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In Sentencing, Judge Says Shooter Created ‘A Reign of Terror’

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced Joseph Hall, 25, to five-years in prison for shooting at police and “creating a reign of terror” during a robbery attempt.

Hall pleaded guilty to robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with an incident that happened on Aug. 25, 2022 on the 3500 block of Sixth Street, SE.  

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers exchanged gunfire with Hall as he was attempting to steal a car occupied by two special police officers on duty at the time.  Prior to the melee, Hall allegedly pointed a gun at the security officers in their car saying, “Give up the keys…or I’m going to blow your head up!”

In a victim impact statement read at the sentencing, one of the officers wrote, “I feel in danger 24/7.” She said she suffers from PTSD, anxiety and depression. “I would have been dead had it not been for divine intervention,” she continued.  For her ongoing pain and suffering she said a five-year sentence isn’t enough.  

During the proceeding, Judge Ryan described Hall’s trouble-plagued background of trauma, drug abuse and lack of effective parenting.  Of note, was Hall’s use of the mind-altering drug, PCP which he had allegedly taken before the incident and several convictions in Virginia including theft. 

Hall apologized to the victims in court saying, “I didn’t mean to do this…I’m sorry I put your lives in danger.”

Considering Hall’s history, Judge Ryan said he was passing sentence under DC’s Youth Rehabilitation Act which means that upon completion of his sentence Hall’s conviction will functionally disappear and be kept confidential unless he’s convicted of a more serious offense.  

In addition to jail time, Hall will be on supervised probation for three years.

“You need to spend every day making certain that this doesn’t happen again,” said Judge Ryan.

Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Offer Insisting on a Trial Date in 2022 Case

On June 2, Malik Seltzer rejected a plea offer in a homicide case and asked to set a trial date.

Seltzer, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 37-year-old Paris Odemns on Sept 15, 2021, on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE.

Prosecutors offered a deal that would have Seltzer plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed, which was rejected.

According to prosecutors, Seltzer’s indictment is forthcoming. 

A trial date was set for January 2024. 

Parties are expected back in court on Aug. 30.

Murder Defendant Waives Right to Test DNA Evidence 

On June 2, Dion Lee waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence collected from a murder crime scene. 

Lee, 24, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the shooting that killed 54-year-old Pamela Thomas on Feb. 9, 2022 on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE. 

According to court documents, Thomas was found by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle. 

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe reminded Lee that if he waived his rights now he could not request to independently test the DNA evidence at a later date. 

Trial is slated to begin Aug. 12, 2024. 

Parties are expected back June 28, 2024 for a trial readiness hearing. 

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for 2022 Incident 

On June 2, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe accepted a guilty plea from a defendant charged in connection to a 2022 non-fatal shooting. 

Dwayne Dolberry, 41, is charged with assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 2, 2022 on the 1600 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE. There were no reported injuries.

According to court documents, Dolberry and the victim got into an argument during which Dolberry shot at him eight times but missed. 

Dolberry accepted an offer allowing him to plead guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. 

Parties are expected back for sentencing Aug. 11. 

Judge Sentences Murder Suspect to 24-Years in ‘Good Conscience’

On June 2, DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee sentenced a homicide defendant in connection to a 2019 killing, saying, “I can’t give you a break today.”

Brandon Randall, 36, was indicted for first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm due to his alleged involvement in the murder of 30-year-old David Brandon on Feb. 24, 2019 on the 4300 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. 

On November 22, 2022, Randall agreed with prosecutors to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for the dismissal of his remaining charges. 

In a June 2 hearing, Brandon’s family and friends were present to show support and provide victim impact statements. 

Brandon was described as a true human being, a fighter, and a doting father among many other attributes by his loved ones. 

“People say time heals things but it is difficult when your loved one is murdered,” said the victim’s father. 

Defense attorney Anthony Matthews asked for Randall’s sentence to be in the lower range of the recommended sentence. 

In response, DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee asked, “How can I, in good conscience, impose a sentence at the bottom of the guideline?” 

“What is justice? What can be paid for a lost life? Even if Mr. Randall paid with his life, David would still be gone,” said Brandon’s mom.  

“I hate that he’s such a sensitive subject when he brought so much life,” said Brandon’s friend through WebEx.

Judge Lee imposed a sentence of 24-years in prison followed by a five-year period of supervised release. 

He is also required to register as a gun offender in D.C. 

“He owes it to all of us to do better and to be better,” said Brandon’s mom. 

Judge Grants Trial Continuance in a 2020 Homicide

On June 2, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted a trial continuance in a 2020 homicide case following a request from the defense.

Stephon Williams, 31, is charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol outside of a home or business for his alleged involvement in the shooting of his 49-year-old father, Stephen Magruder, on Sept. 11, 2020 on the 700 block of 51st Street NE.

The trial, originally scheduled to begin on June 16, was rescheduled for April 1, 2024.

Judge Epstein also complimented Williams on his success with a drug treatment program, saying he “hope[s] things continue to go well.”

Parties are expected to return for a trial readiness hearing on March 22, 2024.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Final Plea Offer for 2022 Murder Case

On June 2, murder defendant Delonte Jackson rejected the prosecution’s final plea offer pushing his case to trial.

Jackson, 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the murder of 44-year-old Artavarn Wagner on March 3, 2022, on the 1700 block of Gales Street, NE. Jackson allegedly stole Wagner’s car after shooting him. 

The plea deal offered by prosecutors would have Jackson plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed and one count of possession of a firearm, with a sentence of 162 months incarcerated to run concurrently for both charges and the dismissal of his misdemeanor charges.  

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt confirmed Jackson understood the deal being offered and the maximum sentence of 40 years if found guilty at trial. 

The next hearing is set for June 15.

Homicide Charges Dismissed in 2019 Murder Case

On June 2, prosecutors moved to dismiss a murder indictment in a 2019 murder and carjacking case. 

Demetrius Void, 35, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon while armed, armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the shooting that caused 24-year-old Anthony Lawson’s death on Sept. 25, 2018 on the 6200 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. 

According to court documents, Lawson and Void were allegedly having a dispute over a vehicle that belonged to Void’s mother. 

Prosecutors alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe that they were moving to dismiss the first-degree murder and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charges due to two critical witnesses’ deaths since the incident. 

Defense attorneys for Void requested he be released, as the murder charge was dismissed. 

Judge O’Keefe denied the request and asked them to file a motion that will allow prosecutors the chance to make their opposing arguments.

Parties are expected back June 23. 

Parties in Plea Negotiations for a 2022 Shooting Case

On June 2, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted a brief continuance in a 2022 non-fatal shooting to allow parties to have final plea offer negotiations. 

Craig Peacock is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Peacock allegedly shot the victim on Oct. 26, 2022 on the 1100 block of 1st Street SE.

Prosecutors said if parties do not reach an agreement by next week, they will set a trial date.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 11.

Defense Requests Continuance to Allow for Plea Negotiations in 2022 Homicide Case

On June 2, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein continued a homicide case to allow parties time to negotiate a plea deal. 

Ethan Cunningham, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 38-year-old James Curtis on March 10, 2022 on the 2600 block of Stanton Road SE. 

Dana Page, Cunningham’s defense attorney, said they need additional time to allow for plea negotiations.

Parties are expected back Aug. 11.

Manslaughter Suspect Admitted to College, Feels ‘Awesome’

Parties met in court to review the probation status of 20-year-old Dazmine Anderson.

Anderson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for his involvement in the stabbing of Jean-Claude Jackson, 30, on Oct. 7, 2018 in an incident on the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE.

According to Anderson’s progress report, he is in partial compliance, is adjusting fairly well, and reports to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) as directed.

Since his release, he has been working and aiming to carry on his education. He has recently been accepted into a regional community college program.

Defense attorneys Rachel Cicurel and Madalyn Harvey spoke highly of Anderson, as did his court-appointed mentor who said, “I love working with Mr. Anderson. He’s really trying… It gives me hope.” 

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee said that Anderson has three important things to accomplish: maintaining his current employment, furthering his education, and staying out of trouble. 

“You’re not the little kid that came into the system” he told Anderson. 

When Judge Lee asked how Anderson felt about how he was doing, he said  “Awesome.” 

Parties are expected back Sept. 22. 

Defense Attacks Witnesses’ Credibility in 2013 Homicide Case

On June 1, prosecutors called two eyewitnesses and an alleged victim to testify in a 2013 homicide trial. 

Victor Coley, 60, is charged with first-degree murder while armed premeditated, assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that left four individuals injured on Nov. 6, 2013, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. 

He was previously convicted of several counts of assault with intent to kill in 2015 and sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison.

Then on Dec. 3, 2021, 65-year-old Dennis Foster, one of the victims from the shooting, succumbed to his injuries prompting prosecutors to charge Coley with murder.

Prosecutors brought forth first-degree murder charges in 2022.

Prosecutors asked a retired police officer to describe her recollection of the shooting. She said she was driving by the scene when she heard gunfire and saw a victim lying on the ground.

She then followed the suspect, concerned he might attempt to dispose of his gun.

She said she saw him enter an apartment building on the 3500 block of Clay Place, NE, and as she was calling dispatch from her car across the street, she saw the defendant walk out of the building wearing a different colored hoodie from what he was wearing at the time of the shooting. 

During cross examination, she said that she could only see the back of the shooter’s hoodie. She also admitted she didn’t know what was happening inside of the apartment building the defendant allegedly entered.

A second witness said he was sitting outside of a Payless Shoe store with Foster when he was shot in the back of the head and in the chest. However, he was unable to see the shooter as he was attempting to get away and seek medical assistance.  

According to the witness, he spent six weeks in a hospital receiving care. Due to the shooting, he began to regularly experience migraines, and to this day, has the bullet fragments in his chest.

Prosecutors presented the witness’ clothing showing bullet holes and blood stains where he was shot. 

The witness said it felt like he was hit with a bat and there was a burning sensation in his chest shortly before fainting in a store. 

A third prosecution witness said he was working at the Payless Shoe store when he heard two gunshots and saw two men running toward the liquor store across the street. 

The witness allegedly saw Coley running after one of the victims with a gun in his hand. 

But under cross examination, he admitted his back was turned away from the shooting until after he heard the two gunshots. 

All three eyewitnesses present in court stated they did not see the shooter’s face. 

Transcripts of Foster’s testimony from the 2015 trial detailed his struggles following the shooting as he was left partially paralyzed from his injuries. They also presented his clothes worn on the day of the shooting which were covered in blood and torn by a bullet hole.

According to Foster’s testimony, Coley was upset because he didn’t want to take part in drug deals.

Earlier testimony from another deceased witness described his view of the shooting from across the street.

In the transcript, the witness recalled seeing the victim stumbling across the street holding his chest. 

Defense attorneys questioned the credibility of the witness, who lost his job at a police department following a positive drug test and conviction for distributing cocaine.

As the trial continued, defense attorneys questioned witnesses credibility and raised concerns about their inability to fully identify Coley as the shooter. Testimony regarding the suspect’s description and entrance into the apartment building are being contested by both parties.

The trial is slated to presume June 5.

Two Witnesses Become Irate, Uncooperative In A Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

On June 1, parties gave their opening statements in a non-fatal shooting trial .

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.

“He wreaked havoc on two defenseless women,” according to prosecutors.

However, the defense team argued, “the person who shot [the victim] on September 21st, 2018, is not in the courtroom.”  

After opening statements, prosecutors called two witnesses who were allegedly Hemphill’s victims.

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

Both became uncooperative and had to be detained. 

The woman who was shot yelled that she did not know answers to any of the questions. She also lashed out at the defense team and DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz, calling them “b*tches” and “b*tch*sses.” 

After the second alleged victim began her testimony she seemed uncomfortable, and when asked about her personal life stood up and walked out of the courtroom. 

The judge then ordered US Marshals to detain her. The witness finished her testimony but would only answer that she did not know when asked a question. She was then released. 

The trial will continue on June 5th.

Voluntary Manslaughter Defendant Surrenders in Friend’s Stabbing Death

On June 1, Rodney T. Lindsay appeared in court for a felony voluntary surrender hearing. Lindsay signed and agreed to the terms of his sentence. 

Lindsay was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for stabbing his friend Terrance Gause, 53, on Aug. 14, 2021, on the 700 block of Adrian Street, SE. 

Lindsay, 55, surrendered to a charge of voluntary manslaughter, following the acceptance of a plea deal, and is to serve 72-months in prison and three-years on probation.  

He remains on high intensity supervision program release while he waits to appear for his sentence.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan scheduled Lindsay to report to the FCI Gilmer correctional institution on June 15. If he doesn’t Judge Raffinan plans on issuing a bench warrant.