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Judge Denies Release of Defendant Accused in Death of Two-Year-Old

During a status hearing on June 1, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe denied the release of a defendant in a 2022 murder case following surveillance footage allegedly showing him assaulting a two-year-old victim.

Dasean Matthews, 24, is charged with first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree child cruelty. Matthews allegedly assaulted two-year-old Mars Jones on Oct. 13, 2022 on the unit block of Atlantic Street, SW, which led to his death five days later.

The prosecution presented surveillance footage from a Dunkin’ Donuts shop located on the 800 block of Quincy Street, NW.

The videos showed instances of Matthews striking the child in the face, knocking him into a railing, and grabbing his clothing. The prosecution said the videos demonstrate that no circumstances could allow for Matthews’ release due to his dangerousness.

Matthews’ attorney, Sylvia Smith, said the prosecution was trying to play on the court’s emotions. She said the videos depict rough play, not child abuse. 

She pointed to the presence of Matthews’ family as a testament to his being “pivotal in everybody’s life.”

The defense proposed strict home confinement so Matthews can access mental health services and work towards earning his G.E.D.

Judge O’Keefe said the interactions shown in the videos were “not consistent with playful conduct.” 

He denied Matthews’ release and stated he was a danger to the community because he was willing to harm a child in public. He further stated no conditions or combination of conditions could assure the safety of the community.

Another defendant related to the case, Monet Jones, the victim’s mother, attended the hearing virtually. Jones, 25, is charged with one count of second-degree cruelty to children, one count of obstruction of justice, three counts of perjury, and one count of tampering with physical evidence for her alleged involvement in the case. She entered a plea of not guilty.

Parties are expected to return on Sept. 29 for another status hearing.

The trial for both defendants is set to begin on Feb. 8, 2024.

Defendant in Non-Fatal Shooting May Lose Probation

At a hearing on May 31, the status of E’mon Fleming’s probation came into question.

Fleming, 23, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license after he was allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on the 1300 block of Columbia Road, NW on March 24, 2020. No one was reported injured in the incident.

Since then Fleming’s probation officer reported he has passed all drug tests, is employed, and has completed 90 hours of court-mandated community service. Ultimately his probation officer recommended lifting his probation.

However, the prosecution raised the issue of a pending charge brought against Fleming in January in Maryland. As a result the prosecution recommended that his probation be revoked considering Fleming allegedly broke the terms of his DC agreement .

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur told both the prosecution and the defense that he would have to “pass” on his matter as Fleming’s defense attorney was unavailable and the public defender standing in did not know the specifics of the case.

No new hearing was scheduled.

Defendant Asks Approval to Attend Sister’s Funeral

Questions arose in a May 31 hearing about whether a shooting suspect could attend his sister’s funeral.

Antron Belk, 16, is being charged as an adult for allegedly committing assault with the intent to kill while armed in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 25, on the 4400 block of Quarles Street, NE.  According to court documents, the victim was shot eight times.

The defendant was not present in court because he wasn’t on the official transport list for the hearing.  

Defense attorney Christen Philips Romero asked DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein to order the Department of Youth and Rehabilitative Services (DYRS) to escort Belk so he could attend his sister’s funeral. 

The prosecution said allowing the defendant to attend a community event poses security concerns given the nature of the case. 

Judge Epstein denied the motion, but says he will await the department’s recommendation on the matter. 

“It is my job to craft the least restrictive means to protect the community, and leaving it up to the DYRS to decide does that,” said Judge Epstein. 

Attorney Romero then asked Judge Epstein to order the DYRS to provide an alternative, virtual way for Belk to view the funeral if attending in person is not possible. 

The prosecution had no objections, and Judge Epstein accepted the motion. 

A preliminary hearing in the case is set for June 7.

Global Plea Deal Negotiations Set to Conclude in 2020 Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan has set a motions hearing date as June 16 for a defendant in a 2020 homicide.

Trey Prillerman, 19, was allegedly involved in the shooting of Arthur Daniels IV on the 6200 block of 8th Street, NW. The defendant was a juvenile when the incident occurred and is currently being held at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

Prillerman’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas Jr. indicated that a global plea including another pending case involving the defendant might be possible in the upcoming weeks. Judge Raffinan ordered that the plea matter be resolved by the defendant’s counsel and prosecutors by June 9.

If the defense and prosecution cannot reach a plea deal by June 9, the defendant will appear at a status hearing before Judge Raffinan alongside his co-defendant on June 16.

Judge Holds Man Who Pleaded Guilty in Two Domestic Violence Incidents

DC Superior Court Judge Kimberley Knowles ordered that Tramayne Moore remain in custody after probation officers said Moore, who pleaded guilty in two domestic violence incidents, had not been compliant with the terms of his parole.  

Moore, 24, was originally charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and simple assault in connection with an incident that occurred on April 4, 2021 on the 400 block of Brandywine Street, SE.

According to court documents Moore got into an argument with a woman over his unwanted sexual advances. Then he allegedly tried to strangle her, fired several shots near her, and drove away.  Moore ultimately pleaded guilty to simple assault. 

In a subsequent case, Moore pleaded guilty to contempt for allegedly violating his release conditions.

“He’s going to be held in this case,” said Judge Knowles in a May 31 hearing regarding a bench warrant for Knowles’ arrest.

Moore’s next court appearance will be on June 6.

Trial for 2013 Homicide Gets Underway 

On May 31, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan heard opening arguments from attorneys in a 2013 homicide case. 

Victor Coley, 60, is charged with first-degree murder while armed premeditated, assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, 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. 

On Dec. 3, 2021, 65-year-old Dennis Foster, one of the victims from the shooting, succumbed to his injuries. 

According to prosecutors, Foster was a well-known individual in the area of the shooting, with many locals calling him “Pops” or “Old Timer”. 

“This man, defendant Victor Coley, walked up to two men and shot them, point blank,” said prosecutors. 

Two bystanders were struck by gunfire, as one of the original victims ran away from the shooter. One of them suffered a shot to the leg, and the other to the hand.

All four individuals originally survived the shooting, but had to deal with its aftermath for years. Complications from his injuries led to Foster’s death. The other three have since passed away from other causes.

“You will know beyond a reasonable doubt that Victor Coley was the gunman,” prosecutors insisted, arguing the evidence would prove Coley to be guilty. 

“You will know he’s guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and that’s when we’ll ask you to hold him responsible” they said.

However, defense attorneys insisted the prosecutors were wrong. 

“Coley is not guilty,” said Jesse Winograd, defense attorney for Coley. 

He argued that the only evidence that can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt is that Coley was in northeast DC on the day of the incident, and he was wrongfully arrested. 

“[Witnesses] saw different things… no one actually saw Coley do the shooting,” he insisted.

According to defense attorneys, Coley didn’t have any guns or drugs on him at the time of the arrest, and the two guns recovered from an apartment did not have his fingerprints or DNA on it. 

Winograd insisted that Foster’s death was not from complications with his injuries from the shooting, but rather other issues, and insisted that the prosecutors were just trying to put the blame on Coley.

“The only verdict deserved for their incomplete story is not guilty,” he concluded.

Following opening arguments, prosecutors called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) first responding officer of the shooting to the stand. 

According to the officer, he was familiar with the area of the shooting because he patrolled it for many years, and got to know a lot of the locals.

He came across the shooting after he had been dispatched to another incident, and realized it was urgent. 

When he arrived at the scene, he saw Foster laying face down with a gunshot wound to his back. 

Two other individuals approached him to tell him they had been injured while another officer checked on the second victim. 

Several eyewitnesses directed him to a building on the 3500 block of Clay Place, NE, right behind the original scene, into which they said the shooter had run. 

As he headed over to the building, he saw an individual who fit the suspect description exit the building. Various eye witnesses said “that’s him,” which led the officer to detain the suspect, later identified as Coley. 

Prosecutors also had a K-9 officer testify about his involvement in the investigation of the crime scene.

According to the officer, he and his dog were dispatched to the scene with requests to locate any gun evidence. 

They went into the apartment building that Coley allegedly exited, and searched an apartment, and located two handguns hidden in a wall that had access to plumber fixtures. 

Trial is slated to resume June 1. 

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide Offense: 1900 Block of 14th Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch have arrested and charged 51-year-old Amserom Ghebrekidan with second-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 41-year-old Fitsum Ayele Mamo that occurred on May 25, on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE.

The shooting also left another male individual suffering from minor injuries.

Pregnant Woman Awaits Trial in Assault With a Dangerous Weapon Case

In a May 31 hearing, prosecutors and defense attorneys presented different views about how an argument escalated into a shooting.  

Davida Johnson, 25, is accused of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense. 

On May 8, Johnson and Sade Brown were allegedly involved in an assault on the 900 block of Brentwood Road, NE. Johnson was released to home confinement on May 12, pending further legal proceedings.

According to court documents, Johnson confronted  Brown at work, where she was then shot two times, once in her left arm and again in the right side of her butt. A witness then saw Johnson walk out of the entrance with a dark backpack. 

The Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), allegedly found a  backpack containing a black Glock 42 .380 caliber. Two .380 caliber shell casings were also recovered at the scene. 

Johnson claimed her actions were in self-defense and stated that she felt threatened by Brown. A witness at the scene of the crime stated that Brown said “I’m going to kick that baby out of your stomach.”

Defense attorney Kavya Naini requested two motions be filed: the first, to modify Johnson’s terms of release; and the second, to request that Johnson’s cell phone be released

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied any modifications to Johnson’s conditions. She said, “The fact that you were able to be released and be at home with your children is a gift.”  

The prosecution proffered a  plea offer to Johnson for her and her attorney to review. 

Johnson’s next hearing is set for July 24.

Motions Hearing Set in Homicide Case After Judge O’Keefe’s Recusal

A status hearing was held for Antonio Jackson, 37, on May 31 to address outstanding motions in his homicide case. 

Jackson was charged with first-degree murder following the killing of 52-year-old Maria Antoinette Evans on Mar. 29, 2018 on the 500 block of Oakwood Street, SE. 

Defense attorney Jessica Willis submitted three motions in order to suppress some evidence against the defendant, including witness testimony and physical evidence on the grounds that the evidence was obtained during an illegal search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment. These motions were originally submitted to DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe. 

On Apr. 18, the defense submitted a motion to dismiss the case against Jackson on the grounds of alleged violations of the defendant’s right to exculpatory evidence. This motion was denied by Judge O’Keefe.

Defense attorney Willis then requested that Judge O’Keefe recuse himself from the case on May 17 due to a perceived bias against the defendant. This request was granted, and DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan took over presiding duties. Due to the transition between judges, several motions remained outstanding before Jackson’s hearing on May 31. 

In order to give both the defense and prosecution ample time to prepare further motions and potential testimony, Judge Raffinan scheduled a motions hearing for Sept. 22. 

Jackson’s trial is set to commence on Feb. 3, 2025. 

Murder Case Dating to 2010 Comes to Trial

On Monday June 5, jury selection for a case involving a murder and disappearance which allegedly happened in 2010 will get underway, with opening statements starting the following day. 

45-year-old Isaac Moye is charged with second-degree murder in connection to the disappearance of 24-year-old Unique Harris who disappeared on Oct. 10, 2010. Harris was reported missing from her home on the 2400 block of Hartford Street, SE by her children. 

In today’s status hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein and attorneys from both sides discussed plans for the trial.

The prosecution is expecting three-to-four days to present their case and have about 20  witnesses. The defense says it will finish in two-to-four days.

Judge Epstein is implementing the Arizona method of jury selection for the trial. This means both sides must submit their ten juror strikes at once. 

Judge Epstein rejected a motion to ask prospective jurors questions pertaining to their race and gender. Judge Epstein also ruled that family members of the victim won’t be allowed to wear shirts bearing her picture in court.

In other matters, Judge Epstein ruled to strike evidence that showed Moye as a prison inmate and the defense is also asking for emails and cell phone data from government witnesses including Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives.

Following jury selection, the trial is set to occur on June 6 at 9:30 a.m..

Trial for Homicide Defendants Delayed as Attorneys Face Scheduling Issues

During a status hearing for a homicide case on May 31, scheduling conflicts arose with both the defense and prosecution delaying proceedings. 

Nelfy Hernandez, 19, DeAndre Levy, 21, and Trey Prillerman, 19, are charged with first-degree murder in relation to a homicide on the 5500 block of 9th S. NW on Aug. 10, 2020. The three defendants allegedly opened fire on a group of teenagers resulting in the death of Taijhon Wyatt. 

After Hernandez withdrew from a plea agreement, both the prosecution and defense were faced with unexpected hearings resulting in scheduling concerns. The number of defendants and defense attorneys further complicated the issue due to multiple conflicts. 

Levy’s defense attorney, Johnathan S. Zucker, raised concerns about a lengthy trial due to cross-examination times, saying “I have a reputation for doing long crosses.”

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan attempted to bring the parties to an agreement on a proper date to proceed. An agreement was reached for parties to discuss scheduling outside of the courtroom.

After repeated failures to find a necessary date for hearings, the trial will potentially be delayed to 2024. Parties are set for a motions hearing on June 14.

Defense Stresses Defendant’s Right to a Speedy Trial After Judge Sets a March 2024 Date

On May 31, a judge set a March 2024 trial date for a defendant involved in non-fatal shooting. 

Kamara Huffler, 31, is being charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly assaulting the victim with a firearm on Sept. 19, 2022 at the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE. 

The defendant pleaded not guilty on all counts, and his defense attorney asked for a trial date to be set. 

Defense attorney Jamison Koehler expressed concern upon hearing that DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein’s earliest availability was in March 2024. He said that it infringed on his client’s constitutional right to a speedy trial. 

Both parties also agreed on dates leading up to the trial, with the Innocence Protection Act (IPA) hearing on evidence for Aug. 18 at 10:30am. A trial readiness hearing is set for Feb. 23, 2024. 

The prosecution plans to call five witnesses including two experts – one a ballistic analyst and one a doctor. Judge Epstein ordered an expert witness notice to be completed by Sept. 15 from the prosecution and Oct. 13 by the defense.

The trial will start on March 4, 2024.