Four Juvenile Males Killed in June Among 21 Total Homicides, Data Shows

D.C. Witness recorded 39 total homicide and non-fatal shooting incidents in DC in June.

Of those, 21 were homicides. All homicides committed in the District, except one, were caused by guns. Four homicide victims were juvenile males who died in three separate incidents. No arrests have been made in these cases.

Stephon Shreeves, 14, succumbed to his injuries on the 2600 block of Sheridan Road, SE, on June 17 after he sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

Meanwhile, Demarcos Pinckney, 15, and Kevin Mason,17, were shot and killed on June 18, on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE.

On June 27, Jaylin Osborne,15, was found by officers on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Sunday appeared to be the most dangerous day of the week in DC in June, with five homicides and five non-fatal shootings occurring on that day.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has arrested and charged seven suspects for homicides in June.

Trial Begins for 2021 Double Homicide

On July 10, opening statements and witness testimony were presented in a 2021 double-homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Jalen Browne, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting on the 100 block of Q Street NW on July 25, 2021. Six individuals were caught in the crossfire; three of whom were uninjured. However, Jovan Hill, 22, and Tariq Riley, 19, suffered fatal wounds and later died at MedStar Hospital. A third victim, 22, suffered a gunshot wound to the torso, but survived.

The prosecution presented closed circuit surveillance video from street cameras that allegedly illustrated the shooting and the gunman’s escape. The shooter in the video is wearing clothes similar to the defendant’s and is driving what appears to be his own car.

The motive, according to the prosecution was retaliation for an attempt to steal Browne’s car on February 9, 2021.

According to prosecutors, given the evidence, the motive and the circumstances, Browne is guilty.

“There are eight billion people on this planet, but the only one who has all of these things is the defendant,” insisted the prosecutor.

Defense attorney, Douglas Wood, attempted to refute the prosecution’s characterization of Browne’s motive.

“There is going to be no evidence that those individuals knew Jalen Browne,” he insisted.

According to Wood, there’s no proof any of the six young men targeted in the shooting were involved in the attempted robbery of Browne’s car months before the homicides.

Wood concluded his opening statement saying, “[Browne] had no motive to shoot and kill these individuals…no motive, no reason, nothing.”

Following opening statements, the victims’ relatives and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who first responded to the scene were called forth by prosecutors.

The prosecution played the officer’s body-worn camera footage of his arriving at the scene and assessing one of the victims’ condition. The graphic video led to an emotional outburst from family members and friends of the victims in the courtroom.

Two family members testified that Hill and Riley were shoot to death on the street where they lived.

The trial is slated to continue on July 11.

Vehicular Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

On July 7, a vehicular homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Duron Hudson, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle, destruction of property over $1000, and first-degree theft, for his alleged involvement in an incident on the 1200 block of U Street, NW, on November 19, 2019, where a male victim, Nahzil Zaid Abdul Rahim, was found.

At the hearing, Hudson pleaded not guilty and demanded a speedy trial. Hudson’s defense attorney Nathaniel Mensah complained about inefficient communication between parties, and requested the prosecutor provide all evidence to the defense.

At issue is surveillance video taken at the crime scene discussed by a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department.

Mensah raised concerns about a possible discrepancy between an individual shown in the video entering the alley near the crime scene around the time of the incident and the defendant.

However, a GPS tracking device allegedly showed Hudson near the incident, according to investigators.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Sean Staples set the next hearing for Aug. 11.

Four of Five First-Degree Murder Defendants Plead Not Guilty, The Fifth Missing from Court

In a July 10 hearing, four of five homicide defendants pleaded not guilty. The fifth suspect in the shooting case did not appear in court.

Marcel Gavin, 36, John Wilkins, 33, Darryl Little, 29, Kharee Jackson, 24, and Earl Robinson, 31, are charged for their alleged connection to the murder of 21-year-old Albert Smith on June 14, 2020 at the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

According to court documents, the shooting occurred was linked to a robbery in the early morning hours. Smith, known as CEO Bezzal, had reportedly come to DC to record a rap video.

All defendants, except Little, who was not present in court and has a warrant out for his arrest, pleaded not guilty to all charges. Their charges include conspiracy, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and multiple counts of robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and first-degree murder while armed.

Gavin and Wilkins have an additional charge of assault with significant bodily injury while armed.

Wilkins is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.
DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe set a detention hearing for Robinson and Jackson for July 18. All parties are expected back Sept. 8.

Judge to Release Coley While Awaiting 2013 Homicide Retrial

On July 10, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan indicated he intends to release murder suspect Victor Coley, pending a new trial.

Coley, 60, was found guilty in 2015 for his involvement in a shooting that injured four on Nov. 6, 2013 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. He was accused then of assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm, along with eleven other charges.

In 2021, one of Coley’s victims, 65-year-old Dennis Foster, allegedly died from gunshot wounds sustained in the 2013 shooting. As a result, new murder charges were filed against Coley.

On June 23, the murder trial resulted in a hung jury.

In court, Judge Ryan revealed that the jury was split 10-to-2 in favor of acquittal. Jurors were reportedly convinced that Foster’s death was a homicide, but not convinced Coley was the perpetrator.

Parties met to discuss how the case would move forward. The prosecution restated its intention to retry Coley’s case. They also asked Judge Ryan to continue holding Coley in the DC Jail until the new trial due to his dangerousness, but Judge Ryan denied the request. He told the defendant that he needed to succeed in the community upon release, to which Coley replied, “without a doubt.”

Coley’s defense attorneys Carrie Weletz and Jesse Winograd are currently trying to place Coley at a residential recovery facility.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 12, during which Judge Ryan said he plans to issue a release order for Coley taking effect on July 19.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Stabbing Death

On July 10, during an arraignment, a defendant pleaded not guilty to a 2022 murder.

Julian Ruffin, 32, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder for allegedly stabbing Alphonso Lee, 38, to death on Oct. 7, 2022, on the 1500 block of Butler Street, SE.

According to prosecutors, Ruffin and Lee were involved in an altercation concerning a vehicle which led to a fight in Ruffin’s home, where Lee was fatally stabbed.

Prosecutors discussed how the knife allegedly used in the murder was actually shown to police by Ruffin who admitted to stabbing Lee.

The prosecutor further argued that video surveillance footage of the argument showed Ruffin acting in a hostile manner before the stabbing, claiming that his release should not be modified based on the factors of the case.

Defense attorney Kevin Irving rebutted the claim arguing the footage did not show Ruffin being hostile but showed him attempting to leave the area to avoid a confrontation.

The defense requested Ruffin’s GPS monitor be removed since it won’t allow him to travel to his mother’s home to take care of his children.

A representative from the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA) discussed in court how Ruffin has been compliant with all terms of his release.

However, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied the request to remove the electronic monitor due to concerns over Ruffin’s previous criminal record. However, his curfew was lifted allowing him to stay with his mother.

Parties are set for a status hearing before Judge Raffinan on Sept. 21.

Family Decries 12-Year Murder Sentence in Plea Deal

On July 7, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Nelson Davis to 12-years in prison following emotional testimony from family members lamenting the loss of their loved one.

Davis, 19, who was originally charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting 45-year-old Jason Ford on the 1700 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE on June 25, 2022, agreed to plead guilty to a lessor charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed.

Judge Brandt originally accepted a conditional deal on April 13, holding off final approval in order to determine whether Davis’s criminal history score fell within the range laid out in the agreement. For voluntary manslaughter, Davis’s score requires a range of 8-years-six-months to 12-years in prison, with the prosecution seeking the maximum penalty.

The prosecution attempted to demonstrate Nelson’s lack of remorse by after the homicide, stating he Googled, “How to get away with murder.”

To argue Davis should get the maximum penalty, the prosecution called several members of the victim’s family to testify about his character and the impact that his death had on the community.

They said he had been a beacon of emotional support, especially over the last few years, and that his death left a gap in their lives that could never be filled.

Ford’s protective and community-minded nature was also discussed, with one family member’s stating that during the attack Ford was trying to protect others in jeopardy.

They all indicated frustration with the plea deal, saying the maximum penalty was too light. One family member stated that only giving the defendant 12-years is “equivalent to pouring salt on the wound.”

Davis apologized to the family for his actions.

“My intention was never to do what I did,” said Davis.

Davis’ mentor argued the criminal justice system had failed him, and in doing so failed the victim and his family as well.

Defense attorney Carrie Weletz also asked the court to consider sentencing Davis under DC’s Youth Rehabilitation Act, which emphasizes rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, Judge Brandt indicated that the severity of the crime and a past adult conviction led her away from that option.

Judge Brandt imposed the maximum sentence under the guidelines.

She concurred with the family’s dissatisfaction, stating “I wish it could be more under the circumstances, but my hands are tied.”

She also acknowledged the emotional impact of the family’s statement, saying that they were a “master class of grace and strength.”

In addition to being sentenced to prison, Davis must serve 5 years of supervised probation and register as a gun offender.

Document: Homicide: 700 Block of Kenilworth Avenue, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on July 9 on the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers heard the sounds of gunshots and responded to the location where they located an adult male shooting victim in an establishment with no signs consistent with life.

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

Document: Updated with Additional Suspect and Photos Suspects Sought in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 500 Block of K Street, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating suspects connected to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 8 on the 500 block of K Street, NW.

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

Document: Arrest Made in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 1900 16th Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 32-year-old Alanders Pryor with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 6 on the 1900 block of 16th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, a United States Park Police (USPP) officer saw an individual fire multiple shots at the location and ordered him to drop the gun when he complied and was detained. The individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries from a suspected gunfire exchange with another individual who fled the scene.

Document: Suspect Sought in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 500 Block of K Street, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect connected to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 8 on the 500 block of K Street, NW.

Document: Homicide: 4100 Block of Ames Street, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on July 7 on the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE.

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

The victim was identified as 34-year-old Nolan Edwards.

Document: Suspect Sought in a Homicide: 600 Block of Alumni Lane, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect connected to a homicide that occurred on July 5 on the 600 block of Alumni Lane, NE, near Catholic University.

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, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Maxwell Emerson.

Trial Set for Shooting Co-Defendants Who Reject Plea Deal

At a July 7 hearing, a trial date was set after three co-defendants in a 2022 non-fatal shooting case rejected a “wired” plea deal offered by prosecutors.

Purnell Jackson, 37, Kharee Jackson, 24, and Charles Turner, 36, are charged with multiple counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault while armed, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in a shooting that left three people injured.

According to court documents, the incident occurred on August 24, 2022, on the unit block of Quincy Place, NE. After their car crashed, the suspects were arrested.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe asked each of the defendants in turn if they made a decision about the plea offer.

Turner, who has been in quarantine, responded he had not had enough time to discuss the offer with his attorney. Kharee also requested more time to determine how the offer would affect another criminal case against him.

Purnell, on the other hand, flatly rejected the plea offer, meaning that none of the co-defendants are permitted to accept the so-called wired offer.

Judge O’Keefe then set a trial date for August 2024.

Parties are expected to return on Oct. 20.

Murder Defendant Re-released After Drug Possession Arrest

On July 7, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt re-released homicide suspect William Davenport following his arrest and detention for a misdemeanor charge relating to drug dealing.

Davenport, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting and killing 27-year-old Leonard Turner on May 14, 2021 on the 1700 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, the shooting allegedly occurred in retaliation for a robbery while Davenport was engaged in a drug deal. He was allegedly approached by a man attempting to buy drugs and then attacked by a second individual who stole Davenport’s cash and other property.

Davenport was initially released from the homicide case on Aug. 12, 2022, and entered into a High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP), pending trial. Judge Brandt stated part of the reason for the defendant’s original release in a first-degree murder case were alleged prosecutorial violations of what’s known as Rule 16.

This generally occurs when prosecutors withhold significant evidence– in this case regarding the robbery of the defendant.

The Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) had previously noted during a May 12 hearing that the defendant had violated some release conditions, including testing positive for synthetic marijuana. However, Judge Brandt stated that’s not unexpected given the defendant’s history of addiction, rather than his unwillingness to cooperate with release conditions.

Davenport was arrested while on release on July 4 for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, leading to the July 7 hearing to evaluate whether release conditions in his murder case should remain the same.

The prosecution argued that as the first-degree murder charge allegedly resulted from a drug deal that went awry, the new misdemeanor arrest charge was a worrying sign that the defendant could fall back into old habits. They noted that the arrest occurred in broad daylight, and that Davenport’s release conditions had not proven an adequate deterrent.

Defense attorney Lauren Morehouse contended that what the defendant needed was a stronger drug treatment program in order to prevent a similar incident. While Davenport was discharged unsuccessfully from an outpatient program on July 5, Morehouse said that he was “desperate” for an inpatient treatment that could better address his needs.

Davenport appeared agitated during the hearing, banging briefly on a table. Judge Brandt then requested a pause so the defendant could regain his composure.

She accepted the defense’s motion to release Davenport to home confinement with GPS with the ability to attend inpatient treatment.

However, Judge Brandt stressed the precarious nature of his release following his re-arrest, saying if he incurred any further violations she would detain him “so fast your head will swim.”

Judge Brandt supported her decision to release him by saying, “The only person you’re damaging is yourself.”

The next hearing in this case is set for Aug. 4, with the trial date set for August 2024.

Search