Homicide Defendant’s Release is Revoked following Arrest in Maryland

The murder trial for six defendants accused in the shooting of a 10-year-old girl continued March 28 after one of the six co-defendants’ release was revoked in a separate hearing, minutes before.

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.

According to the prosecution, Cobbs was arrested in Maryland and charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl pills and illegal possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime.

Cobbs had been free since May of 2019, but due to his arrest DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause and revoked his release. Cobbs was the only one out of the six defendants on release since he wasn’t present at the time of the shooting.

The prosecution called multiple former employees of DC’s Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) who were assigned to process the vehicle, and its contents, that was allegedly used in the crime.

The vehicle was found thanks to a tip in the form of a text that pointed detectives to the 3500 block of Burton Court in Maryland. While processing the vehicle the forensic experts found potential fingerprints, fired and unfired bullets, and swabbed commonly touched areas for potential DNA samples.

However, during her cross-examination, Murchison’s attorney, Carrie Weletz, revealed to the jury that DFS lost its accreditation in 2021 when the unit came under fire for how it was analyzing DNA evidence. Still, this was three years after the vehicle in question was processed.

The defense was unable to cross-examine the last witness called by the prosecution, so all parties are scheduled to reconvene and continue questioning on March 29.

Case Acquitted: Autopsy Reports Show Cause of Death in Homicide Case

This case was acquitted on Aug. 15, 2023.

On the third day of trial, a forensic pathologist from the DC Medical Examiner’s Office testified that multiple sharp force injuries were the cause of death in a homicide.

Jermaine Washington, 38, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Keon Bonner, 40, on the night of Oct. 26, 2021, in an alley on the 1500 block of Ogden Street, NW.

Using autopsy photos the pathologist explained on March 27 that the victim sustained 10 stab wounds, some as deep as seven inches. The cuts were inflicted on the victim’s face, both sides of his torso, upper-left back, left shoulder, and left hip.

Of the 10 stab wounds, two of them were apparently the most deadly. The two were on the victim’s left hip, where an artery had been punctured. The examiner explained that without immediate medical attention, an individual with that injury could bleed out within minutes.

In addition, the examiner explained that stab wounds could be deeper than the blade of a knife because vital organs can be compressed in the attack.

The detective who arrested Washington said he was searched and a knife was found in the waistband of his pants. The blade was approximately three inches long, fitting the description of the murder weapon.

DNA tests on blood samples from the victim and the accused were inconclusive in terms of links to the crime.

The medical examiner was the prosecution’s final witness and the defense does not intend to call any witnesses.

The trial is set to continue with deliberations beginning on March 28.

Judge Orders Competency Screening for Man Who Shot Himself

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz ordered a mental competency screening during a March 29 hearing for a self-inflicted non-fatal shooting case.

Jermaine Brown, 34, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm in connection to an incident on Feb. 4 on the 3700 block of Cathedral Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department officers patrolling the block reported a weapon found on a sidewalk area by a tree.

On the same day, a 911 call was dispatched to Washington University Hospital for a shooting victim that arrived at the emergency room.

According to DC police, Brown and his significant other were having an argument while driving. During the argument, Brown allegedly stated that everyone would be better off without him.

She then heard a gunshot and observed Brown bleeding from the leg. At this time, Brown allegedly threw the gun out of the window of the moving vehicle.

Defense Attorney Tammy Jacques is now representing Brown. The next hearing is scheduled for April 6.

Lead Detective Testifies in Homicide Case

A lead detective in a homicide case testified about evidence linking 25-year-old Demonte Gibson to the crime during a March 27 preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Gibson is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting 34-year-old Delonte King. The incident occurred on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW on Nov. 3, 2021. According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers discovered two victims on the scene, both with gunshot wounds. The first victim survived, but King was pronounced dead on Nov. 5, 2021, when he succumbed to his injuries from the attack.

The detective explained how surveillance videos from the surrounding area aided in his investigation, as well as the execution of a search warrant at Gibson’s apartment.

Although there was no video of the actual shooting, footage does show three possible suspects fleeing the scene following the sound of gunshots.

The detective said one suspect in the video was wearing a ski mask and light wash jeans, similar to the clothing that MPD recovered from Gibson’s apartment.

He also said Gibson identified himself, saying “that’s me,” when seeing a still image retrieved from a surveillance camera.

Defense attorneys Kevann Gardner and Rachel Cicural noted the original warrant used the same surveillance footage for someone other than Gibson.

Gardner argued against the reliability of the surveillance footage, stating that “these videos will show whatever the [prosecution] wants them to show.”

He also noted that, although the clothing seized from Gibson’s apartment and the clothing seen in the surveillance footage are similar, this doesn’t mean that they are an exact match.

“Jeans are not unique,” he said.

Judge Brandt said she needs to re-examine the evidence before making a ruling about admissibility.

The next hearing was scheduled on March 29.

Defense Asks for Dismissal in Murder Case Based on Destroyed DNA Evidence

A defense attorney in a murder trial asked DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan to dismiss a case because key DNA evidence was destroyed.

The suspect, 21-year-old Daquan Gray, is charged with fatally shooting 15-year-old Jaylyn Wheeler, on May 16, 2018, in the 600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. According to court documents, DNA extracts were taken from the murder weapon and tested at the DC Department of Forensic Sciences.

During a March 24 motions hearing, a specialist from the department testified about possible damage to DNA evidence that may have been improperly stored. The expert witness explained the process of packing, storing, and shipping DNA extracts.

Claiming gross negligence, defense attorney Dana Page asked Judge Raffinen to dismiss the case based on destroyed evidence as of Jan. 5, 2023. She accused the prosecution of acting in bad faith in handling the material.

Testimony in the case is scheduled to resume on May 12.

Convicted Murderer Shows ‘No Remorse,’ Judge Says During Sentencing

During a March 24 sentencing hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced Darnell Sterling to 27 years in prison.

Darnell Sterling, 57, was convicted of murdering 34-year-old Olga Ooro in her apartment on the 300 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW. According to court documents, the crime occurred on July 17, 2020, and authorities were alerted the next day when Ooro’s 7-year-old son was found in her apartment building alone.

A jury found Sterling guilty of contempt and second-degree murder on Oct. 3, 2022, and Judge Raffinan later determined that both of these crimes occurred during Sterling’s release in a 2020 domestic violence case that also involved Ooro.

The prosecution submitted nine victim impact statements, and Ooro’s family and friends appeared both in-person and virtually for the Friday sentencing.

Ooro’s father had tears in his eyes as he recalled how his “brave” daughter helped him through his Parkinson’s diagnosis.

“He has not only killed Olga. He has killed us. He has killed our whole family,” the victim’s father said.

Then, turning directly to Sterling, he stated, “You killed me.”

Ooro requested that Judge Raffinan impose the maximum sentence on Sterling.

Sterling maintained his innocence and plans to appeal the conviction.

Judge Raffinan said she took into consideration the impact statements, as well as Sterling’s extensive criminal history, including 34 arrests and 14 convictions, when making her decision.

She noted the many “tragic and disturbing factors” in the case.

“[Sterling’s] statements,” Judge Raffinan said, “show no indication of remorse.”

She sentenced Sterling to 22 years in prison for second-degree murder and 20 months for contempt, with an additional 20 consecutive months for each of the offenses, which were committed while Sterling was on release.

Victim’s Mother Expresses Her Frustration in Murder Case

“How is he still out? This is absolutely unfair and a slap in the face to my entire family and Dasha’s loved ones,” a victim’s mother said during a motion hearing over Webex on March 28.

Nineteen-year-old Gerald Thomas is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting that left four victims injured and 20-year-old Dasha Cleary dead. The shooting occurred on Jan. 27, 2022, at a Days Inn Hotel, located on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. Thomas is currently under total home confinement and GPS monitoring in connection to the shooting.

During the hearing, the prosecution renewed a request to revoke a previous release order and asked for Thomas to be jailed based on recent indictments for drug-related charges.

Judge Raffinan stated that she wanted time to consider the matter.

But, Cleary’s mother wasn’t satisfied.

“How do I explain to my remaining children that our system is so broken and allows him to stay on release after he killed their sister and still have access to illegal guns and weapons,” she asked in frustration.

Meanwhile, defense attorney Jacqueline Cadman expressed concern that the prosecution waited for more than a month before filing a motion to revoke home confinement only a day before the hearing.

Cadman said the defense was planning on asking for Thomas to be taken off home confinement and not respond to the motion.

Cadman reminded DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan that there aren’t any new violations other than the ones that were presented by the prosecution in January when the court denied a request to jail Thomas.

According to pretrial services, Thomas has been in full compliance while on home confinement.

Judge Raffinan reminded Thomas to continue to comply with the orders in place.

Another motion hearing is scheduled for April 13.

Case Acquitted: Jury Begins Deliberations in Murder Case

This case was acquitted on Aug. 15, 2023.

After closing arguments on March 28, the jury began deliberations in a homicide case.

Jermaine Washington, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to the stabbing of Keon Terell Bonner, 40. The incident allegedly occurred on the 1500 block of Ogden Street, NW and 3500 block of Center Street, NW on Oct. 26, 2021.

Defense attorney Stephen Logerfo argued that the prosecution did not meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Logerfo noted a defense motion to suppress statements filed March 21 regarding a conversation between Washington and two Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives at Washington’s residence on Nov. 7, 2021.

He questioned why an officer with a body-worn camera that could have recorded the conversation did not accompany the detective when he visited Washington. Logerfo restated the problematic nature of the unrecorded conversation in his closing statement.

He also discussed the lack of physical evidence in the case. A knife that appeared consistent with the one used to stab Bonner was found on Washington when he was arrested.

However, there was no conclusive evidence of whose blood was on the knife or if that was the exact knife that killed Bonner.

Eyewitness testimony was the only evidence that tied Washington to the alley where Bonner was stabbed, and witnesses only gave a general description that was similar to Washington’s appearance.

The prosecution argued that Washington was the only probable assailant because he was seen on surveillance footage walking out of an apartment complex with Bonner eleven minutes before the stabbing. The prosecutor also stated that witness descriptions fit Washington.

The jury has begun deliberations and is scheduled to continue deliberating on March 29.

Defendant’s Family Requests New Counsel in Assault Case

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi M. Pasichow advised a non-fatal shooting defendant to become acquainted with his new attorney, before he requests a new one.

The 37-year-old defendant is charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of assault with significant bodily injury. According to court documents, the defendant started a dispute with his child’s mother on the 2400 block of James Bank Road, SE which resulted in an assault.

On March 28, the defendant appeared in court for an ascertainment of counsel hearing. His original defense attorney, Kevin C. Robertson, was present along with his newly appointed counsel, Darryl Daniels II.

Robertson ensured a smooth transition in the case.

Daniels introduced himself to the court and informed Judge Pasichow that he believed the defendant’s family was actively seeking alternative counsel.

Judge Pasichow advised the defendant against the appointment of new counsel before he had the time to meet with Daniels. “You cannot come into a courtroom without counsel,” said Judge Pasichow.

The defendant attempted to represent himself at the start of the case.

He is scheduled to return to court April 12 for another status hearing.

Domestic Violence Defendant Convicted of Parole Violation Misses Court Date

A defendant accused of assaulting his girlfriend failed to appear in court for a hearing on March 28 and remained in DC Jail.

The 33-year-old defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly attacking his significant other in a domestic dispute. The incident occurred on Feb. 8 on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

On Tuesday morning, defense counsel Jordan Crunkleton, informed DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow that her client was currently held at DC Jail for violating parole.

The prosecution said the defendant was arrested on March 8 for violating parole in another domestic violence case. Green was sentenced to 120 days in jail in that matter.

According to court documents the defendant was charged in a violent dispute with his girlfriend during a card game. The defendant reportedly became enraged when he discovered a man was texting his girlfriend.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 12.

Judge Grants Defense Motion For Mistrial

A mistrial was declared after a jury failed to reach a unanimous decision on two of seven charges in a murder case on March 27.

Jean Kearney, 35, is charged in connection to the murder of Dontra Harris, 33, and assault on a law enforcement officer. Kearney has seven charges against him, including first-degree murder while armed, assault on a police officer while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of a large capacity feeding device and obstruction of justice.

On March 24, the jury delivered a partial verdict finding Kearney guilty of five of the seven charges against him, including possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, obstructing of justice, assault on a police officer while armed and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.

However, during the latest deliberations the jury sent multiple notes that they were unable to reach a unanimous decision on the first-degree murder while armed and a count for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charges.

Defense attorney Michael Madden continued to push for a mistrial every time the court received a note from the jury. After many tries his request was finally granted by DC Superior Court Judge Raffinan Maribeth.

Judge Raffinan stated that the jury’s verdict on the other charges would stand even though she declared a mistrial for the murder and possession charges.

Harris was murdered on April 4, 2021, on the 1800 block of 24th Street, NE. The defendant then assaulted a Metropolitan Police Department officer on May 13, 2021, as others were trying to serve a search warrant at his residence, according to court documents.

A status hearing is scheduled for April 7.

Defendant Receives 35 Years in Murder Case

During a sentencing hearing on March 24, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a defendant to 35 years in prison.

Edward Brown, 60, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed of a senior citizen and robbery while armed of a senior citizen in the stabbing of Michael Mahoney, 71, on Feb. 5, 2018, on the 2300 block of 11th Street, NW.

Judge Brandt sentenced Brown to 35 years in prison for first-degree murder and 168 months for second-degree murder with five years of supervised release. These charges will be served concurrently.

According to court documents, Mahoney was found in his apartment in a pool of blood with two stab wounds in his neck.

According to court documents, Mahoney gave Brown permission to sleep on his couch because he did not have anywhere to stay. Brown was thought to be high on crack cocaine at the time of the crime.

Brown stated, in court, that he had known Mahoney since 1975.

During the hearing, the prosecutor asked to hear from three individuals close to Mahoney to give victim impact statements.

The prosecutor requested a sentence of 35 years, while the defense argued for the minimum sentence required.

Defense attorney Megan Allburn said Brown had a problem with drugs, and was sexually assaulted as a child. She said she hoped the judge would take Brown’s issues into account when sentencing.

Brown still maintains his innocence and said he plans to appeal his case.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Assault With a Dangerous Weapon Case

On March 27, DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan found probable cause that Delante Smith fired shots during a longstanding dispute. No one was injured in the incident that occurred on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE on Feb. 6.

Smith, 29, is charged with assault and possessing a dangerous weapon during a crime of violence.

According to the lead detective in the case, Smith and the victim had argued for some time. On the day of the shooting, the victim told Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers that he intentionally smashed the defendant’s car window that morning to provoke a fight.

According to court documents, Smith tracked down the victim and shot at him several times but missed.

Officers showed the victim suspect photos, and he identified the shooter as Smith.

Smith was taken into custody after police found him with a gun during execution of a search warrant at his girlfriend’s apartment.

Judge Nolan denied bail and the next hearing in the case was scheduled for March 30.

Jury Delivers Guilty Verdict on Three of Seven Counts in Murder Trial

Jurors returned guilty verdicts on three of seven counts in the murder trial of 36-year-old Jean Paul Kearney on March 24.

Kearney allegedly murdered Dontra Harris, 33, on April 5, 2021 in the 1800 block of 24th St NE. According to court documents, Harris suffered a total of seven gunshot wounds and was discovered unconscious in front of the Parkway Plaza apartment complex.

The jury was unanimous on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device and obstruction of justice.

The other four counts, including two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of first-degree murder while armed, and one count of assault on a police officer while armed, are still outstanding.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan instructed the jury to return on March 27 to resume deliberations.

Judge Denies Two Motions in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a motion for release and a motion to dismiss in a homicide case in spite of the defendant’s claim he is a victim of police misconduct.

Marcus Barringer is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly killing Rashad Davis, 32, on May 6, 2022, on the 2300 block of Nicholson Street, SE. He made his passionate plea in a status hearing on March 24.

Barringer, 32, asked for his complete release and a dismissal of all charges. He presented evidence that a detective involved in the case perjured himself.

He also asserted that the same detective did not read him his Miranda rights.

Barringer says he doesn’t match witness descriptions either.

To further backup his requests, he said there are many things he cannot accomplish from jail including fighting other pending legal actions and taking care of his three children.

The prosecution reiterated the defendant’s criminal history as evidence against changing his release status, mentioning former convictions for armed robbery with a gun and an assault.

Barringer responded saying circumstances were against him.

Judge Okun denied both requests. He said he was unaware of most of the information presented in the hearing and advised Barringer to put these arguments in writing to submit to the court.

Defense attorney Charles Murdter is now co-chair with defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein. However, Barrianger continues to advocate for himself with his attorneys acting as advisors.

Barringer’s next hearing is scheduled for June 23.

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