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Murder Defendant Rejects Global Plea Deal

A defendant in a homicide case rejected a global plea deal relating to two other cases at a hearing on April 20 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Dajuan Jones is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 21-year-old Brea Moon on April 7, 2020, on the 3900 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. 

Jones, 22, is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in relation to a stabbing on Jan. 1 at the DC Department of Corrections and assault with a dangerous weapon for a shooting on May 2, 2020, on the 5000 block H Street, SE.

Jones and six other co-defendants allegedly opened fire on a construction site, injuring one person. Two of those defendants are charged with first-degree murder while armed and litigation is pending in other cases.

At the hearing, the prosecution offered a global plea deal that would cover all three of the cases. The deal included pleading guilty to second-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with intent to kill. 

Defense attorney David Knight rejected the offer on behalf of Jones. 

The next motion hearing is slated for Aug. 4. 

Motion Hearing Continues in 54 Defendant Case For Jury Selection Issues 

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo presided over a motion hearing that involved 54 defendants concerning violations of their rights during jury selection. 

Defense attorneys Jason Tulley and Imeime Umana are representing a compiled case of 54 defendants, claiming that each of the defendants had their fifth and sixth amendment rights violated due to the Fair Cross Section Clause. This clause ensures juries will fairly represent the populations in D.C.

Each case involved in the motion hearing selected their juries during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading defense counsel to question the representativeness of their jury pools. 

Additionally, most are felony level homicides or sexual abuse cases, dating from 2018 to 2022. One case was a non-fatal shooting. Each of these cases are at different stages in the criminal justice system. 

According to court documents, these cases did not have a fair representation of the black population in D.C., violating the defendants’ rights. Defense counsel said this is believed to be caused by the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affecting the black population negatively, leading to more disqualifications and excuses for black jurors. 

The motion filed by the defense is requesting all jury selection materials to ensure the fair selection of the jury was not violated, specifically due to any changes that could have been made as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Of the 54 defendant cases, 24 of them were homicides, and only one case was a non-fatal shooting. 

Since the hearing was centered around a litigation issue, all defendants’ appearances were waived.

Cases included: 

c,19, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside the home or business, destruction of property, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful discharge of a firearm on May 3, 2022, on the 1300 block of Morris Road, SE 

Despite Henderson’s case being a non-fatal shooting he was put on release. 

Kaevon Sutton,22, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license regarding the alleged shooting of Aujee Tyler, 22, on March 19, 2018, on the 3500 block of Station Road, SE. 

Isaac Moye, 54,  is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly killing 24-year-old Unique Harris. Harris appeared to be missing when she was not found in her home on the 2400 block of Hartford Street, SE. Harris has been missing since Oct. 9, 2010, and was presumed dead in 2018, although her body has still not been found. 

Sutton and Moye were both held in prison the longest. Sutton, since his recent trial on November 29, 2022, has been released and must report to a pretrial service as part of his release conditions. 

Moye, including the following 11 defendants charged with a homicide or non-fatal shooting, have not been convicted for their crimes and remain in custody at the D.C. Jail. 

Carson Posey, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly killing 28-year-old Shantal Hill on April 15, 2020, on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW. 

Tony McClam, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed against a minor, three counts of possession of a firearm during a violent crime, two counts of assault with intent to kill, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. McClam, allegedly killed 11-year-old Karon Brown on July 18, 2019, on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.  

Ch’Juan Robinson, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a violent crime, and two counts of  unlawful possession of a firearm for allegedly killing 32-year-old Louis Kingsbury on the 200 block of New York Avenue, NW on April 29, 2020. 

Nathaniel Bates, 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, felony murder while armed, robbery while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm after being convicted of a prior crime of violence, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. All charges were offenses committed during release for allegedly killing Eddie Crist, 28, on the 4000 block of South Capitol Terrace, SW on May 8, 2020. 

Alphonso Walker, 45, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder regarding the death of Dalonte Wilson, 23, and Antone Brown, 44, on April 25, 2018, near the 400 block of 61 Street, NE.  

Thomas Field Jr, 39, is charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, kidnapping while armed, three counts of tampering with physical evidence, and first-degree murder while armed for the alleged stabbing of Marquita Lucas, 24, on Aug. 17, 2019 in the 3700 block of Horner Place, SE. 

Kenneth Stewart, 61, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting Courtney Jones, 54, on July 23, 2020, on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.  

Stephon Darnell Williams, 32, is charged with voluntary manslaughter in the shooting of his 49-year-old father, Stephen Magruder, on Sept. 11, 2020, on the 700 block of 51 Street, NE. Before the shooting, the two reportedly got into an argument over $5 and a physical altercation took place, D.C. Witness previously reported.

The prosecution and Office of Attorney General will have 30 days to respond to this motion. The next hearing is scheduled for May 11. 

Parties Continue to Bicker A Day Before Trial In Double Murder Case

On April 19, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt walked out of the courtroom leaving attorneys to argue among themselves.   

Alphonso Walker, 45, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection to the death of Delonte Wilson,23, and Antone Brown,44, near the 400 block of 61st Street, NE on April 25, 2018. 

Defense counsel Prescott Loveland requested the prosecution tell the defense who they plan to call as witnesses  24 hours in advance.

The prosecution stated that they would inform the defense during lunch breaks the day before but not earlier than that. 

“Pull yourself together and act like adults”, Judge Brandt told both parties after they failed to agree. 

In addition, the defense wants to limit testimony from a witness who reportedly told a Grand Jury that Walker confessed to the murder during one of their conversations. 

Judge Brandt allowed the prosecution to use the testimony.

“Everyone ready tomorrow by 9 o’clock, not 9:05, not 9:15” Judge Brandt said to attorneys regarding next the day’s jury selection. 

Jury selection is slated to begin on April 20.  

Hearing for Murder Case Continues Due to Defendant’s Illness

A trial readiness hearing was rescheduled on April 19 because a defendant was sick.

Carlos Kinney, 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, first-degree burglary while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in violation of the Second Emergency Act of 2014, obstructing or preventing or interfering with reports or requests for assistance from law enforcement, and robbery while armed for allegedly shooting Resha Blount, 25.

The incident allegedly occurred on April 30, 2020, on the 900 block of New Jersey Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, Blount was shot in a bedroom after failing to pay a drug dealer for weed.

Kinney did not appear for court because of an undisclosed illness.

During the hearing, counsel also said they may be willing to accept a plea offer, leading DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein to hold off the jury selection.

The parties are scheduled to return April 20 for a status hearing.

Judge Accepts Defense Request to Seal Plea Deal

At a status hearing on April 20, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted the defense’s request to seal a plea deal and the proffer of facts to protect the defendant’s safety.

Alvin Jackson was charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of criminal street gang affiliation with a felony or misdemeanor and conspiracy while armed in relation to a shooting on May 2, 2020, on the 5000 block H Street, SE injuring three victims.

Defense attorney, Euphus Belu-John, indicated that Jackson, 29, intends to take a plea deal offered by the prosecution and requested that the offer and the facts of the case be sealed. Given that Jackson would be incriminating another defendant in the plea agreement, Belu-John explained that Jackson’s safety would be at risk if the deal was open to the public.

The prosecution agreed with the defense’s concerns.

Judge Epstein granted the request. The plea deal details were then discussed in private.

At the hearing, Jackson also pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill. Both the prosecution and defense agreed to a 12-year sentence with five years probation. However, the final sentence is up to Judge Epstein’s discretion.

Dajuan Jones was also charged in this incident, but his case was dismissed on June 10, 2022, because Jones’ sole charge, assault with a dangerous weapon, was already indicted in a murder case the 22 year old has pending.

The full report and sentencing is slated for July 14.

Document: Would Be Killer Wanted in Shooting Incident

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives have an arrest warrant for 45-year-old Dontrell Harrison who allegedly tried to shoot an unidentified man to death on the 2100 block of I Street, NE on April 17.

Jurors React to Autopsy Images of 10-Year-Old Homicide Victim

In an April 19 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun admitted images of a 10-year-old victim’s autopsy into evidence.

Gregory Taylor, 26, 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 the death of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson. The shooting happened on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE on July 16, 2018.

Images of Wilson’s injuries taken by the deputy chief medical examiner during the autopsy were used as evidence in her testimony.

After the jury was dismissed for the day, Jeffers’ attorneys, Philip Andionian and Joseph Caleb, told the court that Johnathan Zucker, Taylor’s attorney, observed emotional reactions from some jurors when they saw the images of Wilson’s injuries.

Andionian and Caleb told the court they are considering filing a motion to question the witnesses who displayed noticeable emotional reactions to ensure they are still capable of being impartial during deliberations.

Based on the autopsy she conducted, the examiner said that the cause of death was a gunshot wound and the manner was homicide.

The trial was scheduled to continue on April 20.

Judge Releases Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant With Spotless Record, Another Held

DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan Jr. released two non-fatal shooting defendants during initial hearings on April 19.

Quentin Hill, 34, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business in connection to a non-fatal shooting on the 2200 Block of Savannah Terrace, SE on April 18. He is also charged with being a fugitive from justice in Virginia.

Surveillance footage depicts Hill and other individuals in a white sedan allegedly shooting at an apartment building. Officers apprehended Hill after he tried to flee into a building and retrieved a firearm.

Defense attorney Kavya Naini asked for the defendant’s release.

She said Hill has a spotless record and full-time employment. She also said he shares a son with his girlfriend who he takes care of.

Judge Nolan released Hill with a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Hill is scheduled to return to court on May 8.

Judge Nolan held Marcus Morris, 27, who is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in connection to an incident on the 100 block of Darrington Street, SW on April 18.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to gunshots in an alley when they allegedly discovered Morris, who tried to flee. A firearm was discovered in a lawn a couple blocks away. Officers were flagged down by an individual who said the defendant allegedly sought refuge in her home to avoid detection.

Morris’ attorney argued there was no probable cause. He said that there was not enough information to connect the defendant to this particular gun. 

However, Judge Nolan found probable cause, noting the officers saw the defendant allegedly moving a gun from one hand to the other and witness testimony placed Morris by the lawn where the firearm was retrieved.

Morris was held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on April 21.

Judge Finds Probable Cause For Voluntary Manslaughter Despite Claims of Self-Defense 

On April 19, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt said she couldn’t justify probable cause for a second-degree murder charge but did find evidence for voluntary manslaughter. 

Twenty-four-year-old Dionte Anderson is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with allegedly shooting of Adrian Mack, 31, on Aug. 7, 2022, on the 300 block of 50th Street, NE. 

On Wednesday, during a resumed preliminary hearing, parties made their final arguments before Judge Brandt. 

The prosecution argued that there is enough evidence to find probable cause for second-degree murder and if not probable cause should be found for voluntary manslaughter. 

Prosecutors also said there was no self-defense in this case because the victim was already hurt before Anderson shot him and one  can see in the video that Anderson got closer to Mack before shooting him.

While the defense said Anderson saved lives, the prosecution questioned “Whose lives did he save?”

“Whose lives? Glad you asked,” defense counsel Prescott Loveland said. He referenced the people who were standing on the scene whose “brains would have splattered on the brick wall behind them.”

Loveland argued that Anderson acted in self-defense and stopped what could have been a mass shooting from happening. 

Mack, according to Loveland, was a “crazed gunman” who was walking the block pointing a gun at Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) cameras and trying to shoot them.

Judge Brandt stated that Mack was the person who started the chaos and there is a lack of evidence to find probable cause for second degree-murder, but there is no doubt that there is probable cause for voluntary manslaughter since Anderson allegedly shot and killed Mack.

Loveland requested Anderson’s release awaiting trial, however Judge Brandt denied the request, referencing the safety of the community and lack of assurance he would show at his next court appearance. 

A status hearing is scheduled for April 25 to set a trial date.

Counsel Disputes Trial Date with Judge in 2019 Non-Fatal Shooting Case

During a status hearing on April 19, a defense attorney sighed in distress when a judge sternly ordered him to alter his trial schedule. 

Leroy Headspeath, 80, was indicted on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition on May 25, 2022. 

What seemed to be an action-packed game of ping pong between DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld and defense attorney Theodore Shaw ended with a mutual agreement on a trial date slated for later this year.

The incident occurred on the 700 and 800 block of H St, NE on Oct. 3, 2019. Headspeath was seen shooting at the ground and fleeing into an alleyway leaving behind a trail of blood. When officers arrived they saw the defendant lying against the fence suffering from what seemed a self-inflicted gunshot wound located on the upper left leg. 

Since the incident, Headspeath has been on release under the supervision of the pre-trial services agency.

On Wednesday, a plea agreement was offered for unlawful possession of a firearm. 

The defendant, at first, said he didn’t understand the plea agreement but ultimately rejected it.

Initially, the defense was attempting to push this case to next year. 

However, the prosecution believed that pushing a case that is “outdated” was assured for an earlier trial date. The prosecutor requested to continue with a trial date for this year.

“The trial is straightforward and should not take more than three days,” he said.

Judge Hertzfeld agreed and requested that both parties prepare to set a trial date in October. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 25 to select the date.

Judge Finds Substantial Probability in First-Degree Murder Case

On April 19, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found substantial probability that David Howard committed first-degree murder in connection with an ongoing dispute.

Howard, 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of Ali Zarrincalaki, 45, on March 2 on the 4200 block of Kansas Avenue, NW. Howard and Zarrincalaki were both experiencing homelessness and camping near one another close to the Petworth Metro Station. 

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found Zarrincalaki at the Petworth Library with multiple stab wounds. Howard was detained by several bystanders as they awaited medical assistance for the victim. 

The lead detective for the investigation was brought forth by prosecutors to testify of his involvement in the on-going investigation. 

Video footage of the incident shows Zarrincalaki sitting at a computer in the library when Howard arrives. Howard is then seen approaching Zarrincalaki and apparently stabbing him multiple times, with other bystanders running away or trying to stop him from injuring Zarrincalaki any further. 

While the video played and the defendant was seen entering the area, the detective told the court “that’s the defendant walking in”. When the video portrays Howard allegedly stabbing Zarrincalaki, the detective told the court “there he is, stabbing the decedent.”

During cross examination, Howard’s defense attorney Madalyn Harvey, questioned the detective regarding Howard’s mental health history. According to the detective, Howard’s mental history was not something he looked into, but, during the initial interview, Howard was making bizarre statements and not acting rationally. 

The detective testified that 3-4 weeks before the murder, Zarrincalaki reported to MPD officers that Howard had set his tent on fire. 

Following the detective’s testimony, Harvey asked the court to understand that, at the time of the incident, Howard was not mentally stable and was unaware of what he was doing. She argued that due to his mental state, he would not have been able to plan the murder.  Harvey requested that the judge not find probable cause for a first-degree murder. 

Judge Demeo alerted the parties that, based on the evidence provided to the court, she found substantial probability that Howard had committed first-degree murder. 

She explained that due to the nature and circumstances of the offense, there are no release conditions that would ensure  safety of the community, and the defendant’s  long criminal history shows he’s potentially dangerous. 

Parties are expected back for a felony status conference on June 2. 

First-Degree Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On April 19, a first-degree murder suspect rejected a plea deal offered by prosecutors.

Kevin Singletary, 45, is charged with premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for allegedly shooting 31-year-old Delonte Hazel on Sept. 10, 2021, on the 100 block of Kennedy Street, NW. 

The prosecuting attorney alerted the court that he had extended a plea offer to Singletary in March, which would have his lessened his charge to second-degree murder. Under the reduced charge, Singletary would be expected to serve between 13 and 25 years for the offense. 

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo asked Singletary if he had made a decision regarding the offer, to which he replied that he would be rejecting the offer and asking for a new trial date. 

A new trial date was set for May 2024 after the defense motioned for a continuance of the August 2023 trial date. 

Parties are expected back for a status hearing on Aug. 11. 

Defense Warns Judge of Threatening and Illegal Behavior of WebEx Viewers in Homicide Case

Defense attorney Dana Page interrupted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe during an April 19 hearing to discuss threats and disrespectful behavior by WebEx viewers apparently sympathizing with the victim.

Bobby Jordan, also known as Hilman Ray Jordan, 46, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license in connection to the murder of Jawaid Bhutto, 64, on March 1, 2019, on the 2600 block of Wade Road, SE.

Page stated that prior to a routine judge transfer, people connected to Bhutto were caught taking photos, attempting to record court hearings, and threatening judges and attorneys on social media.

Judge O’Keefe reminded viewers it was illegal to do those things.

The defense requested a so-called short order continuing a criminal responsibility evaluation. Judge O’Keefe granted that request.

Criminal responsibility evaluations are a review of the person’s mental status at the time they committed the alleged offense and if the person who committed the crime can be held accountable by law. 

These evaluations differ from competency evaluations that determine a defendant’s competency to stand trial. 

According to one witness, Jordan suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, citing auditory delusions as the symptom that most frequently impairs his ability to form rational and logical thoughts.

He was found mentally competent to stand trial in a prior hearing.

The next hearing discussing these results is scheduled for June 16.