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Closing Arguments Delivered in Murder Trial Involving Cousins

On June 7, parties in a homicide trial delivered closing arguments following a three-week emotional proceeding before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Lewkus Turner, 29, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly shooting his cousin, 26-year-old Vincent Gyamfi. The incident occurred on Dec. 11, 2020 at the 2900 block of S Street, SE.

The prosecutor started his closing argument by playing sounds of gunshots that allegedly led to the victim’s death.  He continued with evidence of arguments between Turner and Gyamfi that took place right before Turner allegedly shot and killed him.

An audio of a 911 call made by a concerned witness was also played to show jurors how alarming the argument was between the two men.

“There’s a fight about to break out. It seems to be escalating. They blocked the street with their cars,” the caller can be heard saying.

In addition, prosecutors presented surveillance footage with Turner allegedly telling Gyamfi “I will kill you. When I come back, I’m going to kill you.”

Counter arguing defense attorney Jason Clark said it was not Turner who said “I will kill you. When I come back, I’m going to kill you,” but it was Gyamfi. 

Clark told the jury, “The question you must answer is, is it possible this incident was an act of self-defense?” 

Defense attorneys presented surveillance footage of the incident from a different angle which were intended to portray Gyamfi as the initiator of the dispute. 

In the footage, Gyamfi is shown apparently throwing himself into the Turner’s car, before the shooting occurred. 

The jury began deliberations, which are expected to continue for several days. 

Judge Grants Dismissal in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On June 8, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe granted the defense’s request to dismiss charges in an assault with intent to kill case.

Darnell Green was 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 the 3300 block of Wheeler Road, SE, on 

According to court documents, officers arrived at the scene and located a victim on the ground, suffering from a gunshot wound to his left leg.

Judge O’Keefe granted a motion to dismiss filed by Green’s defense attorney, stating that the nine-month period during which a grand jury must take action had passed. 

“Prosecution of such charge shall be deemed to have been abandoned,” he said.  The grand jury did not gather enough evidence of guilt to support the charges.

Prosecutors had no objections to the dismissal of charges.

Judge Grants Request for Modified Confinement Of a Murder suspect

On June 8, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted a home confinement modification request for a murder defendant.

Dwayne M. Brooks, 25, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of 21-year-old Juwaan Henry. Henry was shot and killed on the 800 block of 7th Street NW on Aug. 25, 2022. 

Brooks’ case is pending indictment. 

Megan Allburn, Brooks’ defense attorney, stated in court that Brooks has been in compliance with all of his home confinement terms, and requested they be modified in order to allow him to seek employment.

Prosecuting attorneys argued against the request stating that home confinement was the best way to “keep the community safe”. 

Judge Raffinan ruled that Brooks could be permitted to leave his house during working hours, provided he demonstrated proof of employment to officials at the DC Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). 

Parties are set to return on Aug. 16.

Judge Finds Basis for Competency Evaluation of Murder Defendant Deemed ‘Unrestorable’

On June 8, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found a legal basis for ordering further competency evaluations of defendant Alisa T. Randall.

Randall, 35, has been charged with second-degree murder in the 2019 death of 59-year-old Ronald Jones, which occurred on the 1300 block of Euclid Street NW. On July 15, 2019, Randall allegedly stabbed and killed Jones following an argument.

On May 4, 2021, Randall was found incompetent to stand trial and “unrestorable” under the 1971 Supreme Court case Jackson v. Indiana.

Judge Raffinan heard arguments from the defense and prosecution on whether there was legal standing for the court to order further competency evaluations on Randall. 

In Jackson v. Indiana, the Supreme Court ruled that holding a defendant deemed incompetent for more than a “reasonable time” to see if they’re likely to become competent violates due process. 

Defense attorneys Ashley N. Prather-Guzman and Dana D. Page argued that, under this ruling, the Jackson finding made Randall permanently incompetent to stand trial. 

Prosecuting attorneys argued that there is no statutory limitation on further competency evaluations after a Jackson finding has been rendered. 

Ultimately, Judge Raffinan says the court the power to order more competency evaluations at any point during the criminal process.

Furthermore, Judge Raffinan said the statute which codifies Jackson v. Indiana into DC law does not preclude the court ordering further competency evaluations.

Judge Raffinan ordered prosecution and defense attorneys to prepare briefs on whether further competency evaluations should be ordered in Randall’s case. These briefs are to be filed by July 7.

Parties are expected to return on July 19 for a final decision on the matter.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in ‘Horrific Shooting’ In Juvenile Case

On June 8, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found “strong probable cause” that a young defendant committed assault with intent to murder. 

Antron Belk, 16, is charged as an adult with assault with intent to murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 25, on the 4400 block of Quarles Street, NE.

The incident left a man suffering from life-threatening injuries. 

According to court documents, anonymous calls were made to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of gunshots in the area and a man lying on the ground. Officers responded and found a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local area hospital for treatment. 

The lead detective was questioned by prosecutors about surveillance footage related to the crime.

In the footage, the victim is seen riding a scooter on the sidewalk when a black car pulls up and stops in the middle of the road. Two suspects are seen getting out of the car, followed by shots being fired, even after the victim fell to the ground. Two suspects then return to the car and quickly drive off, turning down a main road. 

The car was caught on a speed camera on the 1400 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE within seconds of leaving the scene of the shooting. The suspects are allegedly seen later walking through Hayes Street after discarding some of their clothes. 

A screen capture of the video was used to identify Belk as one of the alleged suspects by four different individuals. 

Christen Philips Romero, Belk’s defense attorney, questioned the lead detective about the reliability of the identifications, stating that the initial surveillance footage is too blurry and the only clear shot of the defendant cannot link him to his alleged crime. 

Belk’s mother also identified him as a suspect in a separate video shown to her by the lead detective. 

Judge Demeo found strong probable cause, concluding that MPD officers were able to track the suspect’s vehicle.

She also stated that the lack of evidence the victim had a weapon on him or tried shooting back indicated the attack was premeditated.

“This is a really horrific shooting… it’s almost a shock that this person is not deceased,” said Judge Demeo. 

Parties are expected back for a felony status hearing on Aug. 18.

Homicides and Non-Fatal Shootings Increase in May, Data Shows

D.C. Witness counted a total of 49 homicides and non-fatal shooting incidents in DC during May. 

According to D.C. Witness’ data, the District experienced 9 more homicides and the same number of non-fatal shootings in the month of May than in April. 

Of those incidents, 24 were homicides. Twenty of the homicides committed in the District were caused by shootings. 

Of the 25 non-fatal shootings, four reported no victims or injuries.

Noteworthy cases include the stabbing death of 41-year-old Fitsum Ayele Mamo on May 25 on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE. The incident was related to a dispute with 51-year-old Asmerom Ghebrekidan. Another individual was injured as he tried to intervene in the dispute. Mamo died at a hospital due to brain herniation. 

On May 30, a 15-year-old juvenile male was arrested and charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Kaijah McCoy, which occurred on May 3 on the 3700 block of Jamison Street, NE. 

Of the incidents in May, 25 occurred in Southeast DC, 16 in Northeast DC, ten in Northwest DC, and three in Southwest DC. 

Defendant Pleads Guilty In Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On June 8, Eric Cisneros, 32, accepted a plea deal offered by prosecutors. 

Cisneros was allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on April 24th on the 1300 block of 6th Street, NW. One person was injured resulting in two gunshot wounds to the right leg. 

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan was informed by the defense counsel that the defendant was accepting the offer. 

He pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. 

Judge Ryan asked the defendant if he understood the ramifications of pleading guilty. 

Cisneros waived his right to trial and appeals. The judge accepted his guilty plea..

Cisneros is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 8.

Document: Homicide: 1200 Block of 49th Street, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a fatal shooting that occurred on June 6, on the 1200 block of 49th Street, NE.

The decedent has been identified 63-year-old Georgia Gray.

Document: Homicide: 4000 Block of 3rd Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance with the investigation into a fatal-shooting that occurred on June 7, on the 4000 block of 3rd Street, SE.

The decedent was identified as 32-year-old Richard Hendrix.

Defense Attorney Targets Police Investigation in 2010 Homicide Case

On June 7, defense counsel cross-examined a former detective about potentially mishandling the investigation of a 2010 homicide case.

Issac Moye, 45, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the disappearance and death of 24-year-old Unique Harris.  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 by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers targeted Moye as the primary suspect in her murder.

However, defense attorney Jason Tulley raised concerns the police may have overlooked potential suspects who have had previous troublesome encounters with Harris.

After Tulley presented footage of interviews conducted with other suspects, he questioned a former MPD detective assigned to the case about her involvement in the investigation. 

The detective said she eliminated suspects based on evidence that did not place them at the crime scene. However, the defense questioned her about numerous leads that were allegedly not followed and the department’s inability to locate a suspect in a reasonable amount of time.

Concerns were also raised regarding the collection of evidence at the scene.

Under prosecution questions, the detective indicated she did follow procedure. As evidence prosecutors played played footage of interviews between Moye and the detective in which he allegedly lied about having previous sexual relations with the victim.

Moye had also allegedly failed to mention in his first interview that he was being monitored by an electronic device.

The detective said if she had been made aware of the device, she would have tracked his location on the day of the victim’s disappearance.
The trial is slated to resume before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 8.

Medical Examiner Deems Victim’s Death Eight Years After Shooting a Homicide

On June 7, a medical examiner testified that a murder victim’s death occurred due to complications from gun injuries, eight years after he was shot. 

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, and left four individuals suffering from gunshot injuries.  

Coley, 60, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed in 2013. He was found guilty on 13 counts in 2015, including assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. .

65-year-old Dennis Foster, who was shot twice in the back during the incident, died on Dec. 3, 2021. The prosecution alleges that Foster’s death is the result of injuries sustained from shots fired by the defendant, leading to the new charges. 

During the trial, the prosecution asked a DC medical examiner to determine the cause and manner of death before the jury. 

The medical examiner stated that Foster’s death was caused by complications from multiple gunshot wounds, and ruled the manner of death as a homicide.

Before his passing, Foster suffered from a number of chronic conditions including paralysis of the lower half of his body, chronic ulcers, and an amputated left leg that resulted from non-healing infections. 

The defense then cross-examined the witness, asking questions about Foster’s underlying health conditions and drug use before the time of death. 

“Your conclusion is just that his body gave out, right?” said defense attorney Jesse Winograd, to which the witness replied, “Yes.”

A toxicology report from Foster’s autopsy indicated that he had elevated levels of sertraline, a drug most often used to regulate mood, in his system at the time of death. 

However, the medical examiner said that wasn’t an issue.

Transcribed testimony from a witness from Coley’s 2015 conviction in the case prior to the murder charges, identified Coley as the shooter at the scene.
Trial is set to resume before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 8.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

On June 7, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld accepted a not guilty plea from a defendant in a 2022 non-fatal shooting case.

Vincent Williams, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, unlawful possession of a firearm, and threat to kidnap or injure a person for his alleged role in a non-fatal shooting on Nov. 17, 2022. 

The shooting occurred on the 4000 block of 8th Street SE. There are two victims.

When asked by Judge Hertzfeld, Williams’ defense attorney stated Williams pleads not guilty to the charges and asserted his right to a speedy trial. 

Parties are expected to return for a status hearing on June 15.

Contrasting Closing Arguments Presented in Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

On June 6, attorneys delivered closing arguments and jury deliberations began in a trial for a 2018 non-fatal shooting case.

Joshua Hemphill, 33, is charged with 58 separate offenses involving a non-fatal shooting that took place on September 21, 2018, on the 2400 block of Wagner Place SE. The charges include assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm, obstruction of justice, burglary, destruction of property, and threat to kidnap or injure.

In closing statements, the prosecution implored the jury to find the defendant guilty stating, “That man, the defendant, needs to be held accountable for what he did.”  Prosecutors had earlier presented text message evidence to bolster their case.

Prosecutors went on to say that the two victims in this incident deserve justice.

The defense counsel, meanwhile, also referred back to the evidence presented in their closing statement. 

“Evidence shows he wasn’t there, he didn’t pull the trigger, he’s innocent,” said Hemphill’s attorney, alluding to the fact, that there is no physical evidence to connect him to the incident.

After closing arguments, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz gave the jury instructions and sent them into deliberations.

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Judge Finds Probable Cause in Drunk Driver Accident Killing Three People 

On June 6, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause in what police describe as a drunk driver accident resulting in the deaths of three people.

Nakita Walker, 43, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder for allegedly crashing into a car carrying Mohamed Kamara, 42, Jonathan Alberto Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22, on March 15, 2023 on Rock Creek Parkway near the intersection of 26th Street and P Streets, NW,

Prosecutors presented body-worn camera footage of a traffic stop prior to the accident where Walker and a passenger were allegedly pulled over by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for speeding under the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  Police allegedly found alcohol and marijuana in the vehicle but Walker pulled away accelerating to an estimated 100 miles-per-hour speed.

According to court documents, one mile down the Rock Creek Parkway expressway, Walker crossed double-yellow lines going southbound into the northbound lanes, and crashed into the vehicle carrying the three victims. 

The DC Medical Examiner’s report indicates Walker’s blood alcohol content was 0.1– beyond the legal limit– with cannabis also present in her body.

According to U.S. Park Police testimony Walker’s passenger fled the scene. He was found near 26th and P Streets, NW, where he claims he was trying to find help. 

When Walker arrived at the hospital, she reportedly was not able to fully remember what happened when speaking to detectives.  However, she said that the passenger was “dirty”claiming he had guns and other drugs in the vehicle and that is the reason she fled from the traffic stop. 

An anonymous caller claimed there were guns in Walker’s vehicle. 

At the time of the accident Walker was on unsupervised probation for two previous driving under the influence (DUI) convictions and had three other DUI’s on her record. 

Prosecutors argued that Walker’s decision to drive intoxicated while on probation shows a conscious disregard for human life. They also noted the officer who originally stopped Walker said he could have injured by her reckless driving.

Defense attorney, Dana Page, argued although Walker had a high blood alcohol content, it was not high enough for Walker to be driving in the manner alleged by prosecutors.. 

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause in this case, stating, there is no reason someone should be driving that fast, specifically on winding roads like Rock Creek Parkway and at night. 

He also found Walker’s ignoring the the officer’s warning a conscious disregard of human life. 

Defense attorney Page argued for Walker’s release so she could attend her son’s elementary graduation.  She said Walker is a single parent and has strong community ties. 

Judge Okun denied release on grounds of the nature of the offense, strong evidence, and the history of the defendant. 

Parties are expected back Aug. 21.