New Status Hearing Set to Determine Murder Trial Date

A status hearing on June 5 led to the postponement of a trial date for a 2022 homicide.

Devon Edwards, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Dmaree Miller on Jan. 4, 2022, on the 3300 block of 12th Street, SE.

Defense attorneys requested a continuance for the trial date based on scheduling conflicts. DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe offered Edwards the option of acquiring new counsel but he insisted he wants to keep his current attorneys to not delay trial.

The prosecuting attorney, meanwhile, described concerns she has about potentially missing solid evidence from DNA testing.

Shell casings from the crime scene were collected, along with minimal DNA evidence from the decedent’s car. Neither prosecution nor defense has access to the report on DNA on the shell casings, though the prosecution stated they were trying to find out more.

The next status hearing will be June 15 to determine a trial date.

Non-Fatal Shooting Case Dismissed Without Prejudice

On June 5, prosecutors moved to dismiss a non-fatal shooting case due to insufficient evidence.

Rahman Mills, 30, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 12, 2022 on the 1900 block of Savannah Street, SE.

Police responded to a service call where a female said she was being assaulted by her boyfriend.

According to court documents, officers arrived on the scene and saw Mills on a blue bicycle. Once he spotted the police, he allegedly fled from the officers on foot.

Mills allegedly had a small gun in his hand when he was ordered by police to get on the ground. When Mills refused, he was shot twice but survived his wounds.

His defense attorney argued that the prosecutors should not be able to bring up this case again due to a lack of factual information.

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted the dismissal of the case without prejudice due to a lack of evidence that failed to prove Mills’ guilt.

Judge Finds Strong Probable Cause in Murder Case

In a June 5 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found probable cause that a homicide defendant committed murder.

Rayvon Slye, 31, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend, Andrea Bond, 30 on March 7 on the 1100 Block of D Street, NE.

In court, prosecutors highlighted alleged inconsistencies in Slye’s story and presented their evidence.

Slye told detectives that Bond had allegedly gotten into a fight prior to meeting him. Then he said he saw a wound on Bond and put a bandaid over it.

However, according to a witness who drove Slye and Bond to a grocery store before her murder he did not see any blood or injury when Bond entered the car.

Surveillance footage from a neighbor’s camera allegedly shows Bond getting into a silver vehicle with Slye then returning to her residence a short time later.

According to witness statements, Slye and Bond had an argument that night before going back home.

When the two returned, according to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective’s testimony, Slye and Bond drank wine, smoked cigarettes, and had intercourse before falling asleep. The next morning, Slye reportedly walked to a corner store and returned to Bond’s family surrounding her body in shock asking what happened.

The detective testified there was blood evidence on multiple items in the residence including a light colored jacket, a jean jacket, a green shirt, a pair of shoes, and shower cap.

According to the DC Medical Examiner’s report, Bond had been on drugs and was stabbed in her chest hours before the police arrived.

According to court documents, the defendant had a history of domestic violence and was on probation at the time of the incident. Moreover, the victim’s family had reportedly expressed apprehension with Slye’s being around Bond.

Prosecutors argued the previous domestic violence cases against the defendant provided a motive.

Defense attorney, Anthony Matthews, argued accounts of the incident are inconsistent. He also questioned the blurriness of the surveillance footage.

Based on the evidence, Judge Marisa Demeo said she found strong probable cause that Slye had committed the crime.

Parties are expected back in court Sept. 8.

Judge Grants Prosecution’s Request to Extend Indictment Deadline in Homicide Case

On June 5, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted the prosecution’s motion to extend the indictment deadline in a second-degree murder case.

Gerald Thomas, 20, is charged with allegedly shooting and killing 20-year-old Dasha Cleary on Jan. 27, 2022 on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

Currently, Thomas is awaiting indictment from a grand jury to determine whether the case will go to trial.

Under D.C. code 23-102, the prosecution typically has nine months to return an indictment in a felony case.

However, due to several delays, the indictment deadline in this case is now set over fifteen months after Thomas’s initial presentment hearing on Feb. 19, 2022.

The deadline is now set to July 6, after Judge Raffinan granted the prosecution’s motion over defense objections.

According to Thomas’s defense attorney, Aubrey Dillon, the defendant acted in self-defense during the shooting, and the prosecution confirmed that Thomas’s alleged motive was included in the grand jury’s truth-seeking mission.

Both the prosecution and the defense acknowledged that the number of witnesses and individuals present for the incident has made the case more complicated and potentially contributed to the delays in returning an indictment.

Thomas was originally released from confinement on Apr. 8, 2022, as part of Pretrial Services’ High Intensity Supervision Program, though his conditions of release have since been relaxed to include only monthly random drug testing and a curfew from 10 pm to 6 am.

A Pretrial Services Agent appeared virtually at the hearing to confirm that Thomas was in compliance with his current release conditions.

The defendant’s next hearing has been scheduled for July 14.

New Counsel Appointed for Defendant in 2021 Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe granted defense attorney’s request for new counsel in a murder case due to attorney scheduling conflicts.

The defendant, Aaron A. Jackson, was indicted on one count of first degree murder and one count of carrying a dangerous weapon in Jan., 2023.

Jackson, 29, is charged with first-degree murder and carrying a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Damohn Gill on the 3600 block of 22nd Street, SE on June 24, 2021.

Megan Allburn asked to be dismissed as Jackson’s counsel due to scheduling conflicts with other cases. Attorney Todd Baldwin joined Alvin H. Thomas Jr. as defense attorneys for Jackson.

Jackson reacted strongly and claimed the change of attorney came as a surprise to him, “I feel like I’m being railroaded.” However, he maintained that he wants justice and a speedy trial.

The date of the trial is currently scheduled for May 6, 2024.

The next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide: 4300 Block of Halley Terrace, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Homicide Branch has arrested and charged 28-year-old Michael Caldwell with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a fatal stabbing that occurred on June 4, on the 4300 block of Halley Terrace, SE.

The decedent was identified as 45-year-old Damien Thompson.

Document: Homicide: 300 Block of Anacostia Road, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a fatal shooting that occurred on June 4, on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE.

The decedent has been identified as 35-year-old Davon Walker.

Document: Homicide: 2900 Block of Nelson Place, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a fatal shooting that occurred on June 2 on the 2900 block of Nelson Place, SE.

The decedent’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder Case

On June 2, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause a defendant committed murder.

George Sydnor, 43, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that killed 31-year-old Christy Bautista on March 31, at a hotel on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Sydnor stabbed Bautista approximately 22 times. And a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified no one else entered or exited the room where the murder occurred.

Jesse Winograd, Sydnor’s attorney, questioned the detective about the fairness of the classification “investigate the trouble” the 911 dispatcher used. This term means dispatchers are uncertain of specifics of an incident, but rule it as important to check out, according to the detective.

Surveillance footage allegedly captured Sydnor arriving at the hotel on his bike and then stepping into the room. There were sounds of possible a struggle heard in the video.

The door didn’t appear to be forced open the detective said, and Sydnor was calm when arrested.

Over defense objections, the prosecutor argued that an abundance of evidence, including physical evidence and eyewitness statements, corroborates probable cause.

Judge Okun agreed there was probable cause that Sydnor committed the crime with premeditation and deliberation.

Prosecutors requested that Sydnor remain in DC Jail, saying that he poses a risk not only to the community, but women in particular.

The nature of the evidence and the offense weighs heavily in favor of detention, Judge Okun said in agreement.

Parties are expected back for a felony status conference on Sept. 8.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Father’s Murder

On June 2, Christian Arndt pleaded guilty in a 2021 homicide case.

Arndt, 30, admitted guilt for his involvement in the murder of his father Donald Arndt, 54, on Jan. 28, 2021, on the 3300 block of Newark Street, NW.

According to court documents, Arndt beat his father to death with a bat.

Prosecutors offered a deal that reduced the charge from first-degree murder while armed to voluntary manslaughter. The charge requires that Arndt serve eight-and-a-half to 18-and-a half years of incarceration and five years of supervised release. The deal was accepted.

Both parties requested that Arndt be transferred to Butner Federal Corrections Complex in North Carolina, where he must refrain from using alcohol and other narcotics, and is required to seek mental health counseling.

In pleading guilty, Arndt waived his rights to test DNA, have a trial or appeal his conviction.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun said he was satisfied with the defendant’s understanding of his rights, thus accepting the plea.

All parties are scheduled to return to court on Sept. 29 for sentencing.

In Sentencing, Judge Says Shooter Created ‘A Reign of Terror’

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced Joseph Hall, 25, to five-years in prison for shooting at police and “creating a reign of terror” during a robbery attempt.

Hall pleaded guilty to robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with an incident that happened on Aug. 25, 2022 on the 3500 block of Sixth Street, SE.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers exchanged gunfire with Hall as he was attempting to steal a car occupied by two special police officers on duty at the time. Prior to the melee, Hall allegedly pointed a gun at the security officers in their car saying, “Give up the keys…or I’m going to blow your head up!”

In a victim impact statement read at the sentencing, one of the officers wrote, “I feel in danger 24/7.” She said she suffers from PTSD, anxiety and depression. “I would have been dead had it not been for divine intervention,” she continued. For her ongoing pain and suffering she said a five-year sentence isn’t enough.

During the proceeding, Judge Ryan described Hall’s trouble-plagued background of trauma, drug abuse and lack of effective parenting. Of note, was Hall’s use of the mind-altering drug, PCP which he had allegedly taken before the incident and several convictions in Virginia including theft.

Hall apologized to the victims in court saying, “I didn’t mean to do this…I’m sorry I put your lives in danger.”

Considering Hall’s history, Judge Ryan said he was passing sentence under DC’s Youth Rehabilitation Act which means that upon completion of his sentence Hall’s conviction will functionally disappear and be kept confidential unless he’s convicted of a more serious offense.

In addition to jail time, Hall will be on supervised probation for three years.

“You need to spend every day making certain that this doesn’t happen again,” said Judge Ryan.

Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Offer Insisting on a Trial Date in 2022 Case

On June 2, Malik Seltzer rejected a plea offer in a homicide case and asked to set a trial date.

Seltzer, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 37-year-old Paris Odemns on Sept 15, 2021, on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE.

Prosecutors offered a deal that would have Seltzer plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed, which was rejected.

According to prosecutors, Seltzer’s indictment is forthcoming.

A trial date was set for January 2024.

Parties are expected back in court on Aug. 30.

Murder Defendant Waives Right to Test DNA Evidence

On June 2, Dion Lee waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence collected from a murder crime scene.

Lee, 24, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the shooting that killed 54-year-old Pamela Thomas on Feb. 9, 2022 on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Thomas was found by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe reminded Lee that if he waived his rights now he could not request to independently test the DNA evidence at a later date.

Trial is slated to begin Aug. 12, 2024.

Parties are expected back June 28, 2024 for a trial readiness hearing.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for 2022 Incident

On June 2, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe accepted a guilty plea from a defendant charged in connection to a 2022 non-fatal shooting.

Dwayne Dolberry, 41, is charged with assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 2, 2022 on the 1600 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE. There were no reported injuries.

According to court documents, Dolberry and the victim got into an argument during which Dolberry shot at him eight times but missed.

Dolberry accepted an offer allowing him to plead guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm.

Parties are expected back for sentencing Aug. 11.

Judge Sentences Murder Suspect to 24-Years in ‘Good Conscience’

On June 2, DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee sentenced a homicide defendant in connection to a 2019 killing, saying, “I can’t give you a break today.”

Brandon Randall, 36, was indicted for first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm due to his alleged involvement in the murder of 30-year-old David Brandon on Feb. 24, 2019 on the 4300 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

On November 22, 2022, Randall agreed with prosecutors to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for the dismissal of his remaining charges.

In a June 2 hearing, Brandon’s family and friends were present to show support and provide victim impact statements.

Brandon was described as a true human being, a fighter, and a doting father among many other attributes by his loved ones.

“People say time heals things but it is difficult when your loved one is murdered,” said the victim’s father.

Defense attorney Anthony Matthews asked for Randall’s sentence to be in the lower range of the recommended sentence.

In response, DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee asked, “How can I, in good conscience, impose a sentence at the bottom of the guideline?”

“What is justice? What can be paid for a lost life? Even if Mr. Randall paid with his life, David would still be gone,” said Brandon’s mom.

“I hate that he’s such a sensitive subject when he brought so much life,” said Brandon’s friend through WebEx.

Judge Lee imposed a sentence of 24-years in prison followed by a five-year period of supervised release.

He is also required to register as a gun offender in D.C.

“He owes it to all of us to do better and to be better,” said Brandon’s mom.

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