Defendant in Toddler’s Murder Granted Release to Look For Work

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley requested that a homicide defendant’s 24-hour home confinement be lifted in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Dec. 1.

Wayne Blake, 24, is charged with first-degree murder of a victim who was especially vulnerable due to age or physical infirmity and two counts of cruelty to children for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 18-month-old Journee Moore, on Sept. 28, 2024 on the 3700 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

At the hearing, Mosely entered a plea of not guilty to the charges on Blake’s behalf. Additionally, Mosely requested that all of the prosecution’s discovered evidence be provided to the defense.

The prosecution stated that all the information had been sent to the defense except grand jury testimony from a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective.

Additionally, Mosley discussed the conditions of Blake’s release and he argued that there has been no issues of curfew violations or rearrests. A Pretrial Service Agency (PSA) representative, who was virtually present, supported Mosley’s argument, stating that Blake had been in compliance with his conditions of release, and there were no violations from his stay-away order.

Mosley explained that Blake needs to find employment. “Mr. Blake was working for DoorDash, but he needs a full-time job to be able to provide for his family,” Mosley stated.

The prosecution opposed Blake the request arguing that “these are very serious charges. He is not supposed to be around children, and working for DoorDash means he is going to different homes, which means he could potentially be around children.”

Mosley argued that the stay-away order is “overbroad.”

“This is not a case where he [Blake] has a history of abusing children. This seems to be an incident where he was taking care of a specific child that they knew. He is presumed to be innocent,” Mosley said.

Judge Ryan agreed with the prosecution that Blake working for DoorDash is conflicting because he could potentially come in contact with children, but said he should be able to attend job interviews and get a full-time job.

“I’m willing to say that Mr. Blake should be allowed out of the house for targeted attempts to find a job as long as he verifies with his pretrial representative where he is going, “Judge Ryan said.

Judge Ryan authorized Blake to look for employment on weekdays from 9 a. m.-to-12 p. m.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 3, 2026.

Document: MPD Investigating DC-295 Fatal Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a fatal crash on DC-295 that occurred on Dec. 2. Franyana Williams, 40, was identified as the deceased driver of a Mercedes E350, which was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes and collided with an Audi Q7. The Audi’s driver was critically injured and taken to a local hospital.

Document: MPD Arrests Second Suspect in 2020 Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an update regarding a 2020 Southeast shooting. On Dec. 2, Taiyonne Goggins, 28, was arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder while Armed in connection to the Oct. 9, 2020, homicide of 28-year-old Yisa Jeffcoat. This follows the earlier arrest of Kevin Goggins, 20, who was charged with the same offense in December 2020.

Shooting Defendant Considering Plea Deal

Parties made representations that a plea offer extended to a non-fatal shooting defendant remain open for review before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on Dec. 1.

Dominic Hansberry, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, destruction of property, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 500 block of 60th Street, NE, on Sept. 26. No individuals sustained injuries.

During the hearing parties stated that there is a plea offer extended by the prosecution on the table. Peter Cooper, Hansberry’s attorney, stated that the offer consisted of Hansberry’s pleading guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license in exchange for prosecutors not seeking an indictment.

Cooper requested a continuance in order to go over the plea offer and receive and review additional material, including body-worn camera footage.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 14.

Jury Finds Matricide Defendant Guilty of Second-Degree Murder

After one day of deliberation, a jury found a homicide defendant accused of strangling his mother guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Nov. 26.

Seth Andrews, 38, was originally charged with first-degree murder, two counts of assault on a police officer, and destruction of property for his involvement in the fatal strangulation of his mother, 67-year-old Hazel Evans on the unit block of 35th Street, SE on July 16, 2020.

Andrews was found guilty of second-degree murder. The remaining counts will be addressed at a later date.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 13.

Carjacking Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to New Charges

A non-fatal stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty to charges from a superseding indictment during his arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Nov. 21.

Jerrell Smith, 33, is charged with two counts of armed carjacking, assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on June 7, 2023 at the intersection of South Capitol Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. One individual was stabbed during the incident.

His defense attorney, Emma Mylniec, told the court that Smith pleaded not guilty and asserted his trial rights. Hannah Claudio, Smith’s other defense attorney, also requested materials from the superseding indictment, including information from the grand jury and information from Prince George’s County, Maryland, where Smith has a prior conviction.

According to court records, the prosecution filed a motion to allow cross-examination of Smith during trial about his prior conviction. Mlyniec argued that the conviction came after a plea Smith entered without a lawyer, so it should not be admissible. The prosecution asked for time to write a written response before Judge Ryan rules on the issue.

Claudio also filed a motion to exclude a photo of Smith in which he is wearing an orange jumpsuit. The prosecution said they do not intend to use it during trial unless it comes up during Smith’s testimony.

Trial is set for Dec. 15.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 10 to discuss outstanding pretrial motions.

Judge Continues Sentencing in Gang-Related Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan continued the sentencing in a co-defendant murder case on Nov. 21, after the death of one defendant’s mother.

On May 30, Daveon Robinson, 19, pleaded guilty to conspiracy, voluntary manslaughter and assault with a dangerous weapon for the fatal shooting of Clayton Marshall, 32, and the non-fatal shooting of another individual on April 12, 2022 on the 2200 block of Savannah Street, SE.

Derricko Johnson, 21, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for the non-fatal shooting of two individuals on the 2200 block of Savannah Street, SE, on January 2, 2022. Ronald Henderson, 20, also pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for this incident.

According to court documents, Robinson, Johnson and Henderson are members of the “Get Back Gang” and planned to assault and kill their opposition and members of rival gangs.

Due to Robinson’s mother’s recent death, parties decided to continue the sentencing so he can attend her funeral. Elizabeth Weller, Robinson’s defense attorney, requested that the sentencing be moved to February, after he receives his GED.

Weller also expressed concerns that if the sentencing was scheduled sooner, that Robinson would be moved to a prison facility prematurely. She said that another client was moved from the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) to the main jail after a there was a delay in sending a document with his sentence to the Department of Corrections (DOC).

Weller said she worried the same thing could happen to Robinson.

The prosecution said they wanted this case resolved before a Dec. 19 hearing, during which Henderson intends to withdraw his plea.

However, Judge Ryan decided to continue the matter so Robinson and Johnson can be sentenced together. The prosecution expects a lengthy sentencing due to the volume of victim impact statements.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 6.

Neuropsychologist Testifies Murder Defendant’s Brain Injury, Renders Him Mentally Incompetent For Trial

A neuropsychologist testified before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan that a murder defendant is not mentally competent to stand trial due to a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) on Nov. 21.

Tyree Bratcher, 19, is charged with conspiracy, second-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 19-year-old Tyreek Moore on Jan. 22, 2024, on the 4600 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

Bratcher is also charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the vehicular death of 18-year-old Devin Clark. Bratcher also sustained a head injury during the collision.

During the hearing, a neuropsychologist–with expertise about how the brain affects behavior— testified that, based on his evaluations he does not believe that Bratcher is competent to stand trial. He said that Bratcher sustained a severe TBI during the car crash.

According to the neuropsychologist, competency is defined by the ability to have a rational and factual understanding of court proceedings. He said that Bratcher’s TBI diminished that capacity.

During cross-examination from the prosecution, the expert said that Bratcher’s score on a test measuring delayed memory was “almost as low as it can physically be.” He said that 99.8 percent of people would score better than him.

The specialist also testified that Bratcher sustained injuries to his frontal lobe and brain stem, which are responsible for decision-making and executive functioning. Additionally, he said Bratcher has a diffuse axonal injury, which can tear nerve fibers impairing communication between neurons.

“This injury is not something you recover from fully,” the expert said.

According to the expert, Bratcher has improved in motor skills, such as holding a pencil and walking, but it is unlikely that his neuropsychological functioning will be restored.

Judge Ryan also questioned the expert, emphasizing that he has to decide competency based on objective measures.

Following the expert’s testimony, Bratcher’s defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, requested that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) not ask Bratcher questions that may incriminate him during evaluations. The prosecution objected.

“You can’t tie the doctor’s hands behind their back,” the prosecutor said.

They set a new hearing date to discuss the issue further.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 20.

Murder Conspiracy Co-defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A man accused of conspiracy in a murder case pleaded not guilty to indictment charges before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Nov. 21.

Rico Preston, 20, and Kevin Foster, 21, are charged with conspiracy for their alleged involvement in the shooting deaths of 23-year-old Dana Faulkner and 15-year-old Abdul Fuller on the 2700 block of Bruce Street, SE, on March 7, 2023. Another individual was injured during the incident.

Foster is also charged with first- and second-degree murder, assault with intent to kill while armed and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Preston pleaded not guilty to the sole charge of conspiracy. His defense attorney, Daniel Kovler, asserted his trial rights and requested discovery and grand jury material from the prosecution.

The prosecution did not request Preston be held in DC, as he is currently in a Maryland prison for an unrelated matter.

Andrew Ain, Foster’s defense attorney, told Judge Ryan that he will file a motion for Foster’s release ahead of the Nov. 16, 2026 trial.

Parties are set to reconvene on April 24.

Defense Attorney ‘Encumbered’ Amid Rise in Surge Arrests

A defense attorney in a murder told DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan that he is overwhelmed with recent cases after failing to file an expert notice on Nov. 21. Statistics compiled from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) show a 31 percent increase in arrests during early phase of the federally ordered troop surge starting in August.

Khalid Claggett, 41, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Isaac Aull Jr. on June 11, 2021 on the 1600 block of Franklin Street, NE.

All of Claggett’s charges have an aggravating circumstance of allegedly being committed during release on another matter.

According to defense attorney Howard McEachern, Claggett intends to argue that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acted in self-defense.

However, the prosecution said, McEachern failed to file the notice for an expert witness who would testify that he is not criminally responsible by the deadline. They said that the trial, which is set to begin Jan. 28, has been moved several times due to the expert’s availability.

McEachern admitted that he did not file the notice because he has picked up 65-to-70 new cases since the end of August and is overwhelmed as lawyers have picked up the large numbers of clients have during the federally mandated surge. He requested that a second attorney be appointed for this case, saying he wants “someone who’s less encumbered.”

McEachern also requested a new filing date.

“I absolutely cannot be the reason that he can’t use his defense,” McEachern said.

The prosecution argued that Claggett should not be allowed to use self-defense during trial if McEachern fails to file the expert notice by Dec. 1. Judge Ryan was hesitant to preclude the defense.

“It’s not clear to me that I have the authority to do that,” Judge Ryan said.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 5.

Recreational Center Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Killing 14-Year-Old

Parties in a murder case pushed the trial to 2027 after the defendant pleaded not guilty at his arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Nov. 21.

Andre Chillous, 19, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old David Bailey at the Lamond Recreational Center on the unit block of Tuckerman Street, NE, on Aug. 1, 2024. Another juvenile sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident, but survived.

Chillous, who was 17 at the time of the incident, is charged as an adult–an option for serious offenses under Title 16.

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey informed the court that Chillous wished to plead not guilty to the indictment charges, asserted his speedy trial rights and requested discovery evidence from the prosecution.

Judge Ryan insisted that the trial be set in 2026, however the prosecutor informed the court that their trial schedule next year was unavailable for this case. Judge Ryan said pushing back trials so far is not fair to defendants.

“We have to do a better job,” Judge Ryan said.

Parties tentatively scheduled the trial for March 1, 2027.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 13.

Judge Waits for Legal Confirmation Before Ruling on Shooting Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan decided to wait until he had legal confirmation before suppressing nearly all evidence in a nonfatal shooting case on Nov. 21.

Anthony Goncalves, 53, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, aggravated assault knowingly while armed against a minor, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Nov. 29, 2023 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. A 14-year-old boy sustained nine gunshot wounds.

Goncalves appeared via Webex during the hearing.

Defense attorney James Brockway argued that all evidence should be suppressed due to an August DC Court of Appeals ruling.

In United States v. Wells, judges ruled that GPS monitoring does not have a “good faith exception,” meaning that it can be excluded as evidence when obtained in a manner that violated the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizures. In Wells, the decision was based on the fact that the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) is a law enforcement agency, and thus does not have authority to impose GPS monitoring without authorization from a judge.

According to court documents, Goncalves was on parole at the time of the incident. A defense motion to suppress evidence says the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified Goncalves as a suspect because of GPS monitoring that was imposed by CSOSA without judicial authorization.

The prosecution in Goncalves’ case agreed that based on this ruling, the “vast majority” of evidence should be suppressed. This would lead to the case no longer being prosecuted.

Judge Ryan said he did not know if he could rule on this case yet because he had not seen a mandate from Wells that would make it law.

“If indeed Wells is the law right now, then I would just rule on this case now,” he said.

Brockway argued that it does not matter if there is a mandate. Judge Ryan disagreed and gave parties time to figure out if he can rule on this case based on Wells.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 8.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Denied Release Pending Sentencing

A shooting defendant was denied release after he accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Deborah Israel on Nov. 20.

Jaquan Proctor, 23, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting aimed at his mother and brother on the 5500 block of Illinois Avenue, NW on July 30.

Judge Israel noted that a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) indicated Proctor mentally competent to proceed with the case. She also mentioned that she received a waiver of indictment, waiver of DNA testing, and plea agreement.

Proctor’s attorney, Karen Minor, told the court that Proctor would be pleading guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for prosecution not seeking an indictment on any remaining or greater charges and keeping the sentence at the bottom one-third of the sentencing guideline.

The prosecutor stated that their evidence would’ve proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on July 30, Proctor was arguing with his mother when his brother intervened, shifting Proctor’s aggressions towards his brother. Proctor threatened to grab his pistol, which led to his mother and brother hiding in their bedroom and shutting the door. Proctor wedged his pistol between the door, before the door fully shut, shooting a round into the bedroom.

Minor requested Proctor be released pending his sentencing on the basis that he realized the seriousness of the crime, is participating in anger management classes, and had a place to stay with his aunt and grandma, away from his mother and brother. Minor also mentioned that Proctor was extremely introspective and was focused on becoming a good father for his daughter.

The defendant spoke before Judge Israel, stating that he had time to think and wanted to become a better man and father for his daughter by getting medication and therapy to improve his mental health.

The prosecutor requested Proctor stay jailed as the only fact that has changed from the previous hearing was that he accepted the guilty plea. They highlighted that Proctor could have easily been charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one against his brother and the other against his mother. They also mentioned how this incident was particularly concerning because it could have caused serious damage.

Judge Israel denied the motion for release, explaining that defense did not provide clear and convincing evidence to ensure the safety of the community.

Judge Israel ordered for a pre-sentencing report and Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) report to more fully understand the defendant. The YRA allows for younger defendants’ convictions to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements and gives judges flexibility in sentencing. Judge Israel explained to Minor that while she was denying release, she was still open to having arguments on sentencing with the YRA in consideration after receiving these reports.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 6 for sentencing.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Deborah Israel on Nov. 20.

Martez Robinson, 29, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a shooting on the 3400 block of 15th Street, SE on June 8. No injuries were reported.

Robinson’s attorney, Elliott Queen, alerted the court of Robinson’s intent to accept a plea deal extended by prosecutors.

The deal required Robinson to plead guilty to the assault with a dangerous weapon charge and carrying a pistol without a license in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment on any remaining or greater charges and keeping the sentence at the bottom one-third of the sentencing guideline.

The prosecutor stated that their evidence would’ve proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on June 8, Robinson was upset upon entering the apartment and retrieved a gun from a room. When the victim and apartment owner tried to calm Robinson, he aimed the gun at the victim’s head. Robinson then left the apartment and shot two bullets randomly.

Judge Israel accepted the guilty plea and ordered a pre-sentence report be submitted.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 6 for sentencing.

Frustrated Homicide Defendant Gets New Attorney

A homicide defendant addressed concerns and frustration about past rulings and unaddressed motions on Nov. 21, before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Deonte Spicer, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated 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 Tyvez Monroe, 27, on Dec. 26, 2023, on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW.

Defense attorneys Sara Kopecki and Janai Reed, who previously represented Spicer, were permitted to withdraw from the case, with only Kopecki present for the hearing. Judge Park appointed Daniel Dorsey as Spicer’s new attorney. The prosecution noted that this is the fifth time Spicer has been assigned new counsel.

At the start of the hearing, Spicer asked to speak directly with the judge. Judge Park allowed him to raise his concerns. Spicer questioned the finding of probable cause from an earlier hearing, asserting that he spent a year in jail “when [he] could have been home.” He also alleged that motions previously filed at the preliminary stage were not handled properly, stating that Kopecki was expected to refile them but never did.

Judge Park told Spicer that Dorsey could refile any necessary motions and that the court would review his concerns once those filings were submitted.

Spicer also said he was confused about the cancellation of his trial date, which had been scheduled for February 2026. The judge said he did not know the reason but encouraged Spicer to remain patient as his newly appointed counsel became familiar with the case.

The prosecution requested that the trial date, which was scheduled for July of 2026, be moved earlier, estimating the trial would last about one week. Both the defense and the judge agreed to adjust the schedule, with new dates to be set after Dorsay reviews the case file.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 19.

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