Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On June 26, 2023, defendant Rae Kwon Sutton rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz.

Sutton, 25, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon committed during release, and possession of a firearm during crime of violence committed during release, among other charges, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4800 block of Benning Road, SE, on March 19, 2022.

According to court documents, a 911 phone call was placed by a complainant who screamed she was about to die because a man was shooting at her home, apparently in error because Sutton’s alleged target wasn’t there.

Prosecutors offered a plea deal which would have Sutton plead guilty to all charges in exchange for a dismissal of charges in an unrelated incident. He rejected the offer, and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

Sutton is expected back for a trial readiness hearing set on Sept. 15.

‘Thank God for Justice,’ Says Victim’s Sister After Murder Conviction

On June 23, a jury convicted Isaac Moye of murder and family members expressed relief at the verdict.

Moye, 45, was convicted of second-degree murder for his involvement in the disappearance and death of Unique Harris, 24. Harris, who was last seen near the 2400 block of Hartford Street, SE, was declared missing on Oct. 10, 2010. Moye was charged in connection to the case on Dec. 21, 2020.

Outside the courthouse, Harris’ sister told D.C. Witness she was grateful for the verdict, saying, “Thank God for justice.”

While Harris’ body was never recovered, an investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) led to Moye’s becoming the primary suspect.

“[There is] a missing girl in DC, only she’s not missing, she’s gone,” prosecutors stated in their opening arguments.

As the trial progressed, prosecutors presented evidence that placed Moye at Harris’ apartment the night she disappeared. Using data collected from Moye’s electronic monitoring device, which an expert witness examined, prosecutors argued Moye’s GPS location linked him to Harris’s murder.

Additional evidence including DNA samples recovered from a couch cushion in Harris’ apartment, showed that Moye had previous sexual encounters with Harris even though he denied having sex with her in interviews with investigators.

Defense attorneys for Moye refuted prosecution claims about Harris’ disappearance stating the “investigation of this case was doomed from the very start.”

The defense noted MPD’s not acting quickly to collect evidence and follow up on potential leads. Moye’s lawyers also said other suspects were overlooked and should have been interviewed for their possible connection to the crime.

In closing statements, defense attorney Jason Tulley told the jury that Moye was “accused of something he did not do.”

Prosecutors urged the jury to “bring her home”, evoking an emotional response from Harris’ family members in the courtroom. As the jury read the verdict, members of Harris’ family cried out with relief.

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein then questioned the jurors in turn if they agreed with the verdict. Each gave a confident affirmative. As the jury left the room, Harris’ family members embraced the prosecuting attorneys.

“We are strong believers in God. Today was Him showing his power,” Harris’ sister said in a follow-up email. “In my opinion a just punishment would be the death penalty! My sister had to pay with her life. I feel as though he should too.”

Harris’ sister also gave a strong warning to women in general stating “As women I encourage us to get protection for our households and protect ourselves and children because in this case initially the police department failed my sister.”

Yet, she expressed faith in the justice system, saying, “I believe [the verdict] gave all of us hope.”

Meanwhile, defense attorneys filed a motion for a mistrial based on the prosecution’s handling of the case.

Parties are expected to argue on the mistrial motion on as well as pick a sentencing date on July 7.

Document: Homicide: 3400 block of 22nd Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 25 on the 3400 block of 22nd Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the scene for reports of a shooting and located an individual suffering from gunshot wounds. There were no signs consistent with life.

The decedent has been identified as 28-year-old Atorrin Tyndle.

Document: Decedent Identified Homicide: 600 block of I Street, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department Homicide Branch has identified the victim in a fatal shooting that occurred on June 19 on the 600 block of I Street, NW. MPD asks for the public’s continued assistance in the investigation of the incident.

According to MPD documents, officers heard gunshots, and, when canvassing the area, located an adult male individual suffering from gunshot wounds and with no signs consistent with life.

The decedent has been identified as 30-year-old George Johnson.

Co-Defendants in A 2019 Murder Case Plead ‘Not Guilty’ to All Charges

Deangelo Glover, 31, and Ronald Wallace, 49, are charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm for allegedly shooting two individuals on Jan. 19, 2021 on the 3800 block of Hayes Street, NE.

According to court documents, 32-year-old Tyrone Wright died in the incident.

Counsel for both defendants alerted the court they were pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserted their right to a speedy trial.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe set a status hearing for Sept. 7, where all parties are expected to appear.

Judge Accepts Plea Deal in Gun Homicide

On June 23, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan accepted a plea deal in the shooting death of 37-year-old Malik Muhammad at the hands of Reginald Turner.

Turner, 38, pled guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in the shooting that occurred on the 800 block of Taylor Street, NE on Nov. 26, 2018.

Defense lawyers for Turner, Dana Page and Kevin Mosley, and prosecutors agreed on ten-to-12 years jail time as appropriate for both counts in the plea. The sentence includes a mandatory year for unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

According to court documents, witnesses described Turner’s provoking an argument with Muhammad before hearing multiple gunshots. Turner was seen driving away from the scene.

At sentencing, Judge Raffinan still has the discretion to impose the maximum of 30-years for voluntary manslaughter and ten-years for the unlawful possession charge.

Sentencing is set for Sept. 8.

Defendant Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ in 2022 Homicide

On June 23, a defendant in a homicide case was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Riley Benjamin, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the murder of 31-year-old Maurice McRae on Feb. 19, 2022, on the 3000 block of Bladensburg Road, NE. McRae died from his injuries on April 27, 2022.

Benjamin’s defense attorney, Prescott Loveland, notified the court Benjamin was pleading not guilty to all counts. The defense renewed its motion to dismiss based on the “lack of a timely indictment,” which was denied by Judge O’Keefe.

The prosecution said plea negotiations for this case are ongoing.

Parties are expected to return for a status hearing on July 13.

Defendant Pleads Guilty but Sentencing Postponed

On June 23, sentencing for a defendant was rescheduled to allow the defense more time to review the case and prepare for sentencing, that despite an existing guilty plea.

Donyell Miller, 24, pleaded guilty on March 23 to one count of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on Sept. 16, 2021 on the 2100 block of Benning Road, NE. During the incident, Miller fired a gun, injuring one individual.

Defense attorneys asked for a continuance, and as a part of their review, they plan on having Miller evaluated by a mental health expert, but one has not been chosen yet.

The defense hopes to schedule an evaluation within the next month, but prosecutors believe it is unnecessary since Miller is facing significant jail time and has already pleaded guilty.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun granted the request to reschedule the sentencing, because he is not confident the expert evaluation will be done before the assigned date.

Judge Okun has denied further continuances requested by the defense.

Sentencing has been rescheduled to Aug. 25.

Judge Orders Additional Seven-Years Jail Time for Fatal Cellmate Beating

On June 23, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced Marcel Jackson, 36, to seven-years confinement and five-years supervised release for his involvement in a DC Jail killing.

Jackson was originally charged with second-degree murder for allegedly killing his DC Jail cellmate, 37-year-old Sean Lee on May 15, 2022, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. On March 30, he pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter in Lee’s killing. Lee was assumed to have overdosed prior to autopsy reports detailing lacerations on his neck and blunt force trauma causing severe bleeding and death.

At the time of the incident, Jackson was already serving a 10-and-a-half year term for another voluntary manslaughter incident that occurred on May 8, 2022. The new charges will be added onto to Jackson’s existing jail time.

The prosecutor read a letter addressed to the court from Lee’s mother, describing the intense pain and sorrow in her life since her son’s death. She explained her frustration towards the corrections department for its lack of protection.

Lee’s mother lamented “a loss of trust and faith in the judicial system” regarding her son’s being placed with an individual she described as mentally sick and previously violent.

She also claimed that not only did Jackson take Lee’s life, but the killing led Lee’s father to his demise shortly afterwards from what she claims was heartbreak.

After hearing the defense and prosecution’s memorandums, Judge Raffinan spoke directly to Jackson saying “Understand and learn from your mistakes in the past, so in the future this type of conduct does not occur.”

Judge Raffinan took into consideration Jackson’s lengthy history of criminal activity, mental illness, and substance abuse in determining the sentence.

Jackson will serve this sentence at either a federal medical center or a high-security U.S. penitentiary to have access to better behavioral health services following the completion of the additional felony charge.

Defendant Facing 12-count Indictment Pleads Not Guilty

On June 23, a non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to 12-charges.

Damar Whitley, 46, also known as Delmar Whitley, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, possessing a firearm during crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed against a minor, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a destructive device, unlawful poss ammunition for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE on August 31, 2022.

The incident left one victim suffering from gunshot wounds.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges, and asserted his right to a speedy trial, in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Parties are expected back Sept. 11.

Defendant Pleads Guilty in 2022 Shooting Case

On June 23, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt accepted a defendant’s guilty plea in a 2022 shooting case.

Aaron Williams, 23, was indicted on 16 counts, including assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Williams allegedly shot two individuals in a March 24, 2022, incident.

Williams pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years.

As part of the plea deal, the prosecution agreed to cap its total allocution request at five years and ask for both sentences to be carried out concurrently.

Williams will be required to register as a gun offender up until two years after the expiration of his supervised release.

Parties are expected to return for sentencing on Aug. 15, where the prosecution will present victim impact statements.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Sentenced to Five-Years

On June 23, D.C. Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to 60- months imprisonment with three-years supervised release.

On April 25, Delonte Holloman, 35, pled guilty to assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 3400 block of Croffut Place, SE, on January 5 during which a man was shot in the abdomen.

During the sentencing, prosecutors argued that the defendant’s history of criminal convictions, persistent substance abuse and mental health issues should be taken into consideration. They highlighted his many encounters with police and said he remains a danger to the community.

Peter Odom, Holloman’s defense attorney, requested a lesser sentence due to Holloman’s obligations to care for his five children, and family. Odom also worried about Holloman’s eligibility for child support programs.

Judge Demeo weighed both parties’ concerns and levied 60 months incarceration for assault with intent to kill and 15 months added for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence that will be served concurrently.

In addition, the defendant will be required to serve three- years of supervised release as well as register as a gun offender and take part in mental health programs, substance abuse assessments and anger management treatment.

Murder Defendant Wants Guilty Plea Withdrawn

On June 23, in what was supposed to be a sentencing hearing, a murder defendant attempted to withdraw his guilty plea.

Mohamed Goodwin, 35, originally pled guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the death of Devonte Wilson. Wilson, 25, was shot and killed inside a car on the 700 block of Morton Street, NW on Dec. 4, 2020.

At his sentencing, Goodwin claimed that he never intended to shoot Wilson but rather was trying to defend himself against another passenger in the vehicle.

Rather than decide immediately as requested by defense attorney Lee Smith, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, set another hearing on the request.

Parties are expected to return for a ruling on July 17.

Document: Vehicle Sought in an Assault with Intent to Kill (Gun) Offense: 22nd Street and Minnesota Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a vehicle that was allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on June 18 at the intersection of 22nd Street and Minnesota Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers located an adult male victim and a juvenile male victim suffering from life-threatening injuries at the scene and transported them to local hospitals.

Document: Arrest Made in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 700 Block of 20th Street, Northeast

On June 22, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 23-year-old Kevon Robinson with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun), carrying a pistol without a license, possession of unregistered ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 25, on the 700 block of 20th Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the listed location and located an adult male suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. He received aid at a local hospital.

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