Search Icon Search site

Search

Vehicular Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty 

On July 21, a homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from a fatal car accident.

Karlos Bibb, 22, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a  high-speed car chase that led to the death of 20-year-old Jamya Williams at the intersection of 14th and K Street, NW, on  July 3, 2021. 

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Bibb drove an Acura TLX at speeds of 60- to-70 miles per hour northbound on the 900 block of 14th Street, NW. The legal speed in that area is 25-miles-per- hour. As he traveled through the intersection, Bibb allegedly ran a red light, colliding with William’s car, along with two other vehicles.

Witnesses on the scene reported Bibb and another suspect allegedly fleeing the car after the incident.  Williams was take to George Washington University Hospital where she later died from internal injuries.

At the hearing, Bibb pleaded not guilty to one count of second-degree murder. Bibb’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, requested a speedy trial. The trial date is set for July 8, 2024. 

D.C. Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt scheduled the next hearing for Nov. 3.

Document: Traffic Fatality: 3800 Block of Reservoir Road, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred on July 20 on the 3800 block of Reservoir Road, NW.

According to MPD documents, an adult female was trying to make a turn in a parking garage, when she accelerated and headed towards a wall. To try to avoid hitting the wall, she drove toward a valet station where there were people waiting for their vehicles. Five adult females and one adult male were struck by the vehicle, and transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for their injuries. At the hospital, after all life-saving efforts failed, one of the adult females succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead.

The victim was identified as 68-year-old Jewel Regina Bazilio-Bellegarde.

Document: Suspect Sought in a Traffic Fatality: 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect connected to a traffic fatality that occurred on June 8 on the intersection of 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect, in a Mercedes Benz, ran a red light and crashed into the victim’s vehicle, a Ford Focus, which led the victim to be ejected from the rear passenger side. The suspect and another individual fled the scene on foot and left the Mercedes Benz at the scene. Officers and Medical Services responded to the scene and found no signs consistent with life. The two other occupants of the Ford were treated for minor injuries and released from area hospitals.

The victim has been identified as 19-year-old Madison Jones.

MPD is searching for 30-year-old Andre Maurice Johnson, as the suspect for the murder.

Victim Killed in Crossfire After Robbery

On July 19, during a preliminary hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide. 

Demarcus Barnett, 20, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 62-year-old Lasanta McGill on June 8, 2023, on the 1900 block of 7th Street NW. 

In court, prosecutors presented surveillance footage recovered from a liquor store allegedly showing Barnett being robbed at gunpoint by two unknown suspects. The video showed Barnett was hit in the face twice by a gun during the robbery, with blood visible on the floor.

Additional footage presented in court shows Barnett allegedly drawing a handgun while leaving the store, firing at the suspects and striking McGill, who was caught in the middle of an exchange of gunfire between Barnett and the robbers.

Following the shooting, an officer allegedly saw Barnett hiding a handgun in a bush near the scene and arrested him.

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about events seen in the surveillance footage and explained the injuries the victim sustained. 

During a recorded interview with police Barnett allegedly stated, “I was hurting, and I wanted to hurt them” referring to the robbers.

Defense attorney Steven Ogilvie questioned the detective about the casings recovered from the scene, concerned that the robbery suspects may have shot McGill during the exchange of gunfire. 

According to the detective, McGill’s injuries were consistent with the direction of Barnett’s line of fire.

When arguments concluded, Judge Raffinan determined that the prosecutor demonstrated probable cause for second-degree murder and denied a defense request to release Barnett based on his criminal history with assault and firearms.

Barnett will remain detained as he awaits trial and sentencing in another gun matter.

Parties are set to reconvene  on Sep. 14 before Judge Raffinan.

‘I’m Being Framed,’ Says Defendant in Courtroom Outburst

On July 20, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt presided over a contentious mental observation hearing for non-fatal shooting defendant Joseph Evans.

Evans, 57, is charged with kidnapping while armed, first degree sexual abuse while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for an offense allegedly committed on Sept. 24, 2012 on the unit block of K Street, NE. According to court documents, a gun was discharged during the incident. 

Evans is being held at Saint Elizabeths Hospital, a facility to hold and treat defendants with mental health issues.

During the hearing, Evans repeatedly claimed he was being framed for the crime, even going as far as to accuse the prosecution of tampering with DNA testing in his case.

“I swear to God and my mother’s grave,” Evans said, avowing his innocence.

Evans also wants to observe the process of DNA testing in his case, even after Judge Brandt denied the request and Evans’ attorney agreed.

Defendants can’t be present during DNA testing.

Even though Evans was found mentally competent to stand trial in October, he indicated he will invoke a not guilty by reason of insanity defense. Meanwhile, the DC Department of Behavioral Health will be conducting a criminal responsibility examination of Evans in the coming weeks.

Parties are expected to return on Aug. 11. 

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Gruesome 1992 Murder

On July 20, Ron Wright pled not-guilty to his involvement in a 1992 homicide. 

Wright, 48, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and felony murder in the alleged brutal homicide of 19-year-old Ricardo Burbano on March 31, 1992 on the 100 block of Q Street, NW. 

Wright is accused of strangling, beating, and stabbing Burbano, forcibly removing teeth and fingernails, and cutting off a finger tip before disposing of Burbano’s body in a plastic sheet and comforter on the 900 block of Chillum Road in Hyattsville, MD. 

After Burbano’s blood was found in Wright’s apartment during a 2002 investigation, Wright was identified as a person of interest in the homicide. 

However, inconclusive DNA results left the case unresolved until Wright’s arrest in 2022.  

Wright pled not-guilty to all charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe and asserted his right to a speedy trial. 

Parties are scheduled to return to court on Oct. 26. 

Document: Arrest Made in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 4100 Block of Alabama Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 24-year-old Sapphire Johnson with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 28 on the 4100 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a female shooting victim. She was transferred to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Document: Suspects Sought in a Homicide: 700 Block of 19th Street, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating suspects in a homicide that occurred on June 28 on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the listed location for the report of a shooting, where they located an adult female shooting victim with no signs consistent with life.

The victim was identified as 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn.

The suspects were captured by surveillance cameras.

Document: Suspect Charged in a 2021 Homicide: 700 Block of O Street, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch arrested and charged 30-year-old Johnathan Brown with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Kervin Sanches on July 31, 2021, on the 700 block of O Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the are for the sounds of gunshots, where they located Sanches suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A second adult male victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital.

Document: Suspects and Vehicle Sought in a Homicide: 1200 Block of Valley Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating suspects and a vehicle connected to a homicide that occurred on July 5 on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE.

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

The victim was identified as 21-year-old Alison Cienfuegos-Vasquez.

The suspects and vehicle were captured by surveillance camera nearby.

Judge Removes GPS Monitoring for ‘Compliant’ Defendant

On July 19, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan removed a non-fatal shooting defendant from GPS monitoring following his compliance with release terms.

Cedric Brockington, 18, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with intent to commit any other offense while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left an individual injured on the 1200 block of 5th Street, NW on Nov. 10, 2022.

In court, defense attorney Joseph Yarbough requested that Brockington be taken off of GPS monitoring following full compliance with pretrial release conditions. Yarbough also mentioned that Brockington has been seeking employment and has never missed curfew times or meetings with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

A representative from PSA acknowledged Brockington’s full compliance, but nonetheless recommended that the current release conditions stay in place.

Judge Raffinan granted the request to remove the GPS monitor noting that Brockington has no prior criminal history. 

Then Yarbough requested that Brockington’s curfew be relaxed. However, Judge Raffinan denied the motion saying the curfew and stay away orders should remain in place.

Parties are set to return on July 27.

Case Acquitted: Co-Defendant in Mother-Son Shooting Case Stays in Custody

Donnell Tucker was acquitted on Jan. 31, 2024.

On July 19, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz ruled a defendant connected to a non-fatal shooting be detained. 

Donnell Tucker, 27, is charged with conspiracy, burglary one while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, soliciting a violent crime, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person, for his alleged involvement– along with his mother, 42-year-old Tiaquana Chandler–in a non-fatal shooting on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE. The victim endured a gunshot wound to his thigh and several lacerations on his head. 

According to court documents, Chandler allegedly became upset when the victim asked her to leave his apartment. Chandler allegedly contacted Tucker and in about an hour he allegedly arrived at the victim’s apartment and shot him with a firearm.

Prosecutors said Tucker posed a danger and should be held in custody

According to prosecutors, he was not a part of the argument between the victim and Chandler, but he brought it upon himself to “exact revenge.” 

Prosecutors say that Tucker said “Watch this,” before shooting the victim at close range. They also said the gunshot “snapped his leg” and that the victim was writhing in pain. 

According to prosecutors, Tucker threatened to kill an eyewitness if she said anything to the police. 

Prosecutors said the eyewitness told them she was “extremely concerned for her safety” and “absolutely terrified” of the consequences of witnessing the shooting. 

Defense attorney Marnitta King said the court could create release conditions that ensured the safety of the community. 

According to King,Tucker has no prior convictions and he was not harassing other people inside the community, but only trying to avenge his mother. 

Judge Leibovitz called the shooting “extraordinarily cruel and brutal” and said Tucker “lacked judgment and ability” to avoid conflict. She said he remains a danger to the community and denied his release. 

In reaction to the ruling, one of the defendant’s family members present in the courtroom said “That’s some bulls***.” 

A status hearing is scheduled for Aug. 15. 

Jury Begins Deliberating 2021 Double Homicide

On July 19, after closing arguments, the jury began deliberating a 2021 double homicide case.

Jalen Browne, 21, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting on the 100 block of Q Street, NW, on July 25, 2021. 

Of the six victims, three weren’t physically injured. However, Jovan Hill Jr, 22, and Tariq Riley, 19, later died at MedStar Hospital. A third victim, 22, suffered a gunshot wound to the lower back but survived.

The prosecutors described the case as a “puzzle,” and stated that she would hopefully be able to put it together for the jury. 

The key evidence against Browne is that his vehicle was allegedly present during the shooting, then seen speeding away afterward. His cellphone records suggest he was out of communication at the time in spite of his family’s repeated efforts to reach him.

Even though witnesses refused to identify Browne as the shooter, the prosecutor insists “The man who open fired on those six young men…that man is the defendant, Jalen Browne.”

The prosecutors’ argument is that Browne is guilty considering the timeline, location and access. “Is that a coincidence? Ask yourself, is that a coincidence?,” jurors were told. 

According to the defense, prosecutors failed to prove that Browne was the shooter, “there is a distinction between what the government believes and what they have failed to prove,” said Brian McDaniel, Browne’s attorney. 

He noted the inconclusive testimony of the witnesses.

Also, during the trial, there were suggestions that someone close to Browne have orchestrated the homicides. McDaniel argued that amounts to reasonable doubt. 

Jury deliberations are slated to begin July 20 and are expected to last for a few days.

Victor Coley’s Release Pending Before Retrial of 2013 Homicide

On July 19, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan alerted parties he is set to release Victor Coley while he awaits retrial.

Coley, 60, was found guilty in 2015 for his involvement in a shooting that injured four on Nov. 6, 2013 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. He was accused of assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm, along with eleven other charges.

In 2021, one of Coley’s victims, 65-year-old Dennis Foster, allegedly died from gunshot wounds sustained in the 2013 shooting.  As a result, new murder charges were filed against Coley.

On June 23, the murder trial resulted in a hung jury.

On July 12, an outstanding warrant for Coley’s arrest in Maryland stopped Judge Ryan from releasing Coley. Judge Ryan granted the defense a week to get rid of the order.

Defense attorneys Jesse Winograd and Carrie Weletz were unable to remove the warrant. However, Winograd said that after talking to Maryland authorities, it was unlikely that they would pursue Coley. 

Coley will remain in the DC Jail until Monday, which would be the last day Maryland officials would be legally allowed to take him into custody. After that, Coley will be eligible for placement in a residential recovery facility in Southeast DC. 

The Maryland action is in regards to a second-degree assault charge in 2011. The active warrant was issued in November 2013, shortly after Coley was taken into custody for the DC shooting.

The next status hearing will take place July 25.