Defense Motions Likely Delay 2020 Homicide Case

On Oct. 25, the defense presented a series of complicated motions that all but certainly delayed a 2020 fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Deon Walters, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempt to commit robbery while armed, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the Oct. 1, 2020 death of 42-year-old Arthur Daniels IV. The incident occurred on the 6000 block of 8th Street, NW.

The pending defense motions include a request to dismiss the indictment due to so-called Brady violations meaning the prosecution failed to turn over potentially exonerating evidence.

The defense is also asking the court to suppress GPS tracking data regarding the suspect’s movements, as well as a motion to suppress evidence from the search of Walters’ girlfriend’s home. In addition, the defense is challenging statements Walters made while waiving his rights along with physical evidence collected in the case.

In response prosecutors asked for the Nov. 6 trial date to be moved so the court could resolve the outstanding matters.

Also during the proceeding, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective finished his account of Walter’s arrest, warrants filed, and evidence uncovered. He acknowledged the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) was actually monitoring Walter’s whereabouts by GPS at the time of the shooting.

Displaying a draft of a search warrant affidavit, defense attorney Sylvia Smith notes Daniels as saying words to the effect of, “You are going to let him hit me,” suggesting another person could have been at the incident.

The detective testified the statements were recovered from an audio recording but could not recall if he left out that remark in the final version of the warrant.

Following the detective’s testimony, Smith called an investigative specialist from the DC Public Defenders Service (PDS). The specialist spoke with another MPD detective who wrote a search warrant to track a T-mobile phone number that is allegedly linked to Walters but had no knowledge of the case at that point.

According to the investigator, the detective didn’t speak to witnesses or other law enforcement officers and wasn’t conducting any “on the ground work.”

Meanwhile, Smith alleged the prosecutors were attempting to stall the trial but presuming the outstanding issues are resolved, “We’re ready to go, prosecution should be too.”

Judge Raffinan asked that the prosecution file a motion for continuance effectively delaying the trial date.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Oct. 30 to resume the motions hearing.

Document: Updated with Photo MPD Investigating Death of Juvenile Male After Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a 13-year-old male on Oct. 28 on the 600 block of D Street, NW, after he was shot by a man he carjacked.

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

The investigation found that the carjacking victim was sitting in his car when he was approached by two juveniles. They demanded he get out of his car, with one holding his hand in his front waistband pocket as if he had a handgun. As the victim was getting out, he produced a handgun and shot one of the suspects. The other suspect fled the scene.

The decedent has been identified as 13-year-old Vernard Toney Jr.

The victim of the carjacking was an off-duty federal security officer who was waiting in his vehicle for his shift to begin. He had a legally owned firearm and is cooperating with the investigation.

Detectives are searching for the second suspect involved in the carjacking, who was captured by a surveillance camera and can be seen in a photo below.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone that provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in violent crimes in the District.

Trial Date Pushed to Next Year as Motions Hearing Continues in 2020 Homicide Case

On Oct. 30, a lengthy motions hearing for a 2020 fatal shooting continued before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

On July 13, defense attorneys filed a motion to release so-called Brady information, on the grounds the prosecution failed to disclose all potentially exculpatory evidence against Walters. It would also require both parties to share the evidence and witnesses they plan to use during trial.

Walter’s defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, argued someone in jail contacted the prosecution with key information about the homicide and those involved. The unnamed person allegedly denied Walter’s involvement in the shooting. Smith stated, “There is evidence of other people committing this crime.”

However, the prosecution argued the previous prosecuting attorney attempted to set up a meeting with the witness, but was unsuccessful due to Covid regulations. A disclosure letter was not sent until much later, when the current prosecutor was assigned to the case.

Since then that individual has died, leading Smith to argue key information had been deleted.

Smith stated, “This is the type of Brady information that results in dismissal.”

Responding to Smith’s motion to suppress statements Walters provided while waiving his Miranda rights, prosecutors argued Walters was “knowing and aware” of his situation discussing the matter with police.

“There is clear understanding on both sides,” said the prosecution.

Smith said Walters was never told he could withhold consent at any time. She stated detectives started asking questions before they had read him his rights.

She also said Walters was sleep deprived, hungry, and had been “held outside in the cold for over an hour…He wasn’t provided adequate food, he was given water and chips”. Smith said there were multiple times where Walters said he did not want to speak to police.

Judge Raffinan expressed concern with the motions’ timeline and did not believe she could rule on all of the requests before the scheduled Nov. 6 trial.

The new trial date is set for March 4.

Parties are expected to reconvene Oct. 31 for a continued motions hearing.

Defendant Pleads Guilty in Non-Fatal Shooting

On Oct. 30, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow accepted a non-fatal shooting defendant’s guilty plea.

Manaen Hines, 31, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his involvement in a shooting on Aug. 18, on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. One individual was shot and transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries to their abdomen.

Hines agreed to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license, to avoid an indictment. Under oath, he waived his right to trial and request independent DNA evidence testing.

The prosecution agreed to disregard certain factors that could lead to a harsher sentence. They also discussed the evidence they would have presented had the case gone to trial. They claimed that on Aug. 18, witnesses saw Manaen shooting a victim in the back, then leaving the scene.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2024

Defense Counsel Surprised by Pre-Preliminary Plea Deal

On Oct. 30, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park presided over a status hearing during which a non-fatal shooting defendant rejected a plea deal.

Deon Jenkins, 45, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, felony possession of a firearm, carrying a dangerous weapon outside the home or business with a prior felony, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of a destructive device for his alleged involvement in an exchange of gunfire on June 5 on the 1200 block of 18th Place, NE.

Jenkins is allegedly seen on surveillance footage running through an alleyway before shooting at a vehicle the defendant claims was driving towards him.

According to court documents, Jenkins was later located by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) with gunshot wounds to both legs and right hand on the 1700 block of M Street, NE. No injuries were reported.

When asked by Judge Park if a plea offer was ever on the table, defense counsel Lauren Morehouse said she did not believe so, but the prosecution disagreed.

The prosecution said they’d made an offer before the preliminary hearing that would have allowed Jenkins to plead guilty to felony unlawful possession of a firearm with all other indictment charges being dismissed.

Morehouse discussed the plea offer with her client, but Jenkins quickly rejected it, standing by the alleged self-defense aspects of this case.

Morehouse requested extensive so-called Brady materials to be disclosed, specifically the information regarding Jenkins’ shooting. This kind of information includes material evidence that is often favorable for the defense.

A trial date is set for April 2024.

Parties are expected to return on April 5 for a trial readiness hearing.

Data Shows Three Mass Shootings Occurred in DC in September

D.C. Witness recorded a total of 43 non-fatal shooting and homicide victims for the month of September, in 25 different incidents.

Of those victims, 23 were homicide victims and 20 were non-fatal shootings victims. All the homicides stemmed from shootings.

There were three mass shootings in the District in September. The first, which occurred on Sept. 5 in an apartment on the 200 block of M Street, SW, left five individuals suffering from non-life-threatening injuries but took the life of 32-year-old Matthew Miller.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, three suspects attempted to steal drugs and money from those in the apartment. The plan went awry, leading to the mass shooting.

Keshawn Lavender, 22, Deandre Sams, 27, and Raymond Mathis, 36, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed and felony murder for their alleged involvement in the incident.

On Sept. 23, a mass shooting occurred at a nightclub on the 1300 block of H Street, NE which left three individuals suffering from non-life-threatening injuries but killed 31-year-old Blake Bozeman.

MPD is still searching for the individual or individuals responsible.

Likewise, on Sept. 27, MPD officers responded to the 2500 block of 14th Street, NE, following the report of a shooting, where they located 41-year-old Nathaniel Limes and 46-year-old James Cooper Jr. suffering from gunshot wounds. They both succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

A third victim was located with gunshot wounds, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Two additional victims were located at other hospitals receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

MPD is still searching for the individual or individuals responsible for that shooting.

MPD has arrested and charged individuals in connection to three out of the 25 incidents through the District in September.

Homicide Defendant to Be Released Next Year

On Oct 30, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun granted a homicide defendant’s delayed request for release.

Lamar Wright, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Derrick Thomas on May 2 on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE.

Defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, requested Wright’s release acknowledging that he will be detained until Jan. 25, 2024 but without further delay.

The prosecution motioned for Wright’s detention, because the victim’s family feels he is a danger to the community and they find the whole situation is “traumatic and painful.”

Judge Okun decided not to detain Wright beyond the current release date because his case,” just barely made probable cause.” Currently, Wright is currently ineligible for supervised release resulting from a sentence for possessing a firearm, which is related to this case.

The court will meet on Jan. 22 to confirm the specifics of Wright’s supervised release in the new case.

Case Acquitted: Judge Grants Defense Motion to Sever Shooting Case

Donnell Tucker was acquitted of all charges on Jan. 31, 2024.

On Oct. 30, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples granted several motions, including a motion to sever co-defendants’ cases, in a non-fatal-shooting.

Tiaquana Chandler, 42, and Donnell Tucker, 27, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree burglary while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on March 28, on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE. The incident left one individual suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

Chandler’s defense counsel, Thomas Healy, filed a motion to suppress statements that Chandler made to police in an interview. Healy claimed that the detective that read Chandler her Miranda Rights did not do so appropriately and “charmed” her into talking to them about the incident.

The prosecution called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that interviewed Chandler to testify. The detective stated that he read her Miranda Rights to her exactly as stated on the document and watched her sign and verbally agree.

According to the detective, he told her she did not have to talk to him if she did not want and that he “could not do anything about it” if she refused to speak to him.

Judge Staples stated that from the video of the interview that was shown in court, in addition to the detective’s testimony, it clearly shows her Miranda Rights were read appropriately. He therefore found that her statements to police were voluntary and denied the defense’s motion to suppress statements.

The prosecution filed a motion to admit statements made by Chandler from jail calls. The prosecution reviewed numerous statements made by Chandler from many jail phone calls, requesting that the judge deem them admissible for trial. Statements such as “The [n-word] choked me,” “S*** is snitching on me,” and “call him, he needs to stay the f**k away from [inaudible]” were discussed and admitted by the court.

Judge Staples allowed statements that went against penal interest, which allows for statements that would usually be hearsay and inadmissible, to be admissible in court.

Judge Staples allowed statements that go to Chandler’s state of mind at the time, such as “He must stay the f**k in Maryland,” Any statements that Judge Staples classified as “blame-shifting” were denied and not found admissible to be used in trial.

Healy and Tucker’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, filed motions for severance for their clients that asked the court to try both defendants independently. King stated that Tucker would like the cases to be separate because he wants to call Chandler to testify at his trial. King says Chandler will testify that Tucker was not present at the time of the incident.

Judge Staples cited case law from Rollerson v. United States, and stated that in order to consider severance the court must find that there is an exculpatory nature to the testimony, the defendant has a desire to testify, and the defendant has a willingness to testify.

Healy says that Chandler wants her trial to finish first since she’s less likely to make self-incriminating statements than if the two cases were tried together.

Healy and King argued since Chandler’s testimony is crucial to Tucker’s defense, severing the case and trying Chandler first is the best decision.

Judge Staples stated that he found all three requirements necessary and that there is “a good-faith basis that she will testify” and granted the severance.

Chandler’s trial is set to go forward on Oct. 31 and Tucker’s trial will proceed based on the outcome of this trial.

Document: MPD Investigating Death of Juvenile Male After Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a 13-year-old male on Oct. 28 on the 600 block of D Street, NW, after he was shot by a man he carjacked.

The decedent has been identified as 13-year-old Vernard Toney Jr.

The victim of the carjacking was an off-duty federal security officer who was waiting in his vehicle for his shift to begin. He had a legally owned firearm and is cooperating with the investigation.

Detectives are searching for the second suspect involved in the carjacking.

Document: One Teen Dead and Another Arrested After Traffic Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Investigations Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that killed a teen on Oct. 26, on the 1300 block of Bryant Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, a teenage girl was driving a Honda Pilot at a high rate of speed and failed to navigate the traffic circle at Brentwood Road and Bryant Street, NE. The vehicle struck a utility pole turning the vehicle onto its roof, and then struck another vehicle before coming to a stop.

A Toyota Camry, also being operated at a high rate of speed, failed to navigate the same traffic circle. The operator lost control and collided with the retaining wall at the same location. Three occupants of the Camry exited the vehicle and two of the suspects fled the scene. A 15-year-old juvenile female who was a passenger in the Camry, remained on the scene and was arrested for unauthorized use of a vehicle.

The operator of the Honda Pilot, 16-year-old Kendra Outlaw, died at the scene.

The Pilot was carjacked on Oct. 26 on the 3700 block of Southern Avenue, SE, and the Camry was carjacked on Oct. 25 in Prince George’s County, MD.

MPD is requesting anyone who has knowledge of the incident to call them.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide Case–Just Barely

On Oct. 26 DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause in a homicide defendant’s case.

Lamar Wright, 19, is charged with one count of first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 27-year-old Derrick Thomas on May 2 on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, when officers arrived at the scene of the crime, they found that Thomas’ brother was with him, also suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg, but survived.

The prosecution called the lead MPD detective to testify, and he identified Wright as the suspect. He testified that the shooting occurred at the intersection of Condon Terrace and Yuma Street at approximately 7:24 p.m.

According to the detective, an MPD officer who was responding to a separate case nearby heard gunshots and explained to the detective that he saw a white sedan pull away from the crime scene. He noted that the only description of the alleged suspects was that they were “all Black” and wearing “masks.”

The prosecution provided 28 segments of surveillance footage depicting the day before the shooting occurred and the day of the shooting. In the footage, men are seen entering and exiting an apartment building. On the day of the shooting, one man is seen attempting to conceal the camera in front of the door to their apartment.

Others are visible entering and exiting a white sedan multiple times. Wright is alleged to have been in the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

The MPD detective testified two witnesses gave statements to MPD officers explaining they saw two men wearing masks get out of the back of the vehicle, shoot at Thomas and the surviving victim, then get back into the vehicle and flee the scene of the crime.

Wright’s defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, argued that Wright is not the alleged shooter as surveillance footage shows him entering and exiting the front passenger seat, rather than the back of the vehicle. When the white sedan arrives back at the apartment, Wright is seen getting out of the front passenger seat again. Smith asserted that the defendant was never a suspect until MPD came upon the video of the defendant at the apartment.

In addition, Smith found that Wright and Thomas “seemed friendly” with the two appearing in a YouTube video together.

The prosecution acknowledged there is a 19-minute gap in the footage after the crime occurred. Therefore, they think Wright could have been one of the two alleged shooters, regardless of his being in the front passenger seat in the white sedan.

The prosecution argued that the defendant could have “easily gone to the front” of the vehicle after the shooting during the missing footage before he’s seen exiting the front passenger seat when the white sedan arrives back at the apartment.

Judge Okun decided there were grounds for probable cause. He said it was close and decided by, “the skin of the teeth.”

He agreed with Smith that the evidence presented, “required speculation,” however he believed the video showing Wright entering and exiting the car allegedly involved in the homicide was enough for probable cause.

After the ruling Smith argued that the defendant should be released on personal recognizance and be placed on home confinement. Wright’s mother could house him and Smith argued that he is not a present danger and does not pose a flight risk. She cited that he has no previous criminal past and has been cooperative with authorities.

Judge Okun agreed, however Wright does not qualify for release because he has a pending hearing on Oct. 27 for possession of a firearm related to this case.

The parties are set for the next hearing on Oct. 30

Homicide Defendant Sentenced to Eight-and-a-Half Years

On Oct. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a homicide defendant to eight-and-a-half years incarceration.

Demarcus Barnett, 20, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the shooting death of 62-year-old Lasanta McGill on June 8 on the 1900 block of 7th Street, NW.

During an Aug. 28 hearing, Barnett accepted a plea agreement that lessened the second-degree murder charge to voluntary manslaughter while armed.

According to prosecutors, the pro,e occurred after Barnett had been robbed by two individuals in a building. He followed them out, and as they walked down a sidewalk, fired at them at least eight times, with one of the bullets hitting McGill.

“McGill was an innocent bystander in the incident,” said the prosecutor. The two robbers shot back at Barnett, when McGill was no longer in the direct line of fire as he was hiding between two parked vehicles.

Barnett sustained injuries from the crossfire, and sought aid at a local hospital where he was placed under arrest.

Judge Raffinan imposed a sentence of 102 months for Barnett’s involvement in McGill’s death, and is required to serve a mandatory minimum of five years incarceration. He is also required to serve five years of supervised release, and register as a gun offender.

Judge Raffinan sentenced Barnett under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would effectively seal his case after he completes his requirements.

Case Acquitted: Witness Testimony Continues in Murder Trial

This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

On Oct. 26, more prosecution testimony was presented in a 2020 Homicide trial 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 fatal shooting of 26-year-old Kayvon Kinney on the 1800 block of Gainesville Street, SE, on May 24, 2020.

During the prosecution’s opening statements they said Austin was seen by multiple eyewitnesses, “running away because he killed Kayvon Kinney”

To build their case, the prosecution called a witness to describe the early morning hours of the shooting. She explained she had been driving for Uber that night and early morning, and while sitting in the car on the phone, she heard about five gunshots. Then she saw a man run to a vehicle that was parked directly in front of her car, get inside, and drive away.

The witness described the individual as a “young Black man in his 20’s,” wearing black jeans and a shirt, with something unidentifiable in his hand. She described this man as sprinting frantically to a car, and driving extremely fast, not even stopping for a traffic signal.

According to the witness, she felt the man was suspicious; therefore she wrote down the information about his car in her phone and reached out to the detective on this case.

The prosecution continued by calling a witness from the apartment complex where the incident occurred, who claimed to have seen the shooting from his bedroom window. The witness stated he was playing video games next to a window when he heard two gunshots. Then he looked out the window and saw a man standing over another man, with a gun apparently in his left hand, firing at the individual on the ground.

The witness stated that he could see light coming out of the gun so he knew the individual was shooting. According to the witness, there were only two individuals in the parking lot at the time of the shooting and described the shooter as a black individual, wearing blue jean shorts, and a white T-shirt. The witness stated he saw the individual shoot the man on the floor, and then flee on foot to the left of the parking lot, sprinting past a green Chevy truck.

Parties are set to return on Oct. 30 to resume testimony.

Homicide Defendant Claims Guard at DC Jail Denies Him Food, Judge Concerned

On Oct. 27, attorneys for a homicide defendant alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe that a specific unnamed guard is allegedly denying their client food as he’s detained at the DC Jail.

Jordan Jones, 23, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Noel Nicol on Oct. 11, 2021, on the 2000 block of Savannah Place, SE.

According to prosecutors, officers for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) located Nicol’s body in a vehicle three days after his murder.

Todd Baldwin, Jones’ new defense attorney, alerted the court that Jones said he’s being denied food by a specific guard at the DC Jail. According to Baldwin, the guard has something against Jones, and wanted the court to be aware. He stated he plans to contact Superior Court attorneys and the DC Jail’s General Counsel.

“If they are denying him food, it is not okay,” said Judge O’Keefe. He told Baldwin to alert the General Counsel, and he will intervene if it continues to happen.

Parties are expected back Dec. 5 for a status hearing.

Defendant Sentenced 16 Years for Friend’s Death

On Oct. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced homicide defendant, Andre White, to 16 years incarceration for involvement in his friend’s death.

White, 50, was originally charged with premeditated first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Darnell Bernard Shaw Jr., also known as DJ, on Nov. 9, 2022, on the 1300 block of Savannah Street, SE.

On Aug. 25, White accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors that required he plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter in exchange for a guarantee that the prosecutors would not indict the case.

Shaw’s family members at the hearing were unhappy with the plea agreement and proposed sentences, arguing that it was not enough to provide justice and closure for their family.

Shaw’s brother stated “We’re here due to a flawed system,” arguing that it doesn’t make sense that an individual who takes another person’s life can only serve between eight-and-a-half-to -16 years incarceration. “My brother’s gone, we can’t change that,” he said, telling White that he left his forgiveness up to Shaw’s mom and God.

According to his brother, Shaw “wasn’t a perfect man, but he was loyal… he didn’t have much, but would give [to others] what he could”.

Shaw’s aunt said, “You don’t just hurt their victim, you hurt their family and others,” arguing that their family has experienced a great loss since Shaw’s life was taken. “He’s dead, do you feel better? Does it make you more of a man? No, you’re a murderer,” she insisted.

Shaw’s other brother said to White “I’m sorry you have to go through this situation by yourself,” referring to the fact that no one has shown up to support White in any hearing. He continued by saying “I hope this court gives you what you deserve”.

Shaw’s mother mentioned Shaw’s and White’s six-year friendship, stating that when she had to go to work at 4 a.m. White would be the one to walk her to the bus stop. “Andre, you have denied me holidays and birthdays with him,” Shaw’s mom said.

“You were spiteful,” she said, insisting that he strategically planned the killing by her sister’s house. According to Shaw’s mom, during an earlier altercation on Nov. 2, 2022, White told Shaw he was going to kill him.

“You had to shoot him in the back four times, like a coward,” she insisted. Shaw’s mom told White she forgives him, but “had the opportunity been different, I’d be in your seat, and you’d be a dead man… but that wouldn’t do justice to my family”.

“I loved you like I love my son,” Shaw’s mother proclaimed. “You will suffer… Andre, DJ will visit you tonight,” she said, to which White replied “He visits me every night.”

Prosecutors argued that there is “no question that it was first-degree murder,” but they offered the voluntary manslaughter agreement because they were unsure if a DC jury would see it that way based on the defense’s arguments.

Prosecutors claimed that White had taken “reluctant, half-hearted accountability,” stating that he did not take full responsibility for his actions, but rather blamed the victim during his pre-sentence report.

As part of their allocution, prosecutors displayed a video made as a tribute to Shaw by his brother.

Quo Mieko Judkins, White’s defense attorney, acknowledged the tragedy the Shaw family is experiencing, and stated that “White wishes he could go back in time,” and “apologizes to [Shaw’s] loved ones”.

Judkins argued that this case is an example of imperfect self-defense. Justia, a website specializing in legal information, explains imperfect self defense argues that “while the defendant’s actions were unjustified, they did not have the malice element that is required to get a murder conviction”.

According to Judkins, during a Nov. 2, 2022 altercation, Shaw broke White’s arm with a baseball bat, which required two surgeries to repair while he’s been incarcerated. She claims that the altercation stemmed from a dispute about drugs and name-calling, in which they called one another “crackheads” and White called Shaw a “sorry-a** drug dealer”.

During the altercation, White told Shaw “you better not hit me with that bat. If you hit me I’ll fu****g kill you”.

According to Judkins, White believed that Shaw was going to do something to him on Nov. 9, 2022, and that’s why he shot him. She argued he’s accepted responsibility, and 16 years behind bars for someone with the health issues White deals with is a “death sentence”.

White was diagnosed with Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Sickle Cell Syndrome, according to Judkins. He also deals with trauma from his childhood, and is a survivor of 14 gunshots. Has a longstanding addiction to drugs, and “regrets that this happened”.

Judkins requested Judge O’Keefe impose a sentence of eight-and-a-half years given his difficult life experience.

After expressing condolences to the family, Judge O’Keefe imposed a 16 year sentence. White is required to serve five years of supervised release, register as a gun offender, receive anger management, mental health, and substance abuse assessments and treatments, as well as participate in Cognitive Behavioral therapy.

“You ruined two lives here, ruined your life and took [Shaw’s] life,” Judge O’Keefe said. “You’re essentially stuck with the consequences. Good luck, sir”.

Search