Search Icon Search site

Search

Homicide Defendant Extradited From El Salvador and Held at DC Jail

On June 14, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ordered that a defendant in a 2014 homicide case be held at the DC Jail pending trial. 

Marvin Lopez, 43, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting and killing 27-year-old Evelyn Arroyo on Dec. 24, 2014. Lopez was indicted by a grand jury on Nov. 16, 2016.

Following his alleged involvement in the murder of Arroyo, the defendant fled the country, leaving his passport and belongings behind. Authorities had reason to believe he fled to El Salvador, and negotiations began between El Salvador and the United States in order to begin the extradition process. 

As part of the negotiations, prosecutors in DC agreed not to seek the death penalty, even though the District has banned capital punishment.

The extradition warrant was issued in El Salvador on Nov. 26, 2019. Authorities then began searching for Lopez in El Salvador, and he was ultimately arrested there on Mar. 12, 2021.

Lopez arrived in the United States on Mar. 30, 2023, and was presented to the court on March 31. He has been held in DC Jail since his arrival in the U.S.

The prosecution argued Lopez should continue to be held as he had previously demonstrated the ability to flee the country without a passport and that family ties in El Salvador might encourage him to abscond again.

They also stated that if he were to be released, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would likely deport him back to El Salvador, making future court appearances impractical. 

The prosecutor said that due to the defendant’s unique set of circumstances, not “even the most stringent of creative combinations” of release conditions could guarantee his return to court. 

However, defense attorney Rachel McCoy argued that case law indicates ICE is often willing to delay deportation in such cases, and that Lopez also had family connections in the greater DC area that could allow him to be released on home confinement.

McCoy also presented court records showing that Arroyo, who had been romantically involved with Lopez, had attacked Lopez on several occasions. In one of these incidents, Lopez was allegedly forced into hiding in the bathroom after Arroyo began swinging at him with a kitchen knife. 

The prosecution then referred to several other alleged incidents indicating that both the suspect and the victim had attacked each other on several occasions both verbally and physically. 

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) records, on one of these occasions Lopez said “If you break up with me, I will kill you.” Arroyo allegedly expressed a desire to break up with the defendant about a week before her murder. 

Lopez needed a Spanish interpreter throughout the hearing. 

Due to the defendant’s possible flight risk, the violent nature of the crime, and Lopez’s relationship with the victim, Judge O’Keefe ordered that Lopez continue to be held at DC Jail awaiting further procedures.

Trial is set to begin on Oct. 30, and Lopez will next appear before Judge O’Keefe on June 28.

Defendant Pleads Guilty in 2022 Shooting Case

On June 14, a defendant changed his plea to guilty after a deal was presented by the prosecution in a 2022 non-fatal shooting case.

Craig Peacock was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He was arrested after allegedly shooting a victim near the 1100 block of 1st Street SE, on Oct. 26, 2022.

In court, defense attorney Johnathan Armstrong and the prosecution brought forth a plea agreement to reduce the assault with intent to kill charge to assault with a dangerous weapon, which Peacock accepted. The prosecutor stated that there was “no justification for the defendant’s conduct” following a review of the case.

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein asked Peacock whether he understood the proffer terms and wanted parties to prepare a pre-sentencing report.

Sentencing is scheduled in front of Judge Epstein on Aug. 29.

Defendant in a Brutal Murder Case Will Stay in Custody

On June 14, a detention hearing was held for Lavaughn Barnes, 33,  related to his first-degree murder charge.

Barnes is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the killing of 59-year-old Abdul Arias-Lopez on Nov. 4, 2022 on the 1300 block of Kearny Street, NE.

On February 3, Barnes placed a call to 911 stating that he had found human remains in his backyard. 

Arias-Lopez, a man who lived in Barnes’ neighborhood and helped the defendant paint the inside of his sister’s house, was found dismembered in the defendant’s backyard. 

After the medical examiner’s analysis, it was determined that Arias-Lopez was killed on November 4, 2022.

According to court documents, Barnes tased the victim in the back of the head and then beat him until he was incapacitated. Then Barnes allegedly dragged Arias-Lopez into his sister’s basement and left him there until he died. Then Barnes allegedly dismembered the victim and placed the body in his backyard. 

The defense counsel asked that Barnes be released as he has no prior criminal history, to which the prosecution objected due to the nature of the crime. 

The defense also acknowledged they had not confirmed housing and the supervision necessary for Barnes’s release.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun agreed with the prosecution, stating that the defendant had allegedly “murdered and dismembered a completely innocent victim” and that the nature of the crime “actually kind of shocks the conscience.” 

The judge cited dangerousness as the reasoning for Barnes’ continued confinement.

Parties are expected back Sept. 14.

Prosecution Tries to Tie Suspect to Murder and Disappearance

On June 14, the lead detective testified about his investigation and interviews with the defendant in a 2010 homicide case.

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.

Prosecutors introduced a detective who discussed his previous interviews with Moye. The officer mentioned inconsistencies in Moye’s initial interviews about his last interaction with Harris and previous intimate encounters with her.

The detective also described the unsuccessful search for Harris in the woods near her home including the use of cadaver dogs. “[The searches] will continue until she’s found,” the detective stated.

Defense attorneys cross-examined the detective about why he did not test everyone’s DNA who could have been potentially involved in the homicide.

Then, prosecutors introduced experts from Bode Technology, a company that specializes in DNA testing, about their work on the case and how they maintained the “chain of custody” to protect the integrity of the evidence.

Meanwhile, the defense asked the witnesses about their testing of objects in Harris’s home, because not all the studies were conclusive.

The trial is slated to resume before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 15.

Medical Testimony About Cause of Death Continues in a Homicide Trial

On June 14, medical experts testified about what may have caused the victim’s death in a 2013 homicide case.

Victor Coley, 62, was found guilty in 2015 for his involvement in a shooting that injured four individuals on Nov. 6, 2013 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. He was convicted on 13 charges, including assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm.

In 2021, 65-year-old Dennis Foster, one of Coley’s alleged victims, succumbed to his wounds. As a result, Coley was charged with 17 counts, including first-degree murder, in 2022 and is now standing trial again as an extension of the original case. 

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan is overseeing the proceedings.

Defense attorneys called a home health aide to the stand who was taking care of Foster in his last days. She testified she saw no behavioral or medical changes in him during that time period.

The prosecution subsequently called a toxicologist from the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) to testify regarding chemicals found in Foster’s postmortem. She affirmed that the level of sertraline, a drug commonly known as Zoloft and used to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and PTSD, in Foster’s blood was not indicative of an acute overdose.

Her testimony directly contradicted that of a former medical examiner who testified on June 12 that Foster’s death was likely due to intoxication from prescription drugs.

The defense then called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective in the case who explained the process of identifying the defendant as a suspect.

The trial will resume on June 15.

Jury Delivers Verdicts in Six Defendant Murder Trial 

On June 13, following a four-month long emotional trial, a 12-person jury delivered verdicts for six murder and conspiracy defendants. 

Gregory Taylor, 27, Quentin Michals, 25, Qujuan Thomas, 24, Darrise Jeffers, 23, Isaiah Murchison, 23, and Marquell Cobbs, 21, were six of 10 defendants charged with first-degree murder, criminal street gang affiliation, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill, and other charges regarding a fatal drive-by shooting that resulted in 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson’s death and injuries to four individuals. The shooting happened on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE on July 16, 2018. 

Taylor, Thomas, Jeffers, and Murchison were found guilty of all charges for their involvement in the incident, and Michals was found guilty of all charges, except possession of firearms during a crime of violence. 

Cobbs, on the other hand, was found guilty of conspiracy, but acquitted of all other charges. 

“Twenty seconds, fifty gunshots, four gunmen, and one driver,” prosecutors said in their opening and closing statements, is all it took for the Clay Terrace neighborhood in northeast DC to be changed forever. 

According to prosecutors, the defendants belong to what’s known as the Wellington Park Crew, which they argue is a criminal street gang whose purpose is to commit crimes throughout the city. 

Through trial, prosecutors presented evidence that linked the individual defendants to the planning of various attacks, including the murder of Makiyah, which they argue stemmed from retaliation against rival gangs in the District. 

Most of the evidence presented was conversations and posts on social media created by the defendants, where they bragged about their wrongdoings, and planned and celebrated the downfall of rival individuals and gangs. 

In one Instagram video uploaded by Jeffers on the day of Makiyah’s murder, various defendants could be heard saying “we the real reason why the murder rate high.”

The mode of operation for every shooting was the same, according to prosecutors. The suspects would arm themselves, get in a car with a designated driver, show up in a rival neighborhood, get out, fire several gunshots into a courtyard or common area, and speed away from the crime scene. This pattern occurred many times between 2017 and 2018, prosecutors say.

In the hours leading up to the shooting, all six defendants and other individuals charged with the attack were seen gathering in the Wellington Park neighborhood. Their preparations included getting clothing, gloves, and masks that would protect their identities, acquiring an assault rifle, and double checking that no one was around their vehicles when they were ready to commit the crime. 

Attorneys for all defendants pleaded with the jury to find their clients not guilty during their closing arguments, stating that the prosecutors had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that their respective clients had anything to do with the charges brought against them.

Many of them mentioned holes in the prosecutors’ story, stating that they were attempting to get a conviction by trying to force the defendants to fit into a story where they didn’t belong, and forcing the jury to make leaps of logic to figure out their plot. 

“I hope you have the wisdom, strength, and integrity to give a fair verdict,” Jonathan Zucker, Taylor’s defense attorney, told the jury during his closing arguments.

However, for most defendants, their attorneys’ pleadings were not sufficient. The evidence presented to the jury convinced them of the defendants’ involvement in Makiyah’s death. 

It was an emotional day in the courtroom, as jurors delivered the verdicts in front of family, friends, and community members. 

Makiyah’s grandmother told reporters after the verdicts that she has empathy for the defendants’ families, because they too are losing their children. 

However, she said just putting the convicted killers in jail is not enough. She said the death penalty is justified.

“I don’t think they deserve to live,” she proclaimed. 

“I don’t think we should have to pay for them to be housed. [They] have no respect for life – they have no value for life, at all,” she stated. 

Meanwhile, outside the DC Superior Courthouse, various defendants’ family members and friends could be heard saying “free [the defendants].” 

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun will be sentencing Murchison and Cobbs on Oct. 6, and Michals, Thomas, Taylor, and Jeffers on Oct. 20.

Defendant’s Mental Illness is Detailed in Competency Hearing

On June 13, cross-examination continued in 57-year-old Joseph Evans’ mental observation hearing, with his competency and diagnosis remaining the focus of discussion. 

Evans, is charged with kidnapping while armed, first degree sexual abuse while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for an offense allegedly committed on Sept. 24, 2012 on the unit block of K Street, NE. According to court documents, a gun was discharged during the incident. Evans is being held at Saint Elizabeths Hospital. 

Evans’ mental observation hearings date back to 2020. 

As a continuance of a June 9 hearing, an expert witness with a background in clinical and forensic psychology was brought to the stand by prosecutors.  She has worked with Evans as his clinical psychologist since 2022. 

The therapist visited Evans at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital thirteen times, and said he has been variously diagnosed with a number of psychotic illnesses including intense mood swings, hallucinations and a tendency to harm himself and others.

Evans claimed he’s a “billionaire”, and that the government is trying to assassinate him.

Still, the witness alleged that she could not make a definitive diagnosis due to lack of information. She hypothesized that Evans’ behavioral issues may result from his inability to reason clearly or substance abuse.  

During Evans’ time at Saint Elizabeths, the hospital experienced an increase in substance abuse from contraband brought into the institution. Evans was allegedly caught multiple times with tobacco products, and was involved with groups that flaunted the rules.

He is still able to talk to people on the phone, despite many reports of his abusing the privilege, and has been under guardianship for a short amount of time. 

According to reports from Saint Elizabeths, Evans is not compliant in taking his medication.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt questioned the why there’s such a difference of opinion about Evans’ diagnosis.

The witness confirmed that there were disagreements between her and her colleagues. The witness also confirmed that Evans’ believes he is ‘fighting for his life’. 

The second expert witness brought forth by prosecutors was from the DC Department of Behavioral Health.  She confirmed she reviewed Evans’ prior records including claims he was a member of the Ku Klux Klan.

Due to scheduling conflicts, testimony from the second expert witness will continue at the next hearing. 

The mental observation hearing is to resume June 14.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: 2900 Block of Southern Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has arrested and charged 46-year-old David Pena with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting that occurred on June 12, on the 2900 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

The decedent has been identified as 24-year-old Maurice Robinson. Robinson succumbed to his injuries on June 13.

Judge Sentences 19-Year-Old in Armed Carjacking Case

In a June 13 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced Cornell Smith, 19, to four years in prison in keeping with a plea deal for an attempt to commit robbery while armed. 

According to court documents, on Sept. 18, 2020, Cornell Smith,19, attempted to carjack an off duty police officer’s vehicle on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. In the melee, shots were fired by both Smith and the officer, leaving Smith wounded. 

Prosecutors argued that Smith should serve the full plea deal sentence of 48 months for assault with intent to commit robbery and 18 months for carrying a pistol without a license concurrently. 

Based on his time with the DC ​​Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), prosecutors claimed Smith is a danger to the community and should be held for the full sentence. 

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley countered the prosecution’s arguments, stating that due to Smith’s learning disabilities and past childhood trauma, his time at DYRS was productive but difficult.

Mosley closed emphasizing the progress Smith has made since his time served pre-sentencing.  

After hearing both the prosecution and defense’s arguments, Judge Park sentenced Smith to a concurrent 48 months for both assault with intent to commit robbery and carrying a pistol without a license. 

The 19-year-old said before the court, “I’m sorry… I’m sorry to my mother… I’m sorry to the victim… I’m trying to change my life around.” 

Motion for Dismissal Continues as DNA Evidence is Re-Evaluated

On June 13, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan heard arguments from defense attorneys to dismiss a defendant’s charges.

Daquan Gray, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Jaylyn Wheeler that took place on May 11, 2018 on the 600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Wheeler succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

On May 12, Dana Page, defense attorney for Gray, filed a motion to dismiss all charges due to alleged mishandling of DNA evidence by the DC Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). According to court documents, DFS lost its accreditation in 2021 for inaccuracies in DNA evidence analysis.

Evidence was subsequently sent to the Bode Technology Group lab to do other DNA testing. According to Bode, the evidence they received was not properly sealed when it arrived. The DNA evidence allegedly implicated Gray.

The prosecution brought forth two witnesses, a former evidence technologist from Bode Technology group and a forensic DNA private consultant. 

The evidence technologist testified that the evidence tape received from DFS was not properly placed around the seal of the cooler and that the evidence was “not fully cold,” which left room for degradation of the samples to occur.

The forensic DNA private consultant was asked to compare and contrast the results of the reports from DFS and Bode Technology Group, and share her findings with the court. 

She testified that she generally agreed with both reports, and stated that Gray’s DNA was the major contributor to the three DNA samples found on the gun used. She also spoke of the degradation of the sample that likely took place due to the improper handling and packaging of it, stating that degradation was extremely likely to happen unless it was held in a -80℃ environment, which was not the case.

Due to scheduling conflicts, motions will resume June 27. 

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Store Shooting

On June 13, DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan found probable cause that a non-fatal shooting defendant committed the crime.

22-year-old Jeniyah Campbell is charged with carrying a pistol without a license for allegedly using a firearm in a non-fatal shooting which occurred on June 9 at the 7-Eleven on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, SW. No injuries were reported. 

According to the responding officer, Campbell and the victim were in an altercation over money when the defendant allegedly pulled out a firearm. 

According to court documents, a bullet was shot into the ceiling when the victim tried to wrestle the firearm out of Campbell’s grip after she allegedly pointed the gun at him. 

According to the officer, the victim was able to disarm Campbell and leave the store with the gun. 

The firearm has not been recovered. 

According to court documents, 7-Eleven’s security footage matched the statement of one of the eyewitnesses interviewed by officers. Defense Attorney Page Resnick asked Judge Nolan to rule that there wasn’t probable cause to believe Campbell was carrying a pistol without a license during the non-fatal shooting incident, because no firearm was ever recovered. 

Nolan ruled that prosecutors showed substantial evidence that there was probable cause that Campbell was in unlawful possession of a pistol. 

The prosecutor asked to keep Campbell detained because of her being potentially dangerous. 

Resnick asked for Campbell to be released because she had no prior criminal history. She also mentioned that Campbell is three months pregnant and she would have better access to healthcare outside of jail. 

Nolan did not order her immediate release because there is an active warrant out for her in Maryland, but said upon release she needs to report to Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) for GPS monitoring. She also must report to PSA every other week, and she is not allowed to be in possession of any firearms or return to the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SW.

The next hearing is set to take place on July 11.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty 

During a June 13 hearing, homicide defendant Dohn Harmon pleaded not guilty before D.C. Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.  

Harmon, 24, is charged with first-degree murder, a drive-by or random shooting while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Kelvin Goggins on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE, on July 1, 2020. 

According to court documents, Harmon has been on release since Nov. 23, 2020, and is in compliance with the conditions of high intensity supervision. His attorney, Steven Kiersh, alerted the court Harmon was pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserted his right to a speedy and fair trial. 

The prosecution filed a motion for a protective order to keep the defendant away from where the shooting occurred out of public safety concerns, and Judge O’Keefe signed several motions enabling the defense to access key evidence in the case.

The next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 11. 

Prosecution Rests in Multiple Shooting-Homicide Trial

On June 12, prosecuting attorneys in a 2013 murder trial rested their case.

Victor Coley, 62, was initially found guilty in 2015 for his involvement in a shooting that injured four on Nov. 6, 2013 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. He was convicted in that case on 13 charges, including assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm.

In 2021, Dennis Foster, one of Coley’s victims, succumbed to his wounds. As a result, Coley was charged with 17 counts, including first-degree murder, in 2022 and is standing trial again as an extension of the original case.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan is overseeing the complex proceeding involving many witnesses and a large amount of transcripted material.

Defense attorneys Carrie Weletz and Jesse Winograd introduced a former medical examiner who claimed that Foster died from drug intoxication caused by prescription medications, directly contradicting the testimony of a female medical examiner who testified for the prosecution.

In an effort to impeach the witness, prosecutors noted that he had been accused of sexually harassing former female colleagues at the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Furthermore, the prosecution questioned the witness about allegations he frequently overruled female medical examiners on the basis that they’re women.

The witness categorically denied all accusations, saying he was just a “tough boss” who “hired most of those women.”

The prosecution then called a former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sergeant who arrived on the scene just minutes after the shooting in 2013. She described “show-up procedures” performed at the scene. 

They involve victims or witnesses of a crime identifying the suspect. 

Three show-up procedures were performed at the scene of the crime that day, identifying Coley as the alleged culprit. Two victims and an eyewitness identified Coley as he walked past them on the scene.

The trial will continue with defense arguments on June 13. 

Defense Claims Mental Drug Hangover Prompted Incriminating Statements

On June 13, Steven G. Colin the defense lawyer for Richard J. Johnson, argued that Seroquel, a powerful antipsychotic, impacted his client’s awareness and understanding about the impact of pleading guilty. 

Johnson, 33, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Dec. 24, 2022 on the 900 block of M Street, NW. 

On March 3, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence after prosecutors extended a plea deal. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, quetiapine which is known under the brand name Seroquel, can have adverse effects including feeling sleepy, dizzy, or groggy. 

Based on witness and victim statements, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified Johnson as the shooter. 

In light of the defense’s claim, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow granted Johnson a month to decide whether to withdraw the guilty plea or continue sentencing. 

The next hearing is scheduled for July 14.