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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. 

Closing Arguments Begin in Three-Month Long Homicide Trial 

On May 16, prosecutors in a child homicide and conspiracy trial began their closing arguments following an emotional three months in court. 

Gregory Taylor, 27, Quentin Michals, 25, Qujuan Thomas, 24, Darrise Jeffers, 23, Isaiah Murchison, 22, 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. 

Following technical issues that delayed closing arguments, prosecutors were able to make their case to the jury.

“Twenty seconds, fifty gunshots, four gunmen, and one driver,” prosecutors said, is all it took for a neighborhood to be changed forever. 

According to court documents, the attack on the Clay Terrace community was in retaliation for  various shootings and incidents that occurred between that contingent and those in the Wellington Park neighborhood, which began in 2017. 

The defendants would allegedly discuss the shootings with their co-defendants and friends who  participated through social media, and would share videos that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) created and posted on Youtube seeking the public’s assistance with the investigations into the incidents.

The mode of operation for every shooting was the same, according to prosecutors. The suspects would arm themselves, get in a car with a designated driver, show up in a rival neighborhood, get out, fire several gunshots into a courtyard or common area, and speed away from the crime scene. This pattern occurred many times between 2017 and 2018, prosecutors say. 

The group would then take to social media to brag about their actions and show rival gangs that they were proud of their actions, prosecutors said. 

At some point in December 2017, Michals was shot at a club after having a disagreement with a woman from the Clay Terrace neighborhood, who sent various Clay Terrace men to Michals to get him to leave her alone. 

Prosecutors stated that defendant Isaiah Murchison, his older brother Antonio, Thomas, and Taylor all got into a car driven by Mark Price and went to Clay Terrace, where they injured four and killed Makiyah. 

According to prosecutors, Michals had been shot in two different incidents within six months before the July 16, 2018 attack, which is  why he was not one of the individuals in the car on the day of the shooting. 

“He couldn’t run due to his leg injuries,” prosecutors said. So, he waited at the Wellington Park neighborhood for his associates to return from their retaliation, after he helped them arm themselves with weapons and acquire the black Infiniti sedan used in the attack. 

“[Makiyah’s sister’s] arm wound healed, but the loss of her sister is still with her,” prosecutors said. 

According to prosecutors, the six defendants are not just being charged for the attack on July 16, 2018 that destroyed Makiyah’s heart, but are also being charged for actions leading up to the attack, which included purchasing stolen vehicles, planning shootings of rival gang members, and purchasing an arsenal of guns and ammunition, among others. 

Prosecutors are expected to continue their closing arguments on May 17.

Judge Sanctions Prosecutors for ‘Gross Negligence’ by Withholding Murder Case Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan harshly criticized prosecutors for failing to turn over hours of CCTV surveillance footage that could prove Lewkus Turner innocent of a murder charge.

Turner, 29, is accused of second-degree murder for allegedly shooting 26-year-old Vincent Gyamfi on Dec. 11, 2020, on the 2900 block of S Street, SE.

Stopping short of saying prosecutors acted in bad faith, Judge Raffinan, in a May 16 hearing, said they showed “gross negligence” in handling police video taken at the crime scene.  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) held onto the material for nearly three years in an apparent accounting error.  The evidence was just turned over to the defense as jury selection in the case got underway.

Judge Raffnan’s finding followed a defense motion filed on May 9 asking the court to dismiss the case with prejudice and release Turner because of alleged prosecutorial misconduct.  While she rejected that request, Judge Raffinan said she would instruct the jury about the prosecution’s obligations in terms of providing evidence and give the late disclosure issue “the weight it deserves.”   

During the hearing, which lasted nearly two hours, Judge Raffinan cited a number of cases to back up her point that prosecutors repeatedly broke the rules by not giving Turner’s defense lawyers information that could exonerate their client. 

Of particular concern was a clip that showed part of an ongoing argument between Turner and Gyamfi who was killed in the incident.  At one point Judge Raffinan said she “couldn’t rule out” the defense notion that Gyamfi pulled Turner out of his white SUV on the 2900 block of Q Street, SE and that his actions were in self-defense.  

While Judge Raffinan said what prosecutors did was “troubling” it didn’t amount to willful misconduct.  She told both parties to craft language to instruct the jury about how they should regard the newly disclosed evidence.  

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled for May 19 at noon.

Routine Hearing Turns into Melee as Defendant Claims Brutality

Dominic Copeland  had to be physically restrained and forcibly removed from the courtroom in what was scheduled as a routine hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on May 16.

Copeland, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill in one case and assault with a dangerous weapon in another. He allegedly shot at a moving car at the intersection of 1st Street and N Street, NW, on April 26, 2019. 

Earlier that same day, he allegedly stabbed a victim eight times in an apartment building on the 100 block of Q Street, NW. 

The problems started the minute Copeland entered the courtroom and refused to sit down.  When Judge Raffinan asked Copeland to state his name, he declined.  When she persisted, Copeland shouted that he hadn’t seen his lawyer, Michael Madden, who was viewing the proceedings remotely.  Copeland continued struggling against US Marshals who were holding him on both sides.  

“This is brutality!,” he yelled and said as a U.S. citizen he demanded his rights.  

“We’re not going to yell at each other,” Judge Raffinan responded, encouraging Copeland to strike a less confrontational posture.  However, it was to no avail and Copeland continued to resist.  Ultimately, four more US Marshals rushed into the courtroom, subduing the defendant and returning him to his cell. 

Madden assured Judge Raffinan that he would have a meeting with Copeland prior to his next court appearance. 

Meanwhile, a motion hearing to sever Copeland’s matters from Artie Byrd, 31, who is charged as an accessory, is set for July 10 at 10:30 a.m.

A trial readiness hearing for Copeland is scheduled for Aug. 18 at 10:30 a.m.