Elderly Stabbing Defendant Released After Waiving Preliminary Hearing

An octogenarian stabbing defendant was released to GPS monitoring with a stay-away order after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Feb. 10 before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond.

James Johnson, 83, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1600 block of Bladensburg Road, NE on Feb. 6. The surviving victim sustained three stab wounds.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Matthew Rist, alerted the court of Johnson’s intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing which was accepted by Judge Raymond. Rist also requested that Johnson be released with a stay-away order from the victim.

The prosecutor requested Johnson remain detained because he posed a threat to the community, citing his firearm and drug convictions in the 1990s.

Rist assured Judge Raymond that Johnson had no contact with the criminal justice system since then, and added that due to Johnson’s age, it was “extremely difficult” for him at the DC Jail.

According to Rist, Johnson had spinal surgery scheduled on Feb. 18 and is currently unable to walk, emphasizing that it would be far easier on Johnson’s health if he was released.

Rist added that Johnson would follow any terms of release imposed by the court and had a network of support in the community.

Judge Raymond granted Johnson’s release with GPS monitoring and a stay-away order from the victim, stating that she wanted to give him a chance because she “wasn’t sure how he would fare” in the DC Jail due to his advanced age. Judge Raymond also ordered Johnson to call the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week to check in.

The parties are slated to reconvene on March 24.

Document: MPD Investigating 14th Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Feb. 13 on 14th Street, NW. Nehemia Jamaane Williams, 22, was found with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle and later died at the hospital. The investigation is ongoing, and no suspect information has been released.

Accessory Charge Dropped for Shooting Defendant

Prosecutors dismissed an accessory after the fact charge for a shooting defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 10.

Gerald Day, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, carry pistol without a license outside home or business, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person for allegedly holding a gun to a woman’s face after she argued with a group of his friends at the intersection of O Street and Carrolsburg Place, SW.

Day’s co-defendant, Paul Poston, 32, was sentenced on June 26, 2024 to two years of imprisonment, with all but 10 months suspended, for shooting at the same victim’s car after the altercation. According to court documents, a witness told police Day tried to stop Poston from firing before they fled together in a silver truck.

At the hearing, prosecutors dismissed the accessory after the fact for assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly helping Polston flee. They did not provide a reason for the dismissal.

Day’s attorney, Steven Polin, requested that the prosecutors advise their witnesses not to discuss anything related to the actual shooting during trial. The prosecutors agreed if the defense agreed to not discuss any of the circumstances that led to the shooting.

According to the prosecutor, surveillance footage showed Day pulling a gun on the victim then kicking her car door in when she attempted to leave the area. The shooting was captured by a witness’ iPhone camera, the prosecutor said.

“As far as we’re concerned, Mr. Day’s conduct ends with this quote-unquote ‘doorkicking,” Polin said. “What happened after that – to be honest with you – we don’t care.”

Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Feb. 11.

Carjacking Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Jailed

A defendant charged in a carjacking case waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones on Feb. 10.

Damarco Jackson, 20, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the following incidents in a two day spree:

Stealing a vehicle on March 12, 2025 on the 4600 block of Livingston Road, SE,
An armed carjacking on March 13, 2025 on the 1800 block of Varnum Street, NE,
Stealing a vehicle on March 13, 2025 on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE,
Two armed robberies on March 13, 2025 at the intersection of Oklahoma Avenue and E Street, NE and on the 400 block of 21st Street, NE.

At the hearing, Jackson’s attorney, Quiana Harris, informed parties her client signed a waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing. Judge Jones ensured Jackson’s waiver was knowing and voluntary.

Harris then asked Judge Jones to release Jackson in this matter, although Jackson is currently serving a sentence for an unrelated case.

The prosecution objected to this request because they wanted to ensure Jackson would remain held in DC and not transferred to another jurisdiction. Judge Jones agreed with prosecutors, and maintained Jackson’s hold.

Harris also stated that the defense planned to engage in plea negotiations with the prosecution before the next hearing.

The parties are slated to reconvene on March 18.

Homicide Defendant Requests More Time to Consider Plea Deal

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson granted a fatal shooting defendant’s request for more time to consider his plea deal on Feb. 13.

Damion Brown, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jordan Coates that occurred on Sept. 9, 2023, on the 1200 block of Duncan Place, NE. Coates sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

During the hearing, Brown considered a deal from prosecutors that would require him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and robbery while armed in exchange for dismissal of all remaining charges.. Under the plea agreement, Brown would receive a total sentence of 15-to-19 years of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release, subject to the judge’s approval at sentencing.

While Judge Dayson was confirming Brown’s understanding of the plea agreement, she asked if he had enough time to consider the plea and discuss it with his attorneys, Lauren Moorhouse and Kevin O’Sullivan. Brown responded by saying no because he had only considered the deal for a week.

Judge Dayson stated that Brown can and should take more time to think about the plea.

After taking a moment to discuss with Brown, Morehouse and O’Sullivan requested a little more time for their client to sit with the plea decision. Without objection from prosecutors, Judge Dayson granted the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 17.

Hearing Delayed For Carjacking Defendant Facing New Charges

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel delayed a hearing in a carjacking case in order to get more information about the defendant’s new case in a hearing on Feb. 10.

Antwon Brown, 33, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident on July 20, 2023 on the 1400 block of 22nd Street, NE.

According to court records, Brown was released to in-patient drug treatment on July 14, 2025 after his preliminary hearing.

At the hearing, Quiana Harris, Brown’s attorney, informed parties that although Brown was on release for this case, he was now held for charges in an unrelated matter. According to Harris, while on release in this case Brown allegedly committed another offense and a hearing is scheduled for that matter on Feb. 13.

Harris asked Judge Israel to delay the hearing because she believed details from Brown’s new case could impact this case.

The prosecutors noted that if the hearing were held they would have requested Judge Israel revoke Brown’s release in the current case. They said Brown was released from in-patient treatment on Nov. 19, 2025, and instructed to report to transitional housing. Two days later, on Nov. 21, Brown allegedly strangled someone but had not yet been convicted, said prosecutors.

A representative from Samaritan Inn, a DC non-profit offering support for homelessness and drug addiction, told the court that Brown checked in there on Dec. 18, 2025.

Judge Israel asked prosecutors to figure out where Brown was supposed to be and where he actually was around the date of the new alleged offense.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 17 with more details.

Stabbing Defendant Takes Plea, Rejects Self-Defense

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz informed a stabbing defendant about her right to claim a stabbing was in self-defense before she accepted a plea deal during a hearing on Feb. 6.

Daniyah Dailey, 24, 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, and two counts of malicious disfigurement while armed. The charges stemmed from her involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Nov. 27, 2021, on the 2200 block of 25th Place, NE. Two victims were wounded during the incident.

During the hearing, Dailey accepted a deal from prosecutors that required her to plead guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for dismissal of all remaining charges. Under the terms, parties accepted a sentence of between five-to-eight years in prison followed by three years of supervised release, subject to Judge Kravitz’s approval at sentencing.

Judge Kravitz asked if Dailey thought she had enough time to discuss the offer with her lawyers and understood the rights she surrendered without a trial. Dailey responded by saying she thought there was “not enough time to talk about the pros and cons of a plea or trial,” but continued that she was “ready to plead guilty.”

After briefly discussing the matter in private, Dailey’s attorneys, Janai Reed and Sara Kopecki, confirmed they did not want additional time to discuss the plea with their client.

The prosecution said if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Dailey stabbed two victims after one had been shot by her former co-defendant 34-year-old Tejan Bah. According to court records, Bah’s case was dismissed after he passed away in February 2025.

Prosecutors say the victim did not make any verbal threats towards the defendants during the incident.

Judge Kravitz asked Dailey if these events were accurate, and she responded with her version of the events. According to Dailey, on the morning of the stabbing, she and Bah went to one of the victim’s houses to get money. Bah was carrying a registered and licensed gun while entering the house and stated “where the money at?” to the homeowner. Bah shot the homeowner, the second victim jumped on him, and a wrestling match for the gun ensued.

Dailey said that she was scared for her life as the only woman present, and thought the second victim would get the gun and shoot at her. In fear, she said she stabbed both victims.

Judge Kravitz remarked after hearing Dailey’s statements, that the stabbing sounded like it could have been in self-defense and began discussing that with Dailey.

Reed and Kopecki quickly stepped in, commenting that they had already talked to their client about that argument and based on the events, decided not to pursue it.

After a break for Reed and Kopecki to talk with Dailey, they continued with the plea deal. Judge Kravitz again explained the self-defense arguments and the possibility of trial instead of a plea. The law allows someone to use a reasonable amount of force to escape imminent danger, asserted Judge Kravitz.

Dailey retracted her previous statement, said she no longer claimed self-defense, and wanted to plead guilty.

Ultimately, Judge Kravitz accepted the plea as knowing and voluntary.

Dailey is currently serving a seven year sentence, with all but five suspended in Maryland for an unrelated incident. Kopecki asked the judge if it was possible for the sentences in both jurisdictions to run concurrent with one another.

Reed also asked if Dailey can receive credit for time served while in the custody of DC Jail, which began on Nov. 28, 2023. Judge Kravitz said this posed a problem, as the time served at the DC Jail already counted towards the Maryland sentence.

Judge Kravitz asked parties to discuss an agreement for the both issues raised by the defense. The judge additionally advised Reed and Kopecki to ask an advice attorney at the courthouse to legally resolve the issue, since it involved different jurisdictions.

Parties are set to reconvene on May 1 for sentencing.

Judge Won’t Change Release Terms For Shooting Defendant With New Baby

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel denied a request to change release conditions for a shooting defendant wanting more free time with his baby in a hearing on Feb. 10.

Daquan Toland, 25, was convicted by a jury on Oct. 1, 2025 of carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 2, 2025 at the 1100 block of 4th Street, NE. An elderly victim who was in a wheelchair was grazed by shots on his left shoulder.

After Toland’s trial, Judge Israel released him on Oct. 2 with GPS monitoring.

Jessica Willis, Toland’s stand-in attorney, said that he was perfectly compliant with his release conditions. According to Willis, Toland recently became a father, but his request to visit the hospital to welcome his baby was denied.

Willis noted that although the situation upset Toland, he abided by the court’s conditions.

Willis asked Judge Israel to remove Toland’s GPS monitoring and instead impose a 10 p. m. curfew. To support her request, in addition to Willis’ compliance he wished to be more present in his child’s life.

The prosecutor objected due to the nature of Toland’s crimes. They asserted Toland’s release conditions were established for a reason, to keep the community safe.

Judge Israel didn’t change Toland’s release conditions. Instead, the judge told Toland to contact the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) days in advance of his child’s doctor’s appointments so he could be allowed to attend.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 27 for sentencing.

Document: MPD Investigating Petworth Fatal Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a fatal crash that occurred on Feb. 13 in the Petworth neighborhood. The incident involved a trash truck and an electric bicycle on Kansas Ave NW, resulting in the death of 26-year-old Kenny Jimmenez Rivera and critical injuries to one surviving victim. The trash truck, which initially left the scene, was later located in Hyattsville, MD, and the driver has been identified as the investigation continues.

Judge Denies Release for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Charmetra Jackson Parker denied a defendant’s release accused of a stabbing during a neighborhood dispute after she waived her preliminary hearing on Feb. 13.

Tara Bellinger, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing in an apartment building. The incident took place on Feb. 10 on the unit block of Forrester Street, SW.

Defense attorney Louis Kamara alerted the court of Bellinger’s intent to waive her right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence which Judge Parker accepted.

The prosecution requested Bellinger remain held at the DC Jail while she awaits trial due to the seriousness and dangerous nature of the alleged crime. According to the prosecutors, the offense involved Bellinger using a knife in an argument with her neighbors and cutting one of the individuals’ hands.

The violent act coupled with the defendant’s close proximity the to the victims if released, it would be too much of a risk for Bellinger to be released, asserted prosecutors.

Kamara emphasized that Bellinger was a single mother with a minimal criminal history. He added that she had a stable job and income.

However, Judge Parker decided not to release Bellinger because she could because she could be a potential threat. The judge also raised concerns regarding whether Bellinger would return to court given the charges against her.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 27.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Road Rage Shooting

A defendant accepted a plea deal for a shooting that stemmed from a traffic dispute before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 10.

Earl Harris, 45, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and obstructing justice. All charges carried an additional penalty for Harris committing a felony after at least two felony convictions.

The charges stem from his involvement in a shooting on Aug. 21, 2025 on the 1600 block of 23rd Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

At the hearing, the court formally arraigned Harris on the indictment charges against him and his attorney, Rachel Cicurel, entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.

Following the arraignment, Cicurel informed Judge Brandt that Harris accepted a plea deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. The prosecutor, in exchange, dismissed the greater and remaining charges against Harris, and withdrew the additional penalties.

Judge Brandt confirmed that Harris understood the maximum sentences of 15 years in prison for the possession charge and 10 years in prison for the assault charge.

The prosecutor said if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the offense, the victim’s vehicle hit Harris’. Harris then followed the victim and fired 11 shots in his direction.

Cicurel said Harris believed he fired seven shots, not 11. The prosecutor said they recovered 11 casings and 11 shots were audible in video footage.

Judge Brandt noted Harris’ testament but said the number of shots fired did not impact the charges he pleaded to.

Harris is scheduled for sentencing on April 10.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A non-fatal shooting defendant entered into a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz during a status hearing Feb. 10.

Demarco Bates, 28, was originally charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, two counts of destruction of property less than $1,000, and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance for his involvement in an April 10, 2024 non-fatal shooting on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE. Two victims were injured during the shooting.

At the hearing, Bates’ attorney, Alvin Thomas, said his client accepted a deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the remaining charges against Bates.

As part of the deal, parties also agreed to a sentence between seven-and-eight years of imprisonment, subject to Judge Kravitz’s approval at sentencing.

According to the prosecution, if the case had gone to trial, they would have proven that Bates, through transferred intent, assaulted two victims, though not the intended targets, with a dangerous weapon after firing 12 rounds towards a white sedan at the scene. Prosecutors said they would have tied Bates to the crime with DNA and ballistic evidence.

Judge Kravitz ordered a pre-sentencing investigation report and Bates will remain in custody until his sentencing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 10 for sentencing.

February 11 is Deadliest Day So Far in 2026, 4 Killed

The District’s homicide count increased in a single day with four incidents.

According to D.C. Witness data, Feb. 11. marked the deadliest day so far this year with four lives lost in less than 24 hours. This increase is more than the total number of homicides recorded for the entire month of January.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) responded to a report of smoke in a hallway on the 1400 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW.

On the scene, firefighters extinguished a small fire, and located Syden Hussain, 40, who was unconscious. Hussain suffered from blunt force trauma and thermal injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.

In another incident, officers responded to a report of a shooting in front of an apartment complex on the 4100 block of W Street, NW. They found Rayven Edward, 34, and a 10-year-old girl suffering from gunshot wounds. The woman was pronounced dead and the 10-year-old girl was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. A second child was also located on the scene uninjured.

MPD determined that the suspect, Stephon Jeter, 35, fled the scene in a black pickup truck. The suspect crashed his vehicle, and he later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The case is also being investigated by MPD Homicide detectives.

Authorities also reported that a person was making threats with a firearm on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE. When US Marshals arrived, the suspect allegedly pointed a gun at them. In response, US Marshal Julian Bailey, 43, discharged his weapon, killing the suspect.

Judge Rescinds Defendant’s Release in Fatal Strangulation Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan detained a murder defendant who was non-compliant with the conditions of his release at a hearing on Feb. 5

William Ransford, 62, is charged with first-and-second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal strangulation and sexual assault of Debra McManus, 39, on the the 400 block of Trenton Street, SE on Oct. 23, 1993.

According to court records, Ransford was detained from his arrest on Aug. 18, 2022 until Judge Ryan released him on June 25, 2025.

At the hearing, the prosecution claimed that Ransford had not been compliant with the terms of his release. They said he failed to report that his GPS tracker was out of power and he had not taken a drug test since Dec. 23, 2025.

Court records indicate a notice of Ransford’s non-compliance was first filed on Aug. 7, 2025, less than two months after his release.

Ransford’s attorney, Dana Paige, claimed there was a miscommunication because Ransford was supposed to be supervised by the Pretrial Services Agency’s (PSA) Specialized Supervision Team (SST), but was not. According to Paige, Ransford could not be on GPS monitoring and simultaneously supervised by SST, which they were unaware of.

Additionally, Paige wanted Judge Ryan to consider Randsford’s cognitive decline.

Judge Ryan said Ransford’s cognitive deficit wasn’t obvious, but his non-compliance with the terms of his release was. Therefore, the judge revoked Ransford’s release and recommended that he be held at the Central Treatment Facility (CTF) and complete a drug program.

The parties are set to reconvene April 17.

Judge Delays Sentencing Stabbing Suspect Facing New Charges

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe allowed parties to postpone a stabbing defendant’s sentencing after she was charged with a new case in another jurisdiction during a hearing on Feb. 9.

Tamara Francis, 36, pleaded guilty on Oct. 30, 2025 to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing during a domestic dispute on Sept. 15, 2025, on the 1400 block of Belmont Street, NW.

According to court records, Francis failed to appear for her original sentencing on Jan. 9 and as a result, Judge Pipe issued a bench warrant. US Marshals executed the writ on Feb. 5, detained Francis, and parties rescheduled sentencing.

At the new sentencing, Francis’ attorney, Chantal Jean-Baptiste, asked for another delay to “work out” the details of the sentence with the prosecution.

The prosecution informed Judge Pipe that Francis was recently charged in an unrelated matter in Manhattan, New York. Jean-Baptiste and prosecutors wanted more time to review the new case before Fracis is sentenced.

Judge Pipe granted the request and scheduled a new sentencing date for Feb, 24.

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