Homicide Defendant Sentenced to Four Years

On Sept. 1, Anthony Green, having previously accepted a guilty plea, was sentenced by DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan to 48 months in prison for his involvement in a homicide.

Green, 28, along with his co-defendant, 18-year-old Eugene Williams, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, attempted robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his involvement in an incident that left 16-year-old DeShawn Francis dead on Feb. 8, 2022 on the unit block of Chesapeake Street, SE.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Francis was found with a gunshot wound to the head, and taken to the hospital for treatment. He succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 11, 2022. The incident allegedly occurred after a dispute over $200 worth of marijuana.

On June 27, Green accepted a plea deal for one count of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of possession of a firearm in exchange of a dismissal of all other charges. Due to his guilty plea, Williams is being charged separately.

Francis’s mother and stepfather gave victim impact statements at the sentencing. According to the family members, Francis was the firstborn of five siblings. Both parents emphasized Green’s role in the situation, stating that as an adult he should’ve known better. They argued that, despite not having pulled the trigger, he failed to intervene in Francis’s death.

“As an adult, I decide to do different. That is what makes an adult,” Francis’s stepdad said.

“One voice could have made a difference,” Francis’s mother said.

Green wrote a letter to the court expressing remorse. His attorney, Errin Scialpi, argued Green’s being injured during the incident and his own loss of a child as mitigating factors. Judge Raffinan pointed to the defendant’s age, previous criminal history, and the nature of the crime as factors behind her decision.

On the count of assault with a deadly weapon, Green was sentenced to 48 months confinement and 18 months supervised release. For unlawful possession of a firearm, he was sentenced to 24 months confinement and 18 months supervised release. The sentences are to be served concurrently, with credit for the one year already served by Green. He is also required to register as a gun offender after his release.

Defendant Sentenced to 18 Years in Murder Case

On Sept. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced David Rhodes to 18 years in prison.

Rhodes, 55, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 47-year-old Georgette Banks on May 9, 2021. The incident, which left her suffering from stab wounds to the neck, chest, and arms, happened on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. Banks and Rhodes were in a relationship.

On May 19, Rhodes accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors that lessened the murder charge to a second-degree and dismissed the carrying a dangerous weapon charge.

Several of Banks’ family members delivered impact statements.

Banks’ niece told Judge Epstein that Rhodes “took her away from her loved ones without hesitation,” and insisted that no amount of time imposed during the sentencing would add up to their loss.

Banks’ sister, who told the court about their growing up together, said that “an amazing family member was taken too soon,” and argued that she “needs some closure of [her] own”.

Banks’ daughter, asking Judge Epstein to excuse her language, told Rhodes “I feel like you’re a bitch.” According to her, Banks’ mother unfortunately passed away the same way her daughter did.

“This shit is really ridiculous. No matter how this goes, I’m going to see you again,” she told Rhodes.

Prosecutors argued that this was a horrific murder case, stating that Banks was stabbed and left to die. They insisted that Rhodes has a history of crime, stating that this is his second homicide.

In 2004, Rhodes pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter, for which he served five years incarceration and five years of supervised release.

Because of his history, and the nature and circumstances of this crime, prosecutors requested Judge Epstein sentence Rhodes to the top of the 15-18 year range parties agreed on when he plead guilty.

Dana Page, Rhodes’ defense attorney, told the court that “[He] takes this all very seriously, and is taking responsibility for what he did”. She stated that he is completely remorseful for his actions, and argued that Rhodes has had many traumatic experiences in his life that have caused him to have mental health and substance abuse issues.

“People that suffer traumas like Rhodes has suffered, often turn to substances,” Page argued.

“My hope is that the court can understand how seriously he takes this. He cared about the decedent,” she insisted.

Page requested Judge Epstein sentence Rhodes to the lower number in the sentencing guideline.

Rhodes addressed the court, stating that he didn’t have much to say. “My condolences to the family, I wasn’t raised to take life from others,” he stated.

“I’m not asking for forgiveness, because I can’t forgive myself,” he uttered. “I hope they can find some closure”.

Judge Epstein argued that this case wasn’t a simple stabbing, stating that the savagery of the murder gave him reason to impose a higher sentence. He mentioned that his prior conviction for manslaughter stemmed from jealousy, and cost the life of another woman.

Judge Epstein noted that even though Rhodes is extremely remorseful and took responsibility for his actions, he needed to impose a “fair and just” sentence.

Judge Epstein credited time served to the 18 years of incarceration, and is recommending the Bureau of Prisons (BoP) place Rhodes in a facility that has access to full mental and substance abuse resources.

Rhodes is expected to serve five years of supervised release and continue being assessed and receiving treatment for his mental health and substance abuse.

“I hope you can get some help and get on the track you want to be on,” said Judge Epstein.

Case Acquitted: Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

On Sept. 1, Michael Austin waived his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a homicide crime scene.

Austin, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Kayvon Kinney on the 1800 block of Gainesville Street, SE, on May 24, 2020.

Prosecutors alerted the court they were not planning on testing any of the evidence for DNA, as the only evidence that was recovered from the crime scene were spent shell casings.

When asked by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein if he intended to test any of the available evidence, Austin alerted the court he would be waiving his right.

Parties are expected back for a trial readiness hearing on Oct. 13.

Defendant Arraigned on First-Degree Murder Charge

On Sept. 1, Celot Carr was arraigned in a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Carr, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged connection to the killing of 18-year-old Kyndall Myers on June 26, 2022, on the 800 block of Quincy Street, NW.

Prior to Carr’s arraignment, Judge Epstein alerted the parties that, through a report, doctors from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) notified the judge that Carr had been found competent to stand trial.

Stephen Logerfo, Carr’s defense attorney, alerted the court Carr was pleading not guilty and asserted his rights to a speedy trial.

A trial date was set for Feb. 3, 2025.

Parties are expected back before Judge Epstein on Jan. 24, 2024 for a trial readiness hearing.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

On Sept. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein issued a bench warrant for a defendant on probation.

Marquise Carter, 24, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in an incident that left an adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred on March 18, 2019, on the 5300 block of Dix Street, NE.

On July 29, 2019, Carter pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for a dismissal of the assault with intent to kill charge. In October of 2019, he was sentenced to 40 months, with all but 24 suspended, and was required to be on probation once he was released.

During the Sept. 1 hearing, Carter, who is on release, and his defense attorney failed to appear at his hearing.

Prosecutors and a representative from Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) made representations that Carter had been a loss of contact, and had a warrant for his arrest in Maryland for failing to report to supervision and court.

Prosecutors requested Judge Epstein issue a warrant for his arrest, which was quickly granted.

Parties will reconvene once Carter is in custody.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

On Sep. 1 Charles Robert Lewis Jr. was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Lewis is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the killing of 55-year-old Mark Carter. Lewis, 33, was accused of hitting and kicking Carter to death on Oct. 10, 2022, on the 600 block of Southern Avenue, SE, where the victim was found lying in the street by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Parties told Judge Epstein that they are currently involved in plea negotiations.

The next status hearing is scheduled for Sep. 21.

Defendant in Teen Stabbing Murder Remains in ‘Secure Detention.’

DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell IV ruled that the adolescent Maryland girl accused in the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Naima Liggon be detained awaiting trial.

The 16-year-old suspect’s name isn’t being reported because of a court order to protect the juvenile’s identity. She’s being charged with second-degree murder in connection with an Aug. 27 incident that occurred at a McDonald’s restaurant on the 1900 block of 14th Street, NW.

The crime which has garnered national publicity prompted the suspect’s attorney to ask that the media be barred from covering court proceedings in the interest of confidentiality–a request the judge denied.

Prosecutors say the suspect “attacked” Liggon and pursued her in the back seat of her car. She was taken to a local hospital “in a privately owned vehicle” to get treatment for stab wounds but ultimately succumbed to her injuries.

These actions, say the prosecution, show a “complete disregard for human life” and the teen should remain in “secure detention.” She previously entered the juvenile equivalent of a not guilty plea.

The defense acknowledged, meanwhile, that what happened was “unfortunate” and “tragic” but not intended. She didn’t “choose to cause harm.”

Rather the defendant was allegedly punched repeatedly by Liggon and pushed to the ground.

Further, a witness to the altercation didn’t see a knife and, as the defense views it, there’s a strong argument for a claim of self-defense. However, a plea offer would be considered.

Judge Crowell said this is an early stage to raise the self-defense argument that according to precedent requires that an individual must be in imminent danger and whether the response is a proportionate reaction to the circumstances. He also noted that the defendant was being held under “substantial probable cause” that she allegedly committed the crime and that the victim was unarmed.

In arguing for home detention, the defense noted that the suspect is a “good child” who responds to parental authority, serves as a hostess at a local restaurant, and is home schooled as an eleventh grader.

However, questions were raised about whether the suspect had broken curfew by staying out until 4 a.m.

Based on the evidence, Judge Crowell ruled that the juvenile remain in custody and that she undergo a complete psychiatric and psycho-social evaluation.

Trial date in the case was set for Oct. 12.

One Defendant Accepts, the Other Rejects a Homicide Plea Deal

In two Aug. 31 hearings, one homicide defendant accepted a plea deal but the other suspect in the case turned down an offer to reduce the charges against him.

Trey Prillerman, 19, and Deon Walters, also 19, were originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and unarmed carjacking for their involvement in an Oct. 1, 2020, incident on the 6200 block of 8th Street, NW that claimed the life of 42-year-old Arthur Daniels IV.

According to prosecutors, Prillerman and Walters were at the crime scene when Daniels arrived in his vehicle, where he was subsequently shot before Prillerman stole his gold Cadillac and Walters fled the scene on foot.

Prillerman accepted an agreement to plead guilty to one count of robbery in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges.

Parties agreed the sentencing guideline for Prillerman’s robbery charge should be between three and five years, and will run consecutively to his sentence in another homicide, where he faces 12 years for voluntary manslaughter.

Parties are expected back before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan for Prillerman’s sentencing on Dec. 15.

Prosecutors extended a plea offer that would have Walters’ first-degree murder charge lessened to second-degree in exchange for dismissing all other charges.

Sylvia Smith, Walters’ defense attorney, alerted Judge Raffinan that Walters was rejecting the offer.

Parties are expected back on Sept. 1 to discuss their readiness for Walters’ October trial.

My Summer Internship at D.C. Witness

This internship was a particularly meaningful experience for me because it solidified what career path I am interested in. I have known I’ve wanted to go to law school for years, but spending each day observing cases in the criminal justice system has solidified my particular interest in criminal defense. This summer opened my eyes to the flaws in our criminal justice system, and I know that I am passionate about the fact that all people, regardless of whether they have been accused of a crime, deserve a zealous and intelligent defense.

My summer at D.C. Witness also solidified my writing skills, which have previously focused on academic writing. Writing articles in an editorial style each day was a learning experience for me. I became adept at writing concisely to convey important information without fluff or unnecessary additions, a skill which will be crucial in my future career. I also learned a lot about data and managing a massive database such as the one used by D.C. Witness. I enjoy working with data, and it was fascinating to see the work that goes into D.C. Witness’ database.

This experience has been invaluable. I have made great friends and professional contacts, learned so much about the criminal justice system, and developed skills that will serve me well in whatever career I end up in. I highly recommend this internship for anyone interested in law, the criminal justice system, or journalism.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On Aug. 31, Aaron Murchison, a homicide defendant, rejected a plea offer extended by prosecutors.

Murchison, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a dispute that ended in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Jamontate Brown. The incident occurred on Oct. 16, 2022, on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Rd, SE.

During the Aug. 31 hearing, Murchison rejected a plea offer deal that would have him plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter in exchange for the dismissal of one count of assault on a police officer in another case.

The next court date is set for Sept. 29.

Document: Homicide: 2300 block of Ainger Place, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)’s Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on Aug. 30 on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to a local hospital for the report of an adult male seeking treatment for gunshot wounds. Despite all lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. He had been transported to the hospital in a privately owned vehicle.

The victim was identified as 25-year-old Jamal Walton.

Judge Delays Probable Cause Ruling in Homicide Case

On Aug. 30, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt delayed her ruling on probable cause for a homicide to review evidence presented by parties in the case.

Joseph Ballard, 59, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 33-year-old Monte Daniels on July 28 on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE.

Prosecutors called forth the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) lead detective for the case. According to the detective, witnesses of the incident told MPD that the altercation stemmed from Daniels accusing Ballard of stealing his crack pipe.

According to MPD documents, which were adopted by the detective as part of his testimony, and surveillance footage shown in court, Daniels was in the parking lot near two females arguing over an unknown issue. Daniels approached a group of individuals that were sitting on a curb, which included Ballard, and, after a verbal altercation, smacked Ballard’s hat off his head.

Daniels then walked away from Ballard towards the parking lot when Ballard followed him. Daniels is seen turning to face Ballard with his palms facing up, showing that he apparently didn’t have any weapons, when Ballard allegedly stabs him on the chest. Daniels begins to walk away while he lifts his shirt to check himself, before collapsing in the middle of the lot.

Ballard left the scene for a few minutes, returned to grab a bike and a few other items, and left the location again. He was stopped and detained by MPD about two hours after the incident. The murder weapon was never recovered, but Ballard reportedly told MPD officers he had gotten rid of it somewhere.

According to the detective, a speck of suspected blood was visible on Ballard’s white shoe when he was detained. He was taken to MPD’s homicide branch to be interviewed.

In an interview, which was recorded, the detective asked Ballard what happened that morning. Ballard explained that he had done heroin around 6 a.m. and had just been hanging out in the area like he always did. The detective asked him what he typically did in the area, and Ballard told him he did everything, including live there.

“He [Daniels] slapped me real hard,” Ballard told the detective regarding the incident, “I just lost it”.

During the detective’s cross examination, Pierce Suen, Ballard’s defense attorney, questioned the detective on various eyewitnesses’ accounts about the defendant and victim.

According to the detective, several eyewitnesses who often frequented the area told MPD officers that Daniels was known to carry weapons with him and be aggressive with others, but stated that he never heard from any of the witnesses that Daniels had ever used the knives he was known to carry.

Following the detective’s testimony, Suen called forth an investigator for the Public Defender Services (PDS) that had helped to investigate the case.

The investigator stated that she spoke with two eyewitnesses that knew Ballard and Daniels from the area on Benning Road. Both witnesses interviewed by the investigator described Daniels as a bully and an aggressive individual, stating that they had frequently seen him assaulting Ballard and others in the area.

One of the witnesses, says the investigator, even heard Daniels threaten to “kick someone’s ass” multiple times. According to the investigator, Daniels was known to target individuals who were of a smaller build than him and older.

The investigator told the court that neither witness identified Ballard as an aggressive or mean individual, but rather stated they were shocked by his involvement in the incident.

Following the investigator’s testimony, the prosecutor requested Judge Brandt find probable cause that Ballard committed second-degree murder when he stabbed Daniels, arguing that Daniels walked away from Ballard after he smacked him on the head and his body language when Ballard confronted him in the parking lot was that of an individual who was not trying to fight or cause any trouble.

Prosecutors argued that Ballard’s leaving the scene and getting rid of the murder weapon proves consciousness of guilt, and that self defense is not a plausible argument because several seconds had passed since Daniels slapped Ballard and he was not in immediate danger at the time of the stabbing.

On the other hand, Suen requested Judge Brandt not find probable cause for second-degree murder, stating that the prosecution failed to meet the burden of proof for the ruling. He stated that if Judge Brandt should find probable cause it should be for the lesser included charge of voluntary manslaughter.

Suen argued that Daniels was the first aggressor in the incident, and that Ballard, who is older and weaker than Daniels, stabbed him as a reaction to an adequate provocation.

“Based on physical disparity and an extended history of aggressive conduct on Ballard and others by the decedent, we have provocation and fear of the decedent from someone like Ballard,” Suen said, insisting that because of Daniels’ known attacks Ballard feared him.

Prosecutors argued that there is no rationale to downgrade the second-degree murder charge to voluntary manslaughter because Ballard could’ve walked away from the incident like Daniels tried to do.

“He was upset and attacked. He stabbed the victim’s heart,” argued prosecutors.

Parties are expected back Aug. 31 to hear Judge Brandt’s probable cause ruling.

Suspect Charged with Shooting Mother Cradling Baby Considers Plea Deal

An Aug. 30 preliminary hearing before DC Magistrate Superior Court Judge Sherry Trafford was continued because the defendant in a non-fatal shooting is considering a plea deal.

Darrious Johnson, 22, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with an incident that took place on May 5 on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) report, Johnson got into an argument over money with a number of people at the residence, some of whom were related. As the altercation progressed, Johnson went upstairs, then came downstairs and opened fire.

In the melee, Johnson allegedly shot a woman in her left arm while she was cradling her baby. The infant was uninjured.

All in all, according to one witness, 13 shots were fired.

When police arrived, they arrested Johnson but he managed to slip away momentarily. Later while police were interviewing Johnson, he was punched in the face by an individual identified as his cousin who has since been charged with simple assault for domestic violence.

During the hearing Johnson told Judge Raymond that he wanted a new attorney to handle his case. As a result Claudine Harrison withdrew as counsel and was replaced by Lisbeth Sapirstein.

Sapirstein said that a plea deal was under consideration and Johnson needed additional time to review the details so she could get a “fresh start” with her new client.

Judge Trafford set a new date for the preliminary hearing of September 27.

Document: Suspect Sought in an Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm Offense: 200 Block of 19th Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect connected to an unlawful discharge of a firearm that occurred on Aug. 29 on the 200 block of 19th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers were provided images of the suspect. There were no reported injuries.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: 200 Block of K Street, Southwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 19-year-old Jeremiah Evans with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on June 15 on the 200 block of K Street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male shooting victim with no signs consistent with life.

The victim was identified as 18-year-old Khalliqo Ford.

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