Defense Plans to Contest Competency Finding for Homicide Suspect

On Dec. 1, homicide defendant Huey Bandy’s defense attorneys announced that while he was found mentally competent, they may be challenging the decision.

Bandy, 52, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing death of 60-year-old Orlando Murphy. Allegedly, Bandy stabbed Murphy after being shown a video of Murphy sexually assaulting Bandy’s 18-year-old daughter. The incident occurred on June 7, 2022, at the 3600 block of Brothers Place, SE.

Bandy had previously been evaluated for mental competency, with the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) declaring him competent. However, defense attorneys Christen Phillips and Sylvia Smith stated that they may be contesting the findings, depending on the results coming from their own expert.

The mental observation hearing was continued for Jan. 22, 2024, where the defense will declare if they plan to contest competency.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment

On Dec. 1, a non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Anthony Coleman, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly 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 alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on Dec. 7, 2022, on the 100 block of Galveston Place, SW. The incident left an individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

During the hearing, Coleman’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas Jr., alerted the court his client pleads not guilty to all counts and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are expected to reconvene Jan. 9, 2024.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

On Nov. 30, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors in front of DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz.

Briana Milam, 33, was originally charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for her involvement in a non-fatal shooting. The incident occurred on Aug. 21, on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, Milam accepted an offer extended by prosecutors, which required her to plead guilty to unlawful discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm, in exchange for a dismissal of other charges. In addition, Milam was also required to plead guilty to assault, in connection to a domestic violence incident that occurred on April 22.

According to prosecutors, Milam in anger threw a vase at a man who they identified as her ex-partner. However, Milam claimed that she was never in a relationship with the individual. Milam’s defense attorney, Theodore Shaw, alerted Judge Leibovitz they would not be opposing the proffer of facts provided by prosecutors.

In their offer, the prosecution stated they will limit their sentencing requests to the mandatory minimum or the bottom of the guidelines for each charge, whichever is greater.

Parties will reconvene Feb. 2, 2024 for a sentencing.

Document: Man Killed in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Dec. 3 on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers were in the area when they heard the sounds of gunshots and saw a vehicle fleeing the area. Officers located the vehicle a short distance away, and the male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

The victim was identified as 26-year-old Dionte Claytor.

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 Killed in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Dec. 2 on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male on the sidewalk, suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

The victim was identified as 38-year-old Michael Hansley.

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

Document: Man Arrested in a Southwest Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest has been made in connection to a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 20 on the 4600 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

The victim was identified as 29-year-old Gary Lavon Love III.

On Dec. 1, members of MPD’s Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested and charged 21-year-old Roy Jordan with first-degree murder while armed – premeditated.

Document: Man Arrested for a Homicide in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch announced the arrest of a man in connection to a homicide that occurred on Dec. 1 on the 900 block of Rhode Island 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 succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 23-year-old Brandon Lewis.

On Dec. 1, 22-year-old Clarence McKnight was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Fatal Shooting Case

On Dec. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found probable cause in a homicide defendant’s case.

George Sutton, 44 , is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old John Coleman, on May 1, 2023, on the 200 block of M Street, NE.

During a preliminary hearing on Nov. 30, prosecutors called an MPD detective to testify. Judge Raffinan provided an overview stating that the prosecutors offered exhibits, including surveillance footage that show Sutton allegedly driving toward Coleman, who was on a bike. Additionally, Sutton allegedly said he is the owner of the vehicle in the surveillance footage during an interview with a detective;

Judge Raffinan mentioned Sutton’s previous offenses stating that “He does have a criminal history, and there is a risk to the community”, finding probable cause that he was involved in the incident, and detaining the defendant.

Suttons defense attorney, Steven Keirsh, motioned for release, however Judge Raffinan denied the request.

Parties are expected back on Dec. 20 for a felony status conference.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

On Nov. 30, a homicide defendant was arraigned on multiple charges and pleaded not guilty to all counts before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Sherman Holley, 46, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed offenses committed during release, arson offenses committed during release, carrying a pistol without license outside of home or business offenses committed during release, destruction of property $1000 or more offenses committed during release, resisting arrest offenses committed during release, and assault on a police officer offenses committed during release, for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old James Brooks Jr., on Jan. 15 at the 200 block of 37th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Brooks suffered multiple stab wounds to the torso. Holley allegedly fled the scene but was seen entering a residence in the area the next day. Metropolitan Police Officers (MPD) arrived shortly after and confronted Holley. As he refused to step out of the residence, officers noticed smoke emerging from the window. As the fire progressed, Holley was forced to leave turning in to the officers.

Holley pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are expected back on Jan. 10.

Lead Detective Testifies In 2018 Homicide Case

On Nov. 30, a lead detective in a homicide investigation testified about a “frightened” eyewitness to a 2018 homicide case.

Marquette Jordan, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside of a home or business with a prior felony for his alleged connection of the fatal stabbing of 40-year-old Ivan Lynch on April 30, 2018 at the 900 block of 5th Street, SE.

Jordan was first tried in April 2022 and but the jury hung on the first-degree murder charge. However, he was convicted on the lesser counts. The retrial started on Nov. 14.

In body-worn camera footage Jordan told officers he had cancer. A medical doctor who examined Jordan on May 1, 2018, said he did not find any signs or symptoms of the disease. According to the doctor, Jordan didn’t claim any medical issues.

The prosecution also called a detective with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)who said he recovered a cellphone that was later identified as Lynch’s.

The detective stated that he saw blood on Jordan’s clothes and instructed the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) to collect the items. Additionally, a set of keys were recovered from Jordan’s pockets, which were later identified as Lynch’s car keys.

The lead detective also interviewed Jordan’s ex-partner who was in an initial altercation with Jordan that allegedly sparked the stabbing,. The detective stated that the witness was “frightened, disheveled, and terrified” during her initial interview and had no shoes. Due to her state of mind, the detective stated that he made sure to give her adequate time for her interview and at one point she was “balled up in the chair.”

Parties are set to return Dec. 4 to continue witness testimony.

Judge Grants Defendant’s Request For New Counsel in 2020 Homicide case

On Dec. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted the defendant’s request for new counsel in a homicide case.

Daundrey Scott, 29, is charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and two counts of arson for his alleged involvement in the murder of 62-year-old Darryl Finney that occurred on May 13, 2020, on the 900 block of H Street, NE.

Judge Epstein stated that there has been an “immediate breakdown between the defendant and counselor” and he therefore will be appointing a new lawyer. The explanation was discussed under seal and closed to the public.

Epstein stated that he is “Concerned Scott will be in the same situation a few months from now, but we will see if a new lawyer can get what you want.”

Scott’s previous defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, filed a motion to withdraw a guilty plea on behalf of the defendant. The motion will be discussed at a later date, once new counsel is appointed.

Epstein addressed Scott stating, “I will not be continuously appointing a new attorney.”

An ascertainment of counsel hearing is set for Dec. 15.

Case Acquitted: More Testimony in Shooting and Stabbing Trial

This case was acquitted on Dec. 1, 2023.

On Nov. 30, parties gave closing arguments in the shooting and stabbing case of Randy Deleon before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Deleon, 46, is charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting and stabbing incident, which occurred at a family-owned restaurant, at the intersection of Lamont and 17th Street, NW, on Aug. 27. The victims were a father and son, one suffering from a stab wound during an altercation. No injuries were reported from the shooting.

Prior to the parties’ closing arguments, the prosecution called two witnesses to testify, a Metropolitan Police Officer (MPD) who arrested Deleon two days after the incident occurred and an individual who lives close to the family-owned restaurant.

Prosecutors showed the body cam footage of the officer who arrested Deleon at his shoe store, two days after the shooting and stabbing incident.

According to the officer, Deleon was searched at the time but no weapons were recovered. However, they did observe a large wound on his stomach.

Defense Attorney Peter Odom questioned if the officer shared the information about the wound with other officers.

According to the officer, when they arrived at Deleon’s business, they asked Deleon if he needed to go to the hospital he refused but asked the officers if he could go to the hospital after he was arrested.

Then prosecutors called a witness who lives on Lamont Street who said he was asleep in his apartment when he was awakened by a single gunshot. He stated he was unclear about where the shooting occurred, but knew it was “close enough.”

Odom, in his cross-examination, asked the witness about a statement that he had made to MPD contrary to what he told prosecutors about seeing nothing outside his window.

According to Odom, the witness allegedly told MPD a few days after the incident that he saw an individual in a red shirt running down 17th Street and crouching between cars.

He told Odom that he meant to tell police that he “thought he saw” someone in a red shirt running down that street but it could’ve been something else.

After the testimony, Odom moved to dismiss the case, arguing there was insufficient evidence to prove Deleon’s guilt. Additionally, Odom told Judge Ryan that no evidence shows Deleon in possession of a gun.

Judge Ryan said that the previous testimony from the father and his son is enough to support the assault with a dangerous weapon charges, stating the father specifically testified Deleon told him he was going to get a gun during their altercation

Judge Ryan also cited the testimony where the father told police that Deleon had stabbed him. Based on the testimony, Judge Ryan denied the defense motion for acquittal and dismissal.

Odom then called Deleon’s wife to testify.

She remembers seeing Deleon’s stomach wound and taking an image of the injury. She also stated she didn’t know of any guns in their home, Deleon’s vehicle, or the shoe store.

Then Odom called the lead detective regarding his interactions with the son and father.

According to the officer, he questioned the father and son about whether they were armed during the incident, to which they both replied they were not.

When asked if the other officers told him that the father was armed with a machete during the incident, the officer said he couldn’t recall.

Odom informed the officer that during his grand jury testimony, he said the father was armed with a machete during the incident. However, the officer said he couldn’t recall.

Additionally, the officer told Odom that no photos of Deleon were ever shared with him or the other officers following his arrest.

Jury deliberations are expected the week of Dec.4.

Homicide Defendant’s December Trial Delayed Until 2025

On Nov. 17, a homicide defendant’s trial was substantially delayed in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Jamil Whitley, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a dangerous weapon outside home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Whitley allegedly shot 32-year-old Kevin Redd on June 11, 2020, on the 4000 block of Jay Street, NE.

Whitley’s trial was set to begin on Dec. 5. However, defense attorney Madalyn Harvey filed a motion to continue due to being unprepared. The Nov. 14 motion reads ,“Whitley respectfully requests that the Court continues his trial so that he has the necessary time to complete his investigation of the case.”

The trial was rescheduled for May 5, 2025. However, Harvey stated that she has another trial set to begin shortly before Whitley’s, and may have to delay the trial again.

Parties are expected back Dec. 5 for a status hearing.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Preliminary Hearing and Denies Release for 2020 Homicide Defendant

On Nov. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause in a preliminary hearing for a homicide defendant and denied his request for release.

Guy Johnson, 56, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in a shooting on the 1600 block of 19th Street, SE, on March 25, 2020, when he allegedly murdered 28-year-old Kriston Robinson.

Prosecutors called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who recalled a witness who remarked they saw someone believed to be the shooter wearing a black mask and a white or gray top. Johnson’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, argued Johnson was never seen wearing a black mask and no witness directly named him as the shooter.

The detective also testified about a witness’ description of the shooter as being “light-skinned,” which Mosley argued did not fit Johnson’s darker skin tone.

Mosley also pointed out Johnson’s significant knee injury and need for a cane, alleging he could not have run from the scene and was not consistent with a shooter trying to flee.

The actual shooting was not captured due to the placement of the cameras. Moments after it occurred, multiple people are seen reacting and running away. Johnson appeared to be on surveillance footage to be walking away from the area, trailing behind another person who was ruled out as a suspect.

Prosecution argued against Mosley’s request for Johnson to be put on supervised release, stating he was a danger to the community and could possibly be a flight risk.

The prosecutors say a witness was the original target and Robinson “was at the wrong place at the wrong time”. Prosecution stated Johnson’s release would be detrimental to the surviving witness, who was not injured during the incident.

After hearing both parties’ arguments, Judge Epstein found probable cause in the case and denied Johnson’s release, stating “There are no conditions or combination of conditions that would protect the community”.

Parties are expected to reconvene for a felony status conference on Jan. 26.

Preliminary Hearing Brings Evidence of Murder

On Nov. 16, prosecutors called a witness to testify in a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Lorinzo Thompson, 17, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of a 14-year old Niko Estep on the 2600 block of 14th Street NW, on Nov. 3. Thompson is being charged as an adult under the Title 16 rule.

According to court documents, Estep sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the torso. An additional juvenile victim had three gunshot wounds, but survived.

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who was questioned regarding surveillance footage that allegedly captured the defendant at the scene of the crime.

The surveillance footage captured an individual, who was identified as Thompson, on a scooter and two other individuals arriving at the convenience store, which the detective identified as Thompson’s mother, and a male in a black jacket. Thompson is seen walking into the convenience store with the individual with the black jacket, while Thompson’s mother stayed outside.

Shortly after, the individual identified as Thompson walks out of the convenience store and retrieves a firearm from his waistband and allegedly shoots at three individuals. The individual identified as Thompson then flees the scene and the two others follow toward in same direction.

The prosecutor proceeded to show surveillance footage from the interior camera of the convenience store. It captured Estep and two others entering the parking lot of the convenience store and shows them fleeing once Thompson started shooting.

Upon reviewing the footage, the detective stated that the defendant fired a total of 12 shots. The detective also stated that police conducted a search in Thompson’s house, where they retrieved a magazine with eight rounds of 9mm ammunition from the bedroom believed the defendant’s.

Additionally, they found a scooter that is believed to have been used by Thompson during the incident.

Due to scheduling issues, the court stopped the hearing which will continue on Jan. 2.

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