Document: Additional Arrests Made in a Homicide: 1300 Block of Congress Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced additional arrests in connection to a homicide that occurred on June 14, 2020 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located two adult male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to a local hospital, where, despite all lifesaving efforts, one of them succumbed to his injuries.

The decedent was identified as 21-year-old Albert Smith.

On March 2, 2022, two adult males were charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the incident.

Additionally, on Sept. 13, 30-year-old Kharee Jackson and 31-year-old Earl Robinson were charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 35-Years saying, ‘Youth Is Not An Excuse’

During a Sept. 14 sentencing hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced Saquan Williams to a total of 35 years in prison.

On July 18, 2022, a jury convicted Williams, 22, and Quincy Garvin, 23, of conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and criminal street gang affiliation for his involvement in the murder of 24-year-old Carl Hardy on the 1200 block of I Street, SE on Sept. 10, 2017.

After the shooting, Hardy was sent to a local hospital for treatment and succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 1, 2017.

The prosecution submitted an impact statement on behalf of the Hardy family.

Carl Hardy’s mother’s death was linked to heartbreak following her son’s death. Hardy’s sister’s son was born shortly after Hardy passed away in the same hospital. He was described as being like his uncle, and “both have and had a wonderful spirit.” Hardy left behind two children, a son and a daughter.

Although it was not read aloud in court, the defense submitted a letter from a Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) employee. The defense attorney, Kevin Robertson, discussed Williams’s good work while incarcerated, citing him as an outstanding mediator at the detention facility. Williams is in pursuit of a college degree.

The defense urged Judge Okun to consider Williams’ age at the time of the crime, 16-years-old, and to “give heavy favor to [Williams’] future.”

Before announcing his decision, Judge Okun gave condolences to the Hardy family and stated, “Nothing I can do today can bring him back.”

Judge Okun sentenced Williams to 30-years in prison for first-degree murder while armed, with a consecutive sentence of 5-years for conspiracy. In addition, he received two concurrent sentences of five-years for the possession and carrying charges, which will run consecutively to the conspiracy and murder charges. Total incarceration time–35 years.

Judge Okun chose not to impose the mandatory minimum sentence; therefore, Williams can get time off for good behavior. However, he reminded the court that “Youth is not an excuse” and the seriousness of these offenses cannot be overstated.

The defense requested Judge Okun submit a recommendation for a correctional facility that has the opportunity for Williams to complete college classes. Before Williams was escorted out of the courtroom, Judge Okun encouraged him to continue his studies and remain optimistic.

Evidence at Trial Shows a Fight Before Homicide

On Sept. 14, attorneys questioned witnesses in a 2020 homicide 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 St, SE, on April, 18 2020.

The prosecution showed video footage of an altercation between Strong and Mills that allegedly took place before the shooting. Strong was seen in the video jogging up the street being followed by an individual that people identified as Mills.

One of Mills’ friends testified that he was with Mills before the argument and Mills mentioned he had a beef with a person who had dreadlocks though it wasn’t clear who the individual was.

The witness was asked by defense attorney Kevin Mosley about Mills and his habits. She stated that she had never seen Mills with a gun and that Mills was acting normal the day of the murder.

A forensic scientist was also questioned in court. The attorneys were inquiring about a jacket that matched the one Mills had on the day of the murder according to video evidence from the area.

To conclude the day, parties questioned a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who worked in gun recovery.

According to the MPD officer, he was the one who recovered the gun that Mills allegedly used to shoot Strong. However there is no DNA evidence being submitted by the prosecution in this case.

The trial will continue Sept. 18.

Opening Statements for Both Sides in a Murder Trial

On Sept. 13, attorneys for both parties delivered opening statements in a 2020 homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

According to the prosecution, “Toussaunt Strong was chased up 24th street and killed in cold blood by the defendant.”

As evidence, prosecutors showed surveillance footage of an altercation between Strong and Mills that took place before the shooting. Strong was seen in the video jogging up the street being followed by an individual that people identified as Mills.

The prosecution showed video taken before and after the murder; however there was no footage or eyewitness accounts of the actual shooting.

Defense Attorney Kevin O’Sullivan claimed the prosecution had, “tunnel vision, rushed judgment” and was “mistaking conclusions” regarding Mills’ involvement in the crime. O’Sullivan argued, “Mills is on trial for a crime someone else committed.”

He said there is no DNA or other evidence linking Mills to the gun allegedly used in the crime.

The defense claims that Mills was a victim of happenstance and witnessed Strong being murdered by a drug dealer who drove off after shooting Strong.

The defense questioned a witness who was inside his home adjacent to the scene. During the incident, the witness said that seconds after he heard gunshots, he heard tires screeching as though a car was driving swiftly away. When the witness walked out of his home he found Strong lying on the ground with no one nearby.

A Metropolitan Police Department(MPD) officer, who was the first responder, was called by the prosecution. She said she saw no one fleeing the scene, just neighbors who were checking on the body. She also said that the shell casings were spread around during the commotion that followed the shooting.

The prosecution also called Strong’s mother to the stand, who said that “He was a loving, family person,” adding, “Why was my son taken away from me?”

He is survived by his mother, siblings and two children.

The trial will resume Sept. 14.

Judge Won’t Dismiss Shooting Case After Victim Fails to Testify at Trial

At a Sept. 14 jury trial, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Rafinan denied a request by Dominic Copeland‘s defense to drop all charges against him because a witness failed to appear.

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 the unit block of N Street, NW, on April 26, 2019. The incident left one individual suffering from life-threatening injuries.

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

The victim, who was supposed to testify didn’t appear. As a result, the defense wanted the case dismissed and the prosecution wanted the trial to be pushed back to Sept. 18 to locate the victim and bring him to court.

Judge Raffinan denied the request said there was no cause to postpone the proceeding.

According to the prosecution an apparent drug deal gone wrong in the parking lot of a Wendy’s on New York Avenue, resulted in a shooting. The victim offered cash and Copeland allegedly kept the money but failed to deliver the drugs.

In an attempt to get his money back, the victim fought with Copeland who then allegedly pulled a gun. He shot at his car as the victim tried to get away swerving off the road hitting a light pole.

Byrd then allegedly pulled up in a white Toyota Camry and he and Copeland fled.

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

The first witness, a former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, testified he found the victim motionless by his driver’s side door. However, he said no physical evidence was recovered from the vehicle. A witness, who processed the crime scene, said he saw cracked glass on the Toyota’s windshield from gunfire and noticed that one of the back windows was shattered.

Another prosecution witness said he let Byrd borrow his white Toyota Camry because Byrd needed to handle a family issue and that it was not unusual for the witness to loan out the vehicle. He was later told by police that his car was used to commit a crime.

Still, another witness to the incident, testified he saw what appeared to be a Black man in a dark shirt and dark pants getting into a white car. He followed the car while on the phone with a 911 operator.

Parties are expected back Sept. 18.

Judge Denies Motion to Drop Charges in Non-Fatal Shooting

On Sept. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a motion filed on behalf of the defendant, Dominic Copeland, to drop the case against him.

Copeland’s defense, in submitting the motion to Judge Raffinan, said there was insufficient evidence to prove he committed the crime.

Judge Raffinan rejected the motion ruling she had yet to evaluate the evidence pre-trial.

Copeland’s trial is set to begin Sept. 14.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for 2021 Stabbing

On Sep 13, a defendant accepted a plea offer in connection to a 2021 killing.

Christian Monge, 27, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing death of 31-year-old Brittanie Clark. The incident occured on Aug. 31, 2021, on the 5000 block of First Street, NW, after an altercation between Clark and Monge’s girlfriend.

The prosecution extended an offer to Monge that required him to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Parties agreed to a sentence of 13 years incarceration and 5 years of supervised release.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun went through all the procedural questions to ensure Monge understood the conditions of pleading guilty, and ensured that Monge wanted to proceed with the plea.

A sentencing hearing was set for Nov. 20.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Delivery Driver Homicides

On Sept. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause that Corde Fitzhugh was the perpetrator in a 2021 killing as well as another homicide in 2022.

Fitzhugh, 22, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the deaths of 24-year-old Muntsier Sharfi on July 8, 2021 and 26-year-old Zekariya Elmi on April 25, 2022.

According to court documents, Sharfi worked as a delivery driver for Supreme Meds, a marijuana dispensary. On July 8, 2021, Sharfi received a phone call for an order and drove to meet the customer the on the 3300 block of Erie Street, SE. After he arrived, Sharfi was shot in the head while still in his car. There was no video footage of the shooting, although one witness was in the vehicle with Sharfi.

Then on April 25, 2022, Elmi who was working for Jamaican House, also a marijuana dispensary, had a delivery order on the 1200 block of Farragut Place, NE. After he arrived, he was shot in the chest then sped away and crashed his car in traffic, ultimately succumbing to his gunshot wound.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) homicide detective, who testified about both cases, dispensary customers must submit a photo ID such as a driver’s license to complete the purchase. The detective tracked down the people whose images were used in the transactions. Neither were customers of either dispensary and did not know their photos were being used.

Investigators linked the number used to communicate with the victims to TextNow, an app that allows you to create an account and send free messages without having a phone number associated with a mobile carrier. The account that was allegedly utilized to make the purchases had the username “cordefitzhugh44.”

According to the detective, he obtained a search warrant for call records and data for the TextNow number,and the records showed Fitzhugh was the subscriber.

“I don’t think there is any dispute that there is probable cause,” said Judge Epstein, stating that the evidence is substantial.

Defense attorney Aubrey Dillon requested Fitzhugh be put on house arrest while awaiting trial. However, Judge Epstein decided there was sufficient evidence to hold Fitzhugh while awaiting trial because he represents a potential danger to the community.

A status hearing is set for Jan. 19.

Document: Second Arrest Made in a Homicide: 1400 Block of Saratoga Avenue, Northeast

On Sept. 8, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 31-year-old Jerome Dukes with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on Feb. 21 on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located three adult male victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. They were transported to local hospitals for treatment, where, despite all lifesaving efforts, one of them succumbed to his injuries.

The homicide victim was identified as 21-year-old Jayvon Jones.

On March 21, MPD also arrested and charged an adult male with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the killing.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for Second-Degree Murder

On Sept. 13, a defendant in a homicide case accepted a plea offer in connection to a 2011 killing.

Stanley Moghalu, 36, was charged with 9 counts, including first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Ronald Smith. The incident occured on Nov. 14, 2011, on the 1000 Block of 21st Street, NE.

The offer extended by prosecutors required Moghalu to plead guilty for second-degree murder in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges.

Parties agreed to a sentence of 12 years incarceration and 5 years of supervised release.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun went through all the procedural questions to ensure Moghalu understood the conditions of pleading guilty, and ensured that Moghalu wanted to proceed with the plea.

A sentencing hearing was set for Dec. 19.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Shooting Over COVID Mask

On Sept. 12, Marquett Brown was arraigned and entered a not guilty plea before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Brown, 35, is charged with assaulting an officer while armed, unlawful possession of ammunition, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a firearm outside of a home or business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 11, 2022 on the 400 block of Benning Road, SE. There were no reported injuries from the incident.

According to court documents, the incident stemmed from Brown’s refusal to wear an appropriate COVID-19 face mask as required at the time in a Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) location. When a special DMV police officer told Brown he would be asked to leave if he did not comply, Brown allegedly got in a tussle with the officer, grabbed the officer’s gun, and shot it once.

“I promise all of my constituents in the community, I am ready to re-establish myself in the community,” Brown said in contrition to Judge Christian after he mentioned he had been receiving unspecified medication at the DC jail for some time.

The prosecution argued against Brown’s release claiming his detention is “necessary for the safety of the community. Therefore, they argued, Brown should remain incarcerated at the DC Jail.

Brown’s defense attorney, Adgie O’Bryant, mentioned that his client has had a very tough time in isolation at the jail and that the spread of COVID-19 is actually of concern to his client.

Additionally, O’Bryant stated that during a July 28 hearing Brown was deemed mentally competent following mental observations after being held at St. Elizabeths Hospital.

“Since he has been held at St. Elizabeths, competency has been restored,” O’Bryant told the court.

Judge Christian denied Brown’s request for release, citing multiple instances where the defendant has been released and failed to comply with the court’s conditions, causing his rearrest.

“It is like a revolving door,” Judge Christian said. “Every time he’s been released, he offends.”

Judge Christian scheduled Brown’s next status hearing for Sept. 26.

Judge Hears Motions About a 2021 Shooting Boundary

At a motion hearing Sept. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard arguments parties about where a shooting took place.

Kenneth Davis, 44, is charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior felon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 19, 2021 on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. A woman sustained non life-threatening injuries during the incident.

On Aug. 9, Davis’ defense attorney, Marnitta King, filed a motion arguing the incident happened outside of DC’s jurisdiction because she says the side of Eastern Avenue where the shooting took place is actually in Maryland.

During the hearing, prosecutors contended the District’s jurisdiction definitely includes the location of the crime.

“The boundaries of the District of Columbia are historically a straight line,” Judge Brandt said in response to King’s argument.

King said the District of Columbia map could be manipulated and should not be trusted.

In response, Judge Brandt said everything southeast of the Eastern Avenue boundary is considered within the District of Columbia. She also said the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and DC Fire and Emergency Services (DCFEMS) acknowledge the boundary.

“They don’t just show up en masse to an area that is not in their jurisdiction,” Judge Brandt said.

Judge Brandt denied the motion and scheduled the next hearing for Sept. 13.

One Mass Shooting, Two Stabbings Among Homicides in DC in August

D.C. Witness recorded a total of 45 non-fatal shootings and homicides for the month of August.

Of those, 30 were homicides. Twenty-eight homicides stemmed from shootings, and two were stabbings.

One of the victims was Naima Liggon, 16, who was allegedly stabbed by another female, also 16, outside the McDonald’s on the 1900 block of 14th Street, NW, on Aug. 27. The juvenile suspect is being charged with second-degree murder while armed. According to prosecutors, the attack stemmed from a disagreement about sweet and sour sauce.

Saturdays were the deadliest day of the month, with Aug. 5 recording the most homicides.

On that day, three incidents cost the lives of seven individuals. In the first case, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) located James Morgan, 34, Jamal Morgan, 30 and Vincent Martin,42, suffering from gunshot wounds on the 2500 block of Ontario Road, NW. James and Jamal were found with no signs consistent with life, and Martin succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. No suspect has been apprehended by MPD yet.

A few hours later, officers located Andre Baker, 19, on the 1200 block of U Street, NW, lifeless and with obvious gunshot wounds. David Botchway, 20, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged connection to the incident.

The third incident was a mass shooting that occurred on the 1600 block of Good Hope Road, SE, in which MPD officers located four adult male shooting victims and one adult female shooting victim. According to MPD documents, two adult males and the woman were killed. The two other men were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The homicide victims were identified as Tymea Cook,27, Bernard Hodges, 35 and Reginald Gilbert, 34. MPD is still investigating the incident and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating suspects captured by surveillance cameras.

Defendant Found Competent to Stand Trial in Non-Fatal Shooting

On Sep. 12 during a mental observation and motions hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found the defendant in a non-fatal shooting mentally competent to stand trial.

Dominic Copeland, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, robbery while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a shooting that left one individual injured.

According to court documents, on April 26, 2019, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a report of a shooting on the 1200 block of 1st Street, NW, where they observed the victim inside a dark gray Toyota Camry with shattered windows crashed into a tree on the sidewalk.

During the hearing on Sep. 12 Judge Raffinan agreed with the DC Department of Behavioral Health’s Aug. 22 assessment Copeland was competent to stand trial.

Judge Raffinan is expected to rule on three pending motions in the case and proceed with jury selection on Sept. 13.

Document: Homicide: 2300 Block of Washington Place, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on Sept. 11 on the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sound of gunshots, where they located a juvenile male and adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. They were both transported to local hospitals, where, despite all lifesaving efforts, the juvenile male succumbed to his injuries. The adult male is still in critical, but stable condition.

The juvenile male was identified as 17-year-old Antonio Cunningham.

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