Case Acquitted: 2020 Homicide Defendant Acquitted of All Charges After Three Years in Jail

This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

On Nov 15. a jury delivered a not-guilty verdict on all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein following a weeks-long 2020 homicide trial.

Michael Austin, 29, was 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 murder of 26-year-old Kayvon Kinney on May 24, 2020 on the 1800 block of Gainesville Street, SE.

After deliberating for nearly four days, the jury delivered a not-guilty verdict for all charges and the lesser charges including second-degree murder, against Austin, who has been incarcerated for over three years.

Through the trial, prosecution relied heavily on surveillance footage portraying Austin’s entering his mother’s workplace after the shooting occurred.

Prosecutors displayed surveillance footage of Austin’s mother appearing to put an object they alleged was a gun into a plastic bag. They also identified Austin’s mother as wearing gloves and a mask, which she was not wearing prior to his visit.

During closing arguments, Austin’s defense attorney, Jason Tulley, said the descriptions of the shooter differed from the description of Austin. The shooter was described as having “blue jean shorts, not wearing a hat, had a short fade, and was clean shaven,” contrasting Austin’s appearance at the time of wearing glasses, having a beard, and a different haircut.

Tulley argued prosecution had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Austin was guilty and told the jury, “Don’t be fooled”.

Following the verdict, a release order was sent to the jail for Austin in this matter. According to the defense, Austin is also detained as he awaits further proceedings in an unrelated matter.

Probable Cause Found in Convenience Store Murder

On Nov. 30, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found enough evidence to put a homicide defendant on trial.

Antwain Ulmer, 18, is charged with first degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 30-year-old Charles Sullivan, on the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE, on July 9.

During the hearing, Ulmer’s defense attorney, Frances D’Antuono, questioned a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective about the incident, and the detective agreed that Sullivan appeared to be looking suspiciously at Ulmer’s waistband. The detective also agreed that Sullivan was holding onto something on his waistband, but was unable to state whether it was a weapon.

D’Antuono said prior to the shooting, both men quickly raised their guns, and had a “duel”. After showing the surveillance footage of the shooting in the store, D’Antuono referred to the incident as a “full frontal face off”.

According to D’Antuono, Ulmer “tried to get away” from Sullivan, quickly backing out of the front door. D’Atuono further questioned the detective about whether Sullivan was posing a threat to Ulmer in this situation, exclaiming that Sullivan clearly never let his hand leave his side.

D’Antuono then referred to an eyewitness of the shooting, who further characterized this incident as a “duel” between the two men.

The detective explained that during the shooting, one of the gun rounds fired at the witness’ shopping basket, causing the witness to drop it, and hide his face in his hands. D’Antuono then asked the detective if he believed the particular area of the city was dangerous, to which the detective responded “I believe that all of DC is dangerous”.

D’Antuono further questioned the detective about his knowledge of Sullivan’s prior criminal history. The detective explained that he knew Sullivan had a record but that he was unaware of any specific details. D’Antuono explained Sullivan was convicted of assaulting a police officer, as well as being a suspect in a 2015 first-degree murder case.

During their redirect, the prosecution questioned the detective about Sullivan’s gunshot wounds. The detective explained that there were seven, including a wound to the lip, left cheek, right chest, right upper arm, left upper arm, right forearm, groin area, and scrotum. The prosecution exclaimed that this murder occurred in a matter of seconds.

Additionally, the prosecutor replayed a part of the surveillance footage in the store from before the shooting.

According to the prosecutor, Ulmer is inside of the store, looking outside. The prosecutor then questioned the detective about Ulmer’s actions before Sullivan’s arrival at the store. The prosecutor and detective agreed that it was clear that while Ulmer was looking outside, he switched the hand that his lunchable was in, and pulled up his mask. The prosecutor finished his redirect exclaiming that Ulmer had a clear view of Sullivan for about 15-20 seconds before Sullivan even came into the store, saying Ulmer was “preparing to take action”.

Judge Okun ruled that in Ulmer’s case there is sufficient probable cause to go to trial.

Parties are expected back on Dec. 20.

Witness Testifies He Saw Defendant Stab Homicide Victim

On Nov. 29, a witness testified he saw a homicide defendant stab the victim during a physical altercation in a 2018 murder trial argued before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

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 to 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.

During the cross examination of the eyewitness, Jordan’s defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, pointed out inconsistencies between the witness’ testimony and his original interview answers. The witness explained that when he was first interviewed, he was not forthcoming with detectives because he did not want to be associated with this case.

Originally the witness was not aware that Lynch had died. Later, he became more forthcoming. Detectives asked him about his son, who had been shot earlier that year, and compared it to the situation at hand. Then, he gave the detectives the information that he had.

Bruckheim also questioned the witness why he waited ten minutes after the stabbing to call the police. The witness explained that Jordan was still in the apartment following the incident, and he was nervous for his safety.

Then the prosecution called a deputy medical examiner to testify about the injuries Lynch sustained. The witness concluded the cause of death was multiple sharp force injuries, with the fatal wound puncturing the heart. The autopsy photos were displayed to the jury, specifically Lynch’s injured heart.

The Deputy Medical Examiner stated that Lynch also suffered a collapsed lung and lost almost three liters of blood.

The prosecution called a sergeant with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who arrived on scene when Jordan was being detained. He stated he saw Jordan and two small children with two other MPD officers. The sergeant explained that the “children weren’t wearing appropriate clothing for the cold” so he was concerned about their safety.

In body-worn camera footage shown in court, Jordan is seen calling the sergeant to the back of the police vehicle and tells him “he picked up a knife but didn’t do anything and just took his girlfriend’s kids.”

Parties are set to return Nov. 30 to resume witness testimony.

Fatal Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On Nov. 30, defendant Antonio Jackson rejected a plea offer in connection to a 2018 homicide.

Jackson, 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of 52-year-old Maria Antoinette Evans on Mar. 29, 2018 on the 500 block of Oakwood Street, SE.

According to court documents, Jackson stabbed Evans 19 times.

Jackson rejected a plea offer that would require him to plead guilty to one count of second-degree murder in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges.

Parties are expected back on Apr. 12 before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Homicide Co-defendants Waive Right To Independent DNA Testing

On Dec. 1, homicide co-defendants waived their right to independent DNA testing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Espstein.

Tamera Brown, 27 and Robert Baskerville, 30, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Darron Holmes that occurred on April 16, 2022, on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

During the hearing, the prosecution outlined what was tested for DNA and the results on each item.

The prosecution said they tested fingernail clippings from Holmes, a lighter found at the scene, sunglasses, swabs from a Hyundai vehicle, and a knitted hat. Baskerville’s and Brown’s DNA were excluded from the knitted hat.

Baskerville’s DNA was also excluded from swabs taken from the vehicle and Holmes’ fingernail clippings. Brown’s DNA was excluded from Holmes’ right hand fingernail clippings.

Brown’s DNA was allegedly found in the vehicle.

Both defendant’s confirmed that they do not wish to have any item independently tested and they are waiving their right to do so.

A trial readiness hearing is set for Sept. 6, 2024.

Preliminary Hearing Brings Evidence in Homicide Case

On Nov. 29 DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun heard the first day of evidence to determine if a homicide case can go to trial.

Antwain Ulmer, 18, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Charles Sullivan that occurred on July 9 on the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who identified Ulmer as the suspect.

The detective explained that when trying to find the suspect, MPD put together a photo array for a witness to identify. The witness chose a picture of Ulmer, and said “the witness was 100% sure.”

The court was shown video footage from the Circle Seven store, where the murder occurred including an individual identified as Ulmer and three people going into the convenience store. After looking around the store, buying a food item, Ulmer is seen by the door. Then Sullivan and another person walk in, and Ulmer takes his gun out of his waistband and allegedly shoots Sullivan.

Defense attorney Frances D’antuono said Ulmer was not looking outside because “he’s looking directly at us.”

According to the detective, “You can see his eyes fixated in the direction of the decedent.”

To D’antuono, it appears that Sullivan has his hand in his waistband where a gun could be located. The detective said “It doesn’t appear he has his hand in his waistband like defendant Ulmer does.”

Due to time constraints, the witness was unable to finish his testimony.

The preliminary hearing will continue on Nov. 30.

Probation Hearing Continued After Defendant Refuses to Go to Court

On Nov. 28, a probation show cause hearing was continued after a defendant refused to get off the bus from the DC Jail.

Tyquell Fields, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident on the 1300 block of Clay Terrace, NE, on March 18, 2020. The shooting left a victim suffering from minor injuries.

According to court documents, before the shooting, the victim left Clay Terrace and was driving toward Minnesota Avenue, NE. When his car pulled into an alleyway behind a McDonald’s, he and a passenger in the vehicle heard three gunshots and the rear window of their car shatter.

Following the shooting, the witness drove back to Clay Terrace and told police he did not see anyone shooting at him and that he did not have problems with anyone.

When the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers investigated they obtained video from a seafood restaurant that captured Fields walking in front of the restaurant 45 minutes after the shooting, according to court documents.

Officers used still images taken from the footage and one officer, who is familiar with Minnesota Avenue, reportedly identified Fields because he frequently saw him loitering in the parking lot of a McDonald’s nearby.

Additionally, MPD obtained CCTV footage from the McDonald’s, which shows an individual dressed in a blue jacket wearing dark-colored pants and black and white shoes walking to the alleyway behind the McDonald’s with another individual not identified by police.

Then the victim’s vehicle pulls in and Fields is seen allegedly firing multiple shots at the vehicle and the vehicle drives off through the alleyway.

When an officer identified Fields through the still images and video, MPD issued an arrest warrant for Fields on the day of the incident.

At the hearing, Fields’s defense attorney, Steven Polin, told DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan that Fields refused to get off the bus, which took him from the DC Jail to the court, without any further explanation.

Due to his absence in court, Judge Ryan rescheduled the hearing.

Parties are expected back on Jan. 9, 2024.

Case Acquitted: ‘I Was Trying To Make Life or Death Decisions’ Says Defendant in Funeral Shooting

This case was acquitted on Dec. 1, 2023.

On Nov. 29, a non-fatal shooting defendant took the stand before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Saphire Johnson, 24, is charged with aggravated assault while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon, among other charges, for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Sept. 28 at the 4000 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

The shooting occurred outside of Johnson’s grandmother’s church funeral after multiple family members got into an altercation. Johnson, along with one other person, were injured by gunshots.

Defense attorneys, Christen Romero Philips and Varsha Govindaraju, asked Johnson to tell what happened.

Explaining why she brought a gun to the funeral, Johnson remarked on her safety as an African American woman explaining many of her family members had suffered from gun violence. She said, “I’m not as strong as a male. In my experience, it can get deadly”.

During the verbal altercation between her and her family member, Johnson recalled the family member stated, “I should’ve killed your ass a long time ago,” while patting a bag he had on his chest. Johnson believed this bag contained a gun and felt threatened.

As a result, Johnson jumped a nearby fence and ran out into the street in an attempt to get away.

Then she felt a hard hit from behind and to her shock when she turned discovered another relative had hit her. She stated, “I was terrified. It wasn’t just a verbal disagreement”.

Johnson saw a third family member running towards her with a hand on his waistband. Johnson believed he was reaching for a gun, and pulled out her own gun in hopes of scaring him off.

She only shot when the first family member reached for his bag, which she thought contained a gun. She stated, “I was trying to make life or death decisions in 30 seconds”.

During cross-examination, prosecution alleged Johnson impeded the investigation by informing officers she did not know why she was shot. Johnson rebutted that she did not want to provide any names to the police as she didn’t trust them and wanted to keep her family safe. Johnson stated she was not afraid of other people naming her as the shooter and did not try to intervene with witnesses talking to police.

Based on surveillance footage, prosecution alleged one of Johnson’s family members picked up the gun after she dropped it, reasoning this may have been one of the reasons police weren’t able to collect the weapon. Johnson firmly denied the allegation.

Parties are expected to reconvene Nov 30. to present their closing arguments.

Case Acquitted: Victims Testify Regarding Shooting and Stabbing Incident

This case was acquitted on Dec. 1, 2023.

On Nov. 29, jurors heard emotional testimony from a victim who detailed the day of a shooting and stabbing incident before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Randy 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 incident left one victim suffering from a stab wound. No injuries were reported from the shooting.

Prosecutors called the victim who sustained a stab wound to continue his testimony from the previous day. They reminded the witness that he identified Deleon as someone involved in the shooting and stabbing because he saw him engage in an argument with the other victim, his father, the owner of the restaurant, by their cars parked on 17th Street.

Prosecutors confirmed when he ran towards the altercation between his father and Deleon, Deleon fled the scene in a red SUV.

According to the stabbing victim, two days after the incident, he ran into Deleon at his shoe store and called 911.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived, the victim pointed out a single shell casing found where Deleon allegedly fired the gun.

According to the witness, during the struggle, he was able to remove a knife from Deleon’s pocket.

Peter Odom, Deleon’s defense attorney, in his cross-examination, showed the victim a picture of a tin foil object that his father allegedly used during the fight that could have contained a weapon.

According to the witness, he was solely focused on disarming Deleon.

The son recalled telling MPD officers that his father was in possession of a stick or a rock during the struggle, but does not recall if he saw his dad using the object.

Further, he didn’t know if Deleon fired directly at his father or if he shot the gun in the air, but does recall hearing the gunshot.

Following the victim’s testimony, prosecutors called a first-responding officer.

He was able to identify that the shell casing on the sidewalk came from a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson firearm.

According to the officer, when he spoke to the father, he said Deleon was responsible for the stabbing and the shooting.

Following the officer’s testimony, prosecutors called the father and owner of the restaurant.

When asked about their relationship, the father stated he has known Deleon for several years because they own businesses in the same block.

According to the witness, leading up to the incident, Deleon prevented him from stopping individuals stealing a motorcycle on their block. He recalled Deleon claiming he is the “king of Mount Pleasant” and insulted him. The victim testified that he was scared.

Deleon insulted him and told him to get out of his car so they “could kill each other.” Then, Deleon started aggressively waving a belt and knife at him. He pulled out the tin foil object from the back of his vehicle, and began defending himself against Deleon.

His son was able to interfere and disarm Deleon as he was on the ground.

During his testimony, the victim exclaimed “I could’ve killed him,” as Deleon was laying on the ground, stating he didn’t because he “didn’t want to spend the rest of life in prison.”

Following the altercation he told Deleon “You have your family and I have mine,” to which Deleon claimed he would get his gun and kill the victim.

As he was leaving the area, he watched Deleon walking with a firearm and heard a gunshot. He looked back, and saw Deleon struggling with the firearm. Deleon allegedly shot at him on the 1600 block of Lamont Street, NW.

In Odom’s cross-examination, he asked the father about the tin foil object and why he had it in his car at the time of the incident. The owner said he used to object to hit rats that make their way into the trash that is stored behind the restaurant.

Odom referred to the tin foil as a “rat killing stick,” which the witness denied, claiming it was not a weapon.

The trial is slated to resume Nov. 30.

Document: Man Arrested for 2022 Homicide in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announce the arrest of a man for the 2022 homicide of 32-year-old Clayton Marshall on April 12, 2022.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the 2200 block of Savannah Street, SE for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A second victim, also a man, was located at another local hospital receiving treatment for gunshot wound injuries.

On Nov. 29, MPD arrested 19-year-old Derrico Johnson, who was already in custody at the DC Jail. He was charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Document: Northeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch are investigating a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 25, on the 1300 block of Florida Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting victim, where they located a man being treated by DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

During the investigation, it was determined the shooting occurred on the 1700 block of Benning Road, SE.

The victim was identified as 34-year-old Daniel Lamont Adams.

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 in the District.

Case Acquitted: Witnesses Give Details of Shooting and Stabbing Incident

This case was acquitted on Dec. 1, 2023.

On Nov. 28, a witness gave insight into what he experienced on the day of a shooting and robbery incident following opening statements by the parties.

Before opening statements, the parties addressed two motions filed by the defense on Nov. 16.

According to court documents, the first motion filed by the defense on Nov. 16 asks that any evidence Deleon wishes to present will not lead into a discussion by the prosecution about his prior convictions of carrying a pistol without license from 2000 and 2001.

Additionally, the second motion filed asks that his prior convictions not be used by prosecutors to suggest that he is not a peaceful person.

Deleon’s defense attorney, Peter Odom, told DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan that it simply doesn’t make sense to bring up his past criminal history for this case and that it would be a violation of Deleon’s First, Fourth, and Sixth Amendment rights.

Judge Ryan, in making his ruling, said that he doesn’t see any evidentiary value in considering Deleon’s past criminal history, granting the defense’s motion to not have it discussed in detail at the trial.

However, Judge Ryan said that it is “fair game” for the prosecution to mention that he has a criminal history, but details of his criminal history will not be admitted as evidence during the trial.

In their opening statements, prosecutors told the jury that, at the beginning of the altercation, Deleon told the owner of a family-owned restaurant, “You are not the king,” and was armed with a gun and knife. According to prosecutors, the owner of the restaurant was armed with what looked like a piece of tin foil.

The prosecution said Deleon fired a shot at the owner of the restaurant but it thankfully didn’t hit him.

They closed their statement by saying this case is about jealousy and anger and urged the jury to pay attention to the testimony of the witnesses during the trial and consider a verdict of guilty based on what Deleon did to the victims.

In the defense’s opening statement, Odom argued everything Deleon did on the day of the incident was in self-defense. Odom claimed that a victim swung a weapon at Deleon and the owner of the restaurant assisted in the attack against him.

According to Odom, Deleon was attempting to settle a dispute with the owner of the restaurant and fled the scene after the altercation, wanting nothing to do with it.

Odom argued the owner of the restaurant changed his story about his possession of a weapon various times throughout the investigation. Initially, he said he had a piece of tin foil but later mentioned that it was a machete wrapped in tinfoil.

“Why did the police never ask where the owner got the machete? Was it from the restaurant or from his car?” questioned Odom.

In finishing his statement, Odom blamed a blind police investigation and highlighted the fact that the owner of the restaurant was armed at the time of the incident. He asked the jury to consider a verdict of not guilty once all of the witness testimony has been presented.

After opening statements, prosecutors called their first witness, the son of the owner of the restaurant who was stabbed during the incident.

According to the witness, on the day of the incident, he was down the street from the restaurant standing near a bus stop cutting down flags because Cinco de Mayo had passed.

He told prosecutors he saw a red SUV pull behind a black car, which belonged to his father. The victim said he saw a man hop out of the red car and walk to the window of the black car.

According to the victim, he saw the two individuals, who he identified as Deleon and his father, get out of their cars and begin to argue. He noted that they eventually made their way in front of the restaurant, where he recalls seeing a knife and a belt or a chain swinging back and forth from Deleon.

The victim told prosecutors he knew it was Deleon because Deleon owns a shoe store across the street.

According to the witness, when he realized an altercation was occurring, he ran over to where Deleon was and grabbed the belt and wrapped it around his hands and put his foot behind Deleon’s foot, and tripped him up.

The victim testified that his father grabbed a metal rod from his car and started to hit the hands of Deleon to get the knife out.

According to the victim, Deleon had another knife in his pocket, which he removed to prevent him from using it.

After the incident was over, according to the victim, as he was walking back to the restaurant a customer came up to him and said he had been stabbed.

Not long after the customer told him this, a waitress informed him that Deleon was coming back. The victim said that he and the waitress rushed to a nearby bus stop and hid behind it.

The victim recalls seeing Deleon walk toward his father’s black car and load the firearm. Deleon pointed the firearm at the car as the owner was pulling out of the spot and he said he heard one shot and ran with the waitress into the restaurant.

After Deleon fired the shot, the victim testified that once he was back in the restaurant he put the knives in the kitchen.

The victim couldn’t confirm the name of Deleon’s shoe store to prosecutors, he said that two days after the incident, he and his brother called the police after seeing Deleon in the shop.

Due to time constraints, the victim was not able to finish his testimony.

The trial resumes Nov. 29.

Family Members Argue, Removed from Courtroom During Murder Sentencing

On Nov. 28, a verbal altercation between the families of a homicide victim and the defendant resulted in the removal of both groups during a sentencing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Alonzo Lewis, 38, was originally charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, and unlawful possession of firearm, for his involvement in the murder of 40-year-old Jaquon Helm and 35-year-old Venius Badgett on May 26, 2018, on the unit block of Galveston Street, SW.

On Oct. 6, Lewis accepted a plea deal that required him to plead guilty to two counts of second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges.

The hearing began with victim impact statements from many of the victims’ family members. who harbored disdain for Lewis, including Helm’s sister, who said “I have no forgiveness for anyone who kills anyone, he needs to never see the daylight again.”

The family of the victims were also unhappy with Lewis’ body language, with Badgett’s sister saying, “It’s as if we took something from him, the way he looks at us.”

Through the years since the murder in 2018, Badgett’s grandmother found herself finding forgiveness, saying at the sentencing “We need to hold on to the good things,” and “we need to find it in our hearts to forgive.”

Most family members, however, were not able to come to the same conclusion. Many said something along the lines of what Helm’s daughter said, “I will never forgive you.”

Tensions began to rise in the courtroom when Judge Brandt allowed Lewis’ children to speak. His son started by apologizing to the victims, he also said, “My father meant the world to me,” and “Whatever sentence it is we will take it.”

Things began to boil over when Lewis began to speak, he started with, “I want to apologize to the families.”

Lewis then said, “At the end of the day I didn’t go looking for this.”

Family members of the victims started yelling, with one claiming “Yes you did.” Lewis’ family started responding, arguing and yelling back across the aisle.

As things began to escalate, many individuals were restrained and removed from the courtroom by US Marshals, while Judge Brandt yelled “Excuse me!” and, “This is embarrassing.”

Ultimately, almost all family members on both sides of the aisle were removed, at the instruction of Judge Brandt.

After things calmed down in the courtroom Judge Brandt expressed her disappointment saying, “You’re not gonna have a brawl in my courtroom,” and “I would expect for adults to act like adults.”

Lewis resumed speaking, “I want to apologize to the family, especially the children.” He wanted the family to understand what he was going through at the time of murder saying, “I thought a man had beat my wife up,” and “I am not a violent person.”

Lewis ended with, “There’s about 15 children in this situation and all of them were hurt.”

Judge Brandt responded, “I appreciate that [Lewis].” She added that, “Usually on sentencing day [I have] a lot to say; I am for now utterly speechless,” referring to the chaos that had occurred earlier in the hearing.

Judge Brandt imposed a sentence of 15 years for each count, which are required to be run consecutively, with a total requirement of 30 years. Lewis is also required to register as a gun offender and serve five years of supervised release.

As Lewis was being walked out he said, “Have a good rest of your day y’all.”

Judge Sentences Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant to Three Months Behind Bars

On Nov. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced Ivan Holmes to three months in prison and three years under supervised release.

Holmes, 18, was originally charged with carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful discharge of a firearm for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1500 block of 1st Street SW on Aug. 18. No injuries were reported.

On Sept. 25, Holmes agreed to a pre-indictment deal and pleaded guilty to all charges in exchange for prosecutors not seeking an indictment.

Defense counsel, Thomas Healy, spoke on behalf of his client at sentencing saying, “You know children panic, and he is young,” but that his client understands the “stunningly dangerous” aspects of the case.

Healy asked for supervised release and sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act, a rule that essentially removes the conviction if Holmes is successful with all sentencing requirements.

Judge Christian interrupted Healy and spoke to the defendant saying, “But you know the difference between right and wrong.” Healy argued it was an in-the-moment “immature” decision with outside pressure from someone he trusted.

Healy argued Holmes should be given “faith with guardrails” to meet the sentencing criteria while also keeping the community safe.

In his own behalf, Holmes spoke for a lesser sentence stating his actions were “absurd and careless” and that he learned his lesson and hoped the judge would give him a second chance so he could “become a productive impact on the community.”

The prosecution noted Holmes has no adult criminal history, but as this is “incredibly serious conduct,” they requested a sentence of 12 months with a lengthy period of suspended sentence.

Judge Christian sentenced Holmes to 24 months total, with all but three suspended.

Holmes must complete 90 hours of community service within six months of his release, register as a gun offender, and comply with rehabilitation services.

No follow-up hearing has been scheduled.

Judge Says to Carjack Defendant, ‘You Can Train Pets Not to Bite People’

During a Nov. 29 sentencing hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian accepted an 11c1C plea agreement reducing the potential punishment for Basil Thomas, 20, but did not impose a sentence.

Thomas was originally charged with two counts of armed carjacking, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of carrying a pistol without a license, among other charges, for his involvement in two armed carjackings that left Thomas injured by his own gun on March 3 on the 4400 block of 8th Street, NE, and the 4800 block of North Capitol Street, NE.

On Sept. 6, Thomas, 21, agreed and pleaded guilty to carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm as a crime of violence with a prior conviction.

Security cameras from nearby areas capture the carjackings and show two suspects fleeing the scene after the victim fights back and gets access to Thomas’ gun. Thomas was shot once in the thigh and was later identified at the National Children’s Medical Center by the victim.

Defense counsel for Thomas, Hannah Claudio, stated her client feels extremely remorseful and “at his core, he wants to do well.” As she continued, Judge Christian cut her off, saying, “It’s just one year after the next,” emphasizing these actions are “more than mistakes” and instead “intentional depraved heart acts.”

Judge Christian went further by stating this agreement is “very lenient” for a “close to a throwaway the key case” and does not think it is warranted.

Claudio stressed that she was not saying anything to justify or excuse her client’s actions but rather to explain better how his upbringing impacted his life course.

An official from Rehabilitation Services and a special education representative spoke regarding the importance of structure, support, and the specialized instruction Thomas has been getting at the DC Jail.

When arguing that Thomas’ background shaped his behavior today, Judge Christian responded, “I mean, you can train pets not to bite people.”

Imposing the sentence would require Thomas move to the Bureau of Prisons, where these educational opportunities are unavailable, and he would not be able to attain his GED. Thomas is set to graduate in February 2025.

The prosecution did not oppose the request to stay in DC, as long as the court agreed to impose the sentence if there is future non-compliance.

Judge Christian decided not to impose the sentence and set a follow-up hearing to discuss Thomas’ progress in school. At that hearing, a list of individuals who visit Thomas and a copy of his report card will be required.

Parties are set to return to court on June 28th, 2024.

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