Co-conspirator Testifies Against Co-defendants in Murder Trial

A co-conspirator in a murder trial testified against two co-defendants during a Nov. 2 trial.

James Mayfield, 23, and Robert Moses, 23, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with the intent to kill, conspiracy, and aggravated assault while armed as well as other charges in connection to the murder of 17-year-old Jamahri Sydnor on Aug. 10, 2017, at the intersection of Montana and Saratoga Avenue, NE. This shooting also wounded three bystanders that were standing at the intersection.

During Wednesday’s trial, the prosecution continued their direct examination of the co-conspirator.

Earlier this year, this witness pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection to the same incident. His agreement with the prosecution required him to testify against Mayfield and Moses, who he previously identified to the police as his co-conspirators.

The witness testified that he drove the two defendants to the intersection of Montana and Saratoga Avenue in a gold Honda Accord.

“I was feeling kinda nervous, kinda had butterflies,” said the witness, describing how he felt while waiting for Mayfield and Moses.

“I heard three to four gunshots,” he said.

Then, the prosecution showed the witness three security footage videos of him shopping at Dick’s Sporting Goods with his daughter after the shooting had occurred.

The prosecution also presented maps of the intersection of Montana and Saratoga Avenue and asked the witness to identify where he drove and parked the car on the day of the shooting.

Additionally, the witness identified two photos of the .40 and .45 caliber weapons that the co-defendants allegedly owned, as well as identified pictures of the gold Honda Accord the witness was driving.

During the cross-examination, Moses’s defense attorney Steven Kiersh asked the witness how he retrieved the money he used to shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods with his daughter. Kiersh emphasized that the witness does not have a job or a consistent paycheck, saying it “came from your sales of crack cocaine.”

“My circumstances prevented me from working,” the witness responded.

Then, Kiersh referred to the witness’s testimony during his plea bargain. According to Kiersh, the agreement requires the witness to state that Moses committed these crimes.

“If you don’t say that Robert Moses committed these crimes, you don’t get the deal,” Kiersh asked.

“I wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t the truth,” the witness responded.

Kiersh also said the witness had not been sentenced yet because the prosecution is waiting for his testimony in this current trial.

“It’s beneficial to you and your children for you to not be locked up,” Kiersh said.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan set the trial to continue on Nov. 3.

Lack of Manpower Warrants No Sympathy from Judge During Hearing in Homicide Case

“So cry me a river,” said DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt over the prosecutor’s explanation of an understaffed office to request a continuance of trial.

Brian Wooden, 32, is charged with two counts of first-degree cruelty to children and two counts of felony murder in connection to the death of one-year-old Carter Sanders on May 26, 2018, on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE.

Wooden’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, raised concern over the prosecution’s request for a trial continuance. King explained that her expert witness, flying in from California, may not be available at a later date.

The prosecutor on the case explained to the judge that she is the only person in her office that prosecutes cases involving babies.

“You guys have got to find some more manpower,” Judge Brandt said, explaining that DC Superior Court is down 14 judges and by 2023 might be down 20 judges.

During the Nov. 2 hearing, Judge Brandt was made aware that Wooden, as of last week, was being held at DC Jail for another case.

Wooden had been on supervised release since 2019. King made it clear that she doesn’t want the trial date to be pushed back since her client is now being held.

A status hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 30 to discuss keeping the same April trial date or moving the trial to June 2023.

DNA Results from Gun Are Inconclusive in Homicide Trial

During a Nov. 2 proceeding, two expert witnesses testified on DNA and vehicular evidence in a three co-defendant homicide trial.

Derek Turner, 31, and his co-defendant Ronnika Jennings, 44, are charged with first-degree murder while armed and conspiracy in connection with the shooting of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on March 5, 2017, on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE. The third co-defendant Duan Hill, 33, is charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

Additionally, Turner is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Devin Hall on Jan. 7, 2017, on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE.

A DNA analyst’s testimonial included the results of DNA swabs taken from Turner’s cheek, a firearm magazine, and a Glock.

Results from the magazine were inconclusive because there were two contributors to the DNA, with one being a male. The Glock also had inconclusive results due to a similar mixture of DNA. The unclear results deemed the evidence unreliable, so no comparisons were made to Turner.

Defense attorney, Michael Madden, questioned the DNA analyst about his confidence in the Glock DNA profile. The expert clarified potentially more than two sets of DNA were on the firearm.

The second expert testified about McPhatter’s green Buick, which the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) processed.

The vehicle had eight bullet holes on the driver’s side, also damaging the vehicle’s interior. Prosecutors displayed physical bullet fragments and a firearm magazine found inside the vehicle.

McPhatter’s driver’s license was found in the vehicle’s backseat.

Madden questioned the expert on misconduct allegations against the Department of Forensic Science (DFS). Allegations included covering up evidence and corruption in the Spring of 2017.

Prosecutors objected to this cross-examination as the expert was not accused of any allegations.

DC Superior Cout Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled to continue this with the expert’s testimony on Nov. 3.

Jurors Find 2018 Homicide Defendant Guilty

After deliberating for two days, jurors found a homicide defendant guilty.

Malik Holston, 20, was initially indicted in 2019 for first-degree murder while armed with the murder being especially heinous, possesion of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or place of business in connection to the shooting death of 15-year-old Gerald Watson on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE on Dec. 13, 2018.

The jury came back with the verdict on Nov. 2 for first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license.

Before the verdict, the jury sent DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt a note, “What happens if we can reach an agreement on all counts except aggravating circumstances?”

Holston’s defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, referred to the 2011 Jones v. United States case that states, “A partial verdict should be accepted when it is offered.”

“You would be instructed to continue deliberating on any issues of disagreement,” the judge sent back to the jury. All parties agreed on this response.

However, on the aggravating circumstance charge, the jury could not reach a decision.

After the jury was discharged, Judge Brandt left to go thank the jury in person. When she came back, Judge Brandt said this trial affected the jury, and that several of the jurors were brought to tears.

“Keep a positive outlook,” Judge Brandt’s told Holston.

A sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 26, 2023.

Judge Approves Video Showing Defendant At Shooting Range

During a Nov. 1 jury trial, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo denied a motion to exclude a video of a murder defendant at a shooting range.

Derek Turner, 31, and Ronnika Jennings, 44, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and conspiracy in connection to the shooting of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on March 5, 2017, on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE.

The third co-defendant, 33-year-old, Duan Hill, is charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice in this matter.

Turner is also charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Devin Hall on Jan. 7, 2017, on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE.

Turner’s defense attorney, Michael Madden, introduced motions to exclude three videos that collectively showed a potential association between Turner and a close acquaintance referred to as “Johnson.”

The videos were taken from Johnson’s Instagram. One allegedly depicted Hill and Turner hanging out together at a shooting range. Prosecutors intended to establish a nexus between Johnson and Turner, while presenting Turner and Hill as regular companions and potential co-conspirators.

Madden argued that the videos were prejudicial, particularly the one taken at the shooting range, because it showed Turner surrounded by firearms and gunshots. This link between Turner and guns would be impossible for the jury to unsee, he said.

Prosecutors asserted that guns were legal to use at shooting ranges and none of the videos depicted Turner holding or shooting a gun. As such, they maintained that the videos were not prejudicial.

Judge Demeo ruled in the prosecution’s favor and permitted the inclusion of two videos, including the shooting range one. The prosecution opted to withdraw the other video, saying the first two effectively established connections between Turner, Johnson, and Hill.

A data analyst, who analyzed data records for two phone numbers, explained that the software he used can detect the vague region of each phone, as well as which direction it’s facing. However, he said it alone couldn’t pinpoint the user’s exact location, nor their distance from any given location.

The witness clarified that a more precise location detection would have been possible with timing advance data. However, he was not granted access to that data during his analyses.

The prosecution also called a former construction worker who was shot during the Feb. 22, 2017, shooting on Alabama Avenue. The victim recalled that he “ran for his life and passed out” in a nearby church, before being brought to a nearby hospital.

The victim said he couldn’t recall what the shooter looked like, as he was too busy running to look back. Prosecutors then read out segments from the victim’s grand jury testimony in which he described the shooter as an African American man.

The victim also admitted that the shooting had left him “really messed up,” both physically and emotionally. He referenced his daily struggles with numerous mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as his inability to digest many foods, walk, reach, bend, or use the bathroom normally.

Judge Demeo scheduled the trial to continue on Nov. 2.

Defense Requests Continuance in Sex Abuse Case

During a Nov. 2 hearing, DC Supreior Court Judge Robert Okun granted a continuance in a sex abuse case.

The 34-year-old defendant is charged with first-degree child sex abuse in connection to sexually assaulting his stepdaughter on multiple occasions. According to court documents the defendant began assaulting the victim when she was nine years old.

The first time she was assaulted happened in an apartment in Rockville. It was at nighttime and the defendant told her brothers to go to bed and they always kissed him goodnight.

The victim explained that when she attempted to kiss him on the cheek, he turned his head causing her to kiss him on the lips. She apologized, and he said it was ok. The defendant then proceeded to take out his private part and put it in her mouth. He then tried to penetrate her vagina and butt.

The defendant told the victim that if she told he would kill her and then himself, so that nothing can be done about it.

The victim told police that it hurt a lot, and she would cry, according to court documents. Whenever she would try to stop him, he would pull her hair and hit her, she said.

The defendant, who has been in the victim’s life since the age of 2, told her that it wasn’t wrong because she was not his biological daughter, documents stated.

During the assaults, the victim stated that “white stuff” would have to come out or they weren’t done. Whenever any of the “white stuff” got on her stomach he would tell her “Be careful, don’t move” and went to get her something to wipe it off with. He would also make her clean her vagina with salt, hot water, and three drops of cooking oil.

The only time the defendant would not assault her was during her menstrual cycle.

The victim stated that the last assault happened on Oct. 25, 2020, when he took her to a hotel close to Silver Spring or DC. She said the defendant would always say each time was the last time.

Both parties are currently discussing a global disposition. The original trial date, Nov. 29, was rescheduled for August 2023 and the case is continued to determine the appropriate course.

Another hearing was scheduled for Jan. 10, 2023.

Judge Grants Motion for DNA Testing on Behalf of Prosecution

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee granted a motion for DNA testing to the prosecution during a hearing for a murder defendant.

Robert Baskerville, 29, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting of 28-year-old Darron Keith Holmes II on April 16 on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department executed a search warrant and arrested him on June 16.

During a Nov. 1 hearing, the prosecution expressed his plans to conduct DNA testing, to which Baskerville’s defense attorney, Pierce Suen, objected.

He asserted that the prosecution has demonstrated “insufficient probable cause.”

In response, the prosecutor told Judge Lee that he plans to collect DNA from the car involved in the incident.

Suen contended that only touch DNA can be extracted from the scene, ruling out the possibility of testing bodily fluids.

Judge Lee rejected this submission, stating that blood was found in the car. In doing so, he granted a motion for DNA testing.

After issuing a motion for DNA testing, Suen requested that Baskerville be released as they await any further developments, citing his non-existent criminal background.

Judge Lee denied the request because Suen had not notified the prosecution prior to asking.

Parties are scheduled to return to court on Jan. 5. 2023, to further address matters.

Baskerville will continue to be held at the DC Jail.

Case Acquitted: Witness’ Testimony Leaves Victim’s Family in Tears During Murder Trial

This case was acquitted on Nov. 9, 2022.

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee presided over a murder trial as three witnesses delivered testimony.

Mike Bidgell, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection to the shooting of 18-year-old, Marquis Harrod, on June 6, 2020, on the 1300 Block of Brentwood Road, NE.

During a Nov. 1 trial, the prosecution summoned three witnesses to testify before the court, two of whom witnessed the incident and one who conducted the autopsy on Harrod.

The prosecution also questioned a witness who stayed back with the victim to ensure his safety.

She recounted Harrod’s struggles, saying he was “gasping for air” and his words sounded “gurgled,” presumably from blood. Strangers reportedly informed her that he was dead, indicating that he “released his bowels.”

This testimony elicited an emotional response from the victim’s family, causing them to break out in tears and exit the courtroom.

Judge Lee ordered a break to provide the victim’s family with time to recollect themselves before proceeding with the hearing.

According to court documents, Harrod allegedly approached Bidgell in his car after exiting the Woodbridge Vets Liquor store on the 1300 block of Brentwood Road, NE. Security footage shows him leaning towards the driver’s seat to talk to Bidgell who then opens fire on him.

Surveillance footage shows Harrod stumbling and falling face-first on the ground as the defendant drives away. Bystanders on the street fled the scene in response to the gunshots.

After the break, Bidgell’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, cross-examined the witness, questioning her credibility because she was detained by marshals earlier that morning for refusing to testify.

The witness claimed she “did not want to get involved.”

Following her testimony, a medical examiner described the cause and manner of Harrod’s death. Harrod was shot in both the shoulder and the chest with the latter wound exiting his body and damaging his arteries.

The prosecution then presented the bullet that exited his body as well as photos of Harrod’s autopsy to the jury.

McDaniel then cross-examined the medical examiner, asking about the distance of the barrel of the gun from Harrod’s body.

She estimated that the defendant fired shots from within ten to twelve inches of the victim as indicated by the “stippling pattern” left behind.

Lastly, the prosecution introduced Bidgell’s brother to the stand who regarded his relationship with his brother as “strained.”

When describing the incident, he said that he was hanging out at the Quick Trip 24 convenience store when he spotted his brother who he allegedly hasn’t spoken to him in two years.

The two engaged in a verbal dispute when they united, and the witness said Harrod pulled out a gun and shouted, “Man, fuck this! Watch out!”

After hearing gunshots, the witness as well as other bystanders ran away.

Before McDaniel could cross-examine the witness, Judge Lee adjourned the court.

Parties are scheduled to return to court on Nov. 2 to continue matters.

Domestic Abuse Defendant Granted Third Continuance Pending Psychiatric Testing

DC Superior Court Judge William Nooter issued another continuance for a domestic abuse defendant, his third one, as he awaits psychiatric testing.

The 22-year-old defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and simple assault in connection to a violent altercation with his girlfriend on Jan. 30. According to court documents, the defendant allegedly brandished a weapon after his girlfriend accused him of flirting with another woman. During the fight, his girlfriend reportedly pulled out a taser.

During an Oct. 31 hearing, defense attorney, Julie Swaney, informed the court that psychiatric testing has yet to be conducted on her client, apologizing for the “significant delays.”

In response, the prosecution asked Judge Nooter to grant a continuance, prefacing her request with “I hate to ask…” as this marks the third consecutive continuance for the case.

Swaney concurred with the prosecution, stating that the case cannot be adequately addressed without test results. At the same, she requested the defendant be released as he has been held pending testing.

Judge Nooter agreed that parties should not proceed until sufficient information is materialized.

Regarding the delays, he attributed them to understaffing at the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) after the tester was involved in a car accident. He said the backlog is “not simply a lack of diligence on their part.”

Swaney’s request for release was denied. The judge cited the pending test results as the critical factor for this decision.

Swaney said she expects testing to occur on Nov. 3 and approximates that the results would take two weeks to process.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 15 to discuss the results of the tests and further address case matters.

Sex Abuse Defendant Enters Guilty Plea

Despite concerns about the length of the maximum sentence, a defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree child sex abuse during a Nov. 1 status hearing.

Allen Davis, 60, was charged on May 4 with the second-degree child sex abuse. He was indicted in August for kidnapping and obstruction of justice. According to court documents, he touched his 7-year-old niece’s vulva some time between Nov. 1 and Nov. 15, 2018, at her residence on the 800 block of Chesapeake Street, NE.

The incident was first reported on Nov. 15, 2018.

When interviewed, the child said she felt sad and “did not want her mother to be mad at her,” according to court documents. Her mother reportedly knew that Davis was a registered sex offender, and downplayed the incident, saying, “don’t run your mouth.”

At the Tuesday hearing, Davis confirmed to DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun that the prosecutor had a winning case against him, and he planned to plead guilty.

As part of his plea, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the kidnapping and obstruction charges, and not indict on any further charges related to the incident. She also agreed to recommend a sentence on the lower end of the guidelines. The sentence duration, at most, would be halfway between the minimum and maximum term lengths according to the guidelines.

Judge Okun noted that the maximum sentence recommended under guidelines was ten years, though he did not know the minimum. When he asked Davis if he understood the conditions, he said he did.

But, Davis asked, referring to the ten year maximum, “why so long in jail?”

Judge Okun reiterated that the maximum would not be recommended, saying, “I can say with some certainty that it’s not going to be ten years.”

Davis entered the guilty plea and Judge Okun accepted.

Parties are scheduled to return to court for a sentencing hearing on Jan. 26, 2023.

After Sentencing Hearing Confirms Defendant Reported to Federal Correctional Institution

A hearing held in child sex abuse case confirmed a defendant’s arrival at Federal Correctional Institution.

Raymond Diggs, 37, was originally charged with five counts of first-degree child sex abuse, enticing a child, and misdemeanor sexual abuse of a child for sexual acts that were conducted with his 9-year-old stepdaughter. Diggs was first charged in this case on Feb. 9, 2019.

On Oct. 31, an after sentencing hearing was held to confirm that Diggs self-surrendered to Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix in Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ.

Diggs’ defense attorney, John R Fowler, confirmed to the prosecution and DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz that he appeared at the correctional facility.

On Sept. 21, Judge Kravitz reviewed the details of the case, including testimonies, physical evidence, victim impact statements, as well as the defendant’s lack of prior convictions as a sex offender.

Diggs pleaded guilty to second-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances and second-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances with the victim being under 18 years old on Feb. 19, 2020.

He was sentenced to 24 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and is required to register as a sex offender for 10 years. In addition, Diggs is required to attend sex offenders therapy, individual trauma therapy, and drug testing.

Document: 14-Year-Old Killed in Southeast

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Oct. 31, on the 2600 block of Birney Place, SE.

According to a press release, at about 8:39 pm, officers located 14-year-old Antione Manning suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department detectives made an arrest in a homicide that occurred on July 27, on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE.

According to a press release, at about 10:26 pm, officers located 19-year-old Ronald Brown and 41-year-old Tijuan Wilson suffering from gunshot wounds. They were pronounced dead on the scene.

On Nov. 1, 27-year-old Beysean Jones was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

3 Victims and a Total of 38 Gunshot Wounds in Triple-Homicide Trial

During the Oct. 31 hearing, the prosecution requested testimony from the medical examiner who conducted the autopsies on each of the three victims regarding the wounds they received during the shooting.

Rakeem Willis, 31, and Johnathan Winston, 33, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting deaths of 26-year-old Sean Shuler, 26-year-old Javon Abney, and 24-year-old Tyrik Hagood on Jan. 26, 2019, on the 1500 block of Fort Davis Place, SE.

During the Monday hearing, Willis shouted at DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan before the prosecution was about to call their first witness to the stand.

“Mr. Willis don’t ever do that again in front of the jury,” Judge Ryan said after excusing the jury from the courtroom. After taking a short break, the trial began.

A medical examiner from the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner testified before the jury and shared the results of her autopsy. On Jan. 27, 2019, the day following the shooting, she performed the autopsies on the victims.

She ruled Shuler’s, Abney’s, and Hagood’s causes of deaths as multiple gunshot wounds and ruled the matters as homicides. Shuler’s body had four gunshot wounds, Abney’s body had twenty gunshot wounds, and Hagood’s body had fourteen gunshot wounds.

Willis’ defense attorney, Howard McEachern, objected to the prosecution’s future witness, Willis’ probation officer.

McEachern told Judge Ryan that allowing the jury to hear testimony from a probation officer could potentially give them prejudice by letting them know Willis has a criminal record.

Winston’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, mentioned to the judge that in another case of his, they referred to a probation officer as a government employee that the client was under obligation to contact.

Judge Ryan and the prosecution agreed to refer to the probation officer as a government employee.

The trial is scheduled to continue on Nov. 2.

Judge Finds Probable Cause In Assault Case Following Detective’s Testimony

DC Superior Court Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause in an assault with a dangerous weapon case during a Nov. 1 preliminary hearing.

Nigel Pulliam, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to an incident on Aug. 29, on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE.

A detective testified about the information he received from the victim as prosecution presented surveillance footage from the scene. The detective stated that Pulliam allegedly told the victim “Leave or Imma shoot you” and the victim left. As the victim was making a U-turn in his vehicle, Pulliam fired shots at him. The victim was left uninjured.

Defense attorney Matthew Graves argued that you can’t see Pulliam’s face as the shots were fired in the footage. He also added that the detective didn’t know the name of the suspect or have an address.

Prosecution added that you can see his face throughout other parts of the video.

The detective said the victim has known Pulliam for about a year, but only knew him by his street name. However, the victim was able to identify the suspect by seeing a picture in the police database due to Pulliam having priors.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Raymond stated that the surveillance footage was very compelling. Pulliam will remain held despite the defense request for him to be released.

The next hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 15.

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