Double Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to All Charges

On Aug. 11, a defendant in a double homicide case was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Beysean Jones, 28, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, and several other charges for his alleged involvement in the killings of 19-year-old Ronald Brown and 41-year-old Tijuan Wilson on July 27, 2022, on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE.

Jones’ attorney, Carrie Weletz, alerted the court Jones was pleading not guilty to all charges and asserted his trial rights.

Weletz requested a status hearing regarding shell casings that will potentially be tested. The prosecution indicated they have not done any testing so far.

Parties are expected to return for a status hearing on Sept. 6.

Defendant Sentenced to 72 Months for ‘Senseless’ Shooting

On Aug. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced a shooting defendant to 72 months imprisonment and said he is, “Lucky nobody got hurt.”

On June 2, Dwayne Dolberry, 41, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence 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.

In their allocutions, both parties asked the court to impose a sentence of 72 months of imprisonment, suspending all but 40 months, for the assault charge and 14 months for the unlawful possession charge, which was outlined in the plea offer. Parties requested the sentences to run concurrently.

Dolberry’s defense attorney, Wole Falodun, noted that Dolberry took early responsibility and expressed remorse. He said his client plans to start a demolition and hauling business when he is released.

Dolberry addressed the court, reiterating that he accepts responsibility and feels remorseful for his actions.

Judge O’Keefe said that based on the facts of this case, he expected Dolberry to be young and immature but was surprised to find out he is actually 41 years old. He said, “You are old enough to know how serious this [case] is.” He described the crime as “senseless” and told Dolberry he is “lucky nobody got hurt.”

Although he said the plea offer is “very generous,” Judge O’Keefe accepted the agreement of a 72-month sentence, suspending all but 40 months, as well as 14 months to run concurrently.

Dolberry will be subject to three years probation and a suspended three years of supervised release. Among several other conditions, he will be required to register as a gun offender upon release and participate in anger management classes.

No further dates are set in this case.

Case Acquitted: Police Interview with Murder Suspect Raises Questions of Cover-up

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

On Aug. 10, prosecutors showed footage of a defendant they say was trying to cover up a homicide in an interview with detectives.

Tamika Green, 37, allegedly shot and killed her boyfriend during an argument on Feb. 20, 2020 in an apartment on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE. She is charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license.

Bryan Tate Jr., 37, was shot three times in the shoulder and hip. He died from his injuries. Defense attorneys say Green was acting in self-defense during a physical altercation with Tate.

Prosecutors continued their attempt to prove Green’s guilt by having a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Sergeant Detective testify about her interaction with Green on Feb. 21, 2020 following Tate’s death.

During her testimony, prosecutors played a video of two other MPD detectives interviewing Green.

According to the witness, she was watching the interview from another room. The witness said no signs of abuse were visible on Green at the time of the interview because she was wearing a coat and long pants.

According to court documents, Green told detectives that she was babysitting her nephew in Tate’s apartment when a burglar broke in and shot Tate.

In the video, Green can be heard telling officers that she told Tate, “Just stay right here, I’m gonna go get help. I’m gonna get an ambulance. ” That was before leaving with her nephew and locking Tate inside the apartment so no one could come back in and “finish the job.”

According to court documents, Green had called 911 after leaving the apartment and also called her nephew’s mother to pick him up. Afterwards, she told detectives her phone had died and she stopped a man in his car to use his phone and try to find out the hospital where Tate was taken.

According to court documents, Green’s story left the detectives with many questions about why she left Tate alone in the apartment and what she was doing alone outside in Southeast DC on a freezing night.

“This story makes no sense,” an MPD detective could be heard saying in the surveillance footage of the interview.

Defense attorneys argued that Green covered up the homicide because Tate’s parents were both police officers and Green didn’t think the police would protect her or provide justice.

The video shows a detective telling Green “My responsibility is to Bryan’s family.”

In the video, Green is crying and saying “I’m scared for my life,” and “I have no one on my side.”

The trial is set to resume on Aug. 11.

Judge Turns Down Efforts to Delay Double Homicide Case

On Aug. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe denied a defense motion to set a later trial date in a 2018 double homicide case.

Alonzo Lewis, 38, was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, and several other charges in February 2019. He allegedly shot and killed 40-year-old Jaquon Helm and 35-year-old Venius Badgett on May 26, 2018, on the unit block of Galveston Street, SW.

According to the defense, Lewis has joined more than fifty defendants involved in a pending motion to ensure that juries are fairly representative of the DC population. The defense argued this potentially significant litigation warrants pushing back the trial date in that it could affect the outcome of many cases.

Other reasons to push back the trial have to do with witness availability.

Lewis’s attorney, Joseph Yarbough, said the defense’s DNA expert is not able to testify during the current trial dates. The prosecutor said they would accept remote attendance or a substitute expert during the trial.

Judge O’Keefe denied the request for a continuance due to the serious nature of the crime.

Yarbough then asked the court to lift the protective order on body-worn camera footage so the defense could see the material for trial preparation.

The prosecution argued that the footage reveals witnesses on the scene. The concern is that Lewis may endanger the witnesses and their families and has allegedly threatened them in the past.

Motions regarding the footage protective order and previous findings that the prosecution violated the rules of evidence remain to be resolved.

Parties are expected to return for another motions hearing on Sept. 5.

‘Heartbroken’ Judge Sentences Homicide Defendant to 18 Years Imprisonment

In an Aug. 11 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Michael Dolson to 18 years in prison for his role in the 2022 stabbing death of Kenneth Thomas Jr.

On March 24, Dolson, 36, pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in a knife attack at a DC nightclub on March 14, 2022. The incident left Thomas, 42, dead on the 1900 block of 9th Street, NW.

According to court documents, Thomas, Dolson, and an unidentified woman accompanying Dolson all shared a table at the nightclub until a verbal altercation broke out between Thomas and Dolson. Dolson reportedly pulled out a knife, slashed Thomas’ face, and stabbed him in the upper chest, leaving Thomas incapacitated. Both Dolson and the woman accompanying him fled the scene following the stabbing.

The prosecution requested a sentence of 18 years, emphasizing the seriousness of Dolson’s offense and the need for sufficient time as punishment for his actions.

Several of Thomas’ family members addressed the court to highlight Thomas’ character and implore Judge Brandt to sentence Dolson to the full 18 year sentence.

Thomas’ stepfather spoke of Thomas’ “kind spirit” and “drive” to “live his best life.” His mother vocalized her grief that her son’s “voice will become a distant memory,” asking the court, “What is 18 years compared to the death of my son?”

Thomas’ father voiced his anger and turned to face Dolson saying, “You have devastated my whole family. If it were up to me, you’d get 30 years.”

The defense spoke of Dolson’s “deep remorse” for his actions, stating that Dolson “made the worst decision of his life” on the night of March 14, 2022. The defense counsel also spoke of Dolson’s upbringing without a father and the effects of growing up in a community “marked by violence.”

When requesting the bottom of the sentencing guidelines, 10-and-a-half, years, the defense counsel assured the court that Dolson’s goal “is to use his time to build himself into his best self.”

In his allocution statement, Dolson expressed that he was “really, really deeply sad” over Thomas’ death and that he “didn’t want this to happen.” Dolson attempted to empathize with Thomas’ family, stating “I know all about pain,” and asked for forgiveness.

Before the hearing, Dolson’s sister reached out to Thomas’ family to apologize and express condolences on Dolson’s behalf. Though her apology wasn’t appreciated at the time, Thomas’ family emphasized their gratitude during the hearing.

Before sentencing Dolson, Judge Brandt extended her condolences to Thomas’ family, wishing that she had the power “to make you [Thomas’ family] whole again.”

Turning towards Dolson, Judge Brandt accepted his apology and stressed her care for everyone involved “regardless of what seat you sit in.” Judge Brandt had presided over Dolson in a previous matter and spoke of her “heartbreak” seeing Dolson before her yet again.

“Somewhere, in this menagerie, I’m responsible because what I tried to do to help you [Dolson] didn’t work,” Judge Brandt said sadly.

She sentenced Dolson to 18 years in prison with five years of supervised release, emphasizing that there is “no excuse for senseless violence.”

She also ordered Dolson to pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund and recommended participation in trauma-informed therapy during his time incarcerated.

“Despite all of this, I still believe you and believe in you,” Judge Brandt said to Dolson, turning to face him. “Keep hope, Mr. Dolson. Keep hope.”

Document: Updated Photos and Vehicle Description Suspect and Vehicle Sought in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) and Armed Robbery (Gun) Offense: 700 Block of H Street, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect and a suspect-vehicle connected to a non-fatal shooting and robbery that occurred on Aug. 9, on the 700 block of H Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect approached the victim, shot them, and fled the scene with the victim’s property. The victim was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect vehicle is described as a 1999 Ford Taurus Station Wagon last seen displaying DC handicap tags HP21612.

Document: Arrest Made in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 800 Block of Southern Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 28-year-old Andrew Parsons with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 26, on the 800 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male shooting victim. He was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Case Acquitted: Victim’s Father Testifies in Murder Trial About Finding His Dead Son

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

On August 11, the father of 2020 homicide victim Bryan Tate Jr. testified about the moment he found his son’s body.

Tamika Green, 37, allegedly shot and killed 37-year-old Tate, her significant other at the time, on February 20, 2020 on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE. She is charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license.

Prosecutors called Tate’s father to testify about when he had learned Tate had been shot, up until Tate was found dead in his apartment.

According to Tate’s father, he originally learned of the shooting from Tate’s cousin, and attempted to locate his son by calling a local hospital and seeing if emergency services had transported him to a medical facility. When he couldn’t locate Tate, his father drove to Tate’s apartment where a neighbor let them into the building.

Upon arriving, Tate’s father found the front door locked, then forced open the back door and entered the apartment, where he discovered Tate’s body.

Tate’s father told the court how difficult it was, saying that he “was stuck between being a police officer and a father.”

Prosecutors then called another of Tate’s family members as a witness, who testified about how Green relayed the incident to the family.

The witness testified that she had previously known Green, and that on the day of the incident first received an Instagram Direct Message (DM) from Green at 8:30 am.

However, the message did not indicate that anything was amiss, and Green did not relay to the witness that Tate had been shot until around three hours later through another Instagram DM.

According to the witness, she then called Green, who indicated that the shooting had occurred as a result of a home invasion where she had accidentally left the door open.

Green then told the witness that she had heard two men enter, and two-or-three shots rang out before attempting to hide her young nephew, who was at the apartment, in the closet to protect him from the alleged intruders. Green told the witness that she then went downstairs, where Tate was up and talking after being shot, and they agreed she would drive him to a hospital.

According to the witness, Green said that Tate then allegedly collapsed to the ground, and Green grabbed her nephew and left the residence, calling 911 before going some distance from the apartment to leave her nephew with another individual.

Green then allegedly returned to the apartment without actually entering the building, and told the witness that she did not go inside as she saw no police cars or ambulances and assumed that Tate had already been taken to a hospital.

After this call with Green, the witness then drove to Tate’s apartment, and called in a wellness check to the police department upon arriving. It was after this that Tate’s father arrived and Tate’s body was discovered.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective was then called by the prosecution, who had been among the first law enforcement officials to arrive on the scene.

Prosecutors played body camera footage taken from a camera affixed to the MPD detective, who, in the video, felt for Tate’s pulse before clearing the scene and remarking that Tate’s body was “cold to the touch.”

Trial is set to resume before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on August 14.

Document: Suspect and Vehicle Sought in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) and Armed Robbery (Gun) Offense: 700 Block of H Street, Northeast

Document: Two People Arrested After MPD Officers Witness Gun Being Fired from Apartment Window

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 21-year-old Dominique Massenberg and 28-year-old Demarco Wynn with multiple firearm-related felonies, receiving stolen property, and second-degree cruelty to children for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 8 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers witnessed a woman shooting out of a third story apartment window at the location. They approached the apartment, and located Massenberg and Wynn with children. They recovered a stolen firearm and ammunition from the apartment.

Case Acquitted: Defense Witness’ Testimony Disputed in Murder Trial

This case was acquitted on Aug. 15, 2023.

On Aug. 9, both parties delivered closing arguments in a 2021 homicide trial before D.C. Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Jermaine Washington, 39, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of 40-year-old Keon Bonner on Oct. 26, 2021, on the 1500 block of Ogden Street, NW.

Washington’s attorney, Rachel McCoy, made a motion for acquittal, saying a reasonable juror could not find Washington guilty based on the evidence–the motion was denied.

Disputes continued about the credibility of Washington’s account in an interview with a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective regarding a hospital visit the night of the incident.

Before closing arguments, the defense received the medical record of a witness and confirmed the person was present and ready to testify. He said he is not Washington’s biological brother, but they call each other “brother” based on their 20-year friendship.

Washington’s friend testified that he was staying at the George Washington University (GW) Hospital on the day of the murder following foot surgery, and Washington visited him. After the witness’ testimony, the defense rested its case.

The prosecution called a rebuttal witness, the Director of Safety and Security at the GW Hospital. The witness discussed the passage point system used to check in visitors at the hospital, where no one over the age of 12 can enter without signing in and getting their picture taken.

The prosecution presented screenshots of search results from the hospital’s passage point system that showed Washington’s friend did not receive any visitors during his stay in October 2021, and no one signed in with the name Jermaine or JT Washington.

During the cross-examination, McCoy asked if the system could have missed someone’s sign-in record. The witness reiterated the rules, saying visitors are not let in without being accounted for.

In the prosecution’s closing arguments, they reviewed their proposed timeline of events on the night of the incident using cell phone records, surveillance footage, and a recording of a 911 call from an eyewitness. They said a guilty verdict is “the only verdict that makes sense.”

The prosecutor also showed physical evidence to the jury. When Washington was arrested in December 2021, the police allegedly found a pocket knife. The 5-inch knife matches a witness’s description of the presumed murder weapon.

In the defense’s closing arguments, Washington’s attorney Stephen Logerfo said prosecutors have relied on speculation and have not met the burden of proof.

Logerfo pointed to discrepancies in the physical descriptions from witnesses and the lack of DNA evidence collected and tested from the scene. He argued that prosecutors failed to prove the motive for Washington to commit the alleged murder. He highlighted that Washington is presumed to be innocent and asked for a “not guilty” verdict from the jury.

Parties will return on Aug. 10 for jury deliberations.

In Sentencing Judge Calls Defendant’s Actions a ‘Waste of Life’

In exasperation, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow revoked Mondell Hawkins’ parole and sentenced him to prison on shooting charges in an Aug. 10 hearing.

Hawkins, 23, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to an incident that took place on Nov. 20, 2021 near the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road.

According to court documents, Hawkins was shooting at people who had robbed a friend of his, and they were shooting back at him.

Hawkins’ attorney, Stephen Logerfo says Hawkins is “remorseful” for what happened and he’s glad no one was injured. Hawkins had earlier agreed to accept a plea and was given probation.

However, Judge Pasichow said that Hawkins had squandered a “tremendous opportunity” by not following the terms of his probation so frequently, “It was hard to keep track of the compliance issues”

Judge Pasichow also alluded to an additional charge against Hawkins involving crack cocaine. She said overall this is a “very, very serious case,” and while she wanted to give him a chance the new drug infraction is “beyond me.” Hawkins has a small child at home.

She decried Hawkins behavior as a “waste of life.”

Hawkins also had a high criminal score meaning based on a number of factors including the severity of the offense, the judge may impose a harsher sentence.

Judge Pasichow sentenced Hawkins to 48 months for the assault charge and 24 months for gun possession to be served concurrently with credit for time served. Upon release he’ll have three years supervised probation and be required to register as a gun offender.

When Hawkins goes to prison, he will get mental health screening, a drug assessment, vocational training and take part in a violence reduction program.

Case Acquitted: Texting Testimony Introduced in Boyfriend Murder Trial

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

On Aug. 9, prosecutors continued their case focused on a 2020 homicide.

Bryan Tate Jr., 37, was shot three times in the shoulder and hip. He died from his injuries. Defense attorneys say Green was acting in self-defense during a physical altercation with Tate.

A senior DNA analyst testified that blood found in the apartment where the incident took place matched Tate’s. When questioned about the other evidence recovered from the scene, she stated she did not test any cartridges or ammunition.

One of Tate’s close friends testified about text messages between him and Green the morning after Tate’s death.

According to the witness, Green told him that Tate had been shot by an intruder, and asked him to provide updates on Tate’s condition, texting him “OMG this is too much I don’t wanna doze off until I know he’s [Tate] ok.”

The trial will continue on Aug. 10.

2023 Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

On August 10, Dominick Jackson pleaded not guilty to all charges connected to a non-fatal shooting.

Jackson, 38, is charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a domestic squabble that resulted in a non-fatal shooting.

The incident occurred on November 20, 2022, on the front of the 700 block of 12th Street, NE, and left one adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds.

According to court documents, eight gunshots were heard and four shell casings were discovered at the scene. Responding officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) noticed damage to a vehicle, and learned that there was one victim who was transported to a local hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

At the hospital, the victim identified the shooter as Jackson to MPD officers.

Kevin Robertson, Jackson’s defense attorney, asked DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz to alter Jackson’s release conditions. He requested Jackson be taken off GPS monitoring, which Judge Leibovitz denied.

The next hearing is set for Aug. 31.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

On Aug. 10, a homicide defendant alerted DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt that he was giving up his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from a crime scene.

Niko Hall, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 25-year-old Anthony Lee. The incident occurred on Sept. 25, 2020, on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

Hall’s co-defendants, 21-year-old Kyrie Wells and 20-year-old Darquise Montgomery, accepted plea agreements that lessened their murder charges to second-degree murder. Montgomery is awaiting sentencing, and Wells was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

According to prosecutors, there were various items that had been tested for DNA evidence, including swabs from a weapon.

Regardless, Hall waived his right to independent DNA testing.

Parties are expected back Sept. 15.

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