Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

On Dec. 5, a homicide defendant accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Jordan C. Jones, 23, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Noel Nicol. The incident occurred on Oct. 11, 2021, on the 2000 block of Savannah Place, SE. Nicol’s body was found on Oct. 14, 2021 inside a vehicle.

During the hearing, Todd Baldwin, Jones’ defense attorney, alerted the court Jones was accepting a plea offer extended by prosecutors, which requires he plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

According to Baldwin, the prosecutors agreed to limit their sentencing request within a range of 10-to-13 years imprisonment.

According to the prosecutor’s proffer of fact, which was read in open court and agreed to by the defendant, had the case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Jones, while armed, killed Nicol by shooting him.

On Oct. 14, 2021, officers responded to the report of an unconscious individual in a vehicle, where they located Nicol. An autopsy report and the decomposition of the body showed that the shooting had occurred days earlier, on Oct. 11.

The prosecutors claimed Jones acted in conscious disregard of Nicol’s life.

A sentencing was scheduled for March 15, 2024.

Case Acquitted: Jury Acquits Suspect of Charges in Non-Fatal Funeral Shooting

This case was acquitted on Dec. 1, 2023.

On Nov. 30, non-fatal shooting defendant Saphire Johnson was acquitted of all charges by a jury before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Johnson, 24, was found not guilty of aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and five charges related to illegal possession of a firearm. The incident occurred at a church during a funeral on June 28, on the 4000 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Defense attorneys Christen Romero Philips and Varsha Govindaraju claimed Johnson was acting in self-defense when she began shooting after the service. According to the defense, Johnson was attacked by three men and pulled out a gun after she perceived one of the men pulling out his own gun.

Johnson then fired multiple shots, one of them accidentally striking a bystander. Johnson was shot herself by another funeral attendee, who was attempting to intervene. No others were injured.

Prosecution claimed that Johnson instigated the argument, which occurred after she heard her relative threatening to hit his 15-year-old daughter. They tried to prove Johnson’s guilt by showing surveillance footage of the incident, which was captured entirely by nearby cameras. They claim that the men attacking Johnson did not have a gun, however, there was little evidence to point either way.

Many witnesses testified in the trial, including Johnson herself. She insisted she had been making “life or death decisions”, only shooting because the attackers had been threatening her and she believed they were carrying a gun.

The man who shot Johnson also testified. He claimed that while he did not want to shoot her, he felt he had to de-escalate the situation. The victim of the shooting also testified and recounted the moments she was shot, saying “I felt a sting”.

According to the defense, Johnson was “targeted, terrified, and trapped.” She had been punched in the back of the head by one of her attackers before jumping a fence in an attempt to get away. At this point, she ran behind a car. That, according to the defense, is when one of the attackers approached her, reaching across his chest as if he had a gun. Johnson then took out her gun and fired to protect herself.

Defense also claims that Johnson’s identity as a gay woman is essential to understanding the incident. They say her level of fear escalated given past homophobia related violence and gun violence she had witnessed.

Defense requested that she be acquitted of all charges. The verdict came back the same day, with the jury declaring her not guilty on every count.

Probable Cause Found in Murder Case

On Nov. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found a homicide defendant’s case has enough evidence to go to trial.

John Dickens, 46, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 41-year-old Kelvin Hamlett who was left in his burning car, on the 1500 block of Gales Street, NE, on Nov. 12.

The prosecution began by calling the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to detail surveillance footage from the apartment crime scene.

The detective explained that part of the footage shows Hamlett’s vehicle pulled into a parking lot, then the same vehicle drives into a different parking lot near the crime scene. An individual, identified as Dickens by prosecutors, is also seen at this parking lot, dressed in dark clothing, walking towards the vehicle where the shooting occurred.

According to the prosecution, there was a security guard who observed a man in the area waving a gun around. The detective said the security guard confirmed that the suspect was Dickens after identifying a confirmation photo by the police.

During cross-examination, Kevann Gardner, Dickens’ defense attorney, questioned the witness regarding a plastic bag of drugs was found in Hamlett’s vehicle. Gardner then explained that Hamlett has a criminal history of drug use.

The detective explained he was unsure about the amount of drugs. Gardner said as the lead detective, the witness should know, since a drug deal could be a motive for the crime.

Additionally, Gardner questioned the detective about the suspect’s description which was based off of what the defense believes largely unclear surveillance footage.

Gardner pointed out that the security guard who identified Dickens didn’t report the incident until police were already on the scene for the murder later that morning.

Gardner concluded, “The [prosecution] is cutting corners in this case, and that is how innocent people go to jail!”.

Judge Raffinan ruled for probable, however, saying there may not be enough evidence for proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Judge Raffinan ruled to detain Dickens, agreeing he could pose a potential threat to the community.

Parties are expected back on Jan. 23.

Document: Wanted Suspect Apprehended for Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a wanted suspect has been apprehended in connection to a homicide that killed a man on Nov. 16, on the 2200 block of New York Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he died.

The individual was identified as 38-year-old Carlos Javier-Blanco Fernandez.

On Dec. 4, members of the United States Marshals Task Force located and arrested 23-year-old Eliexander Lopez-Burgos in Colorado. Lopez-Burgos was wanted on a DC Superior Court arrest warrant, charging him with first-degree murder while armed. He will go through the extradition process and will be returned to DC, where he will face charges.

Victim’s Sister Offers Emotional Testimony in Homicide Retrial

On Dec. 4, more witness testimony, including from the victim’s sister, was presented in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Marquette Jordan, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, assault with a dangerous weapon, simple assault, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside of a home or business with a prior felony for his alleged involvement in an April 30, 2018 stabbing homicide of 40-year-old Ivan Lynch on the 900 block of Fifth Street, SE.

This is a retrial since a jury hearing the case in April 2022 was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

The prosecution continued their case by calling a forensic DNA analysis and serology specialist. Serology is the study of blood serum.

The prosecution questioned the witness about items previously analyzed by the Department of Forensic Science (DFS), that the witness additionally reviewed.

The witness explained some items traced back to Lynch’s DNA, such as the interior front door at the crime scene, a black tank top, and a pair of khaki pants though the wearer was unknown.

The expert emphasized that the DNA data she reviewed from DFS was reliable and accurate.

During cross examination, the witness explained that many items had been collected from the crime scene, but only these four were tested and analyzed for DNA.

The prosecution called Lynch’s sister who said she and Lynch were very close, and that “He was her favorite brother”.

In emotional testimony, Lynch’s sister explained a woman approached her at home the day after her brother’s death, claiming to have information regarding the crime. The witness said the woman said Jordan killed Lynch, and that “he picked up a knife and stabbed my brother in the back”.

Lynch’s sister later discovered that the woman was Jordan’s ex-lover, who had allegedly been present at the time of the murder.

Lynch’s sister said she took the woman into her home to reveal details of the murder to Lynch’s father, describing this woman as a “victim herself,” and appearing a “hot mess.”

During cross-examination, Jordan’s defense counsel, Michael Bruckheim and Camille Wagner, questioned Lynch’s sister about Jordan’s ex-lover’s appearance and manner when she arrived at her home. Specifically, “Was she being careful with her words?”, and “Was she making eye contact?”

The sister responded that the woman had not been exhibiting any suspicious behavior. Lynch’s sister reiterated that she had taken Jordan’s ex-lover into her home because she was a victim and not the aggressor.

Following the sister’s testimony, the prosecutors rested its case. Bruckheim and Wagner alerted Judge Brandt they would not be presenting a case to the jury.

Additionally, Judge Brandt denied defense counsel’s motion for acquittal.

Parties are expected back Dec. 5 for closing arguments.

Document: Man Arrested in Shooting Death of Woman

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a man was arrested in connection to a shooting that killed a woman on June 28 on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult female shooting victim. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the scene, and after finding no signs consistent with life, the victim was pronounced dead.

The woman was identified as 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn.

On Dec. 3, 25-year-old Bobby Gupton was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

The case remains under investigation, and 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.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On Dec. 4, a homicide defendant rejected a plea offer extended by the prosecution.

Seth Andrews, 35 is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of his mother, 67-year-old Hazel Evans, on the unit block of 35th Street, SE on July 16, 2020. According to court documents, an autopsy revealed that Evans’ injuries were consistent with strangulation.

During the status hearing, Andrews rejected an agreement that would require him to plead guilty to second-degree murder, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan confirmed that she was satisfied with the defendants rejection of the plea offer.

Parties are expected back on Feb. 9, 2024.

Sentencing Delayed in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On Dec 4. a non-fatal shooting defendant’s sentencing was delayed 30 days in front of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Chantel Seltzer, 44, is being charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place on the 300 Block of 62nd St, NE, on March 22nd, 2023. No injuries were reported during the incident.

On Oct. 13, Seltzer accepted a pre-indictment offer extended by prosecutors, which required her to plead guilty to the two counts and is awaiting sentencing.

The court is reviewing the sentencing guidelines and could increase the severity of her punishment based on Seltzer’s prior convictions.

Sentencing is delayed until Jan. 4.

Shooting Defendant’s Request for Release Denied

On Dec. 1, non-fatal shooting defendant Purnell Jackson’s request for release was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Jackson, 37, is charged with eight counts of assault with intent to kill, conspiracy, carjacking, and burglary, among other charges. He, along with Kharee Jackson, 24, and Charles Turner, 36, were allegedly involved in a drive-by shooting that left three people injured. The incident occurred on August 24, 2022, on the unit block of Quincy Place, NE.

Defense attorney Julie Swaney motioned for Jackson to be placed on home confinement with GPS monitoring to allow him to spend time with family and engage with the community. She says the case against him is weak due to no DNA evidence and he lacks a history of violent crime.

Prosecution countered that while he has no violent crime history, he has an extensive history of drug and firearm convictions. They also stated DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found substantial probability that he was involved in the carjacking in Jackson’s preliminary hearing.

Prosecutors also referred to the serious nature of the crime, saying Jackson would be a “serious danger” to the community if released.

Jackson’s release motion was denied, with Judge O’Keefe citing his criminal history and the nature of the crime as reasons for the denial.

Parties will reconvene August 8, 2024, for a trial readiness hearing.

Homicide Defendant Found Mentally Competent To Stand Trial

On Dec. 4, homicide defendant Darryl Thompkins was found competent to proceed to trial.

Thompkins, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the deaths of 29-year-old Edward Roberts Jr. and 23-year-old Tyler McEachern. Roberts was fatally shot on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW, on July 30, 2016. McEarchern was fatally shot on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE, on Aug. 29, 2016.

According to court documents, mental competency examinations have been requested on multiple occasions for Thompkins. On June 6, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ordered a mental competency exam through the Department of Mental Health.

According to Judge O’Keefe, Thompkins refused to do the examination. However, the examiner did find Tompkins competent to stand trial by referencing previous medical reports and court documents.

Thompkins told the judge his concerns about constitutional rights and cross-examining witnesses. Judge O’Keefe assured Thompkins his Constitutional rights would be upheld and the questions he raised “are trial issues that we will hopefully get to soon.”

Judge O’Keefe added there had been delays in the case due to the numerous mental competency examinations.

The parties will reconvene on Dec. 11.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Asserts Rights to Independently Test DNA Evidence

On Dec. 1, a non-fatal shooting defendant asserted his right to independent DNA testing on a firearm recovered from a crime scene, before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Deon Cannon, 29, is charged with conspiracy, assault with intent to kill, and four 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 Sept. 5, 2021, on the 2700 block of Terrace Road, SE. There were no reported injuries resulting from the incident.

The prosecution stated that only a firearm and a magazine that were recovered were tested for DNA.

Through his attorney, Karen Minor, Cannon asserted his right to independent DNA testing and Minor stated that they plan to retest swabs from the firearm.

Minor also requested that Cannon be moved to the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) for medical treatment of a previous injury from a gunshot wound he sustained to his hand.

Additionally, Minor argued the move would be beneficial because Cannon is concerned about his security from a previous incident that happened in August in the DC jail.

Judge Epstein stated that he does not have any control over an inmate’s being held in a certain area of the jail.

Epstein advised Minor to submit a medical form so Cannon can ensure he is receiving the treatment he needs.

A motion hearing is set for May 16.

Sentencing Continued For Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

On Dec. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein continued a sentencing due to a defendant’s changing circumstance.

Rickeis Watkins, 23, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on March 24, 2022, on the 1400 block of Brentwood Road, NE. According to police records, there were no injuries reported at the scene.

Watkins currently has two pending cases in Maryland.

According to court documents, Watkins entered into a guilty plea on two charges including distribution of drugs, and possession of a firearm.

Watkin’s defense attorney, Peter Odom, stated to the court that his guilty plea would affect Watkins’ criminal history score which impacts the severity of the sentence.

Due to the change, Odom requested that the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) deliver an updated pre-sentencing report. Odom also requested that the sentencing be continued for thirty days.

The prosecution agreed.

Judge Epstein continued sentencing for thirty days in light of new information.

Watkins is now set to be sentenced on Jan. 3.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Request for Change of Counsel

On Dec. 1, a homicide defendant requested that his lawyer withdraw from the case before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Keshawn Lavender, 22, Raymond Mathis, 36, and Deandre Sams, 27, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in a fatal shooting that killed 32-year-old Matthew Miller that occurred on Sept. 5, on the 200 block of M Street, SW. The incident left five other individuals suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

Lavender’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, filed a motion on behalf of Lavender requesting a change of counsel. In the motion, Lavender outlined that he was requesting for his attorney to withdraw as counsel, with no further explanation.

Judge Epstein denied the motion stating that there is no basis for a change of counsel.

Epstein stated that “granting it would delay things further.”

A status hearing is set for July 28, 2024.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

On Dec. 1, a homicide defendant waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence recovered from the crime scene in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Gary Rush, 41, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a fatal vehicle collision, which caused the death of Keena Dowtin on Sept. 20, 2020, near Fort Dupont Drive and Fort Davis Drive, SE.

According to court documents, when responding officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrived they located Rush lying face down, but conscious, in a wooded area. He “complained of injuries consistent with having been in a motor vehicle collision.” Rush told MPD officers the vehicle was further up in the woods and his passenger was dead. Dowtin was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the hearing, prosecutors alerted Judge Okun they have not conducted any DNA testing on evidence recovered from the scene. According to prosecutors, they have access to the vehicle, phones, the autopsy, blood recovered from the vehicle, and personal items which were returned to Rush and Dowtin’s family.

Rush’s defense attorney, Madalyn Harvey, alerted the court they were not planning on testing any evidence.

Harvey also requested Rush’s release conditions be modified, stating he struggles with his monthly in-person check-in because it interferes with his work schedule.

According to a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), Rush continues to be compliant with his release conditions.

Parties are expected back Aug. 23, 2024.

Homicide Defendant Files Motion to Sever

At a Dec. 1 status hearing for five homicide co-defendants, defendant Darryl Little declared his intent to file a motion to sever from others accused in the case.

Little, 29, Marcel Gavin, 36, Johnny Wilkins, 33, Earl Robinson, 31, and Kharee Jackson, 24 are charged with conspiracy, four counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, and other charges for their alleged involvement in the shooting of Albert Smith, 21. The incident occurred on June 14, 2020, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

Little’s attorney, Wole Falodun, said the motion has not yet been filed, but he intends to do so in the coming weeks.

Parties will reconvene June 21, 2024, for a status hearing.

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