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Expert Says GPS Shows Murder Defendant Near Victim’s Residence On Night she Disappeared

On June 12, prosecutors examined a homicide defendant’s GPS movements on the day of the incident using an expert witness specializing in electronic monitoring.

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 brought forth an expert witness who testified about Moye’s wearing a tracking device that had been in place prior to Harris’ disappearance. The expert said the device pinged Harris’ apartment on the night of Oct. 9, 2010, as well as leaving the area surrounding the apartment on the morning of Oct. 10, 2010. 

The device was then recorded at a wooded area near the 2300 block of Good Hope Road, SE. The signal allegedly indicated that the device remained there for several hours into the afternoon of Oct. 10, 2010. 

Defense attorney Jason Tulley cross-examined the witness, asking him to step down from the witness stand to recreate the GPS movements using sticky notes on a poster board. 

However, the witness said he would not be willing to testify to the accuracy of a map saying, “I’m not an expert in placing stickies.”

In follow up testimony, a crime scene search coordinator examined photos and videos of the path in the woods where Moye was allegedly tracked which was not widely used by the public.

Prosecutors also played a call placed by Moye to a close friend after his arrest, where the defendant could be heard saying, “Apparently, there are people telling on me,” in an alleged reference to potential witnesses.


The trial is slated to resume before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 13.

Eyewitnesses Testify That They Did Not See Homicide Defendant Fighting at Crime Scene

On June 13, defense attorneys continued their arguments in a first degree homicide case, bringing forward both eyewitnesses to the incident and associates of the defendant. 

Victor Coley, 60, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Nov. 6, 2013 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Ave, NE, that left four individuals suffering from gunshot injuries.  

65-year-old Dennis Foster, one of the shooting victims, passed away on Dec. 3, 2021. 

On June 7, a medical examiner testified that the cause of Foster’s death was complications from his gunshot wounds, and ruled the manner of death as a homicide. 

The defense called a close friend of Coley’s to the stand, who attributed the bond between them to that of “brothers.” The two have now known each other for over 15 years. 

When asked by the defense if he would ever lie on the stand, however, he confirmed that he would “not lie for Coley.”

The witness testified about seeing Coley on Nov 6. 2013, shortly before the shooting on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. He had made plans to meet up with Coley later that day. 

Shortly after, a woman came up to the witness and said, “They got your brother on the ground,” referring to the police arresting Coley.  

The witness noted that he did not see Coley in an altercation with or speaking to anyone on that day. 

The defense also included prior testimony from Coley’s 2015 original trial, where a witness stated that he saw a 5’5” – 5’6” man running away from the scene with a dreadlocks hairstyle, a description that did not match Coley at the time of the incident. 

Several members of the community who lived and worked near the site of the incident also testified that, while the neighborhood had some issues, it was overall not a “bad” neighborhood. 

The defense attempted to introduce evidence regarding the defendant’s poor health at the time of the incident, implying he would have been unable to flee the scene as described by the prosecution. 

However, the prosecution objected, and only some information about Coley’s health, such as the witness mentioning that she noticed a breathing problem, were able to be entered into the record. 

The witness stated that the defendant would sometimes come to her home exhausted and out of breath. He would then ask for water or something to drink. 

Prosecutors objected, stating that the defense would need to call an expert witness to discuss evidence regarding Coley’s health.

The prosecution began their rebuttal case by calling forth a retired medical examiner as a witness. 

She testified that the medical examiner who had first examined Foster’s body was correct in determining the manner of death as homicide and the cause as complications from multiple gunshot wounds.

Trial is set to resume before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 14.

Murder Defendant’s Former Cellmate Makes Deal to TestifY for Prosecutors

On June 13, prosecutors introduced a witness who discussed his jailhouse conversations with a defendant on trial for murder.

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.

The witness, who was a Moye’s former cellmate, discussed conversations in which the defendant allegedly admitted his involvement in the murder and disappearance of an unnamed person believed to be Harris.

The witness claimed that Moye said he “did it the right way” and mentioned that the victim was “missing.”

Prosecutors disclosed to the court that the witness has a pending deal for his cooperation and only has four months left to serve in his current sentence.

Defense attorney Jason Tulley cross-examined the witness stating , “You are a snitch.” 

The witness countered saying, “No, I cooperate.”

During cross-examination, the witness’s criminal history was presented in an effort to impeach his credibility. The witness responded that in many cases he had been wrongly convicted, and he became frustrated with Tulley. 

“You got me on trial, don’t you?” said the witness. 

The prosecutor followed up asking, “Would you risk your life for four months of early release?” referring to his deal to testify. The witness responded, “No.”

Later prosecutors brought forth an MPD detective who was recently assigned to the case.  The detective described how he eliminated suspects who could not have been placed at Harris’s apartment the night of her disappearance.

The trial is slated to resume before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 14.

Judge Says There Are ‘Circumstances to Consider’ In Homicide Defendant’s Release

During a June 9 hearing, a homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges. 

Morris Jones, 38, is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Tiffany Wiggins, 38, on April 17, 2022 at the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. 

The prosecution wants DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun to reconsider Jones’ release while awaiting trial.

Judge Okun responded by suggesting that if the evidence from the prosecution was stronger at the preliminary hearing, he would have detained Jones. 

Prescott Loveland, Jones’ defense attorney, argued that the prosecution only made a “one-sided presentation of evidence.” 

Judge Okun referred to Jones’ eighteen-count indictment charges as “circumstances to consider” and the basis to schedule a detention hearing. 

Parties are expected back July 11.

Defendant Rejects Plea Offer, Prosecution Considers DNA Testing

On June 12,  Marcellus Stewart rejected a plea offer from the prosecution. 

Stewart, 27, is being charged with assault with a dangerous weapon due to a non-fatal shooting incident on May 17 on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE.

According to court documents, Stewart was involved in a shootout with a rival group during which at least twenty shots were exchanged.  Since Stewart rejected the offer a trial date will be scheduled in the case.

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz  asked the prosecution if they plan to do DNA testing since a gun was not recovered at the crime scene. 

According to prosecutors, they will try to test clothing found near the shooting. 

Stewart’s next appearance will be a status hearing on July 11. 

Defendant Changes Decision on DNA Testing in Homicide Case

On June 12, a defendant in a homicide case waived his right to independent DNA testing, reversing his prior decision. 

Khamari Perkins, 22, is charged with first degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Perkins is accused of shooting Naseem Simpson, 18, on March 15, 2020, on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW. The shooting allegedly occurred while the defendant was on release for a gun possession charge, with a GPS device monitoring his location.  

Perkins’ defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, said the defendant decided to waive independent DNA testing, contradicting his previous decision to DNA test evidence found at the scene. There was no immediate explanation for the change of mind.

That led the prosecution to wonder if Perkins would stick with his decision. If not, that could delay getting the test results. 

Perkins’ lawyer affirmed his client no longer wanted DNA testing. 

As plea negotiations continue in this case, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan asked whether the defense and prosecution would be reading for the Sept. 18 trial date.  

Both defense and prosecution said they would be ready. 

A status hearing on the plea offer is slated for June 26.

Judge Grants Continuance to Allow Independent DNA Testing

On June 7, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted a defense attorney’s request for time to do independent DNA testing. 

Cordell Lesene, 36, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm because of a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 100 block of 57th Place SE, on February 6, 2022. 

According to court documents, the dispute arose as a result of a drug deal.

Andrew Ain, Lesene’s attorney, expressed  concern about not having a clear idea of the evidence , as the August trial date approaches. 

Ain requested an extension to transfer shell casings recovered from the scene to an independent  lab for DNA testing but had no clear date of when the testing would be done.  

He also pointed out that transferring physical evidence is more complicated for the defense, than it is for prosecution.  Hence the need for more time. 

The next hearing is scheduled for July 10. 

Document: Homicide: 3000 Block of Martin Luther King Jr. 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 June 12, on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

The decedent has not been identified, as MPD tries to alert their next of kin.

Document: Arrest Made in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 3900 Block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Southeast

On June 9, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 22-year-old Jeniyah Campbell with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun), carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and destruction of property, for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 9, on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, there were no reported injuries.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: 2900 Block of Nelson Place, Southeast

On June 6, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch arrested and charged 26-year-old Stephon Shields with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 58-year-old James Samuels.

The incident occurred June 2, on the 2900 block of Nelson Place, SE.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Three Victim Shooting Case

On June 9, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a non-fatal shooting.

Marcellus Stewart, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting that led to the non-life threatening injuries of three male victims on May 17 on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE. .

According to court documents, the incident involved two groups shooting at each other.  One of the victims was allegedly shot when Stewart approached a witness’s vehicle. 

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, testified the victim was confident that Stewart shot him.

Stewart’s attorney pointed out that Stewart, himself, suffered a gunshot wound that entered the left side of his chest and exited through his back. The detective said officers located Stewart at the scene, and he was taken to a local hospital to receive treatment for his wound. He was arrested June 7. 

No firearm was recovered at the scene, according to the detective.

In their argument against probable cause, the defense claimed witness testimony was inconsistent and there were two likely suspects who were not on the scene when officers arrived.

One of the witnesses could actually have shot at Stewart, the defense argued. Still, Judge Leibovitz found probable cause that Stewart was involved in the shooting. According to the judge, “Physical evidence was consistent with crisscross shooting.”

Prosecutors requested that Stewart remain held at DC Jail, arguing the nature of the incident makes him a danger to the community. 

The defense said Stewart is a father figure to his significant other’s children, is obtaining a license to pursue custodial work, and is set to have surgery at the end of the month.

“At the jail, he’s not going to get what he needs,” said the defense.

The judge ordered Stewart be held at DC Jail, and said she would issue a medical alert for his current injury. 

Parties are set to return to court on June 12.