Defendant Rejects Plea Offer in Murder Case

On Sept. 25, a homicide defendant rejected a plea offer extended by prosecutors and DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted two motions from the government.

Niko Hall, 31, one of three co-defendants is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Anthony Lee. The incident occurred on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, on Sept. 26, 2020.

Earlier this year, Hall’s co-defendants, 21-year-old Kyrie Wells and 20-year-old Darquise Montgomery accepted plea offers for second-degree murder while armed.

The prosecution offered Hall the option to plead down to second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for dismissing all other charges. Had he accepted, he would have faced a sentence of 12 to 14 years.

In July, Hall rejected a different plea offer from the prosecution.

Prosecutors argued that, because all three defendants fired during the incident, it was not necessary to prove which defendant was the one that caused the fatality. They argued that any of the thirteen shots could have caused Lee’s death.

Judge Brandt agreed saying, “[The prosecutors] don’t have to prove that someone’s specific bullet killed the victim”.

Prosecutors also filed a motion to exclude evidence that a third party committed the crimes. The motion was granted by Judge Brandt.

The trial will begin on Oct. 2.

Judge Sanctions Prosecution for Evidence Violation in Shooting Case

On Sept. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt accepted a defense motion to sanction prosecutors over their handling of evidence in a non-fatal shooting case.

Kenneth Davis, 44, is charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE, on May 19, 2021. The incident left one individual suffering from non life-threatening injuries.

On Sept. 21, Marnitta King, Davis’ defense attorney, filed a motion to request sanctions against prosecutors for not giving the defense discovery of outstanding evidence.

Judge Brandt agreed there was a so-called Rule 16 violation because the defense didn’t have access to crucial information. She explained that this evidence could have been potentially exculpatory for Davis.

A Rule 16- Discovery violation is related to the prosecution having to disclose to the defense any evidence that may be relevant and beneficial to their case.

Due to the violation, Judge Brandt imposed a sanction that allows the defense to cross-examine a representative from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) about the integrity of their investigation.

Parties are expected back in court Nov. 14.

Judge Denies Motion for Competency Hearing in Hit-and-Run Case

On Sept. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled on multiple motions, including reviewing the competency of a witness, in an ongoing 2020 homicide case.

Eric Beasley, 32, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly committing a hit-and-run on 45-year-old David Farewell while he was riding his bicycle. The incident occurred on Sept. 4, 2020 on the 2100 block of Young Street, SE.

While presenting evidence about a key witness’ mental health diagnoses, prior hospitalizations, and behavior during interactions after the incident, the defense argued she had demonstrated she was not competent and was being affected by mental illness at the time she was talking to officers.

This included the statement, “I’m having a panic attack.”

The prosecution rebutted the argument saying that the witness’ panicky demeanor and her statement right after the incident were merely the result of experiencing something traumatic.

After hearing arguments from both sides the issue carried over into Sept. 27, when Judge Raffinan denied the defense’s motion to either exclude the witness’ testimony or hold a pre-trial competency hearing.

Judge Raffinan ensured the issues defense had raised would be further explored during cross examination if needed.

In addition, she granted the prosecution’s motion to admit audio from the body camera of the first responding officer, ruling it was admissible as excited utterances at the scene.

Judge Raffinan also granted the prosecution’s motion to admit portions of the 911 calls that she deemed admissible, under the same guidelines of the body camera audio. This included a statement from a witness with Farewell at the time of the accident, who said, “Oh God. They started CPR.”

In what was supposed to be the start of jury trial on Sept. 27, the defense claimed Beasley had not received his haircut they had requested on Sept. 13 and the jury could be prejudiced by his appearance.

Judge Raffinan granted their request and waived Beasley’s appearance for part of the hearing.

The trial is expected to start Sept. 28.

Parties Give Closing Arguments in 2020 Murder Trial

On Sept. 26, parties gave closing arguments in a 2020 murder trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Ravel Mills, 29 is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Toussaunt Strong. The incident took place on the 3400 block of 24th Street, SE, on April 18, 2020.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Ravel Mills hunted down and murdered Toussaunt Strong,” said the prosecutor.

A witness, who was a neighbor of Strong’s father and a friend of Mills, said that Mills had mentioned a beef with a man next door who had dreadlocks. The prosecution insists that was Strong, stating he had dreadlocks before he was murdered.

Prosecutors showed an exchange caught on video in which Mills appears to point an object at Strong outside of the witness’ house. Both parties agree this is the way someone would hold a gun; however Mills claims it was a scale, used for drug transactions, which he pretended was a gun as a joke.

This interaction led to a chase caught on surveillance where Mills appears to be following Strong through an alley and up 24th Street. However, the video does not reach the area where the prosecution claims Mills killed Strong. Mills is caught on video leaving the area where Strong’s body was found shortly after.

Mills claims he witnessed a PCP dealer come down from the other direction and shoot Strong.

The prosecutor said, “When you think about [Mills’] story it makes absolutely no sense.”

According to prosecutors, Mills has long been aware of the evidence in the case and came up with a cover story to match it.

”[Mills] would have to be the most unlucky man in the world,” to believe his story said prosecutors.

According to Mills’ defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, “The government has not provided any credible evidence.” Mosley cited the fact that there is no DNA evidence, eyewitnesses or connection between Mills and the murder weapon.

The defense claims the murder was not properly investigated by police and prosecutors.

Mosley also argued there is no video evidence of the murder and the area up the street where Mills says the PCP dealer emerged.

Mosley ended his statement saying, “If it’s possible what we said happened, that is a reason to doubt,” adding, “The government’s case is built on speculation.”

The prosecutor said the jury “needs to hold [Mills] accountable.”

The jury will begin its deliberations Sept. 27.

Document: Teen Dead After Shooting in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that left a teenage male dead on Sept. 25 on the 2300 block of Green Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located 16-year-old Jamal Jones suffering from gunshot wounds. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

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

Document: Southeast Shooting Leaves Woman Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that left a woman dead on Sept. 25 on the 5100 block of Fitch Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots, where they located a woman on the roadway suffering from gunshot wounds. She died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 40-year-old Tangia Tates-Little.

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

Document: Suspects and a Vehicle Sought in a Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating three individuals and a vehicle involved in a shooting on Sept. 22 on the 5300 block of East Capitol Street, SE.

According to MPD, the three suspects, armed with handguns, began shooting at the location. A victim was struck by a bullet, and was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The suspects fled the scene before officers arrived.

They were captured by surveillance footage.

Document: Man Dead After Shooting in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that left one man dead on Sept. 24, on the 4400 block of 3rd Street, SE.

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

The victim was identified as 22-year-old Vashawn Jones.

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

Judge States His Job Is Punishment In Sentencing a Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

On Sept. 25, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to 40 months incarceration

Eric Cisneros, 33, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in an April 21 shooting that occurred on the 1300 block of 6th Street, NW. During the incident one person was shot in the leg.

On June 8, Cisneros accepted an offer extended by prosecutors to plead guilty to both charges in exchange for dropping the remaining charges.

Before the sentencing, prosecution displayed surveillance video of the incident allegedly depicting Cisneros exiting a gate and shooting the victim in close range.

No victim impact statement was provided.

Judge Ryan sentenced Cisneros to 40 months for one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, with a concurrent sentence of two years for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Due to these sentences being served concurrently, Cisneros will be incarcerated for a total of 40 months, with credit for time served.

In addition, Cisneros will be on probation for 18 months and supervised release for three years.

Cisneros will also have to register as a gun offender and comply with a no contact order for the complaining witness.

The court recommended Cisneros be sent to a facility that had mental health treatment and evaluation. Additionally, he must maintain or seek employment under his probation, or educational training under the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

Addressing the court, Cisneros said, “I would like to apologize to the person I hurt. I know I need treatment, because I couldn’t do it on my own.”

While acknowledging the importance of treatment and the difficulty of attaining it in jail, Judge Ryan stated, “My first job has got to be to punish somebody who shoots someone else.”

Defendant Accepts Pre-Indictment Plea Deal in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On Sept. 25, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a pre-indictment plea offer extended by prosecutors.

Ivan Holmes, 19, was charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, unlawful discharge, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of unregistered ammunition, and destruction of property for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Aug. 18 on the 1500 block of 1st Street, SW. The shooting resulted in property damage to a wall and windows.

There were no injuries reported from the shooting.

Holmes pleaded guilty to one count of carrying a pistol without a license, and one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Holmes’s defense attorney, Thomas Healy, filed an oral motion for release, which was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Parties are expected back for sentencing on Nov. 29.

Defense Argues for Right to Independently Test DNA in Homicide Case

On Sept. 25, Aaron Brown asserted his right to independently test DNA evidence found at a crime scene in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Brown, 27, is one of four defendants charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of a firearm and conspiracy for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street NW.

DNA testing done by the prosecution showed no DNA evidence from Brown that linked him to the scenes or objects recovered. However, the defense still said that Brown has a “due process right” to independent DNA testing.

“There is no DNA connecting him to this,” the prosecutor objected.

Judge Brandt did not reach a conclusion on this matter.

According to court documents, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the location for the report of shots fired, where they located 13-year-old Malachi Lukes suffering from a gunshot to the neck, and another juvenile victim suffering from a gunshot wound on the leg.

Surveillance footage depicted a silver SUV pull up beside the victims and begin shooting.

The next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 3.

Co-Defendants Accept Plea Offer for Non-Fatal Shooting

On Sept. 22, two co-defendants accepted plea offers for a non-fatal shooting in Northeast DC.

Tyrone Hawkins, 22, and Clint Broadus, 25, were originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 23, 2021 on the 1900 block of Fairview Avenue, NE.The incident left one individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Hawkins pleaded guilty to one count of assault with intent to kill and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. He could face up to 15 years in prison for each charge.

Broadus pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. He could face up to five years in prison.

According to the prosecutors, had the case gone to trial, there would be evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Hawkins and Broadus were the shooters in this incident.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe confirmed that he was satisfied with both defendant’s understanding of their terms and accepted their guilty pleas.

A sentencing hearing for both defendants is scheduled for Dec. 1.

Homicide Defendant Found Mentally Competent To Stand Trial

On Sept. 22, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found a homicide defendant mentally competent to stand trial based on a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Julius Worthy, 39, is charged with one count of second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the murder of 36-year-old Orlando Galloway on April 2 on the 200 block of 14th Street, SE.

The DBH’s report indicates that Worthy does not have any diagnosed mental illness and is aware of the facts of his case.

However, Worthy’s defense attorney, Christen Phillips, said the defense will be challenging this finding with their own expert. Phillips references that the competency report states Worthy does have psychotic symptoms and delusional thoughts.

The doctor who delivered the competency report responded by stating there is no acuity that would warrant specialized treatment.

Phillips requests that Worthy be allowed to stay at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, until the defense can gather a report from their expert challenging the competency finding.

Judge O’Keefe ordered that he be moved to DC Jail because he was found competent based on the DBH report and St. Elizabeth’s has a limited number of beds.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 13.

Defense in Homicide Case Moves to Have Defendant’s Mental Competency Re-Examined

On Sept. 22, Wonell Jones Jr’s defense team declared their intent to have his mental competency re-evaluated.

Jones, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 33-year-old Audora Williams. The incident occurred on July 19, 2022, on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE.

At a previous hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan stated that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) had found Jones competent. However, the preliminary screening, also done by DBH, found Jones incompetent.

Due to the discrepancy, the defense plans to have his competency evaluated once again.

If the defendant is found incompetent during the hearing, he will be committed to psychiatric care until deemed competent enough to stand trial.

According to court documents, Jones has a history of domestic violence and allegedly threatened Williams on multiple occasions before she was killed. Williams is survived by her five children, two of which are Jones’ kids.

The parties will reconvene Jan. 9, 2024.

Judge Sentences Homicide Defendant to 10 Years In Prison Following Denial of Motion to Withdraw Plea

On Sept. 22, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein denied homicide defendant Mohamed Goodwin’s motion to withdraw a guilty plea in connection to a 2020 homicide.

Goodwin, 35, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Devonte Wilson. The incident occurred on Dec. 3, 2020, on the 700 block of Morton Street, NW.

On Jan. 30, Goodwin pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

On June 23, in what was supposed to be his sentencing, Goodwin requested to withdraw his guilty plea. The motion filed by Goodwin’s defense attorney stated that Goodwin continued to insist the shooting was in self defense.

On Aug. 18, Judge Epstein denied the motion to withdraw the guilty plea.

During the Sept. 22 hearing, parties agreed to sentence Goodwin to voluntary manslaughter.

Judge Epstein sentenced Goodwin to 10 years, with credit for time served. He is expected to remain incarcerated for seven years.

In addition, Goodwin must serve five years on supervised release, register as a gun offender, and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

No victim impact statement was given, but the prosecution did say Wilson’s family was, “Not enamored with the plea agreement.”

During the sentencing, it was emphasized by the prosecution that Wilson did not act violently towards Goodwin, and Judge Epstein expressed his disbelief at how this seemed out of character for Goodwin.

“I am remorseful for what happened,” Goodwin said.

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