Prosecutors Demand Absentee Stabbing Defendant Appear in Court

The prosecution asked DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz to instruct US Marshals to use force on a stabbing defendant who refuses to appear in court on March 3.

Rubin Holman, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE on Oct. 4, 2022.

According to court documents, the stabbing occurred in a local CVS pharmacy. The victim worked at the store and reportedly called out Holman for attempting to steal sodas and a bag of Doritos.

The victim reported that he warned Holman he would call the cops. Court documents state that Holman allegedly replied,“I’m not one of those regular dudes! I’m gonna kill you!” When Holman was asked to leave by the victim, he allegedly attacked and stabbed the victim in the neck.

According to court records, Holman refused to attend court or had a medical scratch for at least 12 hearings, since the case was opened in December 2023. Judge Kravitz said the only recent appearance in court by Holman was so he could receive new counsel.

When Holman was not present for the hearing, US Marshals reported he was once again a medical scratch and not brought from the DC Jail.

Due to his history of not attending hearings, the prosecution argued Holman should have his right to a speedy trial waived and asked Judge Kravitz to “instruct the US Marshals to use force to bring Holman to court.”

Holman’s attorney, Terrence Austin, disagreed and emphasized that forcing Holman to attend would likely result in an unproductive hearing.

Austin told the court that he intends to speak with his client at the jail and encourage him to come to court, reporting that Holman requested a new attorney. However, Austin cannot withdraw from the case unless Holman appears in court.

Austin requested Judge Kravitz give him one more chance to convince Holman to appear in court.

Judge Kravitz granted the request, restraining the US Marshals until the prosecution filed legal arguments to support their request.

“Without knowing what the law is on this, it would not be wise to issue an order,” Judge Kravitz said.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 11.

No Probable Cause For Juvenile Shooting Suspect in Union Station Confrontation

Prosecutors failed to meet the baseline standard of probable cause in a juvenile shooting incident at Union Station according to a ruling by DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 2. However, the case remains under investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

A juvenile defendant, 17, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with intent to murder while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on Feb. 6 outside of Union Station at the unit block of Massachusetts Ave, NE. A juvenile victim sustained one shot to his foot in a confrontation between rival groups of youth.

At that point, the defendant was originally charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for certain serious offenses.

Previously, the prosecution attempted to establish a connection between a robbery on Feb. 5, the day before the incident, and the shooting because many of the same individuals were involved.

Defense attorney Terrence Austin questioned a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective about the robbery and asserted that the incidents were not related because the defendant and the victim were not involved in the robbery. The detective however, believed they were connected because some individuals were involved in both incidents.

The defense then used surveillance footage to show that the victim and the defendant were supposedly in two different groups, before, after and during the shooting. Before the incident, surveillance footage showed the victim punching a person identified as the defendant twice inside of Union Station. The victim’s group was larger, and appeared to then follow the defendant’s group outside of Union Station, while mocking them.

The prosecution played a police interview that the defendant, where he claimed that he wasn’t the shooter and had never held a gun saying that “[his] truth” was the truth.

Additionally, the prosecution played a video of the victim discussing the incident while in an ambulance after getting shot. The detective explained that the victim said he was in the Union Station McDonald’s when his friends began to confront another group. The victim’s group reportedly wanted to fight inside the station, whereas the other group wanted to take the fight outside. After throwing a punch, the victim says he stepped outside and was shot.

The defense then called an investigative specialist for the Public Defender Service (PDS), who worked with Austin on the case. The investigator used a tool to measure the distance between the defendant and the victim at the time of the shooting. The distance between the defendant’s location at the intersection of North Capitol Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NE, and the victim’s location at a road sign on the unit block of Massachusetts Avenue, NE, was approximately 121.1 feet, not in close proximity.

The prosecution challenged the investigator’s determination by using video footage recovered from a Tesla, arguing that the victim’s position was not completely in line with the road sign, making the measurement inaccurate.

The prosecution argued for probable cause, claiming that the actions of the victim and his group of friends did not justify the degree of force used by the defendant. Additionally, the prosecution argued that the defendant and his friends beckoned the victim towards the intersection before opening fire.

According to prosecutors, the defendant had sufficient time to flee the scene if he felt threatened, but chose not to.

Austin argued that prosecutors were “cherry picking” only the evidence that supported their case. Austin claimed that the defendant was punched twice in the head, which the victim allegedly admitted on video, and was pursued by a “mob” down the street.

Thus, the defendant’s actions demonstrated “imperfect self-defense,”weakening the assault with intent to murder charge.

Judge Kravitz described the incident as a “disturbing sequence of events,” saying it reflected poorly on how some parents in DC are raising their children, and that there are “too many guns on our streets.”

However, the judge didn’t find the probable cause given the immediate danger the victim posed to the defendant and his group of peers. Further, Judge Kravitz said the defendant had already been hit in the head by the victim, and was being followed by a group of more than 20 people who were shouting at the defendant in a “menacing” manner.

Due to the defendant’s youth, DC Superior Court lacks jurisdiction over the remaining possession charges, therefore the case will be transferred to juvenile court.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 5 to determine whether they will schedule a hearing in juvenile court.

Judge Partially Grants Defense’s Motion to Compel Additional DNA Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park heard arguments from both parties regarding the defense’s motion to compel the release of outstanding DNA evidence on March 3.

Dion Lee, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Pamela Thomas, 54, on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE, on Feb. 9, 2022.

Rashod Dunbar, 26, is charged with accessory after the fact for his alleged involvement in the matter, but was not present at the hearing.

At the hearing, the defense filed a motion to compel additional materials related to DNA testing. This includes the raw data for the reports already provided, as well as validation summaries and supporting materials for other DNA testing methods used.

Validation summaries are the documents that show how a DNA testing method was evaluated before use to confirm its accuracy and reliability.

Judge Park initially denied the motion due to the defense’s failure to provide a reason to doubt the DNA testing information they had already received.

However, Lee’s defense attorney, Molly Bunke, argued that the defense’s expert witness cannot complete her analysis of the DNA evidence without the underlying data because she needs the corresponding data to analyze the prosecution’s unlabeled graph showing the likelihood of the ratio of false positive results.

The prosecution said they have already provided enough data. The prosecutor also said that the prosecution typically does not provide underlying validation data unless the defense can prove it is needed.

Prior to discussing the motion, the prosecution revealed they had only provided required validation summaries that morning after being alerted to do so by the defense. The prosecution says this was an inadvertent mistake.

Judge Park asked the defense why they did not include these arguments in their original motion. Bunke said Wednesday’s arguments were based on information in the prosecution’s opposition and data they had just received. .

Additionally, Bunke said the defense and their expert witness were not expecting any pushback from the prosecution to compel release of the information.

Judge Park ordered the prosecution to turn over the spreadsheet related to the unlabeled graph. However, he said, at this time, he did not find a reason for other data to be turned over.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 8 to continue discussing DNA materials and other pretrial motions.

Parties Delay Murder Hearing Amid Discovery of a Possible Confession

The prosecution alerted parties of a possible confession from a homicide defendant caught on camera in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on March 2.

Royale McGlenn, 19, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Christopher Riles at the 100 block of Irvington Street, SW on May 17, 2025.

According to court documents, the shooting took place in a residential area. Two witnesses reported that they were with Riles when a man in all black clothing approached, shot Riles four times, and fled the scene.

Another witness, McGlenn’s relative, court documents state was interviewed by detectives and allegedly identified McGlenn as the figure depicted in the surveillance footage. The relative, who had known McGlenn since his birth, apparently did not want to talk about him, beginning to get teary eyed and referred to him as a “little boy” who gets on the relative’s nerves.

At McGlenn’s scheduled preliminary hearing, the parties prepared to present evidence and arguments on probable cause. Before the hearing began, however, the prosecution approached Carrie Welletz, McGlenn’s attorney, to discuss a private matter.

When the parties returned, the prosecution informed Judge Edelman that there was new evidence, investigative information vital to the case, that she shared with the defense. According to the prosecution, there was a potential confession from McGlenn caught on officers’ body-worn camera footage.

Welletz requested to delay the hearing to a later date so she could review the new evidence.

Judge Todd Edelman granted the request and parties are slated to reconvene on April 10.

‘The Anger Got the Best of Him,’ Prosecutors Say in Shooting Trial Openings

Prosecutors alleged a defendant shot his mother’s neighbor over a financial dispute before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 3, while his defense argued he fired in self-defense.

Derrick Gladden, 55, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in shooting a man on the patio of his apartment on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE on April 15, 2024. The victim sustained one gunshot wound.

Prosecutors claimed Gladden was angry with the victim because he believed the victim owed him hundreds of dollars for a vehicle. They said Gladden approached the victim on his patio, pulled out the gun, demanded money, and then shot the victim in the chest.

“The anger got the best of him,” a prosecutor said in their opening statement.

Prosecutors said doorbell camera footage will show Gladden leaving the scene with one pink bag and one black bag.

Prosecutors said an “arsenal” of weapons and ammunition was found in Gladden’s home, which match a bullet casing Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found at the scene. They also noted that the gunshot could have been fatal, but the victim survived after being one of the first DC residents to receive a blood-transfusion in ambulance transport.

Gladden’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, said Gladden did not fire out of anger, but in self-defense after the victim became irate when Gladden mentioned the money and pulled out a knife. Thomas disputed prosecutors’ claim that Gladden shot the victim in the chest with the intent to kill. According to Thomas, the shot hit the victim’s shoulder.

Thomas pointed out that there is no clear evidence about the circumstances of the shooting, noting that witnesses who heard the argument initially thought the two were fighting about sports.

“In this case, what you don’t see is just as important as what you do see,” Thomas said.

After openings, prosecutors examined a former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who was the first to respond to the shooting. He said that when he arrived, a witness flagged him down and brought him to the apartment’s back patio.

Prosecutors showed the officer’s body-worn-camera footage, which showed the witness calling to the officer and a gray Audi leaving the parking lot. The footage then showed the victim on his hands and knees bleeding from his back with someone holding a cloth to his wound.

“He was slow to respond and appeared to be in pain,” the officer said about the victim.

The officer said he prepared to perform first aid but the ambulance arrived soon after. While the victim was carried into the ambulance, the officer patted him down searching for an ID card and did not find any weapons in his pockets.

That evening, when the officer returned to the crime scene, he found a bullet casing near the patio. Prosecutors claim this casing matched ammunition found in Gladden’s home.

The officer also showed the victim’s bloody shirt to the jury, which was cut down the middle by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) while administering care. Zoomed-in photos of the shirt showed a small hole near the left shoulder, noted the officer.

On cross-examination, Thomas confirmed with the officer that this hole was “more towards the shoulder area” than the chest.

“The scene was chaotic,” the officer said. While being cross-examined, he affirmed that he was not watching all of the civilians present and did not know what they each were doing.

Prosecutors then called a DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DC FEMS) sergeant who responded to the scene. He said the victim had injuries to the left side of his upper chest and midback consistent with a gunshot wound. He gave the victim a blood transfusion in the ambulance as he was displaying symptoms of hemorrhagic shock, which causes low blood pressure and limits blood flow to the brain, and can lead to death.

The sergeant explained how he treated the victim with “whole blood,” which can be used for a transfusion on anyone, regardless of blood type, without an adverse reaction. The victim was one of the first people in DC to receive this treatment while in transport, as DC had only begun providing whole blood in transport in April 2024, the sergeant said.

The sergeant said the victim’s whole body was evaluated during a rapid trauma assessment and no weapons were found. “If we found something that way, we would remove it in a safe manner,” he said.

EMTs also did not find any weapons in or around the ambulance, according to both the MPD officer and FEMS sergeant.

The sergeant said the victim had air and blood trapped around his lung, indicating a collapse. “You’re basically removing 50% of your ability to breathe,” he said.

During cross-examination, the sergeant said he was not on scene when the incident began and was not qualified to determine what angle the bullet entered the body.

When Thomas asked if blood flow could be reduced by alcohol use, the sergeant said it is not possible. “That’s an old-wives’ tale,” he said.

Thomas also confirmed with the sergeant that the wound was nearer the collarbone than the heart or chest.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 4.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea, Receives Time Served Sentence

A defendant accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to jail for a stabbing before DC Superior Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on March 2.

Eric Davis, 62, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution for his involvement in a stabbing at the DC Jail on the 1900 Block of D Street, SE on Nov. 2, 2024.

At the hearing, Davis’s attorney, Craig Ricard, stated that his client accepted a plea deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon. In exchange, the prosecution dismissed the greater and remaining charges against Davis.

If the case had gone to trial, the prosecution said they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Davis struck the victim, causing two lacerations in his back, following a verbal confrontation between them earlier that day.

The prosecution asked for Davis to be sentenced to 180 days of incarceration for simple assault and one year for possession of a prohibited weapon. The prosecution added that this was not Davis’ first offense and that over the years he “created multiple victims along the way” during his crimes.

Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Davis to time he already served for both counts.

No further dates were set.

‘I was Scared, My Dirty Laundry was Spilling,’ Says Murder Suspect’s Former Lover

A woman who had an affair with a homicide defendant testified March 2 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park that she lied to the police in order to conceal her affair.

Christopher Tyler, 48, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, first-degree burglary while armed, and attempt to commit robbery while armed. These charges come from his alleged involvement in the shooting of 34-year-old Nolan Edwards on the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE, on July 7, 2023. Edwards sustained four gunshot wounds.

Defense attorneys Kevann Gardner and Elizabeth White continued their cross examination of the woman who was engaging in an extramarital affair with Tyler.

She said she was not aware of the crime, but did spend both the morning and the evening with the defendant on the day of the shooting. She said she did not notice anything in his behavior to indicate that he was involved in that afternoon’s shooting.

The woman said she dropped Tyler off at Edwards’ apartment building, where Tyler also sometimes lived, to pick up some of his belongings.

She remained in the car when he went inside and allegedly shot Edwards. After returning to the car, she said they spent the rest of the day together

The woman confirmed that Tyler was moving with “no urgency” after exiting the apartment building, and that he was “walking like he normally would.”

She also confirmed that Tyler did not change his shirt throughout the day, including between when he entered the building where the shooting occurred and when he exited the building.

Gardner asserted that the woman felt hesitant to give her phone to the police because she had private, personal information on her phones.

She confirmed, while getting emotional, that she would never commit a crime or lie to the police, a grand jury, or a lawyer about a crime for Tyler.

During the prosecution’s redirect, she described how she felt “intimidated and manipulated” by the detective.

The prosecution provided the woman with a document that she identified as a consent to search form, which she claimed she did not see until after the detective confiscated her phone, and when the prosecutor pointed out her signature and the date on the document, indicating that she signed it on the day her phones were confiscated, she said it was “backdated” and that the signature was “not (her) handwriting.”

A month after the shooting, the woman was interviewed by the lead homicide detective when she went to pick up her confiscated belongings. In the interview, she failed to identify Tyler correctly, instead referring to him as “Henry,” and told the detective that she was no longer in a relationship with him, which she later testified was false.

The witness admitted that she was not forthcoming in the interview, not because of “that heinous crime,” but because she realized what she was doing “morally wasn’t right with regard to her husband and Tyler.” She testified that the only thing that she lied about in the interview was Tyler, because she “was scared, (her) dirty laundry was spilling.”

The defense objected to the admission of text messages between the woman involved and the defendant, arguing that many of the messages were not from the day of the incident and were therefore irrelevant. Defense counsel also argued the messages could unfairly prejudice the jury.

However, the prosecution argued that certain messages about money and being “ready to do a move,” sent shortly before the shooting, were relevant to motive and intent.

The judge ruled the messages admissible, finding them relevant and not prejudicial.

Jurors were shown text messages in which the woman referred to the defendant as “Chris” and “Black A**.” In one message she wrote, “I don’t care where the money come from atp.” Other messages reflected concern about her husband discovering the communications.

Additional messages included a statement sent the day before the shooting that read, “I’m ready to do a move.”

The prosecution indicated that they intend to call three more witnesses, two civilians and a medical examiner. The prosecution is slated to rest their case on March 4.

Trial is set to resume March 3.

Judge Orders Metro Shooting Suspect’s Mental Health Evaluation Again

A murder subject’s state of mind and physical condition were the subjects of a March 4 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

The defendant,Isaiah Trotman, 34, Isaiah Trotman is charged with first-degree murder while armed, 27 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, 13 counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and 13 counts of kidnapping while armed.

He allegedly opened fire at the Potomac Avenue Metro Station, located on the 1400 block of Potomac Avenue, SE, on Feb. 1, 2023. The shooting fatally injured 64-year-old Robert Cunningham, and left two others with life-threatening injuries.

Trotman was a “medical scratch” by the US Marshals, meaning he wasn’t healthy enough to come to the courthouse from the DC Jail to take part in the proceedings. It was the third time Trotman failed to appear.

Given Trotman’s tenuous situation, parties in the case engaged in an extended, private conversation with Judge Ryan about possible next steps.

A January jury trial was delayed after doctors from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) requested up to two months to complete Trotman’s mental examination. Since then Trotman has had four mental observation hearings scheduled.

In order to stand trial, a defendant must be mentally able to understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyer.

Trotman’s legal team of Mani Golzari and Ashley Guzman expressed concern about Trotman’s medical treatment at the jail including the need for a suicide watch following a “schizophrenia attack.”

Further, his lawyers averred that when they saw Trotman he was barefoot which they described as “disturbing.”

“There’s a lack of understanding about what their responsibilities are,”Judge Ryan responded, criticizing the jail,

He ordered another mental health evaluation screening on March 12.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in ‘Messy’ Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum found probable cause in a stabbing case on Feb. 23.

Antonio Halfacre, 37, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and aggravated assault grave risk while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1800 block of Central Place, NE, on Feb. 15.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a call for a fight in a transitional home. When the police arrived, they located no suspects, only the victim bleeding and suffering from two stab wounds to his back. The victim initially stated that Halfacre was behind him when he was hit three times in the back, but never saw Halfacre holding a knife.

In a later interview, court documents state that the victim reported to MPD that he saw Halfacre holding a knife during the incident.

At the preliminary hearing, the prosecution called an MPD detective who responded to the scene. The detective said she never identified a suspect while on scene, only in pictures and later interviews with witnesses. The detective identified Halfacre as the suspect in the courtroom.

Halfacre’s attorney, Neveen Hammad, confirmed with the detective that other witnesses she interviewed did not see the suspect with a weapon or committing the stabbing. The detective also agreed when Hammad said that Halfacre told police he was involved in the altercation to stop the other two men from fighting when he saw someone with a knife and got scared.

Hammad also noted that MPD found a knife on scene that belonged to the victim. According to the detective, the victim said he had the knife for work and tried to use it to defend himself during the incident, when he dropped and lost the knife under the couch.

The prosecution argued there was enough evidence for “more than probable cause.” A witness questioned on scene stated Halfacre admitted to stabbing the victim in the back, said prosecutors. They added that the victim’s statements that Halfacre was behind him aligned with the stab wounds to his back.

Hammad argued there was no probable cause because the witness’ statement on scene could not be corroborated by anyone else and was never recorded.

Hammad argued the inconsistent statements from witnesses and the victim, as well as the lack of proof of Halfacre’s confession. Additionally, Hammad noted the use of the word “‘hit” from the victim, stating “if someone was stabbed they would likely know they were just stabbed.” She also argued the witnesses were shown only one picture of Halfacre instead of an array of suspects, which made it highly suggestive.

Judge Hildum said “it’s a messy case,” with inconsistencies, but that there is “more than enough evidence to ensure probable cause.”

In arguing for release, Hammad argued Halfacre acted out of self-defense, as he wanted to intervene in the altercation to stop the fight, but got scared when he saw a knife. She asked for release with a GPS monitor, stating Halfacre is a “very gentle, quiet person” that had older prior offenses but has been on good behavior and compliant with alcohol testing.

The prosecution contested, asking for Halfacre’s continued detention and arguing he had a criminal history and was only recently released from supervision. They stated this is a violent case which left a hospitalized victim and this recent release period demonstrated is still Halfacre is still dangerous. release.

Judge Hildum ultimately decided to maintain Halfacre’s hold, noting his extensive criminal record and severity of the case.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 24.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for 16-Year-Old Homicide Defendant

In a preliminary hearing on Feb. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause for first-degree murder while armed for a juvenile homicide defendant’s being tried as an adult.

Keyonte Johnson, 16, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Roy Bennett Jr., 20, on the 300 block of Morse Street, NE, on Dec. 5, 2025. Prosecutors can try juveniles as an adult based on the seriousness of crime.

Judge Ryan based his decision on the number of witnesses, the timing of the shots and the wounds the victim suffered.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) homicide detective, who responded to the scene and investigated the shooting, agreed to have her arrest warrant for Johnson adopted as her sworn testimony.

This document included still images taken from surveillance footage at the apartment building where the shooting occurred. According to the detective’s testimony, several witnesses identified the person in these images as the defendant.

From an interview with an eyewitness, the detective learned that at the time of the shooting, the defendant was allegedly sitting on a couch behind the victim.

The detective also testified to listening to songs posted on the defendant’s Instagram story after the homicide. The lyrics mentioned the victim’s nickname, in reference to his getting shot and killed. Audio clips of these songs were played for the court.

The lyrics also mentioned Johnson’s brother. According to the detective’s testimony, a witness said the brother’s death could have been a possible motive for the shooting, insinuating that the victim was in some way involved.

The detective said the police responded to a 911 call from someone saying their nephew, Johnson, wanted to turn himself in for the Dec. 5 murder. However, Johnson did not give a statement when apprehended.

In the defense’s cross examination, Johnson’s defense attorney, Jessie Winograd, revealed there had been two different accounts of events from the eyewitness.

The detective said the eyewitness initially said he was in the bathroom at the time of the shooting and did not see it. However, several hours later he said he was only in the bathroom for the first shot, and saw the subsequent shots fired.

According to the detective, the witness initially lied because Johnson had threatened him.

Winograd also confirmed with the detective that much of the information about the shooting from various witnesses was not heard directly from the parties involved, but rathe from secondary sources.

The prosecution argued for probable cause for first-degree murder while armed based on premeditation and deliberation committing the crime. The prosecutor said premeditation was shown by the seven shots, which indicated that Johnson had the intention to kill Bennett.

The prosecution further argued that deliberation was evident due to actions Johnson took prior to the shooting. According to the prosecution this included Johnson’s telling an eyewitness to delete their call history, bringing a firearm to the scene, and sitting behind Bennett before shooting him .

The prosecutor said she was confident that Johnson was the shooter because he was identified by multiple witnesses.

Winograd argued that this shooting was more likely a spontaneous act, and no one knows why it occurred.

Witnesses said they did not hear or see any argument before the defendant and victim prior to the shooting. Winograd argued this means there is no probable cause for premeditation.

The defense argued that many of the witnesses in this case have a reason to lie and implicate Johnson, due to their close relationships with the victim.

Judge Ryan agreed with the prosecution that the number of shots fired satisfies the element of premeditation. He also found that the time between shots fired to different parts of the victim’s body counts as deliberation.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 26 to discuss bond review.

Suspect in 13-Year-Old Fatal Stabbing Case Waives DNA Testing

With the aid of an interpreter, a 51-year-old murder suspect declined his right to test DNA evidence in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 4.

The materials in question, according to the prosecutor, consisted of 52 items from a Toyota pick-up truck seized in Texas.

According to a release from the U.S.Attorney’s Office, Angel Monge, a Salvadoran, “was transported from El Salvador to the United States by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, on October 18, 2024.”

Monge, also known as Alex Lobos and Alex Villalobos, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of 49-year-old Matias Molina on Sept. 1, 2013 at the intersection of Beach Drive and Joyce Road, NW.

During a hearing last year, Monge’s then attorney, Joseph Yarbough, said that Monge was asserting his right to test prosecution evidence for DNA as stipulated by the Innocence Protection Act.

Given the language barrier Judge Ryan and Monge’s new attorney Kevin O’ Sullivan wanted to make sure the defendant understood the rights he was abandoning by his decision. In fact, Judge Ryan called a brief recess for parties to discuss the issue.

Afterword, Judge Ryan said that Monge has ‘willingly and voluntarily” surrendered his rights to DNA testing.

Given that Monge’s is a cold case, DNA testimony will likely play a major role in the proceedings. “This is not the first time we’ve talked about it,”said the prosecutor who filed a motion against putting off the long delayed trial scheduled for October.

However, Judge Ryan pushed back the trial date to Aug. 20, 2027 “in deference to the new counsel’s position.”

According to court documents, Judge Ryan also ordered a mental observation hearing for Monge on March 12 to determine if he has the mental capacity to stand trial.

Defendant’s Neighbor Recalls Seeing Shooting Suspect Talk to Victim

A defense attorney questioned the accuracy of the defendant’s neighbor’s testimony that recounted a shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 4.

Derrick Gladden, 55, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, and unlawful possession of ammunition for to his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on April 15, 2024, on the 2300 Block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. The victim sustained one non-fatal gunshot wound to the chest.

A man who lived in the same apartment building as Gladden testified that he saw the victim bleeding through his shirt from his back on a ground-level patio.

The neighbor said he was inside before the shooting and went outside after hearing a gunshot. He said he spoke to the victim, who told him Gladden had shot him and pointed in the general direction of Gladden’s apartment.

The neighbor said he saw Gladden run to his friend’s car and they drove away. He initially said he had not seen Gladden that day until the shooting, then said he remembered seeing Gladden and the victim talking earlier.

During cross-examination, Gladden’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, pointed out that the victim was not standing and could not actually see Gladden’s apartment. He just gestured to the left.

“So we’re getting your interpretation of what happened, not what actually happened, right?” Thomas said to the neighbor.

Thomas asked the neighbor if he “miraculously” remembered seeing Gladden talk to the victim after the prosecutors “refreshed” his memory. The neighbor answered “yes.”

The neighbor said he knew at the time of the incident that the shooter was Gladden, but did not tell the police because they didn’t ask. He said he could not see whether the individual running to the car had a gray beard like Gladden’s.

He said he knew Gladden lived in the apartment building but had only spoken to him in passing.

The prosecution showed the court photos of letters, bills, mail stamps, and a credit card, all containing Gladden’s name and address. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who executed the search warrant for Gladden’s apartment said police allegedly found ammunition and gun accessories

Thomas argued that although these pieces of evidence had Gladden’s name on them, there was no date to signify how long the material had been in the apartment. Thomas added that the address on the material was Good Hope Road, which was renamed Marion Barry Avenue on Nov. 18, 2023.

The officer also said investigators did not recover a firearm or any DNA evidence from the residence.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 5.

‘Never to Forget You or Your Cases,’ Judge Tells Shooting Defendant at Sentencing

A non-fatal shooting defendant was sentenced to four-and-a-half years incarceration by DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on March 3.

Kamari Childs, 20, accepted a plea deal for three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of unlawful possession with a firearm, with a prior conviction. All charges stem from Childs’ involvement in a shooting that occurred on Sept. 15, 2025 on the King-Greenleaf Recreation Center on the 200 block of N Street, SW.

“[I am] never to forget you or your cases.” Judge McLean stated to Childs. Judge McLean was the previous judge on Childs’ case in which she imposed just probation a week before the shooting occurred.

Judge McLean imposed a sentence of one year for possession of a firearm and two years for each count of assault with a dangerous weapon under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). All sentences for assault with a dangerous weapon are to run consecutive, with the one year charge running concurrent to them all.

Judge McLean also imposed three years supervised release, all suspended, in favor of two years probation following release. Along with ninety hours of community service and for Childs to be registered as a gun offender in DC after release.

As a part of the plea deal accepted on Nov. 4, parties agreed the prosecution would keep their sentencing request at the bottom half of the D.C. Sentencing Commission’s guidelines, one year minimum and ten years maximum.

On March 3, the prosecution said Childs had been released on probation just a week prior to this incident on a separate gun offender charge.

A video was played by the prosecution, showing the King-Greenleaf Recreation Center and children and teens playing at the facility at the time of the shooting. A person wearing all black, identified by prosecutors as Childs, could be seen walking towards the playground and firing three shots towards a red slide.

A second video showed a different view of the recreation center, and the children and teens running after gunshots were heard.

The prosecution claimed that two shots Childs fired hit the red slide in the video, a spot in which people were sitting, and the third’s end point could not be found, only the shell casing.

“Mr.Childs is incredibly lucky,” the prosecutor stated, explaining that Childs did not injure anyone.

Prosecutors argued for six years incarceration for Childs, saying “he failed probation the first time”.

Childs’ defense attorney, Wole Falodun, argued that “the record reflects a single impulsive episode”.

Falodun stated his client is not beyond rehabilitation and that Childs choosing to plead guilty is a demonstration of acceptance of responsibility.

Falodun requested Childs’ be sentenced under the YRA, which could lessen the sentence and seal it after successful completion. He requested Childs only be sentenced to two years in prison.

“I am sorry,” Childs said. “Very sorry to the people.”

No further dates were set.

‘It Was Devastating,’ Victim’s Friend Testifies in Murder Trial

A murder victim’s friend said that losing him was “devastating” during a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 3.

Christopher Tyler, 48, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, first-degree burglary while armed, and attempt to commit robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Nolan Edwards, 34, on July 7, 2023, on the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE. Edwards sustained gunshot wounds to his chest, back, arm, and leg.

A friend and neighbor of Edwards testified that she saw a man running from the direction of Edwards’ apartment immediately after hearing the shooting. Edwards’ friend told the prosecutor that she lived in the basement of the apartment building and her unit was positioned next to the stairs and back door.

She testified that she and Edwards were close friends who saw each other every day. Edwards was a homebody who would often leave his door unlocked because he felt so comfortable in the building, his friend explained. She said Edwards was “like the neighborhood watch” because he was always home.

Edwards’ friend said that on the day of the shooting, while sitting in her unit, she heard five-to-six gunshots. She told the jury that at first, she thought the sound was leftover fireworks from the fourth of July, but then realized they were gunshots because of the loud echoes and usual quietness of the building.

She texted Edwards to ask whether he knew what the loud sound was but got no response, she said. Then, she stated that she tried calling him but he didn’t answer the phone.

Edwards’ friend said that a few seconds after the shooting, she looked out of her door’s peephole and saw someone running towards the backdoor of the apartment complex, coming from somewhere upstairs. She said because of the angle of her door, she only saw the person’s back half and only saw him running for a second, but identified him as a black male wearing all black.

On cross-examination, Tyler’s attorney, Elizabeth White, pointed out that when Edwards’ friend testified in front of a grand jury, she said the man running had hair. Tyler is bald, White noted.

Edwards’ friend told White that she couldn’t “really remember” the details because the shooting happened in 2023. After Edwards’ death, his friend said she didn’t go back to work for a month and was on anxiety and depression medication.

“It was devastating” she said, leading her to black those few months out of her mind.

Tyler’s cousin, who lived on the third floor of the apartment building near Edwards’ unit, testified that Tyler visited him regularly. He said that he let Tyler stay in his apartment and leave his clothes there.

Tyler’s cousin testified that he lost his keys in November 2022, and did not get replacements until a few months prior to his testimony. Therefore, he would leave his apartment door unlocked, use a coat hanger to pick the lock of the back door, and sometimes the front door of the building was propped open.

In July 2023, Tyler’s cousin explained that he wasn’t usually in his apartment because there was no air conditioning. He said that he did not know who came to his apartment when he was not there, but it was possible that Tyler did.

Tyler’s cousin said that Tyler would come over with his girlfriend, who lived in the apartment complex across the street.

On cross-examination, Tyler’s other attorney, Kevann Gardner, asked Tyler’s cousin if his girlfriend was the only woman he brought over. He said no, Tyler brought multiple women to his apartment.

Another neighbor of Edwards testified that while on a work call, she heard loud noises that she thought were fireworks. After ending the call, she looked into the hallway and saw bloody footprints going downstairs. Additionally, the neighbor said she heard Edwards’ brother on the phone reporting the shooting.

The neighbor said that Edwards was a good neighbor, who she would see almost every day.

Another witness, Tyler’s friend, identified him as “Henry” during his testimony. He testified that his cousin was in a relationship with Tyler. The two of them would often stay at Tyler’s friend’s apartment in Southeast DC.

Tyler’s friend also corroborated that he had seen Tyler with multiple women, including one that lived across the street from the Ames Street apartment complex.

During cross examination, Tyler’s friend said he knew nothing about anyone shot and killed in July 2023.

The medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Edwards’ body testified that Edwards’ cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds and the manner of death was homicide. She attributed this to the number of gunshot wounds, the location of the gunshot wounds, and the lack of stippling or soot on his skin or clothes.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 4.

Teen’s Assailant Receives 18 Year Murder Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a defendant who fatally shot his classmate to 18 years in prison on Feb. 20.

On Dec. 17, 2025, 20-year-old Carlton Simon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of Angel Dominguez, 17, on May 29, 2025 on the 900 block of Florida Avenue, NW. Dominguez sustained five gunshot wounds to his chest, calf, thigh, knee, and forearm.

Several members of Dominguez’s family were present at Simon’s sentencing and delivered emotional impact statements.

“This is a very unfortunate situation for both families,” Dominguez’s “second mother” said. “Losing Angel has cost me so much trauma and pain…I have never felt loss like this,” she stated.

Dominguez’s second mother remarked that although she didn’t carry him in her womb, she loved him like he was her own. Now, she said, she will carry him in her heart forever.

She told Judge Edelman that her six-year-old daughter cried for Dominguez constantly. Dominguez made a promise to watch her daughter grow up and take her to prom because he said didn’t trust any other guys with her, according to his second mother. Now, he will never get to do that. In a video played before the court, the young girl sadly said “I miss my brother.”

The prosecutors read letters on behalf of family members and friends who were unable to give their statements in court.

In her letter, Dominguez’s ex-girlfriend wrote that when she saw him in his casket, she couldn’t help but think “where is smile, his laughter, his life?” Dominguez deserved a fighting chance, said his ex-girlfriend.

Dominguez’s brother’s letter stated that “when Angel passed, I felt like a part of me passed with him.” He “would do anything to bring him back,” and misses his brother deeply.

In his letter, Dominguez’s father asked for justice to be served and for those who decided Simon’s sentence to be wise.

Dominguez’s mother also asked for justice. Her letter said that she worked many jobs in her life, but the most important one was being a mother. “My whole world came to a stop” when Dominguez died, she wrote.

The prosecutor reminded the court that Dominguez was only 17-years-old and obtaining his GED. On the day of the shooting, when Simon approached Dominguez, Dominguez walked away. It was Simon who pulled out a gun and grabbed Dominguez’s backpack before shooting him in the chest, noted prosecutors.

The prosecutor asked Judge Edelman to not allow the mitigating circumstances of the case to reduce Simon’s sentence. Allegations of verbal threats against Simon, Dominguez’s criminal record, or previous alleged robberies do not justify a calculated killing, she argued.

According to the prosecutor, the assertion that Simon didn’t mean harm was wrong because he bragged about killing Dominguez online, rapping about it. “He wasn’t shying away from what he did,” she asserted. “He chose to act with violence, he intended to act with violence,” and now he must suffer the consequences of the violence, said the prosecutor.

The prosecutor asked for Simon to be sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment.

Defense attorney Kevin Irving disagreed, saying Simon wasn’t bragging about the shooting. Irving argued Simon rapping online was simply making music with his friends. Rap lyrics just include that sort of language, he insisted.

According to Irving, when detectives began questioning Simon about the shooting, he broke down and admitted what he did. Simon continued to suffer over this, Irving said, and motioned towards Simon crying in court. Irving asked for the low end of the sentencing guideline.

Given his emotions, Simon asked Irving to read his prepared statement to the court. In it Simon said that he was sincerely apologetic for what he did. “I never wanted this to happen,” said Simon. “I felt like if I didn’t protect myself, I would be gone,” he stated.

In the statement, Simon pleaded with Judge Edelman to let him see his mother again and be with his family. Simon expressed that he wanted to right this wrong.

This situation is “just tragic all around,” Judge Edelman explained. He said that both young men were in the same situation, trying to do the right thing by going to school and getting work experience. Simon and Dominguez both brought guns with them to school that day and that is what escalated this situation, said the judge.

He noted that it’s clear Dominguez was a loving and loyal family member and it seemed like he was trying to forge another path for himself. Simon was also a young man and it was his first adult criminal conviction, the judge stated. According to Judge Edelman, Simon accepted responsibility very early and also seemed to be on a better path.

Judge Edelman said that text messages indicated Simon was planning to do something to Dominguez on the day he was shot, showing there is no legal self-defense. However, Irving showed paperwork that this was not an isolated incident. Simon acted out of fear, a robbery to disarm the victim. “He was not acting in self-defense, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t afraid,” Judge Edelman proclaimed.

Judge Edelman said he received contextual material from people not involved in this incident. A friend of Simon’s wrote to the judge that Dominguez often bragged about robberies and carjacking, and had even done it to his classmates.

The former assistant principal of the school Simon and Dominguez attended also wrote a letter corroborating Simon’s defense. Judge Edelman explained that he viewed this letter as unbiased testimony.

The advocate wrote that Simon tried in school and made consistent effort, even when interpersonal conflicts arose. She said that Dominguez also experienced ongoing social conflicts and made hostile statements towards Simon.

Judge Edelman opined that this letter did not justify Simon’s actions, but it did provide context that the conflict between Simon and Dominguez wasn’t isolated to that day.

There was no justification for Simon’s actions, but the events underlying this case were more complex than the prosecution made it seem, Judge Edelman said.

Simon was sentenced to 18 years incarceration and five years of supervised release. Simon must register as a gun offender in DC and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund upon his release. Judge Edelman recommended that Simon enroll in mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, and a GED program.

No further dates were set.

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