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New Attorney Appointed for Defendant in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

Dirk Easton, 27, was appointed a new attorney on May 31 in a non-fatal shooting case where he allegedly assaulted several individuals

The defendant was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed on May 16.  The incident took place on May 13, when the defendant allegedly shot at the windshield of a retreating vehicle with a handgun on the 1700 block of M Street, NW. During the incident, Easton sustained an apparent gunshot wound to his right eye which led him to seek medical treatment at a local hospital. 

According to court documents, members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) interviewed the defendant at the hospital where he allegedly remained uncooperative, before security footage from the scene of the incident was reviewed showing Easton’s alleged involvement in the incident. 

Defense attorney Francis M. D’Antuono was appointed after Easton’s previous counsel, defense attorney Richard E. Holliday Jr. withdrew on May 26. Defense attorney D’Antuono requested a continuance in order to become more familiar with the case before it progressed, which was granted by DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan

Following the appointment of Easton’s new attorney, Judge Raffinan has set a preliminary hearing for Aug. 23.

Judge Asks For Information About Murder Suspect’s Mental Status

During a mental health observation hearing on May 30, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered a defendant to receive “competency restoration” evaluation from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) before he can stand trial.

Charles Sol Lee, 29, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the killing of 65-year-old David Dowdell, on March 9, 2022 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital on the 1100 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, that’s where Lee and Dowdell were receiving treatment.  Lee allegedly attacked Dowdell while he was asleep and choked him to death.

Since the homicide, Lee has been held in DC Jail where he awaits mental health treatment.

During the proceedings, questions were raised by the defense about the conditions of mental health facilities where Lee would be held. Due to the fact the homicide occurred at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, the defense was concerned about potential conflicts surrounding the the staff’s ability to determine Lee’s competency.

Judge Raffinan said DBH will be tasked to find a facility to help restore the defendant’s competency. 

Parties are expected back June 26. 

Document: Homicide: Unit Block of Potomac Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on May 29, on the unit block of Potomac Avenue, SE.

The decedent was identified as 52-year-old Regina Morris.

Document: Wanted Suspect Apprehended in a Homicide: 3700 Block of Jamison Street, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch arrested and charged a 15-year-old juvenile male with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Kaijah McCoy. The incident took place on May 3, on the 3700 block of Jamison Street, NE.

The juvenile individual is expected to be extradited from PG County, MD, where he was arrested by the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force.

Shooting Defendant Denied Release After Waiving Rights to DNA Testing

At a status hearing on May 30, Tiaquana Chandler, 41, waived her right to independently DNA test items found at the scene of a crime.

The defendant has been charged with aggravated assault while armed and first-degree burglary. Chandler along with her child, a juvenile, were allegedly involved in the non-fatal shooting of a man on March 28 on the 3400 block of 13th Street SE.

The defendant waived her right to test evidence found at the scene at an independent lab which was her right under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA). The evidence included two ammunition cartridges, a jacket, and a ring. DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples accepted the waiver. 

Chandler’s defense attorney requested that she be released from the DC jail stating that scheduling conflicts primarily prevented her release. The defense proposed 24-hour home confinement with GPS tracking. 

Two witnesses who were allegedly present during the incident, said they’d been threatened if they reported it to the police. Due to the nature of the charges and concern for the safety of the witnesses, Judge Staples denied the defense’s request for release.

Chandler’s trial readiness hearing is set for July 7, with jury selection beginning on July 10.

Defendant in Gruesome Murder Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ Denying Original Confession

On May 30, prosecutors attempted to prove that a murder defendant is a flight risk and potentially dangerous to others at his detention hearing. 

Lavaughn Barnes, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly killing 59-year-old Abdul Arias-Lopez on Nov. 4, 2022 on the 1300 block of Kearny Street, NE. Barnes allegedly tased Arias-Lopez, kicked and punched him, then dragged him into his sister’s basement where he repeatedly stabbed him.

According to court documents, on Feb. 15, Barnes was shown Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) video by detectives indicating he admitted tasing Arias-Lopez just minutes after he came over to Barnes’ sister’s house to paint the kitchen. 

Barnes allegedly said in the interview that he bought an ax to “try to get rid of the evidence.” During the hearing prosecutors showed records of Barnes purchasing an ax.

Barnes allegedly confessed to detectives that he used the ax to dismember the victim, then threw then the body parts in the trash. 

In the video interview, the defendant allegedly showed signs of remorse by saying “I need to pay for what I have done.” 

Since then, Barnes has recanted his confession by pleading not guilty in court. 

Barnes’ lawyer, Anthony Matthews, says that because Barnes has cognitive disabilities and a lawyer wasn’t present at the time the confession is invalid. 

Records from the website where Barnes allegedly purchased a taser show that he received a full refund for the weapon which he told the store he never received, even though that taser was registered by police as one of the murder weapons.

Court documents of the defendant’s phone contacts show that Barnes had “Stinkin Spanish A***” as Arias-Lopez’s contact.  

Defense attorney Anthony Matthews objected to every exhibit on grounds of relevance whether the evidence shows that Barnes is a flight risk or danger to society. DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun admitted all of the government’s exhibits. 

Judge Okun set the detention hearing to continue on June 7, contingent on the lead detective’s being available at that time to testify. 

Judge Urges More Rehab for Defendant After Passing Drug Test

On May 30, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz required a defendant to continue court-sanctioned rehabilitation meetings, despite the defendant’s negative drug test. 

Keon Mitchell, 25, was charged with carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting. The incident occurred on June 24, 2022, on the 5000 block of Hayes St, NE. 

Following his arrest, the defendant was placed in the Reintegrating Alternative Personal Program (RAPP), from which he was discharged for having his first negative drug test on May 24. 

That implies he is on the path to recovery. His attorney celebrated Mitchell’s good result, and requested an extension for a plea bargain under consideration. 

The attorney said that Mitchell had just recently become sober, thus needing more time to process the plea. He requested an additional three weeks before another hearing. 

Judge Leibovitz remarked on Mitchell’s improved appearance, and said he “looked good” following his recent involvement in the program. 

Mitchell is currently living with his grandmother. As a recovered drug addict herself, his grandmother understands what Mitchell is going through and said she will stand with him throughout his recovery.

She maintains that Mitchell is doing well and she has seen an improvement in the defendant.

Mitchell is also participating in Project Empowerment, a transitional employment program that aims to ensure job security for D.C. residents facing barriers to employment.

As Mitchell continues in the program, he said to Judge Leibovitz that “[he] is past sanction base”. 

Judge Leibovitz answered that “If [he] thinks that [he’s] past sanction base, then [he] doesn’t understand how serious drug addiction is”. She then urged him to stay sober and clean, and to continue doing regular drug tests. 

Mitchell’s next court hearing is scheduled for June 28. 

Document: Suspect Sought in a Homicide: 300 block of M Street, Southwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in a homicide that occurred on May 28, on a Metro car, before arriving to the Waterfront Metro Station on the 300 block of M Street, SW.

The shooting cost the life of 17-year-old Brendan Ofori.

Document: Homicide: Unit block of Mississippi Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a fatal shooting that occurred on May 28, on the unit block of Mississippi Avenue, SE.

The shooting cost the life 26-year-old David Daniel Quarles.

Prosecution Says Defense Made ‘Bold Allegations’ in 30-Year-Old Murder Case

During a felony arraignment on May 26, the prosecution argued the defense made “bold allegations” claiming the wrongful use of the defendant’s medical records and not providing him adequate healthcare.

William Ransford, 59, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly killing 39-year-old Debra McManus, on Oct. 23, 1993 near Ballou High School. 

Defense attorneys Dana Page and Molly Bunke argued that the prosecution convinced the DC Jail to turn over confidential information regarding Ransford’s medical records and therefore violated the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The defense then requested Ranford’s release and the dismissal of the case alleging misconduct by the prosecution.

“Release in this case is an appropriate remedy for the violations here,” the defense maintained.

The defense also requested Ransford be held at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) as opposed to the DC Jail, as the defendant is allegedly not receiving proper medical care.

The prosecution, however, asserted that the defense’s argument was, “In fact untrue; it was simply a lie.” The prosecution continued to claim they never had any intention to use the defendant’s medical records.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled that the prosecution did not violate HIPAA in this case and denied the request for the case’s dismissal. The judge, however, is not prepared to make a decision about Ransford’s release yet.  

The defense requested a status hearing, which is slated for Sept. 7 at 9:30 am.

Defendant’s Presence Waived at Status Conference for Murder Charge

On May 26, a defendant waived his right to appear at a felony status conference hearing regarding a second-degree murder charge.

Sherman Holley, 45, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 53-year-old James Brooks Jr. The incident occurred on Jan. 15 on the 200 block of 37th Street, SE.

Holley said he did not want to be transported for the scheduled conference, according to his defense attorney Jesse Winograd.

The prosecution agreed with the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) report that found the defendant competent, but the defense did not offer an opinion as they will be conducting their own testing. 

Additionally, the prosecution noted they will proceed with the indictment. It’s due Nov. 20, according to a ruling by DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan. 

The next status conference is slated for July 26 at 9:30 am. 

Document: Homicide: 4000 Block of 4th Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on May 27, on the 4000 block of 4th Street, SE.

The shooting cost the life of 43-year-old Antwoin Wilson.