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Jury Delivers Verdicts in Six Defendant Murder Trial 

On June 13, following a four-month long emotional trial, a 12-person jury delivered verdicts for six murder and conspiracy defendants. 

Gregory Taylor, 27, Quentin Michals, 25, Qujuan Thomas, 24, Darrise Jeffers, 23, Isaiah Murchison, 23, and Marquell Cobbs, 21, were 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 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson’s death and injuries to four individuals. The shooting happened on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE on July 16, 2018. 

Taylor, Thomas, Jeffers, and Murchison were found guilty of all charges for their involvement in the incident, and Michals was found guilty of all charges, except possession of firearms during a crime of violence. 

Cobbs, on the other hand, was found guilty of conspiracy, but acquitted of all other charges. 

“Twenty seconds, fifty gunshots, four gunmen, and one driver,” prosecutors said in their opening and closing statements, is all it took for the Clay Terrace neighborhood in northeast DC to be changed forever. 

According to prosecutors, the defendants belong to what’s known as the Wellington Park Crew, which they argue is a criminal street gang whose purpose is to commit crimes throughout the city. 

Through trial, prosecutors presented evidence that linked the individual defendants to the planning of various attacks, including the murder of Makiyah, which they argue stemmed from retaliation against rival gangs in the District. 

Most of the evidence presented was conversations and posts on social media created by the defendants, where they bragged about their wrongdoings, and planned and celebrated the downfall of rival individuals and gangs. 

In one Instagram video uploaded by Jeffers on the day of Makiyah’s murder, various defendants could be heard saying “we the real reason why the murder rate high.”

The mode of operation for every shooting was the same, according to prosecutors. The suspects would arm themselves, get in a car with a designated driver, show up in a rival neighborhood, get out, fire several gunshots into a courtyard or common area, and speed away from the crime scene. This pattern occurred many times between 2017 and 2018, prosecutors say.

In the hours leading up to the shooting, all six defendants and other individuals charged with the attack were seen gathering in the Wellington Park neighborhood. Their preparations included getting clothing, gloves, and masks that would protect their identities, acquiring an assault rifle, and double checking that no one was around their vehicles when they were ready to commit the crime. 

Attorneys for all defendants pleaded with the jury to find their clients not guilty during their closing arguments, stating that the prosecutors had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that their respective clients had anything to do with the charges brought against them.

Many of them mentioned holes in the prosecutors’ story, stating that they were attempting to get a conviction by trying to force the defendants to fit into a story where they didn’t belong, and forcing the jury to make leaps of logic to figure out their plot. 

“I hope you have the wisdom, strength, and integrity to give a fair verdict,” Jonathan Zucker, Taylor’s defense attorney, told the jury during his closing arguments.

However, for most defendants, their attorneys’ pleadings were not sufficient. The evidence presented to the jury convinced them of the defendants’ involvement in Makiyah’s death. 

It was an emotional day in the courtroom, as jurors delivered the verdicts in front of family, friends, and community members. 

Makiyah’s grandmother told reporters after the verdicts that she has empathy for the defendants’ families, because they too are losing their children. 

However, she said just putting the convicted killers in jail is not enough. She said the death penalty is justified.

“I don’t think they deserve to live,” she proclaimed. 

“I don’t think we should have to pay for them to be housed. [They] have no respect for life – they have no value for life, at all,” she stated. 

Meanwhile, outside the DC Superior Courthouse, various defendants’ family members and friends could be heard saying “free [the defendants].” 

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun will be sentencing Murchison and Cobbs on Oct. 6, and Michals, Thomas, Taylor, and Jeffers on Oct. 20.

Defendant’s Mental Illness is Detailed in Competency Hearing

On June 13, cross-examination continued in 57-year-old Joseph Evans’ mental observation hearing, with his competency and diagnosis remaining the focus of discussion. 

Evans, is charged with kidnapping while armed, first degree sexual abuse while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for an offense allegedly committed on Sept. 24, 2012 on the unit block of K Street, NE. According to court documents, a gun was discharged during the incident. Evans is being held at Saint Elizabeths Hospital. 

Evans’ mental observation hearings date back to 2020. 

As a continuance of a June 9 hearing, an expert witness with a background in clinical and forensic psychology was brought to the stand by prosecutors.  She has worked with Evans as his clinical psychologist since 2022. 

The therapist visited Evans at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital thirteen times, and said he has been variously diagnosed with a number of psychotic illnesses including intense mood swings, hallucinations and a tendency to harm himself and others.

Evans claimed he’s a “billionaire”, and that the government is trying to assassinate him.

Still, the witness alleged that she could not make a definitive diagnosis due to lack of information. She hypothesized that Evans’ behavioral issues may result from his inability to reason clearly or substance abuse.  

During Evans’ time at Saint Elizabeths, the hospital experienced an increase in substance abuse from contraband brought into the institution. Evans was allegedly caught multiple times with tobacco products, and was involved with groups that flaunted the rules.

He is still able to talk to people on the phone, despite many reports of his abusing the privilege, and has been under guardianship for a short amount of time. 

According to reports from Saint Elizabeths, Evans is not compliant in taking his medication.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt questioned the why there’s such a difference of opinion about Evans’ diagnosis.

The witness confirmed that there were disagreements between her and her colleagues. The witness also confirmed that Evans’ believes he is ‘fighting for his life’. 

The second expert witness brought forth by prosecutors was from the DC Department of Behavioral Health.  She confirmed she reviewed Evans’ prior records including claims he was a member of the Ku Klux Klan.

Due to scheduling conflicts, testimony from the second expert witness will continue at the next hearing. 

The mental observation hearing is to resume June 14.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: 2900 Block of Southern Avenue, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has arrested and charged 46-year-old David Pena with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting that occurred on June 12, on the 2900 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

The decedent has been identified as 24-year-old Maurice Robinson. Robinson succumbed to his injuries on June 13.

Judge Sentences 19-Year-Old in Armed Carjacking Case

In a June 13 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced Cornell Smith, 19, to four years in prison in keeping with a plea deal for an attempt to commit robbery while armed. 

According to court documents, on Sept. 18, 2020, Cornell Smith,19, attempted to carjack an off duty police officer’s vehicle on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. In the melee, shots were fired by both Smith and the officer, leaving Smith wounded. 

Prosecutors argued that Smith should serve the full plea deal sentence of 48 months for assault with intent to commit robbery and 18 months for carrying a pistol without a license concurrently. 

Based on his time with the DC ​​Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), prosecutors claimed Smith is a danger to the community and should be held for the full sentence. 

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley countered the prosecution’s arguments, stating that due to Smith’s learning disabilities and past childhood trauma, his time at DYRS was productive but difficult.

Mosley closed emphasizing the progress Smith has made since his time served pre-sentencing.  

After hearing both the prosecution and defense’s arguments, Judge Park sentenced Smith to a concurrent 48 months for both assault with intent to commit robbery and carrying a pistol without a license. 

The 19-year-old said before the court, “I’m sorry… I’m sorry to my mother… I’m sorry to the victim… I’m trying to change my life around.” 

Motion for Dismissal Continues as DNA Evidence is Re-Evaluated

On June 13, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan heard arguments from defense attorneys to dismiss a defendant’s charges.

Daquan Gray, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Jaylyn Wheeler that took place on May 11, 2018 on the 600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Wheeler succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

On May 12, Dana Page, defense attorney for Gray, filed a motion to dismiss all charges due to alleged mishandling of DNA evidence by the DC Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). According to court documents, DFS lost its accreditation in 2021 for inaccuracies in DNA evidence analysis.

Evidence was subsequently sent to the Bode Technology Group lab to do other DNA testing. According to Bode, the evidence they received was not properly sealed when it arrived. The DNA evidence allegedly implicated Gray.

The prosecution brought forth two witnesses, a former evidence technologist from Bode Technology group and a forensic DNA private consultant. 

The evidence technologist testified that the evidence tape received from DFS was not properly placed around the seal of the cooler and that the evidence was “not fully cold,” which left room for degradation of the samples to occur.

The forensic DNA private consultant was asked to compare and contrast the results of the reports from DFS and Bode Technology Group, and share her findings with the court. 

She testified that she generally agreed with both reports, and stated that Gray’s DNA was the major contributor to the three DNA samples found on the gun used. She also spoke of the degradation of the sample that likely took place due to the improper handling and packaging of it, stating that degradation was extremely likely to happen unless it was held in a -80℃ environment, which was not the case.

Due to scheduling conflicts, motions will resume June 27. 

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Store Shooting

On June 13, DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan found probable cause that a non-fatal shooting defendant committed the crime.

22-year-old Jeniyah Campbell is charged with carrying a pistol without a license for allegedly using a firearm in a non-fatal shooting which occurred on June 9 at the 7-Eleven on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, SW. No injuries were reported. 

According to the responding officer, Campbell and the victim were in an altercation over money when the defendant allegedly pulled out a firearm. 

According to court documents, a bullet was shot into the ceiling when the victim tried to wrestle the firearm out of Campbell’s grip after she allegedly pointed the gun at him. 

According to the officer, the victim was able to disarm Campbell and leave the store with the gun. 

The firearm has not been recovered. 

According to court documents, 7-Eleven’s security footage matched the statement of one of the eyewitnesses interviewed by officers. Defense Attorney Page Resnick asked Judge Nolan to rule that there wasn’t probable cause to believe Campbell was carrying a pistol without a license during the non-fatal shooting incident, because no firearm was ever recovered. 

Nolan ruled that prosecutors showed substantial evidence that there was probable cause that Campbell was in unlawful possession of a pistol. 

The prosecutor asked to keep Campbell detained because of her being potentially dangerous. 

Resnick asked for Campbell to be released because she had no prior criminal history. She also mentioned that Campbell is three months pregnant and she would have better access to healthcare outside of jail. 

Nolan did not order her immediate release because there is an active warrant out for her in Maryland, but said upon release she needs to report to Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) for GPS monitoring. She also must report to PSA every other week, and she is not allowed to be in possession of any firearms or return to the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SW.

The next hearing is set to take place on July 11.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty 

During a June 13 hearing, homicide defendant Dohn Harmon pleaded not guilty before D.C. Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.  

Harmon, 24, is charged with first-degree murder, a drive-by or random shooting while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Kelvin Goggins on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE, on July 1, 2020. 

According to court documents, Harmon has been on release since Nov. 23, 2020, and is in compliance with the conditions of high intensity supervision. His attorney, Steven Kiersh, alerted the court Harmon was pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserted his right to a speedy and fair trial. 

The prosecution filed a motion for a protective order to keep the defendant away from where the shooting occurred out of public safety concerns, and Judge O’Keefe signed several motions enabling the defense to access key evidence in the case.

The next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 11. 

Prosecution Rests in Multiple Shooting-Homicide Trial

On June 12, prosecuting attorneys in a 2013 murder trial rested their case.

Victor Coley, 62, was initially found guilty in 2015 for his involvement in a shooting that injured four on Nov. 6, 2013 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. He was convicted in that case on 13 charges, including assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm.

In 2021, Dennis Foster, one of Coley’s victims, succumbed to his wounds. As a result, Coley was charged with 17 counts, including first-degree murder, in 2022 and is standing trial again as an extension of the original case.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan is overseeing the complex proceeding involving many witnesses and a large amount of transcripted material.

Defense attorneys Carrie Weletz and Jesse Winograd introduced a former medical examiner who claimed that Foster died from drug intoxication caused by prescription medications, directly contradicting the testimony of a female medical examiner who testified for the prosecution.

In an effort to impeach the witness, prosecutors noted that he had been accused of sexually harassing former female colleagues at the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Furthermore, the prosecution questioned the witness about allegations he frequently overruled female medical examiners on the basis that they’re women.

The witness categorically denied all accusations, saying he was just a “tough boss” who “hired most of those women.”

The prosecution then called a former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sergeant who arrived on the scene just minutes after the shooting in 2013. She described “show-up procedures” performed at the scene. 

They involve victims or witnesses of a crime identifying the suspect. 

Three show-up procedures were performed at the scene of the crime that day, identifying Coley as the alleged culprit. Two victims and an eyewitness identified Coley as he walked past them on the scene.

The trial will continue with defense arguments on June 13. 

Defense Claims Mental Drug Hangover Prompted Incriminating Statements

On June 13, Steven G. Colin the defense lawyer for Richard J. Johnson, argued that Seroquel, a powerful antipsychotic, impacted his client’s awareness and understanding about the impact of pleading guilty. 

Johnson, 33, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Dec. 24, 2022 on the 900 block of M Street, NW. 

On March 3, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence after prosecutors extended a plea deal. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, quetiapine which is known under the brand name Seroquel, can have adverse effects including feeling sleepy, dizzy, or groggy. 

Based on witness and victim statements, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified Johnson as the shooter. 

In light of the defense’s claim, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow granted Johnson a month to decide whether to withdraw the guilty plea or continue sentencing. 

The next hearing is scheduled for July 14.

Expert Says GPS Shows Murder Defendant Near Victim’s Residence On Night she Disappeared

On June 12, prosecutors examined a homicide defendant’s GPS movements on the day of the incident using an expert witness specializing in electronic monitoring.

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’s becoming the primary suspect in her alleged murder.

Prosecutors brought forth an expert witness who testified about Moye’s wearing a tracking device that had been in place prior to Harris’ disappearance. The expert said the device pinged Harris’ apartment on the night of Oct. 9, 2010, as well as leaving the area surrounding the apartment on the morning of Oct. 10, 2010. 

The device was then recorded at a wooded area near the 2300 block of Good Hope Road, SE. The signal allegedly indicated that the device remained there for several hours into the afternoon of Oct. 10, 2010. 

Defense attorney Jason Tulley cross-examined the witness, asking him to step down from the witness stand to recreate the GPS movements using sticky notes on a poster board. 

However, the witness said he would not be willing to testify to the accuracy of a map saying, “I’m not an expert in placing stickies.”

In follow up testimony, a crime scene search coordinator examined photos and videos of the path in the woods where Moye was allegedly tracked which was not widely used by the public.

Prosecutors also played a call placed by Moye to a close friend after his arrest, where the defendant could be heard saying, “Apparently, there are people telling on me,” in an alleged reference to potential witnesses.


The trial is slated to resume before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 13.

Eyewitnesses Testify That They Did Not See Homicide Defendant Fighting at Crime Scene

On June 13, defense attorneys continued their arguments in a first degree homicide case, bringing forward both eyewitnesses to the incident and associates of the defendant. 

Victor Coley, 60, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Nov. 6, 2013 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Ave, NE, that left four individuals suffering from gunshot injuries.  

65-year-old Dennis Foster, one of the shooting victims, passed away on Dec. 3, 2021. 

On June 7, a medical examiner testified that the cause of Foster’s death was complications from his gunshot wounds, and ruled the manner of death as a homicide. 

The defense called a close friend of Coley’s to the stand, who attributed the bond between them to that of “brothers.” The two have now known each other for over 15 years. 

When asked by the defense if he would ever lie on the stand, however, he confirmed that he would “not lie for Coley.”

The witness testified about seeing Coley on Nov 6. 2013, shortly before the shooting on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. He had made plans to meet up with Coley later that day. 

Shortly after, a woman came up to the witness and said, “They got your brother on the ground,” referring to the police arresting Coley.  

The witness noted that he did not see Coley in an altercation with or speaking to anyone on that day. 

The defense also included prior testimony from Coley’s 2015 original trial, where a witness stated that he saw a 5’5” – 5’6” man running away from the scene with a dreadlocks hairstyle, a description that did not match Coley at the time of the incident. 

Several members of the community who lived and worked near the site of the incident also testified that, while the neighborhood had some issues, it was overall not a “bad” neighborhood. 

The defense attempted to introduce evidence regarding the defendant’s poor health at the time of the incident, implying he would have been unable to flee the scene as described by the prosecution. 

However, the prosecution objected, and only some information about Coley’s health, such as the witness mentioning that she noticed a breathing problem, were able to be entered into the record. 

The witness stated that the defendant would sometimes come to her home exhausted and out of breath. He would then ask for water or something to drink. 

Prosecutors objected, stating that the defense would need to call an expert witness to discuss evidence regarding Coley’s health.

The prosecution began their rebuttal case by calling forth a retired medical examiner as a witness. 

She testified that the medical examiner who had first examined Foster’s body was correct in determining the manner of death as homicide and the cause as complications from multiple gunshot wounds.

Trial is set to resume before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 14.

Murder Defendant’s Former Cellmate Makes Deal to TestifY for Prosecutors

On June 13, prosecutors introduced a witness who discussed his jailhouse conversations with a defendant on trial for murder.

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.

The witness, who was a Moye’s former cellmate, discussed conversations in which the defendant allegedly admitted his involvement in the murder and disappearance of an unnamed person believed to be Harris.

The witness claimed that Moye said he “did it the right way” and mentioned that the victim was “missing.”

Prosecutors disclosed to the court that the witness has a pending deal for his cooperation and only has four months left to serve in his current sentence.

Defense attorney Jason Tulley cross-examined the witness stating , “You are a snitch.” 

The witness countered saying, “No, I cooperate.”

During cross-examination, the witness’s criminal history was presented in an effort to impeach his credibility. The witness responded that in many cases he had been wrongly convicted, and he became frustrated with Tulley. 

“You got me on trial, don’t you?” said the witness. 

The prosecutor followed up asking, “Would you risk your life for four months of early release?” referring to his deal to testify. The witness responded, “No.”

Later prosecutors brought forth an MPD detective who was recently assigned to the case.  The detective described how he eliminated suspects who could not have been placed at Harris’s apartment the night of her disappearance.

The trial is slated to resume before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 14.

Judge Says There Are ‘Circumstances to Consider’ In Homicide Defendant’s Release

During a June 9 hearing, a homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges. 

Morris Jones, 38, is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Tiffany Wiggins, 38, on April 17, 2022 at the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. 

The prosecution wants DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun to reconsider Jones’ release while awaiting trial.

Judge Okun responded by suggesting that if the evidence from the prosecution was stronger at the preliminary hearing, he would have detained Jones. 

Prescott Loveland, Jones’ defense attorney, argued that the prosecution only made a “one-sided presentation of evidence.” 

Judge Okun referred to Jones’ eighteen-count indictment charges as “circumstances to consider” and the basis to schedule a detention hearing. 

Parties are expected back July 11.