Murder Defendant Withdraws Guilty Plea; Case Involves Argument About Shoes

On July 28, homicide defendant Darius Anderson withdrew his guilty plea before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Anderson, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 30-year-old Israel Mattocks. The incident occurred on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, on June 15, 2022.

According to court documents, Mattocks sustained seven gunshot wounds before succumbing to his injuries. The incident was described as an argument over a shoe purchase.

Anderson previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed on Nov. 28, 2022, but withdrew his guilty plea at the most recent hearing.

Judge Demeo granted his request with no opposition from the prosecution.

Parties are scheduled to return on Sept. 15 for a status hearing.

Judge Sentences Defendant with Criminal Past to Mandatory Minimum Term

On July 27, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced Clement Austin to 36-months in prison for the unlawful discharge of a firearm and other firearm offenses.

Austin, 38, was found guilty by a jury on the charges of carrying a pistol without a license, possession of unregistered ammunition, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and possession of an unregistered firearm in connection to a non-fatal shooting on February 9, 2020 on the 5800 block of Foote Street, NE. No injuries were reported from the discharge of the firearm.

The prosecution requested a sentence of 48-months due to the defendant’s prior charges and convictions, stating that he was arrested for an incident involving a firearm earlier this year.

The defense requested that their client be given the mandatory minimum of three years, due to the progress that he had made in the past three years.

Austin’s case manager from a mental health facility spoke on his behalf and described him as a caring and positive person.

After taking everything into consideration, Judge Arthur imposed the mandatory minimum of 36- months on the charge of unlawful discharge of a firearm. He then sentenced Arthur to 18-months for the charge of carrying a pistol without a license and to 180- days for each of the possession charges, which will run concurrent to the 36-months.

Austin is also required to make a payment of $200 to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Juvenile Shooting

On July 27, Cedric Brockington pleaded not guilty to all charges connected to the non-fatal shooting of a juvenile male.

The shooting, which left the juvenile in critical condition, occurred on the 1200 block of 5th Street NW on Nov. 15, 2022.

Brockington, 18, was indicted on one count of assault with intent to murder while armed, one count of assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of unlawful possession of ammunition, one count of possession of an unregistered firearm, and one count of carrying a dangerous weapon during a felony charge.

The juvenile victim was located on the scene with a singular gunshot wound to the arm and transported to MedStar Washington Hospital Center for treatment. Closed circuit surveillance footage collected from the area produced a “be-on-the-lookout” (BOLO) alert for the suspect, later identified as Brockington by family members.

During the arraignment, defense counsel Joseph Yarbough requested access to all discovery evidence under Brockington’s Sixth Amendment rights.

The next hearing is set for Sept. 19.

Defendant Acting as Attorney Angrily Pleads Not Guilty to Murder

On July 27, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun arraigned defendant Marcus Barringer on 18 charges. He pleaded not guilty to all during a stormy proceeding.

Barringer, 32, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed among other serious charges for his alleged involvement in the death of Rashad Davis.

Davis, 32, was shot and killed on May 6, 2022, on the 2300 block of Nicholson Street, SE.

Barringer is representing himself in court, and in periodic outbursts through the hearing, claimed his innocence and accused various court officials of perjury.

Given the defendant’s erratic behavior, Judge Okun ordered a competency evaluation to ensure Barringer is capable of representing himself.

The result of this evaluation will be discussed at a hearing on Aug. 29.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty and Waives Right to DNA Testing

On July 27, defendant Adrian Wade pleaded not guilty to all charges against him, including assault with intent to kill.

Wade, 28, is charged for his alleged connection to the shooting of an individual, which occurred on the 200 block of K street, SW on April 27, 2022.

Before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, Wade asserted his 6th Amendment rights to a speedy trial. Wade also waived his right to independently test DNA evidence in his case.

Parties are expected to return on Oct. 11.

Trial Date Set for Homicide Defendant

On July 27, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun arraigned Anthony Lewis on murder charges.

Lewis, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the death of Camero Clemons.

Clemons, 19, was shot on May 28, 2022, on the 600 block of Otis Place, NW. He died on June 4, 2022 from his gunshot wounds.

After pleading not guilty, Lewis asserted his Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial. Parties set the trial date as Oct. 21, 2024.

The case is set to return on Oct. 4.

Judge Detains Defendant Accused in Domestic Homicide

On July 27, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo detained a defendant accused of murder in a domestic violence case.

Charles Terry Jr., 59, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly strangling and beating his wife, 39-year-old Lennette Clark, while his two children were in the home. The incident occurred on Jan. 30 on the 1500 Block of Anacostia Avenue, NE.

Defense attorneys called the lead homicide detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who said Terry and Clark had a history of engaging in violent disputes.

According to the detective, Clark’s family and friends, as well as records from the DC Child and Family Services agency, indicate Clark had a history of PCP use. An autopsy indicated that PCP was in her system at the time of her death.

The MPD detective said the drug can make someone combative and cause them to have hallucinations.

After the incident the detective said there were scratches on Terry’s arms.

Defense attorney Joseph Yarbough said there was no indication Terry started the dispute between him and Clark. He also said it was possible Clark started the altercation because of her frequent erratic behavior in the past.

According to the MPD detective, when he arrived at the scene he noticed obvious trauma to Clark’s head and blood spattered on the floor and walls, indicating her death was not due to natural causes.

He noted the defendant did not sustain life threatening injuries.

Prosecutors called the murder “brutal” and “horrific,” and they asked for Terry’s detention because one of Terry and Clark’s children testified before a grand jury that they heard their mother begging for her life during an argument right before she died.

According to prosecutors, Terry left the scene and their children found Clark dead the next morning.

Prosecutors also brought up Terry’s criminal history for burglary and driving under the influence which dated back to the 1980s.

Yarbough asked for Terry to be released under a high intensity supervision program because of his age and because his previous criminal history was for non-violent crimes.

Judge Demeo said there is sufficient evidence which points to his alleged actions being premeditated. She determined he poses a “serious risk” and there are no appropriate release conditions which can be put in place to guarantee the community’s safety.

Demeo ruled for Terry’s continued arrested.

Parties are scheduled to return to court on Oct. 6.

Document: Homicide: 2200 Champlain Street, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on July 26 on the 2200 block of Champlain Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult male shooting victim. The individual was found with no signs consistent with life.

The victim was identified as 30-year-old Arnold Humberto Solis.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant’s Six-Month Sentence Suspended

In a July 26 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur initially sentenced defendant Bryan Turner to six months for his involvement in a 2023 non-fatal shooting.

Turner, 21, was charged with one count of carrying a dangerous weapon outside of a home or business in connection to a non-fatal shooting on April 24 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. The incident left Turner and another victim suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

He pled guilty to the charge in a May 31 hearing.

Prior to the sentencing, defense attorney Howard X. McEachern emphasized Turner’s minimal criminal history and young age. McEachern requested a sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act, a DC statute that grants judges more latitude than the normal sentencing guidelines in cases involving defendants under the age of 25.

When asked by the judge if there was anything he’d like to say before the sentencing decision, Turner simply said, “I’ve been locked up for three months. I don’t want to go back.”

Judge Arthur suspended the entirety of the six-month sentence and imposed one-year of supervised probation in its place. Turner will be required to register as a gun offender, pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and complete 90 hours of community service.

Defendant Waives Right to a Preliminary Hearing in Non-Fatal Shooting

On July 26, a defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond to determine whether or not he was the perpetrator in a non-fatal shooting case.

Avon Burke, 51, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting following a fight outside of a homeless shelter on July 9, on the 1300 block of New York Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, what started as an altercation between two men escalated into a fight between two groups of Latino and Black men at the shelter. Concrete bricks were hurled and punches were thrown; then three or four gunshots were heard by witnesses.

Two victims were wounded in the incident.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), closed circuit TV (CCTV) video shows a victim attacked by multiple individuals throughout the incident. This unknown victim took part in two fights on the same night, with the second fight resulting in Burke’s allegedly firing a weapon.

The footage allegedly depicts Burke with a concealed weapon on his right side. Burke then supposedly points the handgun in the direction of the fight. Seconds later, smoke is seen from the gun barrel.

According to court documents, a special police officer working at the homeless shelter saw Burke holding a firearm after hearing multiple gunshots.

Court documents further reveal that when Burke was interviewed by detectives, he identified himself in an image with a figure holding a gun. He allegedly stated he tried to shoot, but the gun did not fire, though he did hear a single shot.

During the proceeding, Burke waived his right to a preliminary hearing, confirming his decision in front of Judge Raymond.

Waiving the right to a preliminary hearing means that Burke’s defense attorney will not have the opportunity to argue to the court that there is insufficient evidence to prove Burke’s involvement.

A status hearing is slated for Aug. 9.

Judge Grants Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant’s Request for New Counsel

On July 26, D.C. Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow granted a non-fatal shooting defendant’s request to change his attorney.

Jamal Coleman, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left one individual seriously injured on May 4, on the 4600 block of Polk Street, NE.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Coleman drove a black Chevy sedan westbound on the 4600 block of Polk Street to the intersection of Polk and Olive Street, NE. While Coleman waited in the intersection, the victim walked across the street onto the sidewalk towards the Deanwood Metro station. Then, Coleman approached the victim, rolled down the front passenger window, and allegedly shot him.

At the hearing, Coleman’s attorney, Bryan Bookhard, discussed a motion to withdraw from this case. Bookhard mentioned trust issues between him and Coleman, and requested a change of counsel to better represent Coleman in the upcoming trial.

Judge Pasichow granted the request, and alerted parties she would appoint a new counsel before the next hearing.

The next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 11.

Defendant in Non-Fatal Shooting Found Mentally Competent

On July 26, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz ruled a defendant connected to a non-fatal shooting mentally competent to stand trial.

Tavon Lucas, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 14 on the 1100 block of North Capitol Street, NW. A victim sustained a gunshot wound to his right buttock.

According to court documents, the defense sought a medical evaluation for Lucas from a psychologist and the DC Department of Behavioral Health because he was experiencing side effects from his medication that affected his ability to assist and comprehend counsel.

The next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 24.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Baseball Bat Killing and Orders Defendant Confined at Home

On July 26, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause that Dwayne Fountain committed murder, and released him to home confinement.

Fountain, 43, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 47-year-old Marcus Carey on May 4, on the 3500 block of Hayes Street, NE.

Fountain allegedly followed Carey and a witness down Hayes Street for some time, before striking Carey multiple times in the head with a baseball bat. According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Fountain also swung at the other individual, but missed, allowing the witness to get away.

The prosecution asked that Judge Okun find probable cause in this case, and called the lead detective in the case to describe footage from closed circuit surveillance cameras in the area surrounding the crime scene. He identified Carey, the other individual, and Fountain in several of the videos.

One of the videos, which captured a parking lot near the incident, showed a figure in black walking away from the crime scene allegedly holding a bloody baseball bat. The detective testified that the witness at the scene had identified the attacker as Fountain.

Defense attorney Jason Tulley attempted to call into question the accuracy of the witness’s testimony, saying that their “credibility is the crux of this case.” He argued that the eyewitness had at times presented contradicting stories about what occurred that night.

Tulley also probed the detective about why an individual in the videos had been identified as Fountain, stating that some of the figures in the videos did not appear to match, as the detective had previously said.

Fountain was allegedly wearing a distinctive black hat with yellow eyes during the incident, which the detective said allowed him to identify the figure in the videos as Fountain, even though the video quality was inconsistent.

Tulley argued that the diminished quality of the videos made specific identification difficult, even with someone’s wearing something obvious.

Judge Okun ultimately ruled that there was probable cause in this case, as even with doubts about the on-scene witness’ testimony, many of their statements were allegedly corroborated by the video evidence.

Prosecutors argued for Fountain to be detained saying that the “nature of the crime is horrific” and the force with which Carey’s “head was caved in” meant that the community would be in danger if Fountain was released.

Tulley then argued for Fountain to be released to home confinement, stating that his lack of significant criminal history and abundance of family support indicated he would not be a danger to the community.

Judge Okun concurred with Tulley’s point, saying that Fountain’s violence “seems fairly directed at that one individual.” He said that while the violent nature of the crime weighted towards detention, his personal history favored release.

Ultimately, Judge Okun released Fountain to home confinement, ordering that he stay away from the scene of the incident and several key witnesses.

Parties are slated to return Oct. 13.

Judge Hears Arguments on Protective Order and Dismissal Motions

On July 24, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan heard arguments from the defense and the prosecution on the defense’s motion to modify a protective order and to dismiss the case for homicide defendant Deon Walters.

Walters, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and attempt to commit robbery while armed, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the Oct. 1, 2020 death of 42-year-old Arthur Daniels IV.

Daniels was found in the front yard of a residence on the 6200 block of 8th Street, NW, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. According to court documents, the shooting occurred during an attempted robbery.

During the hearing, prosecutors and defense attorneys argued a motion filed by defense to have a protective order redacted to give them more information about witnesses in the case. Judge Raffinan partially granted the order, allowing for identification of certain witnesses based on the nature and content of their testimony.

Judge Raffinan then heard arguments over a defense motion to dismiss the case. Defense attorneys argued that, when the case was moved from family court to criminal court under Title 16, Walters’ constitutional rights were violated.

Walters was 17 at the time of the murder. He was initially charged as a child in family court, and is now being charged as an adult as stipulated under DC Code Title 16.

Defense attorneys argued that Title 16 was a violation of defendant’s due process rights as it allowed for the prosecutors to make the decision to try a defendant as an adult without any opportunity for appeal or even a hearing.

The prosecuting attorney argued that this is how power was delegated by Congress, and that laws like Title 16 have been upheld by various courts.

Judge Raffinan is expected to make a ruling on the issue in the near future.

Parties will return on Aug. 31.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: 4700 Block of South Capitol Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch arrested and charged 22-year-old Korriek Akinola with first-degree murder premeditated while armed for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting that occurred on June 6 on the 4700 block of South Capitol Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the area for the sounds of gunshots, where they located an adult male shooting victim with no signs consistent with life.

The victim was identified as 29-year-old Joshua White.

Search