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Pregnant Woman Awaits Trial in Assault With a Dangerous Weapon Case

In a May 31 hearing, prosecutors and defense attorneys presented different views about how an argument escalated into a shooting.  

Davida Johnson, 25, is accused of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense. 

On May 8, Johnson and Sade Brown were allegedly involved in an assault on the 900 block of Brentwood Road, NE. Johnson was released to home confinement on May 12, pending further legal proceedings.

According to court documents, Johnson confronted  Brown at work, where she was then shot two times, once in her left arm and again in the right side of her butt. A witness then saw Johnson walk out of the entrance with a dark backpack. 

The Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), allegedly found a  backpack containing a black Glock 42 .380 caliber. Two .380 caliber shell casings were also recovered at the scene. 

Johnson claimed her actions were in self-defense and stated that she felt threatened by Brown. A witness at the scene of the crime stated that Brown said “I’m going to kick that baby out of your stomach.”

Defense attorney Kavya Naini requested two motions be filed: the first, to modify Johnson’s terms of release; and the second, to request that Johnson’s cell phone be released

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied any modifications to Johnson’s conditions. She said, “The fact that you were able to be released and be at home with your children is a gift.”  

The prosecution proffered a  plea offer to Johnson for her and her attorney to review. 

Johnson’s next hearing is set for July 24.

Motions Hearing Set in Homicide Case After Judge O’Keefe’s Recusal

A status hearing was held for Antonio Jackson, 37, on May 31 to address outstanding motions in his homicide case. 

Jackson was charged with first-degree murder following the killing of 52-year-old Maria Antoinette Evans on Mar. 29, 2018 on the 500 block of Oakwood Street, SE. 

Defense attorney Jessica Willis submitted three motions in order to suppress some evidence against the defendant, including witness testimony and physical evidence on the grounds that the evidence was obtained during an illegal search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment. These motions were originally submitted to DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe. 

On Apr. 18, the defense submitted a motion to dismiss the case against Jackson on the grounds of alleged violations of the defendant’s right to exculpatory evidence. This motion was denied by Judge O’Keefe.

Defense attorney Willis then requested that Judge O’Keefe recuse himself from the case on May 17 due to a perceived bias against the defendant. This request was granted, and DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan took over presiding duties. Due to the transition between judges, several motions remained outstanding before Jackson’s hearing on May 31. 

In order to give both the defense and prosecution ample time to prepare further motions and potential testimony, Judge Raffinan scheduled a motions hearing for Sept. 22. 

Jackson’s trial is set to commence on Feb. 3, 2025. 

Murder Case Dating to 2010 Comes to Trial

On Monday June 5, jury selection for a case involving a murder and disappearance which allegedly happened in 2010 will get underway, with opening statements starting the following day. 

45-year-old Isaac Moye is charged with second-degree murder in connection to the disappearance of 24-year-old Unique Harris who disappeared on Oct. 10, 2010. Harris was reported missing from her home on the 2400 block of Hartford Street, SE by her children. 

In today’s status hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein and attorneys from both sides discussed plans for the trial.

The prosecution is expecting three-to-four days to present their case and have about 20  witnesses. The defense says it will finish in two-to-four days.

Judge Epstein is implementing the Arizona method of jury selection for the trial. This means both sides must submit their ten juror strikes at once. 

Judge Epstein rejected a motion to ask prospective jurors questions pertaining to their race and gender. Judge Epstein also ruled that family members of the victim won’t be allowed to wear shirts bearing her picture in court.

In other matters, Judge Epstein ruled to strike evidence that showed Moye as a prison inmate and the defense is also asking for emails and cell phone data from government witnesses including Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives.

Following jury selection, the trial is set to occur on June 6 at 9:30 a.m..

Trial for Homicide Defendants Delayed as Attorneys Face Scheduling Issues

During a status hearing for a homicide case on May 31, scheduling conflicts arose with both the defense and prosecution delaying proceedings. 

Nelfy Hernandez, 19, DeAndre Levy, 21, and Trey Prillerman, 19, are charged with first-degree murder in relation to a homicide on the 5500 block of 9th S. NW on Aug. 10, 2020. The three defendants allegedly opened fire on a group of teenagers resulting in the death of Taijhon Wyatt. 

After Hernandez withdrew from a plea agreement, both the prosecution and defense were faced with unexpected hearings resulting in scheduling concerns. The number of defendants and defense attorneys further complicated the issue due to multiple conflicts. 

Levy’s defense attorney, Johnathan S. Zucker, raised concerns about a lengthy trial due to cross-examination times, saying “I have a reputation for doing long crosses.”

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan attempted to bring the parties to an agreement on a proper date to proceed. An agreement was reached for parties to discuss scheduling outside of the courtroom.

After repeated failures to find a necessary date for hearings, the trial will potentially be delayed to 2024. Parties are set for a motions hearing on June 14.

Defense Stresses Defendant’s Right to a Speedy Trial After Judge Sets a March 2024 Date

On May 31, a judge set a March 2024 trial date for a defendant involved in non-fatal shooting. 

Kamara Huffler, 31, is being charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly assaulting the victim with a firearm on Sept. 19, 2022 at the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE. 

The defendant pleaded not guilty on all counts, and his defense attorney asked for a trial date to be set. 

Defense attorney Jamison Koehler expressed concern upon hearing that DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein’s earliest availability was in March 2024. He said that it infringed on his client’s constitutional right to a speedy trial. 

Both parties also agreed on dates leading up to the trial, with the Innocence Protection Act (IPA) hearing on evidence for Aug. 18 at 10:30am. A trial readiness hearing is set for Feb. 23, 2024. 

The prosecution plans to call five witnesses including two experts – one a ballistic analyst and one a doctor. Judge Epstein ordered an expert witness notice to be completed by Sept. 15 from the prosecution and Oct. 13 by the defense.

The trial will start on March 4, 2024. 

New Attorney Appointed for Defendant in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

Dirk Easton, 27, was appointed a new attorney on May 31 in a non-fatal shooting case where he allegedly assaulted several individuals

The defendant was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed on May 16.  The incident took place on May 13, when the defendant allegedly shot at the windshield of a retreating vehicle with a handgun on the 1700 block of M Street, NW. During the incident, Easton sustained an apparent gunshot wound to his right eye which led him to seek medical treatment at a local hospital. 

According to court documents, members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) interviewed the defendant at the hospital where he allegedly remained uncooperative, before security footage from the scene of the incident was reviewed showing Easton’s alleged involvement in the incident. 

Defense attorney Francis M. D’Antuono was appointed after Easton’s previous counsel, defense attorney Richard E. Holliday Jr. withdrew on May 26. Defense attorney D’Antuono requested a continuance in order to become more familiar with the case before it progressed, which was granted by DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan

Following the appointment of Easton’s new attorney, Judge Raffinan has set a preliminary hearing for Aug. 23.

Judge Asks For Information About Murder Suspect’s Mental Status

During a mental health observation hearing on May 30, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered a defendant to receive “competency restoration” evaluation from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) before he can stand trial.

Charles Sol Lee, 29, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the killing of 65-year-old David Dowdell, on March 9, 2022 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital on the 1100 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, that’s where Lee and Dowdell were receiving treatment.  Lee allegedly attacked Dowdell while he was asleep and choked him to death.

Since the homicide, Lee has been held in DC Jail where he awaits mental health treatment.

During the proceedings, questions were raised by the defense about the conditions of mental health facilities where Lee would be held. Due to the fact the homicide occurred at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, the defense was concerned about potential conflicts surrounding the the staff’s ability to determine Lee’s competency.

Judge Raffinan said DBH will be tasked to find a facility to help restore the defendant’s competency. 

Parties are expected back June 26. 

Document: Homicide: Unit Block of Potomac Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on May 29, on the unit block of Potomac Avenue, SE.

The decedent was identified as 52-year-old Regina Morris.

Document: Wanted Suspect Apprehended in a Homicide: 3700 Block of Jamison Street, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch arrested and charged a 15-year-old juvenile male with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Kaijah McCoy. The incident took place on May 3, on the 3700 block of Jamison Street, NE.

The juvenile individual is expected to be extradited from PG County, MD, where he was arrested by the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force.

Shooting Defendant Denied Release After Waiving Rights to DNA Testing

At a status hearing on May 30, Tiaquana Chandler, 41, waived her right to independently DNA test items found at the scene of a crime.

The defendant has been charged with aggravated assault while armed and first-degree burglary. Chandler along with her child, a juvenile, were allegedly involved in the non-fatal shooting of a man on March 28 on the 3400 block of 13th Street SE.

The defendant waived her right to test evidence found at the scene at an independent lab which was her right under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA). The evidence included two ammunition cartridges, a jacket, and a ring. DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples accepted the waiver. 

Chandler’s defense attorney requested that she be released from the DC jail stating that scheduling conflicts primarily prevented her release. The defense proposed 24-hour home confinement with GPS tracking. 

Two witnesses who were allegedly present during the incident, said they’d been threatened if they reported it to the police. Due to the nature of the charges and concern for the safety of the witnesses, Judge Staples denied the defense’s request for release.

Chandler’s trial readiness hearing is set for July 7, with jury selection beginning on July 10.

Defendant in Gruesome Murder Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ Denying Original Confession

On May 30, prosecutors attempted to prove that a murder defendant is a flight risk and potentially dangerous to others at his detention hearing. 

Lavaughn Barnes, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly killing 59-year-old Abdul Arias-Lopez on Nov. 4, 2022 on the 1300 block of Kearny Street, NE. Barnes allegedly tased Arias-Lopez, kicked and punched him, then dragged him into his sister’s basement where he repeatedly stabbed him.

According to court documents, on Feb. 15, Barnes was shown Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) video by detectives indicating he admitted tasing Arias-Lopez just minutes after he came over to Barnes’ sister’s house to paint the kitchen. 

Barnes allegedly said in the interview that he bought an ax to “try to get rid of the evidence.” During the hearing prosecutors showed records of Barnes purchasing an ax.

Barnes allegedly confessed to detectives that he used the ax to dismember the victim, then threw then the body parts in the trash. 

In the video interview, the defendant allegedly showed signs of remorse by saying “I need to pay for what I have done.” 

Since then, Barnes has recanted his confession by pleading not guilty in court. 

Barnes’ lawyer, Anthony Matthews, says that because Barnes has cognitive disabilities and a lawyer wasn’t present at the time the confession is invalid. 

Records from the website where Barnes allegedly purchased a taser show that he received a full refund for the weapon which he told the store he never received, even though that taser was registered by police as one of the murder weapons.

Court documents of the defendant’s phone contacts show that Barnes had “Stinkin Spanish A***” as Arias-Lopez’s contact.  

Defense attorney Anthony Matthews objected to every exhibit on grounds of relevance whether the evidence shows that Barnes is a flight risk or danger to society. DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun admitted all of the government’s exhibits. 

Judge Okun set the detention hearing to continue on June 7, contingent on the lead detective’s being available at that time to testify. 

Judge Urges More Rehab for Defendant After Passing Drug Test

On May 30, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz required a defendant to continue court-sanctioned rehabilitation meetings, despite the defendant’s negative drug test. 

Keon Mitchell, 25, was charged with carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting. The incident occurred on June 24, 2022, on the 5000 block of Hayes St, NE. 

Following his arrest, the defendant was placed in the Reintegrating Alternative Personal Program (RAPP), from which he was discharged for having his first negative drug test on May 24. 

That implies he is on the path to recovery. His attorney celebrated Mitchell’s good result, and requested an extension for a plea bargain under consideration. 

The attorney said that Mitchell had just recently become sober, thus needing more time to process the plea. He requested an additional three weeks before another hearing. 

Judge Leibovitz remarked on Mitchell’s improved appearance, and said he “looked good” following his recent involvement in the program. 

Mitchell is currently living with his grandmother. As a recovered drug addict herself, his grandmother understands what Mitchell is going through and said she will stand with him throughout his recovery.

She maintains that Mitchell is doing well and she has seen an improvement in the defendant.

Mitchell is also participating in Project Empowerment, a transitional employment program that aims to ensure job security for D.C. residents facing barriers to employment.

As Mitchell continues in the program, he said to Judge Leibovitz that “[he] is past sanction base”. 

Judge Leibovitz answered that “If [he] thinks that [he’s] past sanction base, then [he] doesn’t understand how serious drug addiction is”. She then urged him to stay sober and clean, and to continue doing regular drug tests. 

Mitchell’s next court hearing is scheduled for June 28. 

Document: Suspect Sought in a Homicide: 300 block of M Street, Southwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in a homicide that occurred on May 28, on a Metro car, before arriving to the Waterfront Metro Station on the 300 block of M Street, SW.

The shooting cost the life of 17-year-old Brendan Ofori.

Document: Homicide: Unit block of Mississippi Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a fatal shooting that occurred on May 28, on the unit block of Mississippi Avenue, SE.

The shooting cost the life 26-year-old David Daniel Quarles.