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Two Defendants Waive Rights to DNA Testing, A Third Requests More Time

During April 4 court proceedings two defendants waived their right to DNA testing while a third asked for more time. 

Stefon Freshley, 27, Jamal Matthews,34, and Darnell Savoy, 23, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed regarding a non-fatal-shooting that occurred on Dec 28, 2018, on the 200 block of 54th Street, NE. 

On Tuesday counsel for both Matthews and Savoy waived their rights for DNA testing; however counsel for Freshley said the defendant still needed more time to decide whether or not he wanted to test. 

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe expressed his concern about having to delay the trial again if the decision regarding DNA testing was not made soon.

“This is not something I am rushing to waive,” said defense attorney Matthew Davies on behalf of Freshley 

“You are not rushing, it’s a 2019 case” Judge O’keefe replied. However, he granted Davis more time and scheduled a status hearing on April 12. 

According to court documents, Metropolitan Department Police (MPD) officers were called to the incident after multiple gunshots were heard. Officers located a dark colored SUV riddled with some  two dozen bullet holes with a minor child inside with gunshot wounds to his head and left side. His father was outside the vehicle also suffering multiple gunshot wounds.

According to the prosecution, the shooting was a result of a homicide that happened three days prior. The prosecutior said the shooting was a result of mistaken identity. The shooters targeted the father and minor child because their vehicle  looked like a vehicle used in a homicide three days earlier. 

All parties are scheduled to return to court on June 2 for a motion hearing. 

Homicide Co-Defendants Appear in Court for First Time

During a felony status conference on April 4, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt met with co-defendants in a murder case after one had been arrested last week.

Demonte Gibson, 25, and Trequan Nelson, 23, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Delonte King, 34, on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. 

During the hearing, Judge Brandt said the hearing was scheduled because Nelson was arrested last week, and she felt that the parties should convene. 

Defense attorney Jesse Winograd requested a preliminary hearing for Nelson, since Gibson already had his.

Nelson is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on May 1.

The parties are scheduled to return May 26 for a felony status conference.

Judge Congratulates Sexual Assault Defendant on Compliance

A sexual-assault defendant was congratulated by DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo after a Court Services & Offender Supervision (CSOSA) agent reported that he has been compliant with all his probation terms. 

Mohammad Amini, 30, was initially charged with first-degree child sex abuse. He pleaded down to fourth-degree sex abuse as part of an agreement with prosecutors.

According to the agent, Amini has been compliant with his release conditions, including attending sex offender treatment.

On December 2019, according to court documents, the defendant met the victim on Omegle, a website that allows users to anonymously chat with other people without registering for an account, they took their conversation to Snapchat, where they agreed to meet at the victim’s house to engage in sexual activity. Allegedly, the sexual abuse happened that same day.

The defendant was identified based on his Snapchat profile, and the victim identified the defendant in a photo array.

Judge Demeo ordered that the defendant stay on probation and reminded him to stay fully compliant with his probation conditions. 

There is no future court date.

Judge Holds Homicide Defendant for Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe held a homicide defendant charged with first-degree murder while armed with a knife during a presentment hearing on April 3.

George Syndor, 43, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 31-year-old Christy Bautista on March 31 on the 1600 Block of New York Avenue, NE.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded at approximately 6:50 p.m., according to court documents, and located a female victim inside a hotel room unconscious and unresponsive with approximately 30 stab wounds. She was declared deceased at the scene.

Defense attorney Jesse Winograd argued that there was lack of probable cause in the case, mentioning inconsistencies in surveillance footage and 911 caller testimony.

The prosecution argued that upon entry, responding police found the victim on the floor and Syndor in the hotel room trying to light a cigarette. A jacket found in the room matched the jacket seen on the defendant in footage from the parking lot and contained part of a knife with blood on it. 

Additionally, the prosecution argued that the footage showed no one entering or exiting the room other than the defendant until MPD arrived. They also said Syndor was found with cuts and the decedent’s hair on his hands.

Judge Pipe found probable cause that the evidence indicated that the defendant was responsible for the murder.

Winograd also asked Judge Pipe to release the defendant. 

He said the defendant was going to be released under the  high intensity supervision program (HISP) for another unrelated crime and would have a place to live and a family support system in the community.

Judge Pipe denied the request and held Syndor without bail, mentioning an arrest warrant from Prince George’s County, MD and other concerns on the defendant’s bail sheet.

Syndor is scheduled to return to court on May 8.

Defense Rejects Plea Offer in Murder Case

During a March 31 Status hearing the defense rejected a plea offer with a counter offer. 

Thirty-one-year-old Karon Brown is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Cynthia Barringer, 32, on Oct. 31, 2021, on the 2300 block of Green Street, SE.

D.C. Fire and Emergency Services  personnel responded to the scene due to a fire in an apartment. Once the fire was extinguished, first responders found Barringer with no signs of life. An autopsy confirmed that Barringer died from a gunshot wound under her left eye, court documents stated.

The prosecution offered Brown 15 to 21 years in prison and five years of supervised release for pleading guilty to second-degree murder while armed without additional enhancements.   

Defense attorney Marnitta King rejected the plea offer and turned in a counter offer which the prosecution has not rejected or accepted.

 DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein scheduled a status hearing for Nov. 3, giving both parties enough time for any future discussions.

Judge Reschedules Hearing After Defendant is Sent Back to Jail

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz rescheduled a hearing in a non-fatal shooting case due to the defense attorney being ill and the defendant being sent back to jail. 

Twenty-three-year-old Tavon Lucas is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or danger for a non-fatal shooting that took place on Jan. 14 on the 1100 block of North Capitol Street, NW. 

During the April 3 hearing defense attorney Charles Wall appeared over Webex due to illness and defense attorney Camille Wagner stood in person for Wall.

However, Judge Leibovitz had to reschedule the hearing after a U.S. Marshal  told her that Lucas was sent back to DC Jail for fighting while waiting to go to his hearing. 

According to court documents Lucas’ mother stated, during an interview with a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, that two boys were robbing and shooting at her son. She said the two boys ran after committing the act and she told her son to please not go. 

Lucas said he was at an apartment complex when two guys he met through social media were going to sell him a PlayStation. He said after he gave them half of the money for the PlayStation he discovered it was not working.

When Lucas went to get his money back, he said the pair allegedly started to choke him. He heard gunshots and that’s when his mother told him to run away, documents stated.  

According to a witness, Lucas left a building with a book bag and then showed two men a video game cartridge. The group started fighting and the fight led to the lobby and then continued outside the building.

The defendant’s mother attempted to breakup the fight when Lucas allegedly pulled a gun out of his book bag and shot at the pair.

A felony status conference is scheduled for April 13.  

Defendant Waives Preliminary Rights in Sexual Abuse Case

On March 31 a child sexual abuse defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing after coming to an agreement with the prosecution. 

The defendant, 31, is charged with two counts of first-degree child sexual abuse where the victims were under the age of 12. The defendant is accused of engaging in multiple instances of sexual abuse with two victims from 2014 to 2016 and 2013 to 2015, respectively. At the time of the offense, the defendant had been found guilty of committing sexual offenses against at least two other victims. 

The defendant allegedly abused the two victims, who he identified as his step-siblings on multiple occasions, while they lived in the same house.

Defense attorney Brandon Burrell stated the defense reached an agreement with the prosecution but needed some time to discuss the plea agreement with the defendant. 

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein gave the defense the time needed to discuss with the defendant and scheduled a status hearing for April 12.

Murder Case Continues to Test DNA

Defense counsel alerted a judge that DNA tests for a murder case were still in process.

Diantre Smith, 47, is charged with one count of first-degree murder while armed, eight counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business, seven counts of assault on a police officer while armed, and four counts of leaving after colliding property damage/injury to an animal. 

These charges stem from the murder of 28-year-old Nyesha Galloway on Dec. 20, 2019. Galloway was killed in a shooting in a wooded area on the 400 block of 42nd Street, NE. 

During the status hearing on March 31, the prosecution stated that they were planning to take the case to trial, which was scheduled for May 6, 2024.

However, despite the outcome of the upcoming trial, the prosecution also plans to follow through with the assault on a police officer charges in a separate trial after the first verdict. 

The next status hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8. 

Murder Case Set to Continue After Failed Negotiation Talks

During a preliminary hearing on April 3, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a continuance in the case after negotiations stalled.

Dionte Anderson, 24, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Adrian Mack, 31, on Aug. 7, 2022, on the 300 block of 50th Street, NE.

According to court documents, Mack was involved in an altercation with unknown individuals when he rejoined Anderson and the rest of the group. This is where Anderson, according to a police report, shot Mack as he was chasing the unknown individuals who were attacking him.

During the hearing, counsel stated they could not agree on a plea deal, and were ready to move forward with the preliminary hearing.

The parties are scheduled to return April 10 for a preliminary hearing. 

Lack of Information Causes Issues with Plea Agreement

Not enough information was provided in a potential plea agreement during a status hearing on March 31.

Nelson Davis, 19, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence offense committed during release for allegedly shooting Jason Ford on the 1700 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE on June 25, 2022.

Both parties agreed to a plea deal that would put Davis in prison for eight to 12 years. However, D.C. Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt did not find there to be enough information in the initial paperwork.

“You’ve given me absolutely nothing,” said Judge Brandt to both the prosecution and defense. She stated that she received no information on what actually happened on the day the crime was committed, just that it occurred.

“It is my responsibility to make sure there is a factual basis for a plea agreement,” said Judge Brandt.

The prosecution and defense discussed in private and agreed to amend the paperwork.

At the end of the hearing, members of Ford’s family spoke out against the plea agreement, saying the time that Davis would spend in prison doesn’t match the severity of the crime.

Judge Brandt offered her condolences and emphasized the fact that she had not yet accepted the plea agreement.

“Once I have more information, I will have more to say”, she said.

The next hearing is set for April 11.

Defendant Accepts Guilty Plea on Non-Fatal Shooting 

A shooter accepted a guilty plea offer on March 31, nearly a year after the incident occurred.

Romeo Brown, 20, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without license, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. Brown was initially indicted on eight counts, including on assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol outside a home or business, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, destruction of property less than $1,000.

In court, defense attorney Tammy S. Jacques read out the terms of the guilty plea agreement which included assault with a dangerous weapon for 10 years in prison, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for 5 years in prison, and unlawful discharge of a firearm for one year in prison. He must also register as a gun offender for two years, and no minimum sentences are applied to this plea agreement.

According to court documents, the incident occurred on March 7, 2022, on the 2600 block of Douglass Road, SE, when the defendant knocked on the victim’s apartment unit and pointed and fired his Gold Smith and Wesson gun toward the victim. Another victim’s apartment was shot through breaking glass windows. 

Brown was apprehended by responding officers. No injuries were reported. A firearm was recovered.

Brown in court admitted his guilt to all three charges and made it clear that he accepted the guilty plea agreement. 

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park presided over the hearing and accepted the plea agreement. 

Brown is being held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, where he will remain there until his date for sentencing.

Brown’s sentencing is scheduled for June 9. 

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in 2014 Homicide

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect March 30 who is connected to a fatal shooting from 2014.

According to the press release, 43-year-old Marvin Wilfredo Lopez-Cabrera was charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 27-year-old Yamalith Arroyo on the 4000 block of 14th Street NW on Dec. 14, 2014.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Non-Fatal Shooting Case, Second Suspect Still Not Apprehended

On March 31, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples found probable cause to charge Tiaquana Chandler with first-degree burglary and aggravated assault knowingly while armed.

Chandler, 41, allegedly forced her way into an apartment on March 28 on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE and assaulted the victim with her hands. The victim was allegedly shot by another suspect who was identified through witness testimony as her son.

The other suspect has not been arrested.

According to court documents, Chandler allegedly got into an argument with the victim earlier that night, which resulted in her being pushed out of the apartment. Chandler allegedly came back with her son who brought a gun.

Upon arrival, officers found the victim who had been shot in his right thigh with multiple lacerations and bumps on his head and face.

The victim’s head looked like a “sack of potatoes,” a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified.

The victim needed staples in his head as well as multiple surgeries to repair the fracture in his femur and remains in the hospital as of March 31, the detective said.

Judge Staples found probable cause for both charges and gave defense an opportunity to rebut the presumption of dangerousness accompanying the probable cause finding.

Defense attorney Thomas Healy stated that with the exception of one incident in 2014, the defendant has been a peaceful member of the community for 10 years. He also said the defendant, if released, would have no contact with witnesses and would comply with GPS monitoring or other regulations as assigned.

The prosecution responded that substances played a role in the incident and that by choosing to return to the apartment with someone who allegedly had a gun, she could be dangerous to other witnesses in the case and the community in general.

Judge Staples held Chandler without bail, stating the defendant tested positive for PCP on March 30, has a history of bench warrants, and played a big role in the incident. 

Chandler is scheduled to return to court on April 13.

Delays in DNA Testing Stall Sex Abuse Trial

Delays in DNA testing caused delays in parties preparing for a May trial.

A 30-year-old defendant is charged with first-degree sexual abuse after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman inside her house on the 6000 block of Kansas Avenue, NE on May 27, 2021.

The prosecution said DNA testing had been delayed due to work stoppage issues, and that it will likely not be ready for the May 8 trial date.

The defense strongly opposed changing the trial date since the defendant had been held for a substantial amount of time already. He has been at the DC Jail since December 2022. 

The prosecution replied by ensuring that they are doing their best to move the process forward.

The defendant  agreed to give a DNA sample in order to hopefully make the process quicker.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, the prosecution, and the defense all agreed to take the sample March 31 to get it analyzed as soon as possible. 

Following this, the defense made additional requests, including  case dismissal  due to the lack of evidence and reviewing release conditions.

Judge Brandt responded by saying the defense could make a motion, but the likelihood of the motions for case dismissal and altered release conditions to be accepted is very low. 

She said she is still hopeful for the May 8 trial date.

The next hearing is set for April 19.