Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: 700 Block of Kenilworth Avenue, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch arrested and charged 18-year-old Antwain Ulmer with first-degree murder premeditated while armed for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on July 9 on the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers heard gunshots and reported to the location. They located an adult male shooting victim inside an establishment with no signs consistent with life.

The victim was identified as 30-year-old Charles Sullivan.

Document: Suspects and Vehicle Sought in an Assault with Intent to Commit Robbery Offense: 1300 Block of W Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating suspects and a vehicle connected to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 20 on the 1300 block of W Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male shooting victim. He was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Jury Convicts Homicide Defendant for Death of Two and Injuries to Others

On July 20, a jury found Jalen Browne guilty on 12-counts following a two-week long emotional trial.

Browne, 21, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting. The shooting occurred on the 100 block of Q Street, NW, on July 25, 2021.

Jovan Hill Jr, 22, and Tariq Riley, 19, suffered fatal wounds and later died at MedStar Hospital. A third victim, 22, suffered a gunshot wound to the lower back but survived.

Through trial, prosecutors displayed multiple pieces of video footage from street cameras that documented the events of the shooting and Browne’s alleged escape.

In the footage, Browne was seen wearing clothes similar to his and using the same make and model car observed at the scene. The ostensible motion for the shooting was retaliation for the attempted robbery of his car on February 9, 2021.

Through trial, Browne’s defense attorney, Douglas Wood’s main focus was the prosecution’s claim about motive.

According to Wood, no evidence was presented to prove that any of the six young men who were shot at were involved in the attempted robbery of Browne’s car which occurred months before the homicides.

Prosecutors called forth the surviving victim and one of the individuals who was fired at but remained physically unharmed.

The surviving victim was asked to recount the events on the day of the shooting, but quickly admitted that he had a drug problem that impacted his memory.

The witness went so far as to say that he was high as he was testifying. He could testify to the basic facts of the case, stating that he received a gunshot wound to his lower back and fled the scene, but could not recall any specifics about the day of the shooting.

The second witness at the crime scene recanted grand jury testimony despite reading and listening to portions shown in court. The witness maintained not knowing or recalling prior grand jury testimony.

A forensic pathologist from the D.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner testified on the autopsy findings, confirming cause of death for both Hill and Riley as singular gunshot wounds to their backs damaging their lungs, spines, and hearts.

As trial came to a close, prosecutors focused on the evidence in the case, including the credibility of witnesses, the car used in the crime, the shooter’s clothing, and cell site analysis that linked the defendant to the area of the shooting.

Prosecutors went on to say that Browne is the one individual who could have committed the crime when considering the timeline, location, access to the items in evidence, and motive.

According to the defense, prosecutors failed to prove that Browne was the shooter, claiming they only presented circumstantial evidence.

Brian McDaniel, Browne’s other defense attorney, insistedthat Browne should not be found guilty by the rule of law because of reasonable doubt established by multiple witnesses’ testimonies.

All parties spoke of the potential of someone close to Browne being the orchestrator or perpetrator of the homicides. McDaniel argued that the unknown individual’s potential involvement was reasonable doubt enough.

Browne is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13.

Murder Suspect’s Detention Continues Under New DC Law

On July 21, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted a prosecutor’s request for continued detention of a homicide defendant under a new law as he awaits trial.

Derricko Johnson, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged connection to the shooting of 16-year-old Justin Johnson at the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE on May 26, 2022.

The prosecution argued that the case against Johnson is stronger than it was a year ago at his preliminary hearing based on recent evidence. According to prosecutors, his rearrest in April after non-compliance with his release conditions should lead to continued detention pending his trial date.

Judge Raffinan, after considering Johnson’s “history and characteristics,” granted the prosecution’s request for continued pre-trial detention in the wake of DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s signing the Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Amendment Act of 2023 on July 20. It expands pretrial incarceration for defendants, both adult and juvenile, who have allegedly committed violent crimes.

Parties are expected back Sept. 22.

Woman Sentenced to Eight Years After Shooting Paralyzes Victim

On July 21, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced Dasani Dawson to eight years in prison and five years of supervised release.

Dawson, 19, was sentenced after pleading guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence (PFCOV) for shooting a single victim seven times on Aug. 4, 2022 on the 800 block of Chesapeake Street, SE.

The defendant was originally charged with assault with intent to kill and PFCOV, but the first charge was reduced when she pled guilty on Apr. 21.

After suffering multiple gunshot injuries to the spine, the victim was paralyzed, an injury that the prosecution argued has significantly affected his quality of life and the wellbeing of his family.

Several of the victim’s family members attended the sentencing, with the prosecution calling his mother to testify how the defendant’s actions have altered their lives.

The victim’s mother stated he now requires intensive care from the family, and that they live in a housing unit which is not accessible for the disabled which has made travel difficult for the victim.

Judge Epstein thanked the victim’s mother for her statement, and said that due to the severity of his injuries “it’s a miracle that your son is still with us.”

The prosecution further emphasized the immense impact Dawson’s actions had on the victim’s family, saying that “he will never stand up again” due to the defendant’s “calculated and egregious” conduct.

Comments by detectives on the case alleged that Dawson had “been terrorizing the community for years.”

Defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein argued that Dawson’s conduct during the shooting was largely unintentional, and that she had only meant to threaten the victim with a gun but instead fired a semi-automatic weapon, which is why the victim was shot multiple times.

Sapirstein also attempted to convince the court to sentence Dawson under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which potentially allows for a defendant’s conviction to be eventually sealed.

Dawson also apologized to the victim’s mother in court, saying that, “Everyday I regret doing it.”

Despite the defendant’s apology, Judge Epstein still declined to sentence Dawson under the YRA, saying that “only a tiny fraction of 18-year-olds commit the kind of crime that [Dawson] did.”

Judge Epstein sentenced Dawson to eight years for each of her two counts set to run concurrently.

He also sentenced her to five years of supervised release.

Dawson will also be required to seek mental health treatment and anger management programs while in prison and register as a gun offender when she is released.

Shooting Defendant Accepts a Plea Deal

On July 21, Kevon Robinson accepted a plea deal offered by prosecutors in connection to a non-fatal shooting.

Robinson, 23, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill for shooting one victim in the leg on May 25 on the 700 block of 20th Street, NE.

Video footage referenced in Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents indicates that Robinson and another individual were traveling toward the victim on bicycles, and dismounted when a car passed by.

According to court documents, the two individuals then noticed the victim, who had been talking briefly to the individuals in the car. Once they approached the victim, Robinson allegedly pulled out a firearm and fired multiple times, hitting the victim twice in the leg.

Robinson was arrested on June 22 after MPD officers executed a search warrant at a known address and allegedly finding multiple firearms and several rounds of ammunition.

Parties agreed to undisclosed sentencing guidelines, though DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein informed the defendant that he did not have to follow either the prosecution’s or the defense’s sentencing recommendations.

As Robinson is under the age of 25, the defense stated that they would be providing a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) report in addition to a sentencing memorandum. The YRA allows defendants younger than 25-years-old to face reduced sentences or have the option to eventually have their convictions sealed.

Sentencing is set to take place before Judge Epstein on Oct. 13.

Vehicular Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

On July 21, a homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from a fatal car accident.

Karlos Bibb, 22, 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.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Bibb drove an Acura TLX at speeds of 60- to-70 miles per hour northbound on the 900 block of 14th Street, NW. The legal speed in that area is 25-miles-per- hour. As he traveled through the intersection, Bibb allegedly ran a red light, colliding with William’s car, along with two other vehicles.

Witnesses on the scene reported Bibb and another suspect allegedly fleeing the car after the incident. Williams was take to George Washington University Hospital where she later died from internal injuries.

At the hearing, Bibb pleaded not guilty to one count of second-degree murder. Bibb’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, requested a speedy trial. The trial date is set for July 8, 2024.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt scheduled the next hearing for Nov. 3.

Document: Traffic Fatality: 3800 Block of Reservoir Road, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred on July 20 on the 3800 block of Reservoir Road, NW.

According to MPD documents, an adult female was trying to make a turn in a parking garage, when she accelerated and headed towards a wall. To try to avoid hitting the wall, she drove toward a valet station where there were people waiting for their vehicles. Five adult females and one adult male were struck by the vehicle, and transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for their injuries. At the hospital, after all life-saving efforts failed, one of the adult females succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead.

The victim was identified as 68-year-old Jewel Regina Bazilio-Bellegarde.

Document: Suspect Sought in a Traffic Fatality: 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect connected to a traffic fatality that occurred on June 8 on the intersection of 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect, in a Mercedes Benz, ran a red light and crashed into the victim’s vehicle, a Ford Focus, which led the victim to be ejected from the rear passenger side. The suspect and another individual fled the scene on foot and left the Mercedes Benz at the scene. Officers and Medical Services responded to the scene and found no signs consistent with life. The two other occupants of the Ford were treated for minor injuries and released from area hospitals.

The victim has been identified as 19-year-old Madison Jones.

MPD is searching for 30-year-old Andre Maurice Johnson, as the suspect for the murder.

Victim Killed in Crossfire After Robbery

On July 19, during a preliminary hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide.

Demarcus Barnett, 20, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 62-year-old Lasanta McGill on June 8, 2023, on the 1900 block of 7th Street NW.

In court, prosecutors presented surveillance footage recovered from a liquor store allegedly showing Barnett being robbed at gunpoint by two unknown suspects. The video showed Barnett was hit in the face twice by a gun during the robbery, with blood visible on the floor.

Additional footage presented in court shows Barnett allegedly drawing a handgun while leaving the store, firing at the suspects and striking McGill, who was caught in the middle of an exchange of gunfire between Barnett and the robbers.

Following the shooting, an officer allegedly saw Barnett hiding a handgun in a bush near the scene and arrested him.

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about events seen in the surveillance footage and explained the injuries the victim sustained.

During a recorded interview with police Barnett allegedly stated, “I was hurting, and I wanted to hurt them” referring to the robbers.

Defense attorney Steven Ogilvie questioned the detective about the casings recovered from the scene, concerned that the robbery suspects may have shot McGill during the exchange of gunfire.

According to the detective, McGill’s injuries were consistent with the direction of Barnett’s line of fire.

When arguments concluded, Judge Raffinan determined that the prosecutor demonstrated probable cause for second-degree murder and denied a defense request to release Barnett based on his criminal history with assault and firearms.

Barnett will remain detained as he awaits trial and sentencing in another gun matter.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sep. 14 before Judge Raffinan.

‘I’m Being Framed,’ Says Defendant in Courtroom Outburst

On July 20, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt presided over a contentious mental observation hearing for non-fatal shooting defendant Joseph Evans.

Evans, 57, is charged with kidnapping while armed, first degree sexual abuse while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for an offense allegedly committed on Sept. 24, 2012 on the unit block of K Street, NE. According to court documents, a gun was discharged during the incident.

Evans is being held at Saint Elizabeths Hospital, a facility to hold and treat defendants with mental health issues.

During the hearing, Evans repeatedly claimed he was being framed for the crime, even going as far as to accuse the prosecution of tampering with DNA testing in his case.

“I swear to God and my mother’s grave,” Evans said, avowing his innocence.

Evans also wants to observe the process of DNA testing in his case, even after Judge Brandt denied the request and Evans’ attorney agreed.

Defendants can’t be present during DNA testing.

Even though Evans was found mentally competent to stand trial in October, he indicated he will invoke a not guilty by reason of insanity defense. Meanwhile, the DC Department of Behavioral Health will be conducting a criminal responsibility examination of Evans in the coming weeks.

Parties are expected to return on Aug. 11.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Gruesome 1992 Murder

On July 20, Ron Wright pled not-guilty to his involvement in a 1992 homicide.

Wright, 48, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and felony murder in the alleged brutal homicide of 19-year-old Ricardo Burbano on March 31, 1992 on the 100 block of Q Street, NW.

Wright is accused of strangling, beating, and stabbing Burbano, forcibly removing teeth and fingernails, and cutting off a finger tip before disposing of Burbano’s body in a plastic sheet and comforter on the 900 block of Chillum Road in Hyattsville, MD.

After Burbano’s blood was found in Wright’s apartment during a 2002 investigation, Wright was identified as a person of interest in the homicide.

However, inconclusive DNA results left the case unresolved until Wright’s arrest in 2022.

Wright pled not-guilty to all charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

Parties are scheduled to return to court on Oct. 26.

Document: Arrest Made in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 4100 Block of Alabama Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 24-year-old Sapphire Johnson with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 28 on the 4100 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a female shooting victim. She was transferred to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Document: Suspects Sought in a Homicide: 700 Block of 19th Street, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating suspects in a homicide that occurred on June 28 on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE.

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

The victim was identified as 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn.

The suspects were captured by surveillance cameras.

Document: Suspect Charged in a 2021 Homicide: 700 Block of O Street, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch arrested and charged 30-year-old Johnathan Brown with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Kervin Sanches on July 31, 2021, on the 700 block of O Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the are for the sounds of gunshots, where they located Sanches suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A second adult male victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital.

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