Twenty-five-year-old Raymond Carter III died after a shooting on the 800 Block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW, on April 19 according to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives.
Document: Shooting Suspect Flees on Bike
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are searching for a gunman in a shooting that occurred on the 600 Block of H Street, NW on April 13, 2023.
Document: Would Be Killer Wanted in Shooting Incident
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives have an arrest warrant for 45-year-old Dontrell Harrison who allegedly tried to shoot an unidentified man to death on the 2100 block of I Street, NE on April 17.
Jurors React to Autopsy Images of 10-Year-Old Homicide Victim
In an April 19 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun admitted images of a 10-year-old victim’s autopsy into evidence.
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.
Images of Wilson’s injuries taken by the deputy chief medical examiner during the autopsy were used as evidence in her testimony.
After the jury was dismissed for the day, Jeffers’ attorneys, Philip Andionian and Joseph Caleb, told the court that Johnathan Zucker, Taylor’s attorney, observed emotional reactions from some jurors when they saw the images of Wilson’s injuries.
Andionian and Caleb told the court they are considering filing a motion to question the witnesses who displayed noticeable emotional reactions to ensure they are still capable of being impartial during deliberations.
Based on the autopsy she conducted, the examiner said that the cause of death was a gunshot wound and the manner was homicide.
The trial was scheduled to continue on April 20.
Judge Releases Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant With Spotless Record, Another Held
DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan Jr. released two non-fatal shooting defendants during initial hearings on April 19.
Quentin Hill, 34, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business in connection to a non-fatal shooting on the 2200 Block of Savannah Terrace, SE on April 18. He is also charged with being a fugitive from justice in Virginia.
Surveillance footage depicts Hill and other individuals in a white sedan allegedly shooting at an apartment building. Officers apprehended Hill after he tried to flee into a building and retrieved a firearm.
Defense attorney Kavya Naini asked for the defendant’s release.
She said Hill has a spotless record and full-time employment. She also said he shares a son with his girlfriend who he takes care of.
Judge Nolan released Hill with a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hill is scheduled to return to court on May 8.
Judge Nolan held Marcus Morris, 27, who is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in connection to an incident on the 100 block of Darrington Street, SW on April 18.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to gunshots in an alley when they allegedly discovered Morris, who tried to flee. A firearm was discovered in a lawn a couple blocks away. Officers were flagged down by an individual who said the defendant allegedly sought refuge in her home to avoid detection.
Morris’ attorney argued there was no probable cause. He said that there was not enough information to connect the defendant to this particular gun.
However, Judge Nolan found probable cause, noting the officers saw the defendant allegedly moving a gun from one hand to the other and witness testimony placed Morris by the lawn where the firearm was retrieved.
Morris was held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on April 21.
Judge Finds Probable Cause For Voluntary Manslaughter Despite Claims of Self-Defense
On April 19, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt said she couldn’t justify probable cause for a second-degree murder charge but did find evidence for voluntary manslaughter.
Twenty-four-year-old Dionte Anderson is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with allegedly shooting of Adrian Mack, 31, on Aug. 7, 2022, on the 300 block of 50th Street, NE.
On Wednesday, during a resumed preliminary hearing, parties made their final arguments before Judge Brandt.
The prosecution argued that there is enough evidence to find probable cause for second-degree murder and if not probable cause should be found for voluntary manslaughter.
Prosecutors also said there was no self-defense in this case because the victim was already hurt before Anderson shot him and one can see in the video that Anderson got closer to Mack before shooting him.
While the defense said Anderson saved lives, the prosecution questioned “Whose lives did he save?”
“Whose lives? Glad you asked,” defense counsel Prescott Loveland said. He referenced the people who were standing on the scene whose “brains would have splattered on the brick wall behind them.”
Loveland argued that Anderson acted in self-defense and stopped what could have been a mass shooting from happening.
Mack, according to Loveland, was a “crazed gunman” who was walking the block pointing a gun at Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) cameras and trying to shoot them.
Judge Brandt stated that Mack was the person who started the chaos and there is a lack of evidence to find probable cause for second degree-murder, but there is no doubt that there is probable cause for voluntary manslaughter since Anderson allegedly shot and killed Mack.
Loveland requested Anderson’s release awaiting trial, however Judge Brandt denied the request, referencing the safety of the community and lack of assurance he would show at his next court appearance.
A status hearing is scheduled for April 25 to set a trial date.
Counsel Disputes Trial Date with Judge in 2019 Non-Fatal Shooting Case
During a status hearing on April 19, a defense attorney sighed in distress when a judge sternly ordered him to alter his trial schedule.
Leroy Headspeath, 80, was indicted on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition on May 25, 2022.
What seemed to be an action-packed game of ping pong between DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld and defense attorney Theodore Shaw ended with a mutual agreement on a trial date slated for later this year.
The incident occurred on the 700 and 800 block of H St, NE on Oct. 3, 2019. Headspeath was seen shooting at the ground and fleeing into an alleyway leaving behind a trail of blood. When officers arrived they saw the defendant lying against the fence suffering from what seemed a self-inflicted gunshot wound located on the upper left leg.
Since the incident, Headspeath has been on release under the supervision of the pre-trial services agency.
On Wednesday, a plea agreement was offered for unlawful possession of a firearm.
The defendant, at first, said he didn’t understand the plea agreement but ultimately rejected it.
Initially, the defense was attempting to push this case to next year.
However, the prosecution believed that pushing a case that is “outdated” was assured for an earlier trial date. The prosecutor requested to continue with a trial date for this year.
“The trial is straightforward and should not take more than three days,” he said.
Judge Hertzfeld agreed and requested that both parties prepare to set a trial date in October.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 25 to select the date.
Judge Finds Substantial Probability in First-Degree Murder Case
On April 19, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found substantial probability that David Howard committed first-degree murder in connection with an ongoing dispute.
Howard, 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of Ali Zarrincalaki, 45, on March 2 on the 4200 block of Kansas Avenue, NW. Howard and Zarrincalaki were both experiencing homelessness and camping near one another close to the Petworth Metro Station.
According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found Zarrincalaki at the Petworth Library with multiple stab wounds. Howard was detained by several bystanders as they awaited medical assistance for the victim.
The lead detective for the investigation was brought forth by prosecutors to testify of his involvement in the on-going investigation.
Video footage of the incident shows Zarrincalaki sitting at a computer in the library when Howard arrives. Howard is then seen approaching Zarrincalaki and apparently stabbing him multiple times, with other bystanders running away or trying to stop him from injuring Zarrincalaki any further.
While the video played and the defendant was seen entering the area, the detective told the court “that’s the defendant walking in”. When the video portrays Howard allegedly stabbing Zarrincalaki, the detective told the court “there he is, stabbing the decedent.”
During cross examination, Howard’s defense attorney Madalyn Harvey, questioned the detective regarding Howard’s mental health history. According to the detective, Howard’s mental history was not something he looked into, but, during the initial interview, Howard was making bizarre statements and not acting rationally.
The detective testified that 3-4 weeks before the murder, Zarrincalaki reported to MPD officers that Howard had set his tent on fire.
Following the detective’s testimony, Harvey asked the court to understand that, at the time of the incident, Howard was not mentally stable and was unaware of what he was doing. She argued that due to his mental state, he would not have been able to plan the murder. Harvey requested that the judge not find probable cause for a first-degree murder.
Judge Demeo alerted the parties that, based on the evidence provided to the court, she found substantial probability that Howard had committed first-degree murder.
She explained that due to the nature and circumstances of the offense, there are no release conditions that would ensure safety of the community, and the defendant’s long criminal history shows he’s potentially dangerous.
Parties are expected back for a felony status conference on June 2.
First-Degree Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Offer
On April 19, a first-degree murder suspect rejected a plea deal offered by prosecutors.
Kevin Singletary, 45, is charged with premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for allegedly shooting 31-year-old Delonte Hazel on Sept. 10, 2021, on the 100 block of Kennedy Street, NW.
The prosecuting attorney alerted the court that he had extended a plea offer to Singletary in March, which would have his lessened his charge to second-degree murder. Under the reduced charge, Singletary would be expected to serve between 13 and 25 years for the offense.
DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo asked Singletary if he had made a decision regarding the offer, to which he replied that he would be rejecting the offer and asking for a new trial date.
A new trial date was set for May 2024 after the defense motioned for a continuance of the August 2023 trial date.
Parties are expected back for a status hearing on Aug. 11.
Defense Warns Judge of Threatening and Illegal Behavior of WebEx Viewers in Homicide Case
Defense attorney Dana Page interrupted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe during an April 19 hearing to discuss threats and disrespectful behavior by WebEx viewers apparently sympathizing with the victim.
Bobby Jordan, also known as Hilman Ray Jordan, 46, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license in connection to the murder of Jawaid Bhutto, 64, on March 1, 2019, on the 2600 block of Wade Road, SE.
Page stated that prior to a routine judge transfer, people connected to Bhutto were caught taking photos, attempting to record court hearings, and threatening judges and attorneys on social media.
Judge O’Keefe reminded viewers it was illegal to do those things.
The defense requested a so-called short order continuing a criminal responsibility evaluation. Judge O’Keefe granted that request.
Criminal responsibility evaluations are a review of the person’s mental status at the time they committed the alleged offense and if the person who committed the crime can be held accountable by law.
These evaluations differ from competency evaluations that determine a defendant’s competency to stand trial.
According to one witness, Jordan suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, citing auditory delusions as the symptom that most frequently impairs his ability to form rational and logical thoughts.
He was found mentally competent to stand trial in a prior hearing.
The next hearing discussing these results is scheduled for June 16.
DC Jail Is Denying Adequate Treatment, Diabetic Defendant Says
Defense Attorney Andrew Clarke said he visited his diabetic client at the DC Jail and saw he “wasn’t himself.”
Dont’e Casson, 27, is charged with one count of carrying a pistol without a license, one count of threat to kidnap or injure a person, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Casson allegedly fired his weapon and threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend on March 12 on the 1800 block of Good Hope Road, SE.
On April 18, Clarke informed DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan that his client is diabetic and is not receiving the treatment he needs in DC Jail. Judge Raffinan asked Casson whether he was allowed to test his blood-sugar levels while incarcerated.
Casson said that while he could test his blood sugar, medical staff said they are only allowed to administer two shots of insulin a day. Casson says his blood sugar has been low and he requires three.
Judge Raffinan reaffirmed that she is “a lawyer, not a doctor and cannot tell them how to administer treatment.” However, she assured Casson that she will raise his concerns to the jail and issue a medical alert.
In addition, Casson rejected the prosecution’s plea offer from March 30 and requested a trial date. Judge Raffinan scheduled the jury trial for July 24.
Parties are scheduled to return to court for a status hearing on May 23.
Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Accessory After the Fact Charges
A 32-year-old defendant pleaded not guilty to a four-count indictment on April 19 in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers confiscated a handgun associated with a shooting near the 200 block of Bates Street, NW. The shooter allegedly handed the gun to Natalie Stokes after wounding a man on April 12, 2021. The two were said to be involved romantically at the time of the incident.
During Wednesday’s felony arraignment, Stokes pleaded not guilty to one count of accessory after the fact, one count of carrying a pistol without a license, one count of possession of an unregistered firearm, and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition.
In taking Stokes’ plea, Judge Raffinan set a status hearing to allow parties to prepare for trial.
The prosecution requested the court schedule the trial for September. However, Judge Raffinan said she was unable to schedule anything past July and asked attorneys why they were unable to schedule a sooner date.
The prosecutor said two key witnesses plan to spend their summer in Europe and are absent until late August.
A trial date will be discussed during the next status hearing.
Stokes is set to return to court on May 15.
Document: Shooter at large in assault case
A victim was hospitalized after the incident on the 700 Block of Gresham Street, NW on April 18.
Defendant Arraigned on Felony Charges in Homicide Case
A defendant was arraigned on felony charges in an April 19 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.
Maurice Williams, 19, and Seaun McDowney, 19, are being charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed , and other charges in connection to a shooting that killed Marquette White Jr., 20, on Jan. 21, 2022, on the 3800 block of Commodore Joshua Barney Drive, NE. McDowney was arraigned on April 14, when he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to court documents, a witness said three black males were standing around a cream-colored vehicle when a single gunshot was heard. The witness observed one male fall to the ground.
The significant other of White stated that McDowney is White’s half-brother, and, on the day of the incident, the two were together.
Another witness said McDowney told them details of the shooting, including Williams’ participation.
The next hearing is scheduled for May 17. This will be the first hearing with both co-defendants.
Defense Discusses Possible Continuance Due to Jury Selection Litigation in Homicide Case
Defense Attorney Imeime Umana discussed a possible trial continuance in an April 19 hearing due to her role in a jury selection litigation.
Rashon Hall, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the murder of Joseph Simmons, 22, on Jan. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue SE.
Simmons was shot twice in the left side of his back, once in the middle of his back, and once in his finger. According to court documents, Hall allegedly shot Simmons and then jumped into a blue Honda Accord that sped away.
The prosecution conceded no interpretable DNA was found on any of the physical evidence tested from the Honda.
Umana said she does not want to test any other evidence items or retest.
Attorneys have been litigating alleged disproportionate Black representation on jury panels since 2021. Umana said she is unsure if matters will be settled before the trial date, Jan. 3, 2024.
A status hearing to discuss updates is scheduled for Oct. 15.