Teen Carjacking Defendants Accept Plea Deal

Two teen carjacking defendants accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Oct. 9.

Fadil Compaore, 17, and Kamari Montgomery, 16, were originally charged with two counts unarmed carjacking, two counts of robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stemmed from their involvement in two carjacking incidents: on May 2 on the 3600 block of 12th Street, NE, and May 31 on the 3500 block of 12th Street, NE.

They’re charged as adults under Title 16.

During the hearing, Brandon Burrell, Compaore’s attorney, and Lauren Morehouse and Madhuri Swarna, Montgomery’s attorneys, alerted the court of their intent to accept a plea deal.

The deal required the defendants to plead guilty to robbery, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment in connection to the two incidents, and additional charges in connection to ten uncharged incidents.

The maximum penalty each defendant faces is 15 years of imprisonment and/or a $37,500 fine.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they’d have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on May 2, Montgomery and an accomplice robbed an individual of their motor scooter outside a CVS pharmacy on the 3600 block of 12th Street, NE. The prosecution claimed the defendant used force, and acted without a right or legal justification.

The prosecution also stated they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on May 31, Compaore and an accomplice robbed an individual of a motor scooter on the 3500 block of 12th Street, NE. One of them brandished a firearm and used force to remove the owner off the scooter. He did so without a right or legal justification.

Both defendants accepted the plea deal.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Dec. 9.

Shooting Defendant Detained For Repeated Non-compliance

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe, displeased with a defendant for continued non-compliance on release despite previous reprimands, ordered him detained on Oct. 8.

Jory Sydnor, 26, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly 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 a shooting that occurred April 10 on the 1400 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE.

Judge Pipe last saw Sydnor on Sept. 8 and had been understanding of his drug testing non-compliance, according to the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA). However, since that hearing, Sydnor has failed to report for drug testing repeatedly and has not contacted his assigned officer. Nor has he participated in required mental health reviews.

A representative from PSA alerted Judge Pipe that they recommended revocation of his probation.

As a result, Jude Pipe stepped him back, meaning she returned him to the custody of the DC Jail.

The judge said she made it very clear to Sydnor that he needed to get back into compliance when she saw him last. The defendant arrived late and the judge thought was “unlikely to materialize” for the hearing due to his continued non-compliance.

The prosecution made mention of a plea offer they plan to extend to Sydnor, which would include bed-to-bed treatment for him rather than imprisonment.

Defense attorney Andrew Ain spoke briefly to Sydnor privately. He was assigned to the case after Sydnor requested a new lawyer.

Ain told the court that Sydnor is willing to perform a spot narcotics test after the hearing and that he is also experiencing depression, which has led to the defendant “sticking his head in the sand” and falling into non-compliance.

Ain asked for an assessment to determine if Sydnor qualifies for bed-to-bed treatment before they proceed with the case. Along with stepping him back, Judge Pipe ordered the evaluation and the spot testing for Sydnor. The spot test came back positive.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 10.

While Parties Negotiate, Stabbing Defendant Remains Held

In a felony status conference before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Oct. 1, where defense attorneys reported progress in negotiations to resolve the case but the defendant was denied a bail review to consider conditions of his pretrial release.

Robert Lance Harris, 59, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place on the 3700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, on July 1.

During the hearing, defense counsel Adgie O’Bryant Jr. told the court that “the gulf between us has narrowed” and requested a two-week continuance for further negotiations with the prosecution.

O’Bryant Jr. also moved for Harris’ release, emphasizing his community service and employment. The prosecution, however, argued that financial consequences were not to justify his release and could pose a danger to the community. Judge Hertzfeld ultimately denied the motion for bond review and Harris remains detained. .

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 16.

Double Homicide Defendant Considers Insanity Defense

A double-homicide defendant received an extension to file an insanity plea from DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Oct. 3.

Ronzoni Jackson, Jr. 26, is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence.

Jackson’s charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in the fatal shootings of two brothers, 28-year-old Octavio Quintano and 35-year-old Osmine Quintano, on Dec. 12, 2023, on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE.

According to court documents, the suspect was initially identified through distinctive facial features captured on surveillance footage.

Sellano Simmons, Jackson’s defense attorney, first told Judge Edelman on Aug. 1 that he was working on an insanity defense for trial.

Simmons said that while he had been consulting an expert who will evaluate Ronzoni to determine whether to use an insanity defense during trial, he is currently awaiting medical records from Mercy Hospital, Washington Medical Center, and the DC Jail.

The prosecution argued that a trial date has already been set for Feb. 9, 2026, and that the defense had previously received two extensions to go forward with pursuing an insanity defense.

Judge Edelman asked the prosecution how would respond if Jackson were convicted and the outcome challenged based on an insanity finding. The prosecutors responded they would seek their own mental evaluation.

The prosecution motioned to begin the process now. The defense argued that they had not yet decided to go forward with the insanity plea, and that Jackson was not required to speak to any other mental health experts.

A criminal responsibility exam requires a specialized assessment by a mental health professional to determine if a defendant’s mental state at the time of the crime allowed them to understand the wrongfulness of their actions or conform their conduct to the law.

Judge Edelman chose not to rule on the prosecution’s oral motion at this time, and asked for the defense to late-file their motion regarding their insanity defense, and to disclose the delayed timeline by Oct. 22.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 24.

Surveillance Footage Details Shooters’ Vehicle Path in Teen Homicide Case

Surveillance footage of a vehicle involved in a 2020 fatal shooting case was presented to the jury before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Oct. 7.

Reginald Steele, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, ten counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, and five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.

The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in four shootings, including the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, at the 600 block of S Street, NW, on March 1, 2020. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Steele was also allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on March 1, 2020 at the unit block of Channing Street, NE, and a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 22, 2020 at the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW. No individuals sustained injuries.

Additionally, Steele faces charges for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 24, 2020 at the 1700 block of Ninth Street, NW. Three individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective was recalled to the stand to complete his testimony from the day prior. The witness reviewed live footage that he obtained from various locations that depicted four men in a Kia Soul with a prominent Getaround car company logo on the side.

A 2024 trial proved that Steele’s co-defendants, Tyiion Freeman, 26, Koran Jackson, 25, Stephen Nelson, 34 and Aaron Brown, 29, stole the same Kia Soul seen on the video footage and used it in the Channing Street shooting and the homicide. Prosecutors claim Steele was part of the group.

Prosecutors reviewed videos from 14th Street and Columbia Road, NW, a BP gas station on the 3400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, Trinity Towers on the 3000 block of 14th Street NW, and Lamont and 6th Streets, NW.

In all four of these videos that prosecution showed to the witness, he noted that when the Kia Soul was in view, the same Getaround logo was visible, indicating it was the same car at all described locations.

Additionally, the detective described the specific articles of clothing seen on the men in each video that later helped identify multiple of the co-defendants.

One man was wearing a sweatshirt with a NASA logo on the front and back, who was later identified as Jackson, according to court documents. Another wore a sweatshirt with Tokyo and Japan written on the front, later identified as Freeman, according to court documents.

The detective then described a third man in the videos wearing a sweatshirt with the word RAW written on the front, and wearing unique sneakers. The witness confirmed that this man was allegedly identified as Steele.

“Was there a nickname that was given?,” prosecutors asked the witness in reference to Steele. “Gordo,” the witness replied.

After identifying the clothing items in each video, prosecutors brought out both the NASA sweatshirt and a pair of sneakers for the witness to identify in front of the jury.

A compilation of surveillance footage was shown to the jury after the witness testified that he had compiled and verified it. The video tracks the Silver Kia Soul for a period of 90 minutes from the BP gas station to the scene of the shooting on Bryant and North Capitol Street and the homicide. The witness further testified that the men identified earlier can be seen exiting the vehicle around the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Lamont Street, NW.

Prosecutors also called on a monitoring specialist and custodian of records for the DC Department of Corrections (DOC) who testified that she was responsible for compiling calls from the DC jail phone system for subpoena.

The witness asserted that every inmate in the DOC has a unique PIN code and voice recognition that allows them to access the phone, and this is how the data was retrieved for specific individuals.

Detailed reports of calls made by Brown, Jackson, and Steele were admitted into evidence after being verified by the witness.

A call between Steele and a man alleged to be his father was played before the court, where they can be heard briefly discussing his arrest earlier that day. Calls from the other individuals were played for the court for purposes of voice identification of each of the men.

Trial is set to reconvene on Oct. 8.

Plea Offer Extended as Non-Fatal Shooting Trial Nears the End

A last minute plea offer was introduced in a shooting case before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Oct.6.

Nigel Pulliam, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a dangerous weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition in connection to a non-fatal shooting and robbery. The shooting took place on the 2000 block of Benning Road NE on Aug. 29, 2022, and the robbery took place on the 700 block of 14th Street, NE on Sept. 23, 2022.

At the end of the proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that they had extended a plea offer and the defense stated they needed more time to discuss it with their client. The offer would require Pulliam to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and serve eight years imprisonment.

Problems in the prosecution’s case became apparent that a Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) officer that recovered the shell casings from the scene was unavailable to testify, which compromised the notion that the evidence hadn’t been altered police custody.

The prosecution called the officer that responded to the Aug. 29 shooting to testify. He stated that he was called out for a shooting alert and reviewed security footage from a nearby convenience store.

According to the officer, the footage showed the suspect walking in and out of the establishment, before pulling out a gun and firing twice across the street. He said that the victim came up to the police as they canvassed the area and identified Pulliam as the shooter.

A surgeon from the Washington Medical Center also testified to removing what appeared to be bullet fragments from the forearm of the victim. The witness testified that the wound seemed to be old, and had already mostly healed, but that he was worried about potential nerve damage from a foreign body in the arm. He removed the remnants under local anesthetic and ordered a nerve test but stated that he never received the results, and did not see the victim after that.

The police officer who allegedly recovered a firearm from Pulliam testified that he responded to a traffic stop and found the weapon under the Pulliam’s seat. The witness testified that the stop took place on Sept. 6, 2022, which would have been a week after the shooting. The witness testified that he confiscated the firearm from the vehicle.

According to police documents, Pulliam was arrested after this stop but not charged. He was not formally accused of anything until he was picked up following a Sept. 23, 2022 robbery.

A ballistics expert came in to testify that bullet casings he was provided and test firings from the weapon recovered from Pulliam had consistent markings. The witness also identified the firearm as a Polymer 80 9mm, otherwise known as a “ghost gun”, which was built with second-hand Glock components and a 3D printed frame so that it can not be registered or traced through a serial number.

Trial is set to reconvene on Oct. 7.

Judge Apologizes for Missing Defense Competency Request, Grants It

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a mass stabbing defendant’s motion for a competency screening on Oct. 3.

Kevin Andrade, 34, is charged with six counts of assault with intent to kill for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of six people on the 1200 block of Meigs Place, NE on April 3.

According to court documents, four women and two men were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the incident.

Judge Brandt apologized several times to defense attorney Steven Kiersh for missing the competency screening he requested on Aug. 13.

“That was totally my fault,” Judge Brandt said.

Judge Brandt ordered the evaluation.

Parties are slated to reconvene for Oct. 10.

Judge Admonishes Defense for Claiming Prosecution Lied

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt admonished a defense attorney for claiming prosecutors were lying about evidence on Oct. 6.

David Pena, 48, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Maurice Robinson. The incident occurred on the 2900 block of Southern Avenue, SE on June 12, 2023.

During the hearing, the prosecution and defense made arguments regarding body-worn camera footage. Dana Page, Pena’s attorney, requested body-worn camera footage that allegedly links an act of arson to the shooting. Page claimed that officers in the footage stated that the arson was in retaliation for the shooting two days prior.

The prosecution argued that associating the arson and shooting is not evidence of anything and is common.

Page claimed that the assertion that the only other evidence in this case is testimony made by a witness to a grand jury is a lie. The prosecution objected to that characterization.

Judge Brandt stated that the claim was “uncivil” and made it clear that the claim would not be tolerated. She insisted that it is not the job of the prosecution to decide what is helpful to the defense and it is not the defense’s responsibility to disclose what is helpful to them.

Prosecutors also took issue with the defense’s expert witness specializing in trauma. They stated that the type of testimony is not well established nor do they understand its content.

Page stated that the prosecution is aware the testimony’s content and that there is case law supporting it.

Judge Brandt noted that the scheduled trial date appears to be at risk as this is a complicated matter and the government shutdown is impacting the prosecution’s ability to obtain their own expert witness.

In response to the Page’s request for audit logs pertaining to body-worn camera footage as well as the body-worn camera footage itself, Judge Brandt ordered that they be turned over to the defense. She stated that the defense is not asking for anything unreasonable and it does not matter how the prosecution views evidence, what matters is whether or not the defense is entitled to it.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 10.

Judge Order’s Murder Defendant’s Confidential Competency Report Destroyed

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered a prosecutor on Oct. 3 to destroy all records in relation to a murder defendant’s mental competency proceeding as mandated by law.

Stephon Shields, 29, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 58-year-old James Samuels. The incident occurred on the 2900 block of Nelson Place, SE, on June 2, 2023.

To stand trial, a defendant must show enough mental competency to understand the charges he faces, as well as be able to help his attorney.

According to court documents, Shields allegedly confronted Samuels, his ex-girlfriend’s fiance, in his apartment where they got into a heated argument. The incident quickly escalated, and Shields reportedly shot Samuels 22 times, including once in his penis.

Defense attorneys Sylvia Smith and Ashley Prather withdrew their opposition to the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) mental health evaluation results on Sept. 4, which determined Shields was competent to stand trial.

At the Oct. 3 hearing, Judge Brandt noted that the competency evaluations had been ongoing, so “it’s like [the case] is coming to life again.”

Smith added that, because the defense withdrew its opposition, the prosecution should have already destroyed all records in relation to competency proceedings in their possession or should have returned them to the court.

The prosecutor indicated he had yet to do either and wanted time to check the rules on the destruction of records.

“Let’s talk about it because those are very sensitive records,” Smith said and found it “troubling” the prosecution requested time to review.

Smith asked Judge Brandt to order the prosecutor to destroy all competency and DBH-related reports according to the protective order, but the prosecutor argued the defense never made a formal motion.

Judge Brandt refuted the prosecution’s point about a formal notion and told him he must abide by the protective order.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A murder defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges on Oct. 2, before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Quateze Moore, 47, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm less than one year after conviction for allegedly fatally shooting Martinez Robinson, 25, multiple times on the 1300 block of Girard St NW on Aug. 23, 2024.

Peter Odom, Moore’s attorney, alerted Judge Park of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 13.

Detective Continues Surveillance Testimony in Homicide Case

A lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective continued testimony in a shooting preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Oct. 3.

Carlton Simon, 20, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Angel Dominguez on May 29, 2025 that occurred on the 900 block of Florida Avenue, NW.

The prosecution called the detective for Simon’s case to testify about videos from the day of the shooting that capture the crime scene as well as the flight path of the suspect following the incident into the U Street Metro station.

Footage of the incident depicts an individual wearing black Purple brand jeans with a white tag, a black hoodie, and black and white Jordan shoes, apparently holding a handgun in their right hand, firing multiple shots, and then running down 10th Street, NW. The detective testified that they believed this individual to be Simon.

Different video footage from the 2200 block of 10th Street, NW provided by Howard University apparentlyshows the same individual running eastbound down 10th Street, which the detective testified saying they believed this to be Simon’s flightpath following the shooting.

After being shown multiple angles of video footage from the same block, the detective testified that they believed Simon ran into the alley on the corner of 10th Street, NW.

The prosecution then presented security footage from the intersection of 11th and U Streets, NW, where the detective identified Simon to be crossing the intersection and running down 11th Street. The detective also testified that three MPD squad cars are seen driving down U Street NW, and that the suspect, identified as Simon, appears to stop running and slow his pace as they drive by.

The prosecution followed this by showing footage outside of the U Street Metro station minutes after the shooting, where the detective once again identified Simon near the entrance. The detective testified that they requested all security footage from three-to-four p. m. on the day of the shooting from Metro at the U Street station.

As the prosecution moved to show video footage inside of the Metro station, the detective testified that a still from this set of footage was used by MPD allegedly to identify Simon with a witness of the shooting. The video footage showed an individual, later identified as Simon, near the turnstiles of the U Street station, scan his SmartTrip card, and enter the tracks of the station.

The detective testified that after the footage showed the individual scanning his SmartTrip card, MPD requested subscriber information and transaction information for the U Street Metro station for that day. The detective testified that this information revealed that Carlton Simon’s SmartTrip card was ostensibly being used at the U Street Metro station at around 3:13 p. m. MPD documents recorded the shooting at 3:07 p. m.

The prosecution asked the detective if they were aware of the last stop Simon used his SmartTrip card that day, to which the detective testified that Simon’s transaction records showed that he last scanned his card at the Gallery Place Metro station.

The prosecution proceeded by showing footage from inside of the Gallery Place Metro station, where the detective identified the suspect exiting the station at approximately 3:38 p. m.

The prosecution asked the detective about the fact that in their arrest warrant, the detective mentioned that they believed Simon and the victim appeared to be classmates. The detective testified that this was true, and that Simon was present in school that day, according to attendance records.

The detective testified that besides requesting security footage following the shooting, MPD also requested footage in the morning outside of Simon’s home, as well as from both the Gallery Place and U Street Metro stations.

The prosecution showed security footage of the courtyard of Simon’s home on Benning Road, where the detective was able to identify a person said to be Simon wearing the same Purple brand black jeans with a white tag, black hoodie, and black and white Jordan shoes walking towards the street at approximately 9:46 a. m.

Another angle of the courtyard was also shown, and the detective once again testified that Simon was the individual captured on film.

Next, security footage inside of the U Street Metro station was shown, and the detective testified that MPD had requested all security footage from inside the station from 10-to-11 a. m. the morning of the shooting.

At approximately 10:23 a. m., the detective testified that Simon, wearing the same clothes, was waiting at the tracks of the metro station.

The prosecution also showed video footage of the individual identified as Simon exiting the station, where he is holding a cellphone in his left hand. The detective testified that the individual in the frame was Simon, and noted that on Simon’s right side an L-shaped bulge consistent with a firearm was visible.

The detective also testified that Simon’s hair was of note, as he was wearing a twist hairstyle where his hair was “long and out”.

The detective stated that during the shooting, video footage captured the suspect shooting with his right hand.

Simon first met with MPD detectives on June 18, where the detective testified that he complied with officers and was accompanied by his mother to be interviewed.

On Sept. 16, Simon was arrested, and the detective testified that at the time of his arrest, MPD seized his cellphone and filed the appropriate warrants in order to extract evidence from the phone.

The prosecution presented a number of images extracted from Simon’s cellphone, two of which were pictures of an individual holding a handgun that the detective testified believed to be Simon.

In one of the images, the individual’s face was blurred, but the detective testified that Simon was the individual in the image, given a similar build, and the fact that he was wearing the same black hoodie from the day of the shooting.

Another image that the prosecution presented to the detective was a screenshot from Instagram that listed a number of shooting victims within the D.C. area, where Dominguez appeared third on the list.

The prosecution also presented another screenshot from Instagram recovered from Simon’s phone that the detective testified was the victim and his friend.

The prosecution also presented allegedl conversations from Simon’s phone the day of the homicide, where the detective testified that Simon stated “I’m tryna bag him, I don’t GAF”.

GAF is a slang term for I don’t give a f***.

The prosecution also presented MPD’s extraction report for Simon’s Instagram account, which the detective testified was created on June 6 with the username “yourripnext”.

The prosecution then presented a screenshot of an Instagram livestream from an account with the same username, which the detective testified was Simon on the livestream. The detective also noted that Simon had appeared to cut his hair, which was longer the day of the shooting.

The prosecution also presented multiple different audio clips of rap songs from Simon’s phone. Lyrics in the song were observed to be saying “If I said I’m gonna kill you just know I mean it” and “When I pulled up with bruh I put one in his chest”. According to the detective, Dominguez was killed by a gunshot to the chest.

The detective testified that the voice in the recordings was recognizable as Simon’s voice given that Simon has a notable lisp that can be heard throughout the recordings.

Due to time constraints, Judge Edelman was unable to rule on probable cause.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 17.

Trial Paused After Victim’s Testimony Raises Constitutional Issues

A trial was abruptly paused after the victim’s testimony raised a potential Fifth Amendment issue before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Oct. 2. In essence, the victim might be testifying against himself.

Dominick Jackson, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Nov. 20, 2022, on the 700 block of 12th Street, NE.

A witness with a connection to the victim and the defendant continued her testimony from the day before. She is the mother of two of Jackson’s children, and had a platonic relationship with the victim at the time of the incident. The witness reiterated that she did not want to be testifying and had not wanted to get involved in the case.

The reason she explained is that she had not spoken to the police on the night of the incident. The defense, Kevin Robertson, also clarified that she did not call the police in the days following the shooting, even after visiting the victim in the hospital. Police had, however, tried in the days following the shooting to contact her, including knocking on her door, which she ignored.

The relationship between the victim and the witness was strained. When prompted by Robertson, she spoke at length about the numerous calls to the police she had made regarding the victim’s slashing her tires, damaging her property, showing up at her workplace, and threatening her. Several times, she had also taken out civil protection orders (CPO) against him, but dropped them in an attempt to “keep the peace” between them.

On one of the days that she called the police, in May 2022, she and the victim had gotten into an altercation, and he had allegedly broken her television. She called Jackson to tell him not to come pick up his children that day, at which point the victim grabbed her phone. The two men argued over the phone, the victim allegedly telling Jackson not to worry about his children because “they’re mine now.”

According to the witness, the victim also threatened to kill Jackson. Jackson asked him to repeat it, and, despite the witness asking him not to, the victim repeated the threat.

As the trial resumed, the judge ruled that the prosecution could not present hearsay statements from a witness who refused to testify, reportedly out of fear for her safety. Despite earlier requests by the defense, the prosecution declined to introduce a statement from a victim advocate, though that individual will be made available as a witness.

The victim then took the stand, describing his complex relationship with the mother of the defendant’s children, past threats from the defendant, and the night of the incident. He recounted seeing the defendant near a restaurant, then later being shot five times, including twice in the leg. He allegedly identified the defendant in court and stated he saw him retrieve a gun from under a truck before opening fire.

Cross-examination grew tense as the defense questioned the witness’s credibility and motivations, raising a 2024 Civil Protection Order and a pending criminal case, where the victim unlawfully, knowingly, and intentionally distributed a quantity of cocaine on Feb. 21, 2024. This raises concerns about potential Fifth Amendment implications about self-incrimination, as it prompted the court to pause proceedings so that the victim could consult with his attorney.

The mother of the defendant’s children returned to the stand to describe a phone conversation between the defendant and the victim, during which the defendant appeared calm despite being informed of a Civil Protection Order. She was later excused, and the judge granted her release from electronic monitoring.

An officer also took the stand. He identified photos that were taken of the car after the victim was removed, explaining to the jury where the bullet holes could be found. His body-worn camera footage showed the officers removing the victim from the car, unconscious, and assessing his injuries. They had performed life-saving medical treatment before an ambulance arrived to transfer the victim, at which point the officer was no longer involved with the case.

The trial was paused and is slated to resume on Monday, October 6, allowing time for legal counsel to meet regarding the witness’s rights and testimony.

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Michaela Mogavero & Crisstal Negron

Defendant Pleads Guilty in Non-Injury Shooting

A shooting defendant accepted a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Oct. 1.

Dedric Owens, 27, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Oct. 28, 2024. The incident occurred on the 4800 block of North Capitol Street, NE and no injuries were reported.

Owens pled guilty to both charges in exchange for the prosecution not pursuing an indictment. Under the plea agreement, both parties agreed to the lowest range of the sentencing guideline for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, and either the bottom of the guideline range or the mandatory minimum, whichever is higher, for the unlawful possession charge, with a maximum of three years of supervised release.

The maximum possible sentences for assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a dangerous weapon during a crime of violence is both in DC is ten years and/or $25,000 fine.

Prosecutors shared that, had the case gone to trial, they intended to prove Owens fired a gun at the complainant, striking the door of the complainant’s apartment following a confrontation.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing Dec. 12.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Murder, Robbery

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Dayna Dayson during an Oct. 3 arraignment hearing.

Kenneth Coleman, 39, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated, robbery while armed, felony murder while armed, three counts of 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 24-year-old Jireh Martinez on the 1300 block of Valley Place, SE, on Nov. 13, 2023.

Coleman is charged with co-defendant Isaac Pinkney, 34, who is charged with first degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, and felony murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the Nov. 13, 2023 fatal shooting. Pinkney was not present at the Oct. 3 hearing.

According to court documents, Martinez died from a gunshot wound to his head after being found unconscious on the street.

After all charges were read to Coleman during the hearing, he affirmed his not guilty plea. The parties will continue to prepare for a jury trial that will be scheduled during a Jan. 9 hearing.

In preparation for trial, defense attorney Kevin Mosley asked the court to transfer Coleman to the DC Jail from Northern Neck Regional Jail in Virginia. Mosley told the court that Coleman needs medical attention because he is suffering from an ailment on his leg and that communication with his client has been hindered by his current location.

Judge Dayson placed a 1325a hold on Coleman, meaning that he will be transferred into her jurisdiction of DC for pretrial matters.

Mosley also announced to the court that he will be petitioning for a severance of the defendants at the next hearing, which will separate Coleman from his co-defendant in the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 9.

Prosecution Evidence Links Co-Defendants to Conspiracy, Homicide

Footage used in the investigation of a fatal shooting was shown before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Oct. 6 and arguments were presented attempting to link murder co-defendants to a conspiracy.

The lead detective in the case explained the accumulated video evidence used to identify the vehicle of interest in the case, a silver Kia Soul. Video footage from around the city was used to locate the vehicle, as well as data from Getaround, a car sharing company holding the Kia’s registration.

The vehicle was subsequently identified through its Maryland plates from a witness behind the Kia and the Getaround logo that was visible on the rear passenger side of the car, seen on camera at an intersection. The descriptions matched the car that was later found on Lamont Street, NW, according to the detective.

The car was likely found on the scene of both March 1 shootings at the time of the incidents, confirmed by GPS, a witness driving behind the Kia, and camera footage.

Cameras on Lamont Street, NW, where the vehicle was found, also captured four individuals leaving the car and walking across the street. One left the group, but three others are seen in footage from a restaurant.

The detective’s testimony will continue.

A witness working with the digital evidence unit with the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) at the time of the incident also provided evidence regarding one of the cell phones that belonged to Aaron Brown, 29, a previous co-defendant. The contacts and call history established a link between Brown and “Gordo”, allegedly a nickname for Steele.

In the absence of the jury, prosecutors and the defense made arguments regarding the admissibility of jail calls between Steele and co-defendants as well as his father.

Prosecutors argued that their purpose for admitting the calls is for identification and to show communication between co-defendants.

Megan Allburn, Steele’s attorney, asserted that in order for a statement of identification to be admissible the person making the identification has to be available to testify which they are not. Judge Brandt agreed with this assertion.

The prosecution stated that they are not offering a statement of identification, but knowledge that the individuals know each other. Nicknames mentioned in the calls also align with Instagram handles, according to prosecutors.

Allburn said business records can show when a call was placed and what time, however, hearsay, or unsubstantiated evidence is not admissible;

Judge Brandt noted that for some of the individuals named in this trial, their nicknames have already been connected to them so further evidence regarding that connection is not required.

Additionally, prosecutors wanted to admit into evidence a call between Steele and his father. Allburn requested that statements made by Steele’s father be removed, however prosecutors argued that Steele’s father was responding to a question.

Judge Brandt concluded that no further confirmation of the search is needed given that officers have already testified to it.

The court determined the call would not be admitted.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 7.

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