Defendant Resists Marshals After Preliminary Hearing

After a preliminary hearing, a defendant in a murder case resisted U.S. Marshals and shouted, “Get off me” as she left the courtroom.

Latasha Gray, 35, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of Anthony Thomas, 40. The incident occurred on the 4200 block of 7 Street, NE on Feb. 7.

Gray and Thomas were engaged in a romantic relationship and lived in the apartment with their two children. According to court documents, a dispute over an expensive pair of shoes for their child preceded the shooting.

Thomas was pronounced dead on the scene, suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa J. Demeo had to repeatedly warn defense attorney Joseph Yarbough on Feb. 21 to remind Gray to be respectful during the proceedings. Gray was also charged with second-degree cruelty to her children and simple assault prior to the homicide.

Prosecutors played a 911 call placed minutes after the shooting. One witness is heard crying out “Oh my God, what are you doing mommy?”

“Call them, get them here!” Gray states in the call, asking for help.Thomas is heard in the background moaning in pain on the floor.

The couple’s children said they were sleeping before they were awakened by the gunshot.

Yarbough stated that Gray had “no intentions” to murder Thomas.

Gray told homicide detectives she opened the drawer looking for cigarettes, took out a gun, then exclaimed, “What the fuck!” Gray says the gun then accidentally fired, and Thomas was shot in the abdomen.

Judge Demeo said there was probable cause in this case and that Gray could not have mistakenly shot Thomas as she claimed.

Judge Demeo also stated the court needed to take into consideration how the murder would affect the couple’s children long term. Gray is being held at DC Jail pending trial.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 24.

Witness Testifies About the Day A Drive-by Shooting Killed Her 10-Year-Old Sister

The prosecution called several witnesses to try to convince the jury that only a guilty verdict was just in a case involving 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 Makiyah Wilson’s death. The shooting happened on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE on July 16, 2018.

The witnesses included Makiyah’s older sister, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who responded to the scene, a real estate and facilities manager of a local public school, an IT lead for surveillance retrieval at the MPD and a resident of Wellington Park.

The victim’s sister, who also endured a gunshot during the July 16, 2018 incident, said Makiyah had gone to get a snack from the ice cream truck near their Clay Terrace home. She was eating the snack on the front porch when shots were first fired.

According to the sister, there were three other individuals with them on the porch when the shooting took place.

She said she remembers a black car showing up at the entrance of Clay Terrace and hearing several gunshots. The sister said her initial reaction was to duck her and her sister’s head down to avoid getting hit.

After struggling to open the door to their home, Makiyah’s sister, alongside the victim and a few other individuals, stumbled into their house. She said Makiyah got up and started holding her chest.

Makiyah collapsed into her sister’s arms. Even though the sister was shot herself, officers had to remove Makiyah from her arms to be able to perform CPR, but she never let go of her hand.

“I was not worried about that, I was worried about my sister,” she stated.

During cross examination, defense attorney John Zucker, who was representing Taylor, repeatedly asked the sister why she never mentioned the “beef” between Wellington Park, a gang the defendants are allegedly a part of and Clay Terrace, the name of the neighborhood Makiyah was shot, to the prosecution when she testified in 2018.

The testimonies along with photos that were used left the victim’s family in tears. DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun reminded the audience to limit their reaction as to not sway the jury’s verdict.

A lady, who took the place of another witness the prosecution originally selected to testify, said she saw Michals, Cobbs, Murchison, another defendant ,who she refused to identify in court, and others who are not involved in the trial at a trap house, where she lived, all the time. The lady was a neighbor to the intended witness who recently died before the trial began.

The witness was not cooperative while she answered the prosecution’s questions. She kept answering with; I do not know, or no which led the prosecution to retrieve her answers from Grand Jury testimony.

The witness previously testified that Michals, Cobbs and Murchison had guns on them all the time except when police were around.

The witness also testified, during her Grand Jury testimony, that she had knowledge from social media of a “beef” between Clay Terrace and Wellington Park .

Other witnesses who spoke to the jury Tuesday included an administrator for Knowledge Is Power Program( KIPP) public schools in DC, the lead for the MPD Information Technology team and a the first responding officer to the scene.

The trial is set to resume on Feb 22.

Document: Suspect Wanted in Connection to a Non-Fatal Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 21, on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to a press release, at about 5:39 pm, officers located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds.

Document: 21-Year-old Killed in Northeast

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Feb. 21, on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE.

According to a press release, at about 10:36 pm, officers located 21-year-old Jayvon Jones and two other adult male victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. All of the victims were transported to a local hospital.

Jayvon Jones was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Defense Plans to Conduct Independent DNA Testing in Murder Case

During a Feb. 17 hearing, defense attorney Roderick Thompson expressed his desire to conduct independent testing on behalf of a murder defendant.

Daniel Fleetwood, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of 26-year-old Shana Donahue on May 28, 2020, on the 2900 block of N Street, SE. The incident is listed as domestic violence.

The prosecution informed the court that they provided the defense with the evidence they would use.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan said motions are due on March 3 and responses are due on March 23.

A motions hearing is set for April 14.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 15.

Document: Vehicle Wanted in Connection to a Non-Fatal Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a vehicle in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 19, on the 100 block of Wayne Place, SE.

According to a press release, at about 6:56 pm, officers located an adult female suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

Judge Tells Defendant to ‘Do Better,’ During Sentencing

During the sentencing hearing of defendant Eric D. Smith, DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee sentenced him to 82 months of incarceration followed by 10 years of supervised release. The sentence was imposed after Smith, 52, accepted a plea deal in December of 2022.

Smith pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree child sex abuse. He was originally charged with three counts of second-degree child sex abuse and simple assault.

The crime occurred on July 16, 2022, when police responded to a sexual abuse allegation at an apartment complex on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW. The victim reported that a man had assaulted her and touched her butt without consent. Smith was then identified as the offender by the victim and was arrested at the apartment complex, according to court documents. The victim was a minor during the offense.

Smith openly apologized to the victim and described this case as a “wake-up call,” saying he is a “changed man”.

Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Milton discussed Smith’s lengthy criminal history, including robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, and explained his time is running out and he must “do better everyday”.

In addition to the sentence, Smith has to register as a sex offender as well as contribute $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Defendant Faces 8.5 to 12 Year Sentence After Taking Plea for Voluntary Manslaughter

On Feb. 17, a homicide defendant pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and assault with a dangerous weapon in two separate case before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

In one case, Alexis Hawkins, 46, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed on Aug. 14, 2022, in connection to the murder of 41-year-old Cynthia Stewart on the 3900 block of 4th Street, SE. In another she was charged with the non-fatal stabbing of another woman on July 13, 2022, on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

According to a proffer of facts, on July 13, 2022, Hawkins was involved in a verbal disagreement with a woman in the hallway of an apartment building. The defendant pursued the victim after she turned to leave and stabbed her in the shoulder.

In the other incident on Aug. 14, the victim was inside of a residence with two other people when the defendant stormed into the home and began to argue with Stewart.The verbal disagreement evolved to a fist fight and Hawkins then obtained a knife and began to stab the victim. Stewart was pronounced dead at the scene.

As part of the plea deal, the prosecution stated they would not indict Hawkins on any other matters.

According to defense attorney Damon Catacalos, he informed Hawkins that the maximum sentence for an assault with a deadly weapon offense is 10 years in prison and the maximum sentence for voluntary manslaughter is 30 years in prison.

The parties agreed on a 8.5-12 year sentence range.

The sentencing was scheduled for May 12.

Judge Reschedules Hearing to Give Counsel More Time to Prepare

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt rescheduled a preliminary hearing on Feb. 21, giving the parties more time to prepare.

A 68-year-old defendant is charged with first-degree sexual abuse by force and assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly raping and stabbing an unknown victim. The incident occurred on Feb. 15 on the 4200 block of Clay Street, NE.

During the hearing, defense attorney Todd Balwdin requested to continue the preliminary hearing in order to gather more evidence and possibly negotiate a plea offer.

The prosecutor agreed and Judge Brandt ruled the hearing to continue at a later date.

Judge Brandt also paused the case; however, she did not explain her reasoning for the pause.

The defendant is currently being held.

The parties are scheduled to return March 14 to continue the preliminary hearing.

Defendant Takes Plea Offer for 3 Out of 13 Charges in Homicide Case

A defendant in a homicide case pleaded guilty to three charges, including murder during a status hearing on Feb. 17.

Glen Dolfdord, 29, was charged with 13 counts, including with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intention to kill while armed, possession of firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, second-degree cruelty to children while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm after shooting 26-year-old Raheem Murray. The incident occurred on Feb. 2, 2020, on the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE. In addition to killing Murray, Dolford also shot two other victims, who ended up surviving.

In return for pleading guilty, Dolford would spend 22 years in prison for second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan went through all procedural questions to ensure Dolford understood what he was doing. When asked if he was satisfied with the work of his lawyers, Dolford stated that he was not.

Dolford, his defense attorneys Frances D’antuono and Stephen Brennwald, and Judge Raffinan deliberated after Dolford’s statement. They discussed the issue in private for some time.

After the conversation, Judge Raffinan repeated the question.

Dolford changed his answer, saying he was in fact satisfied with the work of his lawyers.

Judge Raffinan accepted the plea agreement.

A sentencing hearing was set for May 25.

Document: 32-Year-Old Killed in Northeast

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Feb. 19, on the 1200 block of H Street, NE.

According to a press release, at about 11:09 pm, officers located 32-year-old Kenithy Manns suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to All Charges

A defendant charged with the murder of an 18 year old was arraigned at DC Superior Court Feb. 17.

The DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) arrived and found the door to the vehicle unlocked. The DCFEMS pronounced 18-year-old Noel Prince Nicol dead at the scene.

During the arraignment, the 22 -year-old defendant pleaded not guilty to first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and an unlawful possession of a firearm.

Jordan Jones is being held without bail.

According to court documents, on Oct. 14, 2021 at approximately 4:20 p.m., a detective located a blue Chevrolet Malibu in front of 2000 block of Savannah Place, SE. A person with their hands exposed and what appeared to be blood on them was spotted by the detective. There was no movement inside of the vehicle.

On Oct.11, 2021, at around 6:00 p.m., the defendant is allegedly seen entering the decedents vehicle on camera footage. Minutes later, the defendant is supposedly seen exiting the vehicle.

There was a significant amount of blood all throughout the interior of the vehicle, mostly on the interior of the front passenger door and door frame, documents stated.

The decedent was never see exiting the vehicle again.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan scheduled the next hearing for March 31.

Delays in DNA Testing May Cause Issues with Trial Date

During a status hearing on Feb. 17, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun addressed the defense’s concern over DNA testing and the effect it could have on the trial date.

Malachi McFarland, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting Kerry Odoms, 29, on April 15, 2021, on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE.

Odoms was allegedly shot by McFarland and another individual after surveillance footage shows them with a larger group hanging out in a parking lot.

Footage also shows Odoms searching through McFarland’s vehicle and putting on a jacket that had been in the car.

After McFarland allegedly shot Odoms multiple times, another individual came up and continued shooting.

During the hearing, the prosecutor said she sent over a list of evidence that she plans to use at trial, which the defense had been waiting on.

The prosecutor also said she received a USB drive containing phone data from the FBI this morning and will send a copy over to the defense.

The prosecutor asked for a private conversation excluding the defense, between her and Judge Okun to discuss why some information has yet to be provided to the defense, which could relate to DNA evidence.

Defense attorney Jacqueline Cadman expressed concerns with the upcoming trial date since the defense has still not been able to conduct their own DNA testing with an independent party.

Cadman said that she was unsure if the trial, which is scheduled for November, would still remain on track due to the amount of time the defense would get with the DNA samples.

Judge Okun scheduled a status hearing to determine a more accurate estimate on whether or not the trial should need to be rescheduled.

The parties are scheduled to return April 14.

Attorneys Deliver Opening Statements After Four Year Delay

Trial is finally underway, almost five years after the murder of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson.

Gregory Taylor, 27, Quentin Michals, 25, Qujuan Thomas, 24, Darrise Jeffers, 23, Isaiah 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 fatal drive-by shooting that resulted in Makiyah’s death. The shooting happened on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE on July 16, 2018.

After a lengthy jury selection process, the prosecution and defense presented their opening statements.

During the prosecution’s opening statement, the prosecutor pointed to the six defendants and told the jury that they were the reason the Clay Terrace neighborhood had been negatively impacted.

The prosecution explained that, on the date of the incident, Makiyah and her older sister, who also endured a gunshot to her arm, spent the day together and, at the time of the shooting, were waiting for their mother to finish styling someone’s hair outside their house in Clay Terrace.

The prosecution also explained that the issues between the gangs did not begin in July of 2018.

She said there had been several shootings and incidents between the gangs for years, and the shooting of July 16, 2018, was in retaliation to incidents that had occurred prior.

“The beef” between the gangs had been mostly conducted through social media, she said, continuing with “online beef was transformed into real life acts of violence.”

She said the defendants pledged their allegiance to the gang through messages, songs, and the clothing they wore, which will be shown as evidence exhibits to the jury.

This ongoing conflict between the two gangs is inevitably what resulted in Makiyah’s murder.

The prosecution stated that Makiyah could be seen in several of the Glizzy Murder Gang’s rap videos on Youtube. One in particular, Traffic, created by Lil Dude included slander towards the 37th Street Crew.

According to the prosecution, on the days leading up to Makiyah’s murder, the defendants bought guns, cars, and hired a getaway driver. They posted everything to Instagram to send a message to rival gangs.

After the shooting at Clay Terrace, the defendants met up at Wellington Park to celebrate with other Wellington Park members, which can be seen on surveillance video, the prosecutor said.

The prosecution ended their opening statements by telling the jury that a guilty verdict is the only verdict that is acceptable for these acts.

During Thursday’s trial each defense attorney also took a turn delivering their opening statements.

“Try him, not the Wellington Park [Street Gang].” said defense attorney John Zucker in reference to his client Gregory Taylor.

He said “this case is going to affect you and that effect is going to stay with you long past this trial is over.” Zucker urged the 18 jurors to refrain from succumbing to their fear of the crime and allow the evidence to speak for itself.

The defense pointed out that the common theme connecting each defendant is their connection to the DC underground music scene.

Defense attorney Kevin J. McCants delivered the opener for Cobbs, saying his client was just a “17-year-old kid involved in rap videos,” not the murder of a 10-year-old child.

To this point, Errin Scialpi, Quentin Michals’ attorney, said that “these are not gang members, these are musical artists” and that Michals was only a fan of the music they created.

Julie Swaney, defense attorney for Thomas, said that the evidence delivered by the prosecution, including social media posts and direct messages should not be a reflection of their character. Swaney said “social media is not real life,” that it is simply young people wanting to portray things that aren’t a true representation of themselves.

After each opening statement the prosecution called the first witness, Makiyah’s mother, who said her daughter “was everything.”

When the prosecution asked her to describe her daughter, the witness said “she was an angel on Earth before she went to heaven.”

Every defense attorney decided not to question the witness. Once relieved from the stand, she retreated from the courtroom in tears.

Present for these opening statements were several family and community members. Both sides of the courtroom were filled with supporters for both the defendants and victim. Inside the courtroom, members for the defendants and the victim were also separated with multiple US Marshals stationed in the courtroom for security.

Due to the media attention on this case, there was also a separate viewing room for audience overflow.

The trial is set to resume on Feb. 21.

Second-Degree Murder Defendant Prepares for Trial

Trial is scheduled to begin in April for the murder of a 25 year old.

Carlos Kinney, 23, is charged with second degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Resha Blount on April 30, 2020, at the 900 block of New Jersey Avenue, NW.

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein told counsel Feb. 17 that their pre-trial motions were due by Feb. 24, so that each party has time to respond by March 10.

Based on these motions, the judge said he would decide if it is necessary to hold an evidentiary hearing.

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled for April 14.

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