Defense Requests Mental Evaluation in a Stabbing

DC Superior Court Renee Raymond granted a request for an initial mental health evaluation in a domestic violence incident on Sept. 12.

Chauncey Liverpool, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Sept. 9 on the 4000 block of 3rd Street, SE. Both Liverpool and the victim sustained injuries.

The stabbing allegedly occurred while Liverpool and the victim were having a conversation about what Liverpool could do to become a better person. The conversation escalated as Liverpool allegedly began to yell and become upset, eventually picking up a pair of scissors to stab the victim. Following the stabbing, the victim positively identified Liverpool as the individual responsible.

The defense, Howard X McEachern, requested a forensic screening of Liverpool during his preliminary hearing. He saidl mental health issues could be used as a potential explanation and mitigating factor during the case. Judge Raymond granted this request.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 23.

Stabbing Case Dismissed After Defendant Found Mentally Incompetent

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted the defense’s motion to dismiss a case against a defendant accused of stabbing a person due to mental incompetence on Sept. 12.

Dwayne Waller, 74, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing a person in the chest on the 4600 block of H Street NW on Sept. 19, 2022.

In 2023, the defendant was found mentally incompetent to stand trial and since then has been civilly committed to a facility.

In June, Waller’s defense counsel, Anthony Smith, filed a motion to dismiss charges against Waller. The defense claimed the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) analysis found that Waller is incompetent and sees “no substantial possibility” that he can stand trial in the foreseeable future.

Specifically, a mental health social worker testified that Waller requires substantial living assistance, appears disoriented and confused, and often looks for family members who are dead.

Additionally, Smith argued there are due process issues with holding pending criminal charges on someone who will never be able to prove their innocence. To stand trial a defendant must understand the charges against him and help his lawyer defend the case.

Prosecutors opposed the request, asking Judge McLean to keep the case opened for an additional year. However, McLean agreed with the defense, and dismissed the case.

No further dates were set.

Co-Defendants Plead Guilty to Carjacking

Two carjacking defendants accepted plea deals before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Sept. 8.

Kevin Lester, 37, and Traviyan Hardy, 24, were originally charged with unarmed carjacking for their involvement in a carjacking on June 13. The incident occurred on the 300 block of 40th Street, SE.

Judge Pipe acknowledged and accepted the co-defendants’ requests to enter pleas. Lester and Hardy both pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

In acknowledging guilt the defendants waive their right to trial, indictment, and DNA testing. In turn, the prosecution will not be seeking an indictment. The prosecution also recommended that the two counts run concurrently.

The DC sentencing guideline in this case calls for between 48-and-66 months for Lester. The defendant can withdraw his plea if Judge Pipe decides it is not appropriate.

The prosecutor stated that their evidence would’ve proved the guilt of Lester and Hardy beyond a reasonable doubt. They said that Lester pulled the victim from the vehicle while Hardy robbed the person and the pair then stole the vehicle.

Judge Pipe ordered a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) Study for Hardy pending sentencing which gives the court more flexibility when imposing her sentence. A pre-sentence investigation report was ordered for Lester.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 14 for sentencing.

Defendant’s Newly Discovered Hormone Condition Delays Homicide Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan delayed a homicide trial, which was slated to begin on Nov. 18, by a year due to the defendant’s recently discovered hyperthyroid condition during a Sept. 3 hearing.

The disease causes the thyroid gland to be overactive releasing too much of the hormone thiroxine possibly resulting in mood swings, nervousness or panic attacks.

John Woods, 71, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 60-year-old Geno Freeman on the 6000 block of Chillum Place, NE, on Feb 19, 2021. Freeman died from a gunshot wound to his head.

During the hearing, Kevin Mosley, Woods’ attorney, alerted the court of his plan to invoke an insanity plea arguing the defendant was not criminally responsible for his actions because mental illness prevented him from knowing right from wrong or controlling his behavior.

On Aug. 12, the defense filed an expert notice revealing that Woods had a hyperthyroid condition, causing a hormonal imbalance with potential mental side effects, including anxiety and irritability. Due to the diagnosis, Mosley plans to add the hyperthyroid conditiona a justification for their insanity defense.

“They gave us a theory that we had no way of knowing they would have,” said the prosecution. “This is a completely new argument that the [prosecution] was not aware of.”

The prosecution asked the court to consider a continuation of the trial, which would move it from Nov. 18, 2025 to Nov. 9, 2026, and asked for an extension for the prosecution to file for an additional expert witness notice.

The prosecutor told Judge Ryan that their expert isn’t going to be able to address the thyroid issue because he is a psychologist not an endocrinologist capable of explaining how gland system affects behavior. According to the prosecution, the expert will need ten-to-12 weeks to review the new documents.

She argued that because the prosecution was notified on Aug. 12 of the defense’s new expert, the defense did not give them ample time to prepare for trial.

“The defense had the burden to give the [prosecution] an expert witness early,” said the prosecutor.

The judge addressed the comment with a short response.

“I don’t know about that,” said Judge Ryan. “The defense doesn’t have that burden.”

Mosley argued that the prosecution’s expert is requesting an exorbitant amount of time for the analysis.

“The lionshare of the records is 740 pages,” said Mosley. “Our expert took three weeks. There is no need for the amount of time that the prosecution requested. We are asking for the witness to have a reasonable amount of time. One year is not reasonable.”

The prosecution responded experts cannot be hired in September and October due to recent budget cuts, which was acknowledged by the defense.

“The 10-to-12 weeks isn’t something just made up,” said the prosecutor. “The defendant must be interviewed. It’s not just about reviewing documents.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 1.

Judge Permits Questions About Victim’s Past Violence in Self-Defense Case

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted a motion that would allow the defense to question the victim in a shooting case about a past violent crime conviction in a hearing on Sept. 11.

Larry Carr, 21, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, assault with the intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and possession of an unregistered firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 100 block Ridge Road, SE, on Oct. 22, 2023.

According to witnesses, the shooting occurred after an argument that ended with the victim holding a knife and the defendant shooting the victim.

The first motion proposed by the defense was to clip the beginning of a 911 call made during the incident. Defense Attorney Teresa Kleiman argued that the first 19 seconds of the call contained the caller crying audibly, which would prejudice the jury against the defendant without advancing the case.

The prosecution said the call was not “unduly prejudicial” and that the distress was necessary to provide the emotional context of the incident and the impact it had on those present.

Judge McLean granted the defense’s motion, agreeing about the impact of the caller’s emotional outburst.

The other two motions addressed what questions the defense could ask during cross-examination of the victim. Specifically, the defense claimed the victim was convicted of a simple assault and filed a motion to question the victim about it, arguing that the information would help explain the defendant’s state of mind during the shooting.

The prosecution said that any elicited testimony would be irrelevant and prejudicial, and filed a motion to preclude certain cross-examination questions of the victim.

Judge McLean granted the defense’s motion stating that the information would be important in a case dealing with potential self-defense, and that the jury’s understanding of the defendant’s claim of imminent of bodily harm would change drastically if the information were excluded.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 15.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Teen’s Murder at Union Station

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman found that the prosecution met the burden of proof for probable cause in charging an individual with a Union Station homicide in a hearing on Sept. 11.

Faizon Mason, 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Wayne McDaniels on Feb. 10, at the parking garage of the 50 unit block Massachusetts Avenue, NE. McDaniels was pronounced dead on the scene with a gunshot wound to his back.

The prosecution called on the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective in the case to testify during the preliminary hearing. The officer allegedly identified Mason as the suspect through tips called in to the department and a family member’s identification through surveillance footage.

According to the prosecution, Mason was seen through security camera footage pulling his weapon and pursuing the victim through an outdoor, open air area of Union Station. The footage depicted the individual identified as Mason firing at McDaniels, who was fleeing.

The detective stated that no witness indicated there was “bad blood” between Mason and McDaniels, or that the two knew each other prior to the incident.

Defense attorney Destiny Fullwood-Singh cited the detective’s testimony that four other individuals on the scene were at Union Station with the intent to rob someone, though the target was unclear. Furthermore, through video surveillance Fullwood-Singh said that McDaniels and one other individual could be seen watching Mason and following him through Union Station.

Fullwood-Singh argued that there was no probable cause for second-degree murder because there was clear evidence Mason was acting in self-defense.

Surveillance footage showed the individual identified as McDaniels following the defendant into a bus waiting area, which had only one entrance and exit. The footage also depicted McDaniels brandishing his gun, which led to Mason pulling his own gun. Fullwood-Singh argued that Mason pulled and fired his own weapon to get away from the situation.

The prosecution argued that the basis for probable cause comes from Mason pursuing and firing recklessly at McDaniel as he fled. The prosecution insisted that Mason had intent to kill or gravely injure McDaniels because he shot him as he ran away.

Judge Edelman found that there was probable cause for second-degree murder. The alleged dentification of the defendant by a family member was allegedly valid to establish that Mason was the suspect. The judge also agreed with the prosecution that the location of the fatal wound on the victim and the firing recklessly in Union Station was not self-defense.

The defense asked for Mason to be released to 24 hour home confinement. Mason has had a steady job for five years, is attempting to re-enroll in high school, and is in both family and individual therapy. Fullwood-Singh said that holding him in detention is a “waste”.

The judge ruled in favor of the prosecution. Mason is to be held without bond before trial.

Judge Edelman cited that the incident was dangerous not just in the content of the shooting but the context of where it happened. Firing recklessly in Union Station around rush hour endangered not only the life of McDaniel but all those around Mason.

Parties are set to reconvene Dec. 12.

Two Weeks in, Homicide Prosecution Leans on Eyewitness Testimony, Home Security Footage

Prosecutors presented a series of photographs, videos, and eyewitness testimonies allegedly showing a drive-by shooting and suspects abandoning their vehicle before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt in an ongoing homicide trial on Sept. 11

Reginald Steele, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, 10 counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, and five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.

The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in four shootings. One of the shootings fatally woundedf 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, at the 600 block of S Street, NW on March 1, 2020. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Steele is also alleged to have been involved in a non-fatal shooting on March 1, 2020 at the unit block of Channing Street, NE and non-fatal shooting on Feb. 22, 2020 at the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW.

Additionally, Steele faces charges for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 24, 2020 at the 1700 block of Ninth Street, NW. Three individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

Witness testimony focused on the whereabouts of the defendant and a silver Kia Soul linked to Steele during the non-fatal shooting at the unit block of Channing Street. The silver Kia Soul featured prominently in an earlier trial of Steele’s alleged accomplices, Tyiion Freeman, Koran Jackson, Stephen Nelson, and Aaron Brown, who were all convicted in 2024 for the charges Steele faces.

The prosecution called to the stand two witnesses who lived in rowhomes on the unit block of Channing Street during the time of the non-fatal shooting. One witness captured footage of the shooting through a security camera facing the alley between Channing and Bryant Streets. The footage appeared to show a man in a black hoodie firing several gunshots before running in the direction of a silver Kia Soul, which is seen seconds later driving down the alley.

During cross examination, defense counsel Gemma Stevens noted that no muzzle flashes appeared in the video, nor could the number of passengers in the Kia Soul be determined.

The jury also heard the testimony of another resident of Channing Street, who took several photos of the street from their front porch seconds after the shooting. The images included a picture of a man whom the witness said grew up in the neighborhood, running down the alley in the direction from which the Kia had absconded. The subject in the photo faced no charges from the incident.

The defense focused cross examination on the fact that the witness only took pictures down Channing Street and had a minimal view of the alley where the shooting took place.

The prosecution also called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer to the stand. The officer testified to responding to the unit block of Channing Street location and discovering a bullet hole through the front windshield of a parked Toyota Prius as well as shell casings at the top of the alley between Channing and Bryant Streets.

During the officer’s testimony, the prosecution played body-worn camera footage showing a bullet hole in the Prius and CCTV footage of the Kia Soul driving northbound on North Capitol Street.

A former resident of a condo building on the 500 block of Lamont Street, NW was called to testify. Earlier in the trial, it was established that the Kia Soul was abandoned at that location approximately 30 minutes after the non-fatal shooting at the unit block of Channing Street.

In March, 2020, the witness shared footage with MPD of four men, who the prosecution claim was the defendant and his co-conspirators, walking North on the sidewalk on the 500 block of Lamont Street.

Additionally, the prosecution called a witness to the stand who worked for the DC Housing Authority during the time of the shooting. Shortly after the shooting, the witness supplied MPD with CCTV footage from the public housing complex Park Morton which appeared to show an individual, who prosecutors claim is Steele, and his accomplices walking down the 3000 block of 6th Street, NW into the housing complex. The witness testified to seeing three individuals walking separately from a fourth towards Georgia Avenue.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 15.

Despite Compliance, Homicide Suspect Must Wear GPS

A homicide defendant’s request to terminate his GPS tracking was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park during a hearing on Sept. 5.

Charles Haythe, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in the Oct. 25, 2021 fatal stabbing of 26-year-old Aaron Langford on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE.

During the hearing, defense attorneys Michelle Lockard and Julie Swaney argued a motion to modify Haythe’s release conditions. They requested the removal of Haythe’s GPS monitoring because of his exemplary compliance and argued he is no longer a danger to the community.

The prosecution claimed that the severity of the charges warrants Haythe’s continuedsurveillance by GPS monoitoring to ensure the safety of the community.

Jude Park denied this motion because the only condition that has changed, since beginning GPS tracking, is his compliance. The judge said the severity of the crime warrants continued GPS monitoring.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 3 for a status hearing.

Document: MPD Investigating Death of 2024 Shooting Victim as a Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a shooting victim’s death as a homicide.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW on Oct. 2, 2024 for the sounds of gunshots. They located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds.

On Sept. 7, the victim, identified as 36-year-old Kevin Dextraze.

Damon Bradford, 27, was previously charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting. MPD is working with the United States Attorney’s Office to upgrade charges for the case.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Two Murders Stemming From Three Shootings

A defendant pleaded guilty to two homicides three days before he was scheduled to begin trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Sept. 5.

Michael Mason, 21, was originally charged with conspiracy, two counts of first-degree murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with intent to murder while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and seven counts of criminal street gang affiliation while committing a felony or violent misdemeanor.

The charges stem from his involvement in three separate incidents. The death of 21-year-old Brea Moon and injury of a second victim on the 3900 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on April 7, 2020. A shooting that injured two on April 8, 2020 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. Additionally, the death of 18-year-old Antwuan Roach on May 22, 2020 on the 3800 block of East Capitol Street, NE.

Parties were prepared to begin Mason’s jury trial on Sept. 8. However, Mason’s attorneys, Bernadette Armand and Andrew Ain, informed Judge Park that Mason accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors to two counts of second-degree murder while armed. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed all other charges and agreed to a total sentence range of 27-to-31 years of imprisonment with five years of supervised release.

If parties had not agreed upon a sentence range, each count of second-degree murder would have carried a potential maximum penalty of 40 years of imprisonment.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on Oct. 31.

Carjacking Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A carjacking defendant pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean during his arraignment on Sept. 5.

Ira Shaw-Bates, 23, is charged with armed carjacking and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in an incident on June 6 on the 300 block of N Street, NE.

Shaw-Bates was initially charged alongside Derrick Coltrane, 40, but was granted severance for his case on July 30.

Defense attorneys Damayanti Desai and Varsha Govindaraju pleaded not guilty to the indictment charges on behalf of Shaw-Bates and asserted his rights to a speedy trial.

Shaw-Bates’ trial in this case is set for Jan. 29.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 16.

Homicide Defendant’s Release Request Denied

A homicide defendant’s attorney requested DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park release a homicide defendant on Sept. 5, because two key witnesses weren’t available.

Navar Rogers, 18, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 15-year-old Zyion Turner. This event occurred on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE on Sep. 2, 2023.

Terrence Austin, Rogers’ attorney, filed a motion for his release, in which he argued two key witnesses are no longer available.

According to Austin, the prosecutor’s case has become “quite thin” and lacking the “why” and “how” for this crime.

Judge Park acknowledged the development but in light of several videos purportedly showing Rogers’ possession and reckless use of guns denied the request for release. One video in particular, in which Rogers reportedly is seen holding a gunnext to a random woman’s head in May of 2023, highlights his continuing dangerousness and inability to be released safely, according to Judge Park and the prosecution.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 12.

15th Street Shooting Suspect Considers a Plea

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel granted a shooting defendant more time to review a plea deal extended by the prosecution during a hearing on Sept. 8.

Martez Robinson, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 3400 block of 15th Street, SE on Aug. 14.

According to court documents, Robinson reportedly fired two shots but no injuries were reported.

During the hearing, the prosecution extended a plea deal that would require Robinson to plead guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of carrying a pistol without a license. If Robinson accepts the offer, prosecutors would not pursue an indictment or charge Robinson with additional counts related to the incident.

Prosecutors noted the mandatory minimum sentence would be five years of incarceration.

Defense attorney Elliott Queen requested additional time to discuss the plea deal with the defendant.

Parties are set to reconvene Oct. 14.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Takes Plea

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ratified a plea deal accepted by a non-fatal shooting defendant on September 4.

Amonte Moody, 19, is charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly firing into a vehicle on the 1700 block of Independence Avenue, SE on April 22, 2024.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Edelman they had extended a plea deal, which would require Moody to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. The prosecution will dismiss all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed that the prosecution will limit their sentencing request to seven years of imprisonment.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Moody fired 26 shots into a vehicle at the scene, and he intended to injure the victim.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 30.

Armed Carjacking Defendant Enters Guilty Plea

A carjacking and shooting defendant accepted a plea deal on Sept. 9 before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

Anardo Little, 19, was originally charged with armed carjacking and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for an incident that occurred Oct. 15, 2024 at the intersection of 12th and H Streets, NE. One individual was injured during the incident.

Little’s attorney, Susan Ellis, alerted the court that Little would be accepting a deal, which required him to plead guilty to unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence carries a maximum sentence of ten years of confinement while carrying a pistol without a license carries up to five years. Little must also register as a gun offender.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Little drove a vehicle without the consent of the owner and had access to firearms without legal permission.

Judge Pipe ordered a pre-sentence report and asked Ellis if a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) study would be necessary for this case. If a defendant is sentenced under the YRA, they have the ability to have their conviction be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Ellis responded that the defense would be obtaining an independent YRA study.

Parties are scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 12.

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