Homicide Defendant Deemed Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

A homicide defendant was deemed mentally competent to stand trial by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Sept. 11.

Marcus Barringer, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of obstruction of justice, three counts of possessing a firearm during crime of violence, and six counts of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Rashad Davis, 32, that occurred May 6, 2022 on the 2300 block of Nicholson Street NE.

A report from DBH on Aug. 29 stated that Barringer is competent to stand trial after receiving mandated medication to moderate dangerousness. DBH still recommends that Barringer be held at Saint Elizabeths Hospital for psychiatric patients. rather than in DC Jail.

The parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 26.

Homicide Defendant Faces Likely Deportation, 5 Years in Prison

A homicide defendant was sentenced to five years in prison on Sept. 12 by DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz after accepting a plea deal. Meanwhile, immigration officials have placed a hold on the defendant as a result of his guilty plea which could lead to deportation.

Eliexander Lopez-Burgos, 25, pleaded guilty on June 27 to voluntary manslaughter and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Carlos Blanco Fernandez on the 2200 block of New York Ave, NE on Nov. 16, 2023.

According to court documents, Fernandez died of a gunshot wound to his head in a drive-by shooting.

The prosecution advocated Lopez-Burgos serve six years in prison, which is the maximum sentence of the plea agreement. She argued that the prosecution’s plea agreement is already generous and Lopez-Burgos must be held accountable for the loss of a life.

“This was attempted revenge,” the prosecution said. “At the end of the day, he had no regard for the victim, no regard for the victim’s family, no regard for the impact on his family, or regard for himself.”

Lopez-Burgos’ attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, argued for a four year sentence, the minimum amount of years under the plea agreement. He argued that prior to the homicide, Lopez-Burgos had no criminal record.

O’Sullivan presented Lopez-Burgos’ immigration story–after his father was diagnosed with a fatal medical condition, he moved from Venezuela to Colombia, Ecuador, Texas, and then DC at the age of 16, seeking safety for his wife and children and economic opportunity to pay for his father’s treatment.

Lopez-Burgos transition from Texas to DC was unstable, according to O’Sullivan, who argued that the community members he lived with “weren’t the best influences.”

Two days before the shooting, Lopez-Burgos became a victim of gun violence himself after he was shot at close range with his family in the car with him, according to the defense. He was hospitalized and police were involved, but no one was charged.

O’Sullivan argued that when Lopez-Burgos was released from the hospital, he was in a bad mental state and turned to marijuana. People in his community provided him with a weapon, and Lopez-Burgos testified during his sentencing that he attempted to shoot his shooter.

O’Sullivan argued that the two years of time already served were a “wake up call for” Lopez-Burgos. O’Sullivan told the court that Lopez-Burgos’ father passed away while he was incarcerated.

“This has devastated him to know that his actions contributed to this,” O’Sullivan said. “He died because he couldn’t get the medicine he needed.”

O’Sullivan also explained that Lopez-Burgos has deep remorse for the victim’s family. He argued that the prosecution had a weak case but Lopez-Burgos accepted guilt to assuage the victim’s family.

“But his actions speak louder than words,” said O’Sullivan. “His acceptance of the plea shows his remorse. This was not a case with overwhelming evidence. The prosecution couldn’t get key witnesses.”

Lopez-Burgos was also aware of the immigration detainers that would be placed on him if he pleaded guilty, disrupting his family’s life in the United States. He did so anyway.

“With everything going on right now, this may not be a quick deportation,” O’Sullivan said. “Four years is appropriate because he will likely be detained elsewhere which is not typical of others without the immigration factor.”

O’Sullivan also argued that Lopez-Burgos has taken steps towards rehabilitation, indicating that he is on the path to becoming a law-abiding person. He has addressed his substance abuse and mental health issues through regular participation in religious, writing, leadership, and painting programs provided by the DC Jail.

In his statement to the court, Lopez-Burgos expressed remorse for the victim’s family and a firm dedication to his own family.

“My family has always been my biggest form of support. Being away from them has been the biggest challenge of my life,” Lopez-Burgos said. “I am committed to being a better father, son, brother, and I am committed to creating a loving and stable environment for my family.”

Judge Kravitz accepted the plea agreement and sentenced Lopez-Burgos to five years in prison, drawing a compromise between the two parties. He found that the prosecution’s plea agreement was lenient but that the defense made strong arguments.

“The facts do sound like first-degree premeditated murder,” Kravitz said. “The defense presented mitigating facts that don’t justify what he did but provide significant context.”

No further dates were set.

Murder Defendant Accused of Heinous Crime Waives Initial Jury Trial

A homicide defendant waived his right to have a jury decide whether he committed a stabbing while on pre-trial release for another crime on Sept. 12, leaving that decision to a judge.

George Sydnor, 46, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, kidnapping while armed, and two counts of felony murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Christy Bautista on March 31, 2023 at a hotel on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE.

All charges include “offense committed during release” enhancements and an aggravating circumstance of an especially “heinous, atrocious or cruel crime.”

According to court documents, Bautista died from 30 stab wounds to the back, head, and neck.

During a Sept. 12 hearing, Sydnor waived his right to a jury trial for the pre-trial release enhancements, which could increase Sydnor’s sentence. The question of whether the offense was committed during pre-trial release will now be answered by a judge rather than the jury.

The jury won’t be made aware of Sydnor’s prior convictions and his actions on release during the trial. Defense attorney Jesse Winograd chose this approach to ensure that the jury will not be biased by Sydnor’s past criminal record.

For the heinous, atrocious, and cruel aggravating circumstance changes, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz reasoned the question should be decided by a jury or the judge after trial. Judge Kravitz explained that a bifurcated trial, or trial where two legal questions are answered by two separate juries, will not be necessary.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 3.

Defendant Admits Guilt in Southeast Shooting

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal in connection to a Southeast shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Sept. 11.

Roscoe Atchinson, 33, was originally charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a conviction for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on April 15, 2020, on the 4600 block of Livingston Road, SE.

According to court documents, Atchinson approached a Special Police Officer with a handgun while another suspect attempted to disarm the officer, and shot him.

During the hearing, Raymond Jones, Atchinson’s attorney, alerted the court that he intended to accept a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery and carrying a pistol without a license in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment on more serious chargew.

Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to limit their sentencing request to 60 months of imprisonment. Judge Arthur accepted the plea. The prosecution also agreed to address Atchinson’s disability needs during sentencing, as he uses a wheelchair.

Jones requested three-to-four months to confirm whether the federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP) can accommodate Atchinson.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on Jan. 29.

Judge Denies Release Request in Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe rejected a shooting defendant’s request for release on Sept. 17.

Malik Stone, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a shooting at the 2100 block of R Street, SE on July 30.

Stone’s defense attorney, Henry Druschel filed a motion for a bond review, and argued in court that the judge for Stone’s preliminary hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel, unreasonably detained him.

Druschel claimed that Judge Israel held Stone without knowing where he would be released and that Stone would be released to a different location than the scene of the crime.

He also argued that this case could be argued as self-defense, as the surveillance footage shown at the preliminary hearing did not show who, either Stone or the victim, shot first.

Judge Pipe informed Druschel that it was not her role to determine probable cause versus self-defense, as she hadn’t reviewed the evidence.

The prosecution argued that, whether the case could be explained as self-defense, Stone is not allowed to own a firearm due to a prior conviction even though he successfully completed probation.

Judge Pipe denied the motion for release and informed Druschel to take the matter of probable cause to Judge Israel if he believed the ruling was incorrect.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 8.

Judge Denies Release in Wheelchair Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a request to release a stabbing defendant on Sept. 18.

Dennis Doleman, 49, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing at the 300 block of H Street, NE on Aug. 7.

Todd Baldwin, Doleman’s attorney, argued for Doleman’s release, stating that the crimes on his record were mostly non-violent and were several years old. He argued that Doleman was eligible for probation.

The prosecution argued that the nature of the crime was far too concerning to permit release, as the victim was allegedly pushed out of a wheelchair and stabbed several times.

Judge Pipe denied the request to release Doleman, and he is to remain held until the next hearing.

Baldwin alerted the court they are in plea negotiations.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 3.

Judge Continues Release For Stabbing Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro ruled that a stabbing defendant’s release status would not be revoked on Sept. 15.

William Chambers, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on July 22 on the 700 block of Langston Terrace, NE.

According to court documents, Chambers and the victim were neighbors who had an ongoing dispute. In addition, court documents claimed the victim acted as the initial aggressor who punched Chambers and knocked him to the ground before Chambers allegedly entered his home to retrieve a butcher knife to stab the victim in the leg.

As a part of his release, Chambers had a “stay-away” zone that he was not allowed to enter without prior authorization.

Chambers is alleged to have entered the stay-away zone without having permission. However, the two parties disagreed on whether he had a police escort, with Chambers saying he did have one, while the prosecution said he did not.

The prosecution argued this would be grounds to revoke his release privileges, However, Judge Di Toro, after admonishing Chambers, ruled he would remain on release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct 3.

Eyewitness Describes One in a Series of Four Shootings

An eyewitness described one in a series of shootings in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sept. 15.

Reginald Steele, 26, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder, 10 counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of carrying a pistol without a license, five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, and two counts of tampering with physical evidence.

These charges stem from Steele’s alleged involvement in four separate shootings including the murder of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes and injury of another juvenile on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW. Steele’s accused of a separate shooting the same day with no reported injuries on the unit block of Channing Street, NE.

The other incidents Steele is accused of include a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals on Feb. 22, 2020 on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW, and a non-fatal shooting that injured three on Feb. 24, 2020 on the 1700 block of 9th Street, NW.

The prosecution called an eyewitness to the shooting that occurred on Channing Street, NE who testified he was standing at the entrance of the Channing Street alley when the shooting took place, and took cover inside a corner store across the street.

This witness first testified in 2022 as part of Steele’s grand jury investigation, and grew up about a mile from where the Channing Street shooting occurred, but said he still frequents the area.

The witness testified that minutes leading up to the shooting, he was standing on the corner of Channing and North Capitol Street, where he saw a silver Kia Soul with dark tinted windows moving very slowly, and pulling into the Channing Street alleyway.

At this point, the witness testified, he saw two individuals, one man wearing a black sweater, the other wearing glasses and a green sweater, with guns drawn. He said that he ran and took cover in between two cars before running into a corner store across the street.

After gunfire stopped, the witness said, he saw the Kia Soul travel down North Capitol Street with the front and back passenger windows rolled down. The individual with the glasses and green sweater was sitting on the back passenger side, yelling profanities out of the window, according to the witness.

Prosecutors presented surveillance footage and body-worn camera footage of the witness walking away from the scene and interacting with responding officers. The witness said he was not shot, and elected not to call 911 or give the police any information at the time.

He said his only connection to the area is that’s where his cousin lives.

“I will go down there, but I’m not a part of what they got going on,” he said. “My neighborhood is just a regular old neighborhood.”

The trial is set to continue on Sept. 16.

‘I Don’t Remember None of This,’ Reticent Witness Says in Mass Shooting Trial

Prosecutors struggled to elicit testimony from a reluctant witness before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson in a mass shooting trial on Sept. 16.

Ronell Offutt, 36, is charged with five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and aggravated assault while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on Feb. 4, 2019, that injured five people, including a five-year-old girl.

During the hearing, prosecutors called one of the victims from the incident, who received medical treatment on his porch for gunshot wounds on his arm and buttocks.

The witness was reluctant to testify and, when asked if he wanted to be there, told the court that he did not and that he “would like to answer no questions.”

The prosecution produced images of the victim’s gunshot wounds on his porch before treatment, videos of him in the hospital being treated for his injuries, and videos of him telling police that he had been shot while returning home.

In court, he denied recognizing all of the images and videos brought forth, telling the jury, “I don’t remember none of this.” When asked why he was at the hospital, he told the court: “I don’t know why I was there.”

In response to the prosecution’s introducing the police interviews, he said the police “coached” him on what to say at the time.

When questioned by defense dttorney, Donna Beasley, he told the court he didn’t know who shot him, was never shown a suspect image, and had no idea who the defendant was.

“I don’t know him from a wet can of paint,” the victim said.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective told the court that she responded to gunshot reports and found the wounded victim sitting on his porch. She testified to body camera footage that showed the victim’s wounds, on-site medical treatment, and footage of him at the hospital receiving treatment. She also told the court that the police did not pressure or feed information to the victim at any time during questioning.

The grandmother of the five-year-old victim was called to testify. She she said she and her granddaughter were waiting at a bus stop along Pennsylvania Avenue, SE when she heard gunshots. Her granddaughter approached her with a torn coat, which the witness told the court was when she realized her granddaughter had been shot in the arm. The granddaughter was hospitalized and has since recovered.

When asked about the shooter, the witness told the court that she did not see the shooter, and was never shown a picture of the suspect.

An agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) testified that Offutt’s phone’s GPS pinned him in the general vicinity of the incident location at the time of the shooting.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 17.

______________________________________________________

Aiden Mellon & Alicia Gaines

August Homicides See a Significant Decrease From July

According to D.C. Witness data, in August, there were five reported homicide incidents and seven reported homicide victims, a 38 percent decrease from July’s homicide incidents.

As of Sept. 11, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has not identified any suspects.

According to MPD documents, one incident was a triple shooting in Southeast DC that left 29-year-old Devonta Bazemore dead. On Aug. 5, MPD officers located an adult male at the 1800 block of U Street, SE, unconscious and not breathing, suffering apparent gunshot wound injuries. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene but despite all lifesaving efforts, the victim was pronounced dead.

An adult male and an adult female were also located on scene suffering gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported, conscious and breathing to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

On Aug. 11, a shooting occurred near the Washington Convention Center, which claimed the life of 33-year-old Tymark Wells. Upon arrival at the 1200 block of 12th Street, NW, MPD officers located an adult male, unconscious and not breathing, suffering gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to an area hospital and after finding no signs consistent with life Wells was pronounced dead.

A shooting in the Brookland neighborood at the 3300 block of 15th Street, NE, occurred on Aug. 13. MPD officers located an adult female, unconscious but breathing, suffering gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to an area hospital, and after all lifesaving efforts, the victim was pronounced dead. The victim was identified as 36-year-old Mignon Massey.

A suspect was captured by surveillance images in a fatal shooting that occurred in NW. On Aug. 3, MPD officers responded to the 400 block of New Jersey Avenue, NW, for the report of a shooting. Officers located an adult male, unconscious and not breathing, suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to an area hospital, he was pronounced dead. The victim was identified as 27-year-old Akim Toure, of Riverdale, MD.

Two suspects were captured by surveillance cameras and can be seen on video exiting a DC Metro bus, believed to be connected to a shooting that took place in Southeast on Aug. 26. MPD officers responded to the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE, where they located an adult male, unconscious and breathing, suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to an area hospital, he was pronounced dead. The victim was identified as 31-year-old Franck Foute Mohdjiom.

MPD is currently offering a reward for information on the unsolved cases.

August 2025 Homicides in Washington, D.C. (Symbol map)

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer Wants Second Lawyer

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz addressed a stabbing defendant’s rejection of a plea offer and her demand for second attorney in a hearing on Sept. 11.

Daniyah Dailey, 26, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, two counts of malicious disfigurement while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. These charges come from her alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on November 27, 2021, on the 2000 block of 15th Place NE.

Dailey rejected the plea offer, which required her to plead guilty to aggravated assault and assault with a deadly weapon. This decision followed a lengthy conversation with Judge Kravitz under seal. He reiterated her concerns on the court record.

During their discussion, Dailey requested a second lawyer to ensure she has adequate legal representation. Judge Kravitz approved the motion and ordered a second defense attorney visit her in jail to ensure they would work well together before the next status hearing.

Prosecutors previously filed a motion on Feb. 28 to dismiss all charges against Tejan Bah, 34, in connection to this incident since he died on Feb. 6.

Parties are slated to reconvene for a status hearing on Oct. 17.

Opening Arguments in Family Quarrel Shooting Trial

A trial involving a shooting among family members got underway before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Sept. 16.

Larry Carr, 21, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of an unregistered firearm in connection to a non-fatal shooting that took place on the 100 block of Ridge Rd. SE on Oct. 22, 2023.

According to court documents, the shooting stemmed from a verbal dispute among family members, and Carr allegedly shot his cousin.

The prosecution opened their case by painting a picture of the defendant as an angry, impulsive man. They stated that Carr saw the victim, his cousin, enter the house where he was sleeping and immediately flew into a rage, an argument ensued, and Carr shot the victim despite not being in any physical danger and having no legal justification.

The prosecution stated that the animosity between the two came from the victim’s exposing himself to Carr’s young sister, which caused other family members to kick the cousin out of their house. The victim had also allegedly assaulted a mentally disabled boy on a bus months before.

Carr’s defense, led by attorney Teresa Kleiman, claimed Carr was in fear for his life because of both the actions of the victim and their prior history. She explained that Carr was only 19 years old at the time of the incident, was a high school graduate, and was employed at a movie theater.

Kleiman stated that the victim was carrying a knife and entered a house without authorization.. Carr had been sleeping on the couch when he was startled and woke up, according to Kleiman. Upon seeing the victim holding a weapon and with knowledge of his history of violence against children, Carr grabbed a gun and an argument ensued.

The defense emphasized that during the exchange, family members were restraining each of them and Carr put the gun away in his waistband. The victim allegedly continued to approach and stated “one of us is not leaving here alive”. According to Kleiman, Carr then took the gun back out and fired once, striking the victim in the cheek.

Trial is set to reconvene on Sept. 17.

Defendant Denied Release in Robbery, Carjacking

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover denied a carjacking defendant’s release due to prior firearm-related convictions on Sept. 16.

D’Eric Brown, 24, is charged with robbery while armed, carjacking, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and possession of a firearm during the crime of violence for his alleged robbery and carjacking of the victim’s car keys in 100 block of Q Street, NE on Sept 5. Brown was allegedly attacked by a crew of five workers in his apartment garage and retaliated using a gun to steal a vehicle.

The defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Sara Kopecki, Brown’s defense attorney, also motioned for Brown’s release on home confinement. Kopecki argued that Brown was the first victim in this event, as video footage depicts the initial attack that made the defendant lose consciousness. Furthermore, a search did not reveal the presence of a firearm in his residence.

The prosecution, however, argued for Brown’s continued detention because of his response to the initial attack against the victim. Given the evidence, having multiple eyewitnesses, and previous weapons charges, the prosecution claimed that the defendant’s release would jeopardize community safety and his house arrest would not be appropriate.

“This is a case that stood out to me,” Judge Glover shared upon hearing arguments from the defense and prosecution. Citing compelling evidence from the incidents and Brown’s prior conviction and firearm-related history, the court did not believe any conditions would justify Brown’s release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 6.

Carjacking Defendant Accepts Plea Agreement, Sentence Suspended

A carjacking defendant accepted a plea deal dand a suspended sentence before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Sept. 15.

Charnell Whitfield, 20, was originally charged with carjacking, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his involvement in an incident that occurred on May 24 on the 400 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

Whitfield’s attorney, Bryan Bookhard, alerted the court of his intent to accept the deal, which required Whitfield to plead guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm in relation to a felony case and unlawful possession of ammunition in a misdemeanor case.

Through the deal, parties agreed to request a suspended sentence with a probationary period.

A Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) study has been ordered before Whitfield’s sentencing—if he is sentenced under the YRA, his conviction will be sealed if he successfully completes all sentencing requirements.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 21.

Stabbing Defendant Curses in Court, Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

A stabbing defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Aug. 29 before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover.

Ali Jackson, 33, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing of an inmate at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on July 16.

According to court documents, an officer claimed to see Jackson with two shanks. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds.

Jesse Winograd, Jackson’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to waive the preliminary hearing. The court could not formulate release conditions that would ensure the safety of the community, so Jackson remains detained.

“F*** yo mama,” Jackson said as a US Marshal escorted him out of the courtroom.

Winograd requested a continuance to meet with Jackson to discuss his options.

Judge Glover agreed on Aug. 29 and scheduled the next hearing for Sept. 2.

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