Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss Charges in Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

At a Sept. 18 jury trial, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a request by co-defendants to dismiss charges against them due to a delay in the signing of a witness immunity order by the Chief Judge of the District Court.

Dominic Copeland, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on April 26, 2019, on the unit block of N Street, NW. The incident left an individual experiencing non-life-threatening injuries.

Artie Byrd, 31, is charged with accessory after the fact for his alleged involvement in assisting Copeland to leave the crime scene.

Just before the victim was set to testify, the prosecution received an email saying the Chief Judge had not signed a witness immunity order. The victim was served with a witness immunity order to avoid having his statements used to charge him with a crime during his testimony.

Following the delay, the immunity order was signed and prosecutors were able to call forth the victim.

The victim testified that Copeland and Byrd were his coworkers at United Masonry in Alexandria, Virginia, where he worked as a bricklayer for a year.

According to the victim, on the day of the incident, he left work early and had exchanged text messages with Copeland to arrange a drug transaction at the Wendy’s on New York Avenue, NW, which resulted in a shooting.

The victim said after he had spoken with Copeland and Byrd at the Wendy’s, they met at N Street, NW. Upon arriving at the location, the witness said he got out of his car to “conduct business.”

He offered Copeland money in exchange for narcotics, when Copeland kept the cash, the victim allegedly engaged in a physical struggle with him. Copeland then pulled a gun on the victim.

The victim allegedly attempted to get back into his car as Copeland started to shoot at him, which led to the victim’s car swerving off the road and hitting a light pole as he attempted to drive off.

Byrd then allegedly pulled up in a white Toyota Camry and helped Copeland flee the scene.

“Copeland was the one who shot me,” the witness said. “It was a good shot.”

According to the victim, when he was shot by Copeland, he had no feeling in his body.

During the trial, the victim pointed to two spots on the right side of his upper back where he had been shot.

Parties are expected back Sept. 19.

Document: Man Dead, Another Injured After Shooting in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch are investigating a shooting that killed a man and left another injured on Sept. 18 on the 2600 block of Bowen Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers were patrolling the area when they heard sounds of gunshots. They reported to the location and located a man, later identified as 27-year-old William Jones, dead inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds.

A while later, they located a second man with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was admitted in critical but stable condition.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest or conviction of the person or persons responsible for this incident.

Document: DC Police Arrest Man in Mother’s Day Murder of 10-Year-Old Girl

On Sept. 18, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 19-year-old Koran Gregory with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting that killed a 10-year-old girl on May 14 on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots and located evidence of a shooting. A short time later, 10-year-old Arianna Davis was taken to a DC Fire and EMS station with gunshot wound injuries. She was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries on May 17.

MPD’s investigation determined Davis was a passenger in her family’s vehicle, when she was struck by a stray bullet.

MPD’s investigation is ongoing, and they request anyone with other information to reach out to them.

Defendant ‘Accepts the Consequences’ of His ActionS During Sentencing

On Sept. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced Collin Potter to 16 years in prison with five years of supervised release.

Potter, 31, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed in aggravating circumstances for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of Vongell Lugo, 36 on Feb. 3. Potter stabbed Lugo 42 times on Jan. 6, 2019, on the 2800 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Potter and Lugo are alleged to have been in an intimate relationship.

During the sentencing, Lugo’s mother, sister, brother, and close friends delivered nine victim impact statements, describing Lugo as “fun-loving, energetic, caring, supportive, and compassionate.”

A close family friend expressed that Lugo was “cruelly murdered” and the defendant “deserves a punishment of more than 16 years” during her impact statement.

Lugo’s sister and multiple family friends indicated to the court that they “fear for the LGBTQ+ community” prompting them to ask Judge Demeo to reconsider Potter’s sentence because they believe he is a danger to society.

Potter expressed his remorse in his final statements by explaining that he accepts the consequences of his actions and deserves punishment for his crimes.

Judge Demeo recommended that Potter undergo mental health treatment, trauma-informed substance-use treatment, and trauma-informed sexual assault treatment while he serves his sentencing.

Homicide Co-Defendants Accept Plea Offer

On Sept. 18, two co-defendants accepted a plea offer in connection to two fatal 2015 shootings.

Ron McLeoud, 30, was originally charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges. Joseph Brown, 33, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges.

The two were arrested in 2017 for their involvement in the deaths of Amari Jenkins, 29, and Antwan Baker, 21. Jenkins was shot 28 times outside St. Luke Roman Catholic Church on the 4900 block of East Capitol Street, SE, on Aug. 15, 2015. Baker, along with a surviving victim, was found suffering from gunshot wounds on the 5300 block of Clay Terrace, NE, on Nov. 12, 2015.

Brown’s plea offer required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and voluntary manslaughter while armed, dismissing all of the other charges. According to the agreement, Brown would serve 25 years in prison with five years on supervised release. Brown is currently serving time for a federal case, the sentencing in this case would be served consecutively.

McLeoud’s offer required him to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for dropping all other charges. Under the agreement, McLeod would serve ten years in prison and five years of supervised release.

During the hearing, Jenkins’ mother said the family does not agree with the plea deal, and that Brown and McLeoud’s sentences are not sufficient enough for having taken her son’s life.

Judge Marisa Demeo asked to hear from her again at the sentencing where she would make her decision to accept or deny the deal.

The sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 4.

Drive-By Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Every Count

On Sept. 18, Jeremiah Downing was arraigned on seven charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Downing, 22, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, possession of unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition,for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one individual. The incident occurred Nov. 27, 2022, on I-395 at the exit of Maine Avenue, SW.

According to court documents, Downing allegedly shot at the victim through the passenger window of his white pickup truck.

Brian McDaniel, Downing’s defense attorney, told Judge Epstein that Downing would be pleading not-guilty and asserting his right to a speedy trial.

McDaniel also requested the GPS monitoring condition of Downing’s release be removed. McDaniel explained that Downing is currently living on his college campus, and that the GPS monitoring heavily restricts his abilities to be a normal student on campus.

However, the prosecution argued that he should be monitored due to the serious nature of the crimes, community safety, and Downing’s previous failures to comply with release conditions.

After deliberation, Judge Epstein ruled to keep the GPS monitoring in place at this time.

A trial readiness hearing was scheduled for March 14, 2025.

Judge Releases Homicide Defendant For Drug Treatment

On Sept. 18, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a homicide defendant’s request for release into an in-patient drug treatment program.

Joseph Ballard, 59, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 33-year-old Monte Daniels on July 28 on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE.

Prosecutors continuously opposed the request, stating that Ballard has five prior violent crime convictions, which Judge Brandt argued are outdated and were caused by Ballard being on a drug bender.

Judge Brandt granted the defense’s request, and ordered Ballard be placed in a 60 day in-patient treatment program with a requirement of an intensive out-patient treatment program once he completed the in-person treatment. Once released from the treatment facility, Ballard is expected to take a drug test once a week with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

“This is your one and only chance. If you fail, I’m going to have to lock you up at the jail,” Judge Brandt said.

During a preliminary hearing on Sept. 1, Judge Brandt denied the defense’s request for release, arguing that the defense needed to submit a comprehensive treatment plan that she could review before granting the request.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Dec. 4.

Document: Shooting in Northeast DC Leaves Man Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on Sept. 17 on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a man with gunshot wound injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as 34-year-old Michael McKinney.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone that provides information regarding the incident.

Document: Arrest Made in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense

On Sept. 15, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 22-year-old Zaria Williams with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun), carrying a pistol without a license, and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 15 on the 3900 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, Williams allegedly approached the victim at the location, brandished a handgun and hit the victim with it. They began to fight, and during the struggle, one gun shot was fired. The victim was treated at the scene by responding officers.

Due to a search warrant, officers recovered a firearm, multiple rounds of ammunition, and controlled substances from the 3900 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

Document: Suspect Sought in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 3900 Block of Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, Southwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 3 on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male shooting victim. He was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera.

Document: Arrest Made in an Assault with an Assault with Intent to Kill (Gun) Offense: 2200 Block of Alabama Avenue, Southeast

On Sept. 15, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged a 17-year-old juvenile male with assault with intent to kill (gun) for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 9 on the 2200 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers were notified of an adult female shooting victim who was taken to the Seventh District Police Station. She was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of life-threatening injuries.

Homicide Defendant’s Motion for Bond Review Denied

On Sept. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe heard arguments from parties regarding George Edwards’ motion for bond review as he awaits to be re-tried for a 2015 homicide.

Edwards, 34, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Reginald Perry on Nov. 7, 2015, on the 1700 block of 8th Street, NW.

On Sept. 8, 2016, Edwards accepted a plea deal that lessened his murder charge to the second-degree while armed and dismissed all other charges. On Nov. 16, 2017, he was sentenced to 24 years incarceration and five years supervised release.

Since then, Edwards has filed multiple motions to either withdraw his guilty plea or reduce his sentence.

On Sept. 15, Edwards’ defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, argued that Edwards posed no flight risk and his “excellent disciplinary record” while incarcerated should compel the judge to grant the review motion. He also cited strong community support, including the fact that Edwards has a standing job offer from his prior employer.

Prosecution refuted by stating that Edwards fired the first shot and that, as evident by the position of the bullets, Perry had not even been facing Edwards at the time of the shooting.

Judge O’Keefe stated that he was “torn” in his decision, but eventually sided with the prosecution and denied the motion.

Edwards will continue to appeal his sentence. A jury trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 15.

Plea Offer Rejected in Homicide Case

On Sept. 15, one of three homicide defendants, Tyler Stringfield, rejected a wired plea agreement prosecutors offered in a homicide case.

Stringfield, 25, Raymond Avent, 23, and Keith Baham, 24, who was not present at the status hearing, are all charged with first-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the killing of 23-year-old Rafiq Hawkins on March 23, 2019, on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE. They are currently held at the DC jail.

Avent was planning on signing a plea offer extended by prosecutors, however, since Stringfield would not sign it, the plea was rejected altogether.

According to Stringfield’s attorney, he accepts responsibility for his actions but does not agree with some parts of the plea agreement that he feels could negatively impact Baham. Baham has rejected any plea offers.

The defense was surprised by Stringfield’s refusal and, therefore set dates to proceed with the case.

There is a motion hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun scheduled for Nov. 17.

Homicide Defendant’s Motion for Dismissal Denied

On Sept. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe denied a motion that charges against Terrell Poe be dismissed over a jurisdiction question.

Poe, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for allegedly firing 11 shots, killing 33-year-old Christopher Washington. The incident occurred on the 400 block of Southern Avenue, SE, on Sept. 23, 2020.

Poe’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, filed a motion requesting a change of jurisdiction. She argued that Maryland courts, not DC courts, should be hearing the case. According to King, the incident happened in Maryland.

Judge Michael O’Keefe denied the motion and agreed with prosecution that the case falls under the DC Superior Court’s jurisdiction. The jury trial is set to begin Jan. 8, 2024.

Defendant Sentenced to 35 Years in 2010 Disappearance and Homicide Case

On Sept. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced Isaac Moye to 35 years incarceration, with credit for time served, for his connection to a homicide.

Moye, 46, was found guilty on June 23 of second-degree murder in 24-year-old Unique Harris’ death for a crime that allegedly occurred on Oct. 10, 2010. Harris was last seen near the 2400 block of Hartford Street, SE.

“This was a terrible crime,” said Judge Epstein, stating that, because Harris’ body was never discovered, no one truly knows how much she suffered in her last moments.

Moye was arrested in 2020, ten years after Harris was reported missing. Court documents state Harris’s children awoke to find their mother wasn’t there, something extremely out of character. There has been no physical or digital footprint of Harris since she went missing, and her body was never recovered.

During the sentencing, Harris’ mother talked about the impact on her family from the loss, stating that all her loved ones are still grieving 13 years later.

“You deviant, how dare you take my baby girl,” she exclaimed, referring to Moye. She pleaded with Judge Epstein to sentence Moye to the maximum extent possible, saying, “please don’t force another family to hunt him down for a decade like we did”.

Likewise, Harris’ sister recalled how for a decade, no one was held accountable for their loss. She said Harris’ kids live with guilt for not helping her when Moye was in her apartment the night of her disappearance.

“Let’s stop giving grace to a living disgrace,” she said. “Make sure Unique Harris is the last person he does this too.”

Prosecutors thanked Harris’ family for their hard work and efforts in the investigation, stating that without them the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the prosecutor’s office would not have been able to solve the case.

They also discussed Moye’s lengthy criminal history, stating that he was convicted of rape and attempted rape with underaged victims in 1994 and 1995. According to prosecutors, in 1999, he attempted to rape his then-girlfriend’s best friend and when he failed, stole her vehicle.

In August 2010, they said, he was released from prison, which didn’t stop him from killing Harris two months later. Prosecutors insist his involvement in criminal activity did not stop in the ten years it took to press charges against him for Harris’ disappearance.

“In this case, the maximum is the minimum,” argued the prosecutor when requesting Moye be sentenced to 40 years.

Jason Tulley, Moye’s defense attorney, told the court that the whole defense team extended their condolences to the Harris family, and acknowledged their “heroic actions” in trying to resolve the case.

“He’s innocent,” Tulley said, noting that Moye can’t tell anyone where Harris’ body is because he doesn’t know.

“The system has convicted an innocent man of murder,” he stated, “we’ll see what happens in appeal”.

Tulley claimed that MPD attempted to elicit a confession from Moye by showing him a picture of his deceased mother, who allegedly abused him as a child.

Tulley requested Judge Epstein sentence Moye to no more than 20 years incarceration.

Moye chose to remain silent during his sentencing.

““[Moye] has proven himself to be dangerous,” Judge Epstein stated, “20 years is not sufficient.”

Aside from the 35 years incarceration, Moye is required to serve a five-year supervised release , must pay $100 to the victims’ crime fund, and receive mental health assessment and treatment while incarcerated.

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