Metropolitan Police Department detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect and vehicle in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Dec. 9 on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE.
According to a press release, at about 10:30 pm, officers responded to the location for the report of the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, they located an adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
A murder trial continued into its sixth day with the prosecution calling its final witness, a firearms expert from Washington State.
Jermaine Harris, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of 38-year-old Lamar Walters on the 2400 block of Franklin Street NE, on Jan. 6, 2020.
Four weapons were used, according to the firearms expert’s testimony. There were 29 cartridge casings from a 9mm firearm that were found on the scene of the shooting as well as 16 more cartridge casings from another 9mm firearm.
Also on the scene, officers found casings from a .45 millimeter firearm and 14 casings from a .40mm firearm.
He said that no weapons were inspected in relation to this case but noted that assault rifles may make use of a 9mm shortened barrel.
The Metropolitan Police Department’s lead detective was also called by Harris’s defense attorney, Jonathan S. Zucker. The detective previously testified in the case, but Zucker brought him back to go over his testimony in more detail.
Zucker asked the detective if any of those items found at the home were processed.
The investigator stated that on Feb. 13, 2020, he carried out a search warrant at the residence of one of the persons of interest and discovered three magazines for a 9mm pistol and one magazine for a .40mm firearm.
“No,” the detective said, continuing that he took full responsibility for all evidence that was processed and not processed in the case.
The prosecutor said, during her cross-examination, that further items were processed, including a Sprite can that was discovered at the scene, and additional pieces of evidence were sent for testing.
She added that the detective spent hours watching security tapes in addition to exhaustively searching cell phones, Instagram accounts, and other devices.
“Did you continue to investigate this case after Harris’s arrest,” the prosecutor asked.
The detective responded in the affirmative.
The trial was set to resume on Dec. 13.
Metropolitan Police Department detectives made an arrest in connection to a homicide that occurred on June 26, on the 800 block of Quincy Street, NW.
According to a press release, at about 12:09 am, officers located 18-year-old Kyndall Myers and a juvenile female victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Kyndall Myers was pronounced dead at the scene.
On Dec. 13, 23-year-old Celot Carr was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.
Metropolitan Police Department detectives made an arrest in a non-fatal shooting offense that occurred on Dec. 12, on the 1400 block of Newton Street, NW.
According to a press release, at about 1:03 pm, 29-year-old Tavon Owens approached the victim who was seating in a vehicle and demanded the victim exit the vehicle.
Owens then shot the victim and fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle.
On Dec. 12, Owens was arrested and charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Armed Carjacking.
Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Dec. 9, on the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE.
According to a press release, at about 9:01 pm, officers located 30-year-old Ajaye Smith suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
A murder trial continued into its fourth day with the prosecution calling five people to the witness stand.
Jermaine Harris, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of 38-year-old Lamar Walters on the 2400 block of Franklin Street NE, on Jan. 6, 2020.
On Dec. 8, the fourth day of the trial, the prosecutor called an expert from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who said that she discovered four bullet wounds on Walters during the autopsy. Two of the bullets were found inside his body, while the other two passed through his body.
The prosecutor’s second witness, a detective for the Metropolitan Police Department, told the court that he is very familiar with the numerous groups who gather in the Northeast quadrant of D.C.
He told the court that he has been watching and patrolling the area for a number of years.
According to the detective, a group of young men who frequent the area around 18th and Otis Place, NE go by the name of Young World. He said the men in this group are allies with those who frequent Saratoga Avenue, NE.
According to him, the Young World crew and the crews from Edgewood and Lincoln Park have “beef.”
The detective said he first encountered Harris in 2016, near the intersection of 18th and Otis, and that Harris immediately caught his attention due to his small stature. He said he encountered him on social media and on YouTube approximately six times as well as about two dozen times in person.
Additionally, he said he remembers speaking with Harris in 2017, when Harris was hospitalized after being shot.
On Jan. 14, 2020, a week after the murder, the investigator was shown surveillance footage from the day of the shooting. Four men were getting into a white Toyota Camry and he told the court that he immediately was able to identify one of the four men as Harris because of his small stature, hair, and walk.
During cross examination, Jonathan S. Zucker, Harris’ defense attorney, asked the detective if he saw Harris’ face in the surveillance video.
He replied, “no.”
Zucker asked the detective if he was able to see any obvious bulges that might have been used to conceal guns or firearms in the video. Again, the detective replied “no.”
The prosecutor’s last witness was another MPD detective.
The prosecutor asked the second detective if he was familiar with firearms at which time he responded, “yes.”
She asked him about the clothing that the men were wearing in the surveillance video.
He said the men wore winter apparel, such as sweaters, hoodies, and sweatpants.
The prosecutor then asked him to stand up and show the jury the glock firearm that he had concealed under his sweatshirt and vest.
She told the jury that a glock firearm could be easily concealed under winter clothing.
According to court documents, a member of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the 2400 block of Franklin Street where an adult male was located. The victim was unconscious and not breathing, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to the body.
Walters was transferred to the Washington Hospital Center where he was later pronounced dead. Two other victims that suffered non-fatal wounds to the body were later identified at the hospital by members of MPD.
The trial is set to resume on Dec. 12.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt said she anticipates closing arguments will begin on Dec. 13.
Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a traffic fatality that occurred on Dec. 9, 2021 on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, SE.
According to a press release, the investigation revealed that at about 11:00 pm, the driver of a Toyota Avalon that was traveling southbound on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue began to make a left turn onto Cypress Street on Saint Elizabeth’s Campus.
At the same time, a scooter operated by 30-year-old Jonathan Plater was also making a left turn at which time it collided into the Toyota’s right front fender. The collision caused Jonathan Plater to eject from the scooter.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
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 Dec. 9, on the 900 block of Division Avenue, NE.
According to a press release, at about 3:06 pm, the MPD located an adult male victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Dec. 9, on the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE.
According to a press release, at about 9:01 pm, officers located an adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
The decedent’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notifications.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted on Dec. 9 a continuance for a trial readiness hearing.
Brian Wooden,32, is charged with first-degree cruelty to children and felony murder for the death of his girlfriend’s son, one-year-old Carter Sanders, on May 26, 2018, on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE.
During Friday’s hearing, both parties came ready to discuss a hearing on a protection order for witness identities.
The defense attorney, Marnitta King has an expert from California, and he prefers to observe the prosecutor’s expert. And would like to know the answer two weeks prior to the trial.
The prosecutor said she will need to confirm with her supervisor to make a further decision upon the defense’s request.
Wooden’s trial is set for June 12, 2023.
Judge Brandt scheduled the next trial readiness hearing on Feb. 2
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted on Dec. 9 a continuance for sentencing.
Edward Brown,60, is charged with first-degree murder while armed of a senior citizen in January for stabbing and killing 77-year-old, Michael Mahoney on Feb 5, 2018, on the 2300 block of 11th Street, NW.
During Friday’s hearing, a motion was filed by the defense attorney Michele Stevens to withdraw from the case before the sentence is announced due to an arisen conflict with Brown.
Brown wanted to touch base on the subject by saying “three and a half weeks ago” but was quickly stopped by Judge Brandt due to any discussions with Stevens as being confidential and not suitable to reveal in court.
Judge Brandt said she does have a pre-sentencing report and granted the motion to withdraw Stevens from the case.
Brown is scheduled for sentencing on Jan.20
During a Dec. 8 preliminary hearing, D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause in a murder case.
Morris Jones, 38, is charged with first-degree murder in connection to the shooting of Tiffany Wiggins on April 17 on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.
A detective testified about the investigation into surveillance footage at two grocery stores as Wiggins was killed at one. Jones visited a grocery store during the time period, so footage would confirm the location of Jones.
The detective said he did not collect the footage until his second visit. The footage obtained was from the wrong time frame, so he returned to the store a third time.
The video surveillance had “expired” by this time, so no evidence was collected.
The prosecutor argued that there was probable cause to believe that Jones was the person in the Trailblazer.
Additionally, the prosecutor identified another defendant Norven Dickerson to be Jones’ accomplice. She cited a witness’s testimony that explained existing “beef” among another subject and the defendants.
The prosecution said it does not matter whether Jones was the driver or the shooter, he is guilty of murder.
Defense Attorney, Prescott Loveland, argued there was no forensic or cellular evidence to corroborate Jones’ involvement in the murder.
Surveillance footage captured the vehicle used in the incident. He stated Dickerson is the owner of the vehicle.
Loveland said the identities of the driver and shooter could not be confirmed.
Loveland’s argument centered around the unreliability of co-defendant, Dickerson, who has more connection to the incident.
Dickerson had similar “beef” with the subject, explained Loveland.
The prosecution argued in favor of the defendant’s confinement, stating that Jones committed a “brazen murder.”
She also said that there was a presumption of dangerousness, since Morris poses danger to one of the witnesses.
On the other hand, Loveland argued that Jones has not committed a violent offense since 2002. He also said that Jones has a stable home and supportive relationship.
Loveland emphasized that Jones would abide by a stay away order and comply with GPS requirements.
Judge Okun stated Jones will be allowed to go on home confinement and GPS monitoring after his current detainment for violating conditions of an unrelated case.
The next hearing is scheduled for March 3, 2023.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered a defense counsel to provide a written request on behalf of her client involved in a co-defendant murder matter. The defendant’s attorney has allegedly made this request multiple times without documentation.
Niko Hall, 31, Darqueise Montgomery, 20, and Kyrie Wells, 19, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business, and assault with intent to kill while armed in connection to the shooting of 25-year-old, Anthony Lee, on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.
At the proceeding on Dec. 9, Montgomery’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, asked that he be released as the trial is not scheduled until October of next year.
Judge Brandt told Weller that she needs to formally make this request by filling out a bond release motion.
The prosecution informed the court that he would provide a written response upon her submission.
According to court documents, an altercation ensued between Hall, Montgomery, and Wells, and the victim, Lee, that ultimately resulted in his death. Footage from the Mellon Market Convenience store on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, SE reveals that one of the defendants brandished “what appeared to be a rifle” while facing the victim.
Judge Brandt allowed Montgomery to comment on his behalf in regard to his potential for release.
“I understand your perception of me based on the papers in front of you. I want to show you who I am,” he said.
Montgomery then proceeded to tell the court that he is a member of the Young Men Emerging program at the prison, where he attends yoga, meditation, and business etiquette classes designed to equip him for life outside of jail.
“You made my day,” Judge Brandt said. “You should never be afraid to speak up in front of the judge.”
Judge Brandt said she must consider the totality of the circumstances before issuing a ruling, emphasizing that this is a felony one case and bears serious repercussions.
Parties must return to court on April 14, 2023, to further discuss matters. The prosecutor said he expects to draft a response to Weller’s request by this time.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun set a strict deadline for the prosecution to provide the defense with trial evidence that the defense says has been continually withheld by the prosecution.
Ronnie Melson is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 41-year-old Demetrius Jones on the 1700 block of Gales Street, NE, on Nov. 6, 2020.
In the Dec. 9 hearing, the defense filed several motions regarding what they perceive to be an excessive delay from the prosecution to provide the defense with a list of necessary trial evidence.
The prosecution cited overlapping schedules as the reason for the delay, and that it will need more time than the proposed Monday deadline in order to provide the defense a list of trial evidence and respond to the defense’s motions.
The defense is requesting a breadth of information on trial exhibits the prosecution will include in its case, including photo evidence, surveillance video, body-worn camera footage of witnesses on the scene, video interviews with the defendant, jail calls, and google location information.
These evidence contains vast amounts of information, and if not provided to the defense soon, it would place the defense in a difficult position to respond to evidence the prosecution cites during trial. There may even be a possibility that further delay would require pushing back the trial date altogether.
Judge Okun set Dec. 23 as the date by which the prosecution is required to provide a list of trial exhibits to the defense and respond to the defense’s motions.
On Nov. 6, 2020, Metropolitan police officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert for 15 gunshots in the area. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Jones unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the back. The victim was transported to the hospital where he was eventually pronounced dead.
An evidentiary hearing to discuss the motions filed was set for Jan. 11.
Read more about this case, here.
During a Dec. 8 hearing, defense counsel requested additional funds to conduct DNA testing.
Terrence Prue, 22, is charged with first-degree murder in connection to the shooting of Bruce Wayne Gilmore on the 300th block of 22nd Street SE on June 5, 2019.
According to defense attorney James King, in order to submit DNA as evidence for the trial, Prue is required to pay for the testing out-of-pocket.
Faced with financial limitations, Prue is unable to afford the DNA testing. King said he believes the testing will prove the defendant’s innocence.
As such, King submitted a motion requesting additional funding from the District of Columbia to have the DNA properly tested before the set trial date on Feb. 13.
The prosecution then requested an extension for pretrial motions to which DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted.
King said he plans to file motions based on evidence given to him by the prosecution; however, he is still wrapped up reviewing “in discovery” and is unable to do so yet.
The prosecution refuted this statement by saying they had given King all the information available in this case.
King stated that he still has to go over large portions of the information available to him at which time he will likely “file further requests.”
Parties are scheduled to return for an additional status hearing on Jan. 13 before the February trial is scheduled to begin.
