Mass Shooting Trial is ‘Right on Schedule,’ Prosecutor Says

Despite conflicts with jurors, prosecutors said they still believe they’ll deliver their closing remarks on March 8.

During a March 6 proceeding, prosecutors brought four witnesses to testify against Travis B. Littlejohn, 37. Littlejohn is accused of shooting and wounding four people on the night of July 5, 2019. The incident occurred on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

Before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan called the case to order, she informed the defense and prosecution that the court received an email from a juror Sunday night.

Raffinan said that this juror was requesting to be excused from their responsibilities to attend an uncle’s funeral down South.

Both legal parties were hesitant to excuse this juror from the trial because two other jurors were excused the week before.

However, Judge Raffinan told the attorneys it would be best to excuse the juror requesting an excused absence for his wife’s uncle’s funeral. The attorneys did not protest. This excuse marks the third excused juror in the case.

During the third trial day on March 2, a juror requested to be excused from her civil duties. The morning of the trial the juror came to court in tears, explaining that the night before she experienced a “shoot-out” in her neighborhood.

She told Judge Raffinan that because of her experience, she did not think she could be impartial in her judgment of this case.

When asked to tell the court about what happened, the juror told Judge Raffinan that there was a quadruple shooting in her neighborhood.

She said that her apartment and others on her block were hit by stray bullets, which is when she went on social media and advocated for stricter gun laws.

She appeared shaken as she was red in the face and sobbing. Both the defense and prosecution agreed that she should be allowed to excuse herself from the case.

The first juror to be excused was excused for unrelated matters. Twelve jurors remain on the panel.

Aside from determining juror conflict resolution, four witnesses were called into court on Monday. These witnesses included a passer-by civilian, the trauma surgeon on call the night of the shooting, the sister of a victim, and the detective assigned to the case. To leave time to discuss jury matters, Judge Raffinan released the jury promptly at 4:30 p.m.

The trial is scheduled to continue on March 7 at 10 a.m. with more witness testimony.

Lawyers To Add Additional Closing Statements After Jury’s Self Defense Question

Jury deliberations were halted in a non-fatal shooting case after the jury raised questions about self defense.

Stefen Farmer, 52, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly firing three non-fatal shots at the victim. The shooting happened on the 4400 block of Gault Place, NE, on Feb. 25, 2021.

Before jurors were initially released to deliberate on the case on March 6, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted the prosecution’s request to not allow the defense to claim self-defense during closing statements.

However, he went on and told counsel that he should instruct the jury otherwise. They will be confused about where they should stand when it comes to self-defense since it was mentioned earlier in the trial, he said.

Both parties asked the judge to not instruct the jury, claiming that it would be leading if he did.

Judge Epstein agreed.

During the trial on Monday, defense attorney Nikki Lotze, who tried to show self defense, called a Metropolitan Police department (MPD) officer to prove to the jury that the police were looking for a gun that could have been hidden by the victim following a blood trail that he left behind.

She said the officer has been working with the prosecution all week and answering questions, however when she asked him some specific questions he told her I will answer you in court.

The witness said police were not only looking for a possible hidden gun, but also any evidence or maybe another victim since there were two blood trails.

After the witness testified, the prosecution started their closing statements, saying Farmer was guilty of shooting the victim with intent to kill. By shooting the victim three times the only explanation is the shooting with intent to kill, the prosecutor said.

There is no evidence to show that the victim had a gun on him, the prosecutor continued.

Lotze restated that the defendant was not guilty and the victim did have a gun, which is why Farmer took out his gun and shot him.

Even though she did not directly mention self-defense, Lotze alluded to the notion.

The prosecution failed to provide evidence, other than the blurry video, of the shooting, she said.

She also stated that the police did not take any additional steps to conduct any search in finding a gun that could have been stashed or ask the individuals who were present about the firearm.

“The government failed so utterly and the only fair response is to find Farmer not guilty” she stated.

After hearing the closing argument, the jury was given final instructions from Judge Epstein and sent to deliberate. While deliberating, they asked for instructions on self-defense, which were excluded from the previous instruction due to the prosecution’s request.

Jude Epstein along with the prosecution and the defense agreed to give them the instructions and resume with additional closing statements regarding the context of the instructions on the next trial day.

The trial is scheduled to resume on March 7.

Document: Arrest Made in Connection to a Non-Fatal Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department detectives made an arrest in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 6, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to a press release, at about 5:49 pm, the suspect brandished a handgun and fired at a victim. The suspect fled the scene and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Later that evening, 23-year-old Ryan Parker was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Judge Sets New Trial Date in Assault Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park set a new trial date for an assault case.

Cordell Lesene, 36, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm because of a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for allegedly shooting an individual on Feb. 6, 2022, on the 100 block of 57th Place, SE.

According to court documents, the victim and defendant were shouting at one another, when the defendant shot the victim as he was running away.

During the March 6 hearing, the parties addressed defense attorney Andrew Ain’s motion to continue the trial. The prosecutor opposed the motion because of concerns with witness availability.

Judge Park agreed and set a new trial date for May 16, although this date may be changed depending on the parties’ schedules.

The prosecutor continued by addressing a concern regarding the defendant’s wheelchair.

The prosecutor requested that the defendant not sit in a wheelchair, or have one visible during trial. In one of the video clips the prosecutor will show the suspect walking, and he is worried it could influence the jurors seeing Lesene in a wheelchair.

Judge Park did not rule on this but said that it could further be addressed at the next hearing.

The parties are scheduled to return April 21 for a trial readiness hearing.

Murder Defendant Compliant with Release Terms

During a March 6 hearing, defendant Dohn Harmon demonstrated that he has been compliant with his terms of release.

Harmon is currently facing one charge of first-degree murder while armed for the death of 18-year-old Kelvin Goggins. Harmon allegedly shot Goggins in the head during a drive by shooting on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE. The incident occurred a little after midnight on July 1, 2020, with the victim died from the injuries less than an hour after MPD arrived at the scene.

Harmon, 24, is currently released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). As part of his release, he is subject to random drug testing.

In a previous hearing in December 2022, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted an amendment to the GPS release conditions to allow the defendant an opportunity to seek employment while on release.

The official indictment charges for the case are currently pending on the action of a Grand Jury.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe is now presiding over the case due to a caseload transfer.

The hearing was continued to May 26.

Defendant Considers Plea Offer in Child Sex Abuse Case

A preliminary hearing was moved in order for a defendant to consider a plea offer extended by the prosecution in a child sexual abuse case.

The defendant, 31, is charged with two counts of first-degree child sexual abuse where the victims were under the age of 12. The defendant is accused of engaging in multiple instances of sexual abuse with two victims from 2014 to 2016 and 2013 to 2015, respectively. At the time of the offense, the defendant had been found guilty of committing sexual offenses against at least two other victims.

The defendant allegedly abused the two victims, who he identified as his step siblings on multiple occasions, while they lived in the same house.

In an interview with the police, one of the victims said the defendant would force his fingers inside her, put his mouth on her vagina, and force her mouth on his penis. The other victim said she experienced similar kinds of abuse during her interview, describing an instance where the defendant forced his penis into her vagina while she was showering.

Defense attorney Brandon Burrell said the defense needed time to examine hundreds of files sent by the prosecution and to consider the plea offer before a preliminary hearing could take place.

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein continued the case and rescheduled the preliminary hearing from March 3 to March 17.

Defense Angry with Prosecution for Failing to Deliver Indictment

At a felony status conference on March 3, the defense threatened to request a defendant’s release and appeal a homicide case after the prosecution failed to deliver an indictment but requested an extension.

Maurice Williams, 19, and Seaun McDowney, 18, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the murder of Marquette White. On Jan. 21, 2022, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a call for a shooting on the 3800 block of Commodore Joshua Barney Drive, NE. Upon arrival, police found White, 20, suffering from a gunshot wound. He succumbed to his injuries later that night.

At the hearing, McDowney’s defense attorney, Roderick Thompson, expressed frustration with the prosecution for their failure to deliver the indictment in a timely manner.

However, the prosecution felt there was not enough adequate time to file the indictment and requested that the deadline be extended to April 17, a month later than the original deadline.

Upon the request, Thompson stated that McDowney’s rights to an indictment were being violated and if the prosecution’s request was granted, the defense would request McDowney’s immediate release and would take the case to the court of appeals.

William’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, agreed with Thompson’s statement.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe rejected the prosecution’s request for an extended deadline and set the next hearing date for the day before the original indictment deadline.

The next hearing is slated for March 16.

Sex Abuse Case on Track to Begin Trial in April

During a trial readiness hearing on March 3, counsel discussed pending DNA analysis and requested more time to submit motions in a sex abuse case.

The 35-year-old defendant is charged with two counts of first-degree sex abuse while armed with a dangerous weapon. He appeared virtually before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo. His release compliance was also a subject of the hearing.

During Friday’s hearing, a member from pretrial services told Judge Demeo that the defendant has been in full compliance with his release conditions.

Defense attorney, Kevann Gardner also asked for more time to submit motions.

“I understand the deadline has come and gone,” he said.

Judge Demeo granted his request and established a new deadline of March 10 for the defense to file motions. The prosecution must respond by March 17.

According to court documents, the victim told officers that on July 5, 2011, she came from smocking crack at a friend’s house, While she was walking on 14th Street, NW, the defendant stopped to talk to her. At the time, she told police he was driving a two door dark blue or black vehicle.

The victim got into the front passenger seat of the vehicle and the defendant drove to a nearby alley and parked the vehicle close to the wall, so that the victim wouldn’t be able to open the door, documents state.

He then reached for a large screw driver and told the victim to get naked and demanded oral sex. The defendant then drove further into the alley and forcefully engaged in intercourse with the victim.

The defendant then let the victim out. The victim went to a local hospital and several DNA tests were conducted.

The DNA profile proved a strong match to the defendant, who is a convicted felon, on Dec. 7, 2020.

The parties are set to reconvene on March 17.

Document: US Marshals Involved Shooting in Southeast

Metropolitan Police Department agents are investigating a fatal shooting involving United States Marshals Service that occurred on Feb. 28, on the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE.

According to a press release, at about 1:00 pm, US Marshals were looking for 22-year-old Alaunte Nicholas Scott who was wanted on an outstanding warrant. The deputies located him and he fled on foot and produced a firearm.

The deputies discharged their firearms, striking him.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department detectives made an arrest in connection to a homicide that occurred on March 2, on the 4200 block of Kansas Avenue, NW.

According to a press release, at about 7:00 pm, officers located 45-year-old Ali Zarrincalaki suffering from stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

On March 2, 36-year-old David Howard was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

The investigation revealed that Zarrincalaki and Howard knew each other.

Judge Extends Deadline After Prosecution Fails to Turn Over Evidence

At a felony status conference on March 3, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Kefe extended the deadline for the prosecution’s disclosure of evidence to the defense.

Ronald Wallace and Deangelo Glover are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their connection to the shooting of two individuals on Jan. 19, 2021, on the 3800 block of Hayes Street, NE. Unfortunately, one of the victims, 32 year-old Tyrone Wright, who suffered a total of 17 gunshot wounds to his head, body, and legs, succumbed to his injuries that night.

At the hearing, Glover’s defense attorney, David Night, expressed frustration with the prosecution for failing to turn over evidence despite the deadline passing.

Night said he previously had issues accessing the body-worn camera footage from the officers who responded to the incident. However, the prosecution failed to fix the technical issues despite the passed deadline.

The prosecution argued that they were still working on moving the documents to the digital files and requested that Judge O’Kefe move the deadline date for a new deadline to March 17.

Night was not opposed to the new deadline, but expressed his concerns that the deadline would be ignored as it had been previously.

Judge O’Kefe accepted the prosecution’s request and the deadline was extended.

On Jan. 19, Glover, 31, was indicted on premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol outside a home/business.

However, Wallace, 49, has yet to be indicted. His defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim stated his intent to file a motion to sever his case from Glover’s, but he cannot do so until an indictment is returned.

Bruckheim has requested that the next hearing be an arraignment. However, given that Wallace’s indictment has still not been returned, Judge O’Kefe said that this would be unlikely.

Judge O’Kefe set the trial date for Jan. 13, 2025.

The next status hearing is set for June 23.

Prosecution and Defense Argue Over Conflict of Interest in Homicide Case

At a status hearing on March 3, a defendant in a homicide case waived his right to conflict free representation after his attorney served as representation for one of the witnesses’ mothers.

Eighteen-year-old Nelfy Hernandez, 20-year-old DeAndre Levy and 18-year-old Trey Prillerman, are charged with first-degree murder in relation to a mass shooting on the 5500 block of 9th Street, NW on Aug. 10, 2020. The three allegedly opened fire on a group of teenagers. Taijhon Wyatt, 17, was killed in the shooting.

At the hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan dealt with a possible conflict of interest between one of Levy’s defense attorneys, Jonathan Zucker, and one of the possible witnesses.

Zucker served as representation for the witness’ mother in a special education case. The prosecution argued that because of this, Zucker may have information that could discredit the witness if he incriminates the defendant.

The witness is currently in another case. His representation spoke on his behalf and stated that the witness did not wish to testify and had a fifth amendment right that would allow him to do so.

“I don’t believe there is a risk to the administration of justice,” his defense attorney stated, given that his client did not wish to testify.

In the end, he stated that the witness was willing to give informed consent if he did have to testify.

The prosecution, however, did not believe that informed consent would be enough to excuse the conflict of interest between the witness and Zucker. In response, the judge requested that Levy waive his right to conflict free representation.

After Levy agreed to do so, the prosecution still expressed concern that the relationship between Zucker and the witness would be problematic.

“The court’s job is to prevent the appearance of impropriety,” the prosecutor said.

Judge Raffinan attempted to solve this conflict by requiring a brief on how the prosecution would question the witness and how the defense wished to respond. Judge Raffinan also informed Zucker that he could not use any previous information that he had in order to discredit the witness.

After concluding their conversation, Judge Raffinan stated that a similar conversation would have to be had with the witness. She then set a date for the next hearing for that conversation.

The prosecution requested that the next hearing would only include the prosecution, the witness, and the witness’ representation.

He stated that including any of the defendants or their council would “further compound the problems” that they are facing in the case.

However, all three of the co-defendants’ attorneys requested that they and their clients be present at the hearing.

Judge Raffinan agreed to the defense’s request as all three co-defendants are involved in the case and have a right to be present at the hearing.

The next status hearing to discuss the conflict of interest with the witness is slated for March 10.

Case Acquitted: DC Superior Court Awaits Return Of Defendant Held in Another State

This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

On March 3, defense attorneys William Alley and Jason Tulley represented a defendant before D.C. Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Michael Austin’s present was waived since he is held for another offense in the state of Pennsylvania.

Austin, 28, is charged with second-degree murder in connection to the alleged shooting of 26-year-old Kayvon Kinney. The shooting happened on the 1800 block of Gainesville Street, SE on May 24, 2020.

Defense attorneys stated that Austin is incarcerated in Pennsylvania and should be released to D.C. by the end of April. They asked the judge to schedule a hearing date in May.

Austin has another offense in the State of New Jersey, however, according to the defense attorney, and the prosecution D.C takes presence
The next hearing was scheduled for May 14.

Judge Accepts Defense’s Motion for Disclosure of Materials from Prosecution

During the status hearing for defendant Ernest Cleveland, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ruled that the prosecution must hand over all materials and unredacted paperwork to the defense by April 3.

Cleveland, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm for allegedly shooting 39-year-old Edward Pearson and another person. According to court documents, MPD responded to a call regarding an unconscious person on Nov. 26, 2020, on the 2900 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

During the March 3 hearing, defense attorney Madalyn Harvey stated “I have no faith in the government” when explaining the reasoning for the motion to the court.

The original motion to request the materials was filed by Harvey on Jan. 6 of this year, yet the defense stated that the materials were redacted, causing a comprehension issue in the case. Harvey filed a motion to compel un-redacted discovery on Feb. 27, requesting these materials from the prosecution once again.

The prosecution said its primary concerns are in regards to witness safety and the disclosure of personal information and names may be dangerous. The prosecutor also explained that the defense team already knows the names of each redacted individual, furthermore they do not see how it is necessary to hand over the information.

Judge Okun reviewed multiple documents throughout the hearing and ruled with the defense to require the prosecution to disclose all materials. However, these materials do not need to include personal information such as addresses or social security numbers as safety precautions.

The defense filed a second motion prior to this hearing to reopen the preventative detention hearing. This motion will be discussed in the next status hearing to give the prosecution time to formally submit a written response to the motion.

The trial is scheduled for July 10 and expected to last approximately three weeks. The next status hearing is set for April 28.

Case Acquitted: Defense Argues For Sanctions on Prosecution Witness Due to Missing Evidence

This case has been acquitted.

A homicide defendant appeared in front of D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on March 2, as parties argued on a defense motion for failure to preserve evidence.

Cedric Alexander, who is also known as Tony White, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and illegal possession of a firearm due to a prior violent conviction in connection with the shooting of 38-year-old Daquan Hooks on March 23, 2017, on the 1900 block of 13th Street, SE.

Defense attorney, Sellano Simmons filed a motion due to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers failing to preserve body-worn camera footage that Simmons said he believes could have absolved his client or pointed detectives to a different suspect.

Simmons shared with Judge Okun that he believes dismissal is appropriate in this case, but submits to the court that he will accept sanctions on one of the prosecution’s witnesses as their initial MPD interview was not recorded by the officer’s body-worn camera.

Simmons argued that without the footage, the defense is left at a disadvantage and is unable to impeach the witness with their initial statements on the incident.

The prosecution argued that because the defense cannot prove the missing footage would have been included in the prosecution’s argument, sanctions on their witness are inappropriate. In addition, the prosecutor argued that the defense still has the recording of the witness’s initial 911 call and their multiple subsequent recorded interviews with MPD officers.

The prosecution said the material provides the defense with more than enough to impeach the witness’s testimony.

Judge Okun did not rule on this motion and took it under further advisement as he said he believed it was a close call. He required more time to consider both sides of the argument.

All parties are scheduled to return on Sept. 8 to begin preparing for trial.

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