Metropolitan Police Department detectives are asking fro the public’s assistance in locating a suspect in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 16, not he 2100 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.
According to a press release, at about 4:56 pm, officers located an adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Metropolitan Police Department detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a vehicle in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 25, on the 4400 block of Quarles Street, NE.
According to a press release, at about 8:44 pm, officers located an adult male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
The suspects’ vehicle is described as a black 2016 Kia Optima.
Metropolitan Police Department detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect and vehicle in connection to a non-fatal shooting offense that occurred on Feb. 27, on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
According to a press release, at about 4:22 pm, officers located an adult male shooting victim.
The suspect and the suspect’s vehicle, described as a red 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander.
Trial resumed in a six co-defendant murder and conspiracy case.
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.
The prosecution called several witnesses to discuss incidents that occurred in 2017 and 2018 in connection to the conspiracy charges.
A Prince George’s County Police Department (PGCPD) sergeant testified about an incident in August of 2017 where Gregory Taylor’s car was searched and guns were confiscated in Maryland.
The sergeant testified that Taylor was not at the scene when he showed up, but that he did arrive later asking the officers that were searching his car “what’re you doing to my car?” The sergeant stated that Taylor fled the scene after he realized they were searching it, and was not apprehended for the incident until a later date.
The prosecution also called a former Special Police Officer who worked with the DC Housing Authority in May, 2017. The witness was patrolling at Potomac Gardens when shots were fired on May 1, 2017. The witness testified that they responded to the gunshots and found Carl Hardy crouched behind a car.
Carl Hardy was allegedly part of a rival gang and endured a retaliation attack in May of 2017, which is being considered as part of the conspiracy charges. Saquan Williams and Quincy Garvin, who are also charged in Makiyah’s murder, were found guilty of Hardy’s murder on July 18, 2022. He passed away in September 2017.
Cross examination for the Special Police Officer is scheduled to resume at the next trial date.
Trial is set to resume on March 1.
During a Feb. 28 status hearing the defense attorney in a homicide case requested a new attorney to cover the case indefinitely.
The incident occurred July 18, 2021, on the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW around 1 a.m. Idrissa Fall, 36, was arrested on second-degree murder while armed charges for allegedly shooting his ex-girlfriend, Dara Northern, 29, in the head. The two had been broken up for five days but were still living together at the time of the incident.
On Nov. 9, 2022 Fall was indicted on first-degree murder premeditated while armed in a bias-related hate crime, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction.
At Tuesday’s status hearing, defense attorney Ronald B. Resetarits informed DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt that he would be resigning from the case. Resetarits said he will begin a new position with The Public Defender Service’s parole division.
Judge Brandt said she was saddened to see Resetarits leave but assured him that his time and reputation in her courtroom was much appreciated.
After Brandt made sure that Fall understood what this transition meant for his case, she asked him if he was okay with being assigned a new attorney. Fall nodded in agreement.
The prosecution on the case found no issue with the appointment of a new defense attorney and said “this is not a lengthy or complex case, it’s straight forward.” In reference to the case’s ‘simplicity,’ the prosecution requested that Brandt consider moving up the trial date.
The trial date was originally set to begin on May 6, 2024.
After a short deliberation and referral to the court’s case schedule, Judge Brandt agreed with the prosecution’s request.
Resetarits informed the court that he would pass this determination along to whichever attorney is next in line.
All legal parties will negotiate a new trial date once a new attorney is assigned.
The next status hearing is set for March 31.
During a Feb. 27 trial for an assault case, 12 members of the jury, including two alternates, heard opening arguments from both parties.
The assault, which was allegedly perpetrated by 50-year-old Stefen Farmer, occurred on the 4400 block of Gault Place, NE. According to court documents, Farmer fired three non-fatal shots at the victim during an argument over money on Feb. 25, 2021.
Farmer is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Farmer, seated next to his defense attorney Nikki Lotze, was wearing a muted yellow button down shirt and sat with his arms crossed as he watched the prosecution make their opening statement.
The prosecutor explained that the jury would be shown an abundance of evidence, including video footage, witness testimonies, and an identification, which would prove Farmer’s guilt.
The prosecutor stated that the defendant and victim were childhood friends and had known each other for years.
He said the victim was shot once in the leg and hand before another individual shoved Farmer out of the way, preventing him from firing further.
The prosecutor also said the victim was walking away when he was shot over a dispute with Farmer about money. According to the prosecutor, the victim refused to give Farmer two dollars, which led to a heated argument between the two men.
The prosecutor concluded by saying Farmer sent the victim a Facebook message to apologize for shooting him after the incident.
“Stefen Farmer is innocent,” Lotze said, placing a hand on his shoulder as she walked by him to address the jury.
Lotze argued self-defense in Farmer’s case, claiming that the victim was armed with a gun when he and Farmer got into the argument. When the victim allegedly reached for his gun, Farmer shot at him.
She stated that “because [Farmer] acted in self defense, he is not guilty of any crime.”
DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein thanked the jury for their time before dismissing them to discuss motions with counsel.
The defense also filed a motion regarding their cross-examination of the victim, focusing specifically on the victim’s prior criminal involvement, including charges for possession of liquid PCP, that was ongoing at the time of this incident.
Judge Epstein determined that the defense would not be allowed to question the victim about the location of his prior arrest or the conditions of his previous release.
The trial was scheduled to resume at 10 a.m. on Feb. 28.
On Feb. 27, the jury trial for six defendants charged in a fatal drive-by shooting was put on hold, so counsel could discuss issues with proposed exhibits from the prosecution.
Gregory Taylor, 26, Quentin Michals, 25, Qujuan Thomas, 24, Darrise Jeffers, 23, Isaiah Murchison, 22, and Marquell Cobbs, 21, are 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 took place on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE on July 16, 2018.
The prosecution attempted to admit data from the defendants Instagram accounts as evidence of the conspiracy charge. This data includes direct messages, comments, captions, and pictures posted and reposted by the defendants.
According to the prosecution’s argument, the defendants used slang in direct messages that they believe were code for various firearm types. Additionally, the prosecution argued that the defendants used an alleged gang vanity name in numerous Instagram posts around the time of the incident.
The defense attorneys, though arguing on behalf of their respective clients, echoed the same idea, saying the slang used could be interpreted in several different ways – not only for nefarious activity.
“Hanging out” with your neighborhood friends does not equate to criminal gang activity, defense attorney Sellano Simmons said. The remaining defense attorneys joined the argument, saying the evidence could be interpreted either way.
Judge Okun said he did not believe the prosecution had been able to prove, with the exhibits, that the defendants had conspired in the crime. However, Judge Okun said there is some non-hearsay evidence that may be admissible. He said he would be postponing his ruling to take time to look at the evidence in more depth.
Depending on this decision, the prosecution’s lineup of witnesses for the week could be derailed. The prosecution said the number of witnesses testifying would not be known until hours before the trial resumes.
Judge Okun, with guidance from the US Marshals, also rejected a request for Thomas and Taylor to have the privilege of having physical contact with their children when they come into court. ”Rules are rules,” the Marshal told the judge, explaining that no one from the audience is allowed to have contact with apprehended individuals.
Trial is scheduled to resume on Feb. 28.
A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a motion hearing in a homicide case.
Eric Maurice Smith Jr. is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the murder of 38-year-old Rondell Wilis on the 200 block of 50th Street, NE on May 3, 2018.
During the Feb. 28 hearing, Judge Maribeth Raffinan set a motions hearing for June 30.
All motions, such as DNA and evidence-related issues must be submitted by May 12 and responses must be filed by June 2.
The expert notice deadline is due by May 5.
According to court documents, Wills was an unintended target. Apparently, a car drove by the Benning Road Metro Station and started following a witness. The witness said one of the individuals in the car opened fire. The witness ran in the direction of where Wills was seated on 50th Street.
Police believe Wills was shot in the process, documents state.
The next status hearing was set to continue on March 17, to resume and cover more DNA-related matters.
During a status hearing on Feb. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein met with counsel to confirm a preliminary hearing date.
The defendant, 31, is charged with two counts of first-degree child sex abuse and two counts of first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl on Feb. 24 on the 800 block of Southern Avenue, SE.
During the hearing, both parties said they could not get an earlier date for the preliminary hearing, but the March 14 date would still be acceptable.
According to reports, the defendant forced himself on the victim and raped her.
Court documents show that the defendant eventually stopped raping the victim, when the victim was picked up by a family member who proceeded to call the police.
Metropolitan Police Department detectives made an arrest in connection to a homicide that occurred on Nov. 3, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW.
According to a press release, at about 2:02 pm, officers located two adult male victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
On Nov. 5, 2021, the first victim, 34-year-old Delonte King succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
On Feb. 27, 25-year-old Demonte Gibson was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.
On Feb. 28, both the victim and a friend to both parties said the defendant was acting weird on the day of the shooting.
Fifty-year-old Stefen Farmer is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly firing three non-fatal shots at a victim. The shooting happened on the 4400 block of Gault Place, NE, on Feb. 25, 2021.
The victim said he and Farmer were friends their whole lives and that they usually hung out around the same neighborhood where the shooting occurred.
According to the victim, on the day he was shot, he had gone out to the neighborhood to see some friends. While walking, he said he saw Farmer sitting in his car and proceeded to talk to him.
The victim said something felt off with Farmer, but he was not sure what. He said Farmer asked him for two dollars because the defendant had given the victim’s son $10. The victim told Farmer that he did not have two dollars, and he should not have given his son money.
The victim said that Farmer got mad and reached down and pulled a gun on him.
Farmer attempted to leave the car when the victim forced the door closed and ran. While running, Farmer fired three shots, one went through the victim’s right thigh, and another went into his left hand. The third shot missed him due to another witness shoving Farmer.
During cross-examination, defense attorney Nikki Lotez repeatedly asked the victim whether or not he possessed a gun that day.
Lotez said Farmer shot the victim because the victim allegedly had a gun. This all supposedly occurred because of the argument about money, she said.
Lotez then said the victim ran from the scene and, with the help of a friend, was able to stash his gun before the police arrived. She said that was why the victim did not give the police any information regarding the shooter on the scene.
Both Farmer and the victim’s friend, who the defense said helped the victim hide the gun, said Farmer didn’t do anything wrong.
He did not give the defense or the prosecution any additional information. When asked about the specifics of the incident, he said that he does not know or remember what occurred.
However, another friend of both the victim and Farmer, who also testified, ran towards the neighborhood when he heard the shots and was interviewed by police on the scene.
The friend also said Farmer had been acting odd.
The trial is scheduled to continue on March 1.
DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond decided to hold two defendants charged with murder on Feb. 27.
James Jones, 41, was charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 57-year-old David Wright and 54-year-old Nathaniel Howard in their residence on the 3300 block of D Street, SE on Feb. 26.
Jason Tulley, Jones’ defense attorney, argued that there was a lack of probable cause in the case. He stated that there was a lack of evidence to prove premeditated intent and cited inconsistencies in witness testimony.
However, the prosecution argued motive was evident in the case.
Judge Raymond found probable cause and cited the defendant’s previous involvement in other felony cases, including an armed carjacking, as support for the hold.
Jones is being held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on March 10.
Judge Raymond also held Demonte Gibson, 25, in connection to the death of Delonte King, 34, on Nov. 3, 2022. Gibson is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting King on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the report of a shooting where they found King and a second adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were transferred to the hospital where King later passed away.
Defense attorney Kevann Gardner asked the judge not to find probable cause, saying a witness misnamed the defendant and pointed to issues with the police previously issuing an arrest warrant for the wrong person. Gardner also described the defendant as not dangerous, requesting release.
The prosecution argued that there were no issues with the identification of the defendant and that the investigation was conducted thoroughly. They argued that the defendant posed safety concerns to the community if released.
Judge Raymond found probable cause for the murder charge and held the defendant without bail.
Gibson’s next hearing is set for March 9.
The judge also held two domestic violence defendants. Their charges include simple assault, destruction of property less than $1000, and possession of a prohibited weapon. Each defendant is also involved in other domestic violence matters with the court. Both defendants are scheduled to return to court in March.
One domestic violence defendant charged with simple assault, obstructing justice, and destruction of property was released with two stay away orders. The defendant is scheduled to return to court on March 20.
During a Feb. 24 hearing, the prosecution noted that there has been a plea offer sent to two out of the three defendants.
Eighteen-year-old Nelfy Hernandez, 20-year-old DeAndre Levy, and 18-year-old Trey Prillerman are allegedly charged with first-degree murder regarding the shooting of a group of teenagers that resulted in the death of Taijhon Waytt, 17. The shooting took place on the 5500 block of 9th Street, NW on Aug. 10, 2020.
A plea offer was sent to Hernandez and Prillerman but has not yet been sent to Levy.
Although there was no material in the car that Levy’s defense attorney, Jonathan Zucker, wants tested, he said there is no other evidence from the scene that he could test because the prosecution has already tested everything.
“We filed a notice before we began testing and never received a response,” the prosecution said.
The parties are scheduled to return for further discussions on March 3.
Sutton was acquitted of murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence on March 23, 2023.
On Feb 27, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan granted the defense’s request to notify the jury of a prosecutorial violation after the prosecution failed to hand over sufficient evidence in a first-degree murder case.
Kaevon Sutton, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business in connection to the shooting of Aujee Tyler, 22. The shooting occurred on March 19, 2018, on the 3500 block of Stanton Road, SE.
Jury selection for the case was delayed after the prosecution failed to provide the notes of the lead detective. The prosecution argued that because of the transition from physical to digital copies of evidence coupled with the numerous changes made by prosecution attorneys, the notes of the detective were not included in the evidence provided to the defense.
The notes included information about a phone call that was made on the day of the shooting from a female who reported it, stating that the shooter was “lil’ ark.” From there the responding detective linked the alias to another individual unrelated to the case.
However, upon further investigation, the prosecution found that the other individual was incarcerated at the time of the shooting, therefore could not have been responsible for Tyler’s death.
Attorney Jessica Wilis on behalf of Sutton argued that the prosecution failed to hand over sufficient evidence which violates Sutton’s constitutional rights to a fair jury trial and is also a violation of a rule requiring prosecutors to disclose exculpatory evidence to the defense.
She claimed that the exclusion of evidence for roughly five years made it impossible for the defense to try to investigate for an alternative suspect and that the prosecution withheld the evidence because it weakened their case.
Willis ended her argument by requesting to dismiss the case, release Sutton so he can help the defense to have more evidence, or inform the jury of the prosecution’s violation.
The prosecution argued that even though they failed to disclose important information, there is still enough evidence for the case to continue as facial recognition of a photo of the incident had been used to identify Sutton. Sutton’s alias is also “lil’ ark”.
After hearing both arguments, Judge Ryan found a clear violation of the rule.
Given the severity of the case, Judge Ryan rejected the defense’s request for dismissal and release of the defendant. However, he did accept the defense’s request for a jury instruction to notify the jury of the violation and restricted the detective from testifying in the trial.
Jury selection for the trial is set to begin on Feb. 28.
Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Feb. 26, on the 5100 block of Sheriff Road, NE.
According to a press release, at about 3:42 pm, officers located two adult male victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
The decedents have been identified as 34-year-old Harold Bogan and 32-year-old Wayne Sheppard.
