Witnesses Give Emotional Testimony About ‘Missing’ Victim in 2010 Homicide Case

On June 8, prosecutors introduced witnesses who testified about their interactions and relationships with the victim in a homicide case dating back to 2010.

Issac 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.

While her body was never recovered, an investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) made Moye the primary target in her alleged murder.

In trial, prosecutors introduced a witness who was celebrating her birthday with Harris the night of her disappearance. The witness was questioned about her recollection of Harris that night and when she discovered that Harris was missing.

The woman tearfully stated, “She made me feel like I was one of her kids,” as she said Harris was known for her caring personality.

A second witness also became emotional discussing her last interaction with Harris when she brought her daughter to Harris’ home the night of her disappearance.

The witness said “I would trust Unique with my own life,” testifying to her character.

A man who said he was once intimate with Harris explained his willingness to help police locate Harris. He recalled his last phone call with her and discussed their conversations during his time away from DC.

Prosecutors also questioned a witness about Harris’s phone records who said she received numerous text messages after her disappearance that remained unanswered.

In other testimony, a crime scene technician discussed photos of the scene and was questioned by the defense about why pieces of evidence were not examined. The technician was also asked about a jacket recovered in the woods near her home that was considered possibly significant in Harris’s disappearance.

The trial is slated to resume before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 12.

Detective Testifies About Hardware Store Evidence in Murder case

On June 9, a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about physical evidence in a homicide case.

Lavaughn Barnes, 32, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Abdul Arias-Lopez, 59, that occurred on Nov. 4, 2022 on the 1300 block of Kearny Street, NE.

Barnes allegedly tased Arias-Lopez, then dragged him into his sister’s basement where he repeatedly stabbed him. Barnes allegedly confessed to detectives that he used the ax to dismember the victim, then threw then the body parts in the trash. However, he’s since withdrawn his confession and is pleading not guilty.

Anthony Matthews, Barnes attorney, questioned the detective about surveillance videos from a nearby hardware store. Allegedly, Barnes bought a stun gun and an axe there. A receipt offered as evidence from the hardware store is dated November 2022, the month Arias-Lopez was murdered, and is allegedly connected to a “Mr. Barnes.”

The detective also discussed security camera footage taken around the same time that allegedly shows Barnes disposing of what appear to be garbage bags.

When asked if the footage showed the victim arriving at home that same day, the detective answered, “I don’t know.”

Matthews also asked the detective about his encounters with Barnes during the course of the investigation. The defense says that because Barnes was cognitively disabled, his confession was invalid.

According to the detective, it was believed early on that Barnes has cognitive disabilities, and that he spent time with the defendant’s sister–something the sister verified.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun decided to conclude arguments in the case at the next hearing.

Parties are expected back June 14.

Murder Victim’s Father Mourns Son’s Loss in Court

On June 9, a homicide victim’s father appeared remotely in a court proceeding saying, “I don’t know how to deal with this. I can no longer see, talk to and touch my son. And there is no penalty for what [the defendant allegedly] has done.”

Desmond Gaskin, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 40-year-old William Whittington Jr., on the 400 block of Burbank Street, SE, on July 19, 2022.

Gaskin was released on Feb. 2, 2023, and is currently in home confinement under supervision.

Jason Tulley, Gaskin’s attorney, requested modifying those conditions before trial. Specifically, Tulley asked to alter Gaskin’s curfew so he could stay out until midnight.

The prosecutor was opposed noting most crimes occur at night and pointing out that the seriousness of Gaskin’s alleged actions should not be ignored.

The victim’s father underscored the point saying he was concerned about the defendant’s potential dangerousness.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan modified the curfew time to 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. under the supervision program.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 17 to follow up on the government’s indictment filing process.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter

In a June 9 hearing, a homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors.

Rodney Pickett, 37, was originally charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Gary Swinson on July 12, 2020 at the 3300 block of 15th Street, SE.

Pickett agreed to plead guilty to a charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed.

According to prosecutors, Pickett “acted in conscious disregard” of the consequences of his actions.

Under the plea agreement, Pickett will have to register as a gun offender, serve eight years imprisonment, and follow up with five years of a supervised release. He has also waived his right to a trial.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun accepted the plea on the condition that all parties can agree to the final version of the agreement.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 1.

Shooting Defendant Found Guilty On All Charges

On June 7, a jury found Joshua Hemphill guilty on 22 separate charges.

Hemphill, 33, was convicted for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place on September 21, 2018, on the 2400 block of Wagner Place SE. The counts include assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm, obstruction of justice, burglary, destruction of property and threat to kidnap or injure.

Of the two victims, one was uninjured while the other received gunshot wounds to the back of the left hand and the back of the head but survived. She was pregnant at the time.

In the prosecutors’ version the defendant “wreaked havoc on two defenseless women,” while defense attorneys maintained their client’s innocence stating, “The person who shot [the victims] on September 21st, 2018, is not in the courtroom.” The defense said there was no physical evidence tying Hemphill to the shooting.

While the prosecution called both of the alleged victims as witnesses, it was clear they did not want to testify about the incident. They were often unresponsive to questions, became unruly and had to be detained by US Marshals to finish their testimony.

Prosecutors also called on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, who was the first on scene, and a forensic scientist who processed the recovered evidence including body camera footage, a 911 call made by the victims, and photos from the crime scene.

Other prosecution evidence included social media and telephone records purportedly linking Hemphill to one of the victims.

A neurosurgeon and a psychologist provided their views about the physical and emotional impact of the shooting.

The neurosurgeon explained the victim’s condition and the operation that followed. He said the shooting caused “one of the most serious injuries you can have to your brain,” arguing, the victim would’ve died without surgery.

Prosecutors also questioned a psychologist about the different reasons a person might stay in an abusive, intimidating relationship.

After three days, both parties rested their case without the defense calling any witnesses.

The jury deliberated for only a day, before finding Hemphill guilty of all charges.
Sentencing before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz is scheduled for Aug. 11.

Prosecution Offers Medical Evidence About Pain and Suffering from 2013 Murder Case

On June 8, prosecutors introduced medical evidence in an effort to show how a murder victim suffered over the years from his wounds.

Victor Coley, 60, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that took place on November 6, 2013 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Ave, NE. Four people suffered gunshot wounds from this incident.

Coley was initially charged with assault with intent to kill while armed in 2013. He was found guilty on 13 counts in 2015. Those charges included, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. He has been in jail ever since.

Sixty-five-year-old Dennis Foster, who had been shot twice in the incident, died on Dec. 3, 2021.

As a result, Coley was charged with first-degree murder. Prosecutors alleged that the victim’s death was the result of complications from the shooting. He was paralyzed from the waist down as a result of gunshot injuries.

During the trial, prosecutors called Foster’s doctor to describe the victim’s health in the last days of his life. The witness said Foster had been confined to a wheelchair, was severely anemic, and overall medically fragile. He was also, according to the doctor, suffering from open wounds due to the pressure of his being in a wheelchair.

Trial is slated to continue June 12.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: 1900 Block of 7th Street, Northwest

On June 8, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 20-year-old Demarcus Barnett with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 62-year-old Lasanta McGill on June 8, on the 1900 block of 7th Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers located an individual suffering from gunshot wounds and transported them to a local hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.

Case Acquitted: Murder Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

Green was acquitted of the murder charge on Aug. 24, 2023.

On June 9, a defendant in a 2020 murder case waived her right to have DNA evidence independently tested.

Tamika Green, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for her alleged connection to the death of Bryan Tate, Jr.

According to court documents Tate, 37, died of gunshot wounds on Feb, 20, 2020 on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE in what was described in a domestic dispute.

Prosecuting attorneys discussed three sets of DNA evidence the government had tested, all of which were inconclusive, including blood swabs from the scene and the decedent’s fingernails.

Green waived her right to have this evidence tested independently by a lab of her choice.

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo reminded her this was a permanent decision, regardless of the outcome of her case.

Green’s trial is scheduled to begin on July 26.

Parties are expected to return June 16 for a status hearing.

Murder Defendant Waives Right to Trial by Jury

On June 9, murder defendant Matthew Walker waived a jury trial and asserted his right to a bench trial, meaning a judge will decide the matter.

Walker, 24, is facing eight separate charges, including first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Feb. 14, 2019.

According to court documents, the incident, which occurred on the 1700 block of Hamlin Street, NE, resulted in the death of David Remen and injury to another victim.

After listening to DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo describe the details of a jury trial, Walker affirmed his choice of a bench trial.

“It’s my personal decision,” said Walker.

Prosecuting attorneys raised no objections.

Parties also discussed the handling of DNA evidence in the case, which has been sent for testing by the prosecution.

Results are expected by the next status hearing, scheduled for Aug. 11.

Shooting Case Dismissed ‘Without Prejudice’

On June 9, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian dismissed a non-fatal shooting case without prejudice, meaning the matter could be heard later.

Richard Price, 24, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting a female victim on June 1, 2022 on the 300 block of 56th Street NE.

The prosecution indicated that the case had not yet been indicted despite the deadline passing earlier this week. They said they did not intend to make a showing at the hearing.

Lisbeth Sapirstein, Price’s defense attorney, requested the case be dismissed without prejudice with no objection from the prosecution.

Judge Christian granted the request and dismissed the case without prejudice.

Judge Accepts Plea In Homicide Case In Spite of ‘Gut Reaction’

“Obviously this is a very serious case,” DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun said in a June 9 sentencing about a fatal shooting that occurred in 2020.

Nathaniel Bates, 38, was charged with first-degree murder, robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Eddie Crist on May 8, 2020 on the 4000 block of South Capitol Terrace, SW.

In March, Bates pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for his other charges to be dismissed.

The prosecution opened with impact statements from the family which included Crist’s sister, Crist’s ex-wife, and his girlfriend at the time of his murder, who spoke for herself and on behalf of Crist’s son.

“The day my brother died, so did I,” said the victim’s sister. “He was a free-spirited, beautiful soul… what a life to take away so senselessly,” she continued.

“His daughter asks me, ‘What was daddy’s favorite food? What was his favorite color again?’,” said Crist’s girlfriend.

She concluded by saying, “I only knew him for three years and he truly impacted my life.”

Both Crist’s girlfriend and ex-wife asked Judge Okun to consider their remarks in his final decision for sentencing. In the plea deal, parties agreed on seven-years imprisonment followed by a five-year supervised release. Bates will also have to register as a gun offender.

Prescott Loveland, defense attorney for Bates, asked that the defendant’s sentence for a 2018 case be served concurrently with this one.

“My gut reaction is that seven years is not enough,” said Judge Okun.

However, he accepted the plea agreement and sentenced Bates to the agreed upon seven years imprisonment.

Judge Okun also recommended substance abuse and mental health assessments, anger management, grief counseling, and vocational training or employment for Bates.

He closed the hearing by addressing Bates directly saying, “I really hope for your sake, your daughter’s sake, and the community’s sake you comply with the conditions of your supervised release, and I do not see you back in court. Good luck out there.”

Jury Finds Defendant Guilty of Manslaughter in Homicide Trial

On June 9, a jury hearing a 2020 homicide trial rendered its verdict.

Lewkus Turner, 29, was charged with second-degree murder, and two counts of possession of a firearm for allegedly shooting his cousin, 26-year-old Vincent Gyamfi. The incident occurred on Dec. 11, 2020 on the 2900 block of S Street, SE.

The 12-person panel found Turner guilty of voluntary manslaughter, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of a crime. However, the jury failed to convict on the murder charge.

According to trial testimony, Turner made an on-line post warning about a family member with COVID which upset Gyamfi. What followed, say prosecutors, were “three separate arguments” while the two were stopped at an intersection. After the shooting, Turner allegedly dragged Gyamfi’s body away from his car.

Turner’s lawyers claimed the attack was in self-defense in that Gyamfi “just kept coming” at Turner.

Earlier in the trial DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sanctioned the prosecution for “gross negligence” in not turning over CCTV surveillance video of the incident to defense lawyers for nearly three years. The defense said that material supported its theory that Turner’s actions were justified.

The sentencing has been set for Aug. 25

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: 300 block of M Street, Southwest

On June 9, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 23-year-old Keith N. Williams with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Brendan Ofori on May 28, on the 300 block of M Street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers located Ofori suffering from gunshot injuries on a Metro train in the Navy Yard Metro Station. Ofori was pronounced dead at the scene.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: Unit Block of Potomac Avenue, Southeast

On June 8, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 66-year-old Reginald Jones with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 52-year-old Regina Morris on May 29, on the unit block of Potomac Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, Morris was found unresponsive inside a residence suffering from stab wounds. She died at the scene.

Document: Arrest Made in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 4600 Block of Hillside Road, Southeast

On June 7, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 27-year-old Marcellus Stewart with assault with a dangerous weapon (Gun) for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 17, on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers arrived at the crime scene and located three adult males suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

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