Judge Accepts Plea Deal in Gun Homicide

On June 23, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan accepted a plea deal in the shooting death of 37-year-old Malik Muhammad at the hands of Reginald Turner.

Turner, 38, pled guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in the shooting that occurred on the 800 block of Taylor Street, NE on Nov. 26, 2018.

Defense lawyers for Turner, Dana Page and Kevin Mosley, and prosecutors agreed on ten-to-12 years jail time as appropriate for both counts in the plea. The sentence includes a mandatory year for unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

According to court documents, witnesses described Turner’s provoking an argument with Muhammad before hearing multiple gunshots. Turner was seen driving away from the scene.

At sentencing, Judge Raffinan still has the discretion to impose the maximum of 30-years for voluntary manslaughter and ten-years for the unlawful possession charge.

Sentencing is set for Sept. 8.

Defendant Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ in 2022 Homicide

On June 23, a defendant in a homicide case was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Riley Benjamin, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the murder of 31-year-old Maurice McRae on Feb. 19, 2022, on the 3000 block of Bladensburg Road, NE. McRae died from his injuries on April 27, 2022.

Benjamin’s defense attorney, Prescott Loveland, notified the court Benjamin was pleading not guilty to all counts. The defense renewed its motion to dismiss based on the “lack of a timely indictment,” which was denied by Judge O’Keefe.

The prosecution said plea negotiations for this case are ongoing.

Parties are expected to return for a status hearing on July 13.

Defendant Pleads Guilty but Sentencing Postponed

On June 23, sentencing for a defendant was rescheduled to allow the defense more time to review the case and prepare for sentencing, that despite an existing guilty plea.

Donyell Miller, 24, pleaded guilty on March 23 to one count of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on Sept. 16, 2021 on the 2100 block of Benning Road, NE. During the incident, Miller fired a gun, injuring one individual.

Defense attorneys asked for a continuance, and as a part of their review, they plan on having Miller evaluated by a mental health expert, but one has not been chosen yet.

The defense hopes to schedule an evaluation within the next month, but prosecutors believe it is unnecessary since Miller is facing significant jail time and has already pleaded guilty.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun granted the request to reschedule the sentencing, because he is not confident the expert evaluation will be done before the assigned date.

Judge Okun has denied further continuances requested by the defense.

Sentencing has been rescheduled to Aug. 25.

Judge Orders Additional Seven-Years Jail Time for Fatal Cellmate Beating

On June 23, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced Marcel Jackson, 36, to seven-years confinement and five-years supervised release for his involvement in a DC Jail killing.

Jackson was originally charged with second-degree murder for allegedly killing his DC Jail cellmate, 37-year-old Sean Lee on May 15, 2022, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. On March 30, he pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter in Lee’s killing. Lee was assumed to have overdosed prior to autopsy reports detailing lacerations on his neck and blunt force trauma causing severe bleeding and death.

At the time of the incident, Jackson was already serving a 10-and-a-half year term for another voluntary manslaughter incident that occurred on May 8, 2022. The new charges will be added onto to Jackson’s existing jail time.

The prosecutor read a letter addressed to the court from Lee’s mother, describing the intense pain and sorrow in her life since her son’s death. She explained her frustration towards the corrections department for its lack of protection.

Lee’s mother lamented “a loss of trust and faith in the judicial system” regarding her son’s being placed with an individual she described as mentally sick and previously violent.

She also claimed that not only did Jackson take Lee’s life, but the killing led Lee’s father to his demise shortly afterwards from what she claims was heartbreak.

After hearing the defense and prosecution’s memorandums, Judge Raffinan spoke directly to Jackson saying “Understand and learn from your mistakes in the past, so in the future this type of conduct does not occur.”

Judge Raffinan took into consideration Jackson’s lengthy history of criminal activity, mental illness, and substance abuse in determining the sentence.

Jackson will serve this sentence at either a federal medical center or a high-security U.S. penitentiary to have access to better behavioral health services following the completion of the additional felony charge.

Defendant Facing 12-count Indictment Pleads Not Guilty

On June 23, a non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to 12-charges.

Damar Whitley, 46, also known as Delmar Whitley, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, possessing a firearm during crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed against a minor, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a destructive device, unlawful poss ammunition for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE on August 31, 2022.

The incident left one victim suffering from gunshot wounds.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges, and asserted his right to a speedy trial, in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Parties are expected back Sept. 11.

Defendant Pleads Guilty in 2022 Shooting Case

On June 23, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt accepted a defendant’s guilty plea in a 2022 shooting case.

Aaron Williams, 23, was indicted on 16 counts, including assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Williams allegedly shot two individuals in a March 24, 2022, incident.

Williams pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years.

As part of the plea deal, the prosecution agreed to cap its total allocution request at five years and ask for both sentences to be carried out concurrently.

Williams will be required to register as a gun offender up until two years after the expiration of his supervised release.

Parties are expected to return for sentencing on Aug. 15, where the prosecution will present victim impact statements.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Sentenced to Five-Years

On June 23, D.C. Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to 60- months imprisonment with three-years supervised release.

On April 25, Delonte Holloman, 35, pled guilty to assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 3400 block of Croffut Place, SE, on January 5 during which a man was shot in the abdomen.

During the sentencing, prosecutors argued that the defendant’s history of criminal convictions, persistent substance abuse and mental health issues should be taken into consideration. They highlighted his many encounters with police and said he remains a danger to the community.

Peter Odom, Holloman’s defense attorney, requested a lesser sentence due to Holloman’s obligations to care for his five children, and family. Odom also worried about Holloman’s eligibility for child support programs.

Judge Demeo weighed both parties’ concerns and levied 60 months incarceration for assault with intent to kill and 15 months added for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence that will be served concurrently.

In addition, the defendant will be required to serve three- years of supervised release as well as register as a gun offender and take part in mental health programs, substance abuse assessments and anger management treatment.

Murder Defendant Wants Guilty Plea Withdrawn

On June 23, in what was supposed to be a sentencing hearing, a murder defendant attempted to withdraw his guilty plea.

Mohamed Goodwin, 35, originally pled guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the death of Devonte Wilson. Wilson, 25, was shot and killed inside a car on the 700 block of Morton Street, NW on Dec. 4, 2020.

At his sentencing, Goodwin claimed that he never intended to shoot Wilson but rather was trying to defend himself against another passenger in the vehicle.

Rather than decide immediately as requested by defense attorney Lee Smith, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, set another hearing on the request.

Parties are expected to return for a ruling on July 17.

Document: Vehicle Sought in an Assault with Intent to Kill (Gun) Offense: 22nd Street and Minnesota Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a vehicle that was allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on June 18 at the intersection of 22nd Street and Minnesota Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers located an adult male victim and a juvenile male victim suffering from life-threatening injuries at the scene and transported them to local hospitals.

Document: Arrest Made in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 700 Block of 20th Street, Northeast

On June 22, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 23-year-old Kevon Robinson with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun), carrying a pistol without a license, possession of unregistered ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 25, on the 700 block of 20th Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the listed location and located an adult male suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. He received aid at a local hospital.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Murder in Love Triangle Case

In an emotional hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 22, both parties debated probable cause in a murder case.

Stephon Shields, 26, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in James Samuels’ death, which occurred on June 2 in an apartment on the 2900 block of Nelson Place, SE.

According to court documents, Shields had an argument with a woman at the scene who was simultaneously in a relationship with Shields and Samuels, prior to Shields entering the residence and engaging in a tussle with Samuels.

A few moments later, witnesses heard gunshots and Samuels was found dead.

The lead detective on the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), described interviews with witnesses for their versions of what happened. Several allegedly saw the defendant enter the apartment, and leave moments after the shooting with a firearm.

Given the evidence prosecutors said there was probable cause that Shields is guilty in the case,

Defense attorney Sylvia Smith argued that there was confusion and conflicting witness testimony that cast doubt on the defendant’s involvement in the murder.

Ultimately, Judge Brandt ruled that there was enough evidence to find probable cause that Shields was the perpetrator.

The next question was whether Shields should be released from pretrial confinement. The prosecution brought up Shields’ previous conviction for fleeing a police officer in 2022. Smith argued that Shields wasn’t a flight risk if kept on home confinement, and presented four letters of support from Shields’ family members and friends.

However, Judge Brandt ruled that, for the safety of the witnesses in the case, all known to Shields, and and the community at large, Shields will remain incarcerated until his trial.

Shields responded emotionally to the finding and broke down in tears when faced with the reality of being apart from his home and community.

Parties will return on July 20.

Judge Denies Release for Repeat Offender in Stabbing Death

On June 22, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found probable cause that Garland T. Davis, a repeat offender dating back to 1977, is responsible for the stabbing death of 34-year-old Johnathan Craig.

On June 21, Davis, 65, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a March 9 incident that occurred on the 1600 block of 17th Place SE. According to court documents, Craig was found unconscious and unresponsive with a stab wound to his neck. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were unable to save him.

Davis has previously been convicted of multiple felony and misdemeanor charges including sex abuse, threatening to do bodily harm in 2011 and first-degree burglary and robbery in 1988.

In the current case, Davis allegedly broke in through a back window in a first-floor apartment and started an argument with one of the those in the room. In an attempt to calm things down, Craig asked Davis to leave; that’s when Davis allegedly pulled a knife and stabbed Craig.

Witnesses described Davis to police on the scene, with one witness later identifying Davis in a photo display.

Despite defense counsel Kevin Mosley’s efforts to cast doubt on the witnesses’ accounts, prosecutors showed body camera footage and presented a 911 dispatch call to support their case.

Prosecutors questioned the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) regarding the investigation that led to identifying Davis as the suspect.

Based on a four-decade-long history of criminal activity, the nature and circumstances of the crime, and a recent, alleged parole violation, Judge Raffinan granted the government’s motion for detention, as Davis awaits trial.

The next hearing is set for Oct. 12.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Shooting After Failed Robbery

On June 22, D.C. Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur arraigned defendant Kevin Bailey on nine counts related to a non-fatal shooting. Bailey pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Bailey, 23 is charged with conspiracy while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and robbery while armed for an incident that occurred on April 14, 2020 near the 1800 block of Central Place, NE.

According to court documents, Bailey is accused trying to steal a cell phone, and when the victim refused, Bailey allegedly shot him. During the arraignment, the prosecutor requested a protective order for the victim since Bailey is on release pending trial.

Parties are set for a status hearing on July 28.

Jury Gets Murder, Disappearance Case After Final Arguments

On June 21, the trial for a 2010 homicide case ended as defense attorneys and prosecutors presented their closing arguments to the jury.

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.

During their closing arguments, prosecutors attempted to demonstrate that Harris was dead based on evidence and testimony presented in the trial.

“If you knew that you were going to leave forever, what would you pack?” the prosecutor asked while presenting Harris’s personal belongings, including her glasses which witnesses said she would never leave behind because she had poor vision.

Then, prosecutors showed interviews between Moye and police investigators. In each interview, the defendant appeared to change his characterization of events.

“He told on himself,” the prosecutor said when referring to Moye’s inconsistencies during questioning.

Meanwhile, defense attorney Jason Tulley argued prosecutors failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt Moye is responsible murdering Harris.

Tulley maintained prosecutors do not have a theory about how the murder occurred, nor did they establish a clear motive or discover human remains all of which suggests there is reasonable doubt that Moye committed the crime.

Tulley also targeted what he characterized as mishandling of the police investigation, mentioning that the police did not question other potential suspects and failed to follow leads.

Prosecutors responded they are not required to provide a body or motive for second-degree murder. They returned to the notion that the jury is in charge of reviewing the evidence to conclude whether Moye was responsible for the murder.

“Bring her home,” the prosecutor told the jury before they were sent to deliberate.

Harris’s sister handed a written statement to D.C. Witness which read, “I want [Moye] to be held fully responsible for taking such a beautiful, loving, caring soul for no reason at all. She was truly an angel on earth. I feel like that’s why God has led us to [Moye]). I have prayed for closure for years.”

Jury deliberations are slated to begin on June 25.

Shooter Gets 10-Years for Attack on Ex-Girlfriend and Her New Boyfriend

On June 22, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced Braxton Johnson to ten-years in prison for committing assault with intent to kill.

Johnson, 29, was originally charged with four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of destruction of property for allegedly shooting and injuring his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend in separate incidents, only weeks apart. He was arrested and charged on Jan. 3.

According to defense attorney Ralph Robinson, Johnson was under the influence of cough syrup when the crimes occurred. Robinson argued that Johnson’s crimes were out of rage since he had lost family members right before allegedly committing the crimes.

Moreover, Robinson insisted Johnson takes full accountability for his actions and is ready to serve his time.

Before Judge Park imposed the sentences, Johnson said, “I’m highly disappointed in myself… my heart goes out to both of the victims [and] I apologize to them genuinely.“

Johnson is required to serve two five-year terms consecutively for a total of 10 years.

However, Judge Park said he respected Johnson’s attempt to turn his life around and ordered him to attend substance abuse meetings, anger management, and vocational training during his incarceration.

Search