Judge Allows Defendant to Seek New Lawyers in Murder Case

During a status hearing on Feb. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan allowed a defendant to seek new representation.

Tony Morgan, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed aggravating circumstances, 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 for allegedly shooting Malik McCloud, 19, on Oct. 20, 2018, on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE.

Judge Raffinan and defense attorneys Lisbeth Sapirstein and Wole O. Falodun had a lengthy bench discussion, which concerned an issue that Morgan wanted to address. The issue was not disclosed to the public.

Judge Raffinan informed the prosecutor that Morgan wanted new representation in his case and that could cause conflicts with the trial date set for July 3.

The prosecutor said she believed that if Morgan could find new lawyers by Friday’s hearing then, she feels, the current trial date should remain on schedule.

The parties are scheduled to return for a status hearing on Feb. 10.

Judge Finds Probable Cause Defendant Committed Murder

During a preliminary hearing on Feb. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found probable cause that the defendant allegedly murdered another individual on May 30, 2022.

James Jackson, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly murdering Christian Gabriel Monje, 29, on the 1700 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW.

The prosecutor called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lead detective on the case as a witness. The detective identified Jackson in the courtroom as being the suspect involved with the murder.

The prosecutor proceeded to show surveillance footage, which displayed the church steps where the murder had occurred. According to the surveillance, Monje approached the steps of the church with a bag and proceeded to sit on the retaining wall for an hour before an individual approached him.

Due to a gap in the video, there is no footage of the altercation between the individual and Monje. The surveillance does show Monje lying on the steps with his back against the retaining wall.

The prosecutor then showed surveillance footage from an alley next to the church, which displayed an individual running through the alley with a bag and passing next to a dumpster that was blocked by a car.

The detective stated that they recovered a P-80 9mm pistol underneath the dumpster, along with a magazine and ammunition. DNA evidence connected Jackson to the magazine.

The prosecution continued to show numerous other surveillance angles, which displayed the individual’s face. Surveillance also displayed the individual placing his jacket into a flower bed, which was later obtained by authorities.

The detective also mentioned that a witness heard a gunshot and saw an individual wearing all black clothing on the steps with Monje, however the witness could not identify the suspect due to problems with their eyesight.

The defense confirmed with the detective that there was no DNA evidence on the firearm, jacket, or ammunition that connected to Jackson.

The detective also stated that the bag the individual took from Monje had not been recovered, although Monje’s family received the victim’s drivers license in the mail from an unknown source.

The prosecution said there was substantial probability and probable cause that Jackson committed the murder, while the defense argued the evidence was circumstantial at best and does not think substantial probability or probable cause should be ordered.

Judge Demeo found probable cause that Jackson allegedly murdered Monje. She said the surveillance video also indicates that the defendant stole the bag from the victim.

Jackson’s cell phone was also placed in the vicinity of the murder when it took place.

Judge Demeo did not find substantial probability in the case.

“Since he is gone, our family cannot go on anymore”, Monje’s mom told D.C. Witness . She said she is heartbroken because she will not get to watch Monje experience the bright future he had ahead of him.

The parties are scheduled to return for a felony status conference on April 26.

Parties Argue Over Language in Murder Case

Parties had a lengthy debate on whether the language used by expert witnesses should be altered to be more comprehensible by the jury during a Feb. 8 hearing.

Alphonso Walker, 45, is being charged with first-degree murder in connection to the deaths of Dalonte Wilson, 23, and Antone Brown, 44. The shooting occurred in the 400 block of 61 Street, NE on April 25, 2018.

A representative from The Innocence Project argued that the jury could misinterpret the meaning of evidence if loaded language like “verification,” “consistent with,” and “identification” are used by expert witnesses. The Innocence Project has paired with scientists to investigate wrongful convictions and push for better verification in forensic analysis.

Defense attorney Jess Willis and the prosecution spoke at length about their language proposals, citing previous scientific studies and testimony from expert witnesses in firearm and toolmark analysis.

Tensions were high due to time constraints in preparation for the upcoming trial. DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt expressed her concerns and warned parties if continued the next trial date will not be until 2024.

“I need more time to digest this and put this into writing…stay tuned,” Judge Brandt said.

The next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 9.

Judge Continues Preliminary Hearing for Sex Abuse Defendant

On Feb. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan continued a preliminary hearing for a 2022 sex abuse case.

The 24-year-old defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse on Dec. 12, 2022, on the 3000 block of 16th Street NW.

According to a press release, the victim was standing near a bus stop when the defendant allegedly approached her, brandished a handgun and made the statement, “suck my dick.”

The accuser said that despite her refusal, the defendant kept brandishing the pistol and making attempts toward her sexually. She claimed that he was exposing his penis while lowering his pants with his other hand.

During Wednesday’s hearing, defense attorney Charles O’Banion asked to reschedule the hearing to review the plea offer.

O’Banion also asked Judge Raffinan to grant his client’s release, saying the defendant has never had any history of assaults.

But, the prosecutor objected to release, arguing that the firearm that was on the defendant at the time of the arrest was obtained illegally.

She also stated that he has another case in Georgia that is pending. That case involves methenamine, driving without a license, and possession of marijuana.

“The defendant has no history of assault conduct but the conduct that is charged here is extremely serious and poses a danger to the community,” she said.

Judge Raffinan agreed with the prosecution and rejected O’Banion’s request for release.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for March 22 to give the defense time to consider a plea offer.

Defendant’s Attorney in Homicide Case Refutes Charges

A defense attorney in a homicide case refuted kidnapping allegations during a presentment hearing on Feb. 7.

Isaiah Trotman, 31, is currently being 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.

On the day of the incident, Trotman injured three other victims in addition to Cunningham. He is accused of shooting two of the victims in the leg and another in the arm. He allegedly threatened them, pointed a gun at them, and told them to leave the metro station. This chain of events is what led to both the kidnapping and assault accusations.

Defense attorney Joseph Yarbough said there was no substantial probability or probable cause for the kidnapping charges, stating there was no intent to kidnap any of the victims because there was no purpose in doing so.

“A requirement of kidnapping is purpose of confinement,” said Yarbough.

The prosecution replied by emphasizing that the Trotman exerted control over the victim through violence.

He pointed a gun at the victim and told her to get off the bus, the prosecutor said.

Cunningham was killed when he stepped in to defend the other victims.

“In one day, the defendant terrorized four individuals,” said the prosecution.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan said he believes there is substantial probability and probable cause. He denied the defense’s request for release.

The next hearing is set for Feb. 16.

Motion Hearing Continued Due To Missing Evidence

A matter was continued in a Feb. 7 hearing due to missing evidence in a double homicide case.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt gave a warning to both parties on the conduct presented before the court. “This isn’t about your egos, it’s about Mr. Walker…Cut it out,” Judge Brandt said.

Defense attorneys Kevann Gardner and Prescott Loveland argued for a motion to dismiss due to deleted and missing body-worn camera footage and notes from police officers at the scene the day of the incident. Officers have still yet to turnover case notes from five years ago.

Judge Brandt requested the officer take the stand to provide more information about the missing case notes on Feb 9.

“Nothing associated in this case is more important than this missing information,” Judge Brandt said.

Judge Brandt continued the matter due to information that needed to be reviewed.

The next hearing is scheduled to discuss a different motion on Feb. 8.

Prosecution and Defense Argue Over Professionalism in Court During Murder Case

During a felony status conference hearing on Feb. 7, the prosecution and defense argued over civility when the defense failed to provide a courtesy copy of their release plan to the prosecution.

William Ransford, 59, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly murdering Debra McManus, 39, on Oct. 23, 1993, in the area of 4th and Trenton Streets, SE.

The defense came prepared to discuss the release of Ransford with three separate options the attorneys said would prove sufficient.

The prosecution, however, did not receive the release plan because it was sent late on Feb. 6, and not easily accessible.

The prosecution proceeded to make comments targeting the defense’s professionalism, saying that they have refused to provide her with a courtesy copy of some reports. The prosecutor elaborated by saying she requested contact information from the defense, which was never provided.

Defense attorney Molly Bunke proceeded to argue her position for Ransford being released by proposing three different release plans.

Bunke argued that due to Ransford’s terminal illness and the fact that the case occurred 30 years ago, he was no longer a threat to the community.

The prosecution said that although Ransford has a terminal illness, he has been convicted of numerous other crimes since the murder in 1993, such as robbery, escape from an institution, and attempting to distribute a controlled substance.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied Ransford’s release.

The parties continued to discuss a motion to dismiss the case due to a HIPAA violation that occurred when the prosecution shared medical information with other sources.

The defense proceeded to give the prosecution a redacted copy of a medical document, which the prosecutor argued would not give her the ability to address how to move forward in the case with her supervisor.

Judge Raffinan ruled that the prosecutor only be allowed to discuss the redacted version.

The parties are scheduled to return for a motion hearing on March 27.

DC Judge Holds Co-Defendants During Presentments

A DC Superior Court judge held co-defendants charged with assault with a dangerous weapon during presentment hearings on Feb. 6.

A total of 37 defendants had hearings before Judge Lloyd Nolan, Jr.

Judge Nolan granted a request to hold co-defendants in connection to a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 6 in a parking garage on the 100 Block of M Street, NE.

Defendants Shatia Penn, 24, and Desmond Barr, 21, were allegedly involved in a verbal altercation that turned physical with two individuals. As the victims drove away three shots were fired at the vehicle.

Defense attorney Lola Ziadie requested that no probable cause be found on the assault charge for Barr, asserting he was not physically responsible for shooting the gun. This request was refuted by the prosecution and probable cause was found by the judge.

Judge Nolan also held two domestic violence defendants. One defendant charged with contempt was held without bond because of another open domestic violence case. He is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 13.

Another domestic violence defendant was held. The defendant was charged with violating a CPO and contempt and was held with a $25 bond and a stay-away order. She is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 14.

Two domestic violence defendants were released. Their charges include attempted threats to do bodily harm, attempted possession of a prohibited item, and simple assault. Both defendants were given stay-away orders and instructed to return to court on March 2.

Judge Transitions Homicide Defendant from DC Jail to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital

Given an expert witness’s recommendation and a homicide defendant’s outbursts, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein authorized the release of the defendant from the DC Jail to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.

Daniel Simon, 41, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the murder of Michael Jones, 52, on the 200 block of 15 Street, NW on Jan. 4.

On Tuesday, a hearing was held to rule on whether the defendant was competent enough to stand trial.

His defense attorney, Madalyn Harvey, obtained an expert to evaluate the defendant. However, the defense has no record of the evaluation.

The expert allegedly deemed the defendant incompetent to stand trial.

Throughout the hearing, Simon was adamant about speaking for himself rather than the attorney doing it for him. He repeatedly expressed concerns, to Judge Epstein, about being unaware of why he was being held.

“What is my conviction?” he asked, interrupting Judge Epstein.

The prosecutor said he was unable to rule against or for anything due to the lack of knowledge about the defendant’s mental capacity, so he asked for another competence screening with a new expert.

Judge Epstein scheduled the new screening and set another mental observation hearing, where parties will discuss the status of the defendant’s mental state, for Feb. 27.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter

Rodney T. Lindsay pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter on Feb. 7 at the D.C. Superior Court.

Lindsay, 55, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for stabbing Terrance Gause, 53, on Aug. 14, 2021, on the 700 block of Adrian Street, SE.

Lindsay’s Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative let the court know that, as of Feb. 2, Lindsay has been fully compliant with his high intensity supervision program (HISP) conditions.

Voluntary manslaughter holds a maximum 30 year sentence or a $250,000 fine.

The defense attorney requested that Lindsay remain on release while he awaits his sentencing date. According to his defense attorney, Lindsay is not a threat to the community.

The prosecutor requested for the defendant to continue following the stay away order which prohibits him from contacting or being around the victim’s family.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Raffinan granted the defense attorney’s request, and reiterated that Lindsay must remain compliant with his release terms until sentencing.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19.

Document: Traffic Fatality in Northeast

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a traffic fatality from a traffic crash that occurred on Feb. 3, on the 3000 block of 20th Street, NE.

The preliminary investigation at about 11:43 pm, a 2004 Infiniti G35 was traveling up the 3000 block of 20th Street, NE.

The Infiniti’s driver lost control of the car and slammed into a Jeep Cherokee that was parked on the curb facing west. Because of the intensity of the collision, a Nissan Xterra was pushed into a BMW 3 Series, which in turn was pushed into a Jeep. Following a 20-foot detour northward, the Jeep leaped the curb before coming to a final stop on the sidewalk.

The driver of the Jeep, 22-year-old Andy Carino was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department detectives made an arrest in connection to a homicide that occurred on Feb. 6, on the 4200 block of 7th Street, SE.

According to a press release, at about 11:33 pm, officers located 40-year-old Anthony Thomas, Sr., inside of an apartment suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The suspect was apprehended at the scene.

Latasha Gray, 35, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Requests to Represent himself in Jury Trial

A non-fatal shooting defendant expressed on Feb. 2 that he wanted to represent himself.

Victor Leon Coley, 61, was charged with assault with Intent to kill while armed, the incident took place on the 300 block of 40th St, NE in which two victims were shot, one victim was shot in the back and the other in the right leg. The incident took place on Nov. 6, 2013, and the defendant has yet to have a trial. Coley has been in DC jail for over five years.

“Your Honor I have to go back to tell my family I don’t have a court date, now the judge moving it back. I want to represent myself your honor.” the defendant said.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan advised Coley that it was not in his best interest to represent himself in court as it would be extremely difficult to cease all his discoveries and evidence to support himself in a trial.

One of Coley’s defense attorneys, Jesse Winograd, requested a renewal of the motion for release into a 90-day outpatient treatment program where the defendant can get follow-up services, including housing.

Another defense attorney, Carrie Weletz, emphasized that the defendant has not been receiving his heart medication while in prison.

“Mr. Coley can show me gaps in his record when he does not receive his medication and the same exact issue has happened before. This is a medication that is keeping him alive,” Weletz said.

Judge Ryan said he understands Winograd’s request, but rejected the motion for release because the case is still pending.

The next hearing is a jury trial that is scheduled for April 24.

Document: 25-Year-Old Killed in Southeast

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Feb. 4, on the 3600 block of 22nd Street, SE.

According to a press release, at about 7:17 pm, officers located 25-year-old Darnell Peoples suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Document: Homicide in Northwest

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Feb. 4, on the 1400 block of Spring Road, NW.

According to a press release, at about 4:04 pm, officers located 39-year-old Aaron Robinson inside of the vestibule of a residential building. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

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