Judge Denies Request to Reconsider Release for Shooting Co-Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson declined to reconsider releasing a shooting defendant while he awaits trial during a hearing on Jan. 15.

Lorenzo Covington, 20, Zion Greely, 19, and Gregory Nelson, 19, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and four counts of destroying property less than $1000.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a shooting on the 700 block of N Street, NW on Oct. 14, 2024. No injuries were reported, but gunfire struck three vehicles, and police recovered 27 shell casings and two bullet fragments.

After DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied Greely’s request for release on Nov. 5, 2025, his attorney, Diana Yu, filed a motion on Jan. 7 asking Judge Dayson to reconsider his detention.

At the hearing, Yu argued the prosecution had no direct evidence against Greely, claiming there was neither physical or forensic evidence nor witness statements implicating her client. Although the indictment filed on Dec. 17 added more serious charges against Greely, Yu argued the strength of the case had not changed.

In Greely’s prior theft case, Yu said, he fully complied with strict conditions of release and probation requirements. Greely would likewise follow any release imposed by Judge Dayson, Yu added.

Yu also noted Greely’s grandfather, who he was close to, was recently diagnosed with a serious illness, and Greely wished to spend more time with him.

The prosecutors disputed Yu’s claim that the evidence was weak. They said there was proof of Greely’s participating in a drug transaction with the victim minutes before the shooting, in addition to nearly continuous surveillance footage capturing Greely’s movements before and after the incident.

As a result, Judge Dayson determined that no conditions of release could ensure community safety and denied Greely’s request. The judge acknowledged Greely succeeded on probation but said his prior theft conviction now weighed against him.

Yu and Nelson’s attorney, David Akulian, also filed separate motions requesting to sever Greely and Nelson’s cases from their co-defendants. Judge Dayson noted that Covington’s counsel was not specified, but she expects a severance request on his behalf once his new attorney is appointed. The judge must determine whether holding joint trials would compromise the defendants’ specific trial rights.

As the cases were recently transferred to Judge Dayson, she postponed her decision on severance until she has reviewed the video evidence.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 5.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in ‘Family Affair’ Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a “family affair” homicide on Jan. 14.

Clarence Jones, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Benjamin Mingo on March 27, 2025 on the 3800 block of 1st Street, SE.

Judge Brandt alerted the parties that she found probable cause for Jones’ participation in the incident, citing the lead detective’s testimony, as well as two defense investigators.

“This is a family affair,” Judge Brandt stated, reminding the parties that Mingo was Jones’ sister’s romantic partner at the time of the incident, and she, along with her 12-year-old son, were present during the shooting.

According to the detective and court documents, Jones allegedly shot Mingo due to accusations of domestic violence between Mingo and Jones’ sister. Their mom allegedly told officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that she found out about the assaults from another family member.

Judge Brandt stated Jones’ sister attempted to downplay the domestic violence to her mom, who was the only person she told about the assault. However, “her business was already out in the gossip mill,” which was unfortunate because she wanted it to remain private.

Judge Brandt ruled that the suspect vehicle, which was identified as a white Toyota Prius, which Jones rented, was connected to his alleged movements through surveillance footage.

According to Judge Brandt, the car was parked near the incident location multiple times throughout the investigation, including at the time of the shooting. Jones is alleged to have run back to it and fled the scene in the car.

She also argued that “whispers in the community” told MPD the shooter was related to the victim’s girlfriend, which corroborates with the victim and girlfriend not running away when a gun was pulled because they were approached by someone they knew and were comfortable with.

Judge Brandt raised several questions about the incident, including the fact that Mingo allegedly had a phone, drug paraphernalia, pills and $1,000 on his person at the time of the incident, but wasn’t robbed. “It makes you go hmm.”

As for the girlfriend not being shot, Judge Brandt stated “Why leave a witness? If you leave one victim in cold blood, why not two?”

“How do we know she [Mingo’s girlfriend] didn’t see [the shooter]. How does she know it wasn’t her brother? A lot was going on there,” Judge Brandt stated about the girlfriend allegedly only seeing the shooter’s eyes and not recognizing him. “It’s not every day folks see people gunned down in front of them.”

As for release, Judge Brandt stated that “killing someone with a gun is presumed to be dangerous by the law,” and “any time there is a loss of life, it is serious.”

She stated the nature and circumstances of the offense were severe, as “it appears that it was targeted. This was a killing in cold blood.” According to Judge Brandt, “[Mingo] never had a chance to defend himself.”

“Mr. Jones is going to remain detained,” Judge Brandt ruled.

Parties are slated to reconvene before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 24.

Document: MPD Arrests Driver who Struck Officer on I-695

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 47-year-old Jerrold Lonnell Coates, who allegedly struck and killed Officer Terry Bennett on Dec 23 on I-695. Officer Bennett was assisting a motorist when Coates, driving a Volvo XC90 at high speed, hit him. Officer Bennett succumbed to his injuries on Jan 7. Coates is charged with Second-Degree Murder While Armed (Vehicle).

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in North Capitol Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 45-year-old Niwatilagu Long, who is alleged to have been involved in a homicide on Dec. 19 on North Capitol Street, NE. The victim, identified as 44-year-old Melvin Saunders, was found with a fatal gunshot wound and pronounced dead at the scene. Long has been charged with Second-Degree Murder while Armed.

Document: MPD Investigating DC-295 Fatal Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a fatal crash on DC-295 that occurred on Jan. 3. William Gardner, 60, was struck and killed by a black 2000 Chevy Silverado while walking in the roadway. The driver remained at the scene following the incident.

Document: Arrest Made in Minnesota Avenue Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 33-year-old Jasmine Armwood, of Southeast, DC, for allegedly stabbing a woman during an argument inside a business on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, on Nov 29. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a local hospital. Armwood has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

Document: MPD Investigating 16th Street Fatal Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a fatal crash on Jan 7 at 16th and L Streets, NW. Aaron Marckell Williams, 26, was killed when a Chevrolet Malibu, driven by 20-year-old alleged suspect Santana Matthews, collided with a Toyota Corolla and struck Williams in a crosswalk. Matthews, who attempted to flee, was apprehended and charged with Second-Degree Murder while Armed (Vehicle) and other offenses. Two additional victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Vermont Avenue Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 37-year-old Shelton Brooks Elder, alleged to have stabbed a victim during an argument inside an establishment on the 1000 block of Vermont Avenue, NW, on Dec. 17. The victim, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, self-transported to a hospital. Elder was apprehended on Jan. 4 in the 1200 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, and charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife).

Defense Argues Homicide Case Rests on ‘A False Witness, a Fake Story, and a Failed Investigation’

A defense attorney argued an apparent revenge murder case against her client lacked evidence and credibility during opening statements in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Jan. 12.

Malik Seltzer, 30, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Paris Odemns on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on Sept. 15, 2021. Odemns suffered from five gunshot wounds to his back and one to his wrist.

Seltzer’s jury trial started with opening statements from both sides. The prosecutors claimed Seltzer planned and carried out Odemns’ “senseless murder.” According to prosecutors, Seltzer came across Odemns at a nearby 7-Eleven the evening of the crime. The prosecution said Seltzer, angry that Odemns stabbed one of his friends, lured Odemns and, when his back was turned, shot him six times and left him to die.

The prosecutors acknowledged their key witness “is not a model citizen” and that the defense will “run [him] through the coals.” However, they asserted the witness’ testimony will be the same story he told Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers before he saw any evidence related to the case.

The prosecution also told the jury their key witness will testify that Seltzer brought Odemns to the apartment the night of the murder and said, “This is the dude that stabbed [friend’s name]. I’m going to bag him.”

Prosecutors expect the witness to state that he saw Seltzer and Odemns walk down the street, heard gunshots, observed Seltzer running back toward the apartment, and when Seltzer returned, he said “I just bagged that n-word.”

The jury viewed a video that prosecutors said depicted Seltzer and Odemns walking together down the street about a minute before the murder. Prosecutors then played ShotSpotter audio of eight gunshots, followed by another video of Seltzer running back to the apartment alone after the shots.

Seltzer’s defense attorney, Bernadette Armand, said the jury would hear evidence of “a false witness, a fake story, and a failed investigation by the [prosecutors] in this case.”

Armand said the video showed Seltzer running for his life, not fleeing because he had shot someone. She said Seltzer and Odemns walked together into the dark, where someone approached them, pointed a gun, and both men ran.

“Odemns didn’t make it–Seltzer was able to run away,” said Armand, emphasizing it could have been Seltzer who was fatally shot. There was no conflict, drama, or problems between Seltzer and Odemns in the video footage, noted Armand.

Regarding the key witness, Armand said the jury should doubt his story because he was on probation with serious legal problems hanging over his head when he spoke with MPD about the case. She added that his account was inconsistent and changed over time.

Additionally, Armand claimed the witness fabricated that Odemns stabbed Seltzer’s friend. Apart from the witness’ testimony, she argued, there would be no evidence of the alleged stabbing presented during the trial.

“The [prosecution] took the easy way out…case closed,” Armand said, urging the jury to focus on what the prosecution did–or failed to do–during the murder investigation.

Following opening statements, the prosecution called Odemns sister to the stand. She described her brother as “a good person” and said “he cared more about other people than himself.”

An MPD officer, who responded to the scene after he received a radio call for the sound of gunshots, said DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) was attending to a shooting victim when he arrived on scene. As the first responding officer, he secured the scene and canvassed for potential evidence. The officer said he found firearm cartridge casings but waited for an official to remove them.

Apart from DCFEMS, the officer said no one entered the scene or attempted to while he was present. After additional MPD officers and detectives arrived, he provided his statement, and had no further involvement with the case.

Kevann Gardner, Seltzer’s other attorney, asked the officer during cross-examination if other shootings occurred nearby around the time Odemns was shot. The officer said there were sounds of other gunshots detected nearby but he was not aware of any investigations into them.

Gardner also established through the officer that cartridge casings are small, light, and easily moved. However, the prosecution confirmed that no one moved the casings while the officer was present.

The trial is scheduled to resume on Jan. 13.

Homicide Defendant Who Fatally Shot His Own Dog and Man Accepts Plea Deal

A homicide defendant who fatally shot a man and his own dog accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 14.

Quateze Moore, 47, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Martinez Robinson on Aug. 23, 2024 on the 1300 block of Girard Street, NW.

During the hearing, Peter Odom and Shawn Sukumar, Moore’s attorneys, alerted the court of his intent to accept a deal, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

The deal also required Moore to plead guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine while armed in connection to an unrelated matter.

Parties agreed that the sentence imposed should be based on the voluntary sentencing guidelines.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would’ve proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Moore shot at Robinson eight times, striking him thrice as he ran away from Moore. During the incident, Moore’s dog, Ace, was also shot and killed.

The prosecution claimed Moore had a conscious disregard for Robinson’s safety, and he acted voluntarily and not in self-defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on March 27.

Prosecutors Say Victim’s Loss is ‘Permanent and Generational,’ As Homicide Defendant is Sentenced to 35 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a homicide defendant to 35 years of imprisonment on Jan. 9

Jajuan Gripper, 23, was convicted by a jury of conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Rynell Bradford on the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue, NE on Dec. 20, 2022.

Family members remembered Bradford as a loving father, son, brother and friend “who was deeply loved.”

“I will never be able to unsee my brother lying in his blood,” one of Bradford’s sisters said. “That image plays in my mind over and over again.”

Mentioning Bradford’s five kids, one of whom was four-months-old when Bradford was gunned down, she stated they “wake up to a life without their father, forever.”

“My brother deserved to live. Our family deserves justice,” she cried.

Another of Bradford’s sisters reminisced on their close bond, stating they supported each other through everything – with the sisters being dressed as cheerleaders while Bradford played football in their childhood.

“I do not know what closure looks like for us as a family,” she said, adding her goal is to embody his goofy, happy spirit.

“A person that can do this is a person who has a lack of care and humanity,” she said about Gripper, highlighting his “unfathomable” attitude throughout the case. “He acts like it’s an inconvenience.”

“It is not appropriate or fair for anybody to play games with someone’s life,” the sister stated.

The prosecution requested he be sentenced to 40 years, highlighting the seriousness of the crime. They stated Gripper and two friends gunned Bradford down in the middle of the street as Bradford’s fiancee watched from the window of their apartment.

“It doesn’t get more serious than a premeditated murder,” the prosecutor insisted.

He argued there was an extraordinary cost from the murder. “That cost is not just a life. It’s a cost to five children, a family, and a community. It’s permanent and generational.”

Wole Falodun, Gripper’s defense attorney, asked Judge Ryan for a sentence that “holds him accountable, but rehabilitates him and takes his age and mental health into consideration,” requesting 30 years.

Falodun argued Gripper “has made efforts to change the trajectory of his life,” while he’s been incarcerated. According to Falodun, Gripper got his high school diploma at the DC Jail.

He encouraged Judge Ryan to sentence Gripper to a “not hopeless” sentence, urging him to sentence him based on him as a whole, “not just his worst day.”

“The killing was absolutely unwarranted,” Judge Ryan said, reminding the parties that Bradford was shot and killed as he ran away.

“The harm that’s been done in this case… is a very significant harm. [Bradford] did nothing to warrant that,” Judge Ryan noted.

Judge Ryan imposed a concurrent sentence of 35 years for murder, 84 months for conspiracy and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and 24 months for carrying a pistol without a license.

“You should reflect on what those very sincere people had to say,” Judge Ryan told Gripper about Bradford’s family. He highlighted Gripper’s opportunity to succeed, adding “you need to do so.”

Parties agreed to delay the order that would have Gripper transferred to the Bureau of Prisons (BoP) until May in order for him to finish the Georgetown University Program at the DC Jail.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty, Raises Concerns About Jail

A shooting defendant pleaded not guilty at an arraignment on Jan. 9, and told DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt that the DC Jail is infested with mold.

Brandon Ross, 33, 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 by a convict, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE on Dec. 17, 2024.

During the hearing, Carrie Weletz alerted Judge Brandt that she would be filing a medical alert for Ross, stating that there is “a huge mold problem at the jail.” According to Weletz, the showers and areas where Ross is required to do the jobs assigned to him are infected.

Weletz raised concerns about Ross’ respiratory and breathing problems, and stated it has been very difficult to reach out to the jail’s attorney to discuss the issues.

“I’m glad you’ve brought it to my attention,” Judge Brandt stated, saying she had a meeting with the Department of Corrections (DOC) in the coming week and would raise the issues.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 7.

Judge Finds Co-Def Likely Committed Murder in Rival Gang Shooting

“They don’t care that they’re violent. They don’t care that they’re shooting people,” argued the prosecutor in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Jan. 12.

The matter under consideration was a triple-shooting, one from a shotgun blast leaving the victim fighting for life, another from a semi-automatic pistol that killed a teen-ager in what the prosecution described as a gang-related incident. A third victim was shot in the leg.

Zephaniah Wright, 19, was fatally shot and a second victim injured outside the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro Station on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Less than five minutes earlier, another individual was shot in front of the Petworth Recreation Center on the 800 block of Taylor Street, NW.

Jose Hernandez, 19, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed in connection with two drive-by shootings in the Petworth neighborhood on April 29, 2025. However, he accepted a plea deal for committing second-degree murder while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and aggravated assault, which could put him in jail for 25 years.

Jayden Wells, 18, is also charged as a co-defendant with first-degree premeditated murder for his alleged involvement in the shootings. His case was at issue in the current hearing.

Arrest warrants for Hernandez and Wells allege the shootings were linked to an ongoing feud between two criminal gangs–the Columbia Heights Village (CHV) and Kennedy Street (KDY) crews. The defendants are reportedly associated with CHV, while Wright and a surviving victim are linked to KDY.

Surveillance video allegedly showed four individuals in the suspected vehicle traveling between the crime scenes. The prosecutor said it was impossible not to see that Wells was in the car.

“He jumped out of a window to avoid law enforcement,” she said. Officers found buckshot evidence. The buckshot wound from the shotgun was described as a “giant shot in the back” leaving some thirty “defects” or injuries.

“We’re way beyond probable cause,” said the prosecutor.

In defending Wells, his attorney, David Akulian, described the case against his client as circumstantial, lacking ballistic evidence linking a weapon to the shootings. The only direct connection to Hernandez is that they were in the same car, said Akulian

“Everyone in this vehicle was involved in this murder,” said the prosecutor. “It’s clear that there were four firearms in that vehicle and that resulted in a very young person dying,”she said.

Judge Ryan ultimately agreed and found probable cause that Wells was culpable in the murderous shooting spree. “The other explanations in the evidence don’t carry the day,” he said. Judge Ryan noted that there were multiple witness identifications of Wells including family members and that he was likely the one in the back seat that fired the shotgun.

The prosecutor said Wells should stay in jail because there were no conditions that could guarantee his safe release to the community awaiting trial.

However, Akulian painted a different picture, saying that Wells was a good student, earned his high school diploma and had strong family support in that his mother and father were in the courtroom.

There was a brief discussion at the bench about Wells’ previous encounters with law enforcement as a juvenile. However, there was no criminal history disclosed. Still, the prosecutor said that images said to be of Wells brandishing weapons on Instagram were suggestive of gang affiliation.

In explaining his decision to detain Wells, Judge Ryan pointed out that the shootings, beyond their immediate lethality, posed an even greater danger.

“These are shootings that are terrifying people that have nothing to do with the vendetta going on between the two groups.” said Judge Ryan.

He scheduled the next hearing in the case for March 20.

Parties Question Behavioral Health Department’s Efforts to Restore Homicide Defendant

Parties in a homicide case discussed the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) efforts, or lack thereof, to restore a homicide defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Jan. 13.

Jafekka Harris, 34, is charged with second-degree murder of a senior citizen for her alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 79-year-old Bettie Duke on the 3100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE on Oct. 5, 2024.

During the hearing, parties discussed DBH’s report from Jan. 8, which deemed Harris incompetent to stand trial again, citing her schizophrenia diagnosis, and a recent diagnosis of sarcoidosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease which causes cells to form lumps in organs causing health problems.

The report stated that it was not clear if Harris also has neurosarcoidosis, which would impact her brain. Judge Brandt raised concerns because the disease could lead to dementia and other issues with the brain.

“I think we all need to know that,” in order to move forward with the case, Judge Brandt told the parties.

“Time is of the essence,” she added. “Medicating isn’t solving the issue,” Judge Brandt said, referring to the medications prescribed to Harris to help stabilize her mood in order for doctors and health personnel to be able to approach her.

Emma Mlyenic, Harris’ attorney, argued that the medications appear to be more therapeutic, and that no progress has been made towards competency.

She cited Harris’ therapist, who said it was hard to follow Harris in conversations. Mlyenic stated that it was clear Harris continues to experience psychosis and auditory hallucinations.

Judge Brandt stated the best course of action would be to have the treating physicians appear before the court to discuss their plans and where things stand.

Parties agreed that the hearing would be under seal. They’re slated to reconvene on Feb. 5.

Suspect in Fatal Beating Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

In a brief arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 9, Walter Parker, 49, pleaded not guilty to murder in a brutal beating.

Parker, 49, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in killing 77-year-old Bernard Williams on the 400 block of M Street, SE, on April 23.

Parker earlier rejected a plea offer to accept a count of second-degree murder. In exchange, the prosecution would not file other charges and agree to a guideline sentence of 12-to-24 years.

In an indictment filed on Dec. 17 Parker is charged with murder of a senior citizen, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm and destruction of property of less than $1,000.

According to court documents, Williams was beaten in the head dozens of times and was ultimately declared brain dead as a result of his injuries.

During the arraignment, Parker’s attorney, Howard McEachern, indicated he might enter an insanity plea on his client’s behalf, though it is unlikely. Judge Park said an insanity plea would require rescheduling to accommodate the additional complexity.

Judge Park urged McEachern to “take charge of your client.”

The trial is currently scheduled for May 17, 2027.

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