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Judge Accepts Plea In Homicide Case In Spite of ‘Gut Reaction’

“Obviously this is a very serious case,” DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun said in a June 9 sentencing about a fatal shooting that occurred in 2020. 

Nathaniel Bates, 38, was charged with first-degree murder, robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Eddie Crist on May 8, 2020 on the 4000 block of South Capitol Terrace, SW. 

In March, Bates pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for his other charges to be dismissed.

The prosecution opened with impact statements from the family which included Crist’s sister, Crist’s ex-wife, and his girlfriend at the time of his murder, who spoke for herself and on behalf of Crist’s son. 

“The day my brother died, so did I,” said the victim’s sister.  “He was a free-spirited, beautiful soul… what a life to take away so senselessly,” she continued. 

“His daughter asks me, ‘What was daddy’s favorite food? What was his favorite color again?’,” said Crist’s girlfriend.

She concluded by saying, “I only knew him for three years and he truly impacted my life.” 

Both Crist’s girlfriend and ex-wife asked Judge Okun to consider their remarks in his final decision for sentencing.  In the plea deal, parties agreed on seven-years imprisonment followed by a five-year supervised release. Bates will also have to register as a gun offender. 

Prescott Loveland, defense attorney for Bates, asked that the defendant’s sentence for a 2018 case be served concurrently with this one. 

“My gut reaction is that seven years is not enough,” said Judge Okun. 

However, he accepted the plea agreement and sentenced Bates to the agreed upon seven years imprisonment. 

Judge Okun also recommended substance abuse and mental health assessments, anger management, grief counseling, and vocational training or employment for Bates. 

He closed the hearing by addressing Bates directly saying, “I really hope for your sake, your daughter’s sake, and the community’s sake you comply with the conditions of your supervised release, and I do not see you back in court. Good luck out there.”

Jury Finds Defendant Guilty of Manslaughter in Homicide Trial

On June 9, a jury hearing a 2020 homicide trial rendered its verdict. 

Lewkus Turner, 29, was charged with second-degree murder, and two counts of possession of a firearm for allegedly shooting his cousin, 26-year-old Vincent Gyamfi. The incident occurred on Dec. 11, 2020 on the 2900 block of S Street, SE.

The 12-person panel found Turner guilty of voluntary manslaughter, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of a crime.  However, the jury failed to convict on the murder charge. 

According to trial testimony, Turner made an on-line post warning about a family member with COVID which upset Gyamfi.  What followed, say prosecutors, were “three separate arguments”  while the two were stopped at an intersection. After the shooting, Turner allegedly dragged Gyamfi’s body away from his car.  

Turner’s lawyers claimed the attack was in self-defense in that Gyamfi “just kept coming” at Turner.

Earlier in the trial DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sanctioned  the prosecution for “gross negligence” in not turning over CCTV surveillance video of the incident to defense lawyers for nearly three years.  The defense said that material supported its theory that Turner’s actions were justified. 

The sentencing has been set for Aug. 25

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: 300 block of M Street, Southwest

On June 9, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 23-year-old Keith N. Williams with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Brendan Ofori on May 28, on the 300 block of M Street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers located Ofori suffering from gunshot injuries on a Metro train in the Navy Yard Metro Station. Ofori was pronounced dead at the scene.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: Unit Block of Potomac Avenue, Southeast

On June 8, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 66-year-old Reginald Jones with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 52-year-old Regina Morris on May 29, on the unit block of Potomac Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, Morris was found unresponsive inside a residence suffering from stab wounds. She died at the scene.

Document: Arrest Made in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 4600 Block of Hillside Road, Southeast

On June 7, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 27-year-old Marcellus Stewart with assault with a dangerous weapon (Gun) for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 17, on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers arrived at the crime scene and located three adult males suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Closing Arguments Delivered in Murder Trial Involving Cousins

On June 7, parties in a homicide trial delivered closing arguments following a three-week emotional proceeding before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Lewkus Turner, 29, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly shooting his cousin, 26-year-old Vincent Gyamfi. The incident occurred on Dec. 11, 2020 at the 2900 block of S Street, SE.

The prosecutor started his closing argument by playing sounds of gunshots that allegedly led to the victim’s death.  He continued with evidence of arguments between Turner and Gyamfi that took place right before Turner allegedly shot and killed him.

An audio of a 911 call made by a concerned witness was also played to show jurors how alarming the argument was between the two men.

“There’s a fight about to break out. It seems to be escalating. They blocked the street with their cars,” the caller can be heard saying.

In addition, prosecutors presented surveillance footage with Turner allegedly telling Gyamfi “I will kill you. When I come back, I’m going to kill you.”

Counter arguing defense attorney Jason Clark said it was not Turner who said “I will kill you. When I come back, I’m going to kill you,” but it was Gyamfi. 

Clark told the jury, “The question you must answer is, is it possible this incident was an act of self-defense?” 

Defense attorneys presented surveillance footage of the incident from a different angle which were intended to portray Gyamfi as the initiator of the dispute. 

In the footage, Gyamfi is shown apparently throwing himself into the Turner’s car, before the shooting occurred. 

The jury began deliberations, which are expected to continue for several days. 

Judge Grants Dismissal in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On June 8, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe granted the defense’s request to dismiss charges in an assault with intent to kill case.

Darnell Green was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 3300 block of Wheeler Road, SE, on 

According to court documents, officers arrived at the scene and located a victim on the ground, suffering from a gunshot wound to his left leg.

Judge O’Keefe granted a motion to dismiss filed by Green’s defense attorney, stating that the nine-month period during which a grand jury must take action had passed. 

“Prosecution of such charge shall be deemed to have been abandoned,” he said.  The grand jury did not gather enough evidence of guilt to support the charges.

Prosecutors had no objections to the dismissal of charges.

Judge Grants Request for Modified Confinement Of a Murder suspect

On June 8, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted a home confinement modification request for a murder defendant.

Dwayne M. Brooks, 25, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of 21-year-old Juwaan Henry. Henry was shot and killed on the 800 block of 7th Street NW on Aug. 25, 2022. 

Brooks’ case is pending indictment. 

Megan Allburn, Brooks’ defense attorney, stated in court that Brooks has been in compliance with all of his home confinement terms, and requested they be modified in order to allow him to seek employment.

Prosecuting attorneys argued against the request stating that home confinement was the best way to “keep the community safe”. 

Judge Raffinan ruled that Brooks could be permitted to leave his house during working hours, provided he demonstrated proof of employment to officials at the DC Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). 

Parties are set to return on Aug. 16.

Judge Finds Basis for Competency Evaluation of Murder Defendant Deemed ‘Unrestorable’

On June 8, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found a legal basis for ordering further competency evaluations of defendant Alisa T. Randall.

Randall, 35, has been charged with second-degree murder in the 2019 death of 59-year-old Ronald Jones, which occurred on the 1300 block of Euclid Street NW. On July 15, 2019, Randall allegedly stabbed and killed Jones following an argument.

On May 4, 2021, Randall was found incompetent to stand trial and “unrestorable” under the 1971 Supreme Court case Jackson v. Indiana.

Judge Raffinan heard arguments from the defense and prosecution on whether there was legal standing for the court to order further competency evaluations on Randall. 

In Jackson v. Indiana, the Supreme Court ruled that holding a defendant deemed incompetent for more than a “reasonable time” to see if they’re likely to become competent violates due process. 

Defense attorneys Ashley N. Prather-Guzman and Dana D. Page argued that, under this ruling, the Jackson finding made Randall permanently incompetent to stand trial. 

Prosecuting attorneys argued that there is no statutory limitation on further competency evaluations after a Jackson finding has been rendered. 

Ultimately, Judge Raffinan says the court the power to order more competency evaluations at any point during the criminal process.

Furthermore, Judge Raffinan said the statute which codifies Jackson v. Indiana into DC law does not preclude the court ordering further competency evaluations.

Judge Raffinan ordered prosecution and defense attorneys to prepare briefs on whether further competency evaluations should be ordered in Randall’s case. These briefs are to be filed by July 7.

Parties are expected to return on July 19 for a final decision on the matter.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in ‘Horrific Shooting’ In Juvenile Case

On June 8, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found “strong probable cause” that a young defendant committed assault with intent to murder. 

Antron Belk, 16, is charged as an adult with assault with intent to murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 25, on the 4400 block of Quarles Street, NE.

The incident left a man suffering from life-threatening injuries. 

According to court documents, anonymous calls were made to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of gunshots in the area and a man lying on the ground. Officers responded and found a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local area hospital for treatment. 

The lead detective was questioned by prosecutors about surveillance footage related to the crime.

In the footage, the victim is seen riding a scooter on the sidewalk when a black car pulls up and stops in the middle of the road. Two suspects are seen getting out of the car, followed by shots being fired, even after the victim fell to the ground. Two suspects then return to the car and quickly drive off, turning down a main road. 

The car was caught on a speed camera on the 1400 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE within seconds of leaving the scene of the shooting. The suspects are allegedly seen later walking through Hayes Street after discarding some of their clothes. 

A screen capture of the video was used to identify Belk as one of the alleged suspects by four different individuals. 

Christen Philips Romero, Belk’s defense attorney, questioned the lead detective about the reliability of the identifications, stating that the initial surveillance footage is too blurry and the only clear shot of the defendant cannot link him to his alleged crime. 

Belk’s mother also identified him as a suspect in a separate video shown to her by the lead detective. 

Judge Demeo found strong probable cause, concluding that MPD officers were able to track the suspect’s vehicle.

She also stated that the lack of evidence the victim had a weapon on him or tried shooting back indicated the attack was premeditated.

“This is a really horrific shooting… it’s almost a shock that this person is not deceased,” said Judge Demeo. 

Parties are expected back for a felony status hearing on Aug. 18.

Homicides and Non-Fatal Shootings Increase in May, Data Shows

D.C. Witness counted a total of 49 homicides and non-fatal shooting incidents in DC during May. 

According to D.C. Witness’ data, the District experienced 9 more homicides and the same number of non-fatal shootings in the month of May than in April. 

Of those incidents, 24 were homicides. Twenty of the homicides committed in the District were caused by shootings. 

Of the 25 non-fatal shootings, four reported no victims or injuries.

Noteworthy cases include the stabbing death of 41-year-old Fitsum Ayele Mamo on May 25 on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE. The incident was related to a dispute with 51-year-old Asmerom Ghebrekidan. Another individual was injured as he tried to intervene in the dispute. Mamo died at a hospital due to brain herniation. 

On May 30, a 15-year-old juvenile male was arrested and charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Kaijah McCoy, which occurred on May 3 on the 3700 block of Jamison Street, NE. 

Of the incidents in May, 25 occurred in Southeast DC, 16 in Northeast DC, ten in Northwest DC, and three in Southwest DC. 

Defendant Pleads Guilty In Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On June 8, Eric Cisneros, 32, accepted a plea deal offered by prosecutors. 

Cisneros was allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on April 24th on the 1300 block of 6th Street, NW. One person was injured resulting in two gunshot wounds to the right leg. 

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan was informed by the defense counsel that the defendant was accepting the offer. 

He pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. 

Judge Ryan asked the defendant if he understood the ramifications of pleading guilty. 

Cisneros waived his right to trial and appeals. The judge accepted his guilty plea..

Cisneros is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 8.

Document: Homicide: 1200 Block of 49th Street, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a fatal shooting that occurred on June 6, on the 1200 block of 49th Street, NE.

The decedent has been identified 63-year-old Georgia Gray.

Document: Homicide: 4000 Block of 3rd Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance with the investigation into a fatal-shooting that occurred on June 7, on the 4000 block of 3rd Street, SE.

The decedent was identified as 32-year-old Richard Hendrix.