Stabbing Defendant Claims DC Jail Denies His Rights, Legal Information

A defendant charged in a jail stabbing claimed he does not have enough access to jail resources before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Sept. 5.

Ovid Gabriel, 20, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in an inmate stabbing inside the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on March 28.

Rashid Shabazz, 35, is charged with tampering with physical evidence for allegedly hiding the shank used during the incident.

Shabazz was not present during the hearing.

According to court records, Gabriel decided to represent himself on July 8. Stand-by counsel Raymond Jones was appointed on July 10.

Gabriel claimed that he did not have adequate access to the jail’s law library, computers and a phone. He said that he is not able to properly represent himself because of restrictions put on him by the jail.

Judge McLean noted that these restrictions likely stem from safety concerns, as Gabriel is charged with several violent incidents allegedly involving fellow inmates and correctional officers. She said she does not want to get involved with the Department of Corrections (DOC) because of these concerns.

“I cannot govern what happens at the jail,” Judge McLean said.

Gabriel also motioned to reconsider probable cause in the case due to the jail’s alleged negligence and violations of his civil rights. Judge McLean said that civil rights violations need to be addressed in the jail rather than her courtroom. She denied Gabriel’s motion.

Gabriel also filed a motion to compel the disclosure of evidence. He argued that the prosecution had not sent him evidence directly, but through Jones, despite Gabriel representing himself. He asked for the victim’s medical records and a video of the incident.

The prosecution reluctantly agreed to send him the evidence.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 3.

Shooting Defendant’s Hospitalization Delays Case

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe agreed to further delay a defendant’s case due to his hospitalization on Sept. 3.

Delonte Brown, 30, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm without a license for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 7 at the intersection of 11th and U Streets, NW. An individual sustained injuries during the incident.

At the hearing, Brown’s attorney, Susan Ellis, shared that the defendant was unable to appear in court because of a hospitalization for “some time.” All parties determined a time to reschedule the hearing for later this month.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 26.

Prosecution Witnesses Hone in on Location of Teen Murder Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard prosecution testimony from a neighbor that spotted a suspect vehicle said to be used in a murder and a GPS tracking specialist in trial on Sept. 9.

Reginald Steele, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, 10 counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, and five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.

The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in four shootings, including the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, at the 600 block of S Street, NW on March 1, 2020. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Steele was also allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on March 1, 2020 at the unit block of Channing Street, NE, and a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 22, 2020 at the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW. No individuals sustained injuries.

Additionally, Steele faces charges for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 24, 2020 at the 1700 block of Ninth Street, NW. Three individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

Witnesses shared information about a 2016 Gray Kia Soul seen in connection with with various shootings, according to court documents.

A 2024 trial concluded that Steele’s co-defendants, Tyiion Freeman, 26, Koran Jackson, 25, Stephen Nelson, 34 and Aaron Brown, 29, stole the Kia Soul from Getaround, a car sharing company, and used it during the same shootings that Steele allegedly committed.

The prosecution submitted two pieces of evidence from a witness’ Ring camera one depicting an empty curbside parking spot at 2 p.m. and a video at 2:30 p.m. with the 2016 Kia Soul in the spot. The witness was unable to say when the vehicle parked and how many people got out, if any.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Megan Allbrun asked the witness why the Ring doorbell was unable to capture video footage of the Kia entering the parking spot. The witness replied that the camera sometimes malfunctions and doesn’t work properly.

“We hope you get a better Ring camera,” Allburn said.

Later, the prosecution called a GPS data analyst for Getaround to the stand.

Getaround utilizes a built-in GPS monitoring device in all of their vehicles and worked with MPD to provide location coordinates for the silver Kia Soul during the time it was allegedly operated by Steele and his accomplices.

The prosecution repeatedly showed GPS coordinates of the silver Kia Soul on Bruce St. NE, near the home of a 2019 homicide victim, Tahlil Bryd.

Defense counsel objected to the submission of Getaround data showing the car’s location in the days leading up to the shooting on the grounds that information about the vehicle’s whereabouts prior to the shooting should not suggest conspiracy prior to the March 1 shootings.

Judge Brandt overruled the objection.

“Establishing the location of the car to the homicides is relevant,” Brandt said.

The witness then walked the jury through a series of GPS “pings” during three “focus times”; around 2:08 p.m, when Malachi Lukes was killed, between 2:15-2:20 PM, around the time of a reported non-fatal shooting on the unit block of Channing St. NE, and 2:22 p.m, when the car was abandoned.

Cross examination by Allburn focused on what GPS data cannot capture, such as car doors opening and closing, number of passengers in the car, and the identity of said passengers.

Parties are set to reconvene Sept. 10.

Teen Carjacking Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

An 18-year-old defendant pleaded guilty for his involvement in a carjacking during a hearing on Sept. 4 before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

Mark Edwards, 18, was originally charged with carjacking and robbery for his involvement in multiple incidents, including:

Attempted Carjacking and Robbery on May 22, at the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue NE
Carjacking on May 27, around 1st and H Streets NE, near Union Station
Carjacking on May 28, at the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue NE

He pleaded guilty to the unarmed carjacking that occurred on May 28, 2025 in the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue NE.

The defense, Russell Hairston, and Edwards took some time to discuss and consider a guilty plea during the hearing. Though nervous to be in court, Edwards did plead guilty to the felony charge, waiving his right to indictment, trial, and DNA testing in the hearing. Judge Pipe urged him to be sure of his decision repeatedly before continuing.

Due to the severity of the charge, he faces the minimum of seven years in prison and a $75,000 fine, or a maximum of 21 years. The punishment will be imposed at a sentencing hearing. Judge Pipe ordered a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) study due to Edwards’ age and a pre-sentencing report to aid in the decision. If sentenced under the YRA –applicable to offenders younger than 25-years-old–Edwards conviction will be sealed presuming he complies with the terms.

Hairston asked for home confinement since the defendant is so young. After some consideration, Judge Pipe denied the request given the serious charges against Edwards.

The sentencing hearing has been set for November 14, 2025.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Motion to Sever

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean denied a shooting defendant’s motion to sever his trial from his co-defendants on Sept. 5.

James Matheny, 31, and Rashid Woods, 30, are charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license for their alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 2100 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE, on Sept. 3, 2024.

Woods is also charged with carrying a shotgun or rifle and simple assault.

Jewan Mathis, 29, is also charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license and possession of a prohibited weapon after police said they found several firearms in his apartment during an emergency search warrant.

Matheny’s defense attorney, Albert Amissah, motioned to sever Matheny’s trial due to concerns that being tried with the other two defendants would unfairly prejudice Matheny. Judge McLean concluded severance wasn’t necessary to ensure a fair trial and denied the motion.

Chantal Jean-Baptiste, Mathis’ defense attorney, also raised concerns about a shotgun that was recently turned over as evidence. She asked for more information about why its existence was disclosed so late.

Parties decided to discuss the various motions the morning of the trial, which is set to begin Sept. 9.

The prosecution also mentioned a plea deal previously offered to the defendants. According to the prosecutor, the defendants countered the offer. Terms of the offer were not discussed during the hearing.

The status of the plea offer will also be discussed prior to the trial.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 9 to discuss these matters and begin trial.

Judge Questions ‘Close Call’ Sentence For Shooter

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park reluctantly sentenced a shooting defendant to ten years of imprisonment with five years of supervised release on Sept. 5.

On June 26, Darius McIntyre, 41, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 14 on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, 16 gunshots were detected and the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his body.

Prosecutors requested a ten year sentence for McIntyre, citing the severity of the crime, the victim’s serious abdominal and intestinal injuries, and McIntyre’s long criminal history.

McIntyre’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, also requested a ten year sentence, emphasizing that McIntyre wants to take “full responsibility” for his actions. Mosley noted that McIntyre declined letters of support from family and friends because he didn’t want to involve them in the proceedings — a decision Mosley interpreted as a sign of accountability and remorse.

Judge Park ultimately described the sentencing as a “close call,” insinuating the term was not sufficient to describe the crime. The gravity of the injuries and McIntyre’s extensive criminal background appeared to warrant a longer sentence to Judge Park.

Nevertheless, Judge Park sentenced him to ten years with five years of supervised release, in which he will have to register as a gun offender, utilize drug treatment and psychological services and be tracked with a GPS for 180 days.

No further dates were set.

Sentence Suspended For Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean gave a non-fatal stabbing defendant a fully suspended sentence on Sept. 5.

Daniel Brache, 44, pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury and misdemeanor simple assault on June 9 for his involvement in an incident that occurred April 13 on the 1900 block of C Street, SE, leaving two individuals injured. One individual sustained stab wounds.

The prosecution asked for a sentence of 15 months for the first charge and 180 days suspended for the misdemeanor. They also asked that Brache be sent for a mental health evaluation and other recommended programs.

The prosecution said that Brache and his romantic partner were in an argument because she would not let him back into her apartment to get some of his belongings. They said Brache struck her and a security guard intervened. Then, Brache produced a knife and stabbed the security guard, according to the prosecutor.

Defense attorney Joseph Molina argued that when the security guard intervened, Brache thought he was being assaulted. Molina also said that the security guard was cut on his fingers.

“Fingers bleed like crazy,” he said.

Molina said that Brache is not a violent man and that this was an unfortunate circumstance.

“It just turned into a complete and utter disaster,” Molina said.

Brache also spoke, expressing remorse for his actions. He explained that on the day of the incident, he wanted to retrieve his Venezuelan and New York IDs, immigration papers and bank information from his partner’s apartment.

Judge McLean sentenced Brache to 12 months for assault with significant bodily injury and 180 days for simple assault with all time suspended except for the time Brache already served for each count. Brache was also given three years of supervised release, which was suspended in favor of one year of probation. McLean also ordered that he attend mental health treatment and participate in housing assistance and vocational training.

No further dates were set.

Shooting Defendant Warned to Do Pre-Trial Drug Testing

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe admonished a defendant regarding missed drug testing on Sept. 8.

Jory Sydnor, 26, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in an shooting that occurred April 10 on the 1400 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE.

According to a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), Sydnor has missed two drug tests. Judge Pipe admonished him for the missed tests, also reminding the court that Sydnor has been reporting to his court dates and cites safety concerns regarding the missed tests.

These concerns come from the complex nature of the case, where the victim is also charged for his alleged assault of Sydnor’s mother during the April incident.

Judge Pipe did, however, inform Sydnor that he must report to all further testing, including a test after his hearing. She also advised the prosecution to look into Sydnor’s safety concerns regarding the victim.

Judge Pipe will also be appointing new defense as per the request of current attorney Gregg Baron. An ascertainment of council has been set, at which time there will be new counsel for Sydnor.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 8.

Federal Surge Impacts Courtroom Security

The President’s decision to surge federal police and National Guard troops in the nation’s capital is reducing the number of available U.S. Marshals who are tasked with providing courtroom security in DC Superior Court

While arrests by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are up 28 percent during the federal deployment to more than 2,500 from about 1,900 during the same period last year, the number of security personnel inside courtrooms at the DC Superior Courthouse protecting staff and the public has wavered.

Based on observations over the last week by D.C. Witness reporters, who monitor felony proceedings daily, a typical security complement includes two-to-three U.S. Marshals and one District Security Officer (DSO).

A public affairs spokesman for the marshals says courtroom security has not been compromised during the surge but acknowledges that some non-deputy personnel have been called in as necessary back up. The DC Superior Court spokesman said the security situation in the building is no different than it was pre-deployment. However, D.C. Witness has tracked a reduction.

Checking felony courtrooms on Sept. 8, Reginald Steele is on trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt for the gang-related fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020.

D.C. Witness only observed one U.S. Marshal and a single lower-level DSO standing guard in the courtroom.

Meanwhile, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan heard another gang-related homicide case. Only one marshal was providing security there along with one DSO.

In DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe’s courtroom, D.C. Witness covered three felony proceedings–one involved the shooting of the suspect’s ex-stepfather. The other two matters were carjackings with the defendants’ entering a plea agreement. There were two marshals present, but no DSOs.

Two serious shooting cases came before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel, but no U.S. Marshals, and only two DSOs, were protecting her courtroom.

A source familiar with DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s docket says the courtroom typically has one or two marshals on duty but last week they averaged just one.

On the other hand, a source working with DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer DiToro says the number of security personnel there has remained steady during the federal troop surge.

The courtrooms don’t look that different to Todd Baldwin who heads the Superior Court Trial Lawyers Association. “No, I haven’t really noticed that. But I haven’t been really looking either,” says Baldwin whose group handles most indigent clients facing criminal prosecution.

While the reduction noticed by D.C. Witness seems tied to the surge, another courthouse source who represents both felony and misdemeanor clients, has been plagued by a personnel shortage in recent years. According to the source, priority is given to felony cases over misdemeanor cases, resulting in the latter being delayed.

There have been no significant breaches of DC Superior Court security that have been reported since the surge. However, courtrooms can be very emotional environments and violent outbursts are not uncommon and frequently handled by security personnel.

Defendant With No Criminal History Sentenced to Four Years For Armed Carjacking

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced an armed carjacking defendant with no prior convictions to four years of imprisonment on Aug. 22.

On March 3, Lamontee Fowler, 21, pleaded guilty to armed carjacking and endangerment with a firearm for pistol-whipping a victim’s head and fleeing with their vehicle and threatening a second victim with a gun and stealing her vehicle.

The first incident occurred on the 4400 block of Texas Avenue, SE on April 27, 2024, and the second occurred on the 4200 block of D Street, SE on May 2, 2023.

The prosecution asked the court to sentence Fowler to the mandatory minimum of 15 years for the armed carjacking and 24 months for the endangerment with a firearm. The prosecutor said they take no position on the court imposing the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

The judge said the prosecution requesting 15 years contradicts its taking no position on the YRA because if the court sentences Fowler under the District Law, the sentence would likely be less than 15 years.

The prosecution altered its request, saying it opposes the court imposing the act, only to later clarify it holds no position.

“We’ve had three articulated positions during the short hearing already,” Judge Salerno said.

Because the prosecution ultimately made the latter request , Judge Salerno clarified the prosecution is not against a sentence below the mandatory minimum.

The prosecution asked that Fowler receive three years of supervised release following his incarceration and described his behavior as “violent and terrifying.”

“The dangerousness of both acts cannot be understated,” the prosecutor explained.

Despite urging the court to hold Fowler fully accountable, the prosecution acknowledged the defendant’s youth and said he is capable of becoming a “productive member of society.”

Defense attorney Hannah Akintoye said Fowler should receive benefits of the YRA and requested a sentence below the mandatory minimum because “he’s still developing now, and these are very, very critical years in his life.”

Akintoye added he had a relatively “stable life” before committing these offenses. He had a job before being incarcerated and recently realized “he got so far off track from where he was.”

She also said he has endured many stressors that contributed to his actions, including neurological deficiencies, and becoming a young parent.

Akintoye argued that Fowler can be a law-abiding and productive citizen, as he has been working towards a future as an electrician.

Fowler later apologized to all families involved.

“I’m gonna do the programs, get a job, take care of my son, and do whatever needs to be done to make sure I don’t end up here again,” Fowler said.

Judge Salerno said Fowler seemed to be more stable when given support and believes he does not need to be sentenced to 15 years but requires a “significant period of supervision afterwards” and time to reflect.

The judge sentenced Fowler to 120 months–all of which are suspended except for 48–under the YRA with three years of supervised release suspended and three years of probation for armed carjacking. He also imposed a concurrent sentence of 12 months under the YRA for endangerment with a firearm. The periods of supervised release and probation are concurrent as well.

He must register as a gun offender in DC when released.

No future dates were scheduled.

Stabbing Defendant Keeps Talking, Removed by Marshals

A stabbing defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing after a boisterous proceeding on Aug. 29 before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover.

Anthony Nowlin, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon for allegedly stabbing a juvenile victim on Aug. 26 at the L’enfant Plaza Metro Station on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW, leaving the victim with a cut on one of his fingers.

According to court documents, the victim said he and Nowlin boarded the same train, and Nowlin touched the victim and made advances toward him. The victim allegedly punched Nowlin several times. As the victim stepped off the train, Nowlin allegedly slashed one of his fingers with a knife.

During the hearing, Thomas Key, Nowlin’s attorney, alerted Judge Glover of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

The prosecution referred to Nowlin’s actions as “borderline hate crime behavior,” that triggered Nowlin’s talking in spite of his attorney’s efforts to quiet him down.

The court later had Nowlin removed by a U.S Marshal and a District Security Officer (DSO) since he was unable to keep quiet.

Key asked the court to release Nowlin on GPS monitoring, arguing the technology would restrict Nowlin’s movements and keep him away from the victim.

Judge Glover stated he could not formulate release conditions that would ensure the safety of the community. Nowlin remains detained.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 29.

Mass Shooting Defendant Wants to Withdraw Guilty Plea at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson appointed conflict counsel in a shooting case after the defendant wanted to withdraw his guilty plea at sentencing on Sept. 4.

On Jan. 22, Jaylaun Brown, 23, pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in a mass shooting that injured seven people on Jan. 21, 2023 on the 1400 block of 9th Street, NW.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of three years of imprisonment.

On Aug. 15, after multiple continuations of the sentencing requested by the defense, Judge Dayson imposed a three year sentence and denied the request for Brown to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

However, Judge Dayson also granted the defense’s request to delay the finalization of the sentence until Sept. 4 in order for Brown to go over all case material with his attorneys.

During the Sept. 4 hearing, Terrence Austin, Brown’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to file a motion to withdraw his guilty plea. Austin alerted Judge Dayson it is unclear if part of the reason Brown plans to withdraw it is due to ineffective representation by counsel.

Judge Dayson appointed Destiny-Fullwood Singh as a conflict counsel, who will determine if his withdrawal of the plea is due to Austin and Theodore Shaw, Brown’s other attorney, not being effective.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 11.

June Homicide Statistics Show 12 Homicides, 4 Arrests

According to D.C. Witness data, there were 12 homicide incidents in June, accounting for 20 victims.

As of Sept. 5, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has identified and arrested six suspects.

According to MPD documents, Maurice Gaskins, 47, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Deandre Lewis on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE, on June 27.

Kelvin Thomas Jr. and Jalen Lucas, both 17, were arrested and charged as adults under Title 16 with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old United States House of Representatives intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym on June 30. The incident occurred on the 1200 block of 7th Street, NW, and wounded two other victims. Police are searching for a third suspect.

MPD also identified 25-year-old Leslie Flores, who was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed, due to her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Jonathan Fuentes-Ferrufino on June 8 in a residence on the 4100 block of 7th Street, NW.

Deja Hines, 25, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Devante Offutt, 30, in the 2400 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on June 13.

The final identified suspect, Kyree Young, 17, was charged under Title 16 as an adult for first-degree murder while armed on June 24, due to his alleged involvement in a fatal pedestrian hit and run at the intersection of 12th and U Streets, NW, which killed 55-year-old Donnel Bracket Phillips.

MPD has not identified suspects for the remaining eight reported homicide incidents.

According to MPD, one incident involved 31-year-old Breon Quick, who was shot and killed on June 9 in a shooting that wounded three other victims on the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE.

A double homicide killed 30-year-old Quonzay Lynch and 41-year-old Cortney Burley near the 1800 block of D Street, NE, on June 22.

MPD is currently offering a reward for information on the unsolved cases.

June 2025 Homicides in Washington, D.C. (Symbol map)

Prosecutors Say Homicide Defendant Sought ‘Revenge, Retaliation, and Retribution’ in Opening Argument

A jury in DC Superior Court Justice Rainey Brandt’s courtroom heard opening statements and multiple witness testimonies on Sept. 3 in connection to a homicide case.

The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in four shootings. One of the shootings was the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, at the 600 block of S St. NW on March 1, 2020. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.

The other shootings Steele is alleged to have been involved in include a non-fatal shooting on March 1, 2020 at the unit block of Channing St, NE, and a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 22, 2020 at the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW. No individuals sustained injuries.

The prosecution began its opening statement with lyrics said to be rapped by the defendant in one of his songs. The prosecutor stated that the lyrics portray Steele’s desire for “revenge, retaliation, and retribution” for the murder of his friend Tahlil Byrd. Byrd was killed on the 600 block of S Street, NW on Sept. 29, 2019; the same block Lukes was also fatally shot.

According to the prosecution, Lukes was killed as a result of alleged beef between neighborhood crews.

The prosecution asserted that Steele showed deliberation in his alleged involvement in Lukes’ death. Additionally, the prosecution outlined that after Lukes was shot, Steele and his accomplices, who have all been convicted of the crimes already, drove to the unit block of Channing Street, NE and discharged seven shots. Shell casings were also left at this scene.

The prosecution also claimed that on Feb. 22, 2020 the defendant was involved in another shooting that resulted from a “senseless escalation of words.”

According to prosecutors, the shell casings being consistent across all three shootings reveal a “signature” of the defendant, meaning an action or behavior that a person completes after the crime for gratification.

The prosecution claimed cellphone data, GPS tracking, DNA, video surveillance, fingerprint matching, and ballistic evidence will help prove Steele’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Gemma Stevens, Steele’s attorney, countered that Steele is innocent. She claimed that the evidence provided to the jury would never explicitly show Steele discharging a firearm.

According to Stevens, cellphone data only applies to the location of a person’s device, not the individual themselves.

She argued that DNA evidence “has no expiration date” and can show up somewhere for many reasons other than a person’s direct presence. Stevens also noted that it’s not possible to determine if two shell casings came from the same firearm.

Stevens acknowledged the tragedy of Lukes’ death and asked the jurors to “evaluate everything against Mr. Steele fairly and justly.”

She implored the jury to remember that the defendant maintains innocence unless the jury unanimously decides he is guilty, and concluded by telling the jury the only appropriate verdict is “not guilty.”

Following opening statements the prosecution called Lukes’ mother.

She testified that Lukes was taken to Children’s National Hospital immediately following the shooting. When she arrived, she learned he had already passed away.

Prosecutors also called multiple Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers from the time of the incident.

One MPD officer’s testimony focused on the immediate response to the shooting. Body-worn camera footage was shown to the jury, depicting the officer encountering the presumably lifeless body of an individual, later identified as Lukes, sprawled on the ground. “They shot my man,” yelled one juvenile in the video.

The video depicted the officer immediately rendering aid to Lukes, while calling over the radio for other officers to apprehend the remaining three juveniles seen running away from the scene.

Another MPD officer testified to arriving on the scene to find other officers handcuffing the three juveniles a short distance away from where Lukes was found.

This officer’s body-worn camera footage was also shown, picturing the juveniles handcuffed and appearing to be in distress. The juveniles were “frantic, scared, and experiencing a trauma,” described the officer.

Cross examination from the defense focused on whether the juveniles described seeing anyone else in the area following the shooting. The officer answered that none of the three boys reported any other cars or people of note in the area.

The officer then testified that he left the scene, and followed the Emergency Medical Team (EMT) with Lukes to Children’s Hospital. Lukes’ clothes were retrieved and given to a crime scene technician.

An additional MPD officer described his encounter with the three apprehended juveniles.

The officer testified that he was familiar with the group from seeing them ride bikes and play in the area often, adding that he has never had a negative interaction with the group. “Just kids being kids,” the officer responded when the defense questioned him on his interactions with the juveniles.

The officer’s body-worn camera footage revealed that one of the other juveniles was also shot in the incident. He immediately began rendering aid to the juvenile.

The officer concluded his testimony by detailing his attempt to de-escalate the situation and calming all three juveniles. “The child started coming out of him,” stated the officer, describing the many questions the injured juvenile was asking while showing signs of fear.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 4.

Judge Nixes Mother’s Request for Judge to Have ‘A Little Bit of Faith’ in Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a carjacking defendant to 12 years in prison on Aug. 29.

On June 23, Erick Alvarenga, 19, and Malik Kearney, 20, pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking and two counts of possession of a firearm for their involvement in two incidents in 2024.

The first incident took place on the 6100 block of Eastern Avenue, NE, on Dec. 28, 2024, and the second took place on the 4200 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE, on Jan. 3.

During the hearing, Kearney’s sentencing was postponed to allow the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) additional time to evaluate his mental competency.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 10 for Kearney.

At the Aug. 29 hearing, the prosecution began their argument explaining that the victim from the Dec. 28 carjacking “did not want to have to relive the experience,” so would not be testifying, and that the victim from the Jan. 3 carjacking had no victim impact statement.

The prosecution asked Judge Hertzfeld for 84 months for each count of unarmed carjacking, and five years for each charge of possession of a firearm during a violent offense.

They also requested the sentences be served consecutively, highlighting the crimes stemmed from different incidents with different victims.

The prosecution sourced a video of the Jan. 3 offense, saying that prohibition isn’t appropriate and that the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) “is not earned now but later,” and even if Alvarenga did get a lighter sentence under the act, that it should include 180 hours of community service and 3 years of supervised prohibition. The YRA allows for a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Alvarenga’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Paige White, argued in response that Alvarenga should be sentenced under the YRA because the legislative intent of the act is to “give a second chance” to youth offenders.

White highlighted Alvarenga’s troubled past, pointing out that his criminal activity started after losses of loved ones in his life. Further, she also invited Alvarenga’s mother to the defense table, who asked the judge to have “a little bit of faith” in her son.

Alvarenga read a letter to Judge Hertzfeld about his time in jail, reflecting on his actions and his intent to do better and get help.

However, Judge Hertzfeld, who stated she has tried Alvarenga for previous similar crimes, stated “We’ve been around this block before.” She imposed a sentence of 60 months for each count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, as well as 84 months for each count of carjacking, followed by three years of supervised release. This would equate to 14 years in prison and three years of supervised release.

No further dates were set for Alvarenga.

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