Shooting Defendant Rejects Mental Health Court Plea

A woman accused in a shooting who says she suffers from intense mood swings rejected having her case tried in mental health court again before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on April 29.

According to court documents, 26-year old Jordan Jennings is accused of carrying a pistol outside of a home or business as well as endangerment with a firearm. Officers initially responded to the sounds of gunfire on Sept. 10, on the 2800 block of 28th Street, SE.

During the hearing, defense attorney Janai Reed again turned down the prosecution’s offer to litigate the matter before DC’s Mental Health Community Court for a 14- month commitment. The program offers treatment to severely ill mental patients as an alternative to jail

A witness said, “That’s her,”- referring to-Jennings as the alleged shooter. Following the suspect, police stopped Jennings, wearing a pink-purple jacket and walking her dog down the 2800 block of Vista Terrace, SE.

During the encounter with police, Jennings repeatedly claimed she suffers from the mood swings, which are characteristic of bipolar mental illness and “could not calm down.”

Meanwhile, a search of the defendant’s black backpack allegedly turned up a Glock model P80 9mm handgun (serial # PF940C) containing one 9mm round in the chamber and two 9mm rounds inside of a 15 capacity magazine.

Police then arrested Jennings for endangerment on several gun charges and an attempt to kidnap a person after recovering a shell casing at the scene.

The precipitating event for the shooting was Jennings banging on the back door of a nearby residence allegedly demanding personal property. According to an occupant, Jennings was heard to say, “What the f***k, I got to let off a warning shot.”

Though another witness claimed to hear a gunshot, it could not be determined who fired the weapon. There were no reports of injuries.

In a September hearing, probable cause determined that Jennings committed the crime and she was jailed. However, later that month she was released on personal recognizance and a stay-away order from the victim. Meanwhile, prosecutors made a plea offer to have Jennings evaluated by DC’s mental health court.

However, Jennings rejected the deal, opting for trial instead, and ultimately winding up in Judge Salerno’s court where she was ordered to have outpatient drug treatment.

During the current hearing, defense attorney Janai Reed again turned down the prosecution’s offer to litigate the matter before DC’s Mental Health Community Court for a 14- month commitment.

The case is scheduled for indictment on June 7

Prosecutors Claim Homicide Suspects, ‘Were Greedy for More’

The prosecution argued a homicide resulted from the suspects’ greedy intent to steal cars in opening statements before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan’s courtroom on April 27.

D’Andre Montgomery, 20, is charged with conspiracy, felony murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale at the 1200 block of 44th Place, SE on Dec. 16, 2023.

Kevin Hider, 20, and Eric Sheffield, 21, also face charges for their alleged involvement in the incident. Hider is charged with first-degree murder while armed. Sheffield is charged with the same as Montgomery. Hider and Sheffield’s trials will be independent from Montgomery’s.

“Hey mom, I can’t find my phone. I’m going to check my car,” the prosecution said Barksdale told his mother right before the incident. The prosecution depicted the events before Barksdale’s death. They said he brought his one-year-old son to his mother’s house and changed his diaper. Barksdale subsequently realized his phone was left in his car, a Ford Thunderbird, parked outside.

When he went outside, the prosecution said, Barksdale saw a car “slowly and methodically” drive up, with who prosecutors claim was Montgomery pulling on his car door handle. “What’s up bruh,” Barksdale said. According to the prosecution, within a minute Montgomery and his accomplices in the car began shooting at Barksdale.

“What you will hear are the gunshots that so callously ended Barksdale’s life,” the prosecution said. The prosecution presented surveillance footage of the shooting in which Barksdale sustained two gunshot wounds.

The prosecution argued Montgomery and his former co-defendants conspired to steal multiple cars leading up to the incident. According to the prosecution, the suspects stole three cars prior to Dec. 16, 2023. “They were greedy for more,” the prosecution said regarding the attempt to steal Barksdale’s vehicle.

Barksdale’s death was a way to cover-up their actions by eliminating a witness, the prosecution argued. The suspects were prepared with at least three firearms, said prosecutors.

Montgomery, the prosecution characterized, was the “boldest” of the suspects, reportedly stealing the cars while on GPS monitoring for a prior offense.

“The heartbreaking reality is he really did leave his phone in the car,” the prosecution said, noting Barksdale’s cell phone was later found in his car.

Montgomery’s attorney, Charlotte Gilliand, argued Barksdale’s death was not her client’s fault. No one was ever meant to get hurt, Gilliland said.

She continued, Montgomery’s involvement was a “crime of opportunity, a crime of poverty,” not felony murder.

The night of the incident Montgomery and his co-defendants were “checking cars,” an activity Montgomery grew up doing to provide for himself as a child, said Gilliland.

When they approached the Thunderbird, he reportedly saw a phone light up. Montgomery opened the door to search for contents. While inside the car, he saw Barksdale rush down the porch, holding something in his waistband. Gilliland said Barksdale and Montgomery began to tussle.

“It’s chaos,” Gilliand said.

Before the shooting, Gilliland reported that Montgomery yelled “no,” but it was too late. Someone from the back of the car, Gilliand argued, began shooting.

Additionally, Gilliand argued the felony murder charge against Montgomery was unfounded. Under the conditions of felony murder charges, in order for Montgomery to be found guilty, there must have been a robbery at the time of death. Gilliland argued there was no robbery as Montgomery never took anything from Barksdale directly.

Montgomery had no idea what was going to happen that night, Gilliland concluded.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 28.

Brother Co-Defendants in Homicide Case Reject Plea Deals, Parties Delay Trial

Two brothers accused of a fatal shooting rejected plea deals and agreed to delay their trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 30.

Juvan Alston, 24, and Davon Alston, 23, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In addition, Juvan is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year and Davon with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Dennis Simms on the 800 block of Yuma Street, SE on July 1, 2022. Simms died from one shot to his head.

At the hearing, The prosecutor noted the “wired” plea offers expired the day prior to the hearing. Judge Kravitz confirmed Juvan and Davon rejected both offers and wanted to proceed to trial. At the last hearing on April 24, the prosecutors placed two plea offers on the record.

The first would require Juvan and Davon both plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed. In exchange, the prosecution would dismiss any greater or remaining charges and limit their sentence request to the midpoint of the guidelines.

The second offer, a global plea deal that would resolve the defendants’ cases in both DC and Prince George’s County, MD, would require both defendants to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in the present cases and motor vehicle theft in their Maryland cases. In exchange, the prosecution would dismiss all remaining charges in both cases, agree for the sentences to run concurrently, and dismiss Juvan and Davon’s unrelated cases stemming from separate incidents at the DC Jail in October 2025.

After the co-defendants rejected the deals, the prosecution requested to reschedule their trial originally scheduled for June 8. They said both prosecutors would be on leave in the weeks prior to the trial and as a result, parties could not discuss late filed motions from both defense teams.

In particular, Madalyn Harvey, Davon’s attorney, filed a motion the night prior to the hearing to suppress evidence from her client’s phone. The prosecutor said the case relies heavily on Instagram evidence and expected a lengthy litigation to resolve the issue. Stephen LoGerfo, Juvan’s attorney, anticipated filing a similar motion.

Judge Kravitz accepted some responsibility for the issue because he never set pre-trial deadlines for the parties. Therefore, the judge said he could not blame the defense for waiting to file their motions.

After speaking with their clients, LoGerfo and Harvey did not object to rescheduling the trial. The parties scheduled the new trial date for July 6, 2027 and Judge Kravitz set pre-trial motions deadlines.

Harvey also requested Davon’s release on home confinement but Judge Kravitz did not acknowledge the request.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 28.

Defense Objects to Former Co-Defendant’s Mention in Triple-Homicide Case

A defense attorney in a triple-homicide case objected to prosecutors mentioning her client’s former co-defendant as a source of evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 27.

Jalonte Thompkins, 34, is charged with conspiracy while armed, three counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence with a prior conviction greater than a year. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that killed 34-year-old James Morgan, 30-year-old Jamal Morgan, and 42-year-old Vincent Martin on Aug. 5, 2023 on the 2500 block of Ontario Road, NW.

Ahead of the trial, parties met to determine readiness and assess pending motions in a proceeding expected to last two-to-three weeks.

Thompkins’ attorney, Brandi Harden, voiced her opposition to the prosecution presenting evidence related to an uncharged co-defendant. Renza Bryant, 30, was initially charged with three counts of first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the same incident. DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found there was no probable cause for the charge against Bryant and dismissed his case on Jan. 16, 2024.

Harden requested Judge Kravitz prohibit Bryant’s mention in the trial because of Judge Okun’s finding and there was a no detectable DNA from Bryant on shell casings in evidence. Harden said there was “nothing in the record to suggest any participation” from Bryant and it would be “sheer speculation” from prosecutors.

The prosecutor said they “certainly” plan to introduce evidence related to Bryant.

Judge Kravitz asked Harden to file a written motion and prosecutors to respond before he rules on the issue.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 14 to discuss motions.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Test DNA Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan accepted a homicide defendant’s waiver of his right to independently test DNA evidence on April 29.
James Rice, 28, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Thomas Felder on May 1, 2024 at the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Felder sustained seven gunshot wounds.

At the hearing, the prosecutor said the police recovered three cartridge cases from the scene, two of which were tested and the results provided to the defense.

Judge Ryan explained the Innocence Protection Act (IPA) to Rice, which grants defendants the right to test any evidence for DNA at a lab of their choice. Judge Ryan then asked Rice if he would like to test or re-test any items.

After speaking with his attorney, David Knight, Rice said he would not. Judge Ryan accepted his decision, as he believed he did so knowingly and willingly.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 11, 2027.

Defendant Accused of Stabbing His Sister and Niece Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A defendant accused of a domestic stabbing that left two victims injured pleaded not guilty at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 29.

Lester Pendarvis, 26, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly grave risk while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, first-degree cruelty to children while armed, threatening to kidnap or injure a person while armed, and two counts of simple assault. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing on Aug. 12, 2025 on the 1400 block of Montana Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Pendarvis’ sister sustained life-threatening injuries with puncture wounds to her neck and lacerations to her left jaw, abdomen, and thigh. The second victim, Pendarvis’ seven-year-old niece, sustained a stab wound to her chest and laceration to her back. Both victims were transported to separate hospitals.

At the hearing, the court read the arraignment charges against Pendarvis. His attorney, Madalyn Harvey, asserted a not guilty plea on Pendarvis’ behalf.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 29 for a detention hearing.

Judge Orders a Fifth Competency Exam for Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ordered a homicide defendant undergo his fifth full mental competency evaluation on April 24.

Alberto Valle Carranza, 56, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal domestic stabbing of 31-year-old Reyna Garcia Lopez on the 1200 block of 11th Street, NW on Dec. 19, 2023.

Defense attorney Julie Swaney requested Judge Edelman rule on a “Jackson” finding under Jackson v. Indiana, which outlines provisions for mentally and physically impaired defendants found incompetent by the court. Carranza has been found incompetent once before by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on March 28, 2025. Swaney requested the court order speech language therapy to restore his competency.

The prosecution disagreed, noting a Spanish language psychiatrist had cast doubt that speech therapy could be helpful. They argued DBH should continue their care and Judge Edelman should order another mental competency exam for Carranza.

Judge Edelman considered the requests and acknowledged speech language therapy could be helpful in eliminating all possible issues. However, he denied making a Jackson finding at this time and ordered another full mental competency exam.

In order to stand trial a defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges and help his attorney. It’s not unusual for defendants to drift in and out of mental competence based on a number of factors including drug use, mental illness or lack of education. However, competence must be restored to initiate a trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 26.

Homicide Defendant Wants to Attend School and Church, Judge Demurs

Defense attorneys requested DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman adjust a homicide defendant’s release conditions to allow her to attend school and church, on April 24.

Jalynn Jamison, 18, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Tristan Johnson at the 1900 block of C Street, SE near Stadium Armory Metro Station on Nov. 8, 2025.

Jamison’s attorneys, Hannah Claudio and Theodore Shaw, filed a motion to adjust Jamison’s release conditions to allow her to attend school and church while in home confinement.

According to Claudio, Jamison has been in full-compliance with her release conditions and argued she does not pose a danger to the community. Jamison would attend YouthBuild, a public charter school aimed at re-engaging students by blending workplace experience with post-secondary education. Claudio told Judge Edelman it is important for Jamison to continue pursuing her GED without pause.

The prosecutor opposed the adjustment, saying there are virtual options that would achieve the same result. She said due to the significance of the charge and the age of the victim, Jamison still poses a danger to the community despite her compliance.

Judge Edelman raised concerns about supervision at the school during worksite visitation. From his knowledge, YouthBuild gives the student leeway on worksites with little to no supervision. He prefers Jamison be enrolled in school but only attend the in-class sessions.

Judge Edelman ruled in abeyance, meaning suspending a decision until the next hearing. While he is respectful of the desire to go to church, Judge Edelman said, there are other options to worship from home and would likely deny thatrelease condition modification. On attending school, the judge requested the school certify in writing Jamison is able to attend in-classroom sessions without the worksite visits.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 14.

Shooters Sentencing Delayed by Last Minute Information

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan rescheduled the sentencing of two non-fatal shooting defendants after the prosecutor said she was unprepared to move forward on April 24.

On Dec. 12, 2025, Saki Frost, 19, and Azhari Graves, 20, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license for shooting a high school student on the 1200 block of Kirby Street, NW on May 3, 2024.

The prosecutor told Judge Ryan that the sentencing was not on their calendar and they were only reminded of it when the defense sent sentencing information at 2:30 a. m. the previous morning.

She said she had not had time to review video or Youth Rehabilitation Act studies, which the defense provided, and would help the judge decide if the defendants should receive sentences under the required sentencing guidelines, and the possibility to seal their cases in the future. Judge Ryan said he had reviewed the material before leaving court the previous day.

“That unawareness, I don’t think is our fault,” Judge Ryan said.

The prosecutor asked to reschedule the sentencing to April 27, but Judge Ryan said he was unavailable due to a previously scheduled trial.

“It’s easy to ask for Monday, harder to give it,” Judge Ryan said.

Graves attorneys, Hannah Claudio and Erin Griffard, and Frost’s attorney, John Iwenoge, opposed the motion for a continuance.

Many people were in the courtroom to observe or speak during the sentencing. Judge Ryan apologized to them for the inconvenience and rescheduled the hearing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 18.

Prosecutors to Retry Triple-Homicide Defendant After Conviction Overturned

The prosecutors said they plan to re-try a triple-homicide defendant on April 24 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan after the DC Court of Appeals reversed his convictions.

Rakeem Willis, 35, was convicted by a jury on Nov. 16, 2022 of three counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed and fleeing a law enforcement officer for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Sean Shuler, 26, Javon Abney, 26, and Tyrik Hagood, 24, on the 1500 block of Fort Davis Place, SE on Jan. 26, 2019.

Willis was sentenced to 120 years in prison on Feb. 10, 2023.

According to court documents, Willis filed an appeal on March 11, 2023, on the basis that DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee Jr., who presided over the pre-trial motions, failed to properly determine whether a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agent’s testimony regarding cellular data was based on a reliable methodology that was fairly applied to the facts of the case.

Willis’ appeal also argued that Judge Lee incorrectly found that the prosecution’s notice to introduce the agent’s expert testimony adequately disclosed substantive evidence and that Judge Ryan failed to dismiss a juror who appeared to be sleeping or otherwise inattentive during the trial.

In an opinion written by DC Court of Appeals Judge Vijay Shanker, the court found that the evaluation of the FBI agent’s testimony as an expert was not sufficient and reversed Willis’ conviction for all three counts of first-degree murder. However, because the testimony did not relate to the fleeing a law enforcement officer charge, Willis’ conviction for that charge was affirmed.

At the hearing, prosecutors said they intend to retry the case against Willis. They said they will file a request to return him to the court’s jurisdiction, which usually takes 45 days.

Willis’ attorney, Jessica Willis, said she was not on the original counsel on the case and did not meet Willis before the hearing, so she could not access the full evidence. Judge Ryan declined to schedule a trial date until these matters could be resolved.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 18.

‘My Life Has Been Changed Forever,’ Says Carjacking Victim

Defense cross-examined victim in carjacking case before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on April 23.

Miquel Beasley, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place at the 3000 block of 1st Street, SE on March 22, 2024.

At the hearing, Beasley’s attorney, Antoini Jones ,continued to cross examine the victim who testified that he did not remember the details of the carjacking incident, only that he was held at gunpoint and his car was stolen.

“The only thing I remember was a pistol to my head,” the victim said, and “My life has changed forever.”

Jones questioned the victim’s testimony asking, “Is it that you don’t remember things today? Because when the [prosecution] was asking, you were able to answer.” The prosecution objected to this question, and Judge Arthur struck it from the record.

The victim also testified upon redirect from the prosecution that he had no doubt he was carjacked by someone who he referred to as “Quel.”

Prosecutors also called on a DNA analyst from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) who testified that DNA recovered from the steering wheel, turn signal, and windshield wiper lever were likely Beasley’s.

On cross-examination, Jones asked the DNA analyst if she received a reference sample from the victim, to which she said no, and agreed that she couldn’t include or exclude it from the analysis.

She also stated that DNA can remain on surfaces for extended periods of time and may be transferred indirectly, meaning it can be left through contact with another person or object.

The prosecution also called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) patrol officer who testified that the victim reported the carjacking around 3:30 p. m. on March 22, 2024, stating that a gun was pointed at him and his vehicle was taken.

According to the officer, the victim identified the suspect as “Quell” and provided a description of a Black male with facial hair and visible tattoos. The vehicle was later recovered nearby.

During cross-examination, the defense questioned the officer’s observations of the victim’s demeanor and pointed to inconsistencies in the vehicle’s description. The officer maintained that the victim appeared overwhelmed and confirmed that police followed protocol by not handling the vehicle before forensic testing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 27.

Citing ‘Significant Change of Circumstances,’ Judge Releases Domestic Stabbing Defendant

The suspect in a domestic stabbing case was released following a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on April 27 who chided the prosecution for missing the indictment deadline as new details of the incident emerged.

Forty-seven-year old Carlos Blount is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for a stabbing that occurred on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE on July 31.

According to court documents, the female victim was allegedly accosted on the street by Blount after she ended their brief relationship. He reportedly tried to grab her cell phone and her purse and in the ensuing struggle both fell to the ground.

During the assault Blount is said to have stabbed the victim on the back and lower legs with a silver and black pocket knife. After her cries for help, police responded to the scene and the victim was transported to Howard University Hospital for treatment where she was shown an “on scene” photo of Blount whom she identified as her assailant.

The information enabled police to issue a warrant and apprehend Blount who has two outstanding warrants on other cases.

During the hearing, the prosecution asked to continue the case because it wasn’t ready but meanwhile keep Blount in jail. The reason for the request is that the prosecution has new information that could establish an alibi for Blount which needs to be presented to the Grand Jury before issuing an indictment.

Prosecutors asked for an additional 45 days to examine records from Howard Hospital and the defense that may indicate Blount was admitted the day before the incident.

”Based on what I’ve heard, the government isn’t going to be ready in 45 days,” said a skeptical Judge Salerno.

He also chided the prosecution for failing to meet the indictment deadline. “It’s not just a 100 day case that’s been pending for 8-and-a-half- months and there’s still no indictment,” said the judge.

“We do have a pretty significant change of circumstances.” said Judge Salerno, ruling that he couldn’t justify keeping Blount in jail. He ordered the defendant released on GPS monitoring with a stay-away order from the victim, the incident location, and that he have no weapons of any kind.

Defense attorney Gail Maddox-Levine mentioned the possibility of a global plea but no further details were provided.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for June 15.

Defendant Charged With Stabbing Her Impaired Sister Released

In a brief proceeding before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on April 27 a defendant charged with stabbing her mentally impaired sister was released pre-trial.

“This is more of a person issue,” not a community safety issue, said Judge Salerno in making his ruling.

Dana House, 55, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing her sister with a sharp object on March 14 on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE. Probable cause that House committed the crime with aggravating circumstances was determined earlier this month and she was detained.

However, defense attorney Victoria Clark said the judge may have “misconstrued” the situation. The victim suffers from schizophrenia and other disabilities, said Clark, and House has been acting as an unpaid caregiver.

The prosecutor countered that the victim was “severely traumatized” and has trouble sleeping. “This is indicative of a need for a hold,” said the prosecutor, who mentioned that House has a previous record.

Judge Salerno reviewed the allegations that House forced her way into the victim’s residence and attacked her vulnerable sister with a sharp object.

However, the Judge said, “if this was more of a community safety issue, I might do home confinement.” Ultimately, he concluded that the alleged offense was directed at only one individual.

As such, he ordered that House be released under GPS monitoring, with a stay-away order from the victim and a prohibition against possessing any weapons.

Meanwhile, the prosecutor said there is a plea offer in the case, though details were not released in open court.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 22.

Brothers Accused of Fatal Shooting Consider Plea Deal as Trial Approaches

The prosecution placed two plea offers on the record for homicide co-defendants before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 24.

Stephen LoGerfo, Juvan’s attorney, informed parties that the Department of Corrections (DOC) transported his client back to the DC Jail after he refused to attend the hearing.

The prosecutors informed Judge Kravitz that parties continued to negotiate a potential plea deal. According to the prosecutors, they extended a deal in September 2025 that would require Juvan and Davon both plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed. In exchange, the prosecution would dismiss any greater or remaining charges and limit their sentence request to the midpoint of the guidelines.

At the request of the defense, prosecutors said they coordinated with prosecutors in Prince George’s County, MD to offer a global plea deal that would resolve the defendants’ cases in both jurisdictions. According to prosecutors, the defendants face charges for allegedly carjacking a vehicle in Maryland that prosecutors claim they later used to shoot Simms in DC.

The prosecutor said the global deal they extended on April 8 would require both defendants to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in the present cases and motor vehicle theft in their Maryland cases. In exchange, the prosecution would dismiss all remaining charges in both cases, agree for the sentences to run concurrently, and dismiss Juvan and Davon’s unrelated cases stemming from separate incidents at the DC Jail in October 2025.

The deals were set to expire at the hearing, but prosecutors said they would extend the deadline to April 29. If they are not signed at that time, the prosecution said they will no longer negotiate due to the trial date scheduled for June 8.

Madalyn Harvey, Davon’s attorney, said the situation was “not as clear cut as [the prosecutor] says.” According to Harvey, other versions of the deals existed and she had not discussed the offers at length with her client. Harvey also anticipated that issues in her current homicide trial for another client would prevent her from discussing the offers with Davon before the new deadline, but she would do her best.

The prosecutors inquired whether Davon’s other attorney, Henry Druschel, could discuss the offers, but Harvey said she had to be present. The prosecutor requested Judge Kravitz require Harvey to meet with Davon about the deal by the deadline and said Harvey was “frankly manipulating the system.”

Harvey responded that the prosecutor’s comment was “not appropriate.”

Judge Kravitz noted the defendants’ constitutional rights to receive effective assistance of counsel regarding plea offers.

Harvey concluded that if she could make time to visit the jail she would and if not, prosecutors would rescind the offer. LoGerfo noted that he discussed the deals with Juvan but could not move forward without his presence.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 30.

Stabbing Suspect Takes Plea

A suspect accused of stabbing a victim in the back accepted a guilty plea in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on April 27.

Muhammad Abubakor, 25, was originally indicted for assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with serious bodily injury for an incident that occurred on Oct. 30 in the 3400 block of 14th Street, NW.

According to court documents, the victim was leaving his friend’s house on the way to his car. At that point an unknown Black male approached from behind “and stabbed him in the lower back, causing a two-to-three inch puncture wound.”

Represented by attorney John Sample, Abubakor accepted the prosecution’s offer to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, dropping the second count in the indictment. In return, the prosecution agreed not to seek an indictment on greater charges and recommend sentencing within the felony guidelines.

Judge Salerno asked Abubakor if he understood that by accepting a guilty plea he would be waiving his right to a trial and to appeal the verdict if convicted, The defendant acknowledged the terms with a simple, “yes.”

The prosecutor said that based on the facts had the case gone to trial, a jury would have convicted Abukakor of the attack. He could face a penalty of five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine for the crime.

Sentencing is set for June 29.

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