Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A homicide defendant waived his preliminary hearing, sending him into trial preparation.

Anthony Williams, 45, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license after he allegedly shot and killed Brooklyn Michael Lynn. The incident occurred on Dec. 14, 2022, on the 2700 block of Good Hope Road, SE.

During the April 6 hearing, Williams waived his right to a preliminary hearing, allowing defense attorney Prescott Loveland to focus his energy on preparation for trial.

According to court documents, In an incident described as “road rage,” Williams allegedly shot Lynn, 33, when he approached the defendant after a car accident and allegedly punched him. Lynn was not in nor operating either car involved in the accident.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested Williams on charges of second-degree murder while armed, but prosecutors processing the case are seeking a lesser charge.

All parties are scheduled to return to court on April 21 for a felony status conference.

Defendant Fails to Appear in Court Due to Ongoing Drug Treatment

In an April 6 hearing, a defendant failed to appear in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow due to his commitment to an in-patient drug treatment program.

Curtis Smith is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection with an alleged shooting that occurred on Aug. 25, 2022, on the 1500 block of Good Hope Road, SE.

Smith, 55, did not appear in court today due to his ongoing in-patient drug treatment. His attorney, Terrence Austin, told Judge Pasichow that he doesn’t even know if Smith was made aware of the hearing or if he could have attended regardless.

According to court documents, Smith, armed with a firearm, allegedly shot at the victim while attempting to rob him. Curtis fled the scene on his bike after the incident.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the scene and found the victim sitting on the sidewalk with two sustained gunshot wounds. An ambulance was requested and the victim was transported to the hospital, treated, and released.

During his interview at the hospital, the victim told MPD detectives the man who shot him repeated “gimmie that money” several times while aiming a small handgun that he produced from his pocket at him. The victim had $200 cash on his person at the time.

Smith is expected to complete his drug treatment on or around May 17 but has an additional hearing he is scheduled to appear at on May 2.

Judge Pasichow ruled to vacate the May 2 hearing and reschedule Smith’s arraignment for after his treatment completion date.

All parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 1.

Defendant on Parole Arrested

Kalyl Young was ordered to court April 5 after allegedly violating his probation conditions.

According to court documents, the incident occurred on May 20, 2022, on the 500 block of Irving Street, NW. Young, 20, attempted to rob another man, and in a tussle, shot himself three times in the leg. He was charged with attempted robbery and sentenced by DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan to 18 months probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA).

As a result, Young was required to partake in cognitive therapy, seek evaluation for substance abuse, participate in a full-time educational program, and complete 90 hours of community service.

However, Young allegedly violated probation when he was arrested with six others after Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers raided a home, finding marijuana, several firearms, and a machine gun. The prosecution said Young was not found in possession of these items but was arrested on association.

Aside from this incident, Young has been in full compliance with the court.

Young’s probation was extended by 45 days. Within that time, Young will continue his cognitive therapy.

“You’re young enough to change your behavior pattern and the way you look at the world,” Judge Ryan told Young. “You’ve got to step up.”

Parties are scheduled to return to court on May 18.

Murder Defendant Waives Right to DNA Testing Evidence

On April 4, a murder defendant alerted the court that he was waiving his right to independently test DNA evidence produced by prosecutors.

Juan Peterson, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting of four individuals on May 15, 2021, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Lester Howard, 28, succumbed to his injuries from the attack. The other three victims were treated and released from hospitals.

Prosecutors told DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun they had tested the defendant’s car’s driver’s side console and door and had obtained DNA evidence. They also acquired more than 30 other evidence items, which were not tested for DNA.

When asked by the judge what he planned to do, the defendant stated he did not intend to independently test the evidence produced by prosecutors.

All parties are expected back in court for a trial readiness hearing on July 17.

Witnesses Testify to Non-Fatal Injuries Received in Alleged Gang Shooting

As a six co-defendant murder trial continued, witnesses testified on April 5 to other injuries tied to a fatal drive-by shooting.

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 drive-by shooting that killed 10-year-old Makiyah Wilsonon the 300 block of 53rd Street NE on July 16, 2018.

One expert witness, a surgeon at the University of Maryland Medical Center who told police on July 17, 2018, that a victim arrived with gunshot wounds and a facial fracture. According to court documents, the victim was injured in the shooting that killed Makiyah.

The victim underwent multiple surgeries over several months due to his injuries.

Another witness testified he did not see the shooting but was in the Clay Terrace neighborhood at the time and heard gunshots at the time Makiyah was murdered. Once the gunfire subsided, he went to check the scene and found someone injured.

The witness then drove the injured man to Prince George’s Hospital. The man had gunshot wounds to his left leg and left arm.

A woman who lives in Clay Terrace also testified that multiple shootings had occurred since her moving there 10-years- ago. A stray bullet from the shooting in Makiyah’s case hit her screen door and shattered the glass before lodging itself into her door.

The bullet is still in her door today.

The trial is slated to end in May or early June and is scheduled to resume April 6.

Prosecution Prepares To Retry Defendant for Murder of Best Friend

During an April 5 court proceeding, the prosecution asked for a continuance to finish reviewing four to five hundred documents related to a murder retrial.

Eugene Burns, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, the position of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, obstructing justice, witness or officer influence delay, and threat to kidnap or injure a person all charges were committed during release. The charges are in connection to an incident that stemmed from the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE. The incident allegedly started over a drug deal.

On Wednesday, the prosecution asked for continuance regarding documents they are currently reviewing,

“I do not have any objection to that, but I will if the trial date gets delayed” defense attorney Mary Kennedy said on behalf of Burns.

Tyre Allen, 23, is charged with two counts of obstructing justice, witness or officer influence or delay, and conspiracy for planning and plotting over a court of months to corruptly influence a witness to swear to an affidavit recanting grand jury and trial testimony that the witness had previously provided against Burns in the case when both knew that the testimony made was true according to court documents.

During a 2017 trial, Burns was only found guilty of three charges: first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license.

On Aug. 10, 2017 , DC Superior Court Judge Hiram Puig-Lugo denied the defense’s motion for a new trial. After that Burns was able to successfully appeal his case due to search warrants issues and expert testimony.

Judge Neal Kravitz wrote in his opinion the warrants were over broad and lacked probable cause and the expert witness’s testimony violated the confrontation clause.

Defense attorney Brandon Burrell on behalf of Allen addressed his frustration about the court denying three different motions he had filed back in September of 2022 without giving him the chance to orally argue his motion.

The motions included a motion to strike the indictment, a motion to sever Allen’s trial from Burn’s, and a motion to compel or dismiss the prosecution from moving forward with outstanding evidence regarding influencing a witness in this case.

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo stated that she would have asked for an oral argument if one was needed. She asked Burrell to file a motion to reconsider if he thinks the court’s ruling is not sufficient.

Parties are scheduled to return to court for a status hearing on April 21.

New Date Set Again for Retrial in Murder Case

On April 5 despite defense opposition, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo, for the second time, granted the prosecution their request for a new trial date.

Forty-three-year-old Chad Hawthorne is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in connection to allegedly shooting 35-year-old Antonio Bassett on the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE on May 22, 2017.

Hawthrone’s retrial was originally scheduled for February; however, based on the prosecution’s request it was pushed back to August. Defense attorney Jonathan Zucker requested to reschedule the trial due to a schedule conflict; so the trial was again pushed back again to October.

On Wednesday the prosecution requested a new trial date due the prosecution’s family issues, resulting in the retrial being pushed back; a third-time retrial is now scheduled for January 2024.

In March 2022, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ruled a mistrial after jurors were unable to make a decision during a week of deliberations.

“This is the second continuing in one year now,” Hawthorne said to Judge Demeo. He also stated that he has another trial where he is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for stabbing one of his inmates. The trial for the assault charge is slated to happen after the murder trial.

Judge Demeo granted the prosecution their request, stating that they have a good cause.

Zucker informed the court that he might have an opening in June and if he does then he can go to trial then.

Judge Demeo asked him to let the court know as soon as possible and scheduled a status hearing for April 21.

Surviving Victim of Drive-By Shooting Testifies in Court

Five years after the shooting, a surviving victim testified in front of the jury in a six-co-defendant homicide trial.

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.

On April 4, the witness said he suffered from a gunshot wound to the leg, and severe injuries to the lower half of his face, resulting in the loss of his bottom row of teeth. He said he had to undergo a tracheotomy in order to breathe, and couldn’t use his jaw correctly until after multiple reconstructive surgeries.

According to his testimony, the witness went to the neighborhood where Wilson was shot that night to hang out with friends and play cards. His back initially faced toward the parking lot, where the assailants pulled up.

The witness testified that he could see the people he was with widen their eyes in fear. He then turned to look, saw four men exit the vehicle, then woke up on the ground with a white sheet over him.

“I don’t want to keep living this, I don’t even wanna be here,” he said while being questioned by the prosecution.

At the time, the witness was personally unaware of any conflicts between Clay Terrace and Wellington Park, testifying that he had no reason to believe that he or anyone he was with would be attacked that day.

Another resident of the neighborhood, who was home the evening of the shooting, testified that she knew Wilson and that they were neighbors. Her bedroom window faced toward where the assailants parked their car.

After hearing shots fired, the witness said she looked out her window and saw four men run away from the vehicle, continually shooting. She described the assailants as wearing full hooded facemasks as well as gloves, and could not see their faces.

All parties are scheduled to reconvene and continue trial on April 5.

Judge Holds Homicide Defendant in Shooting and Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe held a homicide defendant and released a nonfatal shooting defendant during presentment hearings on April 4.

Julius Worthy, 39, was charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting and stabbing 36-year-old Orlando Galloway on April 2 on the 200 Block of 14th Street, SE.

The Metropolitan Police Department responded at approximately 7:31 p.m., and discovered a female victim suffering from stab wounds shouting “help.” Further in the residence they located a male victim suffering from gunshot and stab wounds.

The male victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The female victim was transported to a hospital from the scene.

According to court documents, Worthy and Galloway were roommates and Galloway and the other victim were a couple. They were allegedly fighting before the incident.

The female victim was able to identify Worthy as the suspect when questioned at the scene.

Judge Pipe held Worthy without bail. He is scheduled to return to court on May 10.

Another defendant, who was allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting, was released by Judge Pipe.

Mehki Dory, 18, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for an incident that occurred on March 29 on the 500 Block of Gresham Place, NW.

MPD officers responded to the sound of 17 gunshots They found Dory with a gunshot wound to his chest. While checking for other injuries, officers discovered a firearm concealed underneath the defendant’s clothing.

Officers also located Deandre Timmons, 18, with a gunshot wound to the foot. Timmons was concealing a firearm as well.

Shell casings consistent with both Dory and Timmons’ handguns were found at the scene.

Judge Pipe released Dory and scheduled him to return to court on April 25.

Sexual Abuse Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On April 4, a sexual abuse defendant rejected an offer that would have him serve time concurrently for two cases he’s charged in connection to.

The defendant, 20, is charged in connection to a sexual abuse and carjacking that took place on July 11, 2021, at the 500 block of Crittenden Street, NW.

The parties have been in plea negotiation since October, and have been requesting continuations to continue those negotiations in hopes of arriving at an agreement.

The defendant’s attorney told the DC Superior Judge Robert Okun that he felt as if he hadn’t had enough time to review the plea deal, which was finished and officially offered.

The prosecutor said the plea offer would not remain open, and they are ready to go to trial.

All parties are expected back in court on June 27.

Judge takes Instagram Evidence Under Advisement

A trial on April 3 was briefly paused in a six co-defendant homicide case to allow for evidence from Instagram to be discussed and litigated.

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.

An Instagram report containing posts, comments, images, and group messages was taken from an account allegedly owned by Michals. A group text between this account and others allegedly owned by the other defendants contained messages discussing the locations of shared firearms.

Erin Scalpi, Michals’s attorney, argued that these messages were hearsay because the defendants’ possession of firearms were said by others in the chat.

The prosecution argued that the actual names typed in the messages aren’t what was important, only the usernames of the accounts sending the messages, which demonstrated that the defendants were sharing and swapping firearms.

Phillip Andonian, Jeffers’s attorney, said that if the names aren’t important, then they could just be redacted because the messages, without the names, still depict a conversion about shared gun ownership.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun decided not to rule on the issue and took it under advisement.

The trial is slated to continue on April 4.

Judge Allows New Expert Witness After Testimony Deadline

During a motions hearing on April 4, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt allowed the prosecution to include a new expert witness, even though the deadline for the testimony had passed.

Alphonso Walker, 45, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed under aggravating circumstances, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of attempt to commit robbery while armed, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction, and two counts of first-degree murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit a robbery for allegedly shooting Dalonte Wilson, 23, and Antone Brown, 44, on April 25, 2018, on the 400 block of 61st, NE.

During the hearing, the defense stated that the prosecution recently added another firearms expert as a witness in the case even though the deadline to submit expert witnesses was four months ago.

Defense attorney Prescott Loveland argued that he was not prepared for the additional witness and will not have enough time to prepare due to the trial being on April 20.

The prosecutor said the only reason they added the new witness was the defense previously requested a continuance.

The prosecutor explained that the witness she planned to call said Walker’s firearm “may” have been used in the murder. However, she said that six other experts confirmed that Walker’s firearm was the one used in the shooting.

The prosecutor also said she planned to call both the first expert and the new one during trial.

Judge Brandt said that it would be unnecessary to have two firearms witnesses and urged her to pick one.

In regards to the defense’s argument regarding deadlines, Judge Brandt explained that the court is “reasonably fluid” with regards to deadlines, and can be fluctuated.

Loveland repeated his frustration, saying he worries he will not be prepared enough due to such short notice on the new expert.

But, the prosecutor said she filed the notice 21 days ago.

The parties are scheduled to return April 6 to continue the motions hearing.

Judge Finds Substantial Probability in Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found substantial probability of guilt in a homicide case during an April 3 preliminary hearing.

Jajuan Gripper, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of 34-year-old Rynell Bradford. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue, NE on Dec. 20, 2022. According to court documents, Bradford left his apartment to take out the trash when he got into a fatal altercation with three men in the building.

The lead homicide detective admitted that, due to a blind spot between surveillance cameras, there is no footage of an individual shooting the victim. However, a nearby camera captured him being shot and collapsing onto the sidewalk outside his apartment building.

The surveillance videos also captured three male suspects, one of whom was identified by a witness as Gripper.

The detective noted Gripper’s fingerprints were found on a soda can in the apartment building, his cellphone GPS placed him at the scene of the crime, and the alleged getaway car was registered under Gripper’s name.

Citing these finds, along with the surveillance footage, the prosecution pointed out the “exceptionally strong” evidence against Gripper.

Judge Raffinan agreed.

Defense attorney Kevin Irving asked for home confinement for his client, noting that Gripper has no prior convictions.

However, the prosecutor called his lack of prior convictions “misleading.” The prosecutor said Gripper has simply managed to avoid prosecution for his alleged prior crimes.

Judge Raffinan determined that the weight of the evidence, along with the nature and circumstances of the offense, weigh in favor of detention.

Gripper continues to be held at the DC jail.

A status hearing was scheduled for June 6.

Homicide Trial Remains Scheduled for Summer of 2024

During an April 3 status hearing, counsel discussed alternative trial dates with DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Khalid Claggett, 39, is currently set to stand trial in June of 2024 for allegedly murdering 30-year-old Isaac Aull Jr. The incident occurred on the 1600 block of Franklin Street, NE on June 11, 2021. According to court documents, Aull suffered two gunshot wounds to his neck, five to his torso and one to his leg.

Claggett is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm. These offenses were all committed while Claggett was on release.

The prosecution filed a motion on March 1 to admit a 911 call from one of the eyewitnesses who is scheduled to testify. Judge Raffinan granted the motion.

Defense attorney Howard Mceachern and the prosecution both expressed their eagerness to move the trial date up, preferably to July of 2023 but, because of conflicting schedules, the trial could not be rescheduled.

Raffinan assured counsel that she will reach out to them if a closer date opens up.

A status hearing is scheduled for June 13.

Judge Continues Hearing Allowing Defense to Discuss Potential Plea in Homicide Case

A homicide defendant appeared virtually in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun to schedule another hearing in light of a potential plea agreement.

Christian Arndt is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with the murder of Donald Arndt, his father.

During the April 3 hearing, Arndt’s attorney, Phillip Andonian, informed Judge Okun that he and the prosecution were currently in plea negotiations. He requested more time to confer with Ardnt face-to-face to assure his understanding of the deal before he makes a decision.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were dispatched to the 3300 block of Newark St, NW on Jan. 28, 2021, after receiving a call from Arndt’s mother regarding a domestic violence assault.

His mother told police that he might be experiencing psychosis and is not well due to his on-and-off drug use. Once in handcuffs, Arndt allegedly told MPD officers that he beat his sleeping father to death with a baseball bat. He was arrested on scene.

Judge Okun granted the continuance, however a date for another status hearing has not been selected.

All parties are scheduled to return to court on May 12 for a mental observation hearing.

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