Homicide Defendant’s Motion for Bond Review Denied

On Sept. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe heard arguments from parties regarding George Edwards’ motion for bond review as he awaits to be re-tried for a 2015 homicide.

Edwards, 34, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Reginald Perry on Nov. 7, 2015, on the 1700 block of 8th Street, NW.

On Sept. 8, 2016, Edwards accepted a plea deal that lessened his murder charge to the second-degree while armed and dismissed all other charges. On Nov. 16, 2017, he was sentenced to 24 years incarceration and five years supervised release.

Since then, Edwards has filed multiple motions to either withdraw his guilty plea or reduce his sentence.

On Sept. 15, Edwards’ defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, argued that Edwards posed no flight risk and his “excellent disciplinary record” while incarcerated should compel the judge to grant the review motion. He also cited strong community support, including the fact that Edwards has a standing job offer from his prior employer.

Prosecution refuted by stating that Edwards fired the first shot and that, as evident by the position of the bullets, Perry had not even been facing Edwards at the time of the shooting.

Judge O’Keefe stated that he was “torn” in his decision, but eventually sided with the prosecution and denied the motion.

Edwards will continue to appeal his sentence. A jury trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 15.

Plea Offer Rejected in Homicide Case

On Sept. 15, one of three homicide defendants, Tyler Stringfield, rejected a wired plea agreement prosecutors offered in a homicide case.

Stringfield, 25, Raymond Avent, 23, and Keith Baham, 24, who was not present at the status hearing, are all charged with first-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the killing of 23-year-old Rafiq Hawkins on March 23, 2019, on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE. They are currently held at the DC jail.

Avent was planning on signing a plea offer extended by prosecutors, however, since Stringfield would not sign it, the plea was rejected altogether.

According to Stringfield’s attorney, he accepts responsibility for his actions but does not agree with some parts of the plea agreement that he feels could negatively impact Baham. Baham has rejected any plea offers.

The defense was surprised by Stringfield’s refusal and, therefore set dates to proceed with the case.

There is a motion hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun scheduled for Nov. 17.

Homicide Defendant’s Motion for Dismissal Denied

On Sept. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe denied a motion that charges against Terrell Poe be dismissed over a jurisdiction question.

Poe, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for allegedly firing 11 shots, killing 33-year-old Christopher Washington. The incident occurred on the 400 block of Southern Avenue, SE, on Sept. 23, 2020.

Poe’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, filed a motion requesting a change of jurisdiction. She argued that Maryland courts, not DC courts, should be hearing the case. According to King, the incident happened in Maryland.

Judge Michael O’Keefe denied the motion and agreed with prosecution that the case falls under the DC Superior Court’s jurisdiction. The jury trial is set to begin Jan. 8, 2024.

Defendant Sentenced to 35 Years in 2010 Disappearance and Homicide Case

On Sept. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced Isaac Moye to 35 years incarceration, with credit for time served, for his connection to a homicide.

Moye, 46, was found guilty on June 23 of second-degree murder in 24-year-old Unique Harris’ death for a crime that allegedly occurred on Oct. 10, 2010. Harris was last seen near the 2400 block of Hartford Street, SE.

“This was a terrible crime,” said Judge Epstein, stating that, because Harris’ body was never discovered, no one truly knows how much she suffered in her last moments.

Moye was arrested in 2020, ten years after Harris was reported missing. Court documents state Harris’s children awoke to find their mother wasn’t there, something extremely out of character. There has been no physical or digital footprint of Harris since she went missing, and her body was never recovered.

During the sentencing, Harris’ mother talked about the impact on her family from the loss, stating that all her loved ones are still grieving 13 years later.

“You deviant, how dare you take my baby girl,” she exclaimed, referring to Moye. She pleaded with Judge Epstein to sentence Moye to the maximum extent possible, saying, “please don’t force another family to hunt him down for a decade like we did”.

Likewise, Harris’ sister recalled how for a decade, no one was held accountable for their loss. She said Harris’ kids live with guilt for not helping her when Moye was in her apartment the night of her disappearance.

“Let’s stop giving grace to a living disgrace,” she said. “Make sure Unique Harris is the last person he does this too.”

Prosecutors thanked Harris’ family for their hard work and efforts in the investigation, stating that without them the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the prosecutor’s office would not have been able to solve the case.

They also discussed Moye’s lengthy criminal history, stating that he was convicted of rape and attempted rape with underaged victims in 1994 and 1995. According to prosecutors, in 1999, he attempted to rape his then-girlfriend’s best friend and when he failed, stole her vehicle.

In August 2010, they said, he was released from prison, which didn’t stop him from killing Harris two months later. Prosecutors insist his involvement in criminal activity did not stop in the ten years it took to press charges against him for Harris’ disappearance.

“In this case, the maximum is the minimum,” argued the prosecutor when requesting Moye be sentenced to 40 years.

Jason Tulley, Moye’s defense attorney, told the court that the whole defense team extended their condolences to the Harris family, and acknowledged their “heroic actions” in trying to resolve the case.

“He’s innocent,” Tulley said, noting that Moye can’t tell anyone where Harris’ body is because he doesn’t know.

“The system has convicted an innocent man of murder,” he stated, “we’ll see what happens in appeal”.

Tulley claimed that MPD attempted to elicit a confession from Moye by showing him a picture of his deceased mother, who allegedly abused him as a child.

Tulley requested Judge Epstein sentence Moye to no more than 20 years incarceration.

Moye chose to remain silent during his sentencing.

““[Moye] has proven himself to be dangerous,” Judge Epstein stated, “20 years is not sufficient.”

Aside from the 35 years incarceration, Moye is required to serve a five-year supervised release , must pay $100 to the victims’ crime fund, and receive mental health assessment and treatment while incarcerated.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 102 Months for Killing Cousin

On Sept. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced defendant Lewkus Turner to 102 months of incarceration followed by five years of supervised release.

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

The prosecution asked for a maximum sentence, detailing a crime they believed required final and “serious resolution.” They told the court they did not feel the lower end of the sentencing guidelines was appropriate in this case.

A letter written by the maternal aunt of both the victim and defendant described the “heart-stabbing and numbing” experience of learning about Turner’s actions. The letter underscored how killing a cousin “in cold blood” who had been by Turner’s side “since day one” hurt her “to her soul.”

She prayed for the court to impose a maximum sentence against her nephew, saying a dark soul “deserves nothing less.”

Then, in court, the aunt said she “forgive[s] Lewkus,” but the incident “tore [their] family apart.” In light of the impact of Turner’s actions, she asked for a maximum sentence: “a life for a life.”

Another letter from the grandmother of both the victim and defendant highlighted the betrayal and agony that “cut [her] to the core.” She wrote about the unimaginable pain and disbelief her grandson must have felt in his final moments. Her letter declared that justice had not been served, and achieving justice may be impossible.

Gyamfi’s sister then made an impactful statement before the court, emphasizing how there was no “win-win situation.” She wished Turner had expressed “a little bit of remorse,” which she claimed he had not done. In closing, she joined her family members in requesting a maximum sentence for her cousin.

Turner himself also addressed the court, expressing the numbness he felt after his cousin’s death. Losing someone that close “hits different,” he said. Additionally, Turner said that he “need[s] a therapist to speak to” after three years of detainment, an issue addressed by the intervention plan accompanying his sentence.

Turner’s attorney, Gemma Stevens, argued Turner “is not a violent man” and “is planning to file an appeal in this case.” She urged Judge Raffinan to consider a five-year sentence, stating that the family’s loss cannot be measured in Turner’s time.

Before imposing a sentence, Judge Raffinan first said that nothing can erase the memory of this “unfathomable death.” She said her decision takes into account Turner’s criminal history and the fact that Turner is set to receive mental health treatment while incarcerated.

Judge Raffinan sentenced Turner to 102 months incarceration followed by five years of supervised release for the first charge, voluntary manslaughter while armed. For the second charge, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, she sentenced him to 60 months followed by three years of supervised release. The third charge was unlawful possession of a firearm, for which the defendant had a prior conviction. For this charge, Judge Raffinan sentenced Turner to 12 months followed by three years of supervised release.

These sentences will run concurrently, and the defendant must pay $300—$100 for each charge—to the Victims of Violent Crime compensation fund before a March 15, 2032 deadline.

In addition, Turner will be required to remain registered as a gun offender until two years after his supervisory release period is complete.

Document: Man Arrested for Two Homicides: 1000 Block of Thomas Jefferson Street, Northwest, and 400 Block of 33rd Street, Southeast

On Sept. 14, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 29-year-old Michael Sanders with two counts of first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a 2020 and a 2021 homicide.

According to MPD documents, on July 16, 2020, officers responded to the 400 block of 33rd Street, SE for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male shooting victim inside of a building. He was transported to a local hospital, where, despite all lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. He was identified as 34-year-old Kenneth Brown.

Likewise, on Feb. 18, 2021, officers responded to the 1000 block of Thomas Jefferson Street, NW for the report of a shooting. They located an adult male shooting victim and transported him to a local hospital, where, despite all lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. The victim was identified as 30-year-old Youness Zarouaki.

Document: Additional Arrests Made in a Homicide: 1300 Block of Congress Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced additional arrests in connection to a homicide that occurred on June 14, 2020 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located two adult male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to a local hospital, where, despite all lifesaving efforts, one of them succumbed to his injuries.

The decedent was identified as 21-year-old Albert Smith.

On March 2, 2022, two adult males were charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the incident.

Additionally, on Sept. 13, 30-year-old Kharee Jackson and 31-year-old Earl Robinson were charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 35-Years saying, ‘Youth Is Not An Excuse’

During a Sept. 14 sentencing hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced Saquan Williams to a total of 35 years in prison.

On July 18, 2022, a jury convicted Williams, 22, and Quincy Garvin, 23, of conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and criminal street gang affiliation for his involvement in the murder of 24-year-old Carl Hardy on the 1200 block of I Street, SE on Sept. 10, 2017.

After the shooting, Hardy was sent to a local hospital for treatment and succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 1, 2017.

The prosecution submitted an impact statement on behalf of the Hardy family.

Carl Hardy’s mother’s death was linked to heartbreak following her son’s death. Hardy’s sister’s son was born shortly after Hardy passed away in the same hospital. He was described as being like his uncle, and “both have and had a wonderful spirit.” Hardy left behind two children, a son and a daughter.

Although it was not read aloud in court, the defense submitted a letter from a Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) employee. The defense attorney, Kevin Robertson, discussed Williams’s good work while incarcerated, citing him as an outstanding mediator at the detention facility. Williams is in pursuit of a college degree.

The defense urged Judge Okun to consider Williams’ age at the time of the crime, 16-years-old, and to “give heavy favor to [Williams’] future.”

Before announcing his decision, Judge Okun gave condolences to the Hardy family and stated, “Nothing I can do today can bring him back.”

Judge Okun sentenced Williams to 30-years in prison for first-degree murder while armed, with a consecutive sentence of 5-years for conspiracy. In addition, he received two concurrent sentences of five-years for the possession and carrying charges, which will run consecutively to the conspiracy and murder charges. Total incarceration time–35 years.

Judge Okun chose not to impose the mandatory minimum sentence; therefore, Williams can get time off for good behavior. However, he reminded the court that “Youth is not an excuse” and the seriousness of these offenses cannot be overstated.

The defense requested Judge Okun submit a recommendation for a correctional facility that has the opportunity for Williams to complete college classes. Before Williams was escorted out of the courtroom, Judge Okun encouraged him to continue his studies and remain optimistic.

Evidence at Trial Shows a Fight Before Homicide

On Sept. 14, attorneys questioned witnesses in a 2020 homicide 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 St, SE, on April, 18 2020.

The prosecution showed video footage of an altercation between Strong and Mills that allegedly took place before the shooting. Strong was seen in the video jogging up the street being followed by an individual that people identified as Mills.

One of Mills’ friends testified that he was with Mills before the argument and Mills mentioned he had a beef with a person who had dreadlocks though it wasn’t clear who the individual was.

The witness was asked by defense attorney Kevin Mosley about Mills and his habits. She stated that she had never seen Mills with a gun and that Mills was acting normal the day of the murder.

A forensic scientist was also questioned in court. The attorneys were inquiring about a jacket that matched the one Mills had on the day of the murder according to video evidence from the area.

To conclude the day, parties questioned a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who worked in gun recovery.

According to the MPD officer, he was the one who recovered the gun that Mills allegedly used to shoot Strong. However there is no DNA evidence being submitted by the prosecution in this case.

The trial will continue Sept. 18.

Opening Statements for Both Sides in a Murder Trial

On Sept. 13, attorneys for both parties delivered opening statements in a 2020 homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

According to the prosecution, “Toussaunt Strong was chased up 24th street and killed in cold blood by the defendant.”

As evidence, prosecutors showed surveillance footage of an altercation between Strong and Mills that took place before the shooting. Strong was seen in the video jogging up the street being followed by an individual that people identified as Mills.

The prosecution showed video taken before and after the murder; however there was no footage or eyewitness accounts of the actual shooting.

Defense Attorney Kevin O’Sullivan claimed the prosecution had, “tunnel vision, rushed judgment” and was “mistaking conclusions” regarding Mills’ involvement in the crime. O’Sullivan argued, “Mills is on trial for a crime someone else committed.”

He said there is no DNA or other evidence linking Mills to the gun allegedly used in the crime.

The defense claims that Mills was a victim of happenstance and witnessed Strong being murdered by a drug dealer who drove off after shooting Strong.

The defense questioned a witness who was inside his home adjacent to the scene. During the incident, the witness said that seconds after he heard gunshots, he heard tires screeching as though a car was driving swiftly away. When the witness walked out of his home he found Strong lying on the ground with no one nearby.

A Metropolitan Police Department(MPD) officer, who was the first responder, was called by the prosecution. She said she saw no one fleeing the scene, just neighbors who were checking on the body. She also said that the shell casings were spread around during the commotion that followed the shooting.

The prosecution also called Strong’s mother to the stand, who said that “He was a loving, family person,” adding, “Why was my son taken away from me?”

He is survived by his mother, siblings and two children.

The trial will resume Sept. 14.

Judge Won’t Dismiss Shooting Case After Victim Fails to Testify at Trial

At a Sept. 14 jury trial, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Rafinan denied a request by Dominic Copeland‘s defense to drop all charges against him because a witness failed to appear.

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 the unit block of N Street, NW, on April 26, 2019. The incident left one individual suffering from life-threatening injuries.

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

The victim, who was supposed to testify didn’t appear. As a result, the defense wanted the case dismissed and the prosecution wanted the trial to be pushed back to Sept. 18 to locate the victim and bring him to court.

Judge Raffinan denied the request said there was no cause to postpone the proceeding.

According to the prosecution an apparent drug deal gone wrong in the parking lot of a Wendy’s on New York Avenue, resulted in a shooting. The victim offered cash and Copeland allegedly kept the money but failed to deliver the drugs.

In an attempt to get his money back, the victim fought with Copeland who then allegedly pulled a gun. He shot at his car as the victim tried to get away swerving off the road hitting a light pole.

Byrd then allegedly pulled up in a white Toyota Camry and he and Copeland fled.

“The only verdict that the evidence demands is that of guilt for the shooting and robbing,” the prosecutor said.

The first witness, a former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, testified he found the victim motionless by his driver’s side door. However, he said no physical evidence was recovered from the vehicle. A witness, who processed the crime scene, said he saw cracked glass on the Toyota’s windshield from gunfire and noticed that one of the back windows was shattered.

Another prosecution witness said he let Byrd borrow his white Toyota Camry because Byrd needed to handle a family issue and that it was not unusual for the witness to loan out the vehicle. He was later told by police that his car was used to commit a crime.

Still, another witness to the incident, testified he saw what appeared to be a Black man in a dark shirt and dark pants getting into a white car. He followed the car while on the phone with a 911 operator.

Parties are expected back Sept. 18.

Judge Denies Motion to Drop Charges in Non-Fatal Shooting

On Sept. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a motion filed on behalf of the defendant, Dominic Copeland, to drop the case against him.

Copeland’s defense, in submitting the motion to Judge Raffinan, said there was insufficient evidence to prove he committed the crime.

Judge Raffinan rejected the motion ruling she had yet to evaluate the evidence pre-trial.

Copeland’s trial is set to begin Sept. 14.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for 2021 Stabbing

On Sep 13, a defendant accepted a plea offer in connection to a 2021 killing.

Christian Monge, 27, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing death of 31-year-old Brittanie Clark. The incident occured on Aug. 31, 2021, on the 5000 block of First Street, NW, after an altercation between Clark and Monge’s girlfriend.

The prosecution extended an offer to Monge that required him to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Parties agreed to a sentence of 13 years incarceration and 5 years of supervised release.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun went through all the procedural questions to ensure Monge understood the conditions of pleading guilty, and ensured that Monge wanted to proceed with the plea.

A sentencing hearing was set for Nov. 20.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Delivery Driver Homicides

On Sept. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause that Corde Fitzhugh was the perpetrator in a 2021 killing as well as another homicide in 2022.

Fitzhugh, 22, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the deaths of 24-year-old Muntsier Sharfi on July 8, 2021 and 26-year-old Zekariya Elmi on April 25, 2022.

According to court documents, Sharfi worked as a delivery driver for Supreme Meds, a marijuana dispensary. On July 8, 2021, Sharfi received a phone call for an order and drove to meet the customer the on the 3300 block of Erie Street, SE. After he arrived, Sharfi was shot in the head while still in his car. There was no video footage of the shooting, although one witness was in the vehicle with Sharfi.

Then on April 25, 2022, Elmi who was working for Jamaican House, also a marijuana dispensary, had a delivery order on the 1200 block of Farragut Place, NE. After he arrived, he was shot in the chest then sped away and crashed his car in traffic, ultimately succumbing to his gunshot wound.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) homicide detective, who testified about both cases, dispensary customers must submit a photo ID such as a driver’s license to complete the purchase. The detective tracked down the people whose images were used in the transactions. Neither were customers of either dispensary and did not know their photos were being used.

Investigators linked the number used to communicate with the victims to TextNow, an app that allows you to create an account and send free messages without having a phone number associated with a mobile carrier. The account that was allegedly utilized to make the purchases had the username “cordefitzhugh44.”

According to the detective, he obtained a search warrant for call records and data for the TextNow number,and the records showed Fitzhugh was the subscriber.

“I don’t think there is any dispute that there is probable cause,” said Judge Epstein, stating that the evidence is substantial.

Defense attorney Aubrey Dillon requested Fitzhugh be put on house arrest while awaiting trial. However, Judge Epstein decided there was sufficient evidence to hold Fitzhugh while awaiting trial because he represents a potential danger to the community.

A status hearing is set for Jan. 19.

Document: Second Arrest Made in a Homicide: 1400 Block of Saratoga Avenue, Northeast

On Sept. 8, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 31-year-old Jerome Dukes with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on Feb. 21 on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located three adult male victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. They were transported to local hospitals for treatment, where, despite all lifesaving efforts, one of them succumbed to his injuries.

The homicide victim was identified as 21-year-old Jayvon Jones.

On March 21, MPD also arrested and charged an adult male with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the killing.

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