Document: Vehicle Sought in a Homicide in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle connected to a homicide that occurred on Sept. 5 on the intersection of 18th Street and Minnesota Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting and a vehicle collision. They located an adult male shooting victim inside a vehicle, and transported him to a local hospital, where he was admitted with life-threatening injuries.

On Sept. 8, the victim succumbed to his injuries. He was identified as 23-year-old Brandon Grant.

The suspect vehicle was captured by a surveillance camera.

Document: Man Arrested for 2020 Homicide in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 56-year-old Guy Johnson with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on March 25, 2020, on the 1600 block of 19th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an unconscious adult female, inside a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where despite all life-saving efforts, she succumbed to her injuries.

The victim was identified as 28-year-old Kriston Robinson.

Judge Denies Motion for New Trial in Non-Fatal Shooting

On Oct. 6, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a motion for a new trial in a 2019 shooting case because of credibility issues with two witnesses.

Travis Littlejohn, 38, was found guilty on four charges of assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of aggravated assault while armed, and multiple counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a mass shooting that occurred on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, on July 5, 2019.

According to court documents, four victims sustained non-life threatening wounds as a result of an altercation at a Shell gas station.

According to Littlejohn’s defense attorney, Lee Smith, his trial counsel failed to call two witnesses who allegedly saw the shooter and claimed it was not Littlejohn. Smith argued the testimony of these witnesses could affect the jury’s ruling.

In addition, he said the surveillance footage of someone getting out of a car and extending a hand may not have been the shooter, who could have been out of view.

In response, the prosecution argued the witnesses were biased given their relationship with Littlejohn, thus their testimony was not reliable.

Judge Raffinan denied the motion for a new trial, citing the inconsistent statements the witnesses had provided compared to video footage of the incident.

Parties are expected to reconvene for Littlejohn’s sentencing on Nov. 16.

Judge Sentences Two of Six Defendants For Murder of 10-Year-Old Girl

On Oct. 6, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced Marquell Cobbs to six years for conspiracy, and Isaiah Murchison to 60 years incarceration in what Murchison’s attorneys called a “life-sentence”.

On June 13, 24-year-old Murchison, 26-year-old Quentin Michals, 28-year-old Gregory Taylor, 25-year-old Qujuan Thomas, and 24-year-old Darrise Jeffers were convicted of 22 charges, including conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill, and six counts of criminal gang affiliation for their involvement in a mass-shooting that killed 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson and left four other individuals injured. The incident occurred on July 16, 2018, on the 300 block of 53rd Street, SE, and resulted from gang retaliation.

According to prosecutors, the defendants belong to what’s known as the Wellington Park Crew, which they argue is a criminal street gang and are responsible for crimes throughout the city.

Unlike the rest, Cobbs, 21, was acquitted of all charges except conspiracy.

Several members of Makiyah’s family delivered impact statements. Her mother described her as “an angel on earth,” and said Makiyah would brighten up any room she walked into. Makiyah’s mother thanked God for justice.

Makiyah’s grandmother argued “it’s been a long five years,” explaining the true pain and loss their family endured. She told Cobbs and Murchison “I hope you’ll learn to value life… If ‘Kiyah were here, she’d say ‘grandma forgive them’, but I can’t do it”.

“I can’t even stand here and wish bad things on you, I’ll hope and pray for everyone,” she stated.

In a letter read by prosecutors, Makiyah’s dad described her as a “genuine spirit,” who would comfort, encourage, and wish the best for people. “One of the most precious gifts was taken from us on July 16, 2018,” he wrote.

“I live for my son, in the memory of Makiyah,” the letter said.

Prosecutors argued that Cobbs’ involvement in the conspiracy was much more complex than his defense attorney, Kevin McCants, recounted. They insisted he was a part of the conspiracy from the very beginning, keeping tabs on their “opps,” or rivals, buying guns for the Crew, and hiding them after Makiyah’s murder.

The prosecutors requested Judge Okun sentence Cobbs to 84 months incarceration, because, “He chose to be a part of this crew and this lifestyle”. Prosecutors argued Cobbs had several opportunities to change his path, but that after assisting the other defendants in Makiyah’s murder he was re-arrested mid-trial in a separate incident for a gun charge in Montgomery County, MD.

“He, and he alone, is responsible for his actions,” prosecutors insisted.

“This is a sad, sad situation,” said McCants, arguing that Makiyah’s death was not meant to happen. He reminded the court that Cobbs was 16-years-old at the time of his arrest, and was acquitted of everything but the conspiracy.

McCants told the court that, when Makiyah’s autopsy images were shown during trial, Cobbs cried. “The fact this young lady died hurt him, and hurt him dearly,” he said.

McCants said he has known Cobbs since he was born and his family has a plan set for his future.

He asked Judge Okun to sentence Cobbs “based on the truth,” stating that Cobbs spent four years on house arrest, and was compliant with all release conditions.

Cobbs thanked Judge Okun for his kindness throughout the trial. He stated that, after his rearrest, being in a cell for 23 hours of the day gave him time to think and understand the gravity of his situation in the interest of fixing things.

McCant’s requested Cobbs be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), insisting he never had violent tendencies, and he was just in a dangerous neighborhood environment.

Prosecutors countered Cobbs’ family has done a lot to set him up in life and he has failed to take every opportunity. According to prosecutors, Cobbs has “shown he’s not going to learn”.

Judge Okun denied McCant’s request for sentencing under the YRA, citing the seriousness, length, and repeated criminal activity surrounding his conspiracy conviction. He sentenced Cobbs to 72 months incarceration, and three years of supervised release. Once released, he will need to seek employment and participate in substance abuse assessments and treatment.

“For your sake, for your family’s sake, and for the community’s sake, I hope that you can comply with whatever conditions of release and never come back here again,” Judge Okun told Cobbs before he was escorted out of the courtroom.

As for Murchison, prosecutors argued he joined the conspiracy in 2017, made it clear he had issues with other crews and neighborhoods, and retaliated against them when his friends and co-conspirators were attacked.

During the trial, prosecutors proved that Murchison was one of the four shooters that fired more than 50 gunshots into the Clay Terrace courtyard the day Wilson was killed. Because of his involvement in the actual shooting, prosecutors requested the sentences for the murder, the four assaults with intent to kill, and the conspiracy run consecutively, with all other charges running concurrently.

Prosecutors requested 480 months for the murder, 120 months for one count of assault with intent to kill, and 90 months for each of the other three assaults with intent to kill charges, seeking a total of 76 and a half years incarceration.

According to the prosecutors, “this is an appropriate sentence,” arguing that Murchison had chances to change his life, and did not care who was injured or killed in the shootings in which he participated.

“An image that will stick with me forever is the image of [Makiyah’s sister] holding Makiyah as she died,” said the prosecutor. She stated the court can make sure Murchison doesn’t do it ever again.

Murchison’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, insisted he was not an integral part of the conspiracy and that, “It is unfair to overstate his involvement”. She requested he be sentenced to all concurrent sentences, otherwise he’d be facing incarceration for the rest of his life.

According to Weller, Murchison showed he was struggling and “trauma and violence just kept coming,” stating that people important to Murchison were continuously victims of gun violence.

She argued that Murchison is remorseful and just trying to get through each day. “Two kids lost their father,” Weller stated, explaining that his two kids will have to be raised by Murchison’s family member.

Murchison chose not to make a statement during the sentencing.

“This is very hard,” said Judge Okun. He argued that if he imposed concurrent sentences it would minimize the seriousness of the crimes.

He imposed a sentence of 360 months for the first-degree murder charge, and 90 months for each of the assault with intent to kill charges, which are to be served consecutively to one another.

Judge Okun also imposed a 48 month sentence for the conspiracy charge, 60 months for each of the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charge, and 12 months for each of the criminal gang affiliation charges, which will run concurrently to the other sentences.

Murchison is expected to serve 60 years of incarceration, with the chance to be released early for good behavior.

He is also required to register as a gun offender, and will have to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund for each of the charges, which is due October of 2073.

Judge Okun told Murchison “I know this is an incredibly long sentence. I get no pleasure imposing it, but I know you have a lot of potential… Good luck”.

Weller alerted the court they are planning on filing an appeal following the sentencing.

Michals, Taylor, Thomas, and Jeffers are scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 20.

Judge Holds Defendant in 2020 Homicide

On Oct. 6, during presentments, DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe held a homicide defendant without bond based on the current and prior charges against him.

Guy Johnson, 56, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in a shooting on the 1600 block of 19th Street, SE, on March 25, 2020 when he allegedly murdered 28-year-old Kriston Robinson.

According to police documents, Robinson was found by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers unconscious and not breathing in the driver’s seat of her vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Kevin Mosley, Johnson’s defense attorney, presented an eyewitness statement saying suspect was approximately five-feet-six-to-five-feet-seven-inches tall weighing approximately 200 pounds. Mosley says Johnson does not match that description.

Mosley entered a not guilty plea on behalf of his client saying there is no probable cause he committed the crime.

The prosecution said that while there are some height inconsistencies, it’s “very clear who the suspect was.”

Judge Pipe said even though here are “too many discrepancies” in the height descriptors they don’t ultimately matter, ruling in favor of probable cause.

In addition to the DC cases, Judge Pipe noted Johnson has three total fugitive charges, two hailing from Maryland and one from Virginia. She said those charges do not make her feel confident in releasing Johnson under personal recognizance.

Judge Pipe held Johnson without bond and he is scheduled to appear before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 1.

Double Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

On Oct. 6, a double homicide defendant accepted a plea offer extended by the prosecution.

Alonzo Lewis, 38, was originally charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, and unlawful possession of firearm, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 40-year-old Jaquon Helm and 35-year-old Venius Badgett on May 26, 2018, on the unit block of Galveston Street, SW.

Lewis accepted a plea agreement that required him to plead guilty to two counts of second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges. Lewis faces 15 years for each charge for a total of 30 years of incarceration.

According to the prosecutors, had the case gone to trial, there would be evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Lewis shot and killed Hill and Badgett.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt confirmed that she was satisfied with the defendant’s understanding of his terms and accepted his guilty plea.

Judge Brandt also ordered a stay away no-contact order for the defendant from four witnesses, which was requested by the prosecution.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 28.

Judge Denies Motion To Postpone Sentencing in Vehicular Homicide Case

On Oct. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a motion to postpone sentencing for a homicide defendant involved in a fatal car crash.

Reginald Roland Johnson, 31, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly striking and killing 24-year-old Carlos Christian, and severely injuring his fiancée with his vehicle on Jan. 15, at the intersection of 15th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Johnson was traveling at excessive speed when he crashed into the rear of a car in which Christian and his fiancée were riding.

Johnson was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time.

On Sept. 26, Johnson’s defense attorney, Derrick Hamlin, filed a motion to postpone sentencing hearing, which was opposed by prosecutors and the victims’ families.

However, since defense counsel wasn’t available to answer questions at the hearing, Judge Okun denied the motion.

The sentencing hearing remains set for Oct. 13.

Judge Grants Partial Motion to Modify Homicide Defendant’s Release Conditions

On Oct. 6, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun partially granted a homicide defendant’s request to modify release conditions as he awaits trial.

River Barfield, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Jacky Brooks on March 17, 2022, on the 4100 Block of South Capitol Terrace, SW.

On Oct. 4, Sylvia Smith, Barfield’s defense attorney, filed an emergency motion for bond review requesting Barfield’s release condition be modified from GPS monitoring to personal recognizance, stating he would be more than willing to check-in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

The motion also requested Barfield’s required participation in an intensive outpatient treatment program be terminated, since it’s preventing him from working in a recently acquired job.

A representative for PSA stated that, although Barfield has been compliant with his conditions of release, the agency would recommend no changes be made.

Prosecutors agreed with PSA, adding that Barfield is on release for “an execution-style murder” and has previously tested positive for cocaine while on release.

Judge Okun partially granted the motion, terminating Barfield’s required participation in the intensive outpatient treatment program. However, he ordered Barfield’s GPS monitoring remain in place, stating the court system should be able to keep track of his whereabouts due to the nature and circumstances of the charges.

Parties are expected to return Jan. 12.

Document: Man Dead After Shooting in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on Oct. 5 on the 2600 block of Douglas Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 37-year-old Joshua Starr.

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

Hit-And-Run Homicide Trial Continues

On Oct. 5, prosecutors rested their case against the defendant accused in the vehicular homicide of David Farewell.

Eric Beasley, 32, is charged with first-degree murder for his involvement in a hit-and-run incident that killed the 45-year-old while he was riding a bicycle on Sept. 4, 2020, on the 2100 block of Young Street, SE.

Prosecutors called an automotive consultant who analyzed the vehicle that allegedly hit Farewell. The expert concluded there was nothing was functionally wrong with the car that would have prevented Beasley from stopping before striking Farewell.

The defense began by calling an investigator from the Public Defenders Service (PDS) who collected information and interviewed witnesses at the crime scene to evaluate the evidence.

During cross-examination, prosecutors pointed out the investigator wrote down the wrong place of employment for one of the witnesses.

The trial resumes on Oct. 10.

Case Acquitted: Defendant’s Ex-Wife Testifies in 2017 Homicide Case

This case has been acquitted.

On Oct. 4, prosecutors continued their case in a fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Cedric Alexander, also known as Tony White, 52, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, and carrying a pistol outside a home or place of business with a prior felony for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting of 38-year-old Daquan Hooks on the 1900 block of 13th Street, SE on March 23, 2017.

Alexander’s ex-wife testified that on the day of the shooting, he was on the phone with someone around 3 a.m. or 4 a.m., but was unsure of the caller’s identity.

During the call, she overheard a brief mention of a gun but could not say anything further about why a firearm was discussed.

She also stated she never had the full story as to what happened on the day of the incident, just “bits and pieces.”

“Everybody knew when [Hooks] was deceased. It was not a secret,” she stated.

Prosecutors also called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who described the area around the crime scene. The officer said items of clothing were found believed to be Hooks’ including a jacket with suspected blood stains on it. However, no bullets or shell casing were discovered.

Parties are expected back on Oct. 5.

Defendant Wants Guilty Plea Withdrawn in Homicide Case

At an Oct. 5 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe addressed a defendant’s request to withdraw his guilty plea and cancel sentencing in connection to a 2019 homicide.

Darius Murphy, 29, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 39-year-old Jason Wood on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE, on February 22, 2019.

According to Judge Iscoe, Murphy filed a request to withdraw his guilty plea on Feb. 28, 2022 and acknowledged that the motion would be discussed at a later date.

Murphy stated his previous lawyer, Dana Page, told him he would get the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter in return for pleading guilty to second-degree murder, but that didn’t happen. His indictment was waived on September 13, 2019, when he accepted the guilty plea.

According to Murphy’s current attorney, Kelsey Penna, they plan on calling Page and Murphy to testify at the next hearing on behalf of the motion to withdraw the guilty plea.

Parties are expected back on Dec. 5.

Murder Defendant Deemed Competent to Stand Trial

On Oct. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found a homicide defendant mentally competent to stand trial based on a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Darius Anderson, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for the alleged murder of 30-year-old Israel Mattocks on June 15, 2022 on the 200 block of 35th Street, NE.

The fatal shooting was reportedly related to an argument about a shoe purchase. Anderson had previously withdrawn a guilty plea in the case.

The DBH report indicated that the defendant was competent and both the prosecution and defense had no objections.

Anderson’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, stated Anderson is requesting his previous attorney be reappointed as counsel.

Judge Demeo stated a separate hearing needs to be set to address a new counsel appointment, and does not know if it is feasible to reappoint the previous attorney.

A motion hearing was scheduled for Oct. 12.

Case Acquitted: More Witness Testimony in 2017 Murder Trial

This case has been acquitted.

On Oct. 5, the defendant’s ex-wife concluded her testimony and a digital expert took the stand in a 2017 homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Cedric Alexander, also known as Tony White, 52, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of possession during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside the home or place of business with a prior felony for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Daquan Hooks on the 1900 block of 13th Street, SE on March 23, 2017.

Following the prosecutor’s questions, Alexander’s ex-wife was cross-examined by defense attorney Sellano Simmons. He asked her about prior conflicts she had with Alexander, including Alexander’s alleged affair with her coworker. More specifically, Simmons asked why the witness changed her mind and decided to cooperate when, according to Simmons, originally she didn’t want to participate.

In follow-up questioning by the prosecution, the witness emphasized the sole reason she chose to testify is because she had to do what she knew was right. “This is who I am,” she said. In addition, she said, “something happened to a person’s family member”, and she wanted to do right by Hooks’ family.

The witness said she hasn’t received anything from prosecutors for participating in the trial.

Then, the prosecution called a digital forensics expert to discuss text messages between Hooks and Alexander that took place shortly before the murder based on digital “receipts” from the conversation.

The expert noted even though messages are deleted their electronic signature is still present on a phone, and based on that he concluded that Alexander had deleted some of the texts the day of the murder.

When defense counsel Simmons suggested the prosecution may have gone too far in providing information that could influence the expert, he responded that was “dramatizing” the situation and he had no prior knowledge of the case.

Trial is set to resume Oct. 10.

Homicide Defendant Arraigned on Three Charges

On Oct. 5, Deonte Patterson was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan. in a full reading of the charges against him.

Deonte Patterson, 27, is accused of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstruction of justice for his suspected involvement in the murder of 32-year-old Ali Jamil Al-Mahdi. The incident occurred on Aug. 23, 2021, on the 1800 block of 9th Street, NW.

Through a stand-in defense attorney, Patterson pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including a speedy trial.

Patterson’s defense lawyer, Cheryl Stein, had previously motioned for a bond review. At his detention hearing on Jan. 23, the court ordered the defendant held without bond. Patterson is requesting the court reconsider that ruling and release him into the Pretrial Services Agency’s (PSA) high-intensity supervision program.

Stein was ill and could not appear in court on Oct. 5.

The judge postponed ruling on the bond review until Stein can attend.

The court scheduled a status hearing for Oct. 17.

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