The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are seeking information regarding a fatal shooting that occurred April 30, on the 3800 block of Jay Street, NE. The shooting claimed 30-year-old Tyrone Hopkins’ life.
Prosecution, Defense Spar Over Evidence in Murder Case After Delay in Hearing
Following a 90 minute delay, prosecutors and defense lawyers disputed the admissibility of key evidence in a murder case during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on May 1.
Ravel Mills, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in connection with the murder of 28-year-old Toussaunt Strong on April 20, 2020, on the 3400 block of 24th Street, SE. Mills, say court documents, was engaging in a long standing dispute with the victim whom he had allegedly attempted to rob.
However, Mills’ legal team, including public defender Kevin O’Sullivan, and the prosecution debated about DNA evidence in the case as well as the arrest warrant carried out by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Specifically, the defense wants to introduce its own DNA findings, which it says excludes MIlls as a suspect. The prosecution disagreed, saying it will respond with a motion to challenge the results in the next 30 days.
Also, at issue, is the work of the lead detective who carried out the arrest warrant that yielded cell phone evidence. She was scheduled to testify but was reportedly too ill to take part in the proceeding. The defense questioned her training and experience and labeled the warrant a “regurgitation” and a “bare bones affidavit.”
Judge Epstein said the manner in which the cell phone was seized is a “threshold” question.
He also said the defense could take more time to prepare its case.
In addition to arguments, the proceeding was delayed more than 90 minutes because the US Marshals were unable to bring prisoners to the courtroom on time, according to Judge Epstein.
The next hearing is set for May 10 at 11 a.m.
Defendant Asserts His Right to Independent DNA Testing
On May 1, a homicide defendant asserted his right to test DNA evidence.
Joseph Melton, 54, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that claimed 48-year-old Kevin Chamberlain’s life. The incident occurred on Jan. 14, 2020, on the 700 block of 24th Street, NW.
Melton is also charged with assault with intent to kill for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that injured one individual on Jan. 14, 2020, on the 800 block of Vermont Avenue, NW.
Melton’s defense attorney, Thomas Healy, alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe that the defense planned on testing the handle of the knife that was allegedly used for the attacks, which was found on Melton’s person at the time of his arrest.
According to court documents, Chamberlain had reported an attempted stabbing in the early hours of Jan. 14, 2020. He was found with multiple stab wounds that same afternoon, and succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
According to court documents, Melton was found with suspected blood on his clothing and his hands, and with a bloody knife in his pocket, when he was apprehended.
The testing is expected to last four months.
Parties are expected back for a trial readiness hearing on Jan. 19, 2024.
Murder Preliminary Hearing Continues Due to Scheduling Conflict
On May 1, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe was presented evidence of homicide to assist his ruling on probable cause.
Tre’quan Nelson, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting that claimed 34-year-old Delonte King’s life on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW.
There are two more co-defendants charged in connection to the murder. Demonte Gibson, 26, is being charged with first-degree premeditated murder. DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause that Gibson was the killer on March 29.
Asani Forte, 25, is being charged with accessory after the fact to the assault with intent to kill for his assistance to Gibson and Nelson after King’s murder.
According to court documents, Gibson and Nelson were seen approaching King at the intersection of 14th Street and Girard Street the day of the incident, which is caught on surveillance footage. A witness heard one of them say “you see this right here,” or something to that extent, before firing six to eight gunshots in King’s direction and running away.
Surveillance footage at an apartment building nearby shows Gibson and Nelson entering the building with ski masks on, and exiting the building a few moments later with no masks on. The men allegedly meet up with Forte.
According to the lead detective, when interviewed by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), all three defendants identified themselves as the individuals seen in surveillance video before or after the shooting.
Nelson’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, questioned the detective based on his knowledge of Nelson carrying a gun. The detective said no surveillance footage shows Nelson carrying or shooting a gun.
Due to the defense’s scheduling conflicts, the preliminary hearing was continued.
Parties are expected back in court May 2 to litigate probable cause and receive the judge’s ruling.
Defense Tries to Show Flaws in Detectives’ Investigation of Double Homicide
On April 27, the defense attempted to show Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives’ failure to probe other suspects during the investigation for a double homicide case.
Alphonso Walker, 45, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of first-degree murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit a robbery, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of attempt to commit robbery and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction 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.
The prosecution questioned an MPD detective who participated in the search of Walker’s home after a search warrant had been issued. The detective explained that while searching a closet, a backpack holding a gun, two boxes of ammunition, Walker’s mail, and an ID card were found.
During cross-examination, defense attorney Kevann Gardner questioned the detective about whether or not any search warrants had been issued for the residences of any of the other potential suspects.
The prosecution objected to this line of questioning, explaining that the defense was restricted to the constraints of what was discussed in direct questioning — the search warrant for Walker’s residence. Also, given that the detective on the stand had not participated in any other part of the investigation aside from the search, any information that he could give would be hearsay.
“Clearly you are putting [the lead detective] on trial through this witness,” DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt told Gardner, agreeing with prosecution.
The witness later testified that he had no known knowledge about the investigation.
During the detective’s testimony, one of the potential witnesses was in the courtroom, unbeknownst to the prosecution or defense. Upon realization, he was escorted out of the courtroom.
“Mistakes happen sometimes that are no one’s fault,” Judge Brandt said in regards to the issue.
However, his ability to testify is now at question and will be decided on Monday.
Parties are scheduled to return to court on May 1.
Document: Homicide: 4200 Block of 4th Street, Southeast
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on April 27 at approximately 10:19 pm.
27-year-old Deandre Wheeler was found on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE suffering from gunshot wounds. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: 1400 Block of Spring Road, Northwest
On April 27, Lorenzo Goldsmith, 19, was arrested and charged for first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the shooting that claimed the life of 39-year-old Aaron Robinson. The incident occurred on Feb. 4, on the 1400 block of Spring Road, NW.
Document: Traffic Fatality: 4300 Block of Southern Avenue, Southeast
50-year-old William Lamont Walker passed away in a fatal car crash on April 26, on the 4300 block of Southern Avenue, SE. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) requests information anyone may have regarding the incident.
Defendant Testifies Regarding Events Leading Up to Murder
On April 27, Devin Washington testified regarding what occurred the night that his best friend died.
Washington, 22, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Vincent Robinson. The incident occurred on Feb. 15, 2022, on the 3800 block of 9th Street, SE.
The lead detective on the case continued his testimony, stating that Robinson had endured four gunshot wounds, including two to his back, one to his abdomen, and one to his head.
When questioned by the defense regarding other suspects, the detective stated that he did not follow through with investigating anyone else because the people mentioned by witnesses that may have had beef with Robinson did not fit the characteristics of the individual seen exiting the house with the victim whom they believe to be the shooter.
Following the detective’s testimony, the defense called forth Washington to testify regarding what he saw the night of the incident.
Washington told DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan that he and Robinson had been friends since they were 12 years old, and he considered him his best friend. He argued that he had no reason to want to hurt him.
According to the defendant, he and Robinson were walking to Washington’s car when he heard a gunshot. When he looked up, he saw Robinson fall to the ground, and saw a man, whom he identified in court by name, with a gun.
He said he ran to his car to drive off, and saw someone stick their head out of the door to Robinson’s house. The head sticking out is caught on surveillance footage.
When asked why he didn’t call 911 to ask for help, he stated he believed the person who had stuck their head out would’ve done so.
Prosecutors questioned Washington about his criminal history. According to the prosecutor, Washington was on release for an assault with a dangerous weapon case for which he was convicted in November 2020, and he was absconding at the time of the murder.
Washington denied ever shooting a gun, but stated he knew the flash seen on surveillance footage was a muzzle flash that came from the gun used to kill Robinson.
According to court documents, Washington sent three instagram direct messages to Robinson following the shooting, including one that read “stop playing, you were just wit me.”
Prosecutors argued that the defendant sent those messages to try to protect himself to make it seem like he had no idea what was happening. But, he testified he was present at the time of the murder.
Prosecutors requested Judge Raffinan find probable cause that Washington committed the murder, stating that his admittance of being at the crime scene, the fact that the shooting happened right when they got off camera frame, and two of the wounds being on the victim’s back proves that the shooter had to be standing where Washington was.
Defense attorney, Jason Tulley, asked Judge Raffinan to not find probable cause.
“It is unheard of to have a defendant testify in a preliminary hearing, but he did it to prove his innocence,” he said.
Tulley insisted that there is no indication in any of the evidence provided that Washington had a gun the night of the offense. He argued that the gun believed to be owned by Washington was too big to be hidden in the coat he was wearing.
“If [Washington’s] goal was to kill [Robinson] that night, he would have done it in the car,” he said, referencing the fact that Washington and Robinson were in a car alone an hour and a half before the shooting occurred.
Subsequent to arguments from both sides, Judge Raffinan requested extra time to be able to review all evidence provided by both parties in order to rule on the probable cause argument.
All parties are expected back on May 3 to receive the ruling.
Document: Arrest Made in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 700 Block of G Street, Southeast
41-year-old Johnathan Dawkins, of Southeast, DC, was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 24, on the 700 block of G Street, SE.
Document: Vehicle Sought in an Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm Offense: 2000 Block of 14th Street, Northwest
The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating or identifying a suspect-vehicle that was utilized in a non-fatal shooting.
Trial Continues Without Jury for Discussions Between Defense and Prosecution
During a trial on April 26, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ruled on objections the defense and prosecution would have when the jury returned.
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 the death of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson. The shooting happened on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE on July 16, 2018.
The jury did not sit in Wednesday’s hearing because the parties went over objections, mainly from the defense, which Judge Okun ruled on.
The bulk of the objections revolved around text messages between the defendants. The prosecutor showed screenshots of the conversations between each of the defendants and said they all implicated at least one of the other defendants in each message.
The defense argued the messages held no relevance and were merely speculative because they did not explicitly admit to committing any crimes.
The prosecutor went through the objections for each defendant and Judge Okun ruled in favor of the prosecution the majority of the time, allowing them to introduce the messages as evidence.
Discussions shifted to the charge of conspiracy the defendants are charged with.
The defense argued the evidence the prosecution has presented throughout the trial does not attribute the defendants’ actions to conspiracy.
However, the prosecutor disagreed, citing pieces of evidence she felt connected the defendants all in some conspiracy to the murder.
Judge Okun said he would rule on this matter at the next hearing.
The parties are scheduled to return April 27 to continue the trial.
Murder Case Continues to Give Defense Chance to Look at Plea Offer
During a felony status conference on April 26, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun continued a murder case to give the defense an opportunity to look over a plea offer.
Malik Seltzer, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Paris Odemns, 37, on Sept. 15, 2021, on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE.
The prosecutor mentioned a plea offer had been submitted.
Defense attorney Kevann Gardner said he was currently in a trial estimated to last a few weeks, so he requested a hearing sometime in the future to give him a chance to review the offer with his client.
The parties are scheduled to return June 2 for a felony status conference.
Defendant Pleads Guilty for Life-Long Friend’s Murder
Jean Kearney accepted a plea offer from prosecutors April 27 for his involvement in the killing of a father-of-four who was also his life-long friend.
Kearney, 36, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and obstruction of justice for his involvement in the shooting that led to the death of 33-year-old Dontra Harris, which occurred on April 4, 2021, on the 1800 block of 24th Street, NE.
Kearney was also charged with assault on a police officer while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for an assault that occurred on May 13, 2021, as the officers conducted a search warrant for the murder.
The defendant was granted a mistrial after a jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision on the murder and assault charges on March 27. He was found guilty of all other charges.
To avoid enduring another lengthy trial, Kearney accepted a plea offer for second-degree murder while armed in exchange for dismissal of the assault on a police officer charge.
If the judge agrees with the deal, Kearney could be sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder.
Kearney is expected back for sentencing on June 30.
Defense Requests Transfer of Defendant to New Detention Facility
For months, defense attorneys for a second-degree murder defendant have been requesting he be moved to a detention facility closer to Washington, DC.
Derryck Decuir, 30, is charged with second-degree murder while armed against a minor and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 15-year-old Malek Mercer. The incident occurred on the 2800 block of 28th Street, SE on June 16, 2015.
Decuir had been found guilty of the charges, but the District of Columbia Court of Appeals reversed that conviction in November 2022. The reversal of the conviction was due to erroneous admission of witness testimony in an earlier trial.
Decuir is currently being held by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw, Va. The detention facility is more than 2 hours away from DC.
His defense attorneys have filed various motions to have him transferred to a facility that is within 15 miles of DC, but their efforts were shut down by DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan. Judge Raffinan said the denial of the motions is due to her having no jurisdiction over the BOP and their placement of defendants awaiting trial.
Defense attorneys state that their ability to advise Decuir is very limited due to his location. They argue that they have had to pay for legal calls to be able to meet with Decuir, and those calls have been recorded.
They also argue that these calls are breaching his right to confidentiality, and they are hoping the issue will be resolved.
Their motion to have a U.S. Marshal representative present in a hearing to discuss the placement of Decuir will be held by Judge Raffinan at the next hearing to allow her time to have discussions with the presiding judge.
Parties are expected back to discuss the issue on May 11.