Judge Denies Motion to Drop Charges in Non-Fatal Shooting

On Sept. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a motion filed on behalf of the defendant, Dominic Copeland, to drop the case against him.

Copeland, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the unit block of N Street, NW, on April 26, 2019.

Copeland’s defense, in submitting the motion to Judge Raffinan, said there was insufficient evidence to prove he committed the crime.

Judge Raffinan rejected the motion ruling she had yet to evaluate the evidence pre-trial.

Copeland’s trial is set to begin Sept. 14.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for 2021 Stabbing

On Sep 13, a defendant accepted a plea offer in connection to a 2021 killing.

Christian Monge, 27, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing death of 31-year-old Brittanie Clark. The incident occured on Aug. 31, 2021, on the 5000 block of First Street, NW, after an altercation between Clark and Monge’s girlfriend.

The prosecution extended an offer to Monge that required him to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Parties agreed to a sentence of 13 years incarceration and 5 years of supervised release.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun went through all the procedural questions to ensure Monge understood the conditions of pleading guilty, and ensured that Monge wanted to proceed with the plea.

A sentencing hearing was set for Nov. 20.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Delivery Driver Homicides

On Sept. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause that Corde Fitzhugh was the perpetrator in a 2021 killing as well as another homicide in 2022.

Fitzhugh, 22, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the deaths of 24-year-old Muntsier Sharfi on July 8, 2021 and 26-year-old Zekariya Elmi on April 25, 2022.

According to court documents, Sharfi worked as a delivery driver for Supreme Meds, a marijuana dispensary. On July 8, 2021, Sharfi received a phone call for an order and drove to meet the customer the on the 3300 block of Erie Street, SE. After he arrived, Sharfi was shot in the head while still in his car. There was no video footage of the shooting, although one witness was in the vehicle with Sharfi.

Then on April 25, 2022, Elmi who was working for Jamaican House, also a marijuana dispensary, had a delivery order on the 1200 block of Farragut Place, NE. After he arrived, he was shot in the chest then sped away and crashed his car in traffic, ultimately succumbing to his gunshot wound.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) homicide detective, who testified about both cases, dispensary customers must submit a photo ID such as a driver’s license to complete the purchase. The detective tracked down the people whose images were used in the transactions. Neither were customers of either dispensary and did not know their photos were being used.

Investigators linked the number used to communicate with the victims to TextNow, an app that allows you to create an account and send free messages without having a phone number associated with a mobile carrier. The account that was allegedly utilized to make the purchases had the username “cordefitzhugh44.”

According to the detective, he obtained a search warrant for call records and data for the TextNow number,and the records showed Fitzhugh was the subscriber.

“I don’t think there is any dispute that there is probable cause,” said Judge Epstein, stating that the evidence is substantial.

Defense attorney Aubrey Dillon requested Fitzhugh be put on house arrest while awaiting trial. However, Judge Epstein decided there was sufficient evidence to hold Fitzhugh while awaiting trial because he represents a potential danger to the community.

A status hearing is set for Jan. 19.

Document: Second Arrest Made in a Homicide: 1400 Block of Saratoga Avenue, Northeast

On Sept. 8, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 31-year-old Jerome Dukes with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on Feb. 21 on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located three adult male victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. They were transported to local hospitals for treatment, where, despite all lifesaving efforts, one of them succumbed to his injuries.

The homicide victim was identified as 21-year-old Jayvon Jones.

On March 21, MPD also arrested and charged an adult male with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the killing.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for Second-Degree Murder

On Sept. 13, a defendant in a homicide case accepted a plea offer in connection to a 2011 killing.

Stanley Moghalu, 36, was charged with 9 counts, including first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Ronald Smith. The incident occured on Nov. 14, 2011, on the 1000 Block of 21st Street, NE.

The offer extended by prosecutors required Moghalu to plead guilty for second-degree murder in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges.

Parties agreed to a sentence of 12 years incarceration and 5 years of supervised release.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun went through all the procedural questions to ensure Moghalu understood the conditions of pleading guilty, and ensured that Moghalu wanted to proceed with the plea.

A sentencing hearing was set for Dec. 19.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Shooting Over COVID Mask

On Sept. 12, Marquett Brown was arraigned and entered a not guilty plea before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Brown, 35, is charged with assaulting an officer while armed, unlawful possession of ammunition, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a firearm outside of a home or business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 11, 2022 on the 400 block of Benning Road, SE. There were no reported injuries from the incident.

According to court documents, the incident stemmed from Brown’s refusal to wear an appropriate COVID-19 face mask as required at the time in a Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) location. When a special DMV police officer told Brown he would be asked to leave if he did not comply, Brown allegedly got in a tussle with the officer, grabbed the officer’s gun, and shot it once.

“I promise all of my constituents in the community, I am ready to re-establish myself in the community,” Brown said in contrition to Judge Christian after he mentioned he had been receiving unspecified medication at the DC jail for some time.

The prosecution argued against Brown’s release claiming his detention is “necessary for the safety of the community. Therefore, they argued, Brown should remain incarcerated at the DC Jail.

Brown’s defense attorney, Adgie O’Bryant, mentioned that his client has had a very tough time in isolation at the jail and that the spread of COVID-19 is actually of concern to his client.

Additionally, O’Bryant stated that during a July 28 hearing Brown was deemed mentally competent following mental observations after being held at St. Elizabeths Hospital.

“Since he has been held at St. Elizabeths, competency has been restored,” O’Bryant told the court.

Judge Christian denied Brown’s request for release, citing multiple instances where the defendant has been released and failed to comply with the court’s conditions, causing his rearrest.

“It is like a revolving door,” Judge Christian said. “Every time he’s been released, he offends.”

Judge Christian scheduled Brown’s next status hearing for Sept. 26.

Judge Hears Motions About a 2021 Shooting Boundary

At a motion hearing Sept. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard arguments parties about where a shooting took place.

Kenneth Davis, 44, is charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior felon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 19, 2021 on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. A woman sustained non life-threatening injuries during the incident.

On Aug. 9, Davis’ defense attorney, Marnitta King, filed a motion arguing the incident happened outside of DC’s jurisdiction because she says the side of Eastern Avenue where the shooting took place is actually in Maryland.

During the hearing, prosecutors contended the District’s jurisdiction definitely includes the location of the crime.

“The boundaries of the District of Columbia are historically a straight line,” Judge Brandt said in response to King’s argument.

King said the District of Columbia map could be manipulated and should not be trusted.

In response, Judge Brandt said everything southeast of the Eastern Avenue boundary is considered within the District of Columbia. She also said the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and DC Fire and Emergency Services (DCFEMS) acknowledge the boundary.

“They don’t just show up en masse to an area that is not in their jurisdiction,” Judge Brandt said.

Judge Brandt denied the motion and scheduled the next hearing for Sept. 13.

One Mass Shooting, Two Stabbings Among Homicides in DC in August

D.C. Witness recorded a total of 45 non-fatal shootings and homicides for the month of August.

Of those, 30 were homicides. Twenty-eight homicides stemmed from shootings, and two were stabbings.

One of the victims was Naima Liggon, 16, who was allegedly stabbed by another female, also 16, outside the McDonald’s on the 1900 block of 14th Street, NW, on Aug. 27. The juvenile suspect is being charged with second-degree murder while armed. According to prosecutors, the attack stemmed from a disagreement about sweet and sour sauce.

Saturdays were the deadliest day of the month, with Aug. 5 recording the most homicides.

On that day, three incidents cost the lives of seven individuals. In the first case, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) located James Morgan, 34, Jamal Morgan, 30 and Vincent Martin,42, suffering from gunshot wounds on the 2500 block of Ontario Road, NW. James and Jamal were found with no signs consistent with life, and Martin succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. No suspect has been apprehended by MPD yet.

A few hours later, officers located Andre Baker, 19, on the 1200 block of U Street, NW, lifeless and with obvious gunshot wounds. David Botchway, 20, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged connection to the incident.

The third incident was a mass shooting that occurred on the 1600 block of Good Hope Road, SE, in which MPD officers located four adult male shooting victims and one adult female shooting victim. According to MPD documents, two adult males and the woman were killed. The two other men were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The homicide victims were identified as Tymea Cook,27, Bernard Hodges, 35 and Reginald Gilbert, 34. MPD is still investigating the incident and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating suspects captured by surveillance cameras.

Defendant Found Competent to Stand Trial in Non-Fatal Shooting

On Sep. 12 during a mental observation and motions hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found the defendant in a non-fatal shooting mentally competent to stand trial.

Dominic Copeland, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, robbery while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a shooting that left one individual injured.

According to court documents, on April 26, 2019, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a report of a shooting on the 1200 block of 1st Street, NW, where they observed the victim inside a dark gray Toyota Camry with shattered windows crashed into a tree on the sidewalk.

During the hearing on Sep. 12 Judge Raffinan agreed with the DC Department of Behavioral Health’s Aug. 22 assessment Copeland was competent to stand trial.

Judge Raffinan is expected to rule on three pending motions in the case and proceed with jury selection on Sept. 13.

Document: Homicide: 2300 Block of Washington Place, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on Sept. 11 on the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sound of gunshots, where they located a juvenile male and adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. They were both transported to local hospitals, where, despite all lifesaving efforts, the juvenile male succumbed to his injuries. The adult male is still in critical, but stable condition.

The juvenile male was identified as 17-year-old Antonio Cunningham.

In Sentencing Shooting Defendant Takes ‘Full Responsibility’ for His Actions

On Sep. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to 14 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm.

Adkins Francois, 35, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection to an incident that took place at 6200 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NE on May 5. Francois endured a gunshot wound during the incident.

According to court documents, police responded to a call from a Shell Gas Station where they located multiple shell casings and bullet damage to a gas pump. After reviewing CCTV footage, police reported that the defendant spoke with two individuals seemingly in a joking manner and was then punched in the chest by one of them. Francois ran behind a vehicle and he and another individual began to exchange gunshots.

On June 28, Francois pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm due to having a prior conviction of more than one year. “Mr. Adkins accepted responsibility in this case as early as he could,” said Francois’s attorney, Charles Haskell.

Haskell, during sentencing, asked Judge Christain for Francois to be placed in the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) as he is still recovering from the shooting incident and needs weekly treatment. The prosecution countered by recommending “32 months incarceration”.

“I’d appreciate you letting me go back into society with my family,” said Francois as he addressed the judge in the hearing. He also said “I take full responsibility.”

Judge Christian sentenced Francois to 14 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Francois is also required to register as a gun offender and pay a fine to the court.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Asserts Right to Independently Test DNA

On Sept. 11, a non-fatal shooting defendant alerted DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo that he was asserting his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from the crime scene.

Damar Whitley, 46, also known as Delmar Whitley, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed against a minor, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left a juvenile suffering from life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred on Aug. 31, 2022, on the 4700 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

During the hearing, Stephen Logerfo, Whitley’s defense attorney, stated they are testing a bullet fragment recovered from the hallway crime scene, and may test other items.

A status hearing was scheduled for Nov. 28.

Document: Traffic Fatality: Northbound I-395 on the 14th Street Bridge

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred on Sept. 10 on Northbound I-395 on the 14th Street Bridge.

According to MPD documents, a motorcyclist was traveling at a high rate of speed, northbound on I-395 in the express lanes just prior to the split to 14th Street. At the split, the cyclist struck the raised concrete median divider. He was found with no signs consistent with life.

The decedent was identified as 32-year-old Victor Serrano.

Document: Homicide: 100 Block of Atlantic Street, Southwest

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on June 14 on the 100 block of Atlantic Street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located two adult male shooting victims. The victims were transported to a local hospital for the treatment of life threatening injuries. While on the scene, officers learned that a juvenile male shooting victim was located at a fire station on 2100 block of 14th Street, SE. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On Sept. 10, one of the adult males succumbed to his injuries. He was identified as 31-year-old Ryan Morgan.

Document: DC Police Arrest Man After Woman Killed, Short Barricade

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 24-year-old Damion Brown with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting that left a woman dead on Sept. 9, on the 1200 block of Duncan Place, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located 21-year-old Jordan Coates with injuries from gunshot wounds in front of an apartment building. She was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to his injuries.

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