‘I Didn’t Want to Die. I Just Got Home,’ Says Murder Defendant

A homicide defendant testified about his version of a shooting before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park’s courtroom on Sept 18.

Alphonso Oliver, 36, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and possession of a firearm during crime of violence.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Levoire Simmons on July 5, 2022, at the 700 block of Kenilworth Terrace, SE.

According to court documents, Simmons suffered a singular gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead on scene.

Oliver has a previous conviction for aggravated assault knowingly while armed from 2012. He was sentenced to 12 years incarceration, of which he served ten. He was released on March 4, 2022.

“I didn’t want to die. I just got home,” said Oliver.

Oliver walked the jury through the events of that night from his perspective. He had been released from jail for almost four months when the incident occurred. He testified he had plans to become a truck driver and travel.

Oliver testified that in the early hours of July 5, 2022 he and a woman were walking to a convenience store when he came into contact with Simmons, who was a part of a group hanging out on Kenilworth Avenue.

As the two walked towards the convenience store and were passing the group, an individual allegedly ran straight at Oliver brandishing his weapon. Oliver testified he had put his own weapon in his waistband before leaving for the store because he lived “in a bad neighborhood.”

Oliver said he put his hand on his own weapon in his waistband as the individual ran at him. The person ran past him as he crossed the street and a woman from the group yelled, “He got a gun; he got a gun”. Oliver allegedly addressed the group saying, “It’s not for y’all, I don’t want no problems.”

He stated then Simmons approached him saying, “I should take your mother f****** dog.” The “dog” he was referring to was the defendant’s gun.

Oliver told the jury he said, “I don’t want no problems, I don’t want to go back.” According to Oliver, Simmons told him he was good, and Oliver thought there were no longer problems between them.

The prosecution questioned why he was looking over his shoulder on the way to the store and pacing once inside if he was sure there were no problems with Simmons.

According to Oliver, the pacing was subconscious behavior he developed from his time in incarceration. He added he was able to tell there were no problems when no one from the group chased him into the store.

Wole Falodun, Oliver’s attorney, asked Oliver specifically how he ended up pulling the trigger, shooting Simmons.

The defendant said as he was walking back from the store he decided to introduce himself to the group because he thought they looked like they were from the neighborhood and he was “liable to see them again.”

He walked across the street towards the group with his hands in the air in a surrender position and asked the group, “Can I come at y’all like this?”.

At that point, Oliver testified, Simmons had his back to him and the person who had ran at Oliver before was standing perpendicular to Oliver facing Simmons.

As Oliver approached, Simmons allegedly turned, brandished his weapon, and advanced on the defendant so quickly that Simmons’ gun hit Oliver in the left temple. Oliver said he grabbed Simmons wrist of the hand that held the gun and reached for his own.

According to Oliver, Simmons in response grabbed Oliver’s arm just as he had done before. The two then tussled for control of the weapons. Oliver stated he saw the other man move from the corner of his eye and that is when he pointed Simmons’ gun downward and pulled the trigger, shooting Simmons in the head.

In cross examination the prosecution asked why Oliver was approaching a group of strangers, who he knew had weapons, at one in the morning.

The defendant said it was because he wanted to warn them about the dangers of having guns because of what could happen to them and due to the fact that “police were around the corner.”

The prosecutor asked if it was true that, “The person with the gun in his waist band was going to give advice to people with guns on gun safety.” Oliver said yes.

The defendant was asked if during the time when Simmons and Oliver were struggling over the gun the other man brandished his weapon at Oliver. He said no. She asked if the other man made a move to grab or point his gun at Oliver. He testified no.

He stated that when he saw the man move he thought he was going to be shot.

She went on to ask why he did not call 911 or for an ambulance before or after he fled the scene.

“I don’t want to go back, I didn’t want to be locked up,” Oliver said, adding “It’s not something I wanted – he put a gun to my head”.

The prosecution said he had asserted during his entire testimony that he had willingly gone up to this group of individuals to provide advice in which, “You didn’t know them from Adam” Oliver responded, “or Eve”.

The prosecutor played a snippet of a recorded phone call between Oliver and his cousin where Oliver was quoted saying, “Why would you go up to a group you ain’t know?”

Prosecutors also called on a forensic toxicologist to testify to the results of the report on Simmons ordered by the DC Chief Medical Examiner’s Office.

Simmons blood alcohol content at the time of death was .08, the legal limit. The witness stated that this indicated that the victim had been consuming alcohol shortly before the time of death. In addition, marijuana was found in the victim’s blood work.

The toxicologist made an important distinction between finding concentrations of alcohol compared to cannabinoids in an individual’s blood.

According to the witness, when marijuana is found in blood work it only indicates that an individual has come in contact with it, but not when they came in contact. This is because cannabinoids remain in the system for a longer period of time than alcohol.

The toxicology report results showed that at the time of his death Simmons was influenced by both alcohol and THC.

In cross examination, Falodun asked the witness if he knew if substances affected kids differently than adults, and if yes how so? The witness said while he knew the effects were different because children are still developing, he could not testify to the direct differences because more studies would need to be done.

Falodun made two motions for acquittal of the case. Judge Park denied both.

Parties are set to reconvene Sept. 22

Forensic Expert Says Suspect’s DNA Probably on Murder Evidence

A forensics’ analyst appeared before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sept. 17 and 18, and testified that a murder suspect’s DNA was likely in samples found on several pieces of evidence.

Reginald Steele, 26, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder, 10 counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of carrying a pistol without a license, five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, and two counts of tampering with physical evidence.

These charges stem from Steele’s alleged involvement in four separate shootings, including the murder of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes and injury of another juvenile on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW. Steele’s accused of a separate shooting the same day with no reported injuries on the unit block of Channing Street, NE.

The other incidents Steele is accused of include a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals on Feb. 22, 2020 on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW, and a non-fatal shooting that injured three on Feb. 24, 2020 on the 1700 block of 9th Street, NW.

Prosecutors called on a forensic analysis expert who explained the basics of DNA and forensic analysis to the jury and presented her findings. The lab tested DNA samples found on several pieces of evidence—such as a car door handle, steering wheel, clothing, and beverage containers—to determine whether Steele’s DNA was likely to be in the samples. She found it to be highly probable that Steele was a source of multiple DNA samples on the physical evidence linked to the case.

The analyst testified she examined a pair of pants that, according to the witness, provided “limited support for exclusion.” In other words, there is a high probability that the DNA found on the pants belongs to Steele.

Defense attorney Megan Allburn questioned the process of DNA analysis in her cross-examination. The witness explained that, despite finding DNA on the evidence, an analyst cannot tell the court when, how, or why the DNA ended up on the item.

Allburn also questioned the witness on “touch DNA,” or the process by which touch transfers DNA evidence. Allburn described herself touching the jury box, and then explained how, if a juror touched the same place she did, her DNA could end up on anything that juror touched–despite never touching it herself–because her DNA would be transferred. The witness explained that it is “very possible” for multiple transfers to occur.

A second witness called by the prosecution was a digital forensic examiner. The witness testified to extracting information from a phone, which she identified as belonging to codefendant Aaron Brown, 29, using the Apple ID, email accounts, and social media accounts found on the user profile.

Call logs from the phone showed multiple calls from a contact labeled as “Gordo,” which, according to police documents, is the defendant’s nickname.

Cross-examination of the witness revealed that the calls had all taken place after the March 1 murder.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 22.

Doctor Details Medical Coma, Facial Fractures in Shooting Trial

A doctor testified before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean regarding injuries a shooting victim sustained during a Sept. 22 trial.

Larry Carr, 21, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license.

Carr’s charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in the non-fatal shooting of his cousin on Oct. 22, 2023, at the 100 block of Ridge Road, SE.

The prosecution called a trauma and emergency general surgeon who treated the victim to testify.

The doctor testified that he received a call from Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on Oct. 22, 2023, about a patient with a penetrating wound to the left side of his face.

The doctor testified that upon the victim’s arrival at the hospital, EMS noted that the victim had been vomiting, causing doctors to quickly intubate and sedate the victim to conduct a standard trauma evaluation.

The doctor testified that the victim remained sedated for at least a week, typically known as a medical coma.

During this period, the doctor testified, he ordered a brain and face catscan, as well as an angiogram to look inside the victim’s neck. The doctor testified that these tests revealed no brain injuries, that multiple bones had been fractured in the victim’s face, and that his left vertebral artery was blocked, which supplies blood flow to the brain.

The doctor testified that the victim was admitted on Oct. 23, 2023, and remained a patient at the hospital until his discharge date on Dec. 5, 2023. Throughout his stay at the hospital, the doctor testified that the victim underwent operations from neuro, plastic, and oral surgery teams, in addition to a procedure on Oct. 30 to place a breathing tube in the victim’s neck.

The defense did not cross-examine the witness, and the jury was then excused.

Carr’s defense attorney, Teresa Kleinman, filed a motion for judgment of acquittal based on the prosecution’s evidence, which Kleinman claimed did not prove that Carr was not acting in self-defense.

Kleinman referenced eyewitness testimonials from three of Carr’s family members. The defense suggested that the victim advanced at Carr with a knife, given where he was found by EMS after being shot, as opposed to where he was described to be at the beginning of the altercation.

With that, Kleinman noted that Carr was also being verbally threatened by the victim, according to one eyewitness who testified on Sept. 19, who said that the victim told Carr, “One of us is not going to make it out alive.”

Kleinman suggested that Carr fired one random, quick shot. Kleinman continued to argue that Carr even put the gun in his waistband without instruction, as another witness testified that at one point she thought the issue was resolved, as the gun was not visible.

However, Judge McLean found it reasonable that Carr could be found guilty without reasonable doubt and denied the defense’s motion.

The defense then called for Carr’s older brother to take the stand.

While the defendant’s brother was not present for the shooting that occurred on Oct. 22, 2023, he testified that he was present and witnessed the victim, his cousin and then best friend, assault a child on a bus that he described as “slow or autistic” on July 2, 2023.

The defendant’s brother testified he did not participate in the assault and that he later told his little sister and Carr about the incident.

Meanwhile, the prosecution asked the defendant’s brother about a social media post that he made to expose the victim, who had allegedly exposed his genitalia to Carr’s little sister. The social media post was never presented to the jury.

The defendant’s brother testified that he did make the post, and that he was no longer friends with the victim following that incident.

The prosecution also asked the defendant’s brother if he believed that the victim got what he deserved, to which he testified, saying, “I would not say that.”

Prosecutors presented a song posted by the defendant’s brother, in which, within 15 seconds, the song’s lyrics suggested the defendant’s brother wished to kill his cousin.

During cross-examination, the defense asked if Carr had any involvement in the making of the song but apparently Carr was not involved.

The trial is set to continue Sept. 23.

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Luci Garza

Homicide Defendant Questions Plea Rejection Over Mental Issues

A routine status hearing on Sept. 15 took an unexpected turn when defense attorneys Shawn Sukumar and Jason Clark raised new questions about their client’s mental status at the time of his plea rejection.

Karlos Bibb, 25, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a high-speed car chase that led to the death of 20-year old Jamya Williams at the intersection of 14th and K Street, NW, on July 3, 2021.

While Bibb’s trial was originally scheduled for June 9, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt set a new date to allow for continuing investigation.

On May 19, 2023, Bibb rejected a plea offer from the prosecution. The defense now plans to question Bibb’s mental competency at the time of this rejection.

Sukumar and Clark stated that they were working with a neuropsychologist to review Bibb’s medical records, and that they planned to file a motion within the next week.

“I’m intrigued, I can’t wait,” Judge Brandt said. “This is going to be very interesting.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 18.

Defendant in 2015 Murder Case Considers Plea Offer

Attorneys for a defendant in a murder case from 2015 asked for additional time to consider a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Sept. 12.

Sean Green, 34, is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Derrick Black, 24, on the 3300 block of Georgia Avenue, NE, on July 30, 2015.

In 2018, Green was convicted by a jury on these charges. In 2024, Green’s conviction was overturned on appeal due to a violation of his Miranda rights and the case was reopened.

The prosecution offered a plea where they would dismiss all other charges if Green pleads guilty to second-degree murder while armed.

Defense attorney Russell Hairston asked for more time to consider this plea offer and the prosecution agreed.

Green’s case is set to go to trial on Nov. 3.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 17.

Fatal Stabbing Defendant Considers Insanity Defense

Defense attorneys for a fatal stabbing suspect said they are considering the possibility of an insanity defense before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Sept. 12.

Lamont Stephenson, 50, is charged with first-degree murder and cruelty to animals for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Natina Kiah, 40, and the killing of her cat on March 6, 2019 on the 5000 block of D Street, SE.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki told Judge Edelman that the defense has a psychologist to evaluate if Stephenson can use the insanity defense, meaning Stephenson didn’t know right from wrong, nor was able to control his conduct in the moment. Kopecki also requested medical records for the psychologist to review.

Kopecki has until Dec. 10 to decide if they will use the insanity defense.

Parties are set to reconvene Dec. 12.

Eyewitness Spots Suspect Car in Teen Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony from eyewitnesses and police investigators in a homicide trial on Sept. 16.

Reginald Steele, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, 10 counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, and five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.

The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in four shootings, including the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, at the 600 block of S Street, NW on March 1, 2020. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Steele was also allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on March 1, 2020 at the unit block of Channing Street, NE, and a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 22, 2020 at the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW. No individuals sustained injuries.

Additionally, Steele faces charges for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 24, 2020 at the 1700 block of Ninth Street, NW. Three individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

Two witnesses who were called focused on information related to the Channing Street shooting.

A witness who lived on the unit block of Channing Street, NE, testified he called 911 on March 1, 2020 following the sound of gun shots. The witness said that he looked out of a window immediately following the gunfire and saw a Black male running down the alley headed south.

Home camera surveillance video captured a Kia Soul driving away following four shots fired. The witness resided in the 2400 block of North Capitol Street, NE, directly next to the unit block of Channing Street, NE.

A 2024 trial verdict found that Steele’s co-defendants, Tyiion Freeman, 26, Koran Jackson, 25, Stephen Nelson, 34 and Aaron Brown, 29, stole the same Kia Soul seen in the video footage and used it in the Channing Street and Malachi Lukes shootings. Prosecutors claim Steele was part of the group.

Cross examination by defense attorney Megan Allburn focused on the inability to see who was actually in the car, as well as if anyone entered or exited the vehicle while it was off camera. The witness agreed that it was impossible to identify any inhabitants of the car, just that the car was present in the alley.

“How many cars did you see in that alley?” prosecutors pushed back in redirect. “One,” the witness responded.

A first class patrol officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was called, testifying about his interaction with Steele’s former co-defendant,Brown.

The officer was instructed by a fellow detective to seize Brown’s cellphone, because Brown was a person of interest in the Lukes’ murder.

“When you say you were trying to get the phone, does that mean you didn’t have a warrant for the phone?” Allburn questioned, which drew a sustained objection from the prosecution.

Allburn rephrased the question to ask, “[Brown] didn’t hand over the phone from his pockets, did he?”, to which the officer confirmed that he had not.

The prosecution called another MPD detective who formerly worked on patrol in a ward that Steele was known to frequent.

On March 18, 2020, the detective was shown an image of Steele by another MPD officer to make an identification, in which she said, “That’s Gordo all day.” Gordo is the rapper name that Steele allegedly used, according to the prosecution. The detective provided an identification by pointing out Steele in the courtroom during the hearing.

A forensic scientist was called in a continuation from testimony given on Sept. 15, during which the defense focused on evidence mishandling.

Redirect clarified that there were no errors currently present on evidence admitted into the trial, and that all mislabeled evidence was corrected.

Court documents show that the blue tape with fingerprints was recovered from the Kia Soul car. While the analyst testified that more than 20 fingerprints were identified, it wasn’t her job to match the prints to a person.

The witness also tried pulling prints or DNA samples from two weapons involved in the case, however none were found.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 17.

Acquitted Shooting Suspect Sentenced on Weapons Charge

DC Superior Court Judge Micheal Ryan imposed a 24 month sentence on an individual with all but 18 months suspended on Sept. 12.

On July 8, Vann Allen, 36, was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Allen was acquitted of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NE on Nov. 11, 2023.

During his sentencing, the prosecution requested that Allen serve a 28 month sentence, due to the nature and circumstances of the case, and Allen’s prior history of assault.

Judge Ryan noted that he had received numerous letters from Allen’s friends and family, many of which spoke highly about his character. Judge Ryan also addressed Allen’s upbringing, which featured a year in the foster care system and a fraught relationship with his mother and her violent boyfriend, and recognized the resulting mental toll.

The defense responded by asking for the minimum sentence of one year and one day. Defense attorney Sellano Simmons argued that Allen was acting out of self-defense, a verdict that the jury agreed on unanimously.

Allen addressed the court, and said that he took full responsibility and remorse for all parties.

“I’m a father and a figure in my community,” Allen said. “I was granted the opportunity in September to come home and take care of my family, and I would like to continue to do so.”

Judge Ryan said he was unable to move past Allen’s choice that day to walk around with his weapon.

“Mr. Allen didn’t need to be there, he didn’t need to be armed,” Judge Ryan said. “Walking around with a glock is concerning to me.”

Judge Ryan sentenced Allen to 24 months in prison with all but 18 months suspended, two years of probation, and three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Upon his release, Allen must also register as a gun offender.

The defense requested that Allen turn himself in to the DC Department of Corrections on Monday, Sept. 15, which Judge Ryan denied. He was taken into custody by the US Marshal in Judge Ryan’s courtroom.

No further dates were set.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A defendant accused of fatally shooting an 18-year-old pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Sept. 15.

Jordan Battle, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree cruelty to children grave risk while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and obstructing justice.

The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in the murder of 18-year-old Terrell Oliver at the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE on Dec. 18, 2024. The defendants alleged actions also posed a grave risk of bodily injury to a 3-year-old.

Battle and his attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, alerted the court of Battle’s intent to plead not guilty. O’Sullivan also asserted Battle’s constitutional rights as well as his right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 24.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Stabbing, Despite ‘Wrestling With Competing Scenarios’

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a stabbing on Sept. 16, even though he might have been the victim of a robbery in a hearinfg on Sept. 15.

Edin Matute Bautista, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing at the 1400 block of Irving Street, NW, on Aug. 28. The defendant and one other individual sustained injuries.

The lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified she saw blood at the mouth of an alley.

According to the detective, one witness was walking with the victim when they encountered an individual who started to swing a knife at them. The victim stated that he was attacked by a young, Hispanic male and he reacted in self-defense. He was riding his bike when he saw an individual crouched between cars and was attacked.

A witness recorded the incident and sent videos to the police. They depict one individual, later identified as the defendant, chasing another person with a knife and another video of the victim bleeding. The witness identified said to be Bautista as the assailant when he was taken to the hospital for treatment..

Another witness claimed to see the defendant chasing another man with a knife yelling “I’m going to kill you” in Spanish. The witness also claimed that one day prior Bautista was, “looking for someone to stab”.

According to Bautista, he was walking home from work when he was robbed and his backpack was stolen.

Bautista’s defense attorney, Hannah Claudio, noted police didn’t find a knife on Bautista.

Claudio also focused on the detective’s earlier testimony that the victim injured his leg jumping a fence when this is not indicated in police or court documents.

The victim also didn’t hear any threats, according to Claudio, and she pointed out apparent inconsistencies in the detective’s description of the suspect’s clothing.

Following the arguments, Judge Ryan stated that he was “wrestling with competing scenarios,” as witness testimonies are contradictory and not corroborative.

Claudio claimed that the individual being chased in the video had a backpack and that MPD failed to corroborate or follow-up on witness testimonies that could identify a suspect.

She also noted “credibility issues” by the witnesses as one of them declined to be identified or speak in person and the other was said to be uncooperative and intoxicated according to the detective.

Additionally, Claudio argued that one of the witnesses said the chase was eastbound, but the victim said he was chased westbound citing a landmark that is consistent with the claim.

Judge Ryan acknowledged that there is a “less than coherent idea of what happened” but based on the skeletal facts of the case, he found probable cause.

The prosecution then requested that Bautista remain in custody citing that he is a danger to the community given the seriousness of the offense.

Claudio asserted that Bautista has no criminal convictions and the court previously noted that there was bare minimum probable cause. She claimed there is evidence that Bautista was robbed and reacted. He also has a stable job and home to return to and substantial support from his community, some of whom were present in the courtroom.

Judge Ryan ruled to have Bautista released with minimal conditions other than to report to pre-trial services as directed. A stay-away order was also imposed meaning Bautista must not make contact with the victim.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 18.

Defendant’s Stricken Relatives Relive Family Quarrel Shooting on The Stand

A shooting defendant’s relatives testified about the damage done to their family in a flash of violence before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Sept. 17.

The charges are in connection to Carr’s alleged involvement in the Oct. 22, 2023 nonfatal shooting of his cousin, at the 100 block of Ridge Road, SE.

The defendant’s 13-year-old cousin, who was present at the time of the shooting, was called to the witness stand.

Prosecution first asked the witness to describe the scene leading up to the shooting. She explained that she was watching TV in the living room with Carr, who was asleep.

The victim, the witness’ uncle, then entered the home, which is when the witness described the altercation began.

The witness said Carr stood up from the couch, and began arguing with the victim, who was also yelling at Carr. She depicted Carr’s expression as “angry,” and said he eventually began reaching for his right hip, brandishing a gun that was tucked into his waist so only the trigger half was visible.

When the witness began to see Carr “be more aggressive” by pulling out the weapon, she explained that she went upstairs to alert her mother of the escalating situation.

The witness then stayed upstairs for the remainder of the incident, trying to care for her younger sibling who was upset by the yelling downstairs. She described having to play music in order to calm him down.

After describing the altercation, the prosecution asked the witness what her emotions were after the fact.

“I was younger then, not like I am now,” the witness said, referencing the fact that, unlike now, she was completely unaware of any preexisting disagreements or violent behavior in her family.

When asked about her relationship with Carr, the witness explained they used to be extremely close. “That was my dog, man,” she said, sharing that they used to do everything together. After the altercation, “I didn’t know who he was anymore,” the witness shared. She couldn’t even look at the defendant, the witness stated.

During the teen’s testimony, the defendant became visibly upset and started crying. Defense attorney Teresa Kleiman asked the court for a brief break, and Judge McLean agreed.

Afterward, Kleiman cross examined the witness, focusing on the fact that the victim did not reside at the Ridge Road home, and that she did not see the actual shooting occur, only the events leading up to it.

The prosecution also called the witness’ mother to testify. She testified about stepping in-between Carr and the victim, who is her brother, moments before the shooting.

“He reached his arm up around my face and he pulled the trigger,” the witness said.

Prosecutors played a recorded 911 call the witness made immediately after the shooting, in which the witness can be heard screaming that her brother had been shot and asking for the operator to send help to her apartment.

The witness testified to having helped raise Carr and said that their extended family was extremely close until August of 2023, when her brother, the victim, allegedly exposed himself to Carr’s young sister. He has since been indicted for that incident and another in which he allegedly sexually assaulted a disabled minor on a bus.

Kleiman focused her cross examination on the souring relationship between Carr and the victim, who, the witness said, showed up at Carr’s workplace after Carr made comments about him on Instagram.

The witness testified that the victim told Carr that “one of us is not going to make it out this living room,” minutes before the shooting, repeating a statement similar to the one the defense used in their opening arguments.

When prosecutors asked the witness about her relationship with Carr and his relatives after the shooting, she responded, “I guess we’re not family.”

Another witness, the responding officer, described the moments immediately following the shooting.

The officer arrived less than five minutes after the 911 call was placed, and was met with a “chaotic” scene.

“People were screaming, crying, and point[ing] for me to go inside the building,” to where the victim was lying, the officer testified.

The officer’s bodyworn camera footage was introduced as evidence, and the court watched the officer run inside to find the victim moaning in a pool of blood, “gasping for air,” according to the officer.

“Help, bro,” the victim yelled, visibly struggling.

The officer shared that he found a knife under the victim. The knife, which was later shown to the jury, was in the shape of an approximately four inch handgun. The officer described having to examine the weapon before determining that it was only a knife, removing the weapon from the floor and placing it nearby.

The jury was later shown images of the crime scene where the knife and shell casing could still be seen on the floor, near pools of blood and vomit.

The trial is set to resume Sept. 18.

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Aiden Mellon & Elizabeth Twardock

Judge Returns Murder Defendant to Jail Treatment Center

A homicide defendant received the OK from DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan to return to the lower security Central Treatment Facility (CTF) at the DC Jail on Sept. 12.

Maurice Corbin, 46, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Daquan Gardner on April 30, 2024 on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NE.

Following Corbin’s arraignment on Aug. 22, 2024, he was placed in a CTF program as per the request of the defense. However, by his next status hearing on Sept. 25, 2024, Corbin had been moved from CTF placement to the general population at the jail.

The defense noted that they had reached an agreement with the prosecution, and would enter a plea deal at their next hearing on Oct. 17, 2025, though the terms were not mentioned. In the meantime, the defense once again requested that Corbin be moved back to CTF, which Judge Ryan approved.

The parties are slated to convene on Oct. 17.

Stabbing Defendant Court No-Show

A defendant accused of stabbing a corrections officer refused to appear in court before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Sept. 15, potentially causing delays in his case.

Ovid Gabriel, 20, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault on a police officer for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of an officer at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Aug. 3. One individual was injured during the incident.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan alerted the court that Gabriel refused to appear and was still at the DC Jail. Gabriel’s attorney, Raymond Jones, stated that he would talk with the defendant about the importance of showing up for court.

His case could be impacted if he continues to refuse to attend court, as Jones alerted the court the parties are in plea negotiations.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 18.

Shooting Sentencing Delayed Pending Youth Act Study

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted a continuance in the sentencing of a non-fatal shooting defendant pending the results of the court ordered Youth Study Act on Sept. 15.

On July 14, Nathaniel Washington, 21, pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for the non-fatal shooting of a single victim on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE on Feb. 7.

Through the deal, parties agreed on 60 months of incarceration for each charge, with sentences running concurrently.

Washington’s attorney, Chantal Jean-Baptiste, asked for a continuance for the sentencing hearing because the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) study had not been completed. The YRA can be applied to individuals under 25, and allows for their convictions to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Judge Arthur granted the continuance. The prosecution had no objections to the defense’s request.

Parties are set to reconvene Oct. 28.

Detective Challenged on Video Said to Link Suspect to Drive-By Murder

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan heard testimony from a lead detective of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Unit to determine whether the prosecution has probable cause to charge the defendant on Sept. 5.

Daniel Thomas, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Jeanette Walls during a “drive-by” shooting on the 4300 block of Wheeler Road, SE, on Nov 11, 2020.

According to court documents, Walls died from a gunshot wound to her head. Two others sustained injury but have since recovered.

The prosecution argued that they had probable cause to charge Thomas with murder because of his alleged connection with two weapons involved in the homicide. The prosecution cited a latent fingerprint on an AR pistol, the murder weapon, and Thomas’ possession of a ghost gun, which was allegedly found in his flight path after running from officers prior to his arrest on Nov. 12.

Defense attorney Todd Baldwin argued that a connection to the guns does not indicate that he used the gun in the homicide of Walls.

“Posessing a gun at any point does not correlate to using that gun in a murder,” Baldwin said.

During cross examination of the detective, he highlighted an Instagram live video of multiple men passing an AR pistol that resembled the murder weapon. He clarified for the court that during the investigation, officers initially said Thomas was in the Instagram video, but after a second watch, said he was not.

The prosecution argued that the Instagram video demonstrated that Thomas was involved with “friends who hang out and potentially pass guns around.”

The prosecution argued that Thomas was in another video, firing what resembled the murder weapon.

The detective testified that he believed Thomas was in the video because the video was “on his phone and sent out from his phone” and that the man matched “his skin tone” and “the size of his arms and legs.”

Baldwin highlighted in cross examination that Thomas never indicated that it was him in the video when he sent the video. He also questioned the detective on his belief that Thomas was in the video based on his skin tone and size of his limbs.

The prosecution also alleged that there were multiple deleted calls between Thomas and one of his friends from the “day before, the day of, and the day after” the murder.

Baldwin argued that deleted calls are not a sign of guilt.

“People delete phone calls for innocuous reasons, right?” Baldwin said.

Baldwin closed by arguing that the prosecution has not conducted a sufficient investigation. He cited a confession made to an informant that the prosecution has used in prior investigations.

Baldwin said that the alleged confession, which referenced killing an “old-lady” in Walls’ apartment complex, was specific to the homicide in this case. The detective confirmed that there were no other homicides in Walls’ apartment complex in 2020.

Baldwin argued that the confessor should be a suspect because he admitted to the homicide without prompt and did so against his best interest.

The detective said that the man who confessed is not a suspect and was not related to the crime.

At this point no evidence has been presented of Thomas’ being in the vehicle involved in the drive-by based on DNA evidence or eyewitness testimony.

Due to time constraints, Judge Ryan was unable to make a final ruling.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 8.

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