The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a United States Park Police officer involved shooting on the 3000 block of 36th Street, NE on March 18.
The shooting resulted in the death of 17-year-old Dalaneo Martin.
Case Acquitted: Day Two of Murder Trial Delivers Chilling Eye-Witness Testimonies
This case was acquitted on Aug. 15, 2023.
Three eyewitness recalled their accounts of the events that lead up to murder on the second day of trial.
Jermaine Washington, 38, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Keon Bonner, 40, on Oct. 26, 2021, in an alley on the 1500 block of Ogden Street NW.
The victim’s cousin explained March 23 that on the night of the incident, Bonner had planned to spend the night at his cousin’s apartment. On that same night, Washington had come to his apartment and asked if either of them wanted to smoke. Bonner went down to the lobby with Washington to do so while his cousin stayed behind and went back to sleep.
Video footage from the cousin’s apartment building showed Washington and Bonner leaving the building through the lobby, then leaving the front of the building.
Two residents in an apartment building that faced the location of the incident described how they had been awoken by the sounds of two men fighting in the alley. Both did not think much of it as the alley was a common place for illegal drug deals and consumption, drunken fights, and sexual acts.
One resident explained that the first two times he looked out the window, he only saw two men “horsing around,” and decided to go back to bed. Upon looking one more time, the witness saw one of the men on the ground and the other man pacing around him.
However, the other resident had seen the incident in its entireity.
When the resident noticed a reflection of what appeared to be a knife in the hand of one of the men and what appeared to be blood on the surrounding area, he realized the seriousness of the situation. He explained that the man was not punching the other but instead stabbing him.
The resident also testified that after one of the men was on the ground, the one standing stabbed the victim one more time before using dirt to take the blood off of his hands and knife and fleeing the scene.
The description the resident gave of the victim matched that of Bonner on the night of his murder.
The victim’s cousin explained that Bonner had previously lived with him for about a month before taking up a new residence in Virginia. During their time together, the two cousins had begun regularly seeing Washington, who they knew as JT, while smoking outside of the building.
His cousin also explained that a week before the incident, he had overheard and argument between Washington and Bonner. During the argument, he said he heard Washington say, “I’ll fuck you up.”
A fourth eyewitness was meant to testify at the hearing on Thursday but refused to appear after stating that she had a work commitment.
Despite the prosecution’s efforts to speak with her employer, the witness still refused to appear in court.
In response, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz issued a warrant for her arrest and requested that the prosecution “do everything you can to scare her enough,” to appear in court.
The trial is set to resume on March 27.
Document: Police Search for Vehicle in Shooting on U Street, SE
Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department are searching for a vehicle connected to a non-fatal shooting on the 1500 block of U Street, SE on March 23.
Defendant Gives Final Goodbye to Family After Being Found Guilty
During a preliminary on March 22, the defendant in a sexual assault case waved goodbye to family members after accepting a guilty plea agreement.
Wilson Rodriguez, 24, is charged with first-degree sexual abuse and carrying a pistol without a license on Dec. 4, 2022. The incident took place on the 3300 block of 16th Street, NW.
According to court documents, the defendant saw the victim standing on the sidewalk, approached her, and said “Suck my dick”, The victim refused.
However, Rodriguez continued the assault at gun point.
In exchange for the guilty plea, the prosecution agreed to dismiss additional charges and limit additional punishment.
After his conviction, defense attorney Charles H. O’Banion requested that his client be released from jail because of harsh living conditions.
O’Banion also explained that Rodriguez was inebriated at the time of the incident and deeply remorseful.
Judge Raffinan denied the defense’s request.
The parties are set to reconvene for sentencing on June 1.
Defense Intends to Accept Plea Offer
A plea deal that was once rejected is being negotiated again by a defendant involved in a sexual abuse case.
The 52-year-old defendant was indicted on four counts of first-degree child sex abuse against a minor between September 2005 and June 2006 on the 600 block of Oglethorpe Street, NE.
During the hearing on March 23, the defense mentioned a plea offer from the prosecution in December 2022. It was rejected by the defense in the same month it was given.
Court documents state that even though the complainant was not physically forced to engage in sexual activity, she felt as though she had to do whatever he wanted.
The victim said the defendant used to be a police officer and was allegedly sending inappropriate messages. She recalled three sexual encounters with the defendant that occurred in three different locations.
To date, the defendant has reportedly complied with his release conditions as ordered by Judge Maribeth Raffinan.
Following the hearing, the defendant said he would reconsider the deal that was given back in December 2022.
This case could go to trial in May of 2024.
A status hearing is set for Nov. 2.
Defendant Accepts Plea Offer in Murder Case
During a status hearing on March 24, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt accepted a defendant’s plea in a murder case.
Michael Dolson, 37, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed for stabbing Kenneth Thomas, 42, on March 14, 2022, on the 1900 block of 9th Street, NW.
According to court documents, Dolson stabbed Thomas at a bar after Thomas repeatedly attempted to give Dolson and his partner fist bumps and would not leave them alone.
Dolson accepted a plea offer for voluntary manslaughter.
The parties are scheduled to return June 2 for a sentencing hearing.
Document: Homicide on Galveston Street, SW
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that took place on the unit block of Galveston Street, SW on March 23.
According to a press release, officers found 21-year-old Kristian Stewart suffering from gunshot wounds. She was reported dead on scene.
Defendant Sentenced to More than 13 Years in Homicide Case
DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee sentenced a defendant in a homicide case to 160 months in prison during a March 23 hearing.
Jonathan Young, 38, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with the death of Dewayne Shorter, 22, on the 1300 block of Brentwood Road, NE on Jan. 26, 2021.
Young accepted a plea deal on Dec. 21, 2022, to one count of voluntary manslaughter.
Shorter’s mother, sister, and the mother of his four-year old child read emotional statements asking for the maximum sentence allowed by the plea agreement, 16 years in prison, Shorter’s family was seen in the gallery wearing face-masks and t-shirts with Shorter’s photo on them.
Defense attorney Brian McDaniel argued for the minimum sentence, eight ad a half years in prison. He said Young turned himself in, and has shown remorse by accepting the plea deal.
“This is a good person who made a bad decision,” McDaniel said.
“This bad decision is one of the worst one’s a person can make,” replied the prosecution.
The sentencing led to emotional outbursts between supporters of the victim as well as Young. Several were told to leave the courtroom. Multiple court marshals were brought in to handle the situation.
In addition to the 160 months in prison, Young will have to register as a gun offender, undergo random drug testing, and will have five years of supervised release.
“When one acts to take a life, the price must be significant,” Judge Lee said.
Document: Police Investigate Homicide on E Street, SE
Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting on the 4400 block of E Street, SE.
According to a press release, officers found 24-year-old Stephon Carroll with no signs of life on the 300 block of Anacostia Drive, SE. The police’s investigation revealed that Carroll was shot on E Street.
Hearing Postponed for Unwilling Murder Defendant
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun continued a hearing after a defendant in a murder trial refused to come to the courthouse on March 22.
Juan Peterson, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting of four individuals on May 15, 2021, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Lester Howard, 28, succumbed to his injuries from the attack. The other three victims were treated and released from hospitals.
The hearing was scheduled to discuss the defendant’s right to an independent test of DNA evidence in the case.
Following Peterson’s refusal, his defense attorney requested the hearing be moved to a later date. The reasoning for his refusal was not mentioned.
Parties are expected back in court on April 4.
Judge Continues Sentencing in Sexual Abuse Case
DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee postponed sentencing on March 23 for a sexual assault case.
Darius Newkirk, 25, accepted a plea offer on Dec. 21, 2022, for attempted third-degree sexual abuse. The plea also included a guilty plea for simple assault for three prior misdemeanor cases in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. Newark was originally charged with assault to commit first -degree sex abuse in connection with an incident on the 1800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE on Sept. 8, 2021.
Judge Lee expressed the importance of a robust plan for Newkirk’s mental health as well as his substance abuse issues
“The things you are suffering with, is what we need help with,” Judge Lee said.
Newkirk has been held at St. Elizabeth’s for the majority of the case. Newkirk also struggles with substance abuse.
According to prosecutors, Newkirk followed the victim while he was cat-calling at her and eventually approached her on the street. He allegedly grabbed the victim by the waist, threw her to the ground and attempted to sexually assault her.
Defense attorney Brandi Harden expressed concern about adequate mental health care and resources for Newkirk after he is eventually released.
The next hearing is scheduled for April 7.
Judge Lee stated pending no issues, he will release Newkirk for a trial period of 60 days before sentencing.
Newkirk has one remaining theft misdemeanor case open at this time.
Case Acquitted: Homicide Defendant Acquitted of all Charges
This case was acquitted on March 23, 2023.
After three and a half weeks of trial, a jury found a homicide defendant not guilty.
Kaevon Sutton, 21, was charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 22-year-old Aujee Tyler on the 3500 block of Stanton Road, SE on March 19, 2018.
The jury found Kaevon Sutton not-guilty on March 23 of three of his four charges, including first-degree-murder, second-degree-murder, and possession of a firearm in a violent crime. Sutton was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm.
During the trial defense attorneys Jessica Willis and Terrence Austin argued that their client acted in self-defense. Both prosecutors across the aisle refuted these claims at every chance.
The prosecution argued that Sutton’s actions were deliberate, calculated, and premeditated.
Then it was left to the jury to decide.
In what felt like another world, the court’s gallery held a life of its own. The families of the accused and the victim sat across from each other in the courtroom throughout the trial. The only thing between them was a four-foot walkway.
At times they disrupted the trial. There was speculation that some in attendance sought to deter witnesses from testifying. But, what was most apparent was the pull Tyler’s autopsy photos had on his family. Tyler’s loved-ones audibly winced and shuttered at the sight of his wounds.
On a few occasions, Judge Ryan threatened to “turn this public trial into a private one.” The prosecution made several attempts to encourage the latter and said they worried the noises coming from the audience would sway the jury.
To their point, on March 9, a juror wrote Judge Ryan a note stating they were “uncomfortable with the moaning and groaning” coming from the spectators.
In the following weeks, the court began collecting the phones of friends and family members in the audience. Court Marshals were instructed to lock attendees’ phones in pouches to limit witness intimidation by prohibiting others from recording and posting witness testimony on social media.
Some witnesses were so fearful to testify that one chose not to show. One witness was arrested and detained for failure to appear. When that witness finally took the stand, he was deemed non-cooperative.
During the two days of jury deliberations, Tyler and Sutton’s family remained in the courthouse or within its vicinity, so as not to miss the verdict.
After the verdict was delivered Sutton’s family could be seen fist-bumping one another, while the victim’s family sat with a mix of emotions.
A prosecutor stood in silence, unable to speak, with tears in his eyes.
Sutton’s first hearing was on June 30, 2018. However, the jury wasn’t selected until July 2019.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused the District of Columbia to suspend jury trials until Jan. 24, 2022. Even though the jury was already selected, Sutton’s trial was postponed by nearly 2 years.
When DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan green-lit the trial, a new jury was selected.
After 5 years, the trial started on March 2.
Sutton was scheduled for sentencing on the gun charge on June 2.
Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for Assault Case
On March 23, a defendant pleaded guilty to two charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.
Donyell Miller, 24, is charged in connection to a carjacking incident on the 2100 block of Benning Road, NE, that left the complainant with severe bodily injury and the risk of perishing due to gunshot wounds he endured. The attack happened on Sept. 16, 2021.
The prosecution offered the defendant a deal that stated if he plead guilty to one count of aggravated assault while armed and one count of possession of a dangerous weapon during a crime of violence, they would dismiss all other indictment charges including assault with intent to kill, armed carjacking, and destruction of property of $1,000 or more.
Miller faces up to 30 years in prison for the aggravated assault charge and up to 15 years for the possession charge.
He said he was accepting the deal because he was guilty and the prosecution would have proved it beyond a reasonable doubt.
Miller remains on release awaiting sentencing, even though the prosecutor requested that he be held.
The defendant’s sentencing is scheduled for June 23.
Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide Case for a Repeat Offender
DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ruled there was probable cause to hold a defendant charged with second-degree murder while armed during an initial hearing on March 22 based on his extensive criminal history.
Justin Borum, 33, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Jayvon Jones, 21, on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE on Feb. 21.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to shooting reports at approximately 10:36 p.m. that day, locating three adult male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to local area hospitals.
Jones was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The other two victims were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Defense attorney Stephen Logerfo argued that forensic evidence found at the scene had no connection between Borum and the gun used in the murder.
Lofergo also said the witness who identified Borum was biased. He said the witness was connected to law enforcement and based the identification more on his general appearance rather than recognition of his facial figures.
The prosecution responded that the witness has known the defendant since 2011 and referenced additional surveillance footage and photos to confirm an initial identification.
The prosecution also presented Borum’s extensive criminal history, mentioning prior convictions for robbery while armed with a gun, second-degree burglary, and a pending firearm possession case among others.
Judge Raymond found probable cause and held the defendant without bail.
Borum’s next hearing is scheduled for April 5.
Case Acquitted: Jury Failed to Reach Verdict on Day 1 of Deliberations
Sutton was acquitted of murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence on March 23, 2023.
On March 22, the jury in a homicide case did not reach their verdict before dismissal.
Kae’Von Sutton, 21, 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 place of business in relation to the shooting of Aujee Tyler. Sutton allegedly shot Tyler, 22, after an altercation on March 19, 2018, on the 3500 block of Stanton Road, SE.
The trial came to its conclusion after three long weeks. Tuesday afternoon, both attorneys delivered their closing arguments and set their case to rest.
On Wednesday morning DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan read the jurors their jury instructions and sent them into the jury room for deliberation.
Ridden with questions, the jury sent various notes to the judge throughout the day. Issues included clarification of legal jargon and frustration with technology. The court’s clerk spent time running back and forth from the courtroom to the room.
For nearly seven hours, friends and family of both sides sat patiently in the gallery awaiting the verdict.
All parties were dismissed for the day promptly at 4:45 p.m.
The jury is set to return for deliberation March 23.