The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 18 on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE.
According to MPD documents, officers located a juvenile male and an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to local hospitals, where they succumbed to their injuries.
The decedents have been identified as 18-year-old Kevin Mason and 15-year-old Demarcos Pinkney.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance with the investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 17, on the 2600 block of Sheridan Road, SE.
According to MPD documents, officers arrived at the location and located a juvenile male with no signs consistent with life, suffering from gunshot wounds.
The decedent was identified as 14-year-old Stephon Shreeves.
On June 16, the defendant in a 2021 murder case waived his right to have evidence independently tested for DNA.
Mussye Rezene, 30, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the 2021 death of Brayan Villataro.
Villataro, 17, was shot and killed on the 1300 block of Nicholson Street, NW.
Prosecuting attorneys claimed DNA results of shell casings found at the scene of the crime were inconclusive. They also stated they had many other pieces of physical evidence, none of which they were planning to test for DNA.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun questioned Rezene to ensure he was making an informed and voluntary decision.
Parties are expected to return on Nov. 7.
On June 16, closing arguments from both parties were delivered in a lengthy mental observation hearing for 57-year-old defendant Joseph Evans.
Evans is charged with kidnapping while armed, first degree sexual abuse while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Sept. 23, 2012 on the unit block of K Street, NE. According to court documents, a gun was fired during the incident.
The defense finished their cross-examination of a psychologist from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), which performed evaluations measuring Evans’ mental competency.
In this hearing, the witness revealed that Evans has been more cooperative and rationally understands the charges he’s facing.
Prosecutors questioned the witness once more, asking her how she determines one’s rational understanding without access to certain evidence. She said she uses hypothetical scenarios, existing evidence available to her, court documents, among other methods.
Evans had insisted that DNA results were fabricated during an evaluation performed by the witness, saying that “They can just swab your mouth with a Q-tip and say you’ve done it.” The witness said that Evans wants to get additional testing to ensure accuracy.
Although he interrupted during the hearing, the witness said that does not change her opinion that he is competent.
“It’s not a reflection of a mental illness,” the witness said, regarding his outbursts in court.
In the defense’s closing, they argued Evans should be found incompetent, because he’s inconsistent in decision making, has difficulties dealing with other’s reactions and has unstable goals. He has poor judgment, poor insight, and delusions, which are all signs of schizo-affective disorder, a mental illness consisting of schizophrenia and mood disorder symptoms, the defense asserted.
The prosecution, on the other hand, argued that Evans is able to make decisions for himself. They also pointed out that delusions did not arise in evaluations with the witness and that his views are not a reflection of psychosis.
“Lack of insight does not necessarily equate to incompetency,” said prosecutors.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt said she needed more time to make a ruling, and the court will bring in their own expert before the judge can make a decision on this matter.
Judge Brandt says it is time for “someone who is only answerable to the court in this equation.”
Parties are expected back in court on June 23.
On June 16, a defendant in a homicide case was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.
Charles Haythe, 32, is charged with second-degree murder, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and possession of a prohibited weapon for allegedly stabbing and killing 26-year-old Aaron Langford on Oct. 25, 2021, on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE.
Haythe pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The defense is awaiting DNA testing results from the prosecution that are anticipated to arrive in September.
Parties are expected to return on Oct. 13 for a status hearing.
On June 16, a defendant in a homicide case was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.
Ranje Reynolds, 25, is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting and killing 27-year-old Tarek Boothe on Jan. 31, 2022, on the 3200 block of M Street, NW.
Reynolds’ defense attorney, Cheryl Stein, alerted the court Reynolds was pleading not guilty to both counts and asserted his right to a speedy trial.
The prosecution said they intend to send out items for DNA testing.
Parties are expected to return on Nov. 3 for a status hearing.
On June 16, a defendant in a homicide case waived his right to independently test DNA evidence.
Trevon Devore, 22, was indicted on one count of first-degree murder while armed and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Devore allegedly shot and killed 27-year-old Daqual Covington on May 17, 2021, on the unit block of O Street, SW.
DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe informed Devore of his right to independently test DNA evidence or test items the prosecution does not.
Both parties said they do not intend to test any of the evidence taken from the scene, including ballistics reports and clothing.
Parties are expected to return on May 10, 2024, for a trial readiness hearing.
On June 16, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun rejected a defense attorney’s motion to dismiss his client’s case.
Juvan Alston, 21, is charged with first-degree murder alongside his 19-year-old brother Davon Alston for their alleged involvement in the 2022 death of Dennis Simms. Simms, 17, was shot and killed on the 800 block of Yuma Street, SE on July 1, 2022.
In the hours leading up to the hearing, prosecutors received notice of a video depicting Fairfax County Police Department officials questioning Juvan following his arrest in October 2022, in which potentially incriminating statements were made.
The prosecution claimed the preliminary hearing could not proceed until all parties were given the opportunity to review the new evidence. Juvan’s defense attorney, Stephen Logerfo, filed a motion to dismiss the case against his client when this new evidence came to light.
Logerfo claimed that rescheduling the preliminary hearing would place it too close to his client’s indictment deadline. However, Judge Okun declined the motion.
Both Juvan and Davon are awaiting indictment. Prosecuting attorneys extended a pre-indictment plea deal to the defendants, which will be considered in the following weeks.
Parties are set to return for the rescheduled preliminary hearing on July 21.
On June 15, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced James Young on one count of attempted robbery and one count of carrying a pistol without a license.
Young, 54, was originally charged with one count of carrying a pistol outside a home or business, one count of robbery while armed, one count second-degree burglary while armed, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 30, 2022 on the 1200 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW.
Despite defense attorney Joseph Fay’s efforts to focus on rehabilitation, Judge Ryan felt some punishment was necessary.
Prosecuting attorneys stressed the terror induced by the crime, and recommended a maximum sentence for both deterrence and punishment purposes.
As evidence prosecutors read a victim impact statement in which a witness from a nearby jewelry store described the incident as “terrifying” saying, “I hope this man receives just punishment and necessary mental care.”
Young was sentenced to 24 months confinement with 10 months suspended and time served credited. He will serve an additional four-and-half months in the DC Jail before returning home to Kentucky for probation and mental health treatments.
Young will also be required to register as a gun offender. A stay away order for the 1200 block of Wisconsin Ave, NW will be implemented.
After the sentencing, Judge Michael Ryan told Young, “You have a responsibility to stay mentally healthy.”
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a fatal shooting that occurred on June 15 on the 200 block of K Street, SW.
According to MPD documents, officers located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds.
The decedent was identified as 18-year-old Khalliqo Ford.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating suspects and a vehicle connected to a homicide that occurred on June 15 on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE.
According to MPD documents, officers responded to the report of shooting victims at the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, where they located a pregnant woman and an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds in a vehicle. At a local hospital, the woman gave birth, and succumbed to her injuries. The baby is in critical condition, and the man is suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.
The decedent was identified as 22-year-old Samya Gill.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating suspects and a vehicle connected to a homicide that occurred on June 15 on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE.
According to MPD documents, officers responded to the report of shooting victims at the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, where they located a pregnant woman and an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds in a vehicle. At a local hospital, the woman gave birth, and succumbed to her injuries. The baby is in critical condition, and the man is suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.
The decedent was identified as 22-year-old Samya Gill.
On June 15, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan heard two co-defendants in a 2022 case plead guilty to aggravated assault and possession of a firearm.
Jinmar Fuentes, 22, and Martel Howard, 23, allegedly assaulted two brothers on July 31, 2022 on the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW in a robbery attempt.
According to court documents, Fuentes approached one of the brothers with a loaded firearm. The second brother saw the threat and pulled his own firearm in an attempt to help his brother. Howard followed from behind, and both Fuentes and Howard allegedly shot at the second brother who was seriously injured by gunfire..
He was transported to George Washington University Hospital for his wounds and received multiple blood transfusions.
The defendants agreed to plead guilty to one count of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Defense Attorney Terrence Austin asked if his client, Martel Howard, could have a later sentencing hearing date so he could finish his GED.
Judge Raffinan set separate sentencing dates for the defendants whose crimes could keep the pair behind bars for fifteen years or longer.
Jinmar Fuentes is expected back in court Oct. 13.
Martel Howard is expected back in court March 8, 2024.
On June 15, prosecutors moved to dismiss Tavon Shaw’s non-fatal shooting case due to a plea agreement in another incident.
Shaw, 25, was charged with one count of carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 23 on the 1400 block of Smith Place, SE.
According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the incident and surveillance footage shows four suspects, including the defendant, shooting at a moving vehicle. No one was apparently injured except the defendant who was wounded six times.
In the felony status conference before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld referring to the separate case, Shaw entered a guilty plea to carrying a pistol without a license and will be required to register as a gun offender on release.
Due to the nature of the plea deal, all charges coinciding with the events of March 23 were dismissed.
On June 15, defense attorneys began presenting their case in a murder dating to 2010.
Isaac Moye, 45, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged 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.
While her body was never recovered, an investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) led to Moye’s becoming the primary suspect in her alleged murder.
Prosecutors concluded their case by questioning a forensic analyst about test results from samples recovered at Harris’s apartment. The analyst said that semen recovered from a couch cushion at Harris’s home was a likely match for Moye’s DNA.
Moye previously denied having sexual relations with Harris in her apartment in initial interviews with detectives.
Defense attorney Jason Tulley questioned the analyst about why prosecutors never requested testing for hair samples located around the home and questioned why the samples collected were never run through a database to look for other potential matches.
After concluding with DNA evidence, the defense introduced a former MPD K-9 handler to discuss his involvement in the search for Harris.
During the officer’s search, his dog responded to a scent that led to a jacket in the woods presumed to belong to Harris. The witness was questioned why he did not file a search report which is required. The witness was unable to provide any explanation.
An investigator for the DC Public Defender Service (PDS) testified about her role in checking the route Moye allegedly took away from Harris’s home the night she disappeared.
During her testimony, she was presented with footage recorded of the path. The defense questioned her about numerous buildings on the path that could have had security cameras and potential witnesses.
Prosecutors cross-examined the investigator discussing how Moye’s path avoided a police station and was normally a quiet area.
The trial is slated to resume before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 16.
