Defense Rests Their Case in 2010 Homicide Trial

On June 20, defense attorney’s concluded their case by introducing witnesses who raised questions about the investigation and the examination of DNA evidence in a 2010 homicide.

Isaac Moye, 45, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the disappearance and death of Unique Harris, 24. Harris, who was last seen near the 2400 block of Hartford Street, SE, was declared missing on Oct. 10, 2010. Moye was charged in connection to the case on Dec. 21, 2020.

While her body was never recovered, an investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) led to Moye becoming the primary suspect in her alleged murder. She has since been issued a death certificate.

Defense attorney Jason Tulley called forth a search and rescue dog handler who testified that her canine did not give a signal to indicate any odor of human decomposition in the area where MPD believes Harris’s body is located.

Then, Tuley questioned a forensic DNA analyst who testified that all tests requested by the defense excluded Moye from the DNA profiles found at the victim’s house.

Prosecutors rebutted this by stating that the DNA analyst only tested the areas of the victim’s home where the defendant’s DNA would not likely be found.

These areas could have been tested, but were not by request of the defense counsel.

Closing arguments are slated to take place in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 21.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Complex Shooting Case

On June 20, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found probable cause that a single defendant pulled the trigger in a shooting case where there were other suspects.

Tyshay Moore, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on May 10, on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW.

During the proceeding, the prosecution called an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the lead detective in the case.

According to court documents, three individuals including Moore were identified as suspects. Allegedly they were all close and Moore was dating one of them.

Moore’s girlfriend, a second suspect in the shooting, claimed that Moore had gone to the scene to find her baby’s father, the victim, and harm him after arguing about their child. However, a third suspect said he was there to find a person who had robbed him. He identified Moore as the alleged shooter from surveillance footage.

The other two suspects fled from the scene while Moore allegedly committed the shooting.

Defense attorney Hannah Claudio, questioned the validity of the identification process and claimed the detective told an inconsistent story regarding what the suspects said about their involvement in the case.

However, prosecutors entered video evidence of the suspects allegedly jumping the victim hours before the shooting as proof of intent to harm.

Judge Demeo found that the prosecution presented enough evidence to find probable cause that Moore was the perpetrator based on the detective’s review of the case.

Moreover, when the detective called Moore after the incident, he said she already knew why he was calling, suggesting a guilty conscience.

Parties are expected back Aug. 11.

Document: Correction Homicide: 2700 block of Langston Place, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 18 on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers located a juvenile male and an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to local hospitals, where they succumbed to their injuries.

The decedents have been identified as 17-year-old Kevin Mason and 15-year-old Demarcos Pinckney.

Document: Homicide: 600 block of I Street, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 19 on the 600 block of I Street, NW.

According to MPD documents, MPD and Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) officers were in the area, and located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. They found no signs consistent with life.

The decedent has not yet been identified.

Document: Arrest Made in Armed Carjacking (Gun) and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) Offenses: 2500 Block of Sherman Avenue, Northwest

On June 18, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 20-year-old Tayshawn Brice-Hayes with armed carjacking (gun) and assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting and carjacking that occurred on June 18 on the 2500 block of Sherman Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, the victim and Brice-Hayes exchanged gunfire, and both sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Both individuals were located in area hospitals seeking treatment.

Document: Homicide: 2700 block of Langston Place, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 18 on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers located a juvenile male and an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to local hospitals, where they succumbed to their injuries.

The decedents have been identified as 18-year-old Kevin Mason and 15-year-old Demarcos Pinkney.

Document: Homicide: 2600 Block of Sheridan Road, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance with the investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 17, on the 2600 block of Sheridan Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers arrived at the location and located a juvenile male with no signs consistent with life, suffering from gunshot wounds.

The decedent was identified as 14-year-old Stephon Shreeves.

Defendant Waives Right to DNA Testing in a Murder Case

On June 16, the defendant in a 2021 murder case waived his right to have evidence independently tested for DNA.

Mussye Rezene, 30, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the 2021 death of Brayan Villataro.

Villataro, 17, was shot and killed on the 1300 block of Nicholson Street, NW.

Prosecuting attorneys claimed DNA results of shell casings found at the scene of the crime were inconclusive. They also stated they had many other pieces of physical evidence, none of which they were planning to test for DNA.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun questioned Rezene to ensure he was making an informed and voluntary decision.

Parties are expected to return on Nov. 7.

Closing Arguments Delivered in Mental Observation Hearing

On June 16, closing arguments from both parties were delivered in a lengthy mental observation hearing for 57-year-old defendant Joseph Evans.

Evans is charged with kidnapping while armed, first degree sexual abuse while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Sept. 23, 2012 on the unit block of K Street, NE. According to court documents, a gun was fired during the incident.

The defense finished their cross-examination of a psychologist from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), which performed evaluations measuring Evans’ mental competency.

In this hearing, the witness revealed that Evans has been more cooperative and rationally understands the charges he’s facing.

Prosecutors questioned the witness once more, asking her how she determines one’s rational understanding without access to certain evidence. She said she uses hypothetical scenarios, existing evidence available to her, court documents, among other methods.

Evans had insisted that DNA results were fabricated during an evaluation performed by the witness, saying that “They can just swab your mouth with a Q-tip and say you’ve done it.” The witness said that Evans wants to get additional testing to ensure accuracy.

Although he interrupted during the hearing, the witness said that does not change her opinion that he is competent.

“It’s not a reflection of a mental illness,” the witness said, regarding his outbursts in court.

In the defense’s closing, they argued Evans should be found incompetent, because he’s inconsistent in decision making, has difficulties dealing with other’s reactions and has unstable goals. He has poor judgment, poor insight, and delusions, which are all signs of schizo-affective disorder, a mental illness consisting of schizophrenia and mood disorder symptoms, the defense asserted.

The prosecution, on the other hand, argued that Evans is able to make decisions for himself. They also pointed out that delusions did not arise in evaluations with the witness and that his views are not a reflection of psychosis.

“Lack of insight does not necessarily equate to incompetency,” said prosecutors.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt said she needed more time to make a ruling, and the court will bring in their own expert before the judge can make a decision on this matter.

Judge Brandt says it is time for “someone who is only answerable to the court in this equation.”

Parties are expected back in court on June 23.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in 2021 Homicide Case

On June 16, a defendant in a homicide case was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Charles Haythe, 32, is charged with second-degree murder, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and possession of a prohibited weapon for allegedly stabbing and killing 26-year-old Aaron Langford on Oct. 25, 2021, on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE.

Haythe pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The defense is awaiting DNA testing results from the prosecution that are anticipated to arrive in September.

Parties are expected to return on Oct. 13 for a status hearing.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in 2022 Homicide Case

On June 16, a defendant in a homicide case was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Ranje Reynolds, 25, is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting and killing 27-year-old Tarek Boothe on Jan. 31, 2022, on the 3200 block of M Street, NW.

Reynolds’ defense attorney, Cheryl Stein, alerted the court Reynolds was pleading not guilty to both counts and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

The prosecution said they intend to send out items for DNA testing.

Parties are expected to return on Nov. 3 for a status hearing.

Defendant Waives Right to Test DNA Evidence in Homicide Case

On June 16, a defendant in a homicide case waived his right to independently test DNA evidence.

Trevon Devore, 22, was indicted on one count of first-degree murder while armed and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Devore allegedly shot and killed 27-year-old Daqual Covington on May 17, 2021, on the unit block of O Street, SW.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe informed Devore of his right to independently test DNA evidence or test items the prosecution does not.

Both parties said they do not intend to test any of the evidence taken from the scene, including ballistics reports and clothing.

Parties are expected to return on May 10, 2024, for a trial readiness hearing.

Judge Rejects Motion to Dismiss Murder Charges

On June 16, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun rejected a defense attorney’s motion to dismiss his client’s case.

Juvan Alston, 21, is charged with first-degree murder alongside his 19-year-old brother Davon Alston for their alleged involvement in the 2022 death of Dennis Simms. Simms, 17, was shot and killed on the 800 block of Yuma Street, SE on July 1, 2022.

In the hours leading up to the hearing, prosecutors received notice of a video depicting Fairfax County Police Department officials questioning Juvan following his arrest in October 2022, in which potentially incriminating statements were made.

The prosecution claimed the preliminary hearing could not proceed until all parties were given the opportunity to review the new evidence. Juvan’s defense attorney, Stephen Logerfo, filed a motion to dismiss the case against his client when this new evidence came to light.

Logerfo claimed that rescheduling the preliminary hearing would place it too close to his client’s indictment deadline. However, Judge Okun declined the motion.

Both Juvan and Davon are awaiting indictment. Prosecuting attorneys extended a pre-indictment plea deal to the defendants, which will be considered in the following weeks.

Parties are set to return for the rescheduled preliminary hearing on July 21.

Defendant Receives Sentence for ‘Terrifying’ Non-Fatal Shooting

On June 15, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced James Young on one count of attempted robbery and one count of carrying a pistol without a license.

Young, 54, was originally charged with one count of carrying a pistol outside a home or business, one count of robbery while armed, one count second-degree burglary while armed, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 30, 2022 on the 1200 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW.

Despite defense attorney Joseph Fay’s efforts to focus on rehabilitation, Judge Ryan felt some punishment was necessary.

Prosecuting attorneys stressed the terror induced by the crime, and recommended a maximum sentence for both deterrence and punishment purposes.

As evidence prosecutors read a victim impact statement in which a witness from a nearby jewelry store described the incident as “terrifying” saying, “I hope this man receives just punishment and necessary mental care.”

Young was sentenced to 24 months confinement with 10 months suspended and time served credited. He will serve an additional four-and-half months in the DC Jail before returning home to Kentucky for probation and mental health treatments.

Young will also be required to register as a gun offender. A stay away order for the 1200 block of Wisconsin Ave, NW will be implemented.

After the sentencing, Judge Michael Ryan told Young, “You have a responsibility to stay mentally healthy.”

Documents: Homicide: 200 Block of K Street, Southwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a fatal shooting that occurred on June 15 on the 200 block of K Street, SW.

According to MPD documents, officers located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds.

The decedent was identified as 18-year-old Khalliqo Ford.

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