The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 49-year-old Gerard Fitzgerald Roseby in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred on Nov. 26 on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Ave, NE. The suspect allegedly intervened in an argument and stabbed an adult male victim, who was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Roseby was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife) after being apprehended on Nov. 28.
DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park approved a request to transfer a homicide defendant back to the District and hold him at the DC Jail on Nov. 21.
John Wilkins, 36, Marcel Gavin, 38, Darryl Little, 32, Kharee Jackson, 32, and Earl Robinson, 33, are charged with three counts of first-degree murder while armed, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, three counts of robbery while armed, nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and conspiracy. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Albert Smith, Jr., a Tennessee rap artist, on June 14, 2020 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.
Kevin Irving, representing Robinson, requested that Robinson be returned to the District and held specifically at the DC Jail, noting concerns that he would otherwise be housed “in the Northern Neck” jail in Virginia. Judge Park granted the request.
Sara Kopecki, representing Jackson, and Bernadette Armand, representing Wilkins, told the court that their clients have struggled to access a computer at the jail, despite having permission to do so. Judge Park acknowledged the resource limitations at the DC Department of Corrections (DoC) and said he would contact DoC officials to attempt to secure guaranteed laptop access for the defendants.
The court confirmed that trial for Robinson, Jackson, and related co-defendants will begin Aug. 17, 2026, and is expected to run through approximately Sept. 18, 2026. The prosecution estimated the trial would take six weeks to encompass all cases, and the defense agreed.
The parties are slated to reconvene on June 24, 2026.
DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park dismissed two charges for a non-fatal shooting defendant and waived the appearance of his co-defendant who refused to get off transport on Nov. 21.
Nikia Cunningham, 31, and Bernard Vance, 31, are charged with robbery while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, second degree cruelty to children, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business, and unlawful possession of ammunition. This stems from their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE, on March 28, 2023. One individual sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.
Cunningham is additionally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of an unregistered firearm.
Vance is additionally charged with another count of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business and tampering with physical evidence.
Cunningham’s attorneys, Jesse Winograd and Carrie Weletz, told the court that her appearance had been waived after a Marshal reported that she refused to get off the transport bus upon arriving at the courthouse. Winograd said the behavior was unusual for his client, and the judge responded that he would not draw conclusions if it was an isolated incident.
The prosecution also stated that they intended to dismiss the carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or business and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device charges against Vance with prejudice. This decision means both charges have been dropped, and the prosecution is now legally barred from filing the same claim again.
Winograd indicated that the defense intended to discuss limiting the prosecution’s references to Cunningham’s prior convictions. However, Wole Falodun, representing Vance, said most pending motions were “not pressing” and could be resolved directly with the prosecution. The prosecution and Winograd agreed that outstanding evidentiary questions could be handled collaboratively or addressed during trial.
The parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 8 for jury trial.
Two individuals involved in a fatal shooting were sentenced by DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Nov. 21.
On June 18, Antoine Tucker, 31, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Vernon Harrison on June 22, 2022 on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of nine-and-a-half years-to-12 years.
Nakia Pearson, 32, pleaded guilty to attempting to carry a pistol without a license for her involvement in assisting Tucker with his crime.
At the hearing, the prosecution argued that Tucker receive the maximum sentence of 12 years, given that the incident caused the death of a bystander and the defendant’s substantial prior record, indicated that Tucker needed to “learn his lesson”.
Tucker’s defense attorney, Terrance Austin, argued that Tucker experienced a difficult upbringing, and requested the minimum sentencing guidelines. Austin offered Judge Edelman insight into Tucker’s early childhood memories about his mother’s substance abuse with heroin, and his experience with teenage homelessness– arguing that while his youth influenced what happened, Tucker has since shown remorse.
“Antoine Tucker is not a monster,” Austin said. “He is not a person without values or morals, or deserves to be locked up in a prison for the rest of his life.”
Austin also told Judge Edelman that Tucker’s time in the DC Jail has led to rehabilitation services for his mental health, as well as medication to help regulate his behavior. Austin emphasized that Tucker was determined to complete his GED and expand his skillset in order to maintain permanent employment to support his own family.
Austin also read a letter from Tucker’s wife to the court, that stated that she was the first person in Tucker’s life to say she was proud of him.
“[Tucker] has potential,” Austin said. “He has always had potential. He has just never had the platform to use it before.”
Judge Edelman acknowledged that a much longer sentence would normally be considered for the incident, and raised concern about Tucker’s record, which contained a number of violent offenses, gun offenses, and misdemeanors since 2014 across both DC and Maryland.
Ultimately, Judge Edelman agreed with the prosecution and stated that the defense’s argument for the minimum sentence, as well as Tucker’s history with his wife would be more mitigating if Tucker was younger.
Tucker was therefore sentenced to 11-and-a-half years of incarceration with five years of supervised release where Tucker must maintain employment and vocational training. Judge Edelman also ordered that upon his release, Tucker must complete a mental health assessment, maintain a stay-away order, and register as a firearm offender.
Judge Edelman also ordered that Tucker must be placed within 180 miles of Washington D.C. and complete his GED while incarcerated.
Pearson’s defense attorney, Peter Odom, stated that Pearson did not know anything about the crime, and would continue to refuse to plead guilty to anything that relates her directly to the homicide.
Odom stated that there was nothing in Pearson’s past that showed that she would hide or plan the “heinous crime” that took place, and therefore requested a sentence of probation. Odom also spoke highly of Pearson, saying that, “In many ways she is a success story, and she is an incredible mom.”
Pearson was sentenced to 120 days of incarceration, all of which was suspended, and six months of probation without supervision, with the condition of a stay-away order.
Judge Edelman acknowledged that Pearson had remained on release for more than two-and-a-half years and maintained perfect compliance, and stated that he does not believe that she requires further supervision.
No further dates were set.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a 17-year-old juvenile male for involvement in two separate shootings in Northeast. On Oct. 31, a teenage male victim was shot on the 1300 block of 49th Street, and on Nov. 11, an adult male victim was shot on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue. Both victims survived with non-life-threatening injuries. The juvenile suspect has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) for both incidents.
A murder defendant, accused of committing the first murder of 2024, rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Nov. 19.
Jelani Cousin, 20, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person, and attempted second degree sex abuse–incompetent for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Ashlei Hinds on Jan. 1, 2024. This incident occurred at a hotel on the 4000 block of Military Road, NW. The incident occurred at 1:18 a. m.
Cousin’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, told the court that he intended to reject a plea offer extended by prosecutors. The deal required Cousin to plead guilty to second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and assault with intent to kill, in exchange for the other charges being dismissed. If he accepted, the parties would agree to a sentencing range of 19-to-24 years of imprisonment.
Due to his rejection parties scheduled a trial for March 2027.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 5, 2026.
A suspect involved in a non-fatal stabbing accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman Nov. 21.
Oscar Salgado-Aquilar, 51, was originally charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with significant bodily injury, two counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person, and two counts of robbery.
The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 1400 block of T Street NW on Dec. 5, 2020. Salgado-Aquilar’s wife and stepdaughter sustained injuries during the incident.
At the hearing, Salgado-Aquilar accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to aggravated assault and assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges.
According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Salgado-Aquilar was arguing with his wife at home, in front of their children, and stabbed her numerous times. The victim’s daughter–Salgado-Aquilar’s stepdaughter– attempted to stop him from attacking her mother, and suffered stab wounds on her hand and finger.
The prosecution also asked to tighten Salgado-Aquilar’s release conditions prior to sentencing. Kevin O’Sullivan, Salgado-Aquilar’s defense attorney, argued that he has been on release for the last five years and has remained in perfect compliance, additionally stating that he had recently received a promotion at his job.
Judge Edelman said he believed that Salgado-Aquilar did not indicate any signs of flight-risk or pose a danger to the community, and therefore denied the prosecution’s request for stepped back release.
Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Feb. 20, 2026.
A defendant allegedly involved in a near-fatal shooting pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Todd Edelman on Nov 21.
Ke’Shaun Farmer, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, malicious disfigurement while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, threat to kidnap or injure a person, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or a business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on Feb. 18 on the 3700 block of Jamison Street, NE.
During the hearing, Farmer pleaded not guilty to all charges. Farmer’s defense attorney, Bernadette Armand, alerted Judge Edelman that the defendant was having difficulty accessing evidence discovered prior to his trial date, which is set for April 20, 2026.
Judge Edelman stated that he would reach out to the Department of Corrections (DOC) to allow Farmer to gain access to a computer to view discovery.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 18.
DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman raised a concern for judicial action for a shooting defendant’s ability to maintain a permanent address on Nov. 21.
Demetry Ferguson, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm of ammunition, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of an unregistered firearm.
The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Sept. 8, 2024 on the 4400 block of E Street, NW.
According to court documents, the victim was Ferguson’s baby’s mother’s new boyfriend.
On Oct. 10, 2024, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein released Ferguson with GPS monitoring, as well as stay-away orders and a curfew between 10 p. m. and 6 a. m.
Judge Edelman also granted that Ferguson could spend up to three days a week at his grandmother’s home to assist in her care on Feb. 20.
During the hearing, Judge Edelman raised a concern with Ferguson’s defense attorney Steven Kiersh, regarding a report from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) noting Ferguson’s inability to keep a permanent address to maintain his release conditions. Kiersh told Judge Edelman that he was planning to file a motion to terminate his release that will allow him to stay at an alternative address with a curfew.
The prosecution also put a plea offer on the record, that if Ferguson pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed, all other charges would be dismissed. Kiersh requested more time to speak with his client about the offer.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 22.
DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman issued a bench warrant on Nov. 21 for a homicide defendant that he previously allowed to access an inpatient treatment program for substance abuse.
Christen Borden, 36, is charged with felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children with grave risk for her alleged involvement in the death of her five-month-old son, Kenneth Walton, on Feb. 11, 2023 on the 4000 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW. Walton died from multiple blunt force injuries.
On July 3, Judge Edelman granted Borden’s move from an inpatient drug treatment program to an outpatient program.
At the hearing, Judge Edelman stated that he had been notified that following Borden’s transfer from the DC Jail to begin outpatient treatment on Sept. 24, Borden checked herself out the same day.
Borden allegedly told her Pretrial Services Agency Officer (PSAO) that she wished to check herself into another facility to begin treatment, although she has since been considered a loss of contact, according to Judge Edelman.
Borden’s defense attorneys, Megan Allburn and Steven Kiersh, said that they had spoken to Borden within 24 hours of the hearing, and that she was currently undergoing detox in an outpatient facility.
The prosecution requested a bench warrant, which Judge Edelman issued with no bond, explaining that he believed that Borden was manipulating her release conditions.
Parties will reconvene once Borden is located.
The lead detective in a fatal shooting explained his investigation into the incident before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Nov. 20.
Ramon Richardson, 41, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Lawrence Meekins, 50, on the 1800 block of E Street, SE on July 1.
The detective said that Richardson was arrested later that day for a separate firearm incident, just hours after the early morning shooting. The firearm was allegedly discovered, at the Richardson family home.
The prosecutor played footage that police obtained from the Congressional Cemetery, down the block from where the incident occurred. In the clips, a physical altercation between two people can be seen, followed by two visible muzzle flashes.
During cross-examination by defense attorney Madalyn Harvey, the detective said that he did not personally respond to the incident and knew what had happened through the body-worn camera and reports of the responding officers, and interviews with the two witnesses to the incident. He did, however, respond to the shooting on E street.
By the time he arrived, the paramedics had left. Five cartridge casings were found, four of which were near the body, the other in the street. Only one of the casings likely matched the firearm that was recovered from Richardson’s home, according to the detective.
When asked by Harvey, the detective was unsure if that was due to only one casing being tested or all five being tested and only one matching the gun.
Both the defendant and the victim had prior criminal history before the incident, which both parties pointed out. Harvey referenced several 911 calls that were made that night by nearby residents. One of the callers reported a gun twice, first claiming that they had heard someone say they were going to get a gun out of a vehicle, then also saying that someone had a gun during the fight.
Harvey theorized that Meekins may have had a gun, due to his criminal history. The detective said no firearm was found on the body, but could neither confirm or deny that anyone had approached the body due to tree leaves partially blocking the camera’s view.
Police had responded twice to the 911 calls. Both times, none of the officers were sure if either Richardson or Meekins were on the scene at the time.
Harvey also noted that only one of the witnesses was able to identify Richardson from the video, and that another witness had said it could be him but he was not sure without clearly seeing the suspect’s face. Both witnesses were involved in a home incident that had occurred later that day and were asked to identify Richardson from video taken of the first incident.
Police had interviewed several witnesses. Two had been on the phone with the victim hours before the shooting. One witness claimed that Meekins may have been selling drugs that he had gotten from someone else. Two other witnesses were labeled as possible suspects due a tip.
Throughout the hearing, the detective’s investigation notes, referred to as the “running resume,” were used to refresh and then challenge his testimony. Frequently, the witness said “I’d have to refresh my memory” or “I don’t recall” to the defense’s questions. The notes and affidavit were referenced at least 15 times.
After the witness was dismissed, Harvey asked the judge to deny probable cause. She claimed that the witness who had identified Richardson, a family member, may have been a misidentification. She also said that, due to Meekins’ criminal history, Richardson could have been acting in self-defense and that it could be inferred that someone had approached Meekins’ body and removed a weapon.
Judge Edelman said that would need to be proven. He also said that room in the evidence for self-defense does not defeat probable cause. He found probable cause and held the defendant due to the prosecution’s claim that Richardson, who has a criminal history of his own and allegedly threatened to shoot someone in the incident at his house on the same day, is a threat to the community.
The judge also believed that Richardson would prove a flight risk due to a record of executed bench warrants and contempt convictions, despite the defense’s request for 24-hour home confinement.
Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 20.
I am asked a lot of times why I do this? Why do I wake up every morning and spend my time running D.C. Witness, finding ways to keep us afloat, talking about homicides, shootings and other violent crimes? Why don’t I just retire?
Here’s why. Because I arrived in the city in 1990, a fresh faced-journalist hungry to make my name. This city gave me my career. This city gave me my life. I met my wife here. My kids were born here. I raised them here (ok admittedly I don’t have great things to say about DCPS.) Today, my kids are grown and moved on with their lives. For some reason my wife still puts up with me. DC is still my home.
I owe this city.
Through all the ups and downs, the coming and going of administrations, the mostly soul crushing of our sports teams – where art though oh Commanders, Nats, Caps (sometimes) and Wizards (always!) – our ever so ephemeral self-rule, the new skylines of NOMA and Navy Yards, the changing population, this city has been and is my home.
So what can I give in return? To quote Liam Neeson, “I don’t have money but I have a set of skills acquired over many years.” So, I set up D.C. Witness to do what nobody else does, other than the occasional flashy take out by the Post: shed light on the most important and yet opaque part of city government – criminal justice.
It’s a really quick way to not make money. But I don’t do it for money. I do it for our city. And now I do it for my amazing staff whose energy, hope and enthusiasm remind me of when I first arrived. I do this for our hungry interns who sit in courtrooms gathering the facts and data, getting the experience they can’t elsewhere. I do this for the families and victims, and the families of the accused who stop our folks in courtrooms virtually every day to thank us.
That’s why I do it. Because DC is my home, and I believe I have the duty to give back. Call me old-fashioned.
And once a year I ask you, our readers and supporters, for help by donating to our end-of-year, tax-deductible, fundraising campaign. A generous match means every dollar up to $15,000 raised by December 31 will be doubled. So I am asking that if you feel what we do benefits our city, please join me in giving back by donating whatever you can spare.
Happy holidays.
.
Amos Gelb
Publisher
A non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Nov. 20.
Daniel Cary, 33, and Chantel Stewart, 30, are charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and threat to kidnap or injure a person for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on July 22, 2020.
During the hearing, Cary pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The prosecution waived sentencing enhancements and dismissed all remaining charges and Cary’s misdemeanor Bail Reform Act (BRA) case.
The plea comes after their jury trial in January of this year. The jury ended in a deadlock on some of their charges, resulting in a mistrial.
Cary will be required to register as a gun offender following release.
Stewart pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon.
According to the prosecution, had the case gone to retrial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on July 22, 2020 Cary was driven by Stewart next to the victim’s car where he knowingly and voluntarily fired five shots into the vehicle as the victim was driving away.
The victim was hit once in the back, and she suffered a collapsed lung. She underwent three surgeries and was hospitalized for a month.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 13., 2026.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt issued a medical alert for a non-fatal shooting defendant during a status hearing on Nov. 20.
Marcus Martin, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that wounded one individual on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on Jan. 11, 2024.
Defense attorney Quo Meiko Judkins asked Judge Brandt to request the Department of Corrections (DOC) transfer Martin from the Central Detention Facility (CDF) to the lower security Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF). The request followed Martin’s hospitalization after being attacked on the transport bus to the courthouse. Martin alleged he is still suffering from pain in his side.
Judge Brandt issued a medical alert and is submitting a request he be moved to CTF.
Trial is set for Feb. 23, 2026.
Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 23.
After less than a day of deliberation, a jury unanimously found a homicide defendant guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Nov. 21.
Julius Worthy, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill 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 the fatal shooting and stabbing of Orlando Galloway, 36, on April 2, 2023 at the 200 block of 14th Street, SE. Also injured was Galloway’s girlfriend, who was stabbed but survived.
After two weeks of trial, the jury found Worthy guilty of all charges. Worthy showed no emotion hearing the verdict.
The parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 30, 2026 for sentencing.
