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Document: Vehicle Sought in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 700 Block of H Street, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect-vehicle connected to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 30 on the 700 block of H Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, an officer arrived at the scene after hearing sounds of gunshots, and located an adult male shooting victim. He was transported to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. MPD’s investigation showed that a shoot-out ensued between the victim and the suspect-vehicle.

Jahi Waters, 35, was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun), and MPD is still searching for the individual in the vehicle.

Defense Challenges Photo ID in Homicide Case

Defense lawyers filed a motion to suppress the photo identification of a murder suspect during  a June 30 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Ernest Cleveland, 30, is charged with seven counts including first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill and possession of a gun during a crime of violence related to the shooting death of Edward Pearson, 39, and the wounding of another individual on Nov. 26, 2020 on the 2900 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.  

According to court documents, a previous “beef” escalated into Pearson’s fatal shooting.  The second victim was allegedly shot in the face after he called 911 for help. 

During the hearing a detective for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) explained how he put together a nine-picture display of possible suspects matching the general description of the shooter.  According to the detective, the victim positively identified Cleveland as the person who shot him.

During cross-examination, Cleveland’s attorney, Wiliam Alley, challenged the identification of Cleveland made from a black and white photo since it was presented ten days after the shooting while the victim was still in intensive care and that his perception might have been affected by medications.  

“He was shot in front.  [The victim] saw who shot him,” said the detective. 

Earlier in the hearing, the defense objected to DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian’s trying the case as currently scheduled.  

“I can’t resolve this issue,” said Judge Okun who referred the matter to the presiding judge. 

Meanwhile, the prosecution said it was “very frustrating” that the defense should raise this issue at the last minute, since Cleveland’s trial is scheduled for July 10.  However, Judge Okun ultimately determined that Judge Christian would handle the case.  

The defense didn’t say specifically why they wanted Judge Christian withdrawn.  Nor did Alley comment when asked by D.C. Witness why he had concerns about Judge Christian. 

The trial is scheduled to begin on July 10.  

Homicide Defendant Waives DNA Evidence Testing

On June 30, Darrow Johnson waived his right to independently test DNA evidence linked to a homicide. 

Johnson, 34, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, violation of a gun-free zone, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, violation of a gun-free zone, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon violation in a gun-free zone for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Michael Whitehead. The incident occurred on Feb. 27, 2022, on the 100 block of N Street, NW in front of Dunbar High School. 

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe reminded the defendant of his rights, and informed him that he could not change his mind.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys alerted Judge O’Keefe that they would not do DNA testing of any evidence in the case.

Parties are expected to return Oct. 19. 

Document: Homicide: 2200 Savannah Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 29 on the 2200 block of Savannah Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting and located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds and no signs consistent with life.

The victim was identified as 36-year-old Alonzo Marshall.

Document: Traffic Fatality: 3600 Block of Benning Road, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a traffic fatality that happened on June 24 on the 3600 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to MPD documents, an adult male pedestrian was struck by a vehicle near an exit ramp to Interstate 295 as he was traveling outside of any marked crosswalk. An unknown vehicle struck him, and fled the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries on June 27.

The victim has been identified as 60-year-old Samuel Walker.

Document: Homicide: 700 Block of 19th Street, Northeast

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

According to MPD documents, officers responded for the report of a shooting and located an adult female victim suffering from gunshot wounds and with no signs consistent with life.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Document: Homicide: 1900 Block of 16th Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 28 on the 1900 block of 16th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded after hearing gunshots and located an adult male victim. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The decedent was identified as 19-year-old Nijae Boddie.

Document: Suspect Sought in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 3100 Block of 16th Street, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect connected to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 3100 block of 16th Street, NW, on June 27.

According to MPD documents, officers located two adult males and one adult female victims suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. The men were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Document: Suspect Sought in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offense: 1200 Block of Valley Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating suspects connected to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 26 on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers arrived at the scene and located an adult victim suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he received care.

Murder Defendant Waives Right to Test DNA Evidence

In a June 28 hearing, murder defendant Marvin Lopez waived his right to have DNA evidence in his case independently tested.

Lopez, 43, is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the death of Evelyn Arroyo. Arroyo, 27, was shot and killed on Dec. 24, 2014 on the 3900 block of 14th Street, NW. 

According to court documents, shortly after the incident, Lopez fled the country, leaving his passport and belongings behind. He was indicted by a grand jury in 2016 in order to begin the years-long extradition process.

Lopez was finally extradited from El Salvador and brought back to the United States in March, where he is being held in the DC jail.

Prosecutors presented physical evidence collected by investigators from three separate locations, including the crime scene, a hospital and the defendant’s home. They also tested blood swabs from the crime scene for DNA evidence. The blood was confirmed to be Arroyo’s, and therefore did not implicate Lopez. 

Only physical items were collected as evidence from the hospital and the Lopez’s home, such as the victim’s clothes and the defendant’s passport.

Lopez, upon questioning from DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, waived his right to have all  evidence independently tested for DNA. This is a permanent decision, regardless of the outcome of his case.

Parties are expected to return on July 19.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in a Shooting

On June 28, Denzel Kittrell, 26, took a deal offered by prosecutors and pled guilty for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting.

According to court documents, on Feb. 26, Kittrell allegedly fired shots in the air after verbally threatening a woman. He subsequently fired at her brother’s car when he came to pick her up from the 3300 block of 13th Street, SE. That shooting left a bullet hole in the side of the car.  

Kittrell pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

In exchange, the prosecution dropped a 2022 charge as well as other pending legal actions and agreed that Kittrell’s sentences should be served concurrently. 

DC Superior Courts Judge Lynn Leibovitz oversaw the proceedings and asked the defendant if he understood the terms of the deal. 

Kittrell faces up to 10 years in jail, the maximum sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon.

The defendant’s family was present, and defense attorney Quo Mieko Judkins described them as very “supportive” throughout the process. 

Sentencing is scheduled for August 25.

Document: Homicide: 2600 Block of Stanton Road, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 27 on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the scene and located a juvenile male with visible gunshot wounds. He succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

The decedent has been identified as 15-year-old Jaylin Osborne.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: 4200 Block of 4th Street, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch arrested and charged 45-year-old Correy Benjamin Ray with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Marjai Wimbush on Dec. 4, 2022, on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, on the day of the incident, Wimbush was located inside a residence with no signs consistent with life and visible gunshot wounds.

Document: Traffic Fatality: Intersection of Holbrook Terrace and Montello Avenue, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Major Crash Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred on June 22 at the intersection of Holbrook Terrace and Montello Avenue, NE.

According to MPD documents, a motorcycle and a vehicle collided at the intersection and the individual driving the motorcycle, who was not wearing a helmet, sustained life-threatening injuries, and was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on June 24.

The decedent has been identified as 29-year-old Dejuan George.