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Manslaughter Suspect Admitted to College, Feels ‘Awesome’

Parties met in court to review the probation status of 20-year-old Dazmine Anderson.

Anderson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for his involvement in the stabbing of Jean-Claude Jackson, 30, on Oct. 7, 2018 in an incident on the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE.

According to Anderson’s progress report, he is in partial compliance, is adjusting fairly well, and reports to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) as directed.

Since his release, he has been working and aiming to carry on his education. He has recently been accepted into a regional community college program.

Defense attorneys Rachel Cicurel and Madalyn Harvey spoke highly of Anderson, as did his court-appointed mentor who said, “I love working with Mr. Anderson. He’s really trying… It gives me hope.” 

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee said that Anderson has three important things to accomplish: maintaining his current employment, furthering his education, and staying out of trouble. 

“You’re not the little kid that came into the system” he told Anderson. 

When Judge Lee asked how Anderson felt about how he was doing, he said  “Awesome.” 

Parties are expected back Sept. 22. 

Defense Attacks Witnesses’ Credibility in 2013 Homicide Case

On June 1, prosecutors called two eyewitnesses and an alleged victim to testify in a 2013 homicide trial. 

Victor Coley, 60, is charged with first-degree murder while armed premeditated, assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that left four individuals injured on Nov. 6, 2013, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. 

He was previously convicted of several counts of assault with intent to kill in 2015 and sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison.

Then on Dec. 3, 2021, 65-year-old Dennis Foster, one of the victims from the shooting, succumbed to his injuries prompting prosecutors to charge Coley with murder.

Prosecutors brought forth first-degree murder charges in 2022.

Prosecutors asked a retired police officer to describe her recollection of the shooting. She said she was driving by the scene when she heard gunfire and saw a victim lying on the ground.

She then followed the suspect, concerned he might attempt to dispose of his gun.

She said she saw him enter an apartment building on the 3500 block of Clay Place, NE, and as she was calling dispatch from her car across the street, she saw the defendant walk out of the building wearing a different colored hoodie from what he was wearing at the time of the shooting. 

During cross examination, she said that she could only see the back of the shooter’s hoodie. She also admitted she didn’t know what was happening inside of the apartment building the defendant allegedly entered.

A second witness said he was sitting outside of a Payless Shoe store with Foster when he was shot in the back of the head and in the chest. However, he was unable to see the shooter as he was attempting to get away and seek medical assistance.  

According to the witness, he spent six weeks in a hospital receiving care. Due to the shooting, he began to regularly experience migraines, and to this day, has the bullet fragments in his chest.

Prosecutors presented the witness’ clothing showing bullet holes and blood stains where he was shot. 

The witness said it felt like he was hit with a bat and there was a burning sensation in his chest shortly before fainting in a store. 

A third prosecution witness said he was working at the Payless Shoe store when he heard two gunshots and saw two men running toward the liquor store across the street. 

The witness allegedly saw Coley running after one of the victims with a gun in his hand. 

But under cross examination, he admitted his back was turned away from the shooting until after he heard the two gunshots. 

All three eyewitnesses present in court stated they did not see the shooter’s face. 

Transcripts of Foster’s testimony from the 2015 trial detailed his struggles following the shooting as he was left partially paralyzed from his injuries. They also presented his clothes worn on the day of the shooting which were covered in blood and torn by a bullet hole.

According to Foster’s testimony, Coley was upset because he didn’t want to take part in drug deals.

Earlier testimony from another deceased witness described his view of the shooting from across the street.

In the transcript, the witness recalled seeing the victim stumbling across the street holding his chest. 

Defense attorneys questioned the credibility of the witness, who lost his job at a police department following a positive drug test and conviction for distributing cocaine.

As the trial continued, defense attorneys questioned witnesses credibility and raised concerns about their inability to fully identify Coley as the shooter. Testimony regarding the suspect’s description and entrance into the apartment building are being contested by both parties.

The trial is slated to presume June 5.

Two Witnesses Become Irate, Uncooperative In A Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

On June 1, parties gave their opening statements in a non-fatal shooting trial .

Joshua Hemphill, 33, is charged with 58 separate offenses involving a non-fatal shooting that took place on September 21, 2018, on the 2400 block of Wagner Place, SE. The charges include assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm, obstruction of justice, burglary, destruction of property, and threat to kidnap or injure.

“He wreaked havoc on two defenseless women,” according to prosecutors.

However, the defense team argued, “the person who shot [the victim] on September 21st, 2018, is not in the courtroom.”  

After opening statements, prosecutors called two witnesses who were allegedly Hemphill’s victims.

Of the two, one was uninjured while the other received gunshot wounds to the back of the left hand and the back of the head, but survived.

Both became uncooperative and had to be detained. 

The woman who was shot yelled that she did not know answers to any of the questions. She also lashed out at the defense team and DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz, calling them “b*tches” and “b*tch*sses.” 

After the second alleged victim began her testimony she seemed uncomfortable, and when asked about her personal life stood up and walked out of the courtroom. 

The judge then ordered US Marshals to detain her. The witness finished her testimony but would only answer that she did not know when asked a question. She was then released. 

The trial will continue on June 5th.

Voluntary Manslaughter Defendant Surrenders in Friend’s Stabbing Death

On June 1, Rodney T. Lindsay appeared in court for a felony voluntary surrender hearing. Lindsay signed and agreed to the terms of his sentence. 

Lindsay was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for stabbing his friend Terrance Gause, 53, on Aug. 14, 2021, on the 700 block of Adrian Street, SE. 

Lindsay, 55, surrendered to a charge of voluntary manslaughter, following the acceptance of a plea deal, and is to serve 72-months in prison and three-years on probation.  

He remains on high intensity supervision program release while he waits to appear for his sentence.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan scheduled Lindsay to report to the FCI Gilmer correctional institution on June 15. If he doesn’t Judge Raffinan plans on issuing a bench warrant.

Judge Denies Release of Defendant Accused in Death of Two-Year-Old

During a status hearing on June 1, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe denied the release of a defendant in a 2022 murder case following surveillance footage allegedly showing him assaulting a two-year-old victim.

Dasean Matthews, 24, is charged with first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree child cruelty. Matthews allegedly assaulted two-year-old Mars Jones on Oct. 13, 2022 on the unit block of Atlantic Street, SW, which led to his death five days later.

The prosecution presented surveillance footage from a Dunkin’ Donuts shop located on the 800 block of Quincy Street, NW.

The videos showed instances of Matthews striking the child in the face, knocking him into a railing, and grabbing his clothing. The prosecution said the videos demonstrate that no circumstances could allow for Matthews’ release due to his dangerousness.

Matthews’ attorney, Sylvia Smith, said the prosecution was trying to play on the court’s emotions. She said the videos depict rough play, not child abuse. 

She pointed to the presence of Matthews’ family as a testament to his being “pivotal in everybody’s life.”

The defense proposed strict home confinement so Matthews can access mental health services and work towards earning his G.E.D.

Judge O’Keefe said the interactions shown in the videos were “not consistent with playful conduct.” 

He denied Matthews’ release and stated he was a danger to the community because he was willing to harm a child in public. He further stated no conditions or combination of conditions could assure the safety of the community.

Another defendant related to the case, Monet Jones, the victim’s mother, attended the hearing virtually. Jones, 25, is charged with one count of second-degree cruelty to children, one count of obstruction of justice, three counts of perjury, and one count of tampering with physical evidence for her alleged involvement in the case. She entered a plea of not guilty.

Parties are expected to return on Sept. 29 for another status hearing.

The trial for both defendants is set to begin on Feb. 8, 2024.

Defendant in Non-Fatal Shooting May Lose Probation

At a hearing on May 31, the status of E’mon Fleming’s probation came into question.

Fleming, 23, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license after he was allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on the 1300 block of Columbia Road, NW on March 24, 2020. No one was reported injured in the incident.

Since then Fleming’s probation officer reported he has passed all drug tests, is employed, and has completed 90 hours of court-mandated community service. Ultimately his probation officer recommended lifting his probation.

However, the prosecution raised the issue of a pending charge brought against Fleming in January in Maryland. As a result the prosecution recommended that his probation be revoked considering Fleming allegedly broke the terms of his DC agreement .

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur told both the prosecution and the defense that he would have to “pass” on his matter as Fleming’s defense attorney was unavailable and the public defender standing in did not know the specifics of the case.

No new hearing was scheduled.

Defendant Asks Approval to Attend Sister’s Funeral

Questions arose in a May 31 hearing about whether a shooting suspect could attend his sister’s funeral.

Antron Belk, 16, is being charged as an adult for allegedly committing assault with the intent to kill while armed in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 25, on the 4400 block of Quarles Street, NE.  According to court documents, the victim was shot eight times.

The defendant was not present in court because he wasn’t on the official transport list for the hearing.  

Defense attorney Christen Philips Romero asked DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein to order the Department of Youth and Rehabilitative Services (DYRS) to escort Belk so he could attend his sister’s funeral. 

The prosecution said allowing the defendant to attend a community event poses security concerns given the nature of the case. 

Judge Epstein denied the motion, but says he will await the department’s recommendation on the matter. 

“It is my job to craft the least restrictive means to protect the community, and leaving it up to the DYRS to decide does that,” said Judge Epstein. 

Attorney Romero then asked Judge Epstein to order the DYRS to provide an alternative, virtual way for Belk to view the funeral if attending in person is not possible. 

The prosecution had no objections, and Judge Epstein accepted the motion. 

A preliminary hearing in the case is set for June 7.

Global Plea Deal Negotiations Set to Conclude in 2020 Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan has set a motions hearing date as June 16 for a defendant in a 2020 homicide.

Trey Prillerman, 19, was allegedly involved in the shooting of Arthur Daniels IV on the 6200 block of 8th Street, NW. The defendant was a juvenile when the incident occurred and is currently being held at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

Prillerman’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas Jr. indicated that a global plea including another pending case involving the defendant might be possible in the upcoming weeks. Judge Raffinan ordered that the plea matter be resolved by the defendant’s counsel and prosecutors by June 9.

If the defense and prosecution cannot reach a plea deal by June 9, the defendant will appear at a status hearing before Judge Raffinan alongside his co-defendant on June 16.

Judge Holds Man Who Pleaded Guilty in Two Domestic Violence Incidents

DC Superior Court Judge Kimberley Knowles ordered that Tramayne Moore remain in custody after probation officers said Moore, who pleaded guilty in two domestic violence incidents, had not been compliant with the terms of his parole.  

Moore, 24, was originally charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and simple assault in connection with an incident that occurred on April 4, 2021 on the 400 block of Brandywine Street, SE.

According to court documents Moore got into an argument with a woman over his unwanted sexual advances. Then he allegedly tried to strangle her, fired several shots near her, and drove away.  Moore ultimately pleaded guilty to simple assault. 

In a subsequent case, Moore pleaded guilty to contempt for allegedly violating his release conditions.

“He’s going to be held in this case,” said Judge Knowles in a May 31 hearing regarding a bench warrant for Knowles’ arrest.

Moore’s next court appearance will be on June 6.

Trial for 2013 Homicide Gets Underway 

On May 31, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan heard opening arguments from attorneys in a 2013 homicide case. 

Victor Coley, 60, is charged with first-degree murder while armed premeditated, assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that left four individuals injured on Nov. 6, 2013, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. 

On Dec. 3, 2021, 65-year-old Dennis Foster, one of the victims from the shooting, succumbed to his injuries. 

According to prosecutors, Foster was a well-known individual in the area of the shooting, with many locals calling him “Pops” or “Old Timer”. 

“This man, defendant Victor Coley, walked up to two men and shot them, point blank,” said prosecutors. 

Two bystanders were struck by gunfire, as one of the original victims ran away from the shooter. One of them suffered a shot to the leg, and the other to the hand.

All four individuals originally survived the shooting, but had to deal with its aftermath for years. Complications from his injuries led to Foster’s death. The other three have since passed away from other causes.

“You will know beyond a reasonable doubt that Victor Coley was the gunman,” prosecutors insisted, arguing the evidence would prove Coley to be guilty. 

“You will know he’s guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and that’s when we’ll ask you to hold him responsible” they said.

However, defense attorneys insisted the prosecutors were wrong. 

“Coley is not guilty,” said Jesse Winograd, defense attorney for Coley. 

He argued that the only evidence that can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt is that Coley was in northeast DC on the day of the incident, and he was wrongfully arrested. 

“[Witnesses] saw different things… no one actually saw Coley do the shooting,” he insisted.

According to defense attorneys, Coley didn’t have any guns or drugs on him at the time of the arrest, and the two guns recovered from an apartment did not have his fingerprints or DNA on it. 

Winograd insisted that Foster’s death was not from complications with his injuries from the shooting, but rather other issues, and insisted that the prosecutors were just trying to put the blame on Coley.

“The only verdict deserved for their incomplete story is not guilty,” he concluded.

Following opening arguments, prosecutors called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) first responding officer of the shooting to the stand. 

According to the officer, he was familiar with the area of the shooting because he patrolled it for many years, and got to know a lot of the locals.

He came across the shooting after he had been dispatched to another incident, and realized it was urgent. 

When he arrived at the scene, he saw Foster laying face down with a gunshot wound to his back. 

Two other individuals approached him to tell him they had been injured while another officer checked on the second victim. 

Several eyewitnesses directed him to a building on the 3500 block of Clay Place, NE, right behind the original scene, into which they said the shooter had run. 

As he headed over to the building, he saw an individual who fit the suspect description exit the building. Various eye witnesses said “that’s him,” which led the officer to detain the suspect, later identified as Coley. 

Prosecutors also had a K-9 officer testify about his involvement in the investigation of the crime scene.

According to the officer, he and his dog were dispatched to the scene with requests to locate any gun evidence. 

They went into the apartment building that Coley allegedly exited, and searched an apartment, and located two handguns hidden in a wall that had access to plumber fixtures. 

Trial is slated to resume June 1. 

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide Offense: 1900 Block of 14th Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch have arrested and charged 51-year-old Amserom Ghebrekidan with second-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 41-year-old Fitsum Ayele Mamo that occurred on May 25, on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE.

The shooting also left another male individual suffering from minor injuries.