.

Tyrone Hawkins, 22, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, among other charges, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 23, 2021, on the 400 block of Valley Avenue SE. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries from the incident.

On Sept. 22, Hawkins accepted a deal which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for dropping the rest of the charges.

On Nov. 13, Hawkins filed a motion to withdraw his plea, claiming he didn’t fully understand the plea, and arguing that his previous attorney did not adequately explain it to him.

Todd Baldwin, Hawkins’ new attorney, alerted the court he had been able to discuss the case and the plea with his client, and he had decided to rescind his request to withdraw the guilty plea.

Parties are slated to return March 1, 2024 for sentencing.

Shooting Defendant Sentenced to Two Years

On Dec. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a defendant to two years imprisonment for his connection to a shooting.

Kevon Robinson, 23, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that left one individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred on May 25 on the 700 block of 20th Street, NE.

Video footage referenced in Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents indicates that Robinson and another individual were traveling toward the victim on bicycles, and got off when a car passed by.

According to court documents, the two individuals then noticed the victim, who had been talking briefly to the individuals in the car. Once they approached the victim, Robinson allegedly pulled out a firearm and fired multiple times, hitting the victim twice in the leg.

On July 21, Robinson accepted a plea deal which required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

During the sentencing, prosecutors requested Judge Epstein sentence Robinson to 39 months of incarceration, arguing that surveillance footage shows him willingly shooting at the victim.

Johnathan Armstrong, Robinson’s defense attorney, argued Robinson perceived a danger from the vehicle near the victim. He argued that Robinson learned his lesson during his six month incarceration, claiming he “has had a sobering and hellish experience” at the DC Jail.

According to Armstrong, Robinson has demonstrated his ability to be successful in the community and on probation, and has substantial support in the community, including family support.

He requested Judge Epstein sentence Robinson to a short-split sentence of 12 months. According to the D.C. Sentencing Commission, a short-split is “ within the applicable prison range, suspends execution of all but six months or less (but not all) of it, and places the defendant on probation up to five years.”

Robinson told the court “I’m sorry for what I did to the victim,” and told Judge Epstein he’s ready to be a better person in the community.

Judge Epstein stated “this is a very serious crime,” citing the seven gunshots fired by Robinson at the victim, and argued that fear does not justify his actions, especially when “gun violence is ticking in our community now.”

Judge Epstein sentenced Robinson under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which gives the court greater flexibility when sentencing defendants under the age of 25. If Robinson is successful with his sentencing requirements, his conviction will be set aside.

Armstrong voiced his opposition to the two year sentence, arguing he’s worried of the impact the time in prison will have on Robinson, claiming he’s worried he will deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

“Lots of young men in our community experience similar things as [Robinson], but they don’t go shooting at someone seven or eight times,” said Judge Epstein.

“You did a bad thing that day, and the consequences should be the ones I said,” he stated.

Co-Defendants in Shooting Incident Accept Plea Offer

On Dec. 15, two non-fatal shooting co-defendants accepted plea offers extended by prosecutors in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Earl Robinson, 31, and Keith Robinson, 32, were originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for their involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident, which left an individual suffering from life-threatening injuries and paralyzed. The incident occurred on Oct. 19, 2021, on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE.

Prosecutors alerted the court they had extended a plea offer which required both defendants plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Prosecutors stated they will request a sentence between 60 and 90 months for Keith, and 72 and 120 months for Earl.

According to prosecutors, had the case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that, on the day of the incident, the victim walked up to a group of individuals and after greeting everyone, Keith, Earl, and a third unnamed individual all shot at the victim in close range.

The Robinsons ran from the location, got in a vehicle, and attempted to flee, with officers stopping them shortly after the incident. During the stop, officers recovered two firearms which were reportedly used to shoot the victim. Both defendants agreed they did not act in self-defense, and committed the offenses voluntarily and on purpose.

According to the prosecutor, the victim is paralyzed from the waist down, and has endured extensive surgeries.

Parties are returning for a sentencing hearing on Feb. 23, 2024.

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