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Document: Man Dead, 3 Injured in Northeast Nightclub Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting at a nightclub that left one man dead and three others injured on Sept. 23, on the 1300 block of H Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located three men and one woman suffering from gunshot wounds.

They were all transported to local hospitals, where one of the men succumbed to his injuries. The other three victims are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The victim was identified as 31-year-old Blake Bozeman.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’7″, wearing a white/cream sweater and a black hat.

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

Document: Second Person Arrested in Homicide of Missing Person

On Sept. 22, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 35-year-old Nichelle Thomas with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder, accessory after the fact – second-degree murder while armed, and obstructing justice, for her alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on Aug. 4, on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, on Aug. 8, 42-year-old Anthony Jordan was reported missing. During the investigation into his disappearance, detectives located evidence that he was the victim of a fatal stabbing on Aug. 4 at the listed location.

On Sept. 19, MPD arrested and charged an adult male with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder and second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the incident.

Document: Fatal Traffic Accident in Southeast, DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit is investigating a fatal traffic accident that killed a man on the 3300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on Sept. 21.

According to MPD documents, a man was driving a 1997 Ford F-150 pickup truck at a high rate of speed westbound at the location. He lost control and mounted a raised median, struck a small tree, and crossed over the median into oncoming traffic, striking a 2017 Lexus RX350 SUV. The driver of the pickup truck died on the scene, and the driver of the Lexus was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries.

The decedent was identified as 34-year-old John Gibson.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On Sept. 22, Idrissa Fall rejected a plea offer extended by prosecutors in connection to a 2021 homicide. 

Fall, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in a bias-related hate crime, 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 29-year-old Dara Northern on July 18, 2021, on the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW.

During the Sept. 22 hearing, prosecutors offered Fall a plea agreement that would have him plead guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other indicted charges, as well as a case that stemmed from his alleged possession of contraband in a penal institution. 

According to court documents, on March 30, Fall was charged with unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution. Court documents state that on Sept. 12, 2022, during a shake down in his cell, Fall was found to be in possession of a homemade weapon made out of metal with a sharpened point. 

Fall rejected the plea offer, and continued to assert his right to a speedy trial. 

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered a forensic screening for Fall based on arguments made by Fall’s defense attorney in a bench conference. 

Parties are expected back for a mental observation hearing on Oct. 2.

Jury Finds Defendant Guilty for Five Counts in Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

On Sept. 21, a jury found a non-fatal shooting defendant guilty on five counts.

Dominic Copeland, 33, was convicted of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Copeland was involved in a non-fatal shooting that left one individual injured on the unit block of N Street, NW, on April 26, 2019. He was acquitted of robbery while armed and one count of possession of a firearm.

His co-defendant, Artie Byrd, was acquitted of accessory after the fact for allegedly helping Copeland flee the scene in a white Toyota Camry soon after the shooting.

Throughout the two-week trial, jurors heard from members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the victim, a firearms expert, a crime scene investigator, an eyewitness to the crime, a detective who investigated the scene, and a doctor who saved the victim’s life.

The victim said he knew Copeland through work and, on the day of the incident, he reached out to Copeland to arrange a drug transaction.

The victim testified that, on the day of the incident, he first met Copeland at a Wendy’s on New York Avenue, NE, and then he followed a white Toyota to the unit block of N Street, NW where the shooting took place. According to the victim, Copeland was a passenger in the Toyota, which was driven by another individual.

Once parked parallel to the white Toyota Camry, the victim got out of his black Toyota Camry and got into the white vehicle with Copeland and the driver. The victim allegedly paid Copeland $480 for the narcotics.

According to the victim, when Copeland did not turn over the narcotics, he tried to get his money back. To do so, he engaged in a struggle with Copeland when the two got out of the white vehicle.

Copeland produced a handgun out of a black bag and shot twice at the victim as he attempted to get back into his car. Copeland continued to shoot as the victim’s car pulled away, which led to his car swerving off the road and hitting a pole.

Copeland and his driver fled the scene in the white Camry.

“The only verdict that the evidence demands is that of guilt for the shooting and robbing,” the prosecutor said.

Copeland’s defense attorney, Michael Madden, said there are inconsistencies with what the victim told the court about the drug exchange.

Madden said the evidence against Copeland can’t be deemed “overwhelming” because there was skepticism in the testimony of the victim about whether or not the victim was buying cocaine or marijuana from Copeland.

He asked the jury to consider a verdict of not guilty based on these inconsistencies.

Following a day of deliberations, the jury delivered their verdict.

Parties are expected back for sentencing on Nov. 29.

Judge Accepts Request for GPS Monitoring

On Sept. 22, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples accepted a request from a non-fatal shooting defendant to decrease his release conditions to global positioning system (GPS) only. 

Johnathan Dawkins, 41,  was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 24 on the 700 block of G Street SE.

During a felony status conference on Sept. 22, Judge Staples accepted the defense’s request to decrease monitoring to GPS only. The defendant was originally on GPS monitoring and curfew confinements regarding his release at home. 

“Given the defendant’s compliance with original conditions, court accepts defense’s request” Judge Staples said.

Parties are expected to reconvene for a status hearing on Nov. 17. 

Judge Arraigns Murder Defendant on Six Charges

On Sept. 21, a homicide defendant was arraigned in connection to a 2021 murder case in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe. 

Erin Sheffey, 28 is being charged with second-degree murder, three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the murder of Kiwyon Maddox, 32, on Aug. 15, 2021, on the 2100 block of 16th Street, SE.

Sheffey, through his defense attorney, pleaded not guilty to all counts and asserted his rights to a speedy trial.

According to prosecutors, Sheffey and multiple other men allegedly shot at Maddox and another man while they were riding on a moped. 

The prosecution is alleging that Sheffey shot first, but the defense maintained that it was in self defense. The prosecution cited ring camera footage depicting Sheffey allegedly firing at the men

Sheffey is currently facing a federal charge of armed robbery for allegedly stealing $1.2 million from an armored truck.

Parties are expected to reconvene Sept. 27.

Defendant Waives Rights to Independent DNA Testing in 2021 Murder Case

On Sept. 21, a defendant waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a homicide scene. 

Nyjell Outler, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with a dangerous weapon, for allegedly shooting 21-year-old Demetris Johnson on March 20, 2021, on the unit block of Madison Street, NE. The incident occurred at a gender-reveal party.

According to court documents, after arriving and speaking with a few guests attending the party, Outler leaned against a fence, pulled out a gun, and allegedly began firing at the guests. Two guests were injured, one of which succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

Outler is scheduled to reappear in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Aug. 30, 2024 for a trial readiness hearing.

Non-Fatal Shooting Case Continues as Defense Introduces New Evidence

On Sept. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt continued a motion hearing to consider new evidence introduced by the defense.

Kenneth Davis, 44, is charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill, 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 May 19, 2021, on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. The incident left one individual suffering from non life-threatening injuries. 

Davis’ defense attorney, Marnitta King, introduced five new exhibits into evidence, asserting that these documents show the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) had a vehicle in its possession that contained necessary evidence for the defense that the prosecution failed to investigate and provide. 

King stated that if the vehicle would have been processed and tested for DNA, that DNA would be proof that the shooter in this incident was not Davis. 

On the basis of this argument, King asked the court for a dismissal of all charges. 

The prosecution responded by stating that there is no way to know that the vehicle would even contain any evidence or DNA that would be exculpatory. 

The defense asserted that another vehicle involved in this case was swabbed for DNA, so the vehicle in question should have also been preserved and swabbed. 

Judge Brandt scheduled a continued hearing on Sept. 26 to deliver her ruling.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Second-Degree Murder and Robbery While Armed 

On Sept. 21, a homicide defendant was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to two charges before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt. 

Duron Hudson, 23, is charged with one count of second-degree murder while armed and one count of robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the murder of Nahzil Zaid Abdul Rahim on Nov. 29, 2019 on the 1200 block of U Street, NW. 

Hudson’s defense attorney, Mani Golzari, asserted the defendant’s right to a speedy trial. 

A detention hearing is scheduled for Oct. 13. 

Another Defendant’s DNA Found on Murder Weapon

On Sept. 21, defense attorneys for Ravel Mills stated that another homicide defendant’s DNA was found on the firearm used in a 2020 murder. Prosecutors also stated that Mills’ DNA was not recovered from the murder weapon.

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. 

The lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective was questioned about three other shootings that the gun was linked to. One of the shootings, a destruction of property on April 26, 2020, occurred before Mills was arrested. According to cell phone location data, Mills was in the area in close proximity to the time of the shooting.

The other two shootings the gun is linked to occurred after Mills was arrested.

The detective previously stated in court in 2021 that there was nothing connecting Mills to any of the shootings. The defense noted this inconsistency in her testimony.

A MPD officer was also questioned in regards to his involvement in the investigation. 

Defense Attorney Kevin Mosley asked him about an alleged vial of PCP found in the area where Strong’s body was found. The officer is seen on camera speculating whether the altercation was over the vial. There is no evidence that the vial contained PCP. 

The defense’s case relies on the claim that Strong was high on PCP and was murdered by a PCP dealer.

The officer also mentioned that vials of PCP are usually in the hands of dealers, not users. 

Parties are expected to reconvene Sept. 25.

Document: Man Arrested in Homicide

On Sept. 20, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 28-year-old Erin Sheffey with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on Aug. 15, 2021, on the 2000 block of 16th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located 32-year-old Kiwyon Maddox suffering from gunshot wounds. After all lifesaving efforts were made, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers also located two other adult male victims suffering from gunshot injuries. They were transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Document: Man Dead, Another Injured in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that left one man dead and another injured on Sept. 20 on the 5200 block of Foote Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the report of a shooting at the location, where they located two men suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. After all lifesaving efforts were made, one of the individuals was pronounced dead. The other man was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The decedent was identified as 64-year-old Dwain Francis Day.

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 incident.

Document: Man Arrested in Shooting That Injured an Adult Male

On Sept. 20, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 31-year-old Manaen Hines with assault with a dangerous weapon – gun, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left an individual injured. The incident occurred on Aug. 18 on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, the victim approached officers stating he had been shot at the location, and that the suspect had fled on foot. The victim was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Homicide Defendant’s Motion to Remove GPS Tracker Denied

On Sept. 21, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a homicide defendant’s request to remove his GPS tracker. 

Julian Ruffin, 31, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 38-year-old Alphonso Lee. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Butler Street, SE, on Oct. 7, 2022. 

Ruffin is currently on release under GPS tracking. The defense requested to remove the tracker, claiming it was an “undue burden” on Ruffin. The attorney cited Ruffin’s lack of criminal history before the incident and his having been in perfect compliance with release conditions. 

“Inconvenience is not a reason to change conditions,” the prosecution said. 

Judge Raffinan declared that because of the nature of the alleged crime, Ruffin would be kept under the same conditions. However, she suggested that if the defense were to submit a written motion, she would revisit his conditions.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 24.