Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

On Sept. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein issued a bench warrant for a defendant on probation.

Marquise Carter, 24, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in an incident that left an adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred on March 18, 2019, on the 5300 block of Dix Street, NE.

On July 29, 2019, Carter pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for a dismissal of the assault with intent to kill charge. In October of 2019, he was sentenced to 40 months, with all but 24 suspended, and was required to be on probation once he was released.

During the Sept. 1 hearing, Carter, who is on release, and his defense attorney failed to appear at his hearing.

Prosecutors and a representative from Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) made representations that Carter had been a loss of contact, and had a warrant for his arrest in Maryland for failing to report to supervision and court.

Prosecutors requested Judge Epstein issue a warrant for his arrest, which was quickly granted.

Parties will reconvene once Carter is in custody.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

On Sep. 1 Charles Robert Lewis Jr. was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Lewis is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the killing of 55-year-old Mark Carter. Lewis, 33, was accused of hitting and kicking Carter to death on Oct. 10, 2022, on the 600 block of Southern Avenue, SE, where the victim was found lying in the street by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Parties told Judge Epstein that they are currently involved in plea negotiations.

The next status hearing is scheduled for Sep. 21.

Defendant in Teen Stabbing Murder Remains in ‘Secure Detention.’

DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell IV ruled that the adolescent Maryland girl accused in the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Naima Liggon be detained awaiting trial.

The 16-year-old suspect’s name isn’t being reported because of a court order to protect the juvenile’s identity. She’s being charged with second-degree murder in connection with an Aug. 27 incident that occurred at a McDonald’s restaurant on the 1900 block of 14th Street, NW.

The crime which has garnered national publicity prompted the suspect’s attorney to ask that the media be barred from covering court proceedings in the interest of confidentiality–a request the judge denied.

Prosecutors say the suspect “attacked” Liggon and pursued her in the back seat of her car. She was taken to a local hospital “in a privately owned vehicle” to get treatment for stab wounds but ultimately succumbed to her injuries.

These actions, say the prosecution, show a “complete disregard for human life” and the teen should remain in “secure detention.” She previously entered the juvenile equivalent of a not guilty plea.

The defense acknowledged, meanwhile, that what happened was “unfortunate” and “tragic” but not intended. She didn’t “choose to cause harm.”

Rather the defendant was allegedly punched repeatedly by Liggon and pushed to the ground.

Further, a witness to the altercation didn’t see a knife and, as the defense views it, there’s a strong argument for a claim of self-defense. However, a plea offer would be considered.

Judge Crowell said this is an early stage to raise the self-defense argument that according to precedent requires that an individual must be in imminent danger and whether the response is a proportionate reaction to the circumstances. He also noted that the defendant was being held under “substantial probable cause” that she allegedly committed the crime and that the victim was unarmed.

In arguing for home detention, the defense noted that the suspect is a “good child” who responds to parental authority, serves as a hostess at a local restaurant, and is home schooled as an eleventh grader.

However, questions were raised about whether the suspect had broken curfew by staying out until 4 a.m.

Based on the evidence, Judge Crowell ruled that the juvenile remain in custody and that she undergo a complete psychiatric and psycho-social evaluation.

Trial date in the case was set for Oct. 12.

One Defendant Accepts, the Other Rejects a Homicide Plea Deal

In two Aug. 31 hearings, one homicide defendant accepted a plea deal but the other suspect in the case turned down an offer to reduce the charges against him.

Trey Prillerman, 19, and Deon Walters, also 19, were originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and unarmed carjacking for their involvement in an Oct. 1, 2020, incident on the 6200 block of 8th Street, NW that claimed the life of 42-year-old Arthur Daniels IV.

According to prosecutors, Prillerman and Walters were at the crime scene when Daniels arrived in his vehicle, where he was subsequently shot before Prillerman stole his gold Cadillac and Walters fled the scene on foot.

Prillerman accepted an agreement to plead guilty to one count of robbery in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges.

Parties agreed the sentencing guideline for Prillerman’s robbery charge should be between three and five years, and will run consecutively to his sentence in another homicide, where he faces 12 years for voluntary manslaughter.

Parties are expected back before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan for Prillerman’s sentencing on Dec. 15.

Prosecutors extended a plea offer that would have Walters’ first-degree murder charge lessened to second-degree in exchange for dismissing all other charges.

Sylvia Smith, Walters’ defense attorney, alerted Judge Raffinan that Walters was rejecting the offer.

Parties are expected back on Sept. 1 to discuss their readiness for Walters’ October trial.

My Summer Internship at D.C. Witness

This internship was a particularly meaningful experience for me because it solidified what career path I am interested in. I have known I’ve wanted to go to law school for years, but spending each day observing cases in the criminal justice system has solidified my particular interest in criminal defense. This summer opened my eyes to the flaws in our criminal justice system, and I know that I am passionate about the fact that all people, regardless of whether they have been accused of a crime, deserve a zealous and intelligent defense.

My summer at D.C. Witness also solidified my writing skills, which have previously focused on academic writing. Writing articles in an editorial style each day was a learning experience for me. I became adept at writing concisely to convey important information without fluff or unnecessary additions, a skill which will be crucial in my future career. I also learned a lot about data and managing a massive database such as the one used by D.C. Witness. I enjoy working with data, and it was fascinating to see the work that goes into D.C. Witness’ database.

This experience has been invaluable. I have made great friends and professional contacts, learned so much about the criminal justice system, and developed skills that will serve me well in whatever career I end up in. I highly recommend this internship for anyone interested in law, the criminal justice system, or journalism.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On Aug. 31, Aaron Murchison, a homicide defendant, rejected a plea offer extended by prosecutors.

Murchison, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a dispute that ended in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Jamontate Brown. The incident occurred on Oct. 16, 2022, on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Rd, SE.

During the Aug. 31 hearing, Murchison rejected a plea offer deal that would have him plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter in exchange for the dismissal of one count of assault on a police officer in another case.

The next court date is set for Sept. 29.

Document: Homicide: 2300 block of Ainger Place, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)’s Homicide Branch is investigating a homicide that occurred on Aug. 30 on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to a local hospital for the report of an adult male seeking treatment for gunshot wounds. Despite all lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. He had been transported to the hospital in a privately owned vehicle.

The victim was identified as 25-year-old Jamal Walton.

Judge Delays Probable Cause Ruling in Homicide Case

On Aug. 30, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt delayed her ruling on probable cause for a homicide to review evidence presented by parties in the case.

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 called forth the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) lead detective for the case. According to the detective, witnesses of the incident told MPD that the altercation stemmed from Daniels accusing Ballard of stealing his crack pipe.

According to MPD documents, which were adopted by the detective as part of his testimony, and surveillance footage shown in court, Daniels was in the parking lot near two females arguing over an unknown issue. Daniels approached a group of individuals that were sitting on a curb, which included Ballard, and, after a verbal altercation, smacked Ballard’s hat off his head.

Daniels then walked away from Ballard towards the parking lot when Ballard followed him. Daniels is seen turning to face Ballard with his palms facing up, showing that he apparently didn’t have any weapons, when Ballard allegedly stabs him on the chest. Daniels begins to walk away while he lifts his shirt to check himself, before collapsing in the middle of the lot.

Ballard left the scene for a few minutes, returned to grab a bike and a few other items, and left the location again. He was stopped and detained by MPD about two hours after the incident. The murder weapon was never recovered, but Ballard reportedly told MPD officers he had gotten rid of it somewhere.

According to the detective, a speck of suspected blood was visible on Ballard’s white shoe when he was detained. He was taken to MPD’s homicide branch to be interviewed.

In an interview, which was recorded, the detective asked Ballard what happened that morning. Ballard explained that he had done heroin around 6 a.m. and had just been hanging out in the area like he always did. The detective asked him what he typically did in the area, and Ballard told him he did everything, including live there.

“He [Daniels] slapped me real hard,” Ballard told the detective regarding the incident, “I just lost it”.

During the detective’s cross examination, Pierce Suen, Ballard’s defense attorney, questioned the detective on various eyewitnesses’ accounts about the defendant and victim.

According to the detective, several eyewitnesses who often frequented the area told MPD officers that Daniels was known to carry weapons with him and be aggressive with others, but stated that he never heard from any of the witnesses that Daniels had ever used the knives he was known to carry.

Following the detective’s testimony, Suen called forth an investigator for the Public Defender Services (PDS) that had helped to investigate the case.

The investigator stated that she spoke with two eyewitnesses that knew Ballard and Daniels from the area on Benning Road. Both witnesses interviewed by the investigator described Daniels as a bully and an aggressive individual, stating that they had frequently seen him assaulting Ballard and others in the area.

One of the witnesses, says the investigator, even heard Daniels threaten to “kick someone’s ass” multiple times. According to the investigator, Daniels was known to target individuals who were of a smaller build than him and older.

The investigator told the court that neither witness identified Ballard as an aggressive or mean individual, but rather stated they were shocked by his involvement in the incident.

Following the investigator’s testimony, the prosecutor requested Judge Brandt find probable cause that Ballard committed second-degree murder when he stabbed Daniels, arguing that Daniels walked away from Ballard after he smacked him on the head and his body language when Ballard confronted him in the parking lot was that of an individual who was not trying to fight or cause any trouble.

Prosecutors argued that Ballard’s leaving the scene and getting rid of the murder weapon proves consciousness of guilt, and that self defense is not a plausible argument because several seconds had passed since Daniels slapped Ballard and he was not in immediate danger at the time of the stabbing.

On the other hand, Suen requested Judge Brandt not find probable cause for second-degree murder, stating that the prosecution failed to meet the burden of proof for the ruling. He stated that if Judge Brandt should find probable cause it should be for the lesser included charge of voluntary manslaughter.

Suen argued that Daniels was the first aggressor in the incident, and that Ballard, who is older and weaker than Daniels, stabbed him as a reaction to an adequate provocation.

“Based on physical disparity and an extended history of aggressive conduct on Ballard and others by the decedent, we have provocation and fear of the decedent from someone like Ballard,” Suen said, insisting that because of Daniels’ known attacks Ballard feared him.

Prosecutors argued that there is no rationale to downgrade the second-degree murder charge to voluntary manslaughter because Ballard could’ve walked away from the incident like Daniels tried to do.

“He was upset and attacked. He stabbed the victim’s heart,” argued prosecutors.

Parties are expected back Aug. 31 to hear Judge Brandt’s probable cause ruling.

Suspect Charged with Shooting Mother Cradling Baby Considers Plea Deal

An Aug. 30 preliminary hearing before DC Magistrate Superior Court Judge Sherry Trafford was continued because the defendant in a non-fatal shooting is considering a plea deal.

Darrious Johnson, 22, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with an incident that took place on May 5 on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) report, Johnson got into an argument over money with a number of people at the residence, some of whom were related. As the altercation progressed, Johnson went upstairs, then came downstairs and opened fire.

In the melee, Johnson allegedly shot a woman in her left arm while she was cradling her baby. The infant was uninjured.

All in all, according to one witness, 13 shots were fired.

When police arrived, they arrested Johnson but he managed to slip away momentarily. Later while police were interviewing Johnson, he was punched in the face by an individual identified as his cousin who has since been charged with simple assault for domestic violence.

During the hearing Johnson told Judge Raymond that he wanted a new attorney to handle his case. As a result Claudine Harrison withdrew as counsel and was replaced by Lisbeth Sapirstein.

Sapirstein said that a plea deal was under consideration and Johnson needed additional time to review the details so she could get a “fresh start” with her new client.

Judge Trafford set a new date for the preliminary hearing of September 27.

Document: Suspect Sought in an Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm Offense: 200 Block of 19th Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect connected to an unlawful discharge of a firearm that occurred on Aug. 29 on the 200 block of 19th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers were provided images of the suspect. There were no reported injuries.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: 200 Block of K Street, Southwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 19-year-old Jeremiah Evans with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred on June 15 on the 200 block of K Street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male shooting victim with no signs consistent with life.

The victim was identified as 18-year-old Khalliqo Ford.

Co-defendants Offered Plea Deal in Shooting Near Hospital

Two co-defendants have been offered a plea deal following a shooting near Howard University Hospital.

Kevin Harrison, 22, and Christopher Hinton, 19, have been arraigned on charges of carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. Additionally, Hinton is charged with receiving stolen property.

According to court documents, surveillance camera video shows gunfire from two separate locations near Howard University Hospital around the 2200 block of 10th Street, NW on June 23. The footage allegedly identifies Harrison and Hinton with firearms in their hands.

In an Aug. 29 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz, both parties discussed a possible deal that would allow the defendants to plead guilty to carrying a pistol without a license in return for dropping the remaining charges. However, Harrison rejected the “wired” offer meaning both defendants must accept the deal or it is void.

Judge Leibovitz suggested the possibility of “unwiring” the agreement before trial. In the meantime, both defendants remain under home confinement until the case goes before a jury on May 1, 2024.

Judge Orders Full Mental Competency Exam for Homicide Defendant

On Aug. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ordered a full mental competency exam for a murder defendant requesting to represent himself in trial.

Marcus Barringer, 32, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstruction of justice, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the death of 32-year-old Rashad Davis on the 2300 block of Nicholson Street, SE, on May 6, 2022.

On July 27, Judge Okun ordered a competency evaluation to ensure Barringer is capable of representing himself.

During the Aug. 29 hearing, Judge Okun alerted parties that doctors from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) stated they need to further evaluate Barringer to establish he’s mentally competent to represent himself in trial.

Although Barringer opposed the continued tests, his stand-by defense attorneys and prosecutors agreed that the further evaluations were necessary and appropriate.

Barringer accused prosecutors of planting an undercover FBI agent in his cell to get information regarding his case.

Throughout the proceeding, Judge Okun had to ask Barringer to explain himself, and clarify his train of thought.

Barringer also requested to be released as he awaits trial, which was quickly denied by Judge Okun.

Barringer then argued he had several jobs, a family to take care of, and insisted he is not a flight risk or a danger to the community.

Obviously frustrated, Barringer threatened Judge Okun with a lawsuit to remove him from the bench claiming he is inept and allows prosecutors to lie and perjure in his case.

In response, Judge Okun requested US Marshals remove Barringer from the courtroom.

Parties are expected back in court Oct. 19 to discuss the findings of the mental competency evaluations.

Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

On Aug. 28, a homicide defendant accepted a plea agreement offered by prosecutors for a June killing.

Demarcus Barnett, 20, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the shooting death of 62-year-old Lasanta McGill on June 8 on the 1900 block of 7th Street, NW.

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred after Barnett had been robbed by two individuals in a building. He followed them out, and as they walked down a sidewalk, fired at them at least eight times, with one of the bullets hitting McGill.

“McGill was an innocent bystander in the incident,” said the prosecutor. The two robbers shot back at Barnett, when McGill was no longer in the direct line of fire as he was hiding between two parked vehicles.

Barnett sustained injuries from the crossfire, and sought aid at a local hospital where he was placed under arrest.

During the Aug. 28 hearing, Barnett accepted a plea agreement that lessened the second-degree murder charge to voluntary manslaughter while armed.

Defense attorneys requested his sentencing be before his Oct. 11 sentencing for a case in which he faces one count of carrying a pistol without a license. DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied the request, stating they would have to request a continuance from the other judge.

Defense attorneys also alerted the court they would be requesting Barnett be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would have his conviction be sealed once he successfully completes his sentencing requirements.

Parties are expected back for sentencing on Oct. 27.

Acquitted of Murder, Judge Rules Against Defendant’s Release as too Dangerous

Even though Tamika Green was found not guilty of murder on Aug. 24, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found she was too dangerous to set free in a hearing on Aug. 28.

Tamika Green, 37, was acquitted of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the death of 37-year-old Bryan Tate Jr. on Feb. 20, 2020 in an apartment on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE. However, Green was found guilty of carrying a pistol without a license.

Green’s attorney, Kevann Gardner, successfully argued during the three-week trial that Green was abused by Tate and that she shot him in self-defense. Based on her exoneration for the murder charge and that she’s already served nearly 24 months in jail, Gardner says she should be released. Twenty-four months is within the sentencing guideline for the carrying without a license charge.

However, in her clarification for the trial record, Judge Demeo said she was “troubled” that in spite of agreeing not to do so, Gardner argued that older men turned Green into a sex worker, in effect that Green was used by pimps.

Beyond what happened during the trial, Judge Demeo was particularly concerned about Green’s criminal record including two pending assault cases in the District and a third case in Prince George’s County for alleged prostitution. In one incident she is accused of assisting a person who was sexually assaulting a victim by using a knife.

Gardner pointed out that these charges are only allegations and that the District cases are only misdemeanors. Gardner said that another charge referenced in Anne Arundel County is 17-years-old. He also pointed out that Green was on release for 17 months without a problem.

Still, Judge Demeo says it’s “troubling” that Green has a pattern of assaultive conduct and she’s concerned about Green’s dangerousness, particularly, since the jury saw images of Green holding a gun and carrying one in her purse.

The prosecution, meanwhile, opposed Green’s release based on the fact that she used a gun, then discarded it after killing Tate.

Judge Demeo set Oct. 20 for Green’s sentencing.

Search