Judge Nixes Mother’s Request for Judge to Have ‘A Little Bit of Faith’ in Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a carjacking defendant to 12 years in prison on Aug. 29.

On June 23, Erick Alvarenga, 19, and Malik Kearney, 20, pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking and two counts of possession of a firearm for their involvement in two incidents in 2024.

The first incident took place on the 6100 block of Eastern Avenue, NE, on Dec. 28, 2024, and the second took place on the 4200 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE, on Jan. 3.

During the hearing, Kearney’s sentencing was postponed to allow the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) additional time to evaluate his mental competency.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 10 for Kearney.

At the Aug. 29 hearing, the prosecution began their argument explaining that the victim from the Dec. 28 carjacking “did not want to have to relive the experience,” so would not be testifying, and that the victim from the Jan. 3 carjacking had no victim impact statement.

The prosecution asked Judge Hertzfeld for 84 months for each count of unarmed carjacking, and five years for each charge of possession of a firearm during a violent offense.

They also requested the sentences be served consecutively, highlighting the crimes stemmed from different incidents with different victims.

The prosecution sourced a video of the Jan. 3 offense, saying that prohibition isn’t appropriate and that the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) “is not earned now but later,” and even if Alvarenga did get a lighter sentence under the act, that it should include 180 hours of community service and 3 years of supervised prohibition. The YRA allows for a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Alvarenga’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Paige White, argued in response that Alvarenga should be sentenced under the YRA because the legislative intent of the act is to “give a second chance” to youth offenders.

White highlighted Alvarenga’s troubled past, pointing out that his criminal activity started after losses of loved ones in his life. Further, she also invited Alvarenga’s mother to the defense table, who asked the judge to have “a little bit of faith” in her son.

Alvarenga read a letter to Judge Hertzfeld about his time in jail, reflecting on his actions and his intent to do better and get help.

However, Judge Hertzfeld, who stated she has tried Alvarenga for previous similar crimes, stated “We’ve been around this block before.” She imposed a sentence of 60 months for each count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, as well as 84 months for each count of carjacking, followed by three years of supervised release. This would equate to 14 years in prison and three years of supervised release.

No further dates were set for Alvarenga.

No Probable Cause For Murder Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman found that the prosecution failed to meet the probable cause standard to charge an individual for a homicide during hearings on Sept. 2 and 4.

Tarik Settles, 30, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Dar’Juan McRoy on April 22 on the 2900 block of Knox Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, McRoy was shot seven times by an unidentified shooter and pronounced dead on the scene. When officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrived on the scene due to gunshot alerts, they located a trail of bullet casings from the scene to the street. These casings were consistent with a firearm later located on Settles’ person during his arrest on Aug. 14.

During Settles’ preliminary hearing, the prosecution called on the lead detective from MPD to testify.

According to the prosecution, Settles, who was not charged as a shooter, aided and abetted the shooter by driving him to and from the scene, and had prior knowledge that the shooting was going to occur.

The detective made the original identification of Settles and the suspect who shot McRoy using security camera footage of the two individuals at a liquor store before the incident.

The detective testified to a series of events captured by surveillance footage, including footage that was said to show the shooter canvassing the scene with Settles before the shooting. Following that the detective testified to surveillance footage showing the shooter pulling Settles aside and conversing in the street.

After the shooting, surveillance footage showed Settles picking up the shooter in his vehicle from a nearby dumpster. The prosecution argued there would be no way for Settles to know the shooter’s location post-shooting without prior communication, indicating potential foreknowledge of the event.

According to the prosecution, there are “too many coincidences” to deny probable cause for a mens rea, or the intention to kill McRoy.

Cross-examining the witness, defense attorney Molly Bunke argued that the prosecution offered no evidence that Settles shared the shooter’s intent, given that there was no direct evidence of communication via cell phone, no camera footage showing when the shooter left Settles’ car, and no definitive evidence otherwise to suggest that Settles knew about the shooter’s intent to murder.

Bunke argued that it is not enough to “have some idea that something might happen,” and that the charge of first-degree premeditated murder is “too far for those assumptions to go.”

This case, according to Bunke, is “built entirely on speculation and assumptions.”

Judge Edelman, in a ruling on Sept. 4, found that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to prove that Settles shared the shooter’s intent.

According to Judge Edelman, the court has no evidence that Settles knew about the shooter’s firearm or that Settles dropped the shooter off at the scene.

Additionally, there is no evidence of prior planning except for the brief conversation between Settles and the shooter before the incident, and the court does not know what the conversation was about.

Judge Edelman ultimately dismissed the case because of the lack of evidence, despite the victim’s family’s discontent.

No further dates were set.

Document: MPD Seeking Two Suspects in Southeast Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking two suspects in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 26 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. The victim, identified as 31-year-old Franck Foute Mohdjiom of Southeast, DC, was found with a gunshot wound and later pronounced dead at a hospital. Surveillance footage captured images of the suspects, and the MPD is requesting public assistance in identifying them.

Point Blank Homicide Nets 20-to-26 Years in Prison

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Sept. 5.

Antoine Turner, 32, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Demeitri Anderson on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE, on Nov. 29, 2020.

According to court documents, Freeman died from 13 gunshot wounds to his head, face and body.

Prior to the hearing, the prosecution and defense reached an agreement. It required that Turner plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for all additional weapon possession charges be dismissed. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 20-to-26 years of imprisonment.

The plea deal requires the prosecution to also drop all charges related to a stabbing case in 2024. Turner must register as a gun offender in the District.

The prosecution noted an objection from Anderson’s loved ones, who were present in the courtroom. They would like to see Turner serve the 40 year maximum sentence outlined in the second-degree murder statute.

Judge Ryan accepted the attorneys’ plea agreement, binding him to the 20-to-26 year sentence instead of a maximum of 40 year sentence.

Turner agreed to the facts presented by the prosecutor that justify his guilty plea.

“The defendant approached the victim, Demeitri Anderson, from behind and shot him repeatedly in the back of the head and body,” the prosecution said.

“As the officer approached Turner, the officer observed him with an orange hood over his head and with a gun in his hand as he ran directly in front of the officer’s car. The defendant threw the handgun to the street then got into the red Nissan and fled the scene.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 7 for sentencing.

Judge Grants ‘Unusually Responsible’ Homicide Defendant Leeway on Home Confinement

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edleman granted a motion to modify a homicide defendant’s home confinement conditions on Sept. 2.

Jose Ramos, 38, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of Eduardo Cruz, 58, on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NE on Jan. 25, 2022.

Defense attorney Alvin Thomas motioned to modify Ramos’ current 24-hour home confinement with permission to attend his two jobs and alcoholic anonymous (AA) meetings. The new motion sought additional permissions for the defendant to care for his aging father and attend a religious class.

These new requests would have the defendant released from home confinement from 6 a. m. to 9 p. m. on Tuesdays.

The prosecution did not object to the request regarding the defendant’s father, but objected to the the request for the class. The prosecutor said attending a religion class was “optional” and not necessary for religious practice. The prosecution also voiced concerns about the amount of time the defendant would spend outside of the previously ruled 24-hour confinement.

Judge Edelman found neither request to be unusual and stated that the court is “not in the position to say what is or is not essential to someone’s religion.”

The judge granted the motion, noting that the defendant was “unusually responsible” during home confinement, and claimed he didn’t think these requests would create an issue for community safety.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 12.

Teen Carjacker Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced an adolescent carjacker with a history of prior crimes to five years in prison on Sept. 5.

On April 4, Demonta King, 19, pleaded guilty to armed robbery and armed carjacking for his involvement in a Nov. 18, 2024 incident on the 4000 block of Fort Totten Drive, NE.

According to court documents, a 78 year-old owner and taxicab operator was stabbed and carjacked during the incident.

King was accompanied in the courtroom by his mother, father, and sister. Defense attorney Mark Rollins claimed that King suffered from a traumatic childhood, which influenced his history of violent behavior.

“I get into moods where I use my past trauma to use excuses to harm other people,” King said. “I’m not making excuses anymore.”

The defense requested that given King’s age, it made him a potential candidate for the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows young defendant’s convictions be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements. Rollins requested Judge Di Toro impose a seven year sentence with five years of supervised release.

“If you take him out of the community for six or seven years, you will see a different man,” Rollins said. “We cannot warehouse our young people so that they come out in 20 years and expect them to be different.”

The prosecution argued that King has had an extensive history with armed carjackings and robberies, and that King views his actions as a source of entertainment. At the time of this incident, King was probation for similar crimes.

Judge Di Toro told King, “I believe you when you say that’s not who you are, but this is not how you go,” and denied Rollin’s request to sentence him under the YRA.

Di Toro sentenced King to 60 months of imprisonment with five years of supervised release for each charge, with his sentences running concurrently.

No further dates were set.

Defendant Sentenced to Probation in Taco Bell Stabbing

A defendant was sentenced in a non-fatal stabbing case before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Sept. 2.

On June 24, Tyra Redad, 34, pleade guilty to assault with significant bodily injury for her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing at a Taco Bell on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW on Dec. 1, 2024.

The prosecution asked for an immediate six month sentence with credit for time served along with a year of supervised probation. Prosecutors cited the violent nature of the crime.

Alvin Thomas, defense lawyer for Redad, argued that while the case did not meet the legal definition of self defense, Redad was intervening on behalf of a friend who she believed could have been in danger. He said her alleged intentions did not merit any time added to her incarceration.

Redad was sentenced to six months in jail–all suspended– one year of supervised probation, and was ordered to complete 90 hours of community service.

No further dates were set.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Sentenced as Repeat Offender

A non-fatal shooting defendant was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm, landing him over 64 months in prison before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Sept. 5.

Daniel Griffin, 32, pleaded guilty on March 31 to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4300 block of Burroughs Ave, NE on May 27.

According to court documents, Griffin fired approximately 14 shots from a white Honda Accord towards another vehicle.

Following Griffin’s plea, both parties debated sentencing.

Griffin has a prior criminal history score of seven–putting him in the highest of five categories used in sentencing guidelines– and prosecutors noted the seriousness of the current offense. The prosecution requested that Griffin serve a 32 month sentence.

Defense attorney Mark Rollins addressed the fact that Griffin had been before Judge Di Toro for sentencing. Rollins then noted that Griffin had accepted responsibility for his actions, and was complying with the court, with hopes of running his time concurrently.

Di Toro said she was not only concerned with the nature of the events, but also with the expressions Griffin gave of his victim during his pre-sentening report.

“This is a difficult case,” Di Toro said, noting the fact that this will be Griffin’s sixth adult conviction, which occurred while he was already on supervised release for attempted possession with intent to distribute heroin in 2018.

Di Toro sentenced Griffin to 42 months with three years of supervised release for one charge of assault with a dangerous weapon and one charge of unlawful possession of a firearm. The terms are set to run concurrently with credit for time served. Once on supervised release, Griffin must also complete a mental health assessment and comply with any recommended forms of treatment offered.

No further dates were set.

Teen Homicide Victim’s Blood Stained Clothes Presented to The Jury

A crime scene analyst with the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) identified the blood stained clothing remnants of a 13-year-old homicide victim before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sep. 4.

Reginald Steele, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, 10 counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, and five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.

The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in four shootings. One of the shootings was the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, at the 600 block of S Street, NW on March 1, 2020. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.

The other shootings Steele is alleged to have been involved in include a non-fatal shooting on March 1, 2020 at the unit block of Channing Street, NE and non-fatal shooting on Feb. 22, 2020 at the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW.

Additionally, Steele faces charges for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 24, 2020 at the 1700 block of Ninth Street, NW. Three individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on a DFS worker who assisted in the investigation. The witness responded to the Children’s National Medical Center Hospital to document the crimes with photographic evidence.

The witness stated that Lukes had an injury to his neck and his chest cavity was cut open as a result of an attempt to save his life. The scientist took photos of both juveniles’ injuries and collected their clothing.

Body-worn camera footage captured the interaction between the DFS worker and the surviving victim, which was played for the court.

Prosecutors presented pictures of clothing items belonging to Lukes and his friend to the jury. The scientist described some items of clothing as having defects, as in holes or tears, and red staining– believed to be blood, including a pair of jeans worn by one juvenile during the incident. The clothing was physically presented to the jury

Multiple officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told the jury that they received information from witnesses and recovered surveillance footage that put the Kia Soul, which prosecutors claim was the murder vehicle, in the vicinity of the March 1 shooting that led to Lukes’ death.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Sept. 8.

Judge Dismisses Case Over Contested Competency Findings

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe decided against ordering another competency evaluation for a defendant in a non-fatal shooting case who has so far failed to demonstrate he’s mentally able to stand trial.

Kevin Harrison, 25, was charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawful discharge of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred June 26, 2023 on the 2100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) requested an extension to make another evaluation in order to make a decision regarding civil commitment to a mental institution versus jail for Harrison. But defense lawyer Patrick Nowak, argued to dismiss the case. He claimed that the so-called Jackson finding trumped the competency argumentin this case.

The reference is to Jackson v. Indiana (1972), in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the confinement of a defendant cannot be based solely on competency to stand trial. The court earlier said that to stand trial a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to assist his attorney.

Harrison was found incompetent to stand trial Aug. 5 and was released from treatment after multiple mental exams and several mental observations hearings. Therefore, Nowak claimed, there is enough information about Harrison’s mental status to call a halt.

Harrison is not currently being held at Saint Elizabeths psychiatric hospital and there is no evidence to suggest a mental illness, according to Nowak.

Judge Pipe dismissed the case without prejudice, meanting the proseution has the right to refile the charges if they feel it’s appropriate.

No further dates were set.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Union Station Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 23-year-old Faizon Mason, who is alleged to be involved in a fatal shooting at Union Station on Feb 10. The victim, identified as 18-year-old Wayne McDaniel, was found deceased near the escalators to the parking garage. Mason has been charged with Second Degree Murder While Armed.

Judge Admonishes Shooting Defendant to Comply With Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe warned a shooting defendant to comply with probation requirements after a reported violation on Sept. 2.

Dayquan Henderson, 23, was convicted of possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful discharge of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a shooting. The incident occurred on May 11, 2024 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road SE.

On Aug. 19, Henderson missed a check-in with his probation officer. The parole agency, Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), responded with a recommendation to participate in the Reentry and Sanctions Center (RSC) program for a failure to appear regarding a substance abuse disorder.

However, the request for his participation in the 28-day assessment was denied by Judge Pipe. Instead, she recommended Henderson adhere to the original conditions of probation more consistently and scheduled a meeting with his probation officer to get back on track.

During the hearing, Judge Pipe was unhappy with imposing extreme measures in light of a slight parold infraction. However, she emphasized the importance of complying with the parole officer’s conditions to prevent further issues in court. The hearing resulted in a dismissal of the proposed violation.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 13.

Defendant Plans to Withdraw Plea in Gang-Related Homicide Case

A homicide defendant in a gangland case alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan of his intent to withdraw a guilty plea on Aug. 27 and requested a new attorney due to undisclosed conflicts.

On May 30, Ronald Henderson, 20, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy for his involvement in two separate shootings – one of which resulted in the death of 16-year-old Justin Johnson and the injury of two additional individuals on May 26, 2022. The other was a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals on Jan. 2, 2023. Both shootings occurred on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE.

As part of his plea agreement, all remaining charges against Henderson were dropped, and the two parties agreed on a sentencing range of 18-to-23 years, followed by five years of supervised release.

While no official motion to withdraw has been submitted, Judge Ryan clarified that, if approved, the withdrawal would be a violation of the original plea agreement. Additionally, Henderson’s withdrawal would result in further charges being brought against him.

If Henderson were to cancel his plea, co-defendants in his case might face issues relating to their own plea agreements. Derricko Johnson, 21, Daveon Robinson, 19, and Demarco Robinson, 21, all accepted a similar plea agreement relating to incidents that occurred between April 2022 and July 2023. These incidents stem from their involvement in the “Get Back Gang” (GBG), which prosecutors claim carried out assaults and murders of gang rivals.

According to the co-defendants’ plea agreement, “If any of these со-defendants fail to enter a guilty plea or successfully withdraws his plea before your client is sentenced, this agreement and any proceedings pursuant to this agreement may be withdrawn or voided at the sole discretion of the [prosecution].”

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 5.

Document: MPD Makes a Second Arrest in 21st Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a second suspect in connection to a fatal shooting on the 600 block of 21st Street, Northeast, on May 2. The victim, 61-year-old Steven Stewart, was found deceased from gunshot injuries. Phillip Palmer, 62, and Randall Mack, 42, both of Northeast, have been charged with First Degree Murder While Armed (Felony Murder) for their alleged involvement in the incident.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Stepfather’s Stabbing

D.C. Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause in a stabbing and denied the defense’s request for release in a Sept. 4 hearing.

Darryen Kenney,23, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly stabbing his stepfather with a knife on August 23, 2025 on the 3400 block of 18th St. SE Washington, D.C. 20020. According to the police affidavit, Kenney entered his mother’s house, stabbed his mother’s husband with a knife, and punched and kicked his stepfather.

During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution brought in an officer on scene who told the court that Kenney’s mother called the police because the defendant got into a fight with his stepfather.

The victim told the officer that the defendant punched him and cut him with a knife in the kitchen. Additionally, the officer testified that Kenney’s eight-year-old brother told him that the defendant had a “big knife” and the stepfather was too intoxicated to “fully explain…the chain of events”.

On cross examination, defense counsel Sharon Weathers brought up a reported threat that the victim. Additionally, Weathers argued that Judge Raymond should not find probable cause because there’s “no definitive evidence of assault”.

Additionally, Weathers requested Kenney’s release because he stays at a youth shelter, will stay away from his mother’s house, has little criminal history and doesn’t pose a danger to the community.

The prosecution opposed Kenney’s release because of the serious nature of the offense and Kenney’s pending cases.

Judge Raymond found probable cause because one person escalated the incidenrt in front of the defendant’s eight-year-old stepbrother, “irrespective of whether the complaining witness was intoxicated” . Additionally, Judge Raymond denied Kenney’s release because Kenney “persistently found himself in the crosshairs of the criminal justice system” and claimed no combination of release conditions would ensure the safety of the community.

The parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 23.

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