Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Second-Degree Murder and Robbery While Armed

On Sept. 21, a homicide defendant was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to two charges before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Duron Hudson, 23, is charged with one count of second-degree murder while armed and one count of robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the murder of Nahzil Zaid Abdul Rahim on Nov. 29, 2019 on the 1200 block of U Street, NW.

Hudson’s defense attorney, Mani Golzari, asserted the defendant’s right to a speedy trial.

A detention hearing is scheduled for Oct. 13.

Another Defendant’s DNA Found on Murder Weapon

On Sept. 21, defense attorneys for Ravel Mills stated that another homicide defendant’s DNA was found on the firearm used in a 2020 murder. Prosecutors also stated that Mills’ DNA was not recovered from the murder weapon.

Mills, 29 is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Toussaunt Strong. The incident took place on the 3400 block of 24th Street, SE, on April 18, 2020.

The lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective was questioned about three other shootings that the gun was linked to. One of the shootings, a destruction of property on April 26, 2020, occurred before Mills was arrested. According to cell phone location data, Mills was in the area in close proximity to the time of the shooting.

The other two shootings the gun is linked to occurred after Mills was arrested.

The detective previously stated in court in 2021 that there was nothing connecting Mills to any of the shootings. The defense noted this inconsistency in her testimony.

A MPD officer was also questioned in regards to his involvement in the investigation.

Defense Attorney Kevin Mosley asked him about an alleged vial of PCP found in the area where Strong’s body was found. The officer is seen on camera speculating whether the altercation was over the vial. There is no evidence that the vial contained PCP.

The defense’s case relies on the claim that Strong was high on PCP and was murdered by a PCP dealer.

The officer also mentioned that vials of PCP are usually in the hands of dealers, not users.

Parties are expected to reconvene Sept. 25.

Document: Man Arrested in Homicide

On Sept. 20, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 28-year-old Erin Sheffey with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on Aug. 15, 2021, on the 2000 block of 16th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located 32-year-old Kiwyon Maddox suffering from gunshot wounds. After all lifesaving efforts were made, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers also located two other adult male victims suffering from gunshot injuries. They were transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Document: Man Dead, Another Injured in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that left one man dead and another injured on Sept. 20 on the 5200 block of Foote Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the report of a shooting at the location, where they located two men suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. After all lifesaving efforts were made, one of the individuals was pronounced dead. The other man was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The decedent was identified as 64-year-old Dwain Francis Day.

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

Document: Man Arrested in Shooting That Injured an Adult Male

On Sept. 20, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 31-year-old Manaen Hines with assault with a dangerous weapon – gun, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left an individual injured. The incident occurred on Aug. 18 on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, the victim approached officers stating he had been shot at the location, and that the suspect had fled on foot. The victim was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Homicide Defendant’s Motion to Remove GPS Tracker Denied

On Sept. 21, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a homicide defendant’s request to remove his GPS tracker.

Julian Ruffin, 31, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 38-year-old Alphonso Lee. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Butler Street, SE, on Oct. 7, 2022.

Ruffin is currently on release under GPS tracking. The defense requested to remove the tracker, claiming it was an “undue burden” on Ruffin. The attorney cited Ruffin’s lack of criminal history before the incident and his having been in perfect compliance with release conditions.

“Inconvenience is not a reason to change conditions,” the prosecution said.

Judge Raffinan declared that because of the nature of the alleged crime, Ruffin would be kept under the same conditions. However, she suggested that if the defense were to submit a written motion, she would revisit his conditions.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 24.

Relevance of Evidence Consumes Last Day of Arguments in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

During closing arguments on Sept. 20, counsel debated the relevance of evidence in a non-fatal shooting case.

Dominic Copeland, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He was allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on the unit block of N Street, NW.

Artie Byrd, 31, Copeland’s co-defendant, is charged with accessory for his involvement in helping Copeland leave the scene of the crime.

Before counsel concluded their cases, a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about the surveillance footage he could gather from a Wendy’s restaurant on New York Avenue, where the victim and Copeland allegedly met before engaging in an exchange of narcotics on April 26, 2019, the day of the shooting.

When the detective went to the Wendy’s restaurant, he said he tried to obtain camera footage from a manager to get an understanding of what happened between the individuals before the shooting.

He said the manager told him that he didn’t have the password to the security system. To get the password, the detective was told he would have to get a technician to get access to the surveillance system.

The detective also testified regarding DNA evidence he gathered from a white Toyota Camry, one of the vehicles involved in the incident.

Michael Madden, Copeland’s defense attorney, questioned the detective on what was gathered regarding DNA evidence from the shooting.

The prosecution objected to Madden’s question of what the results of the DNA analysis were. When Madden rephrased his question, the detective said he received a report about the DNA analysis and that the prosecutors allegedly had access to the report.

Having had the report, the detective said he doesn’t recall what the findings of the DNA tests were.

During the closing arguments, the prosecution summarized the testimonial and video evidence and concluded that the jury should find Copeland and Byrd guilty of all charges.

However, the defense, during their closing statement, urged the jury to consider a verdict of not guilty for Copeland and Byrd as a result of weak testimonial evidence and misidentification with regard to Byrd.

Jury deliberations are slated to being on Sept. 21.

Document: Woman Dead After Being Struck by Vehicle in Northeast, DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that killed a woman on the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Sheriff Road, NE, on Sept. 20.

According to MPD documents, a 2001 GMC Yukon was traveling northwest through the intersection and crossed the intersection with the green light. As the vehicle crossed the intersection, it struck the woman, whom passed away at the scene. The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Document: Man Arrested in Shooting That Injured One

On Sept. 20, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 50-year-old Andrew Black with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 9 on the 4600 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, Black approached the victim at the location and shot him as he was getting into a car. Black fled the scene, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for their treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Judge Calls Defendants Actions ‘Reckless,’ ‘Irresponsible,’ and ‘Dangerous’

On Sept. 19, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a homicide defendant to 24 years in prison and three years of supervised release after the jury found the defendant guilty on multiple charges on March 22.

Shaka Haltiwanger, 24, was charged and convicted of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device while armed.

According to the police report on Sept. 10, 2021, police responded to the 1400 block of 29th Street, SE where they found 39-year-old Anthony Kelly suffering from a single gunshot wound. Haltiwanger was found guilty by a jury of his peers.

During the sentencing the prosecution asked for, “24 years for the senseless murder of Mr. Kelly”. While defense attorney, Howard McEachern, asked for Haltiwanger to be sentenced under the Youth Act, saying, “whatever time he gets today will be a substantial amount of time” and “he is only 24 years old”.

The prosecution also read one victim impact statement and the court heard another four victim impact statements from Kelly’s family and friends.

Kelly’s family expressed that he had been a caring father, son, family member, and friend and that they wanted the maximum time for Haltiwanger to serve.

McEachern explained how Haltiwanger had grown up in unstable living conditions with “rampant drug use” and that he is “someone who has been a loving brother, a loving uncle, and a mentor”. Haltiwanger also gave a statement in which he said, “a lesson has been gained from this tragedy” and “I am committed to making amends”.

“At the end of the day no one wins,” Judge Brandt said. Haltiwanger “made a choice to pull the trigger” and that “robbed four little babies of their daddy.”

Judge Brandt also described Haltiwanger’s decision to leave the firearm at the location for anyone to find as, “reckless, irresponsible, and dangerous”.

Judge Brandt sentenced Haltiwanger to 24 years for second-degree murder while armed, 60 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed, 24 months for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and 12 months for possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. All sentences would be served concurrently.

Haltiwanger is also required to serve three years of supervised release, register as a gun offender, pay a $400 fine, and receive transitional housing upon release.

Defendant’s Probation Revoked and sentenced to 8 months for non-fatal shooting

On Sept. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Christian revoked a non-fatal shooting defendant’s probation and ordered he be sentenced to eight months confinement and three years supervised release.

On Aug. 19, 2019, Richard Johnson, 33, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 23, 2019, on the 1300 block of 7th Street, NW.

On Oct. 28, 2019, Johnson was sentenced to 38 months confinement with three years supervised release for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, and 12 months confinement with three years supervised release for carrying a pistol without a license. Both sentences were to be served concurrently.

While on probation, Johnson was rearrested regarding a separate non-fatal shooting that occurred during his probation, to which he has now pleaded guilty. Johnson was sentenced to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release for this offense.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Steven Polin, conveyed to the court that Johnson hopes to mitigate any further time incarcerated with his acceptance of responsibility for both cases.

When Judge Christian asked the defendant what happened to him that resulted in these acts, Johnson responded by stating he “does not know what happened.”

Judge Christian said that Johnson has already served his time for the charge on carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, but further concluded that in addition to the eight-month sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon, Johnson must pay each victim $100 from prison pay if he has not already done so.

Lack of Key Witness Testimony Leads to Judge Granting Motion to Continue Homicide Trial

During a motion hearing on Sept. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted the prosecution’s motion to delay the trial against homicide defendant, Hahqwon Beale.

Beale, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and armed carjacking for allegedly shooting 43-year-old George Johnson Jr. on May 7, 2018, on the 800 block of Oglethorpe Street, NE.

Later that night, Beale allegedly stole a car and $300-$400 from a pizza delivery driver on the 400 block of Farragut Street, NW.

Due to lack of testimony from a key witness, the trial was delayed. A new trial date was set for Feb. 7, 2024.

Parties are expected to reconvene Jan. 26.

Judge Continues to Deny Motion to Declare Non-Fatal Shooting A Mistrial

At a Sept. 19 jury trial, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan continued to deny a request by co-defendants to declare a non-fatal shooting case a mistrial because of statements made by a material witness at a Sept. 18 hearing.

Dominic Copeland, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on April 26, 2019, on the unit block of N Street, NW. The incident left an individual experiencing non-life-threatening injuries.

Artie Byrd, 31, is charged with accessory after the fact for his alleged involvement in assisting Copeland to leave the crime scene.

Before the victim’s testimony resumed on Sept 19, Copeland’s defense attorney, Michael Madden asked Judge Raffinan if she would grant the motion for a mistrial because the statements made in the victim’s testimony were in a “nonresponsive manner.”

At a Sept. 18 jury trial, after Madden was done questioning the victim, the victim muttered under his breath and said something to the effect of “That’s why he took the plea, mainly because…”

It wasn’t clear what the victim meant by this statement, Judge Raffinan cut him off halfway through the statement because Madden had already finished his cross-examination of the witness.

At a felony status conference in January, Copeland was arraigned and pleaded guilty to his charges, but it was not made clear which charges he plead guilty to. Byrd has not accepted any plea offers regarding the incident

In making the partial statement about a plea, the victim didn’t provide any background for the court as to whether he was referring to Copeland or Byrd. Madden also did not ask the victim a question about Copeland or Byrd’s plea deals.

The prosecution argued declaring a mistrial should only be used in extreme situations. Judge Raffinan denied the defense’s request, stating “a mistrial is not warranted.”

After Judge Raffinan’s ruling, the same victim from the previous day came in to finish his testimony regarding what happened on April 26.

The victim testified that when he met Copeland for the drug exchange on April 26, 2019, the victim got out of a white Camry after not receiving the narcotics and was soon shot by Copeland.

Parties are expected back on Sept. 20 to hear testimony from other witnesses.

Counsel Inquires About Defendant’s Actions Leading Up To and After Fatal Shooting

On Sept. 20, a homicide defendant claimed his innocence during a trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Ravel Mills, 29 is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Toussaunt Strong. The incident took place on the 3400 block of 24th Street, SE, on April 18, 2020.

The defense started the day by requesting an acquittal due to the lack of evidence provided by the prosecution. However, the prosecution said there was plenty of evidence, citing extensive footage of Mills chasing Strong before he allegedly murdered him. Judge O’Keefe denied the motion.

During his testimony, Mills sad he was not carrying a gun on the day of the incident, and he did not shoot Strong.

In cross examination the prosecution asked Mills about movements he made during the chase, which was captured on surveillance footage.

The prosecutor referenced when, in the footage, Mills is captured “putting [his] hand in [his] pocket.” The prosecutor said “in this way is consistent with reaching for a gun.”

Mills said it could be seen that way, but that he was not carrying a gun.

The defense introduced videos from Mills’ Instagram account as evidence. Mills had multiple videos posted in which he messed with people who he claims were inebriated. Mills said he was chasing Strong simply because he was high and acting funny.

Mills was questioned by both parties about the video where he appears to hold up a black object and point it at Strong at the beginning of their interaction.

Mills said he held up a scale used for marijuana sales and said, “freeze you’re under arrest,” to the noticeably inebriated Strong as a joke. Strong then ran from him and the chase began.

Prosecutors introduced several of Mills’ text messages as evidence of guilt. According to the prosecutors, he texted a worker at the Shipley Market, a nearby store, asking about police presence on the street the day after the murder. The worker told Mills that there had been a murder the day prior.

Millspreviously said his YouTube searches after the murder about an incident on the block were to see whether or not Strong had died.

The trial is scheduled to resume Sept. 20.

Document: Man Arrested in Homicide of Missing Person

On Sept. 19, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 27-year-old Lewis Jones with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder and second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a homicide of a missing person who was last seen on Aug. 4 on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, on Aug. 8, 42-year-old Anthony Jordan was reported missing. During the investigation, detectives located evidence that Jordan was the victim of a fatal stabbing.

The case remains under investigation.

Search