Search Icon Search site

Search

In Sentencing Judge Calls Victim’s Death ‘Senseless’

During a Sept. 28 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a homicide defendant to a total of 10 years in prison. 

Wayneice Ellis, 31, was charged with second-degree murder while armed for her involvement in the stabbing of 41-year-old Talaya Wright on the 600 block of Parkland Place, SE, on Oct. 7, 2021. 

According to court documents,Wright was transported to a local hospital for treatment and succumbed to her injuries later that day. 

On March 17, Ellis accepted an offer from the prosecution that required her to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for the dismissal of the second-degree murder while armed charge.

During the sentencing, Wright’s daughter, twin sister, niece, and brother-in-law delivered impact statements describing the victim as “soft-spoken and dainty.” 

In an emotional statement to the court, Wright’s niece explained how her upcoming homecoming dance is on the anniversary of her aunt’s death. She told Judge Okun that she hoped to see Ellis “behind bars” during that date. Wright’s niece also spoke about how she does not feel anger towards Ellis, instead stating, “I feel bad for her.” 

While speaking to the court, Wright’s twin sister turned directly to Ellis and stated, “Part of my heart died when she died.” She then demanded Ellis look at her, before being cut off and instructed by the prosecution not to speak directly to the defendant. 

The defense urged Judge Okun to consider Ellis’ “use of drugs, as well as a long history of psychiatric issues” while requesting the minimum sentence. 

In a short statement, Ellis expressed remorse and apologized to her family, the family of the victim, and the Judge. “God forgive me for everything,” she stated through tears. 

Based on the “seriousness and utter senselessness” of the act, Judge Okun sentenced Ellis to 120 months for one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed and supervised release for five years. 

Before Ellis was escorted out of the courtroom, Judge Okun reminded her that she is “young enough to have many years ahead of you.” He then offered his condolences and luck to the victim’s families.

Document: Man Dead After Being Admitted to a Hospital with Traumatic Injuries

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide after a man was admitted to a local hospital for treatment of traumatic injuries. The incident occurred on Oct. 7, 2022 on the 2900 block of Glover Road, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers were notified of the victim at the local hospital on the day of the incident. On Oct. 19, 2022, 88-year-old Gordon Wilson succumbed to his injuries.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled he died from complications from traumatic injuries and ruled the death a homicide.

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

Document: Infant Death Ruled a Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating an infant death that was ruled a homicide. The incident occurred on Feb. 11 on the 4000 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious infant, where they located an unconscious and unresponsive infant. He was transported to a hospital for the treatment of life-threatening injuries.

On Feb. 18, the infant succumbed to his injuries. The Office of the Medical Examiner ruled that the infant’s death was caused by complications of blunt force trauma and the manner of death as homicide.

The infant was identified as 5-month-old Kenneth Geo Walton.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for homicides.

Document: Teen Dead After Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a 16-year-old that occurred on Sept. 26 on the 1400 block of New Jersey Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located 16-year-old Maurice Jackson suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

MPD documents state that it appears Jackson was walking near the intersection of New Jersey Avenue and P Street, NW, when he began speaking with a group of individuals. A suspect then produced a firearm and fired multiple times, striking Jackson.

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

Document: Shooting Leaves Man Dead in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a man after a shooting occurred on Sept. 26 on the 1300 block of Savannah Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man suffering from gunshot wound injuries. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The victim was identified as 21-year-old Kamal Jones.

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

Document: MPD Investigating Death of Man in 2022

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating the death of a man after a fight on Oct. 14, 2022 on the 1100 bock of K Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, on Nov. 4, 2022, officers responded to a local hospital for the report of a man’s death. They learned that the individual had been receiving treatment for injuries sustained during a fight on Oct. 14, 2022. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and ruled the manner of death a homicide.

During the initial investigation, an arrest was made for the assault. MPD is is working with prosecutors to upgrade the charges to reflect the death.

The victim was identified as 61-year-old Thomas Gray.

Prosecutors Move to Upgrade Charges in Juvenile Murder Case

On Sept. 27, prosecutors filed a motion to upgrade the charges for an adolescent girl accused in the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old. 

The defendant, a 16-year-old female, is charged with second-degree murder for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Naima Liggon, 16, on Aug. 27. The incident occurred outside a McDonald’s restaurant on the 1900 block of 14th Street, NW. 

Prosecutors alerted the court they had filed a motion to amend the charge and upgrade it to first-degree murder while armed. The motion was quickly opposed by defense attorneys, who stated they would be filing a response to the motion in writing. 

Prosecutors also requested the Oct. 12 trial date be delayed, which was granted by DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell IV. A new trial date was set for Nov. 13. 

The defendant will remain held at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) as she awaits trial. 

Parties are expected to return Nov. 1 for a trial readiness hearing. 

Judge Holds Defendant in Non-Fatal Shooting

During presentments on Sept, 27, DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond decided to hold Johnathan Young on 3 charges.

Young, 33, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of firearm during crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4600 Block of Benning Road, SE on July 24.

Damon Catacolas, Young’s defense attorney said that the prosecution has not provided more than probable cause. He said they only had “mundane connects”

However, Judge Raymond said that there was more than probable cause found, which led to his detainment as he awaits further procedures. 
Young will appear with co defendant Daquawn Lubin, 28, on Sept. 29.

Homicide Defendant Waives His Right for Independent DNA Testing

On Sept. 27, a defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered at a homicide scene.

Marcus Walker, 23, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon against a minor, second-degree cruelty to children, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for his alleged role in the killing of 28-year-old Erik King on Oct. 11, 2022. The shooting occurred on the 800th Block of 21st Street, NE. 

According to witnesses, Walker got into a dispute with King prior to shooting him in his chest and groin area. 

Defense counsel, Jesse Winograd, informed the court that they will be waiving their right to independent DNA testing.

All results have been disclosed by prosecutors at this time as the case heads on the path to trial.

Parties are expected back to court April 5.

Document: Infant Death Ruled a Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating an infant death that occurred on March 16, 2023 on the 1300 block of Morris Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious infant, where they located an unconscious and unresponsive infant with no signs consistent with life.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for DC ruled that the infant’s death was caused by complications of blunt force trauma and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

The victim was identified as seven-month-old King Phelps.

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

Document: Man Dies from Injuries Sustained in 2017 Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that killed a man on March 17, 2017, on the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Division Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

On Aug. 17, 2023, the man was pronounced dead. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for DC ruled that he died as a result of complications from the gunshot injury sustained in 2017. They ruled the manner of death a homicide.

The individual was identified as 26-year-old Anthony Smith.

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

Document: Man Dead After a Fight in Northeast, DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on July 27, 2022, on the 4400 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a fight in progress, where they located 52-year-old Keith Sistare suffering from trauma. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

On Sept. 11, 2022, he succumbed to his injuries. He was transported to the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland where it was later ruled that he died from complications from blunt force injuries and ruled the death a homicide.

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

Case Acquitted: Drug-Related Murder Trial Gets Underway

This case has been acquitted.

On Sept. 27, opening statements along with witness testimony were presented in a 2017 homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Cedric Alexander, also known as Tony White, 52, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside the home or place of business with a prior felony, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Daquan Hooks on the 1900 block of 13th Street, SE on March 23, 2017. 

According to court documents, Hooks was shot in the back of his neck.  

The prosecution introduced text and phone call communications between Alexander and Hooks prior to the shooting they say link Alexander to the crime. The prosecution also said a jail call between Alexander and his mother reveal Alexander saying that something “has come back to bite me.”

Both parties concur that Hook was Alexander’s drug dealer. Additionally, the prosecution explained one of Alexander’s family member reported to police that the defendant confessed he had murdered someone, saying, “He killed his plug,” possible slang for a connection.

Defense attorneys, Michelle Lockard and Sellano Simmons explained the communications between Hooks and Alexander were normal daily messages. In addition, they argue none of Alexander’s DNA was found on the evidence, and Hooks was shot with a different caliber bullet than anything discovered in Alexander’s home.

The murder weapon hasn’t been found.

Lockard said detectives took the “easy way out,” when they should looked for other suspects.

Following opening statements, a member of Hooks’ family testified about the impact of the crime. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of him,” she said. 

The trial is slated to continue on Sept. 28.

Document: Woman Killed in Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on July 30 on the 4000 block of South Capitol street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a suicide, where they located a woman suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where, after all lifesaving efforts, she succumbed to her injuries. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later ruled her death a homicide.

The victim was identified as 31-year-old Tyshida Williams.

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 homicide.

Document: Second Arrest made in a Shooting in Southeast

On Sept. 26, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged a second individual in connection to a shooting that occurred on July 24 on the 4600 block of Benning Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located two adult male shooting victims. They were transported to local hospitals for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On Sept. 26, MPD arrested and charged 33 year-old Johnathan Young with assault with intent to kill (gun) for his alleged involvement in the incident.

Previously, on July 28, a 28-year-old male was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) for his alleged involvement.