Shooting Victim’s Family Seeks Redress in Wake of Plea Deal

(Updated with new comments from Chelsea Lewis, a lawyer for the Manyan family.)

On June 16, a retired lieutenant for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Jesse Porter Jr., agreed to a plea deal in a high-profile homicide case involving a library security officer.

Porter, 59, pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm despite being initially indicted by a grand jury on charges of second-degree murder while armed, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful discharge of a firearm for his involvement in the shooting of Maurica Manyan, 25, on Aug. 4, 2022.

Manyan leaves behind a four-year-old-son.

The incident occurred on the 1800 block of Good Hope Road, SE during a mandatory training exercise for special officers, including Manyan. Witness testimony and surveillance footage confirms Porter, who was working as a private contractor, pulled a gun on Manyan and fired, in what the prosecutor says was “an attempt to be humorous.”

As a result, Porter faces a maximum of 30-years imprisonment for involuntary manslaughter and a one-year imprisonment for unlawful discharge of a firearm.

In a letter to DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, Members of Manyan’s family expressed anger about what they believe is inadequate punishment for Porter’s crime and much of their ire was aimed at the prosecutor assigned to this case.

Manyan’s parents shared an interaction with the prosecutor in which they asked for Porter to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

They said, “She was heard snickering which raised even more concerns about her objectivity and impartiality.” The family felt “completely humiliated and re-victimized.”

Manyan’s brother spoke about frustrations trying to get prosecutors to release surveillance video of the incident, stating, “They have been very reluctant to show the video. We have been asking for almost a year. We believe it’s being held because it proves what the jury thought- murder.”

Manyan’s parents also said “We have been misled and flat out lied to with regards to the plea agreement and plea bargaining process.” The family urged Judge Epstein to refer the prosecutor’s behavior for consideration of prosecutorial misconduct.

According to Chelsea Lewis, an attorney for the Manyan family, they will be pursuing other legal options in the days ahead in light of how they’ve been treated. “It’s just continually adding insult to injury. We are hopeful that with the civil litigation, we will be able to give them some sort of resolve in dealing with what has been a very, very difficult experience,” she told D.C. Witness.

“The family is horrified at the fact that throughout this process they have been kept in the dark by the prosecution,” Lewis told reporters outside of the DC Superior Courthouse.

“As survivors of homicide, their rights have been completely ignored. They have been left feeling as if Jesse Porter’s rights held more weight than their own,” she insisted.

On behalf of Manyan’s father, who was overcome with emotion, attorney Chris Kleppin, told reporters that “it seems as though the district attorney was more intent on shielding her killer, Jesse Porter Jr., rather than seeking justice for my girl. To all fathers out there I urge you to look into our story. I endured the greatest pain that a father ever could endure, losing my daughter and witnessing the failure of justice.”

The prosecutor’s office said its approach was judicially correct.

In addition to time behind bars, Porter would serve no more than five-years on supervised release and be required to register as a gun offender in the District of Columbia. The remaining indictment charges would be dismissed as part of the deal.

Judge Epstein ruled in favor of Porter’s staying on release until sentencing, stating he had no criminal history, previous positive community engagement and full compliance as determining factors.

Porter is released on his own recognizance until sentencing on Aug. 25.

Given the intense feelings about the negotiated plea, Lewis tells D.C. Witness, “That is only sort of a piece of what you could expect at sentencing when all family members and even those who are not in Maurica’s family but have a connection to the victim will be provided the opportunity to give victim impact statements in their effort to implore in the court’s decision when it comes to sentencing”

Lead Detective Testifies About Events Leading to a Murder

On June 21, the lead detective investigating a murder testified for the prosecution in a preliminary hearing.

Stephon Shields, 26, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of 58-year-old James Samuels. Samuels was found dead from gunshot wounds in an apartment on the 2900 block of Nelson Place, SE on the night of June 2.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt conducted the proceeding which included testimony from an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the lead detective in the case.

The prosecuting attorney questioned the detective about various pieces of evidence from the crime scene including graphic pictures of the victim’s body, as well as the room in which he was shot. According to the detective’s testimony, Shields allegedly had an argument with the victim’s fiancé. At some point there a “tussle” between Shields and Samuels immediately preceding the shooting.

Defense attorney Sylvia Smith began questioning the detective about the witnesses stories and the order of events.

Smith was not able to finish her questioning due to time restraints, and will resume on June 22.

Jury Gets 2013 Homicide Case After Lawyers’ Final Say

On June 20, prosecution and defense attorneys presented their final arguments in a first-degree murder case, during which they summarized evidence before the jury and DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Victor Coley, 60, is charged with 17 counts, including first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Nov. 6, 2013 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, that left four individuals suffering from gunshot injuries.

Dennis Foster, 65, one of the shooting victims, succumbed to his injuries on Dec. 3, 2021.

During the prosecution’s closing statements, they argued that Coley intended to “execute” Foster and one of the other shooting victims.

The prosecution argued that Coley purposefully ditched evidence in order to mislead police, including the disposal of a gun and a black sweatshirt at an apartment near the scene after the incident but before he was apprehended by police. Coley was wearing a light gray sweatshirt when he was arrested.

One prosecutor said the jury should not return a verdict of not guilty, “Just because [Coley] was covering his tracks.”

Prosecutors also reminded the jury of eyewitness testimony that identified Coley as the shooter at the scene, both before and after the arrival of police.

Defense attorney Carrie Weletz, in her closing argument, questioned, “Do the pieces fit?” Weletz suggested that the prosecution’s timeline does not make sense.

According to Weletz, the prosecution suggests that in three minutes Coley was allegedly able to fire six shots, walk to the apartment near the scene, gain access to the building, as well as a plumbing closet within the apartment, hide firearms, change his sweatshirt, and then walk outside.

According to Coley’s medical records, he had a pacemaker implanted as a result of his heart condition. Coley’s defense suggested that based on his health, Colet would have been physically exhausted by the effort.

The officer who arrested Coley, some three minutes after the incident, said that Coley was not out of breath or sweating when he was arrested.

Other alleged inconsistencies were brought forth by the defense.

No blood was found on Coley or his clothing, despite the shooting’s being at close range, and no DNA was found on the firearms or the area where the weapons were stashed and the space was not tested for fingerprints.

Investigators found no DNA evidence linked Coley to the incident.

Multiple experts were brought forth to testify about Foster’s cause of death, and ultimately presented different theories to the jury.

During rebuttal, prosecutors attempted to discredit a defense witness formerly with the DC Medical Examiner’s office. He had earlier testified that Foster could have died from a drug overdose. That contradicted testimony from a current DC toxicologist who said the evidence showed Foster’s death was linked to the 2013 shooting.

However, prosecutors noted that the former employee left his job amid allegations he sexually harassed and denigrated female employees. The expert testifying in favor of the shooting theory is a woman.

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

Shooting Defendant Sentenced to Five-Years in Plea Deal

On June 21, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced Tyrone Diggs for assault with a dangerous weapon and for carrying a pistol outside a home or business.

Diggs was initially charged with assault with intent to kill, but the charge was reduced as a result of a plea agreement.

According to court documents, on Sept. 12, 2022, Diggs, 32, shot a woman in the face inside a home on the 700 block of Burns Street, SE. At the time, she was sitting on the toilet. After the incident she fled the building and was helped by multiple witnesses before police responded to the scene.

Diggs and the victim were allegedly in a romantic relationship at the time of the shooting.

Defense attorney Edward Gain stated that the defendant was likely high on PCP at the time of the shooting, which led to his irrational behavior.

As part of the plea agreement, Diggs was sentenced to five-years for assault with a dangerous weapon, with all but two years suspended. Judge Ryan also marked off nine months of the sentence as time served in the DC Jail leading up to his sentencing.

The defendant was also sentenced to two years for carrying a pistol outside a home or business, with all but 18 months suspended. The sentences are served concurrently.

Throughout the sentencing the defense reiterated that Diggs had no past criminal history, and that he only began abusing drugs and alcohol after several deaths is his family.

Gain stated that the defendant had a history of mental health issues, including depression, and that these symptoms were likely exacerbated by his drug use due to grief. The defense brought forward several of Diggs’s family members to argue for a lighter sentence.

They said that Diggs had been a quiet child and had no history of behavioral issues before the deaths in his family, and that they led him down a “bad path.” The best approach, they said, was counseling and drug rehabilitation.

The defendant also spoke on his own behalf, saying that he would not have the opportunity to “deal with emotional problems” while in jail, and that serving additional time would likely worsen his mental health issues.

However, the prosecution, said that the violent nature of the crime should factor heavily into Judge Ryan’s sentencing. The prosecution noted that it was only “by chance that Diggs did not kill the victim,” which would have made the case a homicide.

The prosecutor stated the absolute minimum sentence the court should have imposed was five years.

Although Judge Ryan sympathized with the defendant’s past challenges, he said that the court is not here for treatment, but for punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation combined.

He agreed with the prosecution regarding the nature of the case, stating that “the act of shooting someone in the face must be punished.”

However, Judge Ryan also reiterated the need for rehabilitation, especially after the defendant’s release, saying that the sentence “doesn’t require that Mr. Diggs give up hope.”

Defendant Pleads Guilty, Sentenced to 22-and-a-half Years for Homicide

On June 20, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced Glen Dolford for his involvement in a 2020 fatal shooting.

Dolford, 29, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault-grave risk while armed, among other charges, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Raheem Murray on the 4000 block of 3rd Street, SE, on Feb. 2, 2020.

Murray died from seven gunshot wounds.

Detectives found video evidence from the scene which allegedly shows the defendant running up to Murray, who was lying on the ground, and shooting him in the head while standing over his body.

Dolford was originally charged with 13-counts, but due to a guilty plea on second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and assault with a dangerous weapon the other ten charges were dropped.

Judge Raffinan sentenced Dolford to 22-and-a-half-years in prison with five years of supervised release.

Sentencing conditions include credit for time served, registration as a gun offender, continued confinement and supervised release. All charges are to run concurrently.

Judge Raffinan recommended Dolford serve his time at the US Bureau of Prisons’ facility in Allenwood, Pennsylvania. He’s also required to participate in substance abuse treatment and pay $300 to the Victims’ Fund.

Prosecutors began by reflecting on Dolford’s sentencing memorandum, focusing heavily on Dolford’s lack of remorse.

“We cannot blame the circumstances for the choices we make,” prosecutors stated in reflection to Dolford’s “excuse-like”statements in the memorandum.

Three of Murray’s family members presented victim impact statements to the court prior to Judge Raffinan imposing the sentence. “My life will never be the same, and neither should yours,” Murray’s mother said in a letter read by prosecutors. She said, “Based on video evidence, my child was chased down like an animal.”

She mentioned that her son was 26, and argued that 22-and-a-half years was not enough time for justice to be served.

Murray’s stepfather, who previously worked for 29 years in the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said that he had to give Murray his own kufi, an African-style hat, since Murray’s own no longer fit due to the large hole left by the gunshot wound on his head.

Murray’s sister asked Dolford, “Why Raheem? Why did you continue to shoot after 25 rounds? After he fell down the hill? After he was unresponsive? Why did you go back and shoot more?”.

Defense attorney Frances D’Antuono explained briefly how Dolford experienced childhood trauma, and suffers from a neurological disorder. She requested Dolford to enter mental health treatments and a challenge program.

“Can you please give me a chance to get into a challenge program, to show that this isn’t me, that things happen, and to correct my wrongs?” pleaded Dolford in his last statement before sentencing.

Imposing her sentence Judge Raffinan said that “the video speaks for itself”, and “the injuries found from this case cannot be mediated”.

The defendant’s aunt who was present in court told D.C. Witness, “That’s not my nephew; he’s not a murderer.”

She also said the victim was not a saint and her nephew was trying to defend himself. According to Dolford’s aunt the incident was a “quarrel between the neighborhoods” and it was “territorial”.

The defendant’s sister said, “He was a stand-up guy.”

Defense Rests Their Case in 2010 Homicide Trial

On June 20, defense attorney’s concluded their case by introducing witnesses who raised questions about the investigation and the examination of DNA evidence in a 2010 homicide.

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 becoming the primary suspect in her alleged murder. She has since been issued a death certificate.

Defense attorney Jason Tulley called forth a search and rescue dog handler who testified that her canine did not give a signal to indicate any odor of human decomposition in the area where MPD believes Harris’s body is located.

Then, Tuley questioned a forensic DNA analyst who testified that all tests requested by the defense excluded Moye from the DNA profiles found at the victim’s house.

Prosecutors rebutted this by stating that the DNA analyst only tested the areas of the victim’s home where the defendant’s DNA would not likely be found.

These areas could have been tested, but were not by request of the defense counsel.

Closing arguments are slated to take place in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 21.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Complex Shooting Case

On June 20, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found probable cause that a single defendant pulled the trigger in a shooting case where there were other suspects.

Tyshay Moore, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on May 10, on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW.

During the proceeding, the prosecution called an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the lead detective in the case.

According to court documents, three individuals including Moore were identified as suspects. Allegedly they were all close and Moore was dating one of them.

Moore’s girlfriend, a second suspect in the shooting, claimed that Moore had gone to the scene to find her baby’s father, the victim, and harm him after arguing about their child. However, a third suspect said he was there to find a person who had robbed him. He identified Moore as the alleged shooter from surveillance footage.

The other two suspects fled from the scene while Moore allegedly committed the shooting.

Defense attorney Hannah Claudio, questioned the validity of the identification process and claimed the detective told an inconsistent story regarding what the suspects said about their involvement in the case.

However, prosecutors entered video evidence of the suspects allegedly jumping the victim hours before the shooting as proof of intent to harm.

Judge Demeo found that the prosecution presented enough evidence to find probable cause that Moore was the perpetrator based on the detective’s review of the case.

Moreover, when the detective called Moore after the incident, he said she already knew why he was calling, suggesting a guilty conscience.

Parties are expected back Aug. 11.

Document: Correction Homicide: 2700 block of Langston Place, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 18 on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers located a juvenile male and an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to local hospitals, where they succumbed to their injuries.

The decedents have been identified as 17-year-old Kevin Mason and 15-year-old Demarcos Pinckney.

Document: Homicide: 600 block of I Street, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 19 on the 600 block of I Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, MPD and Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) officers were in the area, and located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. They found no signs consistent with life.

The decedent has not yet been identified.

Document: Arrest Made in Armed Carjacking (Gun) and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offenses: 2500 Block of Sherman Avenue, Northwest

On June 18, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 20-year-old Tayshawn Brice-Hayes with armed carjacking (gun) and assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting and carjacking that occurred on June 18 on the 2500 block of Sherman Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, the victim and Brice-Hayes exchanged gunfire, and both sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Both individuals were located in area hospitals seeking treatment.

Document: Homicide: 2700 block of Langston Place, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 18 on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers located a juvenile male and an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to local hospitals, where they succumbed to their injuries.

The decedents have been identified as 18-year-old Kevin Mason and 15-year-old Demarcos Pinkney.

Document: Homicide: 2600 Block of Sheridan Road, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance with the investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 17, on the 2600 block of Sheridan Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers arrived at the location and located a juvenile male with no signs consistent with life, suffering from gunshot wounds.

The decedent was identified as 14-year-old Stephon Shreeves.

Defendant Waives Right to DNA Testing in a Murder Case

On June 16, the defendant in a 2021 murder case waived his right to have evidence independently tested for DNA.

Mussye Rezene, 30, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the 2021 death of Brayan Villataro.

Villataro, 17, was shot and killed on the 1300 block of Nicholson Street, NW.

Prosecuting attorneys claimed DNA results of shell casings found at the scene of the crime were inconclusive. They also stated they had many other pieces of physical evidence, none of which they were planning to test for DNA.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun questioned Rezene to ensure he was making an informed and voluntary decision.

Parties are expected to return on Nov. 7.

Closing Arguments Delivered in Mental Observation Hearing

On June 16, closing arguments from both parties were delivered in a lengthy mental observation hearing for 57-year-old defendant Joseph Evans.

Evans is charged with kidnapping while armed, first degree sexual abuse while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Sept. 23, 2012 on the unit block of K Street, NE. According to court documents, a gun was fired during the incident.

The defense finished their cross-examination of a psychologist from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), which performed evaluations measuring Evans’ mental competency.

In this hearing, the witness revealed that Evans has been more cooperative and rationally understands the charges he’s facing.

Prosecutors questioned the witness once more, asking her how she determines one’s rational understanding without access to certain evidence. She said she uses hypothetical scenarios, existing evidence available to her, court documents, among other methods.

Evans had insisted that DNA results were fabricated during an evaluation performed by the witness, saying that “They can just swab your mouth with a Q-tip and say you’ve done it.” The witness said that Evans wants to get additional testing to ensure accuracy.

Although he interrupted during the hearing, the witness said that does not change her opinion that he is competent.

“It’s not a reflection of a mental illness,” the witness said, regarding his outbursts in court.

In the defense’s closing, they argued Evans should be found incompetent, because he’s inconsistent in decision making, has difficulties dealing with other’s reactions and has unstable goals. He has poor judgment, poor insight, and delusions, which are all signs of schizo-affective disorder, a mental illness consisting of schizophrenia and mood disorder symptoms, the defense asserted.

The prosecution, on the other hand, argued that Evans is able to make decisions for himself. They also pointed out that delusions did not arise in evaluations with the witness and that his views are not a reflection of psychosis.

“Lack of insight does not necessarily equate to incompetency,” said prosecutors.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt said she needed more time to make a ruling, and the court will bring in their own expert before the judge can make a decision on this matter.

Judge Brandt says it is time for “someone who is only answerable to the court in this equation.”

Parties are expected back in court on June 23.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in 2021 Homicide Case

On June 16, a defendant in a homicide case was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Charles Haythe, 32, is charged with second-degree murder, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and possession of a prohibited weapon for allegedly stabbing and killing 26-year-old Aaron Langford on Oct. 25, 2021, on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE.

Haythe pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The defense is awaiting DNA testing results from the prosecution that are anticipated to arrive in September.

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

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