Judge Orders Full Competency Examination For Murder Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered a full exam to determine if a murder defendant is competent.

Isaiah Trotman, 31, is charged with first-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and kidnapping after allegedly shooting 64-year-old Robert Cunningham on Feb. 1 on the 1000 block of Potomac Avenue, SE.

During the March 7 hearing, Judge Raffinan scheduled a mental observation hearing for March 10.

According to court documents, the defendant was on a bus heading towards Potomac Avenue Metro Station when he fired multiple rounds striking a victim. After he got off the vehicle, the defendant entered the Metro station and shot a second victim.

The defendant shot Cunningham while he was attempting to restrain the defendant, documents state. The defendant then entered an occupied train and pointed his handgun at the passengers.

Passengers were able to restrain him and and get possession of the handgun.

Defense Questions Witness On Instagram Account Accessibility

The cross-examination of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) criminal investigator continued on March 8 in a trial for the murder of a 10-year-old girl.

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 MPD investigator took the stand for the third time to allow the defense to finish their cross-examination. The witness has been shown and questioned on detailed reports taken from the defendants’ Instagram accounts, which containing pictures, posts, videos, and group chat messages.

Defense attorneys Elizabeth Weller and Julie Swaney questioned the investigator about account accessibility.

The witness said he could testify as to what content is posted to an Instagram account and to who that account is attributed. However, he is unable to testify as to who exactly posted to the account when the specific content, in question, was posted.

In addition to not being able to testify as to who specifically posted at any given time, he stated that if the original owner of the account logs in using a device that is not their own, the owner of the device could access and post to the account.

The investigator stated that he only received 8 hours of training on the general mechanisms of Instagram.

He also said he was not given specific training as to what certain slang means. Because of this, he is only able to testify to what he believes slang means based on personal experience.

During his cross-examination, Cobbs’ attorney Kevin McCants repeatedly asked for the investigator’s interpretation of certain slang or images in the Instagram reports.

The prosecution continually objected to this questioning.

This caused D.C. Superior Court Judge Okun to dismiss the jury for a short break.

During the break, the prosecution argued that because the investigator is not an expert witness he cannot be asked or testify to his interpretation of the evidence. The prosecutors said they would “love to ask this man about his opinion” but that it was improper because his interpretation would be based on personal experience, not fact.

Judge Okun agreed with this argument and precluded the defense from asking any more questions about the investigator’s opinion or interpretation of the evidence. The parties concluded their questioning and the jury was dismissed for the day.

All parties are scheduled to return on March 9 to continue the trial.

Judge Sets Motion Hearing in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

During a March 7 hearing, parties discussed motion deadlines.

Dominic Copeland is charged with assault with intent to kill in one case and assault with a dangerous weapon in another. Copeland allegedly shot at a moving car at the intersection of 1st Street and N Street NW, on April 26, 2019.

Earlier that same day, he allegedly stabbed a victim eight times in an apartment building on the 100 block of Q Street, NW.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan instructed the defense to submit motions by March 15. The prosecution has until March 29 to respond.

The parties are set to reconvene on April 13 for a motion hearing.

Copeland, 32, is currently being held at the DC Jail without bail.

Prosecution and Defense Rest Case in Mass Shooting Trial

After nearly a week of of a mass shooting trial, parties rested their case on March 8.

Travis Littlejohn, 37, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for a non-fatal shooting incident at a Shell Gas station located on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on July 5, 2019. According to court documents, there were four victims who sustained non-life threatening gunshot wounds after a confrontation.

A witness testified to registering and insuring a Gray Mercedes Benz sedan for Littlejohn and his wife, whom the witness referred to as his “niece” despite the fact that they are not biologically related.

The witness said the husband of his “niece” went by the name “Trap.”

The witnes, who lives approximately two blocks from where the shooting took place, said he heard gunshots and firecrackers the night of the shooting. He said he could distinguish between the two because he served in the military for a number of years.

After the sounds of gunshots, the witness said Trap called him, asking him to call the insurance company because the car had been “jacked.”

On the following day, the witness was contacted by Metropolitan Police Department detectives and told that the Gray Mercedes Benz was located at a dead end.

The witness told the jury that, when he arrived on the scene, he saw numerous scratches on the car’s sides.

The witness also acknowledged misleading the detectives.

A day after the incident, he told MPD detectives that only him and his wife regularly drove the vehicle, and there were only two keys to the car. One in his possession and one key that was kept in the vehicle.

“I was trying to help a young friend,” he said, trying to explain why he lied to the police.

Closing arguments are scheduled for March 9.

Defendant Stays on Release While He Awaits Indictment for 2nd-Degree Murder

During a March 7 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Okun rejected a prosecutor’s motion to revoke a defendant’s release.

River Barfield, 20, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting of Jacky Brooks, 20, on the 4100 block of South Capitol Terrace, SW, on March 17, 2022.

Barfield is on release as he awaits to be indicted for the charge. His pretrial requirements include participation in a high intensity supervision program (HISP) and frequent random drug testing.

The prosecutor filed a motion to revoke Barfield’s pretrial release due to several positive drug tests received from the pretrial services agency (PSA).

According to the defense attorney, everytime Barfield received a positive drug test result with PSA, he also did an at-home drug test and has tested negative for all of them. She explained that several other defendants have reported similar issues with PSA drug tests and requested time to gather more information.

Judge Okun rejected the motion to revoke his release at this time, but ordered Barfield to undergo a drug assessment with PSA. He said he will make a decision regarding Barfield’s release at the next hearing.

All parties are scheduled to return for a felony status conference hearing on April 21.

Jury Reaches Guilty Verdict in Less than an Hour After 7-day Trial

On March 7, a jury found a non-fatal shooting defendant guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon after shooting his childhood friend.

Stefen Farmer, 52, 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 firing three non-fatal shots at the victim. The shooting happened on the 4400 block of Gault Place, NE, on Feb. 25, 2021.

After less than an hour, the jury reached its verdict. Farmer was found not guilty of assault with intent to kill while armed. He was found guilty of 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.

On Tuesday, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein read the jury the self-defense instructions, which they previously requested on Monday. After that, both the defense and the prosecution delivered additional closing statements.

The prosecution stated to the jury over and over that self-defense does not apply in the case. The prosecutor said there is no evidence of self-defense and that only evidence should be used when they decide on this case.

Defense attorney Nikki Lotze expressed to the jury how important their decision is in determining Farmer’s future and that the only fair decision is to find him not gulity. She stated that he acted in self-defense and that the persecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim did not have a gun.

She also said the prosecution failed to bring the needed evidence in the case and all they had is a blurry video where no effort was put to preserve the original video.

Lotze then went on and informed the jury that they are not to believe the victim’s testimony since he had previously lied during Grand Jury testimony.

“The government made its bed, do not save them from laying in it,” Lotze said.

Both parties were stopped by Judge Epstein many times after exceeding the time limit they were given.

Farmer’s sentencing date is scheduled for June 9.

Document: Homicide in Southeast

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on March 9, on the 1600 block of 17th Place, SE.

According to a press release, at about 2:41 am, officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent stab wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

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

Defendant Trial Date Set for January 2024

On March 7, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein scheduled a trial date after defense counsel reserved the right to plead not guilty and asked for a speedy trial in a second-degree murder case.

Jose Ramos, 36, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of 58-year-old Eduardo Cruz Jan. 29. Cruz was found dead in a car in the Carter Barron Amphitheater parking lot located on the 4800 block of Colorado Avenue, NW.

Defense attorney Rachel E. Mccoy requested that the prosecutor provide the defense with all the evidence they have on the case.

According to court documents, a medical examiner listed Cruz’s manner of death as blunt force trauma, which police say stemmed from an altercation at the victim’s apartment on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

A status hearing is scheduled for May 12.

Instagram Accounts Used as Evidence in Murder Trial

On March 7, a murder trial continued with the testimony of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) investigator regarding his knowledge of the Wellington Park individuals, their associations, and connections to one another.

The prosecution continued their direct examination of a MPD investigator. The investigator was shown various images that portrayed the defendants individually as well as with other individuals from the Wellington Park neighborhood. He was also shown messages between the defendants in a group chat that was acquired from their Instagram accounts.

The investigator, drawing from his experience using social media to identify persons of interest, said he associated the term “DF” as being a shorthand vanity name for a neighborhood group used by residents of Wellington Park in either their social media postings or directly in their usernames.

Taylor’s defense attorney, Jonathan Zucker, cross examined the witness, asking him if the use of “DF” in a person’s Instagram handle or postings alone was enough to identify an individual with a group.

The witness replied no, not with 100% certainty.

Zucker elaborated, asking if using “DF” in combination with posting images containing people who reside in Wellington Park was enough to determine association.

The witness again replied that was not enough either.

In addition, the investigator defined various acronyms and slang terms used in the defendants’ messages.

He defined the term “joint”, which was used several times, as either being a marjuana cigarette or a firearm of any kind. The witness also defined “ARP” as a reference to an AR-15 style rifle.

The judge instructed the jury to only consider the information from each exhibit based on the defendant that posted it rather than grouping them as a whole.

The defense was unable to finish their cross examination of the witness, so the jury was dismissed, and all parties were scheduled to reconvene on March 8 to continue the trial.

Document: 23-Year-Old Killed in Southeast

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on March 7, on the 2700 block of Bruce Place, SE.

According to a press release, at about 7:44 pm, officers located two adult males suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. One of the men, 23-year-old Dana Faulkner was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Officers located a juvenile male victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound shortly after. The victim was on the 2700 block of Bruce Place, SE at the time of the shooting.

Judge Vacates Trial Again Due to Prosecution Evidence Issues

During a March 7 status hearing, both the prosecution and the defense requested the March trial date to be pushed back due to new potential witnesses that the prosecution added.

Tony S. Aiken, 48, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Kendra Smith, 23, on the 4300 block of D Street, SE on Sept. 6, 2004.

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted the prosecution their request in adding additional witnesses. As a result, he vacated the March trial date and decided to wait for the next hearing to schedule a new one due to other evidence issues that the prosecution and the defense need time to discuss.

Defense attorney Jason Tully previously requested that the case be dismissed due to the prosecution violating Aiken’s rights by failing to preserve material evidence.His request was denied, according to court documents

Trial was previously scheduled and vacated in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 due to the prosecution’s slow process of providing evidence.

A status hearing is scheduled for March 17.

Defendant At Risk of Being Sent Back to Prison After Testing Positive for Fentanyl

During a status hearing on March 7, a judge told a defendant he was at risk of going back to jail after he tested positive for fentanyl.

Ronnie Melson, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting Demetrius Jones, 41, on Nov. 6, 2020, on the 1700 block of Gales Street, NE.

During the hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe brought up an issue regarding Melson’s pretrial release.

The prosecutor said Melson tested positive for fentanyl multiple times during his routine check-ins with the pretrial services agency (PSA).

The prosecutor also said Melson had problems with being released in the past and has never fully complied with the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

HISP requires Melson to undergo weekly drug testing. In order for the defendant qualify for HISP, he must not have any warrants or detainers, provide a verified address, and obtain an agreement that allows monitoring equipment to be installed. Melson is currently released under HISP with home confinement and GPS monitoring.

Defense attorney Jason Tulley argued that Melson was released because the prosecution had limited evidence against him and nothing concrete tying him to the murder.

Tulley further argued that pretrial services recommended that Melson enter into a treatment facility because of his drug use. Melson has fully complied with the other requirements in HISP.

The problem with placing Melson in a treatment facility would be that home confinement portion of HISP release could not be ensured.

Pretrial services said the facility would not be forced to ensure Melson did not leave the property.

However, Judge O’Keefe said he feels he could find a way to work around the home confinement problem by adding a condition to Melson’s release.

Judge O’Keefe scheduled another hearing for next week and if Melson stays clean, then he would be eligible for treatment.

The parties are scheduled to return March 15 for a status hearing.

Case Acquitted: Witness Testifies to Victim and Defendant’s Close Relationship in Murder Trial

Sutton was acquitted of murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence on March 23, 2023.

On day four of a murder trial, a witness testified to a close-relationship between the defendant and the victim, information that had not been presented to the jury to date.

Kaevon Sutton, 21, is charged with first-degree murder in connection to the death of Aujee Tyler, 22. Tyler was shot multiple times on the 3500 block of Stanton Road, SE on March 19, 2018. Despite all life-saving efforts, he passed away at Washington Hospital Center later that day.

On March 7, the witness said he was best friends with Tyler and worked with him in their own unofficial mentoring program for young boys in their neighborhood. He told the court that Tyler mentored the defendant who was also known as Baby Ahk. e made sure that he always had food to eat and a place to stay, the witness said.

The witness saidTyler and Baby Ahk were better friends than he and the victim were, “you wouldn’t see Ahk and not see ‘Quick’.”

‘Quick’ was the nickname given to Tyler by the boxing community. “He was the best there was,” said the witness.

Another witness testified that Sutton stayed in North Carolina with the witness’s family in April of 2018 and then lived with the witness for a time before they both moved to Ohio.

That witness also testified that some time later they had discovered some information about Baby Ahk’s affiliation with this case and called the Metropolitan Police Department tip line about Sutton’s whereabouts.

The trial is scheduled to resume March 8.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Sexual Abuse Case

During a March 7 hearing, a defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges in a sex abuse case.

The 53-year-old defendant is charged with first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree sexual abuse while intoxicated, kidnapping, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and threat to kidnap or injure a person. The charges are in regards to an incident that took place on the 1200 block of Ruam Street, NE.

According to court documents on June 5, 2022, the complainant was allegedly forced to smoke crack cocaine, was struck by the defendant on the buttocks, and attempted to hit her face with iron as she used her hand to shield herself.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer asked the complainant if the two had any past sexual history and she stated “Oh Yeah, and he sodomized me,” documents stated.

The prosecution said DNA testing has been done and evidence will be sent over to the defense.

Defense attorney Cheryl D. Stein said she will be submitting a voucher to conduct another DNA test due to her being ill with Covid-19.

A status hearing is scheduled for April 21.

Child Sex Abuse Case Set to Continue Later this Month

During a felony status conference on March 7, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe scheduled a follow up hearing later this month.

The defendant, 36, is charged with first-degree child sex abuse and first-degree sexual abuse for an indicident that occurred between on June 16 and 17, 2019, on the 1400 block of Irving Street, NW.

According to court documents, it states the victim, 15, woke up to the defendant kissing and groping her repeatedly.

There had been a party the night before, so the victim said she could smell alcohol on the defendant’s breath.

Judge O’Keefe said they would continue the case for a possible disposition.

The parties are scheduled to return March 31 for a felony status conference.

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