Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing and Accepts Plea Agreement

On Nov. 20, a defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing and accepted a plea agreement in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Javier Reyes-Lopez, 34, was charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault on a police officer while armed, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Aug. 17, on the 7400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were dispatched to the scene due to reports of a domestic violence involving a man with a gun. The suspect proceeded to fire shots at the officers and one fired back, injuring Lopez. No officers were injured during the incident.

On Nov. 20, Lopez decided to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

Lopez accepted the prosecution’s offer to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, assault on a law enforcement officer, and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In return, prosecution will dismiss any greater and lesser included charges and will dismiss a 2019 misdemeanor case.

In the 2019 case, Lopez was charged with simple assault and possession of a controlled substance.

Parties will reconvene Feb. 9 for Lopez’s sentencing.

Judge Orders Homicide Defendant’s Transfer to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital

On Nov. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered a homicide defendant transferred from DC Jail to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital to begin mental health treatment and determine if he’s competent to stand trial.

Charles Lee, 29, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the murder of 65-year-old David Dowdell that occurred on March 9, 2022, on the 1100 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Lee’s defense counsel, Laura Rose asked for the treating psychologist to be different than the evaluator for the restoration determine because currently the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) sets the same person to carry out both functions. Rose said this is a potential conflict of interest since information gained in therapy might be significant in determining mental competency.

The prosecution said they need more time to review the proposed order but they believe Lee needs competency restoration.

Defense counsel suggested the court order the defendant’s transfer to St. Elizabeth Hospital to begin some kind of treatment but wait on restoration efforts until the terms have been looked over by the prosecution and both parties are able to make a decision.

Judge Raffinan agreed with the suggestion and ordered that Lee be transferred but may only participate in treatment that is not classified as competency restoration until parties agree on terms.

Parties are set to return Dec. 12 for a status hearing to finalize the terms of the competency restoration.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

On Nov. 20, non-fatal shooting defendant Delonte Sherod accepted a pre-indictment plea deal.

Sherod, 35, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a domestic dispute that occurred on Sept. 22 at the 200 block of Longfellow Street, NW.

According to court documents, Sherod and the victim were in a confrontation about personal space when the victim left to go to his car. Sherod then shot at the car. There were no injuries to any persons.

Prosecutors offered Sherod a pre-indictment plea deal, meaning that they will not be able to upgrade the charges or add more. The plea deal required him to plead guilty to one count of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Prosecutors did not make a sentencing guideline request, but did request that the sentences run concurrently. Sherod must also register as a gun offender.
Sentencing will happen in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 16, 2024.

Homicide Defendant Sentenced to Eight Years for Fatal Car Crash

On Nov. 17, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a homicide defendant to eight years in connection to a fatal car crash.

Reginald Roland Johnson, 31, was originally charged with second-degree murder for allegedly striking and killing 24-year-old Carlos Christian, and severely injuring Christian’s fiancée with his vehicle on Jan. 15, at the intersection of 15th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

On June 30, Johnson accepted an agreement that required him to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter and assault with a dangerous weapon. As a result, his second-degree murder charge was dropped and prosecution agreed to not request his detention pending sentencing.

Some forty family members and friends of Christian’s attended the sentencing, wearing pins with his face on them and providing their victim impact statements.

A friend stated, “The void left by Carlos’ presence is palpable and painful”.

During their impact statements, the parents of Christian’s fiancée remarked on the loving relationship between the pair. They had known each other since they were kids and started dating in high school, before eventually moving to DC together to complete their master’s degrees.

The parents stated, “If such actions are not condemned by the full weight of the law, there’s no way that anyone can feel safe”.

Christian’s fiancée also addressed the court, remarking on the amount of physical and emotional pain she had been in since the incident. She stated, “It took over six months for me to muster the courage to drive again”.

She also expressed the grief of losing the love of her life, stating “He was the perfect match for my heart and soul. I will have to miss Carlos for the rest of my life”.

Prosecution stated Johnson was in a bar drinking for nearly five hours before getting into his vehicle to drive to another bar.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Derrick Hamlin, rebutted that Johnson was sorrowful about his actions. He argued Johnson had never been incarcerated and any amount of jail time would be an immense burden.

Hamlin reflected on Johnson’s being the CEO of his own construction company, and his involvement in numerous community service activities including educating youth and serving meals. Hamlin stated, “He never plans to drink again”.

Johnson’s fiancée expressed her condolences to the family and asked the judge to consider his background prior to the incident. She stated, “The actions of his on Jan. 15 are in no way an indication of who he is”.

Johnson said, “If I could trade places with [the victim], I would”. He said he would be committed to starting a nonprofit against drunk driving and was attending AA meetings. “I have a lot of people I need to make amends to for my destructive actions”.

Judge Okun prefaced his sentencing by stating, “This is just a sad day. I feel as if you all suffered”. He took into consideration Johnson’s background and the seriousness of the case, remarking on how he did not believe the minimum or maximum sentence would fit.

Johnson was sentenced to five years for involuntary manslaughter and three years for assault with a dangerous weapon, with the sentences running consecutively to each other.

In total, Johnson will serve eight years in prison. He was also sentenced to three years of probation for each charge, which will run concurrently. Judge Okun required him to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Act (VVCCA), get mental health treatment, attend alcohol and traffic safety programs, and a victim impact panel. He was also ordered to not drive in DC and not get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or narcotics.

Before Johnson was taken away, Judge Okun stated “You’re going to have a lot of your life ahead of you”.

Judge Grants Shooting Defendant’s Motion for New Counsel, Preliminary Hearing Continued

On Nov. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover granted a defendant’s request for new counsel.

Diamond Early, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on July 31, on the 4000 block of Kansas Avenue, NW. One person suffered from a non-fatal gunshot wound to the right leg.

During a preliminary hearing, Early’s defense attorney, Donna Beasley, asked for a continuance of the hearing due to Early’s request for a new counsel.

The judge granted Early’s request, and no reason was provided why Early wanted a new counsel.

Parties will reconvene Nov. 28 for an ascertainment of counsel and a preliminary hearing.

Three Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty At Arraignment

On Nov. 17, three co-defendants were arraigned on multiple charges and pleaded not guilty in a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Demonte Gibson, 25, Tre’quan Nelson, 23, and Asani Forte, 26, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the murder of 34-year-old Delonte King that occurred on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW.

Through counsel, all three defendants pleaded not guilty and asserted their constitutional rights, emphasizing the right to a speedy trial.

Forte was originally charged with accessory after the fact and has been out on release. However, in light of the new charges, the prosecution stated that they intend to file a motion to modify Forte’s release.

A status hearing is set for Nov. 22 to discuss Forte’s modified bond.

Gibson and Nelson remain detained and are set to return to court on March 8 for a status hearing.

Witness Says a Fight Ended in Silence in 2018 Homicide

At a Nov. 17 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, a witness who was at the scene of a homicide testified that an altercation between two individuals ended in silence.

Marquette Jordan, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside of a home or business with a prior felony for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 40-year-old Ivan Lynch that occurred on April 30, 2018, on the 900 block of Fifth Street, SE.

The prosecution called a friend of Jordan’s that was present the night of the murder. Jordan picked her up along with two other men, a woman and two children. She stated that they were all hanging out at an apartment when an argument occurred between Jordan and his girlfriend.

One man told Jordan “You don’t talk to ladies like that,” and the pair began arguing, yelling, and fighting. The witness stated she grabbed the two children and faced them towards the wall and covered their eyes and ears.

Once it got quiet she grabbed her things and as she exited the apartment she saw a light-skin male on the floor, another other male sitting on the couch, and did not know where Jordan was. She later learned the light-skin male was dead.

Defense counsel asked the witness to describe the fight. She stated that she never saw a knife and that the lighter-skin male was significantly taller and heavier than Jordan. She explained “I don’t know how the light-skinned male ended up on the floor.”

The prosecution also called an individual from the company that manages security systems for the elementary school where Jordan was allegedly seen walking on the night of the murder. The video displayed an individual identified as Jordan, walking along the outside of the school with two children.

The prosecution called an investigator with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who stopped Jordan while he was walking with the two children. The investigator stated she saw Jordan and the two children but “did not think anything of it.” She then stated she locked eyes with Jordan and he “took off walking fast and then running.”

According to the investigator she then received a “look out” for an individual that matched Jordan’s description. She explained she made a U-turn to relocate the individual and stopped him along the sidewalk. At that point he was unable to confirm the identity of the children and he falsely gave his name as “Markeet Jonson.”

The investigator stated that Jordan did not have any visible injuries but she noticed blood on his pants.

Consistent with police body-worn camera footage from that night and the investigator’s testimony, Jordan refused to give any names, phone numbers, or addresses of whom he was with that night.

In the footage, Jordan stated that the children came running out of the elevator so he took them outside the building and stopped the police. However, the investigator testified that at no time did Jordan ever attempt to flag her down.

During cross-examination by defense counsel, Michael Bruckheim, the investigator was asked about the children’s state of being, and she stated the children were not initially crying, and there was no blood found on the children’s clothes.

Bruckheim also asked about the explanation that Jordan gave for the blood on his pants. She responded Jordan told her someone tried to hurt his girlfriend and “he tried to pull a knife on her.”

The prosecution responded by asking the investigator if Jordan detailed the injuries his Jordan’s girlfriend sustained and the officer said no.

Parties are set to return Nov. 20 to resume witness testimony.

Document: Man Killed in Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 19 on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious person inside a parking garage. Officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He succumbed at the scene.

The victim was identified as 24-year-old Anwar Wingate.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide in the District.

Document: Man Killed in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 17 on the 4000 block of Wahler Court, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. While en route to the location, officers were notified that a man, who was suffering from gunshot wounds, was taken to a local hospital by car. After all life-saving efforts, the man was pronounced dead.

The victim was identified as 18-year-old Shane Williams.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide in the District.

Document: Vehicle Sought in a Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a vehicle in reference to a shooting that occurred on Nov. 16 on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, a suspect exited the vehicle, fired a handgun striking three adult males. The suspect fled the scene in the vehicle, and the victims were taken to hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect’s vehicle is described as a black 2012 Nissan Maxima with VA tags TWM5617, and was captured by nearby surveillance footage.

Document: Woman Arrested for Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a woman has been arrested in connection to a shooting that occurred on July 31, on the 4000 block of Kansas Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, the suspect made disparaging remarks in the presence of the victim. The victim and the suspect got involved in an argument, when the suspect produced a firearm and shot the victim before fleeing.

On Nov. 16, 31-year-old Diamond Early was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in the incident.

Judge Denies Motion for Release in Fatal Drunk Driving Case

On Nov. 17, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a motion to release a 2023 homicide defendant.

Nakita Walker, 43, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder for allegedly crashing into a car carrying Mohamed Kamara, 42, Jonathan Alberto Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22, on March 15, on Rock Creek Parkway near the intersection of 26th Street and P Street, NW.

The DC Medical Examiner’s report indicates Walker’s blood alcohol content was 0.1– beyond the legal limit– with cannabis also present in her body.

Walker’s defense attorney, Albert Amissah, motioned for Walker’s release as she was not being provided with the medical treatment she needed for injuries sustained in the crash. Amissah stated that in the last six months, Walker had attended physical therapy once and her health was deteriorating.

Prosecution rebutted Walker was an extreme danger to the community and stated, “She will do whatever she wants to do when she wants to do it”.

Judge Okun denied the defense’s motion for release and stated, “My decision is based on whether she would be a danger to the community”. Judge Okun reflected on how Walker struck the other car at almost 80 miles-per-hour, highlighting her recklessness.

Parties will reconvene Feb. 22 for a felony status conference.

Homicide Defendant Sentenced After Accepting Plea Deal

On Nov. 17, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced Demetrius Void to six years incarceration for a homicide.

Void, 36, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and armed carjacking, for his involvement in fatal shooting of 24-year-old Anthony Lawson, on Sept. 25, 2018, on the 6200 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Lawson and Void were allegedly having a dispute over a vehicle that belonged to Void’s mother.

On Aug. 24, Void accepted an agreement extended by prosecutors to plead guilty to one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for dismissal of all other charges.

Prosecutors requested Judge O’Keefe follow the six-to -eight year sentencing guideline that parties had agreed on when Void pleaded guilty. Prosecutors mentioned Void’s lack of remorse stating, “Not once did I hear him express regret… he did not think it’s a big deal”.

Void’s defense attorneys, William Alley and Madalyn Harvey, requested Judge O’Keefe impose a six year sentence, emphasizing it is a “significant amount of time”. Void’s attorneys noted “being in prison is not going to do any good”.

Although the first-degree murder charge was dismissed, Judge O’Keefe allowed Lawson’s family members to give an impact statement. Lawson’s mother stated, “From the sounds of it, it sounds like you’re going to be blessed, do what you have to do for your kids and your family”.

Judge O’Keefe sentenced Void to 72 months in prison followed by a three year supervised release. The judge expressed his concern, saying “You are not only hurting yourself, you’re also hurting your family”.

“I apologize to my family,” said Void.
He is also required to register as a gun offender and pay a fine of 100 dollars to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund.

Probable Cause Found In Shooting Homicide

On Nov. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause in a homicide case.

Iesha Marks, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 46-year-old Donald Childs that occurred July 30, on the 100 block of Farragut Street, NW.

Earlier prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who testified that an individual, identified as Marks, was involved in a dispute in an alleyway. She got into a black Toyota Camry’s passenger side, and the car drove away.

According to the detective, that same vehicle returned 20 minutes later, and an individual sitting inside fatally shot Childs. The detective’s testimony was backed by surveillance footage.

Judge Brandt stated the evidence “overwhelmingly points to Marks as the shooter.”

She also stated that there are alley surveillance videos where gunshots are heard and Marks is allegedly seen getting in a black Toyota Camry after the gunfire. In the videos an individual is seen wearing a white T-shirt and black shorts consistent with clothes found in the trash can at Marks’ apartment.

In a video allegedly from Marks’ phone a firearm is in her lap.

Judge Brandt also stated that there is a consciousness of guilt argument in that it appeared Marks was returning to the scene of the crime looking for information.

She added that there is nothing that supports self-defense at this time and that the crime was premeditated.

Marks’ defense attorney, Dana Page, asked the court that Marks be released on home confinement as she has two young children. Page added that Marks has a bachelor’s degree and was in a master’s program at the time of the incident. She also explained that Marks has mental health problems and would be able to get the treatment she needs if released.

Page stated that Marks has family support and is not a flight risk.

The prosecution wanted Marks detained because she presents a danger to the community. She is alleged to have opened fire in a busy intersection on a Sunday afternoon in broad daylight. The prosecution added that she has two previous incidents involving a gun and a misdemeanor case while on probation.

Judge Brandt said, “Loss of human life is as egregious as it gets,” and Marks’ “shooting was bracingly reckless.” And added, “The weight of the government’s evidence is strong.”

The judge found that there is no condition or combination of conditions where Marks would not pose a threat to the community; therefore she will remain detained.

A felony status conference is scheduled for Jan. 19.

Bloody Clothes Found at Crime Scene in Fatal Stabbing

On Nov. 16, witnesses testified before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt that a defendant accused of a fatal stabbing was allegedly found with bloody clothing when he was stopped by police.

The prosecution called an investigator from the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) who allegedly observed blood on Jordan’s pants and tank top and collected it for evidence. The T-shirt that Jordan was wearing that night was ripped in the collar.

The witness also photographed two other individuals but didn’t find any blood.

Defense counsel, Michael Bruckheim, asked why Jordan’s were the only clothes collected for evidence, despite two other individuals being there. The witness responded since no blood was found on their clothing, she wasn’t asked to evaluate it.

Additionally, the prosecution called the lead scientist from DFS who displayed Lynch’s hoodie, T-shirt, and tank top to the jury, and stated that there was blood and multiple cuts found on the front and back of each garment. She explained the clothing had to be placed in a drying cabinet in order to be processed because they were wet with blood and there was also an unidentified bloody shoe print found at the scene.

The prosecution also called the overnight security officer from the apartment complex who testified at some point three men, two women, and two children entered the building. According to the officer an individual wearing a hood accompanied by two children later left the building.

Lastly, prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who found Lynch lying on his back began administering CPR. Lynch was later pronounced dead at MedStar Hospital.

During cross examination, Bruckheim asked the detective why he never questioned any witnesses if they cleaned up the scene before police arrived since there were bloody paper towels and water found next to Lynch’s body.

The witness responded his priorities were helping Lynch and securing the crime scene.

Parties are set to return Nov. 17 to continue witness testimony.

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