Two of Three Homicide Co-Defendants Waive Right to Independent DNA Testing

On Oct. 27, two of three co-defendants in a homicide matter alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe that they were waiving their rights to independently test DNA evidence recovered from the crime scene.

Daivion Williams, 25, Dijon Williams, 24, and Steven Washington, 24, are charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, conspiracy, attempt to commit robbery while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their alleged involvement in the death of 30-year-old Nurudeen Thomas on the 1400 block of 14th Street, NW, on July 21, 2020.

Prosecutors alerted the court they are not planning to test any evidence for DNA evidence, but that they had collected several items from the crime scene, including but not limited to two firearms, ammunition, a key fob, drug paraphernalia, and swabs from an Infiniti automobile.

Pierce Suen and David Knight, Dijon’s defense attorneys, alerted the court they were planning to test certain items, but were unable to list them during the hearing. They stated they would send a proposed order to Judge O’Keefe’s chambers in the coming weeks.

Davion and Washington waived their rights to independently test DNA evidence, and understood that they would not be able to request it be tested again.

Andrew Ain and Errin Scialpi, attorneys for Daivion, requested he be released under home confinement, stating that he has learned a “harsh lesson for his prior non-compliance” while he was previously released and living in Georgia. Ain requested he be placed under home confinement due to his presumption of innocence, which was quickly contradicted by Judge O’Keefe, who stated “presumption of innocence has nothing to do with release”.

Judge O’Keefe argued Daivion had been released in 2020 due to the pandemic, and had “violated his conditions time and time again,” even before he was assigned to Judge O’Keefe’s calendar. According to Judge O’Keefe, Brandt revoked Daivion’s release in July of 2022.

Daivion was deemed a danger to the community by Judge O’Keefe, and will continue to be detained as he awaits trial, which is scheduled for April 22, 2024. Daivion’s mother, who appeared remotely, requested to speak to Judge O’Keefe, but was denied.

Washington remains on release, and Dijon continues to be held at Dodge State Prison in Georgia, where he’s serving a sentence for an unrelated matter that occurred in another jurisdiction.

Parties are expected back in court on April 5, 2024 for a trial readiness hearing.

Preliminary Hearing Continued After Defendant Stabbed in DC Jail

At an Oct. 26 preliminary hearing, a non-fatal shooting defendant’s case was continued because he was hospitalized after being stabbed at the DC Jail.

Malique Outland,18, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting that occurred on August 16 on the 200 block of 37th place, SE. One person was injured.

Outland’s defense attorney, Greg Baron, requested the case be continued as Outland couldn’t come to the courthouse because of the attack.

“The incident is currently under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Department of Corrections (DOC) Office of Investigative Services,” the DOC Public Information Office said in an email about the stabbing on Oct. 25.

When DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond asked Baron what the extent of Outland’s injuries, he didn’t reveal their exact nature. Judge Raymond rescheduled the preliminary hearing for Nov. 1st.

‘A Lot to Unpack’: Preliminary Hearing in Murder Case Continues in November

On Oct. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein reluctantly continued a lengthy preliminary hearing until mid-November in a double homicide case.

On Sept. 8, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 33-year-old Jeremiah Jordan with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Luke Whitaker and 19-year-old Zion Hollingsworth-Hayes.

According to MPD documents, officers responded on July 22 to the 1400 block of Girard Street, NW, for a shooting, where they located Whitaker. Shortly after, they found Hollingsworth-Hayes on the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW. Both victims were dead.

The prosecution called the lead MPD homicide detective who confirmed, as he wrote in the arrest warrant affidavit, that nine cartridge casings were recovered from the scene as well as a firearm found at from Jordan’s girlfriend’s house. However, the caliber of that gun didn’t match the collected cartridges.

Defense attorney Joseph Yarbough then cross-examined the detective regarding surveillance video allegedly showing Whitaker shoved Jordan before Jordan touched him, suggesting Jordan was afraid of getting hurt. Yarbough said the point is clearer when Jordan then puts his hands up.

Yarbough also directed the detective’s attention to an interview he did with a witness on a bike who rode past Jordan and Whitaker just before the incident. The witness heard an argument with the individuals saying, “This is my block!” and “I run this neighborhood!” followed by gunshots.

According to court documents, the witness allegedly saw Jordan use a black pistol with an extended magazine.

Yarbough said that Whitaker, the victim, may have had stronger connections to the neighborhood than Jordan, suggesting Whitaker, not Jordan, made the threats.

While MPD did not recover a weapon from or near Whitaker’s body, the detective’s search warrant affidavit describes the strong likelihood that Whitaker had contraband. In court, he cited Whitaker’s previous conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute narcotics in 2019.

The second victim, Hollingsworth-Hayes, ran after shots were fired. MPD recovered a knife and a gun from his path. Yarbough is expected to resume his line of questioning in mid-November.

Judge Epstein seemed exasperated by Yarbough’s lengthy, almost repetitive questions, cutting in with “asked and answered” multiple times during the hearing. Yarbough’s says his extensive questions are organized in “chapter[s],” and he told Judge Epstein he needs about another hour because there is “a lot to unpack.”

The preliminary hearing is scheduled to continue on Nov. 13.

Defense Plans to Contest Mental Competency Finding in Homicide Case

On Oct. 27, defense attorneys for a homicide defendant alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe they are planning to contest a mental competency finding submitted by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Julius Worthy, 39, is charged with one count of second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing and shooting of 36-year-old Orlando Galloway on April 2 on the 200 block of 14th Street, SE. An adult female victim was found in the apartment suffering from multiple stab wounds, but survived.

According to Christen Romero Phillips, Worthy’s attorney, the defense disagrees with the DBH report that found Worthy mentally competent to stand trial. She requested the court grant the defense time to find their own expert to evaluate Worthy. Judge O’Keefe reminded Phillips that contesting a competency finding must be filed promptly.

Phillips also requested Worthy be released from the DC Jail, stating that the Department of Corrections (DoC) had not granted Judge O’Keefe’s request for Worthy to be placed in the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF), a lower security environment, due to age and health issues. Phillips argued Worthy has family and community support, and would comply with any release conditions the court may impose.

Prosecutors strongly opposed the request, stating that Worthy remains a danger to the community including the surviving victim.

Judge O’Keefe denied the defense’s request for release, citing the circumstances of the case and the presumption that Worthy poses a danger to the community.

Parties are expected back Jan. 5, 2024.

Document: Correction Northeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Oct. 25 on the 100 block of 35th Street, SE.

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

The victim was identified as 67-year-old Anthony Stewart.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for homicides committed in the District.

Judge Detains Convicted Non-Fatal Shooter as He Awaits Sentencing

On Oct. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe detained Vincent James as he awaits sentencing.

On Oct. 24, James, 39, was convicted by a jury of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred at a liquor store on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SE, on July 30, 2020. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident.

Once the verdict was delivered by the jury on Oct. 24, prosecutors requested Judge O’Keefe detain James stating he was convicted of a violent crime and needed to be held as he awaits sentencing.

During the Oct. 26 hearing, Susan Ellis, James’ defense attorney, requested he be allowed to remain on release as he awaits sentencing, stating he has been in compliance with his release conditions since 2020.

A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative stated that Ellis is correct about James’ compliance.

Prosecutors argued James has been picked up other charges during his release, including driving while intoxicated in June, which is pending.

According to prosecutors, James has a lengthy record of prior violent crimes, including an arrest in Prince George’s County, Maryland in 2022 for an incident in which he shot at his romantic partner. He accepted a plea deal in the summer of 2022, and is on probation for the offense.

Prosecutors also argued that alcohol played a role in many of James’ incidents, including the shooting in July 2020, and he “continues to endanger people.”

Judge O’Keefe stated that Prince George’s County offense occurred while James was on release for the shooting in July 2020, and that had it not been for the pandemic, he would have been detained.

“If he was in my calendar, I would’ve stepped him back immediately,” Judge O’Keefe said.

Ellis requested James be put on home confinement, which Judge O’Keefe denied, stating that his probation in Maryland will likely be revoked and establishes him as a flight risk. He stated he “can’t find him not a danger”.

Marshals detained James following the hearing.

A sentencing hearing is set for Jan. 12.

Court Waits for DNA Testing Results in 1992 Homicide Case

On Oct. 26, prosecutors alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’keefe they are experiencing delays getting DNA testing results, and will continue to investigate other suspects for possible involvement in a 1992 homicide.

Ron Wright, 48, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated and felony murder for his alleged involvement in the death of 19-year-old Ricardo Burbano on March 30, 1992, at the 100 block of Q Street, NW.

The prosecution said DNA testing was temporarily halted a couple weeks ago. However, it has resumed, and results should come in towards the end of the year.

Prosecutors also alerted Judge O’Keefe they had begun to share evidence obtained during discovery with the defense, but that some pieces of evidence were being withheld as the investigation into other suspects is ongoing.

David Benowitz, Wright’s defense attorney, requested prosecutors share the discovery under a protective order so they can begin to properly investigate and prepare for the case.

Prosecutors alerted Judge O’Keefe they would discuss with their supervisors if they could share discovery under a protective order under some limits.

The parties are waiting to set a date for a jury trial until they have DNA testing results.

A status hearing is scheduled for Feb 14.

Trial Delayed in First-Degree Murder Case

On Oct. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo continued a jury trial in a first-degree murder case for two co-defendants.

Delonta Stevenson, 28, and Vorreze Thomas, 25 are both charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Terrance Allen on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE, on Jan. 18, 2021.

Howard McEachern, Thomas’ defense attorney, requested a continuance for the trial date based on health issues and gave his regrets saying he’s, “unable to give him the representation he needs right now.”

Before ruling, the judge asked the other parties in the court to comment. The prosecution explained they were “ready to move forward today, but defer to the court on the next steps.”

Thomas spoke directly to the judge and explained that he “was ready” for trial and that he is “tired” of waiting. After resting his head on the table, he exclaimed in frustration that he is “just sitting over in DC jail”.

Before making the decision, Judge Demeo explained how “there are circumstances that come up” and it will be a “better trial in terms of just results if everyone is in good health”.

Parties are expected back for a continued motions hearing on Nov. 8.

A trial date was set for January 2024.

Judge Holds Homicide Defendant

On Oct. 25 DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover decided to hold a homicide defendant during a presentment hearing.

Iesha Marks, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 46-year-old Donald Childs on July 23 at the 100 block of Farragut Street, NW. It is unclear whether the two individuals knew one another.

According to the prosecution, footage from her home surveillance shows Marks in a white shirt and blue shorts a few hours before the shooting. Marks also had a picture on her phone of a gun in a woman’s lap.

According to prosecutors, when Marks talked to law enforcement she confirmed she was at the location of the shooting, yet denied shooting Childs.

Judge Glover said there is enough evidence to find probable cause. He noted the clothing the suspect is wearing is similar if not identical to what Marks was wearing the day of the incident. He said she was by her “own admission…being at the location.”

The defense requested Marks’ release, but Judge Glover denied the motion on the grounds she could be a danger to the community.

A preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 8 in front of Judge Marisa Demeo.

Document: Northeast Shooting Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Oct. 25 on the 100 block of 35th Street, NE.

The victim was identified as 67-year-old Anthony Stewart.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for homicides committed in the District.

Document: Bicyclist Dies After Being Struck by a Car

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Investigations Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that killed a man on Oct. 17 on the 1700 block of L Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, the investigation revealed that a man was riding a bicycle eastbound on the 1700 block of L Street, NW in the bicycle lane. As the cyclist crossed Connecticut Avenue, NW, he was struck by a silver 2014 Toyota Camry that was traveling northbound on Connecticut Avenue, NW. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike.

The victim was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries on Oct. 21. He was identified as 24-year-old Nijad Huseynov.

The driver of the Toyota Camry stayed on the scene.

Document: Man Killed in Northwest DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a man that occurred on Oct. 17 on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a man down, where they located a man with trauma. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The victim was identified as 64-year-old Reggie Brown.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and ruled the cause of death to be blunt force trauma and the manner of death a homicide.

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

Document: Suspect Sought in a Shooting of Off-Duty DC Housing Authority Officer

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a shooting of an off-duty DC Housing Authority Officer that occurred on Oct. 24 on the 2300 block of New York Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, the off-duty officer was driving their personal vehicle to work, when a driver of a silver two door Honda Accord pulled up at a high rate of speed behind him. The officer slowed down and the Accord pulled up alongside, when the off-duty officer motioned for the driver to move on, the driver pointed a handgun at him. As the officer grabbed his handgun, the driver fired at him striking the officer. The officer returned fire, as the Accord fled northbound towards Montana Avenue, NE.

The officer was transported to a local hospital after he arrived at the DC Housing Authority Police Department Headquarters located on the 2000 block of Walt Lincoln Way, NE.

The off-duty officer’s weapon was recovered on the scene.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone that provides informations that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a violent crime committed in the District.

Jury Finds Defendant Guilty in 2020 Non-Fatal Shooting

On Oct. 24, a jury found Vincent James guilty on three felony counts before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

James, 39, was convicted of aggravated assault knowingly 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 a non-fatal shooting that took place at a liquor store on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SE, on July 30, 2020. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors relied on security camera footage from the liquor store and an adjacent AutoZone where the suspect was seen making a purchase hours before the shooting. They stated that the video clearly portrays James in the area leading up to the shooting.

They used testimony from a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who gathered the footage and corroborating information that put James in that AutoZone making that purchase.

According to the detective, AutoZone transaction records showed James used his rewards card hours before the shooting.

The detective also testified the man in the liquor store parking lot footage, identified as the shooter, had the same clothes on as the man making the AutoZone purchase.

Throughout the trial, Susan Ellis, James’ defense attorney, claimed there was not enough evidence to convict James. She argued no DNA evidence was submitted and no gun was recovered.

“You can’t find him guilty,” insisted Ellis, claiming that the prosecutors had failed to put all the puzzle pieces of the case together.

Despite Ellis’ arguments, the jury believed prosecutors had made their case.

A status hearing is set for Oct. 26 to decide if James will remain on release as he awaits sentencing.

Defense Questions Detective in Hearing for 2020 Homicide Case

On Oct. 24, a hearing for a 2020 fatal shooting continued with the resumption of a detective’s testimony 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.

During the proceeding, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective continued his testimony from Oct. 1 about the official report of what happened and who was involved.

According to the report, one witness saw two young boys hanging around the area prior to the incident. The report places the boys’ height at around five-feet-nine-inches.

Defense attorney Sylvia Smith displayed a video clip of the detective interviewing the witness, in which the witness pointed to another detective for reference and said the boys were around six-feet tall.

Smith alleged the detective had not written an accurate description of the witness’ statement. The detective testified another section of the video provided more elaboration, and Smith remarked the prosecutors could argue that later.

Smith maintained at the time of Walters’ arrest, there was no video footage of him involved in the incident, no witnesses brought up his name in relation to the shooting, and detectives had not found any weapons they believed to be involved. The detective agreed.

Smith argued that before his arrest, Walters was not considered a suspect and the arrest warrants failed to mention him as one.

During the redirect, prosecutors displayed a picture of a firearm sent through text message, alleging this could have been the gun used in the shooting.

According to the police report, Daniels was attempting to purchase the pictured handgun from a phone number linked to Walters.

The detective testified this was a possibility, as the gun is a Glock 23, which is a .40 caliber gun. In previous testimony, the detective revealed he had discovered multiple .40 caliber shell casings near the scene.

The detective was not able to complete his testimony due to time constraints.

As a result, outstanding motions will be ruled on at a later time.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 25 for a continuation of the motions hearing.

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