‘I Own Rights,’ Says Frustrated Stabbing Defendant Over Plea Negotiations

Corey Bridges voiced dissatisfaction with his counsel during a hearing on Feb. 6 before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz.

Bridges, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE, on June 7, 2025. The victim sustained a stab wound to his neck that caused life-threatening damage to an artery.

The prosecution said the current plea deal terms required the defendant to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for dismissing all remaining charges.

According to court records, Bridges began entering the plea deal on Jan. 2 but requested more clarity from his defense counsel, Molly Bunke, resulting in the continuance.

At the hearing, during questioning from Judge Kravitz about his understanding of the plea deal, Bridges was asked if he was satisfied with the Bunke’s work. Bridges stated that he wasn’t because of the setbacks in accepting his plea deal.

Bunke responded she wanted sufficient time to meet with Bridges to discuss the plea offered by the prosecutor. Although Bridges wanted a sooner court date, Bunke said scheduling issues and the snowstorm made that impossible.

After further questioning by the judge, Bridges spoke out in court, asking to be released “upon [his] achieved credentials.” Bridges did not expand on what his credentials were, but continued by saying, “I own rights in DC.”

Judge Kravitz denied the defendant’s oral request for release because he was not prepared to rule on the matter.

Bunke requested more time so she could discuss the plea deal further with her client.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 27 to continue the plea hearing for the third time.

Parties Negotiate Plea Deal Length For Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz urged parties to continue plea negotiations during a hearing for a shooting defendant on Feb. 6.

Demarco Bates, 28, is charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, two counts of destruction of property less than $1000, and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE, on April 10, 2024. One person sustained a gunshot graze wound to her foot.

At the hearing, the prosecution said they extended a plea offer to Bates that would require him to plead guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. They said they offered Bates two agreed upon sentence options, either eight years of incarceration or between seven-to-10 years.

Bates’ attorney, Alvin Thomas, said his client would accept a sentence of seven years in the plea deal. However, he is worried about the seven-to-10 year offer because of the “big gap” in the sentence length.

Judge Kravitz asked the prosecution if they would be open to re-negotiating the plea deal to a seven-to-eight year for the sentence. The prosecutor said they would need to speak with their supervisor about the possibility, but would hopefully have an answer soon.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 10 for updates on the plea negotiations.

Judge Sentences Domestic Violence Shooting Defendant to 2 Years Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel sentenced a shooting defendant to two years of probation in a hearing on Feb. 6.

Jaquan Proctor, 23, pleaded guilty on Nov. 20, 2025, to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a domestic violence related shooting on the 5500 block of Illinois Avenue, NW, on July 30, 2025. Proctor shot at his mother and brother, but neither sustained injuries.

At sentencing, the prosecution said Proctor’s mother understands that he needs to be held accountable for his actions but that he struggles with mental health and substance abuse issues.

The prosecution requested that Proctor be sentenced to 30 months in prison, all suspended but 18 months. They also asked for three years of supervised release with mental health counseling and anger management courses.

“[Proctor] shot into a room where his mother and brother were” and that “it could have been much worse,” said prosecutors in support of their sentence request.

Prosecutors also requested Judge Israel order Proctor to continue to stay away from his brother. Judge Israel granted the request and also ordered a NO HATS (harassing, assaulting, threatening, or stalking) from Proctor to his mother.

Proctor’s attorney, Karen Minor, asked for probation, instead of a prison sentence. According to Minor, Proctor’s six months he served at the DC Jail impacted his character because he could not see his infant daughter.

Minor said Proctor recognized how his attitudes influenced his behavior and what he needed to change. She added that Proctor was taking courses at the DC Jail and trying to control his emotions.

Proctor told Judge Israel that “jail taught me a lot…it improved me” and he learned that “every action doesn’t need a reaction.”

The incident was a family matter, not in the community, noted Judge Israel when deciding her sentence.

Judge Israel sentenced Proctor to 30 months of imprisonment, all suspended in favor of two years of supervised probation. Proctor will be required to register as a gun offender in DC, complete 90 hours of community service, and a domestic violence intervention program. If Proctor does not comply with the terms of his probation, he could be required to serve the prison sentence.

Parties were dismissed and no further dates were set.

Judge Won’t Release Shooting Defendant Despite Fear of Losing Housing

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel denied release for a shooting defendant during a hearing on Feb. 4.

Dominque Hansberry, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property less than $1,000 for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the 500 block of 60th Street, NE on Sept. 26, 2025 which damaged the victim’s car, but no one was injured.

At the hearing, Hansberry’s attorney, Peter Cooper, requested her release so she could be present for a home inspection and to care for her dogs. According to Cooper, Hansberry is part of a government housing program, and if she is not present for the home inspection, she could becomes unhoused.

Cooper said Hansberry would wear a GPS monitor or accept home confinement if Judge Israel granted her release.

The prosecution expressed concern for the community if Hansberry was released because of the violent nature of the charges against her. They argued that it would not be safe to release Hansberry because she’s accused of shooting at a stranger.

Judge Israel denied the request to release Hansberry because the charges against her involve a firearm. Expressing concern for Hansberry’s housing situation, Judge Israel recommended that one of Hansberry’s family members attend the inspection.

The parties scheduled Hansberry’s next hearing for Feb. 27.

‘Satanic’ Homicide Defendant Receives Maximum Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a homicide defendant to 26 years in prison for what the prosecutor termed a particularly gruesome crime on Jan. 30.

On Sept. 5, 2025, Antoine Turner, 32, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of Demetri Anderson, 23, on Nov. 29, 2020 on the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 20-to-26 years. Turner was also accused of the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Demetrius Benson on Nov. 3, 2020 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. However, those charges were dropped from the indictment as part of the agreement.

Several members of Anderson’s family were present at the hearing, and delivered emotional victim impact statements.

Anderson’s aunt wore his clothing as she spoke. She was the funeral director that prepared his body for the burial. She said she initially did not recognize him due to the severe damage from multiple gunshot wounds.

“He will never get to walk his daughter down the aisle,” Anderson’s great-uncle read from a prepared statement on behalf of his sister, who could not be present at the sentencing. Her remarks mentioned that Anderson was killed on her birthday, and she will never be able to celebrate the day again.

In his statement, Anderson’s great-uncle argued that 26 years would still not be true justice for his great nephew’s murder, with no apparent motive, so he asked the judge not to reduce the sentence any further.

In her victim impact statement, Anderson’s cousin condemned the gun violence that plagues DC’s Wards 7 and 8. She said that many young Black men in the community are taught that their only options are “prison or the cemetery,” and both Anderson and Turner are products of that flawed system.

Anderson’s uncle emphasized that he continues to worry about how this shooting will impact not only the victim but the defendant’s young children. He said he forgives the defendant.

Anderson’s grandmother told the court how much she misses her only grandson. She said she has to forgive the defendant, but it will be incredibly difficult. She concluded by telling the defendant she loved him, because God says to love everyone.

In a statement to the court, Turner said that he is extremely remorseful and apologetic for what he did, and knows he has to change. He said he sees how his actions have negatively affected Anderson’s family and his own.

The prosecutor said this was the most gruesome crime scene she had ever seen. The victim suffered from 13 gunshot wounds, leading to a significant amount of biological evidence on the ground. The prosecution advocated for the maximum sentence due to the malicious intent of the crime, and the defendant’s past criminal history.

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey said she was impressed by the victim impact statements and the forgiveness the family showed to Turner. She said that on the other hand, she was taken aback by the prosecution’s use of the words “satanic” and “irredeemable” to describe the defendant in previous documents.

She stated that he is not irredeemable, requesting mental health treatment in prison, though she said she has little faith in the Bureau of Prisons (BoP).

Harvey also disagreed with the prosecution’s argument for a maximum sentence, stating that the number of gunshot wounds should not be a factor in sentencing. She said that 20 years would be enough of a punishment.

“No mitigation, provocation, or explanation,” Judge Ryan concluded about the crime before sentencing Turner to the maximum sentence of 26 years.

He agreed with the prosecution that the number of gunshot wounds was significant to establish malice for Turner’s actions. He acknowledged that Turner experienced trauma in his childhood, which may explain his situation, but does not excuse it.

Turner was sentenced to 26 years, with a five year minimum and five year supervised release. He will receive credit for the time already served. Judge Ryan also ordered assessment and treatment of mental disorders for Turner while in prison, as well as job assistance. Turner must register as a gun offender upon his release.

“He was loved,” Anderson’s fyamily told D.C. Witness when asked how he should be remembered.

No further dates were set.

Judge Imposes Suspended Sentence for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean imposed a suspended sentence for a stabbing defendant on Jan. 30.

On Oct. 28, 2025, Kenyada Floyd, 49, pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury for her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing which occurred on Sept. 19 on the 1900 block of Benning Road, NE. There were two victims involved who sustained wounds.

The prosecution emphasized the physical injuries and intense pain that the victims are still dealing with as a result of the stabbing. The injuries they sustained have impacted their mobility and everyday lives, according to the prosecution. They recommended a sentence of 24 months’ incarceration followed by three years of supervision based on the seriousness of the crime.

Defense attorney, Colleen Archer, emphasized Floyd’s role as a mother of young children and the difficult events she has experienced throughout her life, which were not described in open court. The defense highlighted Floyd’s minimal prior criminal history and argued the incident as a one-time occurrence that went too far and cited this as the reason for initially accepting the plea deal. Based on this, the defense requested a six month suspended sentence, with supervised probation.

“I accept responsibility for my actions,” Floyd told the court.

Judge McLean sentenced Floyd to six months of confinement, all of which was suspended. Instead, the court placed her on supervised probation for one year and ordered her to undergo a mental health evaluation, follow any recommended treatment, and complete vocational training or maintain verifiable employment. She was also required to pay $100 to the victims of violent crime compensation fund.

No further dates were set.

Homicide Co-Defendants Accept Plea Deal

Two homicide co-defendants accepted plea deals extended by the prosecution on Feb. 9 before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Justin Borum, 36 and Jerome Dukes, 35 were originally charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for their involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jayvon Jones. The incident occurred on Feb. 21, 2023 on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE. Two additional individuals sustained injuries.

The defendants accepted an offer extended by the prosecution, which required them to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of 108 months of imprisonment.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Borum and Dukes caused the death of Jones, and acted in conscious disregard for his well being, and not in self-defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 17.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Jail Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a jail stabbing on Feb. 4.

Darryl Vest, 22, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place on July 12, 2025 at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.

According to court documents, an individual identified as Vest and two other inmates got into a fight which resulted in the victim and Vest’s getting stabbed. The victim sustained a collapsed lung and was transported to the hospital.

The prosecution called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who wrote the arrest warrant to testify. The witness stated that he viewed pictures and additional surveillance footage of the fight when he responded to the scene.

The detective identified Vest in court as allegedly one of the people in the footage of the fight. The victim was not able to identify Vest when officers attempted to interview him, stating he didn’t know what happened.

The detective stated that he didn’t interview anyone else when he reported to the scene and did not talk to correctional officers about potential eyewitnesses. He stated that Vest was holding a sharp object in the surveillance footage, but was unable to describe the object when asked. The weapon from was recovered, but investigators were unable to confirm who possessed it.

Prosecutors asked Judge Jones to find probable cause, stating that despite their inability to prove the ownership of the knife, Vest had it during the incident.

Susan Ellis, Vest’s attorney, argued that in addition to the detective’s failure to describe the weapon, no other witnesses saw what happened and there was a third person involved in the fight. As a result, there was nothing proving Vest was the one who injured the victim.

Judge Jones disagreed. He stated that because Vest could be seen in footage holding a sharp object in his right hand and making a swinging motion towards the victim’s back, there was enough evidence for probable cause.

Ellis requested release with whatever conditions the judge saw fit, stating that Vest would agree to GPS monitoring and having a curfew. She also suggested that Vest would be required to visit pretrial services on a regular basis.

The prosecution maintained Vest should remain detained pending trial. Judge Jones declared that Vest would remain detained and would be held without bond.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 23.

Shooting Defendant’s Case Dismissed

The prosecution dismissed a case against a shooting defendant in a motion hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Feb. 9.

Quentin Hill, 36, was charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE on April 18, 2023. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, the prosecution motioned to dismiss the case against Hill. Hill’s attorney, Kavya Naini, asked for a dismissal with prejudice, which would prohibit the prosecution from re-opening the case.

However, the prosecution’s motion to dismiss the case without prejudice was granted by Judge Salerno and all charges against Hill were dropped for now.

Hill’s jury trial, originally set for Feb. 17, was canceled and no further hearings were scheduled.

Judge Sentences Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant to 7 Years After Previous Crimes

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to seven years in prison for his latest crime during a hearing on Feb. 6.

Thurman Williams, 55, pleaded guilty on Nov. 3, 2025 to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Oct. 17, 2025, on the 1100 block of First Street, NW.

According to court documents, Williams was walking along the sidewalk when he pulled a silver handgun from his coat and fired in the vicinity of two people. No injuries were reported.

At sentencing, the prosecution read the victim impact statement to the court. The victim said they were shaken by the shooting and emphasized the proximity to a school where children and crossing guards are often present. The victim said they were walking to work, did not know why the shooting occurred, and hoped the sentence would allow Williams time to reflect but also allow him a chance to live his life.

The prosecution requested a stay-away order from the victim and the school. Judge Pipe declined, stating she lacked authority to impose the condition under terms of supervised release.

The prosecution summarized their case against Williams, stating they would have proven Williams randomly fired a silver pistol while walking on the sidewalk near two people. They asked Judge Pipe to sentence Williams to seven years in prison.

Williams’ attorney, Gemma Stevens, asked the court to consider Williams’ health issues and personal history, saying he was not a bad person and accepted responsibility for his actions through the plea deal. Stevens also asked for a sentence of seven years in prison.

Williams briefly addressed the court, apologized, and said he was done with guns.

Before imposing the sentence, Judge Pipe emphasized the victim’s statement asking the court to “consider if the prior time spent convinced him of the impermissibility of his actions.” The judge noted Williams previously served more than three decades in prison for a homicide offense and committed another offense during that sentence. Given Williams’ history and the random nature of the shooting, Judge Pipe said Williams posed a clear danger to the community.

Judge Pipe sentenced Williams to three years in prison for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and seven years for unlawful possession of a firearm, to run concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release. Williams will be required to register as a gun offender in DC upon release.

No further dates were set.

‘I’m Proud of You,’ Judge Tells Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard a probation show cause hearing for a convicted stabbing defendant to monitor his release compliance on Feb. 4.

William Johnson, 42, is charged with assault with intent to kill for his alleged involvement in a stabbing. The incident occurred on Dec. 23, 2021 on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE. Johnson was convicted for this offense on Feb. 23, 2022.

He appeared in front of Judge Brandt for a probation show cause hearing. During the proceeding, the Judge heard from a community supervision officer (CSO) from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA)

The officer explained that Johnson is “making moves in a positive direction.” He testified that Johnson is currently searching for employment, living in transitional housing, and is enrolled in a DC Central Kitchen program, which allows individuals to get culinary experience.

“I’m proud of you,” Judge Brandt said to Johnson.

The CSO suggested that another hearing be scheduled to continue monitoring Johnson’s compliance with sobriety, search for employment, and his enrollment in DC Central Kitchen. There were no objections from the prosecution or Johnson’s defense attorney, Wole Falodun.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 24.

Victim Testifies Shooting Stemmed from a Parking Argument

A defendant’s neighbor, who was the victim to a shooting, testified before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno’s courtroom on Feb. 3.

Juwan Russell, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, possession of a firearm during a violent crime, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of ammunition and destruction of property. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident on the 1000 block of 16th Street, NE on June 25, 2025. No injuries were reported.

Prosecutors called on the person who Russell allegedly targeted. In their opening statements, the prosecution claimed the disagreement that led to the shooting stemmed from a parking dispute.

After multiple heated encounters the day of the incident, the victim testified that Russell pointed a handgun towards the victim’s vehicle after which the victim heard rapid gunfire.

Living in the apartment complex directly behind the defendant, the victim claimed that he would encounter Russell several times a week. While the victim initially described their encounters as being “neighborly,” they turned into “mean mugs and stares.”

The relationship was further strained by ongoing disputes over parking. According to the victim, Russell would not permit the victim to park any of his vehicles in a parking lot adjacent to Russell’s apartment building.

The victim explained a conversation he had with Russell about this dispute stating, “we’re all neighbors, we’re all trying to park our cars.” He also expressed concerns about not wanting to get ticketed by parking his car on the street. After the victim mentioned this, Russell responded by saying “I own this,” referring to the lot and told him that “you don’t need to park your motherf*****g car back here.”

According to the victim, on the day of the incident, he was being followed by Russell and another individual, who he referred to as “young man.” He reportedly went inside a nearby building to try and find another person to provide safety. He stated he had no intention of fighting anyone.

When returning to his car, he alleged, Russell told him “I’ll f*****g kill you.” Later that same day, the victim drove past the alley and ran into Russell, who reportedly stopped him in his car, took out his gun and shot at his vehicle.

Lisbeth Sapirstein, Russell’s attorney, questioned the victim if anyone else was present in the vehicle when the shooting happened. According to the victim, his stepson was in the passenger seat. However, this was not shared in the initial police interview.

Sapirstein mentioned that the day of the incident, the victim had a BB Gun with a compressor in his car. The victim stated that the BB gun, which he described as “like an air gun,” was not visible in the car and that it didn’t belong to him. Sapirstein argued that the gun was in fact seen and that his stepson allegedly pointed the BB gun at the young man that was with the shooter.

When the victim was unable to recall his flight path after the shooting he stated, “Every intricate detail is hard to remember when bullets are coming your way.”

“It’s a lot, you know? Four, five bullets coming your way,” he stated.

The prosecution also called another neighbor who testified that her “vehicle was shot.” The neighbor affirmed this after being presented with a recording of her parking her car on the street of the incident and a later photograph of her damaged vehicle.

According to court documents, four cartridge casings were recovered on the scene by law enforcement. Parked on the same street, this neighbor’s car was found to have sustained two defects that align with the trajectory suggested by the location of the casings.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 4.

2010 Shooting Defendant Won’t Go to Court

DC Superior Court Judge Park delayed a preliminary hearing on Feb. 4 for a non-fatal shooting defendant who refused to be transported from the DC Jail.

Terry Greene, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a June 7, 2010, non-fatal shooting on the 5800 block of Fields Place NE, where one person was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

According to court documents, a witness who had known the suspect for five years reported seeing the victim walking with three others near the incident location, including a man known as “Terry,” who appeared to have a handgun under his shirt. Minutes after the group left the witness’s view, the witness heard gunshots and allegedly saw Terry running between buildings holding a gun. The witness later found the victim shot in an alley behind the building.

Since he refused to be transported, parties agreed they could not hear an officer’s testimony at the hearing without the defendant’s presence.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 12.

Suspect Held in Dirty Water Stabbing Dispute

DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones found probable cause in a stabbing case apparently resulting from a backyard argument during a preliminary hearing on Feb. 2.

Odalis Cisneros, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and first-degree burglary for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 500 block of Columbia Road, NW on Jan. 26. The victim sustained lacerations to his hand and face.

According to court documents, Cisneros allegedly forced her way into the victim’s apartment and stabbed him with a knife.

Prior to the hearing, the prosecution extended an offer to Cisneros that would require her to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and second-degree burglary. The prosecution stated that the assault charge carried a sentence of six-to-24 months and 12-to-36 months for burglary. In exchange, prosecutors would not seek an indictment with additional charges.

Theodore Shaw, Cisneros’ attorney, said his client rejected the offer and proceed with her preliminary hearing.

Prosecutors called an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who wrote the arrest warrant for Cisneros to testify. He said that he responded to a call for someone banging violently banging on the victim’s door, which escalated to a stabbing.

The officer also said that upon arriving at the scene, he recovered a knife covered in blood. The prosecutor showed photos of the knife and the victim’s injuries, which the officer confirmed were consistent with being stabbed.

Through interviews with witnesses, the officer said he learned Cisneros and the victim had previous negative encounters. According to court documents, the victim reportedly threw dirty water into their shared backyard on multiple occasions angering Cisneros and causing tension between the two.

After the officer’s testimony, Judge Jones found probable cause that Cisneros committed the charges against her and ordered she remain held at the DC Jail pending her trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 13.

Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A murder defendant pleaded not guilty after he was formally arraigned on the charges against him before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Feb. 6.

Dione Dorn, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jaydon Parson. The incident occurred on Feb. 18, 2025, on the 700 block of H Street, NW. Parson sustained five gunshot wounds.

During the arraignment, Dorn’s attorney, Megan Allburn entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf, asserted his right to a speedy trial, and requested evidence favorable to the defense from the prosecution.

Dorn appeared at the hearing remotely because he was in the hospital with an injury. The prosecutor requested an update on Dorn’s health from Allburn.

Allburn responded that she would check on Dorn as soon as possible and send an email to the prosecution and Judge Kravitz with an update.

Parties are set to reconvene on May 15.

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