2014 Homicide Defendant Found Guilty of Murdering His Ex-Girlfriend

On Nov.14, the jury delivered a guilty verdict before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe following a 2014 homicide trial.

Marvin Lopez, 43, was charged with premeditated first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Evelyn Arroyo on Dec. 24, 2014, on the 3900 block of 14th Street, NW.

After deliberating for a day, the jury delivered a guilty verdict for both charges against Lopez.

During trial, the prosecution relied heavily on cell phone records and witness testimony. They presented several messages between Lopez and Arroyo, showing multiple threats made by Lopez, such as “You’re going to die. I swear it” and “We’ll see each other soon”.

Prosecutors also presented witness testimony from multiple individuals that described the abusive nature of their relationship.

In their closing statement, the prosecution emphasized that Lopez swore that he would kill Arroyo multiple times, and that he finally got his wish, because he was the one who ultimately murdered her.

The defense highlighted the lack of physical or DNA evidence, and questioned the motives of witnesses describing Lopez and Arroyo’s domestic problems. They argued that, although the couple was in a toxic relationship, it does not automatically prove Lopez was the killer.

In the defense’s closing statement, Lopez’s attorney, Rachel McCoy, emphasized the prosecution’s burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and insisted that they failed to do so.

McCoy rested her case by stating “One reasonable doubt and you must acquit,” and there are several in this case.

Following the verdict, Lopez’s defense counsel, Rachel McCoy and Justin Okezie, withdrew from the case for undisclosed reasons.

A sentencing was scheduled for Jan. 26.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide Case

On Nov. 14, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found the prosecution established probable cause in a homicide case.

Damion Brown, 24, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 21-year-old Jordan Coates on the 1200 block of Duncan Place, NE, on Sept. 9.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to an incident where they located Coates who suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was soon taken to Washington Hospital Center where she succumbed to her injuries.

During the hearing, Brown’s defense attorney, William Alley, resumed his cross-examination of an MPD detective involved in the homicide investigation.

The detective testified about three doorbell security footage clips, stating there was never a point in any of the clips where Brown was seen on camera pulling a gun on Coates.

He confirmed there was a 30-second gap in the footage before and after the shooting and there was no footage that recorded gunfire.

However, the detective told Alley that Brown was allegedly holding a handgun at the doorstep of a relative’s house mere feet away from the murder scene.

When asked about Coate’s behavior leading up to the shooting, the detective confirmed Coates, who was acquainted with Brown, had a history of showing up at Brown’s relative’s apartment unannounced, and that she had a history of mental health issues.

According to the detective, MPD received a call for a noise complaint at Duncan Place about two or three hours before the shooting.

The detective said that when officers arrived, they interviewed people living in the apartment complex but they couldn’t tell who filed the noise complaint.

In closing arguments, Alley said he wanted Judge Demeo to focus on the unsubstantiated 911 calls and Coates’ unfortunate mental health problems in finding whether or not there is probable cause.

Additionally, Alley asked Judge Demeo to consider the history of Coates’ alleged harassment and stalking before the shooting though he did not show any evidence of the complaints.

In conclusion, Alley said Brown had earned his high school diploma and has a mentor from high school who has helped him out, and he has worked a previous job in construction.

“He has shown that he won’t be a danger to the community,” Alley said.

In finding probable cause, Judge Demeo said Brown had allegedly committed this offense while on a GPS monitor.

She also said he has prior criminal convictions for possession of a controlled substance in an unrelated case, robbery while armed, kidnapping, and possession of a firearm in the current case.

Judge Demeo acknowledged Brown has a history of depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues, “there is no condition or set of conditions that would ensure the safety of the community”.

Parties are expected back on Jan. 25.

Document: Southeast Shooting Leaves Woman Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a woman on Nov. 14 on the 1900 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers were flagged down at the location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they located a woman with gunshot wound injuries. The woman was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

The victim has not been identified.

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

Document: Decedent Identified Southeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that took place on Nov. 13 on the 400 block of Ridge Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers were responding to a report of the sounds of gunshots. They were flagged down and directed to the location, where they located an adult male shooting victim. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The victim was identified as 52-year-old Marcus Little.

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

Defendant Waives DNA Testing Rights

On Nov. 13. a non-fatal shooting defendant waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a crime scene.

Isaiah Smith, 27, is charged with aggravated assault while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, four counts of unlawful possession of ammunition and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place on the 3500 block of 13th Street, SE on May 22, 2022.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department(MPD) officers responded to a shooting at an apartment building and found a woman unconscious, unresponsive and suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

According to court documents, a witness who was in the apartment when the shooting took place alerted MPD that Smith was in the room with the victim and suddenly there was a loud bang. The witness went into the room and found the victim, however Smith was no longer there.

The prosecution said they tested DNA evidence from the scene of the crime, but did not elaborate on what the items were tested.

Smith is scheduled to appear in front of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on May 17, 2024, for a trial readiness hearing.

Acquitted: Parties Argue Two Motions After a Senior Officer and Former Detective Testify in a Homicide Case

Editor’s note: On May 30, 2024 a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Brothers is still being held on homicide charges in another case.

On Nov. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein addressed two motions submitted by counsel and continued his rulings in a homicide case after the lead detective and a senior officer testified.

Davonte Brothers, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 27-year-old Deron Leake on Oct. 17, 2019, on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE. The incident also left one individual suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

During the hearing, the parties discussed two motions. The first was to suppress a statement of identification from a witness. The second was a motion in which the defense had to prove the detectives had “reckless disregard of the truth” in the creation of the warrants in this case.

In regard to the motion to suppress a statement of identification, the prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) senior officer to ask about the photo array he administered to a witness. The senior officer confirmed the prosecution’s argument that his role in the case was to administer a photo line up to the witness and that he was not involved in the further investigation of the case or knew who the suspect was.

Following the officer’s testimony, Brother’s defense attorney, Molly Bunke, called the lead detective from the case. She asked the former detective about his interview with a witness and the description of the shooter the witnesses gave. Bunke argued that the witness was told by a detective it would be “favorable to him if he knew information” because the witness had a pending charge at the time.

Due to the statements made by the detective, Bunke requested that photo identification be suppressed. She argued the witness had discrepancies in his different accounts of what the shooter’s height, facial hair, and appearance.

“Defense is asking you to speculate about their conversation in the car,” the prosecutor told Judge Epstein.

For the second motion, Brother’s defense attorney, Dominique Winters, argued “there is missing information here” in relation to the dates on the form that do not match when the arrays were supposedly shown to witnesses.

Winters argued that the mother of Leake texted the detective that Brothers “may have” been the shooter, but that the detective said in the warrant she had identified Brothers as the shooter.

Winters said the statement shouldn’t be allowed because of the “reckless disregard of the truth”.

The prosecution responded by saying that the detective “testified he made a mistake” in the warrant and that there was no deception or intent to do so.

Due to time constraints, Judge Epstein was unable to rule on the motions.

Judge Epstein is slated to give his ruling on the two motions on Nov 16.

2022 Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment

On Nov. 14, a defendant in a homicide case was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Riley Benjamin, 32, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Roger Jones, 41, is charged with 11 counts, including one count of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, among other charges. Benjamin and Jones are charged for their alleged involvement in the murder of 31-year-old Maurice McRae on Feb. 19, 2022, on the 3000 block of Bladensburg Road, NE. McRae succumbed to his injuries on April 27, 2022.

During the Nov. 14 hearing, Benjamin was arraigned with one count of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, and one count of aggravated assault knowingly while armed.

His defense attorney, Julie Swaney, informed the court that Benjamin would be pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserting his constitutional rights as well.

Jones was previously arraigned on Oct. 31, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

According to court documents, neither defendant was arraigned on any murder charges, despite the death of McRae.

The parties are expected to return on Jan. 18.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On Nov. 14, a defendant rejected a plea offer in connection to a 2022 non-fatal shooting case.

Thomas Leach, 17, is charged with assault with intent to 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 a shooting that left three individuals suffering from injuries on the 4000 block of Central Avenue, NE, at the Benning Road Metro Station on Dec. 8, 2022.

Leach is being charged as an adult.

According to court documents, Leach and the intended homicide victim went to school together, and on the day of the shooting, Leach allegedly entered the Benning Road Metro Station and met with the victims on the platform.

At the hearing, prosecutors said a plea offer was given to the defense in late October.

According to prosecutors, the offer requires that Leach plead guilty to one count of assault with intent to commit an offense while armed and one count of assault with intent to kill while armed. In exchange, the prosecution would dismiss the possession charge and not indict Leach on any other charges.

Terrence Austin, Leach’s defense attorney, said Leach rejected the plea offer.

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo set the next hearing, a felony status conference, for Dec. 6 to arraign Leach and discuss the pending indictment against him.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in a Two-Victim Homicide Case

On Nov. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found the prosecution established probable cause in a double homicide case.

Jeremiah Jordan, 33, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 29-year-old Luke Whitaker and 19-year-old Zion Hollingsworth-Hayes on July 22, on the 1400 block of Girard Street, NW.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, officers responded to the location for a shooting, where they located Whitaker. Shortly after, they found Hollingsworth-Hayes on the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW. Both victims were dead.

During the hearing Jordan’s defense attorney, Joseph Yarbough, resumed his cross-examination of a detective involved in the investigation of the case. The detective confirmed Yarbough’s argument that three individuals were seen in surveillance footage going up to Whitaker after the shooting, but the detective did not follow up on their flight paths.

The detective also confirmed there was a bag taken from Whitaker after the shooting and it could have “contraband” in it and this was a reason for searching Whitaker’s car for a firearm.

The detective testified the nickname “Bo” was connected to Jordan soon after the shooting and he found text messages between “Bo” and Whitaker.

Yarbough argued that Jordan never made threats towards Whitaker and that, in surveillance footage, Whitaker is seen physically advancing at Jordan. However, the detective testified there is no evidence that Whitaker was armed.

In the final arguments, Yarbough argued potential self-defense and mitigating circumstances, stating there were “provoking events”. He also argued that Whitaker started the physical altercation and the bag taken off Whitaker could have contained a firearm or other contraband.

The prosecution closed by saying “a push does not warrant nine bullets” in relation to the physical altercation seen in surveillance footage.

Judge Epstein found probable cause that the shooter did not act in self-defense, and argued prosecutors had reached the burden of proof to show probable cause that Jordan was the shooter. Judge Epstein also denied Yarbough’s request for Jordan’s release due to the circumstances of the shooting.

Parties are expected back Jan. 19, 2024.

During Closing Arguments Prosecution Points to ‘Toxic’ Relationship as Motive in 2014 Homicide

On Nov. 13, parties delivered closing arguments in a trial for a 2014 homicide case in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Marvin Lopez, 43, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for allegedly shooting 27-year-old Evelyn Arroyo on Dec. 24, 2014, on the 3900 block of 14th Street, NW. After the shooting, Lopez allegedly fled to El Salvador where he resided until early 2023.

“Marvin Lopez swore that he would kill Yamileth Arroyo,” the prosecution said during their opening statement. The prosecutor reiterated that “Yamileth” is another name Arroyo was known by. The prosecutor argued that Lopez threatened Arroyo in private text messages and in their residence while in front of their roommate. The prosecutor also spoke about how Lopez threatened Arroyo by saying specifically, “where it will start, it will end”, in reference to the restaurant where Lopez and Arroyo met, and where she was ultimately killed.

Prosecutors explained that Lopez’s and Arroyo’s relationship began in 2012, when Lopez pursued Arroyo at the restaurant where she worked.

According to prosecutors, their honeymoon phase ended in 2013, when the police were called to their residence for the first time in regards to a domestic violence situation, which resulted in Lopez being escorted out of their home. Then, the prosecutor referenced how the pair was on good terms again until October of 2014, when Lopez called the police and Arroyo was escorted out and issued a stay away order from Lopez.

“Stay away orders can put abusers in more power”, the prosecutor said. She then emphasized that this incident was likely a result of defensive behavior by Arroyo, and that the stay away order placed by Lopez was another method he used to control her.

According to prosecutors, after the October 2014 incident, the pair separated, but Arroyo had not yet moved out of their apartment. Arroyo became romantically involved with someone new but was unable to retrieve her belongings, such as her car keys, because Lopez had taken them from her.

According to the prosecutor, Arroyo didn’t fully move out of their shared apartment until three weeks before her murder. After Arroyo officially moved out, Lopez posted a threatening photo on his Facebook page that read, “te amo”, covered in bullets. This photo was also captioned “you’re already happy with your new love”, along with Arroyo’s Facebook handle.

In response to this, the prosecutor said he posted this because “[Lopez] had lost control of her”.

The prosecutor showed a variety of text messages from Lopez to Arroyo with threatening contents, including messages that said, “never in my life will I forgive you for this betrayal Yamileth, now you’ll know who I really am,“we’ll see each other soon, you’re going to die I swear it and we’ll see if your lover saves you.”

In regards to the day of the murder, the prosecutor showed evidence that Lopez had ripped up photos of him and Arroyo in a fit of rage, which were later found on his bed by their roommate. The prosecutor also said Lopez’s roommate testified that she saw Lopez leave in Arroyo’s car on the day of her murder.

The prosecutor then spoke about events and evidence after the murder had occurred. She said that Arroyo’s car had been recovered near the restaurant after the murder, which is the same car that Lopez had been spotted driving that day by his roommate. Additionally, Lopez was nowhere to be found after being thoroughly searched for in several different places. The reason he couldn’t be found, according to the prosecutor, is because he fled to El Salvador after having a “guilty conscience” for murdering Arroyo. The prosecutor emphasized that he only returned to the U.S after being found and extradited for this trial, but that he left all of his family and belongings behind, and didn’t ever tell anyone where he was going before he left.

The defense then presented their closing arguments after the prosecutors.

“Marvin Lopez is not guilty. The government had the responsibility to prove this case to you beyond a reasonable doubt, and they have failed,” Lopez’s defense attorney, Rachel McCoy, said. McCoy argued that from the beginning of the case, both the police and the prosecution had “tunnel vision” on Lopez as the suspect and did not investigate other possibilities. According to McCoy, using Lopez as a suspect “fit their narrative”, and from that point on he was the only person police and prosecutors suspected of killing Arroyo.

McCoy firmly stated that the defense’s position is that Lopez had already been in El Salvador at the time of the murder, reiterating that they would have found his personal documents such as a form of identification or a valid passport in his apartment if he hadn’t yet left for El Salvador at the time of the murder.

Additionally, Lopez had allegedly taken Arroyo’s phone and keys in the days leading up to the murder. The prosecution had been referencing this through the trial, saying that Arroyo had no way to communicate.

However, McCoy argued that Arroyo had two phones with her at the time of her death, contrary to the prosecution’s claim. The two phones were never shown by prosecutors in open court, and when shown by McCoy, they were in a plastic bag with no visible evidence markings.

“There is not a shred of physical evidence that puts [Lopez] on the scene that day,” McCoy said. “No investigation into physical evidence is a reasonable doubt!.”

She also noted that a bloodhound had been on the scene as well, and was given an item of Lopez’s scent and then attempted to locate him, but the dog failed to find Lopez’s scent anywhere near the scene.

McCoy also noted that a witness had testified seeing Lopez fleeing the scene with a gun in his left hand, but exclaimed “[Lopez] has been sitting here this whole time writing with his right hand”.

According to McCoy, the prosecution used the toxic relationship between the suspect and the victim to prove that Lopez shot her. “Just because there was a toxic relationship does not mean that you can make the jump to say that he killed her,” McCoy said.

During their rebuttal, the prosecution said there was no information to connect this crime to a gang.

“The evidence in this case all points to [Lopez],” the prosecutor said, referencing his threatening messages and fleeing to another country. Lopez “told on himself,” the prosecutor continued.

The jury began deliberations, which are expected to last for several days.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment

On Nov. 13, Travon Diggs pleaded not guilty to two indictment charges in connection to a homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Diggs, 29, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Junior Lee Johnson on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE on May 2, 2022.

Diggs’s defense attorney, Errin Scialpi, appeared remotely and defense attorney Kyle McGonigal appeared in person on Scialpi’s behalf to answer any questions Diggs had.

According to the defense, Diggs is serving time for an unrelated matter in Virginia. Judge Demeo ordered that he be held at the DC jail to make future transportation to court dates simpler.

During the proceeding, Scialpi informed the court that Diggs is pleading not guilty to both charges in connection to the homicide. She asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

The parties are scheduled for a status hearing on Dec 14.

Document: Southeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 13 on the 1300 block of Valley Place, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries who died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 24-year-old Jireh Emanuel Martinez.

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

Document: Juvenile Arrested for Killing Father in Northwest DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch announce the arrest of a juvenile after he allegedly killed his father on Nov. 12 on the 3100 block of 16th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location to assist DC Fire and EMS personnel with the report of a man down inside a building. Upon arrival, officers located a man suffering from puncture wound injuries. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

During the investigation, it was determined that this was a domestic incident.

The victim was identified as 41-year-old Travis Dash.

The suspect was identified as a 13-year-old male, and was charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Document: Southeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 13 on the 400 block of Ridge Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers were responding to a report of the sounds of gunshots, when they were flagged down and directed to the location, where they located an adult male shooting victim. The victim died at the scene.

The victim has not been identified.

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

Document: Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck by a Car

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Investigations Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred on Nov. 11 at the intersection of Texas Avenue and Chaplin Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, a man was crossing in or near the north crosswalk of the intersection, when he was struck by a silver or gray sedan. The operator of the vehicle fled northbound on the 4400 block of Texas Avenue, SE. The pedestrian succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The victim was identified as 65-year-old William Bush.

Anyone with knowledge of the incident should call the police.

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