Multiple Co-Defendants Waive Rights to Independently Test DNA for 2021 Mass Shooting

On Nov. 3, a status hearing was held in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, in which multiple co-defendants waived their rights to independently test DNA evidence.

William Johnson-Lee, 21, Erwin Dubose, 29, Kamar Queen, 26, and Damonta Thompson, 26, are four of six individuals charged in relation to a mass shooting that occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021.

The defendants are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, and assault with intent to kill, among other charges, for their involvement in the fatal shooting of 31- year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, 37- year-old Johnny Joyner. The incident also left three individuals suffering from gunshot injuries.

Johnson-Lee’s defense attorney, Peter Fayne, announced that Johnson-Lee decided to waive his appearance for the Nov. 3 hearing, as prosecutors are still awaiting test results that could potentially connect Johnson-Lee’s DNA to evidence found at the scene of the incident.

Prosecutors stated they received DNA results for Dubose, Queen, and Thompson and tested cartridge casings found at the scene as well as multiple pieces of evidence recovered from a car referenced as the “suspect vehicle” in court documents; they included a gas can, a charging cord, and various bottles containing unspecified liquids.

In reference to the cartridge casings, gas can and charger, Dubose, Queen, and Thompson were excluded as possible sources based on their DNA profiles.

Regarding the interior rim of a bottle, Dubose’s DNA was positively matched as one of two contributors; the other was not provided. None of the other defendants were connected to the genetic evidence.

Dubose, Queen, and Thompson chose to waive their rights to independently DNA test the evidence collected.

Other evidence recovered but not tested were cartridge casings, a black medical mask, projectiles, and two firearms not apparently connected to the defendants.

Parties will reconvene Dec. 19 for a felony status conference.

Document: Southeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 4, on the 1400 block of L Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man suffering from gunshot wound injuries. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services was called to the scene, and after all life-saving efforts failed, the man was pronounced dead.

The victim was identified as 22-year-old Charles Towles.

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

Document: Northwest Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Nov. 2 on the 3400 block of 14th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located two men with gunshot wound injuries. Both victims were transported to local hospitals.

On Nov. 4, one of the victims succumbed to his injuries. He has been identified as 29-year-old Johansel Encarnacion.

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

Document: Southeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a man that occurred on Nov. 4 on the 3500 block of A Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a person down, where they located a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene, and, after all lifesaving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending a positive identification and next of kin notification.

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

Document: Northwest Shooting Leaves Teen Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a teenager on Nov. 3 on the corner of 14th Street and Fairmont Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots, where they located a juvenile male with gunshot wound injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

A second juvenile male victim was located on the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW, conscious and breathing. He was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The homicide victim was identified as 14-year-old Niko Estep.

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

Document: Suspect Arrested in a Homicide in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in connection to a homicide that occurred on Aug. 19, on the 2100 block of H Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male shooting victim with no signs consistent with life.

The victim was identified as 34-year-old Kevin McDowell.

On Nov. 3, MPD arrested DaJohn Blunt and charged him with first-degree murder while armed – premeditated.

Document: Gunman Sought After Shooting at MPD Officers

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Force Investigation Team is investigating an MPD officer-involved shooting that occurred on Nov. 3 on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots. When they arrived, the suspect fired several shots at them, leading three officers to return fire. The suspect fled the scene. There were no injuries reported.

The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, due to MPD policy. Body worn camera footage is under review.

The suspect was captured by a nearby public safety camera.

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

Case Acquitted: State Troopers Stop Homicide Defendant on Night of a Murder

This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

On Nov. 1 prosecutors called more witnesses in a 2020 homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Michael Austin, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 26-year-old Kayvon Kinney on May 24, 2020, on the 1800 block of Gainesville Street, SE.

The prosecution began by calling Austin’s romantic partner who explained on the night of the incident there was an altercation between Austin and Kinney but Austin was not the aggressor and continued to move away from Kinney every time Kinney came towards him.

She stated that at the end of the argument she went into the house with her mother and Austin did not follow her. She explained that five-to- ten minutes after entering the house she heard gunshots. She told prosecutors she has known Austin for five-to six- years and has never seen him with a gun or known him to own one.

She said she assumed that Austin went home as he normally did.

When questioned by defense counsel, Jason Tulley, she was asked how Austin normally acts around guns. The witness stated that Austin was sensitive to loud noises and never reacted well to gunshots. She stated, “Gunshots freak him out,” therefore she did not think Austin could be involved when she heard the gunshots that night.

The prosecution also called a Maryland State Trooper who stopped Austin on Interstate- 270 north for speeding after the shooting had occurred. The witness stated that Austin was going 75 miles-per-hour, 25 miles-per-hour over the posted speed limit. The trooper issued Austin a citation.

Subsequently, a Pennsylvania State Trooper testified he conducted a traffic stop on Austin on Road 234 at 4:30a. m. for not turning off his high beams when another car was approaching.

The trooper searched the car but didn’t find a gun.

Austin’s vehicle was impounded by the Pennsylvania State Police and picked up by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) months after the incident and after Austin’s arrest.

The final prosecution witness was an MPD detective testifying about the argument that led to the shooting.

The detective says that surveillance video shows when Austin and Kinney were arguing, Austin was wearing an orange hoodie and an individual fleeing the scene was carrying what appears to be an orange article of clothing.

During cross examination, Austin’s attorney, William Alley, pointed out that right after the gun shots, a black vehicle is seen leaving the scene from a different side of the street where the shooting took place.

The detective stated that he failed to note that vehicle in his initial report of the surveillance footage.

Trial is set to resume Nov. 2.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment

On Nov. 3, a homicide defendant was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Diamond Stevenson, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Gregory Wilkins, on Feb. 4, at the 1100 block of Maryland Avenue, NW.

Matthew Davies, Stevenson’s defense attorney, alerted the court that Stevenson was pleading not guilty, asserting her right to a speedy trial.

Parties are expected back on Jan. 19, 2024, for a status hearing.

Trial Pushed Back in 2015 Homicide Case

On Nov. 3, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo granted a prosecutor’s motion to delay a homicide trial in connection to a 2015 incident.

Eugene Burns, 31, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in 2017. The case was reopened on appeal in 2020.

Burns allegedly shot his best friend, 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III, on Nov. 15, 2015, on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE. Burns is alleged to have committed the crime while he was on release for fleeing a law enforcement agent.

In 2022, prosecutors indicted Burns for conspiracy and obstruction of justice for allegedly getting his co-defendant, Tyre Allen, to coerce a witness into giving the court false statements regarding the incident.

According to court documents, Burns and Allen “planned and plotted over a course of months to corruptly influence a witness to swear to an affidavit recanting grand jury and trial testimony that the witness had previously provided against Burns in the murder case”.

On Sept. 25, prosecutors filed a motion to continue the trial date, which was previously set for Feb. 5, 2024, stating that they need additional time to “obtain essential evidence for the [prosecutors] to meet its burden at trial and because of the unavailability of [prosecutorial] counsel”.

Burns’ defense attorney, Mary Kennedy, asserted his right to a speedy trial, and argued if the trial is pushed back from the February date, Burns deserves to be released to home confinement as he awaits the new trial date.

Judge Demeo granted the prosecutor’s motion to continue the trial date, stating they had “good cause” for the request, and they continue to work in a manner that ensures the case moves forward. A new trial date was set for September 2024.

Kennedy requested Burns be released until trial, arguing that the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) had screened him and found him eligible for home confinement. According to Kennedy, prosecutors will not be ready for the September trial date, and it is “unfair for [Burns] to continue to be held”.

Kennedy argued that “it’s going to be a long time before this goes to trial,” and insisted Burns has not exhibited obstructive behavior since 2020.

Prosecutors quickly opposed the motion for release, arguing he remains a danger to the community. They explained that he’s charged with murder for allegedly killing his best friend over drug money, and was convicted and sentenced for the incident in 2017.

Prosecutors also argued that Burns googled “how does it feel to kill someone for the first time” and “where to shoot for it to be deadly” prior to the murder.

According to prosecutors, while the trial was ongoing, he coerced Allen and a witness into giving false statements to the court.

Judge Demeo stated Burns actions were “taken to corrupt the process,” and is known to have fled law enforcement prior to the murder.

Although PSA deemed him eligible for home confinement, said Judge Demeo, he continues to pose a danger to the community. Due to this, she denied Burns’ request for release.

Parties are expected back on Feb. 9, 2024.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Domestic Shooting Case

On Nov. 2, non-fatal shooting defendant Tevon Stackhouse accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz

Stackhouse, 33, was originally charged with second-degree cruelty to children, carrying a pistol without a license, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and endangerment with a firearm, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 1 on the 1000 block of Savannah Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to prosecutors, Stackhouse fired 17 gunshots at the victim’s vehicle from his own vehicle. The defendant and the victim have a child who was in the defendant’s vehicle at the time of the incident. The prosecutors said that the defendant’s child repeatedly asked the defendant to stop shooting.

While no one was wounded, prosecutors noted the victim’s vehicle was inoperable.

Stackhouse accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to one count of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of carrying a pistol without a license in exchange for prosecutors not seeking an indictment.

Following the guilty plea, Stackhouse’s defense attorney, Kevin Kassees, requested a motion for release pending sentencing. However, the motion was denied. Judge Leibovitz expressed her concern for the safety of the community, deeming Stackhouse a dangerous threat.

Parties are expected back for a full report and sentencing on Jan. 12, 2024.

Parties Give Closing Arguments in 2020 Robbery and Shooting Case

On Nov. 2, parties gave closing arguments in a 2020 shooting and robbery trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan

Anthony Owens and George Belk, both 44, are charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, assault with intent to commit another offense, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their alleged involvement in a shooting and robbery incident that occurred on April 15, 2020, on the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE. The incident left Owens and Belk with minor injuries.

Prosecutors cited the closed circuit surveillance footage showing Owens and Belk allegedly walking up to the victim and attempted to rob him near his car. The prosecutor cited the victim’s testimony when he says he was told by Owens to “give that sh*t up,” referring to the victim’s belongings and that one of the suspect’s pointed a gun at this stomach.

According to prosecutors, there’s proof that Owens and Belk waited for the victim in a black van as he entered a restaurant.

Prosecutors insisted the trial was not about the individual who stepped in to help the victim by shooting Owen and Belk, but rather about the actions taken by Owens and Belk.

Bruce Cooper, Belk’s defense attorney, argued that there is no evidence to suggest that Owens or Belk used a firearm during the robbery.

Cooper told the jury the victim was armed when he went to breakfast on the day of the incident, stating the only individuals in possession of a gun were the victim and the individual that shot at Belk and Owens.

He said that following the incident, police didn’t search Belk’s or Owens’ home to look for a firearm that might link them to the incident.

Additionally, Cooper said that when the suspect’s van made its way from T Street to the United Medical Center at the 1300 block of Southern Avenue, SE following the incident, there were no guns or ammunition found in the vehicle.

Cooper said cited the differences between the victim’s grand jury testimony where he stated he was shot during the incident, and his testimony during the trial where he said he was not shot.

In a rebuttal prosecutors urged the jury to consider the surveillance and victim’s testimony where he said Owens and Belk were armed.

The case is now in the hands of the jury.

Homicide Defendant Deemed Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

On Nov. 3, following the recommendation from a report written by doctors at the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo deemed a homicide defendant competent to stand trial.

Chad Hawthorne, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Antonio Bassett on May 22, 2017, on the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Parties received a report from DBH on Oct. 26, in which doctors state he is competent. Following the parties’ acceptance of the report, Judge Demeo deemed Hawthorne competent to stand trial.

Prosecutors filed a motion to delay the trial date that was previously set, stating that both prosecutors are unavailable for the Jan. 16, 2024, jury trial date.

Judge Demeo granted the motion to delay the trial, and a new trial date was set for February 27, 2024.

Parties are expected back for a motion and trial readiness hearing on Dec. 13.

Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

On Nov. 3, a non-fatal shooting defendant waived his right to independently test evidence for DNA.

Kamara Huffler, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm prior conviction one year, carrying a pistol without license outside home or business, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Sept. 19, 2022, at the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE.

According to court documents, the defendant and victim were involved in a verbal altercation. The defendant proceeded to shoot at the victim who shot back.

The victim sustained multiple gunshots, but survived.

The prosecution noted that they have completed DNA testing but are waiting for further discovery.

Huffler’s defense attorney, Joseph Fay, informed the court that Huffler waives his right to independent DNA testing.

Parties are expected back to court before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Feb. 23, 2024.

Case Acquitted: Prosecution Witnesses Testify in 2020 Homicide Case

This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

On Nov. 2, prosecutors continued to call witnesses to testify in a homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

The prosecution began by calling a DNA expert to testify regarding DNA samples collected from the crime scene.

The witness testified that she received four samples from two cartridges found at the crime scene and that there was no DNA found on either of the cartridges based on the swabs provided.

The prosecution continued by calling a lieutenant from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who canvassed the area and found Kinney’s body.

She stated that there were no firearms found on the body of the victim or in any other location of the crime scene.

During cross examination by defense attorney, Jason Tulley, the officer was questioned about the notification she received from Veritracks, a GPS system used to monitor the location of known offenders that have ankle monitors. She testified that, at the time of the incident, she received a Veritracks notification that there was a known offender in the location of the shooting.

However, the individual was not considered a suspect. She said, “His address was on Gainesville and he was still in a small radius of the scene.”

The prosecution also called an MPD administrative sergeant to testify about his interview with Kinney’s girlfriend.

She said Kinney had been in an argument with Austin earlier that night. She also identified Austin in a photo array conducted by MPD.

The detective stated that MPD was unable to locate Austin in May 2020 and was searching for any known addresses. The detective found an address and went to request surveillance footage from the manager of that building, when he learned that the manager was Austin’s mother.

She said Austin had recently received traffic citations that resulted in the impounding of his car.

So the detective he was able to locate Austin’s vehicle in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and discovered several clothing items.

Another MPD detective testified that during an interview with police, Austin was seen signing forms with his left hand. The prosecution noted that the individual seen shooting by a witness was holding the gun in his left hand.

Trial is set to resume Nov. 6.

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