Judge Continues Trial Readiness Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted on Dec. 9 a continuance for a trial readiness hearing.

Brian Wooden,32, is charged with first-degree cruelty to children and felony murder for the death of his girlfriend’s son, one-year-old Carter Sanders, on May 26, 2018, on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE.

During Friday’s hearing, both parties came ready to discuss a hearing on a protection order for witness identities.

The defense attorney, Marnitta King has an expert from California, and he prefers to observe the prosecutor’s expert. And would like to know the answer two weeks prior to the trial.

The prosecutor said she will need to confirm with her supervisor to make a further decision upon the defense’s request.

Wooden’s trial is set for June 12, 2023.

Judge Brandt scheduled the next trial readiness hearing on Feb. 2

Defense Attorney Filed Motion to Withdraw from Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted on Dec. 9 a continuance for sentencing.

Edward Brown,60, is charged with first-degree murder while armed of a senior citizen in January for stabbing and killing 77-year-old, Michael Mahoney on Feb 5, 2018, on the 2300 block of 11th Street, NW.

During Friday’s hearing, a motion was filed by the defense attorney Michele Stevens to withdraw from the case before the sentence is announced due to an arisen conflict with Brown.

Brown wanted to touch base on the subject by saying “three and a half weeks ago” but was quickly stopped by Judge Brandt due to any discussions with Stevens as being confidential and not suitable to reveal in court.

Judge Brandt said she does have a pre-sentencing report and granted the motion to withdraw Stevens from the case.

Brown is scheduled for sentencing on Jan.20

Judge Finds Probable Cause and Orders Home Confinement in Homicide Case

During a Dec. 8 preliminary hearing, D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause in a murder case.

Morris Jones, 38, is charged with first-degree murder in connection to the shooting of Tiffany Wiggins on April 17 on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

A detective testified about the investigation into surveillance footage at two grocery stores as Wiggins was killed at one. Jones visited a grocery store during the time period, so footage would confirm the location of Jones.

The detective said he did not collect the footage until his second visit. The footage obtained was from the wrong time frame, so he returned to the store a third time.

The video surveillance had “expired” by this time, so no evidence was collected.

The prosecutor argued that there was probable cause to believe that Jones was the person in the Trailblazer.

Additionally, the prosecutor identified another defendant Norven Dickerson to be Jones’ accomplice. She cited a witness’s testimony that explained existing “beef” among another subject and the defendants.

The prosecution said it does not matter whether Jones was the driver or the shooter, he is guilty of murder.

Defense Attorney, Prescott Loveland, argued there was no forensic or cellular evidence to corroborate Jones’ involvement in the murder.

Surveillance footage captured the vehicle used in the incident. He stated Dickerson is the owner of the vehicle.

Loveland said the identities of the driver and shooter could not be confirmed.

Loveland’s argument centered around the unreliability of co-defendant, Dickerson, who has more connection to the incident.

Dickerson had similar “beef” with the subject, explained Loveland.

The prosecution argued in favor of the defendant’s confinement, stating that Jones committed a “brazen murder.”

She also said that there was a presumption of dangerousness, since Morris poses danger to one of the witnesses.

On the other hand, Loveland argued that Jones has not committed a violent offense since 2002. He also said that Jones has a stable home and supportive relationship.

Loveland emphasized that Jones would abide by a stay away order and comply with GPS requirements.

Judge Okun stated Jones will be allowed to go on home confinement and GPS monitoring after his current detainment for violating conditions of an unrelated case.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 3, 2023.

Judge Orders Defense to Provide Written Request for Release on Behalf of Murder Co-Defendant Prior to Consideration

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered a defense counsel to provide a written request on behalf of her client involved in a co-defendant murder matter. The defendant’s attorney has allegedly made this request multiple times without documentation.

Niko Hall, 31, Darqueise Montgomery, 20, and Kyrie Wells, 19, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business, and assault with intent to kill while armed in connection to the shooting of 25-year-old, Anthony Lee, on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

At the proceeding on Dec. 9, Montgomery’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, asked that he be released as the trial is not scheduled until October of next year.

Judge Brandt told Weller that she needs to formally make this request by filling out a bond release motion.

The prosecution informed the court that he would provide a written response upon her submission.

According to court documents, an altercation ensued between Hall, Montgomery, and Wells, and the victim, Lee, that ultimately resulted in his death. Footage from the Mellon Market Convenience store on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, SE reveals that one of the defendants brandished “what appeared to be a rifle” while facing the victim.

Judge Brandt allowed Montgomery to comment on his behalf in regard to his potential for release.

“I understand your perception of me based on the papers in front of you. I want to show you who I am,” he said.

Montgomery then proceeded to tell the court that he is a member of the Young Men Emerging program at the prison, where he attends yoga, meditation, and business etiquette classes designed to equip him for life outside of jail.

“You made my day,” Judge Brandt said. “You should never be afraid to speak up in front of the judge.”

Judge Brandt said she must consider the totality of the circumstances before issuing a ruling, emphasizing that this is a felony one case and bears serious repercussions.

Parties must return to court on April 14, 2023, to further discuss matters. The prosecutor said he expects to draft a response to Weller’s request by this time.

Murder Trial Delayed as Parties Dispute Trial Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun set a strict deadline for the prosecution to provide the defense with trial evidence that the defense says has been continually withheld by the prosecution.

Ronnie Melson is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 41-year-old Demetrius Jones on the 1700 block of Gales Street, NE, on Nov. 6, 2020.

In the Dec. 9 hearing, the defense filed several motions regarding what they perceive to be an excessive delay from the prosecution to provide the defense with a list of necessary trial evidence.

The prosecution cited overlapping schedules as the reason for the delay, and that it will need more time than the proposed Monday deadline in order to provide the defense a list of trial evidence and respond to the defense’s motions.

The defense is requesting a breadth of information on trial exhibits the prosecution will include in its case, including photo evidence, surveillance video, body-worn camera footage of witnesses on the scene, video interviews with the defendant, jail calls, and google location information.

These evidence contains vast amounts of information, and if not provided to the defense soon, it would place the defense in a difficult position to respond to evidence the prosecution cites during trial. There may even be a possibility that further delay would require pushing back the trial date altogether.

Judge Okun set Dec. 23 as the date by which the prosecution is required to provide a list of trial exhibits to the defense and respond to the defense’s motions.

On Nov. 6, 2020, Metropolitan police officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert for 15 gunshots in the area. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Jones unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the back. The victim was transported to the hospital where he was eventually pronounced dead.

An evidentiary hearing to discuss the motions filed was set for Jan. 11.

Defense Requests Additional Funding for DNA Testing

During a Dec. 8 hearing, defense counsel requested additional funds to conduct DNA testing.

Terrence Prue, 22, is charged with first-degree murder in connection to the shooting of Bruce Wayne Gilmore on the 300th block of 22nd Street SE on June 5, 2019.

According to defense attorney James King, in order to submit DNA as evidence for the trial, Prue is required to pay for the testing out-of-pocket.

Faced with financial limitations, Prue is unable to afford the DNA testing. King said he believes the testing will prove the defendant’s innocence.

As such, King submitted a motion requesting additional funding from the District of Columbia to have the DNA properly tested before the set trial date on Feb. 13.

The prosecution then requested an extension for pretrial motions to which DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted.

King said he plans to file motions based on evidence given to him by the prosecution; however, he is still wrapped up reviewing “in discovery” and is unable to do so yet.

The prosecution refuted this statement by saying they had given King all the information available in this case.

King stated that he still has to go over large portions of the information available to him at which time he will likely “file further requests.”

Parties are scheduled to return for an additional status hearing on Jan. 13 before the February trial is scheduled to begin.

Document: Traffic Fatality in Southeast

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a traffic fatality that occurred on Dec. 10, 2021, on the 3300 block of Wheeler Road, SE.

According to a press release, at about 1:45 pm, the driver of a Nissan Altima was traveling southbound on the 3300 block of Wheeler Road, SE, when 9-year-old Kaidyn Green attempted to cross the street, outside of a marked crosswalk.

The victim attempted to run back towards the sidewalk, when the Nissan Altima struck the victim.

On June 2, 2022, the juvenile succumbed to his injuries.

Judge Reschedules Hearing To Give Parties Time To Discuss Evidence

During a Dec. 7 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun rescheduled a homicide case to give the parties enough time to review and talk over evidence.

Alphonso Oliver, 33, is charged with second-degree murder for the death of 16-year-old Levoire Simmons. The shooting occurred the night of July 5 around 1:10 a.m. on the 700 block of Kenilworth Terrace, NE. Oliver turned himself in on July 11.

Oliver was on supervised release at the time of the murder connected to a 12-year sentence for aggravated assault.

Defense attorney Prescott Loveland mentioned they are missing body-worn camera footage in connection to the homicide and the video or transcripts of witness testimonies. He requested that the prosecution hand over.

Judge Okun granted the request.

The prosecutor requested another status date to review the body-worn camera evidence and witness testimonies to give to the defense at the discretion of the witness’s identity.

The hearing is scheduled for March 10.

Document: FBI Special Agent Involved Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department agents are investigating a FBI-involved shooting that occurred on Dec. 7, inside of the Metro Center Station.

According to a press release, at about 6:21 pm, 28-year-old Troy Bullock pushed an off-duty FBI agent backwards over the railing. The suspect fell onto the railing as well. The FBI agent then discharged their firearm and struck the suspect, killing him.

Troy Bullock was pronounced dead at the scene. The FBI agent was transported to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department detectives made an arrest in connection to a homicide that occurred on Oct. 10, on the 600 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to a press release, at about 5:15 pm, officers located 55-year-old Mark Carter unconscious and barely breathing. On Oct. 15, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma.

On Dec. 7, 32-year-old Charles Robert Lewis, Jr. was charged with second-degree murder.

Defense Requests Additional Funding for DNA Testing

During a Dec. 8 hearing, defense counsel requested additional funds to conduct DNA testing.

Terrence Prue, 22, is charged with first-degree murder in connection to the shooting of Bruce Wayne Gilmore on the 300th block of 22nd Street, SE on June 5, 2019.

According to defense attorney James King, in order to submit DNA as evidence for the trial, Prue is required to pay for the testing out-of-pocket.

Faced with financial limitations, Prue is unable to afford the DNA testing. King said he believes the testing will prove the defendant’s innocence.

As such, King submitted a motion requesting additional funding from the District of Columbia to have the DNA properly tested before the set trial date on Feb. 13.

The prosecution then requested an extension for pretrial motions to which DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted.

King said he plans to file motions based on evidence given to him by the prosecution; however, he is still wrapped up “in discovery,” or obtaining evidence, and is unable to do so yet.

The prosecution refuted this statement by saying they had given King all the information available in this case.

King stated that he still has to go over large portions of the information available to him at which time he will likely “file further requests.”

Parties are scheduled to return for an additional status hearing on Jan. 13 before the February trial begins.

Judge Denies Motion Of Prejudice Concerning Witness And Homicide Defendant’s Release

During a Dec. 7 hearing, defense attorney Prescott Loveland raised concerns about a prosecutor acting with prejudice because she called a new detective to the witness stand after it was discovered that the deceptive, who was supposed to testify, was under investigation for another incident.

Morris Jones, 38, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting Tiffany Wiggins on April 17 on the 3800 block of Minnesota Ave, NE. According to court documents, Jones is also known as Antonio Jones.

The prosecutor indicated that she found out about the investigation about an hour before the last hearing occurred on Nov. 22. She mentioned that the holiday pushed this hearing back by two weeks.

She also included that the new detective would testify on the behalf of the last detective because they are partners and she doesn’t know when the prior detective’s investigation will be uplifted.

“We knew he was going to testify for a long time and this is a part of the prejudice because the new detective doesn’t have the same information and now the old detective cannot testify in this case after sitting in on all witness testimonies. This is not just,” said Loveland

“The prosecution did not act with prejudice given the statue says that the prosecutor has three days to resolve the issue but the holiday affected that time frame,” said DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

“I am denying the request for the release and the prosecutor was forced to call another detective instead. Justice required a delay and the detective you are referencing notified the prosecution right before the hearing began about his ongoing investigation for an incident that occurred in September. A two week continuance was not inappropriate and it constitutes an extenuating circumstance,” Judge Okun continued.

The detective was shown videos of the suspect’s car which was a black Chevy Trial Blazer driving around before parking at a library.

The footage shows Jones and an unknown person standing outside the car before getting into the vehicle and driving around.

Later the prosecutor displayed footage of the car following a bronze Infiniti back and forth along Minnesota Avenue before stopping at a Shell gas station. The trailblazer pulled behind the Infiniti while it was at a pump and then shot at it before fleeing.

The detective identified another defendant. Norven Dickerson. The detective confirmed the location and footage of the area where the defendants were and where the murder occurred.

The prosecutor also displayed photos of three other shootings that were connected to the shell casings recovered on the scene.

“Detective is there any evidence connecting Jones to this case?” Loveland said.

The detective said Jones was connected to the case by his ex-wife’s speculation and the co-defendant’s reference.

No ballistics and evidence have been connected to Jones regarding either of the shootings other than the footage showing Jones getting out of the car in a neighborhood with the co-defendant, the detective said.

The detective confirmed that surveillance footage of the shooting didn’t display who was in the trailblazer and the number of people in the car.

Four people were also suspected, including the co-defendant. However, the trailblazer was bought off Craiglist, according to a witnesses.

Dickerson’s phone number connected him to all four shootings, and the car used to do it. Jones is not included.

The car used in the other shootings was a grey Ford Taurus. According to phone records, the car belongs to Dickerson.

The detective arrested Jones because of witnesses’ testimonies and footage of Jones and Dickerson being together a lot.

Cross-examination was put on hold because Loveland had another matter to attend.

The hearing is scheduled to continue on Dec. 8.

Defendant Charged With Assault With A Firearm Rejects Plea Offer Again

During a Dec. 6 hearing, a prosecutor offered a global plea offer for the defendant again after giving an extension on March 10.

Emerson Morales, 19, is charged with 10 counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed, criminal street gang affiliation, felony or violent misdemeanor while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the non-fatal shooting of a bike rider on the 5700 block of 14th Street, NW.

According to court documents, the victim was traveling on his bike northbound on the 5700 block of 14th Street, NW when a four-door dark-colored sedan pulled up beside him and fired three shots from the passenger side of the car, hitting him in the right knee.

The prosecutor offered the plea of one count of attempted murder, one count of carrying a firearm without a license, and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence on the record.

Morales rejected the plea offer again.

Defense attorney Rachel McCoy asserted Morales’s 6th amendment right and requested to proceed with a trial.

The trial is expected to begin in August 2024.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 26.

Parties Discuss Stolen Vehicle in Homicide Trial

On Dec. 7, parties discussed with witnesses the timeline of a stolen vehicle in a homicide trial.

Jermaine Harris, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of 38-year-old Lamar Walters, on the 2400 block of Franklin Street, NE, on Jan. 6, 2020.

The witness explained his 2018 Toyota Camry was stolen from his driveway on the morning of Dec. 19, 2019.

Prosecutors displayed images of the vehicle to ask him if the damages were there before it was stolen. The witness said the damage was not present when it was in his possession.

Defense attorney, Erin Luibrand, questioned the witness on whether he knew about the murder. The witness ssaid he did not know Walters or Harris.

On Jan. 6, 2020, a detective described surveillance footage capturing the stolen vehicle in an apartment parking lot.

Prosecutors showed the footage of individuals exiting and entering the vehicle to jurors. Surveillance also captured two individuals jumping over a fence at the apartment.

Another witness towed the vehicle from the apartment complex on the morning of Jan. 7.

The witness stated the car was missing license plates, so he reported it to the Prince George County Police Department.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt scheduled the trial to continue on Dec. 8.

Judge Presides Over Hearing to Prepare for Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee held a status hearing for a homicide defendant as he prepares for a trial readiness hearing hat is scheduled for Jan. 6.

Keith Toney is charged with first-degree shooting while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed for allegedly shooting 45-year-old Melton Grant on the 600 block of Morton Street, NW on June 22, 2019.

The defense attorney exclaimed that evidence such as phone recordings and doctors will be present for trial.

The trial is slated to begin Jan. 18. The defendant is being held without bail.

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