Relevance of Evidence Consumes Last Day of Arguments in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

During closing arguments on Sept. 20, counsel debated the relevance of evidence in a non-fatal shooting case.

Dominic Copeland, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He was allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on the unit block of N Street, NW.

Artie Byrd, 31, Copeland’s co-defendant, is charged with accessory for his involvement in helping Copeland leave the scene of the crime.

Before counsel concluded their cases, a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about the surveillance footage he could gather from a Wendy’s restaurant on New York Avenue, where the victim and Copeland allegedly met before engaging in an exchange of narcotics on April 26, 2019, the day of the shooting.

When the detective went to the Wendy’s restaurant, he said he tried to obtain camera footage from a manager to get an understanding of what happened between the individuals before the shooting.

He said the manager told him that he didn’t have the password to the security system. To get the password, the detective was told he would have to get a technician to get access to the surveillance system.

The detective also testified regarding DNA evidence he gathered from a white Toyota Camry, one of the vehicles involved in the incident.

Michael Madden, Copeland’s defense attorney, questioned the detective on what was gathered regarding DNA evidence from the shooting.

The prosecution objected to Madden’s question of what the results of the DNA analysis were. When Madden rephrased his question, the detective said he received a report about the DNA analysis and that the prosecutors allegedly had access to the report.

Having had the report, the detective said he doesn’t recall what the findings of the DNA tests were.

During the closing arguments, the prosecution summarized the testimonial and video evidence and concluded that the jury should find Copeland and Byrd guilty of all charges.

However, the defense, during their closing statement, urged the jury to consider a verdict of not guilty for Copeland and Byrd as a result of weak testimonial evidence and misidentification with regard to Byrd.

Jury deliberations are slated to being on Sept. 21.

Document: Woman Dead After Being Struck by Vehicle in Northeast, DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that killed a woman on the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Sheriff Road, NE, on Sept. 20.

According to MPD documents, a 2001 GMC Yukon was traveling northwest through the intersection and crossed the intersection with the green light. As the vehicle crossed the intersection, it struck the woman, whom passed away at the scene. The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Document: Man Arrested in Shooting That Injured One

On Sept. 20, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 50-year-old Andrew Black with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 9 on the 4600 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, Black approached the victim at the location and shot him as he was getting into a car. Black fled the scene, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for their treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Judge Calls Defendants Actions ‘Reckless,’ ‘Irresponsible,’ and ‘Dangerous’

On Sept. 19, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a homicide defendant to 24 years in prison and three years of supervised release after the jury found the defendant guilty on multiple charges on March 22.

Shaka Haltiwanger, 24, was charged and convicted of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device while armed.

According to the police report on Sept. 10, 2021, police responded to the 1400 block of 29th Street, SE where they found 39-year-old Anthony Kelly suffering from a single gunshot wound. Haltiwanger was found guilty by a jury of his peers.

During the sentencing the prosecution asked for, “24 years for the senseless murder of Mr. Kelly”. While defense attorney, Howard McEachern, asked for Haltiwanger to be sentenced under the Youth Act, saying, “whatever time he gets today will be a substantial amount of time” and “he is only 24 years old”.

The prosecution also read one victim impact statement and the court heard another four victim impact statements from Kelly’s family and friends.

Kelly’s family expressed that he had been a caring father, son, family member, and friend and that they wanted the maximum time for Haltiwanger to serve.

McEachern explained how Haltiwanger had grown up in unstable living conditions with “rampant drug use” and that he is “someone who has been a loving brother, a loving uncle, and a mentor”. Haltiwanger also gave a statement in which he said, “a lesson has been gained from this tragedy” and “I am committed to making amends”.

“At the end of the day no one wins,” Judge Brandt said. Haltiwanger “made a choice to pull the trigger” and that “robbed four little babies of their daddy.”

Judge Brandt also described Haltiwanger’s decision to leave the firearm at the location for anyone to find as, “reckless, irresponsible, and dangerous”.

Judge Brandt sentenced Haltiwanger to 24 years for second-degree murder while armed, 60 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed, 24 months for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and 12 months for possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. All sentences would be served concurrently.

Haltiwanger is also required to serve three years of supervised release, register as a gun offender, pay a $400 fine, and receive transitional housing upon release.

Defendant’s Probation Revoked and sentenced to 8 months for non-fatal shooting

On Sept. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Christian revoked a non-fatal shooting defendant’s probation and ordered he be sentenced to eight months confinement and three years supervised release.

On Aug. 19, 2019, Richard Johnson, 33, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 23, 2019, on the 1300 block of 7th Street, NW.

On Oct. 28, 2019, Johnson was sentenced to 38 months confinement with three years supervised release for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, and 12 months confinement with three years supervised release for carrying a pistol without a license. Both sentences were to be served concurrently.

While on probation, Johnson was rearrested regarding a separate non-fatal shooting that occurred during his probation, to which he has now pleaded guilty. Johnson was sentenced to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release for this offense.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Steven Polin, conveyed to the court that Johnson hopes to mitigate any further time incarcerated with his acceptance of responsibility for both cases.

When Judge Christian asked the defendant what happened to him that resulted in these acts, Johnson responded by stating he “does not know what happened.”

Judge Christian said that Johnson has already served his time for the charge on carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, but further concluded that in addition to the eight-month sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon, Johnson must pay each victim $100 from prison pay if he has not already done so.

Lack of Key Witness Testimony Leads to Judge Granting Motion to Continue Homicide Trial

During a motion hearing on Sept. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted the prosecution’s motion to delay the trial against homicide defendant, Hahqwon Beale.

Beale, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and armed carjacking for allegedly shooting 43-year-old George Johnson Jr. on May 7, 2018, on the 800 block of Oglethorpe Street, NE.

Later that night, Beale allegedly stole a car and $300-$400 from a pizza delivery driver on the 400 block of Farragut Street, NW.

Due to lack of testimony from a key witness, the trial was delayed. A new trial date was set for Feb. 7, 2024.

Parties are expected to reconvene Jan. 26.

Judge Continues to Deny Motion to Declare Non-Fatal Shooting A Mistrial

At a Sept. 19 jury trial, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan continued to deny a request by co-defendants to declare a non-fatal shooting case a mistrial because of statements made by a material witness at a Sept. 18 hearing.

Dominic Copeland, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on April 26, 2019, on the unit block of N Street, NW. The incident left an individual experiencing non-life-threatening injuries.

Artie Byrd, 31, is charged with accessory after the fact for his alleged involvement in assisting Copeland to leave the crime scene.

Before the victim’s testimony resumed on Sept 19, Copeland’s defense attorney, Michael Madden asked Judge Raffinan if she would grant the motion for a mistrial because the statements made in the victim’s testimony were in a “nonresponsive manner.”

At a Sept. 18 jury trial, after Madden was done questioning the victim, the victim muttered under his breath and said something to the effect of “That’s why he took the plea, mainly because…”

It wasn’t clear what the victim meant by this statement, Judge Raffinan cut him off halfway through the statement because Madden had already finished his cross-examination of the witness.

At a felony status conference in January, Copeland was arraigned and pleaded guilty to his charges, but it was not made clear which charges he plead guilty to. Byrd has not accepted any plea offers regarding the incident

In making the partial statement about a plea, the victim didn’t provide any background for the court as to whether he was referring to Copeland or Byrd. Madden also did not ask the victim a question about Copeland or Byrd’s plea deals.

The prosecution argued declaring a mistrial should only be used in extreme situations. Judge Raffinan denied the defense’s request, stating “a mistrial is not warranted.”

After Judge Raffinan’s ruling, the same victim from the previous day came in to finish his testimony regarding what happened on April 26.

The victim testified that when he met Copeland for the drug exchange on April 26, 2019, the victim got out of a white Camry after not receiving the narcotics and was soon shot by Copeland.

Parties are expected back on Sept. 20 to hear testimony from other witnesses.

Counsel Inquires About Defendant’s Actions Leading Up To and After Fatal Shooting

On Sept. 20, a homicide defendant claimed his innocence during a trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Ravel Mills, 29 is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Toussaunt Strong. The incident took place on the 3400 block of 24th Street, SE, on April 18, 2020.

The defense started the day by requesting an acquittal due to the lack of evidence provided by the prosecution. However, the prosecution said there was plenty of evidence, citing extensive footage of Mills chasing Strong before he allegedly murdered him. Judge O’Keefe denied the motion.

During his testimony, Mills sad he was not carrying a gun on the day of the incident, and he did not shoot Strong.

In cross examination the prosecution asked Mills about movements he made during the chase, which was captured on surveillance footage.

The prosecutor referenced when, in the footage, Mills is captured “putting [his] hand in [his] pocket.” The prosecutor said “in this way is consistent with reaching for a gun.”

Mills said it could be seen that way, but that he was not carrying a gun.

The defense introduced videos from Mills’ Instagram account as evidence. Mills had multiple videos posted in which he messed with people who he claims were inebriated. Mills said he was chasing Strong simply because he was high and acting funny.

Mills was questioned by both parties about the video where he appears to hold up a black object and point it at Strong at the beginning of their interaction.

Mills said he held up a scale used for marijuana sales and said, “freeze you’re under arrest,” to the noticeably inebriated Strong as a joke. Strong then ran from him and the chase began.

Prosecutors introduced several of Mills’ text messages as evidence of guilt. According to the prosecutors, he texted a worker at the Shipley Market, a nearby store, asking about police presence on the street the day after the murder. The worker told Mills that there had been a murder the day prior.

Millspreviously said his YouTube searches after the murder about an incident on the block were to see whether or not Strong had died.

The trial is scheduled to resume Sept. 20.

Document: Man Arrested in Homicide of Missing Person

On Sept. 19, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 27-year-old Lewis Jones with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder and second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a homicide of a missing person who was last seen on Aug. 4 on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, on Aug. 8, 42-year-old Anthony Jordan was reported missing. During the investigation, detectives located evidence that Jordan was the victim of a fatal stabbing.

The case remains under investigation.

Judge Denies Juvenile Defendant’s Release Request

On Sept. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied a juvenile defendant’s motion for release.

The juvenile, a 17-year-old male, is charged with various charges, including assault with intent to kill, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 9 on the 2200 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The incident left an adult female suffering from life-threatening injuries.

During the Sept. 20 proceeding, the defense attorney stated his grandmother, who is his legal guardian, would be able to and wants to have the juvenile move back in with her as he awaits trial.

According to the defense attorney, when the juvenile was in school, he was an exceptional student and made the honor roll. She requested he be released under 24-hour home confinement, GPS monitoring, and that a “stay-away” from DC be ordered, which would be possible since the grandmother lives outside of DC.

She argued that the defendant turned himself in on Sept. 15, after an initial attempt in June, when he was apparently turned away by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and told to return during business hours.

Social Services alerted Judge Salerno they recommended the defendant remain detained, stating that his family did not see him for close to a month during the summer. Prosecutors agreed, arguing the juvenile knew for three months that there was a warrant out for his arrest.

The judge denied the defense’s request for release, and ordered the juvenile remain at the Youth Services Center (YSC).

Parties are expected to return to court Oct. 4.

Defense Begin Presenting their Case in 2020 Murder Trial

On Sept. 19, defense attorneys began questioning witnesses in a 2020 homicide trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

The defense continued to argue that the government and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) did not do an adequate job investigating cameras in the area around the 3400 block of 24th Street, SE, near Savannah Street.

The defense called a witness to the stand who lives at a house adjacent to where the body was found.

According to the witness, he heard a car speed off right after he heard shots fired. He then walked to the window and saw the body of a man on the curb.

He is the second witness to mention the car speeding off. No camera footage of the car was mentioned or has been shown in court.

A forensic scientist, who performed the autopsy, said Strong was likely to have been turning around when the shots were fired. Though she was unable to conclude exactly what position he was in.

He had four bullet wounds, he was hit in the wrist and ankle, and also the hip and back which were fatal.

The defense questioned a crime scene investigator about an alleged vial of PCP pictured at the scene. It allegedly fell out of the pockets of Strong while first aid was being performed. Adding to the defense’s case that Strong was high on PCP and was murdered by an angry PCP dealer, not Mills.

Testimonies is slated to continue on Sept. 20.

More Witnesses Testify in 2020 Murder Trial

On Sept. 18, attorneys questioned witnesses in a 2020 homicide trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

A witness that appeared Sept. 14 continued their testimony. .

She is a friend of Mills who lived near Strong’s father. She mentioned a beef that had happened in the neighborhood, years before she met Mills.

The beef was between Mills and a man with dreads who lived next door. She said that the years-long beef was unsettled, and that Mills had punched the man and shot at him. The man with the dreads is alleged to be Strong.

A forensic examiner appeared as an expert witness in court. He did ballistics testing in order to match the bullet casings to the weapon that fired them.

It was determined that a Smith and Wesson was the weapon that fired the rounds that killed Strong. The gun was found in an unrelated car in Maryland in May of 2020, a month after the murder.

A forensic scientist who extracts data from cell phones associated with crimes was questioned in court. YouTube searches from a phone associated with Mills were shown to the jury. The searches included key words such as, ‘homicide’, ‘on camera’, and ‘Savannah’.

According to the forensic scientist, Savannah is relevant because it is a street adjacent to where the murder took place.

Trial is slated to continue Sept. 19.

Motion Denied for Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

On Sept. 19, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz denied a motion regarding a non- fatal shooting case.

Rae Kwon Sutton, 27, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon offenses committed during release, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence committed during release, burglary one offenses committed during release, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm committed during release, and three counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person offenses committed during release. He is charged for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4800 block of Benning Road, SE, on March 19, 2022. There were no reported injuries.

On Sept. 17, Everald Thompson, Sutton’s defense attorney, filed a severance motion in regards to Sutton’s upcoming trial.

Judge Leibowitz argued that there were clear threats made to the victims by Sutton, and that the threats articulated his motive to commit the shooting. She also explained that there was evidence of clear animus towards the victims, and that this shows intention to assault the victims.

Parties are expected back in court Sept. 20.

Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss Charges in Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

At a Sept. 18 jury trial, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a request by co-defendants to dismiss charges against them due to a delay in the signing of a witness immunity order by the Chief Judge of the District Court.

Dominic Copeland, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on April 26, 2019, on the unit block of N Street, NW. The incident left an individual experiencing non-life-threatening injuries.

Artie Byrd, 31, is charged with accessory after the fact for his alleged involvement in assisting Copeland to leave the crime scene.

Just before the victim was set to testify, the prosecution received an email saying the Chief Judge had not signed a witness immunity order. The victim was served with a witness immunity order to avoid having his statements used to charge him with a crime during his testimony.

Following the delay, the immunity order was signed and prosecutors were able to call forth the victim.

The victim testified that Copeland and Byrd were his coworkers at United Masonry in Alexandria, Virginia, where he worked as a bricklayer for a year.

According to the victim, on the day of the incident, he left work early and had exchanged text messages with Copeland to arrange a drug transaction at the Wendy’s on New York Avenue, NW, which resulted in a shooting.

The victim said after he had spoken with Copeland and Byrd at the Wendy’s, they met at N Street, NW. Upon arriving at the location, the witness said he got out of his car to “conduct business.”

He offered Copeland money in exchange for narcotics, when Copeland kept the cash, the victim allegedly engaged in a physical struggle with him. Copeland then pulled a gun on the victim.

The victim allegedly attempted to get back into his car as Copeland started to shoot at him, which led to the victim’s car swerving off the road and hitting a light pole as he attempted to drive off.

Byrd then allegedly pulled up in a white Toyota Camry and helped Copeland flee the scene.

“Copeland was the one who shot me,” the witness said. “It was a good shot.”

According to the victim, when he was shot by Copeland, he had no feeling in his body.

During the trial, the victim pointed to two spots on the right side of his upper back where he had been shot.

Parties are expected back Sept. 19.

Document: Man Dead, Another Injured After Shooting in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch are investigating a shooting that killed a man and left another injured on Sept. 18 on the 2600 block of Bowen Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers were patrolling the area when they heard sounds of gunshots. They reported to the location and located a man, later identified as 27-year-old William Jones, dead inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds.

A while later, they located a second man with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was admitted in critical but stable condition.

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

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