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Social Media Posts Link Defendants to 10-year-old’s Murder, Prosecution Says

As a high-profile murder trial entered its third month, prosecutors Introduced dozens of Instagram posts and social media messages to convince jurors that the suspects tried to hide their identities using so-called “vanity names,” while communicating their violent intent in code.  

Gregory Taylor, 27, Quentin Michals, 25, Qujuan Thomas, 24, Darrise Jeffers, 23, Isiah Murchison, 23 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 drive-by shooting that resulted in the death of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE on July 16, 2018. 

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective leading the investigation walked the jury through the online information in the form of message records, pictures and videos.   Without specifically identifying each person, the evidence painted a larger picture of what prosecutors say was a conspiracy to commit murder.  Several videos show individuals dancing and carrying guns. 

Around the time of the murder, the prosecution says that Murchison and Michals exchanged messages about the need to recover a gun, whiie Cobbs, meanwhile was warning about the location of police.  One prosecution exhibit showed a picture of Jeffers with a gun in his lap.  

In another message, defendant Thomas says he felt disrespected and discussed the problem of “coordinating an attack.”  

Ruling against defense objections,DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun said there’s sufficient basis to consider Murchison a part of the conspiracy.

One of the vanity names that came under scrutiny was “Hollywood Glizzy”.  Online conversations in and around the murder, the prosecution says, indicate that Glizzy was shopping for firearms. 

In one post, Glizzy says, “I need another cutter (slang for a firearm).”  In a July 8, 2018 message, the MPD detective showed pictures of a pistol and a rifle that a correspondent named “Mook” sent to Glizzy.  The price discussed for the pistol, identified as a Glock, was $850. 

In another post from a source identified as “Real Big Goonie,” the message was “We got the choppas that Osama went to war with.”

Taylor’s attorney, Jonathan Zucker, countered that any individual could use someone’s cell phone to make a call or post in an effort to disguise their identity.   Further, there were many names in the Instagram log that the detective couldn’t identify.

One video introduced by prosecutors and disputed by the defense showed Taylor performing a rap song as part of a “going live” performance.  Taylor was allegedly upset about a “fake account” and the prosecution said he made remarks about “killing kids.”  

However, Zucker says there’s no way to know if Taylor made threats to anyone in particular.  

The trial resumed on May 3 and closing arguments are anticipated for the middle of May.    

Homeowner Testifies in Long standing Double Homicide Case

The owner of a home where a double murder took place testified in a May 2 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt he was in the house when the crime occurred.

Alphonso Walker, 45, is being charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of first-degree murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit a robbery, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of attempting to commit robbery and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in connection to the deaths of Dalonte Wilson, 23, and Antone Brown, 44, near the 400 block of 61 Street, NE on April 25, 2018. Walker has been held in the DC Jail since December of 2018. 

On Tuesday, the homeowner stated he was in a room with two others on the first floor when he heard gunshots that seemed close. One of the individuals in the room then turned off the lights.

“Give me the fucking money,” witnesses overheard someone say.

Brown and another individual entered the room allegedly looking for money. When none was found and they exited the room, the witness heard one of the individuals say “I’m not gonna ask again,” and then a final gunshot went off.

Another witness, who was in the room at the time, made an in-court identification of Walker during testimony. However, she had previously testified that she would not be able to identify the shooter by appearance and only by voice.

The witness was convicted of perjury in 1989, when she accepted money to drop charges against a man who allegedly stabbed her.

Trial is scheduled to resume May 3.

Document: Homicide: 400 Block of Condon Terrace, Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in an investigation of a fatal shooting that occurred on May 2, on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE. The shooting claimed 27-year-old Derrick Thomas’ life.

Document: Updated Traffic Fatality: Interstate 295 Southbound Prior to Exits 1B and 1C

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the assistance of the public in locating a suspect vehicle for a traffic fatality that occurred on May 1, on I-295 Southbound. The incident claimed the life of 30-year-old Rhyes Patrick-James Harris.

MPD is on the lookout for a 1999 to 2003 Ford Windstar minivan that may have defects that corroborate running over a pedestrian. The color of the vehicle is unknown.

One Fatal DC Mass Shooting in April, Data Shows

D.C. Witness recorded 38 homicide and non-fatal shooting incidents in DC during the month of April.

Of those incidents, 13 were homicides. All homicides committed in the District were caused by shootings.

The shooting death of Terrell Coghill on April 11 on the 4000 block of Benning Road, NE was related to a mass shooting. Three other victims suffered from gunshot wounds in that shooting as well.

In addition to the mass shooting incident that left the 29-year-old dead. D.C. Witness also documented another mass shooting incident during the month on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE in Congress Heights on April 2. The shooting injured four people.

One homicide victim, 36-year-old Orlando Galloway, was found with both gunshot and stab wounds on the 200 block of 14th Street, SE on April 2. He died on the scene. Police apprehended 39-year-old Julius Lee Worthy on April 3. He is charged with second-degree murder while armed.

According to D.C. Witness data, there were 16 shootings in Southeast DC, 12 shootings in Northeast DC, four shootings in Southwest DC, and six shootings in Northwest DC.

Two of those shootings have been identified as being domestic in nature.

Police have apprehended seven suspects in non-fatal shootings this month.

Defense Reveals Murder Witness Has Previous Perjury Conviction

The defense disparaged a key eyewitness’s credibility in a murder trial after revealing inconsistencies in her testimony, and citing her prior conviction for perjury. 

Alphonso Walker, 45, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of first-degree murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit a robbery, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of attempting to commit robbery and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in connection to the death of Dalonte Wilson, 23, and Antone Brown, 44, near the 400 block of 61st Street, NE on April 25, 2018. 

During the incident, three individuals were in the home where the shooting took place. Two of the individuals present during the murders testified at Monday’s hearing. 

Both eyewitnesses explained that they had been using heroin in April 2018 and intended to get high the night of the shooting. They said they were waiting in one of the rooms for Wilson to sell them drugs. 

Then they heard an argument followed by a gunshot, shut off the lights and took cover. Another man, whose voice was unrecognized, demanded that Wilson give him everything he had. When Wilson said that he didn’t have anything, the witnesses heard another gunshot before the house fell silent. 

Both witnesses explained that the two men briefly entered the room where they had been hiding. One of the witnesses was unable to provide any information about the suspect as she hid under the couch.

The other witness, however, stated she recognized Walker as the shooter when she saw him two days after the murders and identified him in court. She also identified an alternate suspect in a photo but stated that he had not been in the house that night. 

However, defense attorney Prescott Loveland noted inconsistencies in her testimony. 

Loveland said the witness testified during the grand jury proceedings and stated in a police interview that she would only be able to identify the suspect if she could hear his voice. When asked how she was able to identify Walker without first hearing his voice, the witness stated that she lied. 

Under questioning, the witness admitted she hadn’t heard an audio recording nor was shown a photo of Walker made during the last five years.

Loveland also asked about whether the lights had been on in the room where the shooting happened. She testified they had been turned on. However, in her grand jury testimony, she stated that they were off. When asked if she had lied, the witness stated that “they never asked” if the lights were turned on.

Loveland also asked the witness about her conviction for perjury in 1989, when she had given a false in-court identification. 

“Today I’m not lying,” the witness later stated.

An additional witness present in the home during the night of the murders may not be allowed to testify as he mistakenly entered the courtroom and overheard a previous witness’s testimony. That matter will be determined at the next hearing.

The trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt  is scheduled to resume on May 3 at 9:30 am. 

Murder Suspect Weighs Plea Change

Murder suspect Karlos Kinney is weighing whether to change his not guilty plea in connection with the killing of Resha Blount, according to his attorney Antoini Jones. 

Kinney, 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the shooting death of Blount on April 30, 2020, on the 900 block of New Jersey Avenue NW. 

In a hearing on May 1, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein asked if Kinney had changed his mind about the original plea deal offered in 2021.  

Initially, Kinney turned down a prosecution offer to plead guilty to a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed with a recommended sentence of seven-and-a-half to 15 years.  

Meanwhile, prosecutors have extended their plea offer until May 8, according to court documents. 

Judge Epstein set the next hearing in the case for May 9.

If the matter goes to trial, Judge Epstein also set a date for Dec. 2, 2024

Document: Homicide: 2000 Block of M Street, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking assistance in the investigation of a fatal shooting that claimed the life of 34-year-old John Coleman, which occurred on the 2000 block of M Street NE, on May 1.

Prosecution, Defense Spar Over Evidence in Murder Case After Delay in Hearing

Following a 90 minute delay, prosecutors and defense lawyers disputed the admissibility of key evidence in a murder case during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on May 1.  

Ravel Mills, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in connection with the murder of 28-year-old Toussaunt Strong on April 20, 2020, on the 3400 block of 24th Street, SE. Mills, say court documents, was engaging in a long standing dispute with the victim whom he had allegedly attempted to rob.

However, Mills’ legal team, including public defender Kevin O’Sullivan, and the prosecution debated about DNA evidence in the case as well as the arrest warrant carried out by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Specifically, the defense wants to introduce its own DNA findings, which it says excludes MIlls as a suspect.  The prosecution disagreed, saying it will respond with a motion to challenge the results in the next 30 days.  

Also, at issue, is the work of the lead detective who carried out the arrest warrant that yielded cell phone evidence.  She was scheduled to testify but was reportedly too ill to take part in the proceeding.  The defense questioned her training and experience and labeled the warrant a “regurgitation” and a “bare bones affidavit.”

Judge Epstein said the manner in which the cell phone was seized is a “threshold” question.

He also said the defense could take more time to prepare its case.  

In addition to arguments, the proceeding was delayed more than 90 minutes because the US Marshals were unable to bring prisoners to the courtroom on time, according to Judge Epstein. 

The next hearing is set for May 10 at 11 a.m. 

Defendant Asserts His Right to Independent DNA Testing 

On May 1, a homicide defendant asserted his right to test DNA evidence.

Joseph Melton, 54, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that claimed 48-year-old Kevin Chamberlain’s life. The incident occurred on Jan. 14, 2020, on the 700 block of 24th Street, NW. 

Melton is also charged with assault with intent to kill for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that injured one individual on Jan. 14, 2020, on the 800 block of Vermont Avenue, NW. 

Melton’s defense attorney, Thomas Healy, alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe that the defense planned on testing the handle of the knife that was allegedly used for the attacks, which was found on Melton’s person at the time of his arrest. 

According to court documents, Chamberlain had reported an attempted stabbing in the early hours of Jan. 14, 2020. He was found with multiple stab wounds that same afternoon, and succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. 

According to court documents, Melton was found with suspected blood on his clothing and his hands, and with a bloody knife in his pocket, when he was apprehended. 

The testing is expected to last four months. 

Parties are expected back for a trial readiness hearing on Jan. 19, 2024. 

Murder Preliminary Hearing Continues Due to Scheduling Conflict

On May 1, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe was presented evidence of homicide to assist his ruling on probable cause. 

Tre’quan Nelson, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting that claimed 34-year-old Delonte King’s life on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. 

There are two more co-defendants charged in connection to the murder. Demonte Gibson, 26, is being charged with first-degree premeditated murder. DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause that Gibson was the killer on March 29. 

Asani Forte, 25, is being charged with accessory after the fact to the assault with intent to kill for his assistance to Gibson and Nelson after King’s murder. 

According to court documents, Gibson and Nelson were seen approaching King at the intersection of 14th Street and Girard Street the day of the incident, which is caught on surveillance footage. A witness heard one of them say “you see this right here,” or something to that extent, before firing six to eight gunshots in King’s direction and running away. 

Surveillance footage at an apartment building nearby shows Gibson and Nelson entering the building with ski masks on, and exiting the building a few moments later with no masks on. The men allegedly meet up with Forte.

According to the lead detective, when interviewed by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), all three defendants identified themselves as the individuals seen in surveillance video before or after the shooting.

Nelson’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, questioned the detective based on his knowledge of Nelson carrying a gun. The detective said no surveillance footage shows Nelson carrying or shooting a gun. 

Due to the defense’s scheduling conflicts, the preliminary hearing was continued. 

Parties are expected back in court May 2 to litigate probable cause and receive the judge’s ruling.

Defense Tries to Show Flaws in Detectives’ Investigation of Double Homicide

On April 27, the defense attempted to show Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives’ failure to probe other suspects during the investigation for a double homicide case. 

Alphonso Walker, 45, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of first-degree murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit a robbery, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of attempt to commit robbery and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in connection to the death of Delonte Wilson, 23, and Antone Brown, 44, near the 400 block of 61st Street, NE on April 25, 2018. 

The prosecution questioned an MPD detective who participated in the search of Walker’s home after a search warrant had been issued. The detective explained that while searching a closet, a backpack holding a gun, two boxes of ammunition, Walker’s mail, and an ID card were found. 

During cross-examination, defense attorney Kevann Gardner questioned the detective about whether or not any search warrants had been issued for the residences of any of the other potential suspects. 

The prosecution objected to this line of questioning, explaining that the defense was restricted to the constraints of what was discussed in direct questioning — the search warrant for Walker’s residence. Also, given that the detective on the stand had not participated in any other part of the investigation aside from the search, any information that he could give would be hearsay.

“Clearly you are putting [the lead detective] on trial through this witness,” DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt told Gardner, agreeing with prosecution.

The witness later testified that he had no known knowledge about the investigation.

During the detective’s testimony, one of the potential witnesses was in the courtroom, unbeknownst to the prosecution or defense. Upon realization, he was escorted out of the courtroom.

“Mistakes happen sometimes that are no one’s fault,” Judge Brandt said in regards to the issue.

However, his ability to testify is now at question and will be decided on Monday.

Parties are scheduled to return to court on May 1.