Judge Sentences Homicide Defendant to Eight Years

On Aug. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced James Harper to 96-months in prison and five years of supervised release for his role in the killing of Bret Desmarteau.

On May 12, Harper, 41, pled guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter and one count of possessing a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a road rage shooting on May 27, 2021. The incident left Desmarteau, 39, dead on the 100 block of Sheridan Street, NE.

Ring camera footage from nearby residences captured Desmarteau’s motorcycle pulling up behind Harper’s truck, and then the pair started to argue. The footage shows Harper pulling a firearm and apparently firing four close-range shots at Desmarteau, leaving him incapacitated.

The prosecution requested a 96-month sentence and five years of supervised release, speaking of the need for strict release conditions to ensure the community’s safety.

Desmarteau’s mother planned on addressing the court through a victim’s impact statement but said instead, “It’s just too much. I wanted to, but when it comes down to it, I have nothing to say. He’s [Harper] a coward.”

Harper was previously convicted and incarcerated for assault with a dangerous weapon in 2014. After his release, he complied with his supervised release conditions and showed he was attempting to “better his life.” Harper filed for joint custody of his children and started a non-profit to help homeless individuals in his community.

However, as defense counsel Marnitta King said, “Mr. Harper was trying to change his life when life caught back up with him.” A survivor of multiple stabbings and shootings, Harper had reportedly been surrounded by violence from a young age. King said that gun violence has severely impacted Harper.

King requested 72 months imprisonment for Harper, a time she believed would serve as sufficient punishment for his actions while also returning him to his family and community.

Harper spoke remorsefully of his actions and asked Judge Michael O’Keefe to consider the person he became after his release in 2016. He highlighted his volunteer work and attempts to be more present for his family to show that he had changed.

Despite Harper’s past experiences, Judge O’Keefe emphasized other ways Harper could have acted to prevent this “senseless” death. He agreed that Harper had found a “new trajectory” after his release in 2016 but that the changes showed Harper “continued to make bad decisions.”

Harper must register as a gun offender, submit to DNA swabbing, and complete a psychological evaluation and treatments if necessary.

Defendant Accused in Teen Shooting Rejects Plea Offer

On Aug. 1, Alphonso Oliver rejected a plea deal on one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed and one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm with a prior felony conviction.

Oliver, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and additional firearm violations for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 16-year-old Levoire Simmons on July 5, 2022. The shooting occurred on the 700 block of Kenilworth Terrace NE.

Simmons was found with a gunshot wound to the head, showing no signs of life. He was subsequently transferred to the DC medical examiner’s office, and the manner of Simmons’ death was confirmed as a homicide.

No motive is known for this incident.

Defense counsel Andrew Ain requested Oliver’s right to a speedy trial. The proceedings are scheduled to start on Dec. 2, 2024.

The next hearing is set for Jan. 12, 2024.

One of Three Defendants in 2020 Homicide Rejects Plea Deal

A homicide defendant rejected a plea deal in court on July 31.

Niko Hall, 31, is charged with five counts, including first-degree murder while armed, for the alleged murder of Anthony Lee. Lee, 25, was shot on September 26, 2020 on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. He died shortly thereafter at a local hospital.

Though surveillance footage of the incident showed four shooters, only three men are being charged with the crime. The other two defendants, Kyrie Wells and Darquise Montgomery, have both accepted plea deals that reduced their charges to second-degree murder while armed. Each is expected to serve 12 to 14 years in prison.

The mandatory minimum sentence for first-degree murder is 30 years.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt confirmed Hall’s choice to reject the plea deal and began preparations for the trial.

The next hearing is set for August 10, and the trial is set for October 2.

Probation Restrictions Remain in Place for Convicted Shooter

On July 31, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt decided to maintain a show cause order on a man convicted in a non-fatal shooting in 2021 meaning he will continue under strict probation conditions at least until the next hearing.

Markeis Crandall, 19, pleaded guilty in 2022 as part of a plea deal regarding his involvement in a shooting on Nov. 26, 2021 on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE. Both victims survived the attack.

Crandall allegedly attacked the two victims after learning they were from a rival neighborhood and recognizing one of them as the person who had allegedly robbed him months earlier. Crandall later turned himself in to the police.

In Feb. 2022, Crandall accepted a plea deal and was charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He was sentenced to 24-months of probation and five-years of supervised release, as well as community service, drug abuse treatment, and other probation conditions.

Since his sentencing, Crandall has reportedly had difficulties completing his probation conditions and was rearrested in May following an alleged probation violations.

However, Crandall has now completed an in-patient drug treatment program, community service, and tested negative during recent drug testings.

Judge Brandt decided to retain the show cause order on Crandall until he completes anger management classes, continues drug testing, and finds employment.

Crandall agreed with Brandt, asking to keep the show cause order until he had completed more of his probation conditions.

The next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 5.

Shooting Defendant Balks at Plea Deal

On July 31, sentencing for Charles Monroe was delayed because he refused to take a plea deal.

Monroe, 18, was charged with multiple counts of robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking, destruction of property $1000 or more, unauthorized use of a vehicle, assault with a dangerous weapon, second degree cruelty to children while armed, and assault with intent to commit robbery while armed in connection with a non-fatal shooting that took place on July 10, 2021 at the 700 block of 7th Street SE.

Both parties had agreed to a plea deal of 60-months in jail with credit for time served and 18-months of supervised probation.

Despite the agreement, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe refused to accept this offer. The judge stated that due to Monroe’s criminal history it would be in the defendant’s and community’s best interest to keep him incarcerated.

Defense attorney, Terrence Austin, stated that Monroe has made great progress, including graduating high school, Considering the circumstances surrounding his life. “…He has made as much progress as one can make..” stated the defense.

Austin referred to the poverty and violence that Monroe and his family endured during his early development and the deaths of family members. Austin also noted the defendant’s struggles with PTSD, ADHD and learning disabilities.

In hopes of changing the judge’s mind, defense attorneys even presented some of the defendant’s poetry articulating the struggles that impoverished young black men face growing up in an urban environment.

Even so, Judge O’Keefe refused to accept the plea. Monroe could either take his chances with his ruling on the sentence or go to trial.

Sentencing was continued until August 21.

Document: Homicide: 4200 Block of 6th Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in investigating a homicide that occurred on July 28 on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the area on the report of a shooting and located two adult male shooting victims. One victim was declared dead after an examination by DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services found no signs of life. The other victim was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead after life-saving efforts failed.

The victims have been identified as 56-year-old Charles Luster Jr and 20-year-old Tyjon Clayton.

Document: Suspect Sought in an Assault With Intent to Kill (Gun) Offense: 3000 Block of 30th Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection with a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 25 on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the area on the report of a shooting and located a juvenile female shooting victim. She was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for life-threatening injuries.

Document: Homicide: 100 Block of Farragut Street, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in investigating a homicide that occurred on July 30 on the 100 block of Farragut Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the area on the report of a shooting and located an adult male shooting victim. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead after all life-saving efforts were unsuccessful.

The victim was identified as 46-year-old Donald B. Childs.

Document: Updated with Additional Photos: Suspect Sought in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 2200 Block of Wade Road, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating and identifying a suspect in connection to a non-fatal shooting on July 27 on the 2200 block of Wade Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the area on the report of a shooting and located an adult male shooting victim. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide 2300 Block of L’Enfant Square, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch have arrested and charged 35-year-old Daniel Chapman with second degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a July 22 stabbing on the 2300 Block of L’Enfant Square, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the area after reports of a man down and located an adult male stabbing victim. The victim was pronounced dead when DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services found no signs of life.

The victim was identified as 43-year-old Antoine Ealey.

Document: Vehicle Sought in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 1100 Block of K Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a vehicle in connection to a July 26 shooting on the 1100 block of K Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the area after hearing fireworks sounds but quickly encountered an adult female shooting victim. She was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Document: Arrest Made in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 4600 Block of Benning Road, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Sixth District arrested and charged 28-year-old Daquawn Lubin with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on July 24 on the 4600 block of Benning Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the area after reports of a shooting, where they located two adult male shooting victims. Both victims were transported to local hospitals for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide 1600 Block of Benning Road, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch arrested and charged 59-year-old Joseph Ballard with second degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a July 28 stabbing on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the area after reports of a stabbing, where they located an adult male stabbing victim. The victim was pronounced dead after all life-saving efforts were attempted unsuccessfully.

The victim was identified as 33-year-old Monte Daniels.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder Linked to Lovers’ Dispute

On July 31, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause that Keyon Slaughter was the perpetrator of a homicide in December, 2022.

Slaughter, 26, is being charged with first degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Dana Bailey, 38, on December 5, 2022, on the 3300 block of E Street SE.

Prosecutors called the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) lead detective on the case who testified about body-worn camera footage and information allegedly found on Slaughter’s phone.

The detective testified that co-defendant Lakeyvette Sears and Bailey were married, while Sears was having an affair with a man named ‘Pappi’.

The detective said based on information on Sears’ phone, social media and phone records that ‘Pappi’ was Slaughter. He was also seen on closed circuit surveillance cameras following Sears and Bailey on a metrobus in a black Nissan Altima.

Judge Epstein ruled that the crime was likely linked to a romantic dispute and found probable cause that Slaughter committed the crime.

Slaughter’s next hearing will be on October 20.

Document: Traffic Fatality: 2300 Block of Benning Road, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred on July 23, on the 2300 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, a dark Infinity vehicle struck an adult male pedestrian that was crossing the street outside of a crosswalk. The vehicle fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Responding Officers found no signs consistent with life when they arrived at the scene.

The victim was identified as 39-year-old Gatarua Stephen Gitu.

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