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Defendant Pleads Guilty in Homicide Case 

On May 19, a plea agreement was reached between prosecutors and defense attorneys in a homicide case. 

David Rhodes, 54, was charged with first-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 47-year-old Georgette Banks that occurred on May 9, 2021 on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. Banks was stabbed multiple times in the neck, chest and arms, and was alleged to be in a relationship with Rhodes. 

Rhodes accepted a plea deal from prosecutors that reduces the charge of first-degree murder to second-degree and dismisses the carrying a dangerous weapon charge. 

According to the attorneys, Rhodes faces 15 to 18 years in jail with  five years of supervised release. 

Parties are expected back in court for sentencing on Sept. 1. 

Plea Deal in Fatal Shooting Sparks Courtroom Drama

Wearing a white headdress and sobbing quietly, Ariel Cooper-White, 40, accepted a plea deal  for a fatal shooting during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 19.

Cooper-White pleaded guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a gun during a crime of violence for an incident that occurred on Oct. 27, 2022 on the 1300 block of New Jersey Avenue, NW.  She was initially charged with second-degree murder while armed.

According to court documents, Cooper-White was a passenger in a Toyota Avalon driven by Sophia Johnson that came to a stop after hitting a light pole.  Witnesses told Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers they heard as many as a dozen shots fired from inside the car.  Johnson died at the scene.

One relative of the victim told police Cooper-White smoked PCP and that would lead to fights with Johnson.  “I bet it is that bitch Ariel Cooper [who did the shooting],” said the relative.

The atmosphere in the courtroom was tense as members from Cooper-White’s and Johnson’s family exchanged words.

“That’s not how this works, “said Judge Brandt.  “If you can’t listen here and be quiet, my deputies will escort you out.”  However, she said she also understood the “emotional turmoil”  the loved ones were experiencing on both sides. 

During the proceedings, sounds of crying were audible in the courtroom.

In explaining the plea deal Judge Brandt  asked if Cooper-White understood she was waiving her right to a trial and an appeal of the verdict.  Cooper-White answered yes.

The maximum penalty for voluntary manslaughter is 30-years imprisonment and the maximum for gun possession during a crime of violence is 15-years.  Cooper-White’s lawyer, Camille Wagner, tells DC Witness that under the terms of the plea agreement, Judge Brandt has the right to determine the sentence anywhere between the minimum and maximum range.  

Judge Brandt says she will announce her decision at the sentencing hearing set for Aug. 11 at 9:30 a.m.

Document: Homicide: 300 Block of Franklin Street, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a fatal shooting that occurred on May 18 on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE.

The decedent has been identified as 47-year-old Leonard Carter.

Document: Traffic Fatality: Intersection of 5th Street and H Street, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred on May 18 at the intersection of 5th Street and H Street, NW.

According to MPD, a truck struck and killed a pedestrian crossing the intersection as the truck turned right.

The decedent has been identified as 49-year-old Chad Nieboer.

Homicide Defendant Awaits Ballistics Testing Results

During a May 19 status hearing, the defense in a murder case updated the status of ballistics testing and requested a new hearing date to present the results. 

Mark Fletcher, 19, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Travis Barksdale, 25, on the 600 block of Evarts Street, NE in August of 2018. 

The defense said ballistics testing is published based on trial date and Fletcher’s trial is set for Jan. 27, 2025. The results would be received in July of 2023. 

D.C. Witness previously reported that the police believed the shooting was related to a neighborhood rivalry between the Edgewood and Saratoga neighborhoods in Northeast, DC.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan set a new status hearing for Aug. 25. 

“He is Not Guilty,’ Defense Attorney Says in Multi-Defendant Homicide Trial

On May 18, defense attorneys for Isaiah Murchison and Quentin Michals delivered closing arguments following a lengthy and emotional trial. 

Gregory Taylor, 27, Michals, 25, Qujuan Thomas, 24, Darrise Jeffers, 23, Murchison, 23, and Marquell Cobbs, 21, are six of 10 defendants charged with first-degree murder, criminal street gang affiliation, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill, and other charges regarding a fatal drive-by shooting that resulted in 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson’s death. The shooting happened on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE on July 16, 2018. 

Elizabeth Weller, attorney for Murchison, contended he did not conspire to assault or kill anyone, nor did he shoot anyone during the July 16, 2018 attack. 

“They’re trying to make the puzzle pieces fit, even when they don’t,” saying prosecutors came up with a theory that doesn’t match the facts.  

She said prosecutors also tried to vilify the Wellington Park neighborhood unfairly since it’s considered a dangerous neighborhood.  

Weller pointed out that in the various Instagram posts and text message chains shared by the prosecutors of the group chat, Murchison was not an active participant. According to Weller, there is nothing connecting Murchison to any of the shootings that occurred in 2017 prior to Mikayah’s murder. She claimed that in the July 2018 attack, prosecutors failed to investigate at least five individuals seen in the Wellington Park neighborhood before and after the shooting that day. However, she said, the individuals were not seen during the incident.

“Isaiah Murchison is not guilty,” Weller  concluded. . 

Similarly, Errin Scialpi, defense attorney for Michals, argued there is no evidence to support beyond a reasonable doubt that Michals intended to commit murder.  

According to Scialpi, the prosecutor’s argument that Michals was not in the vehicle that killed Makiyah due to leg injuries sustained from various shootings contradicts the fact he was playing basketball near the Clay Terrace neighborhood three days before the attack. 

As to his alleged bragging about the attacks on social media, “he was just doing what he does with his friends,” she said,  arguing it was not uncommon for them to get together to listen to music and rap in the parking lot. 

“We’re placing [Michals’] life in your hands,” she said as she ended her closing arguments. 

Both defense attorneys reminded the jury that they are the judges of the facts in this case, and urged them to deliver the only fair verdict… not guilty. 

Parties are expected back to continue closing arguments on May 22. 

12-Year-Old Murder Case May Depend on Childhood Memories

Whether a boy who was five-years-old at the time of an alleged murder can recall the event 12-years later was debated in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on May 18.  

Issac Moye, 45, is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the disappearance and presumed death of 24-year-old Unique Harris. Harris was last seen on Oct. 10, 2010, near the 2000 block of Hartford Street, SE. Her body was never recovered.

The argument before the court is whether the witness is not only competent to testify, but also credible given the long interval between 2010, when court documents say the crime took place and the present day.  

The prosecutor said the issue isn’t strictly a test of memory but whether the witness understands the consequences of his testimony and is telling the truth. 

Judge Epstein noted that the prosecution previously suggested he do preliminary questioning before the witness testifies to the jury.

“I have no idea what [the prosecution] has in mind,” Judge Epstein continued. 

The prosecutor said the effort wouldn’t be “a fishing expedition” and she had no objection to the judge performing the task.  

Meanwhile, Moye’s attorney, Candace Mitchell, questioned the witnesses’ mental capacity at the time of the crime as well as his competence to testify.  “He didn’t recall anything,” she said.  Later he continued there was a person in her house just before Harris went missing,  

Judge Epstein disputed the idea that the witness didn’t recall anything of the incident and asked both parties to submit questions about how they want to proceed in terms of presenting the witness at trial.

The trial date is set for June 5 at 9 a.m.

Public Defender Snafu Postpones Hearing in Murder Case

A hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein was delayed on May 18 because the DC public defender’s office failed to provide a new attorney for a murder suspect.

Joshua Franklin, 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 27-year-old Andrew Session  on Jan. 21, 2021 on the 4400 block of 3rd Street, SE.  According to court documents, a witness at the scene heard an argument followed by the sound of about ten gunshots. 

The courtroom problem started when Franklin’s current attorney, Steven Oglivie, said he would be unable to continue with the case.  However, Ogilvie assured Judge Epstein that someone was on the way. 

But, the prosecutor said the public defender’s office was “frantically” trying to find out who’s assigned as a replacement. 

Unimpressed, Judge Epstein called the situation “a complete waste of time.”  He rescheduled the 9:15 a.m. hearing until 12:30 p.m.  However, by the appointed hour there was still no replacement for Ogilvie and Aubrey Dillon was assigned as a stand-in attorney.

Dillon promised that within two-to -three weeks, the public defender’s office would come up with someone to represent Franklin.  

The prosecutor said it was important to be notified about the new attorney since there was a “massive amount” of evidence to consider in the case.

Judge Epstein set the next hearing for June 2 at 10:30 a.m.

Document: Homicide: 2600 block of 12th Place, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a fatal shooting that occurred on April 27, on the 2600 block of 12th Place, SE.

The decedent has been identified as 60-year-old Anthony Eric Petty.

Document: Homicide: 3700 Block of Hayes Street, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a fatal shooting that occurred on May 14, on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE.

Arianna Davis, 10, succumbed to her injuries on May 17.

Jury Returns Guilty Verdict for Shooter Claiming Self-Defense

Jurors convicted a suspect on weapons violations on May 17 after a two-day trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park. 

Carlos Chambers, 26, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a previous conviction, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm in connection to a shooting near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Mellon Street, SE on Dec. 12, 2022.

According to court documents, Chambers was a passenger in a car with two other individuals parked at a gas station.  He allegedly jumped out and started shooting in the direction of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE.  A rental car with four bullet holes was found nearby.  No motive was found in the attack and there were no reported injuries.

Chambers’ attorney, Tammy Jacques, told D.C. Witness that Chambers was acting in self-defense.  

“It all boils down to 47 seconds,” says Jacques.  That’s the amount of time between when Chambers thought someone was shooting at him and he fired back instinctively.  

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were in the area at the time of the incident, which was caught on body cameras.  

Jacques also said that because of Chambers’ prior conviction he will face a minimum sentence of three years and a maximum of 15 years in prison.  

Judge Park set a sentencing hearing in the case for July 20 at 9:30 a.m.

Judge Revokes Release Status for Double Murder Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan revoked Amarii Fontanelle’s release status in a May 17 hearing following reports he’d recently been arrested in Upper Marlboro, Md. and also faces a fugitive warrant in Prince George’s County, Md.

In the District of Columbia, Fontanelle, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 19-year-old Reginald Lamont Cooper, Jr. and 19-year-old Davonte Berkley on Oct. 17, 2022 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. He is also accused of shooting a third victim, who ultimately survived. 

“These are very serious charges,” said Judge Raffinan, specifically referring to the Prince George’s case during which Fontanelle allegedly fired shots into a home with six people inside who were allegedly disputing a marijuana sale.   All three cases against Fontanelle are gun-related.

The prosecutor in the DC case says Fontanelle’s behavior has been “extremely dangerous” and said he should be detained. 

Fontantelle’s attorney, Kevin Mosley, argued that his client had done exceptionally well since his release, and is within a month of earning his GED while working two jobs.  Mosley also said that if Fontanelle were released it would enable him to address his pending Maryland legal issues.

Mosley said it was “extremely unlikely” the Prince George’s case would ever go to trial since it was already more than two-and-a-half years old.  

Still, Judge Raffinan said, “These are fairly significant cases.”

She set a status hearing in the DC case for Aug. 28 and said the trial would begin on Oct. 7, 2024.

Prosecutors End Closing Arguments in Six Defendant Homicide Trial 

On May 17, prosecutors in a child homicide and conspiracy trial ended their closing arguments following an emotional three month proceeding in court. 

Gregory Taylor, 27, Quentin Michals, 25, Qujuan Thomas, 24, Darrise Jeffers, 23, Isaiah Murchison, 23, and Marquell Cobbs, 21, are six of 10 defendants charged with first-degree murder, criminal street gang affiliation, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill, and other charges regarding a fatal drive-by shooting that resulted in 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson’s death. The shooting happened on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE on July 16, 2018. 

The defendants are alleged to belong to what’s known as the Wellington Park Crew, which prosecutors argue is a criminal street gang whose purpose is to commit crimes throughout the city. 

Prosecutors guided the jury through the days leading up to the shooting. According to prosecutors, a week before the shooting, a rival of the Wellington Park Crew posted a music video on YouTube surrounded by kids from the Clay Terrace community. Among them, Makiyah, who was pictured wearing the same pink shirt she wore the day she was murdered. 

In the hours leading up to the shooting, prosecutors say, all six defendants and other individuals charged with the attack were seen gathering in the Wellington Park neighborhood. Their preparations included getting clothing, gloves, and masks that would allegedly protect their identities, acquiring a rifle, and double checking that no one was around their vehicles when they were ready to commit the crime. 

Surveillance videos of the preparations at the Wellington Park neighborhood and the attack in Clay Terrace were shown to the jury, along with images of Makiyah and other victims’ who survived their injuries. 

According to the prosecutors, the defendants could not wait to brag about the attacks on social media because, an hour after the attack, they were posting videos of themselves celebrating, rapping and dancing in the Wellington Park parking lot. 

“We the real reason why the murder rate high,” they sang in videos posted to Jeffers’ and Michals’ Instagram accounts. 

They were careless, prosecutors said, as they left gloves, with their DNA, in the vehicle used for the attack, which was later disposed of in Maryland. 

Thomas, they said, even discussed the attack with Quincy Garvin, 23, who was convicted of the murder of 24-year-old Carl Hardy that occurred in September 2017 and charged as a co-defendant in the Makiyah murder. In the phone calls, Thomas can be heard identifying the individuals that were in the car for the attack, stating that Taylor, Isaiah, Antonio Murchison, 30,  and himself were the ones that went through with it. 

“They didn’t give a darn who they hit, they just wanted to open fire,” prosecutors said of the attack. 

Prosecutors insisted to the jury that the defendants spelled out everything they were doing leading up to the attack, during it, and everything they did after. 

“It is time they have a judgment day for their stupid idiocy,” the prosecution said. “It is time to hold them accountable for taking away that little girl from her family and friends.” 

Parties are expected back May 18 to begin the defense’s closing arguments.