Co-defendants Offered Plea Deal in Shooting Near Hospital

Two co-defendants have been offered a plea deal following a shooting near Howard University Hospital.

Kevin Harrison, 22, and Christopher Hinton, 19, have been arraigned on charges of carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. Additionally, Hinton is charged with receiving stolen property.

According to court documents, surveillance camera video shows gunfire from two separate locations near Howard University Hospital around the 2200 block of 10th Street, NW on June 23. The footage allegedly identifies Harrison and Hinton with firearms in their hands.

In an Aug. 29 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz, both parties discussed a possible deal that would allow the defendants to plead guilty to carrying a pistol without a license in return for dropping the remaining charges. However, Harrison rejected the “wired” offer meaning both defendants must accept the deal or it is void.

Judge Leibovitz suggested the possibility of “unwiring” the agreement before trial. In the meantime, both defendants remain under home confinement until the case goes before a jury on May 1, 2024.

Judge Orders Full Mental Competency Exam for Homicide Defendant

On Aug. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ordered a full mental competency exam for a murder defendant requesting to represent himself in trial.

Marcus Barringer, 32, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstruction of justice, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the death of 32-year-old Rashad Davis on the 2300 block of Nicholson Street, SE, on May 6, 2022.

On July 27, Judge Okun ordered a competency evaluation to ensure Barringer is capable of representing himself.

During the Aug. 29 hearing, Judge Okun alerted parties that doctors from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) stated they need to further evaluate Barringer to establish he’s mentally competent to represent himself in trial.

Although Barringer opposed the continued tests, his stand-by defense attorneys and prosecutors agreed that the further evaluations were necessary and appropriate.

Barringer accused prosecutors of planting an undercover FBI agent in his cell to get information regarding his case.

Throughout the proceeding, Judge Okun had to ask Barringer to explain himself, and clarify his train of thought.

Barringer also requested to be released as he awaits trial, which was quickly denied by Judge Okun.

Barringer then argued he had several jobs, a family to take care of, and insisted he is not a flight risk or a danger to the community.

Obviously frustrated, Barringer threatened Judge Okun with a lawsuit to remove him from the bench claiming he is inept and allows prosecutors to lie and perjure in his case.

In response, Judge Okun requested US Marshals remove Barringer from the courtroom.

Parties are expected back in court Oct. 19 to discuss the findings of the mental competency evaluations.

Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

On Aug. 28, a homicide defendant accepted a plea agreement offered by prosecutors for a June killing.

Demarcus Barnett, 20, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the shooting death of 62-year-old Lasanta McGill on June 8 on the 1900 block of 7th Street, NW.

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred after Barnett had been robbed by two individuals in a building. He followed them out, and as they walked down a sidewalk, fired at them at least eight times, with one of the bullets hitting McGill.

“McGill was an innocent bystander in the incident,” said the prosecutor. The two robbers shot back at Barnett, when McGill was no longer in the direct line of fire as he was hiding between two parked vehicles.

Barnett sustained injuries from the crossfire, and sought aid at a local hospital where he was placed under arrest.

During the Aug. 28 hearing, Barnett accepted a plea agreement that lessened the second-degree murder charge to voluntary manslaughter while armed.

Defense attorneys requested his sentencing be before his Oct. 11 sentencing for a case in which he faces one count of carrying a pistol without a license. DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied the request, stating they would have to request a continuance from the other judge.

Defense attorneys also alerted the court they would be requesting Barnett be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would have his conviction be sealed once he successfully completes his sentencing requirements.

Parties are expected back for sentencing on Oct. 27.

Acquitted of Murder, Judge Rules Against Defendant’s Release as too Dangerous

Even though Tamika Green was found not guilty of murder on Aug. 24, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found she was too dangerous to set free in a hearing on Aug. 28.

Tamika Green, 37, was acquitted of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the death of 37-year-old Bryan Tate Jr. on Feb. 20, 2020 in an apartment on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE. However, Green was found guilty of carrying a pistol without a license.

Green’s attorney, Kevann Gardner, successfully argued during the three-week trial that Green was abused by Tate and that she shot him in self-defense. Based on her exoneration for the murder charge and that she’s already served nearly 24 months in jail, Gardner says she should be released. Twenty-four months is within the sentencing guideline for the carrying without a license charge.

However, in her clarification for the trial record, Judge Demeo said she was “troubled” that in spite of agreeing not to do so, Gardner argued that older men turned Green into a sex worker, in effect that Green was used by pimps.

Beyond what happened during the trial, Judge Demeo was particularly concerned about Green’s criminal record including two pending assault cases in the District and a third case in Prince George’s County for alleged prostitution. In one incident she is accused of assisting a person who was sexually assaulting a victim by using a knife.

Gardner pointed out that these charges are only allegations and that the District cases are only misdemeanors. Gardner said that another charge referenced in Anne Arundel County is 17-years-old. He also pointed out that Green was on release for 17 months without a problem.

Still, Judge Demeo says it’s “troubling” that Green has a pattern of assaultive conduct and she’s concerned about Green’s dangerousness, particularly, since the jury saw images of Green holding a gun and carrying one in her purse.

The prosecution, meanwhile, opposed Green’s release based on the fact that she used a gun, then discarded it after killing Tate.

Judge Demeo set Oct. 20 for Green’s sentencing.

Defendant in 2017 Fatal Stabbing Re-Indicted

On August 25, Keith Archie pleaded not guilty to all charges connected to the killing of Demond Rush.

The stabbing occurred on July 29, 2017, on the 3600 block of 22nd Street SE. Rush, 32, was found on scene by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) with multiple stab wounds to the torso. He was transported to a local hospital before succumbing to his injuries.

Archie, 43, was re-indicted on one count of second-degree murder while armed, one count of carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and one count of tampering with physical evidence.

During the arraignment, defense counsel Jason Tulley objected to the indictment arguing double jeopardy as the case was previously dismissed in Feb. 2020 for reliability issues involving the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS).

When asked by DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein why it took so long to re-indict Archie, prosecutors stated more attention needs to be focused on cases with defendants detained during the pandemic.

Tulley will submit a motion to dismiss based on concerns regarding access to evidence in the case.

The next hearing is set for Oct. 24, 2025.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: 1900 Block of 14th Street, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged a 16-year-old juvenile female with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on Aug. 27 on the 1900 block of 14th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to a local hospital for the report of a juvenile female seeking treatment for stab wounds. She was transported to the hospital in a privately owned vehicle. Despite all lifesaving efforts, she succumbed to her injuries.

MPD’s investigation determined that the stabbing occurred outside of an establishment at the location.

The victim was identified as 16-year-old Naima Liggon of MD.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: 1900 Block of 14th Street, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) arrested and charged a 16-year-old juvenile female with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in a homicide that took place on Aug. 27 on the 1900 block of 14th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to a local hospital for the report of a juvenile female seeking treatment for stab wounds. Despite all lifesaving efforts, the victim succumbed to her injuries. Officers determined that the attack occurred both inside and outside of the establishment at the location. The victim was taken to the hospital in a privately owned vehicle.

The victim was identified as 17-year-old Naima Liggon of MD.

At the time of her arrest, the juvenile female charged with the murder was found to be in possession of a knife.

Document: Homicide: 2000 Block of 10th Street, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on Aug. 26 on the 2000 block of 10th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location after hearing the sounds of gunshots, where they located an adult male shooting victim. He was transported to a local hospital where, despite all lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 18-year-old Keni Edwards.

Document: Homicide: 2000 Block of Naylor Road, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on Aug. 25 on the 2000 block of Naylor Road, SE.

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 Jaqiah Johnson.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible for the homicide.

Judge Denies Severance Request in Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a defense motion to try two murder defendants separately in a hearing on Aug. 25th.

Terrance Oxner, 23, and Aaron Adgerson, 19, are both charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed for their connection to a mass shooting on the 1400 block of Good Hope Road, SE. The shooting resulted in the death of Edward Wade, 22, on Jan. 25, 2021.

Oxner is facing additional charges for crimes allegedly committed while he was on release. Adgerson is also accused of conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with significant bodily injury while armed.

Meanwhile, Adgerson is facing a new indictment filed this month including charges of premeditated murder and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.

Adgerson’s defense maintains that his case has been prejudiced by the long delay between arrest and trial. However, Judge Okun says the postponements were not the government’s fault, citing the pandemic as an unavoidable circumstance.

Adgerson’s lawyers also wanted Judge Okun to try Adgerson and Oxner separately for the 2021 incident–a request that was declined as well as a motion for release.

Judge Okun set a new trial date for the pair on June 2, 2025.

Retired Policeman Sentenced to Three Years for Killing Over Victim’s Family Objections

On August 25, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced retired Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lieutenant Jesse Porter Jr. to three years of incarceration.

Porter, 60, agreed to a plea deal in June to one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm for the fatal shooting of Maurica Manyan on Aug. 4, 2022. The shooting occurred on the 1800 block of Good Hope Road SE at the Anacostia Neighborhood Library.

Manyan, a 25-year-old library security trainee officer and mother, attended a mandatory handcuff and baton training run by Porter’s security training company, Porter Consulting and Expert Tactical Training.

Court documents and witness testimony describe the incident as a joke gone wrong. Manyan is seen on surveillance footage stepping out of the group before a photo to remove her face mask before Porter pulls the firearm, firing one shot to Manyan’s chest.

During the two-hour hearing, the Court first heard emotional testimonials from family members and friends of Manyan.

In speaking on the impact of her untimely death, family members were overcome with emotion, still not having answers as to “why.”

Manyan left behind a now five-year-old son whose struggles and pain were discussed in the hearing. Manyan’s grandmother recalls interactions with the child’s “bursting out in tears,” asking where his mom is and why she had to die?

Manyan’s cousin spoke directly to Porter, “It’s the life you didn’t allow her to live. She never got to get married. She didn’t get to bring her son to the first day of school. You took away a life with his mother.”

Manyan’s mother shared about her frustration towards the plea deal, “The grand jury got the verdict right…he should go for the same amount of time the grand jury found him guilty for,” referencing the grand jury’s indictment of second-degree murder.

Manyan’s father stared down Porter, asking him, “For what reason? Don’t look at me, speak man.” Then, turning to Judge Epstein, saying, “He took my only daughter away from me; look at my grandson, man.”

Then: “We can’t live without her, honestly. Honestly Judge, you got to give him what he deserves.”

Some family members and friends argued Manyan turned down romantic advances from Porter and claimed he was visibly drunk in the surveillance footage.

Defense counsel for Porter, Brian McDaniel, shut down these claims, stating the allegations are “an attempt to try and make it make sense, but it doesn’t make sense, it won’t make sense.” The prosecutor did not provide any evidence supporting the family’s claims.

McDaniel stressed his client’s acceptance of responsibility and negligence. While requesting a suspended sentence, McDaniel spoke on Porter’s 33 years of service supporting the criminal justice system.

A friend of Porter’s who lost a family member to homicide said, “We have talked at length. I feel it in my heart this was a terrible, horrible mistake.”

When speaking to the Manyan family, Porter said, “I pray every day for words I can try to say. There’s nothing I can say.

‘For anyone to think I wasn’t sorry for what happened that’s not true… I am just so sorry, so sorry.”

Judge Epstein felt Porter was “genuinely remorseful for what he did,” emphasizing this was not a standard act of gun violence and the “main problem with gun violence in our community is not accidental, it’s murder.”

Given these factors, Judge Epstein imposed the minimum sentence of 36 months, despite the prosecution’s asking for 84 months. Even though the family feels Porter is getting a slap on the wrist, Judge Epstein stated he “can’t sentence out of anger.”

Family members and friends of Manyan leaving the courtroom, yelled at Judge Epstein and Porter, outraged by the outcome.

In addition to prison time, Porter will serve five years on supervised release and must register as a gun offender.

U.S. Marshals took Porter into custody after his request for self-surrender was denied.

Repentant Carjacker Sentenced in Emotional Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun doled out punishment and consolation in equal measure to a confessed carjacker at sentencing on Aug. 25.

Donyell Miller, 24, pleaded guilty on March 23 to one count of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on Sept. 16, 2021 on the 2100 block of Benning Road, NE. During the incident, Miller fired a gun, injuring one individual.

“You will serve some time but you have a strong incentive to do well,” Judge Okun told Miller after passing sentence. Using rules that allow a judge to impose less than the mandatory maximum for youthful offenders, Judge Okun sentenced Miller to 84 months on the assault charge with all but 48 months suspended and 72 months on the gun possession charge with all but 32 months suspended.

The terms are to be served concurrently, with five years and three years probation on the counts respectively.

Citing the violent nature of the crime, the prosecution wanted sentencing without considering Miller’s youth as a factor. In a second by second account, the prosecutor played a video account of the carjacking, showing Miller approaching a black, Audi SUV, banging on the window, shooting through the window and injuring the driver. He was struck with seven bullets.

In an impact statement, the victim said ever since he’s been stricken with fear when someone walks by his car. Even though the wounds have healed, he still has one bullet lodged in his knee.

The prosecutor called it a horrific crime and said Miller was a danger to the community.

However, the defense painted Miller as a very different person–an individual that had grown up in the shadow of violence and emotional trauma with many of his close friends, and even his brother murdered.

Asking for leniency, the defense said, “Prison doesn’t make people better,”

Speaking on Miller’s behalf was his supervisor at the DC Department of Public Works. “He [Miller] is a great kid; we all make mistakes,” said the supervisor, himself a former inmate.

Miller, himself, apologized, and there were tears in the courtroom.

Judge Okun said this was a tough sentencing and that he tried to balance punishment with rehabilitation. But he acknowledged this was a really serious case, saying “the offense is terrible.”

As Miller was led away from the courtroom, his parents tried to approach but couldn’t get close.

Miller was overheard to say, “I love you, mom.”

Trial Continued in Mother-Son Homicide Case

On Aug. 25, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan decided to set another status hearing in two weeks to provide the prosecution and defense more time to gather information regarding upcoming court appearances.

Chakeatia Jackson, 39, and her son Jaquell Jackson, 20, are being charged with second-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Tarq uasha Chappell on Sep. 15, 2021 at the 1300 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

The prosecution requested a continuance for the trial date based on scheduling conflicts and argued they need more time to analyze the evidence. The prosecution is currently in possession of Chakeatia’s cell phone, and is currently attempting to crack and search the iPhone.

Judge Raffinan decided upon this request to set another status hearing date for Sep. 8.

Judge Finds Probable Cause Two Brothers Connected to a Fatal Shooting

On Aug. 24, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found there was probable cause two brothers were behind a drive-by shooting that left one dead.

Davon Alston, 19, and Juvan Alston, 21, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly killing 17-year-old Dennis Simms on the 800 block of Yuma Street, SE, on July 1, 2022. Simms died from a single gunshot wound to his head.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) homicide detective, a black Mercedes which was carjacked earlier that morning in Maryland was connected to the shooting. The detective said someone pointing a gun out of the Mercedes’ window was captured on CCTV footage at the crime scene.

The MPD detective said the Mercedes was connected back to the defendants because they allegedly started an “Instagram Live” video shortly after the shooting which showed themselves in the car with weapons and one of them was wearing a “distinct chain” the complaining witness in the Maryland carjacking case said was taken with his car.

According to the detective, the Mercedes was recovered, but it had intentionally been set on fire.

The MPD detective also testified about the defendant’s “beef” with someone that allegedly brought the brothers to the neighborhood. He said the person had allegedly robbed Juvan at gunpoint in the back of the car, and this shooting was allegedly in retaliation for that. However, according to court documents, a family member of Simms said he was not the intended target.

The MPD detective testified about a direct message Davon sent to someone on Instagram about the person who allegedly robbed Juvan. According to the detective, the message said “I’m gonna kill his bitchass and do the time for it, just keep checking the [Insta] gram.”

Defense attorneys asked the detective about other suspects in the case and why they weren’t investigated further. The detective said one of the suspects had a GPS monitor which was turned off at the time and there was no way to confirm where he was, but multiple people told police officers he and Simms were friends.

Judge Okun said the evidence pointed heavily to there being probable cause Davon and Juvan caused Simms’ death.

Defense attorneys asked for Davon and Juvan to be released so they could respond to a carjacking charge pending in Maryland which is connected to this case. Judge Okun denied this request given the fact that the severity of the charge against them in DC was more serious.

The next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 5.

Murder Defendant’s Sentencing Delayed Because Attorney Unprepared

On Aug. 25, a defense attorney for a murder defendant requested the sentencing date be moved because he wasn’t prepared for the proceeding.

Shaka Haltiwanger, 24, was charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device while armed, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Anthony Kelly on Sept. 10, 2021, on the 1400 block of 29th Street, SE.

On March 22, a jury convicted Haltiwanger of all charges.

Howard McEachern, Haltiwanger’s defense attorney, alerted the court that, due to personal issues, he was unable to fully prepare for the sentencing.

Prosecutors alerted the court that several of Kelly’s family members flew in from out of the jurisdiction for the proceeding, and opposed the request for a continuance, stating that the sentencing date had been set since Haltiwanger was convicted of the crimes.

Despite the prosecutor’s opposition, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted the defense request, arguing that the law states a defendant has the right to counsel able to advise them to their fullest extent, and unfortunately the defense counsel could not do that.

Prosecutors read a letter submitted by one of Kelly’s aunts. In her letter, she recalled bringing Kelly home from the hospital and hearing Kelly’s grandmother nickname him “PJ” for “prized jewel”.

She reminisced about Kelly’s time in the Air Force and his pride in being a “girl dad” to four girls between the ages of 11 and four.

“This killer took my soldier,” her letter said.

“You gave me another layer to him,” said Judge Brandt, stating that family impact statements typically allow the judge to see the victims in a new light.

Prosecutors also showed images shared by Kelly’s widow of his four girls and Kelly. Most of the images were recovered from Kelly’s phone after his passing.The images showed the girls participating in activities like dance and art.

“As a father myself, this is how you get to know how a dad is,” argued the prosecutor. “By seeing what they take pictures of.”

“Kelly family, I’m sorry this could not go forward today,” said Judge Brandt before dismissing the parties.

A continued sentencing was scheduled for Sept. 19.

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