‘That’s Not My Lawyer,’ Motel 6 Stabbing Defendant Shouts at Judge

A stabbing defendant claimed her lawyer has not come to visit her at the DC Jail and lashed out at him before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 15.

Whitney Taylor, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on the 6700 block of Georgia Avenue NW on Dec. 16, 2025. The victim sustained two wounds to his left arm and one to his left chest from a pocket knife.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to reports of a stabbing at a Motel 6 and found evidence of an assault with a knife. The victim said that Taylor was a friend and had become upset that he was not answering her calls. He claimed that the front desk gave Taylor a key to his room and when she entered an argument ensued, resulting in Taylor allegedly stabbing the victim.

In court, Taylor’s attorney, Peter Cooper said they are requesting that the evidence “gets moving,” because Taylor has another unrelated court matter. Judge Hertzfeld agreed, stating that the prosecution was taking too long to hand evidence over, and requested that the prosecution do so by the end of the work day.

Then, Taylor stood up and began to shout “That’s not my lawyer!”

Judge Hertzfeld asked Taylor to explain the problem, and Taylor claimed that Cooper has not visited her during confinement. A US Marshall intervened and told Taylor to sit down.

Judge Hertzfeld stated that Cooper had not visited because he had no evidence to share. Taylor continued to shout over Judge Hertzfeld, demanding a new lawyer and saying that Cooper should have visited her.

After attempting to calm the situation down, Judge Hertzfeld requested the US Marshall remove Taylor from the courtroom.

Parties will reconvene on April 29.

Judge Won’t Dismiss Shooting Defendant’s Case Over Size of Ammunition Magazine

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied a motion to dismiss a non-fatal shooting defendant’s case on April 14.

Darius Thomas, 33, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 500 block of Indiana Avenue, NW on March 25, 2024. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, Judge Di Toro stated that Thomas’ attorney, John Machado, made an oral motion on March 11 to dismiss the case under Benson v. United States, a DC Court of Appeals decision that legalized firearm magazines that hold over ten rounds.

The prosecution stated that the gun Thomas possessed held less than ten rounds. According to Machado, it held exactly ten.

Judge Di Toro denied the motion to dismiss the case.

Machado then requested a stipulated trial, which means Machado and the prosecution would agree on facts and evidence beforehand, leading to a shorter trial. The prosecution stated they have prepared paperwork for a stipulated trial and were ready to proceed.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 3.

Judge Won’t Release Shooting Defendant For Want of New Information

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean denied release for a shooting defendant on April 13 due to no new information’s being presented since the previous ruling.

Dontae Carthens, 46, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly grave risk while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Dec. 21, 2025 on the 700 block of 51 Street, NE. The incident left one victim with a gunshot graze wound to the temple.

According to court documents, the victim reportedly started a confrontation with an individual who witnesses identified as Carthens, after seeing him make an “unsavory comment” to a female at a party. Carthens then allegedly pointed a handgun and fired at the victim. The victim reportedly knocked the gun away, causing the bullet to graze his head.

The victim later changed the story, telling law enforcement the incident began when they asked Carthens to borrow a lighter. They also added that an unknown witness pulled Carthens away after the shot was fired.

Carthens’ attorney, Victoria Bethel, filed a motion to reconsider her client’s release on April 11. DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum denied Cathens’ release on March 13, citing a failure to find conditions of release that would protect the public.

Judge McLean questioned whether Bethel had any new information or evidence or if they were seeking a different ruling. Bethel acknowledged that there was no new information but requested a formal review of the original decision.

Judge McLean denied release for Carthens, saying that she does not dispute previous rulings “unless there is more information or a problem” with the legal proceedings.

The parties are slated to reconvene on June 5.

Prosecutor Alleges DNA Evidence Connects Co-Defendants to Congressional Intern’s Homicide

Prosecutors alleged DNA testing connected three co-defendants to the fatal shooting of a House of Representatives intern before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on April 10.

Naqwan Lucas, 19, his brother Jailen Lucas, 17, and Kelvin Thomas, 17, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed in a drive-by or random shooting, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym on June 30, 2025 on the 1200 block of 7th Street, NW. The shooting also injured a woman and a 16-year-old juvenile male.

Jailen and Thomas are charged under Title 16, which allows prosecutors to try juveniles as adults for certain serious offenses.

At the hearing, the prosecutor said DNA testing was conducted after the co-defendants were arrested. She said two firearm cartridge casings reportedly implicated Jailen, a Bic Lighter reportedly implicated Jailen and Naqwan Lucas, and DNA evidence from the car reportedly implicated Kelvin Thomas. The prosecutor sent the results to the defense teams for each co-defendant.

At the next hearing, the defense is expected to decide if they will independently test the DNA evidence.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 15.

Judge Releases Carjacking Defendant, Co-Defendant Remains Jailed

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro released a carjacking defendant to home confinement but held her co-defendant in a hearing on April 14. The matter was complicated by an earlier ruling holding Jackson.

Zoe Jackson, 27, and Kayvon Bell, 24, are both charged with armed carjacking and Jackson is additionally charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 3200 block of 15th Place, SE on March 11. Two other suspects are reportedly still unidentified.

According to court documents, Jackson purchased a Volkswagen from the victim on Feb. 19, but was unsatisfied with its condition. The victim reportedly offered to swap vehicles with Jackson, but found that the Volkswagen was defective and rescinded the offer. Jackson, Bell, and the other two suspects then allegedly tased the victim in the back multiple times, threatened to shoot him, and drove away with the victim’s Chevrolet Malibu.

During the hearing, Judge Di Toro heard arguments for a motion to review Jackson’s release that his attorney, Lauren Morehouse filed.

The prosecutor argued that the magistrate judge, DC Superior Court Judge Charmetra Jackson Parker, who presided over Jackson’s preliminary hearing “misstated” whose burden it was to show evidence to keep Jackson detained. The prosecutor stated it was their responsibility to show there is no combination of conditions to ensure the safety of the community.

The prosecutor said Judge Parker’s analysis of the facts was proper, and they made the correct decision by holding Jackson, and asked Judge Di Toro to adopt the decision.

Morehouse argued that it wasn’t a misstatement on the magistrate’s part, but a “complete misunderstanding.”

Judge Di Toro granted the bond review motion, stating she listened to Jackson’s preliminary hearing and there was “slippery” language during the proceeding. The judge placed Jackson in 24-hour home confinement, with exceptions only for medical reasons.

Bell’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, argued for his release and requested he also be placed in home confinement. Sapirstein claimed Bell didn’t have a weapon in the incident. However, Sapirstein also revealed that Bell has an unrelated pending matter in which he is accused of carrying a pistol without a license.

The prosecutor argued against Bell’s release, stating that Bell allegedly assaulted the victim and chased him in a car back to the incident address. The prosecutor also expressed concern for Bell’s ability to comply with release conditions, as the incident occurred while Bell was on release in another matter.

Judge Di Toro decided not to release Bell, and said the prosecution showed enough evidence to keep Bell detained.

The prosecution also requested that the stay-away order between the victim and Jackson be applied to Bell as well, which the judge granted.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 13.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Felony Murder Case, Denies Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause in a felony murder case based on a detective’s testimony on April 13. A felony murder charge results from a homicide iconnected to another serious felony.

Kevin Hider, 20, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale on Dec. 16, 2023, on the 1200 block of 44th Place, SE. Barksdale sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen and arm.

Hider’s co-defendants, 21-year-old Eric Sheffield and 20-year-old D’Andre Montgomery, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree felony murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, and first-degree premeditated murder while armed, among other charges for their alleged involvement in the same incident.

Judge Brandt said a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective’s testimony from the previous hearing on April 9 pointed to probable cause because it demonstrated Hider’s presence on the scene, intention to kill, and attempt to commit a robbery.

Judge Brandt said three different bullet casings found at the scene suggested Hider could have fired the murder weapon. She said security footage depicting the homicide clearly showed three weapons, including two pistols and a rifle, were in a car with the suspects.

Tracking data for the car the co-defendants drove to the scene, Montgomery’s GPS monitor data, and text messages from Sheffield to a woman detailing his whereabouts placed all three defendants in the vicinity of the crime scene, Judge Brandt said.

She said the co-defendants knew each other because court documents include photos of them together, and there is evidence they stole cars and items in cars. According to court documents, the co-defendants reportedly drove multiple stolen cars on the day of the incident, and police recovered a stolen gym bag from the scene.

She said she could infer Barksdale interrupted an attempted robbery because police likely found Montgomery’s DNA on Barksdale’s car door handle.

Judge Brandt said the prosecutors did not need to prove Hider intended to kill, and she preliminarily ruled there was enough evidence to suggest conspiracy.

Lisbeth Sapirstein, Hider’s defense attorney, requested his release with 24-hour GPS monitoring and home confinement. She told Judge Brandt he has family members that he could live with, and he could successfully comply with any conditions of release.

Prosecutors argued that Hider is a danger to the community due to the severity of charges, and if he were to be released he is likely to be associated with firearms and “riding around again.”

Judge Brandt denied Sapirstein’s request for release because she said prosecutors had proven there are no circumstances under which Hider would comply with release conditions.

The judge considered the nature of the offense, which she called a “callous murder,” the weight of the evidence, Hider’s criminal history, which included stealing vehicles and other possessions and threatening police officers, as well as the potential danger to the community when making her decision to detain the suspect.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 29 before the case’s calendar judge, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson.

Witness Claims ‘DC Crime Page’ Was Frequented By Homicide Defendant

The prosecution called witnesses who highlighted a homicide defendant’s internet search history before DC Superior Court Judge Dayna Dayson on April 13.

Jamil Whitley, 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Kevin Redd, 32, on June 11, 2020 on the 4700 block of Jay Street, NE. Redd sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, forearm, and shoulder.

The prosecution called a witness who works as a records custodian for Google. The employee explained that part of his job was responding to demands from law enforcement about user data. He revealed that an account that was connected to Whitley through his date of birth and phone number, Google searched, “DC crime page” multiple times allegedly in the days following the shooting.

The account connected to Whitley also frequently visited a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Twitter post about the shooting, said the Google employee.

On cross-examination, Whtiley’s attorney James Brockway established that the website that Whitley would have accessed in 2020 could have been updated since then.

The prosecution then called the Deputy Director of Communication for MPD who oversees the MPD social media accounts to testify. He explained that unless deliberately deleted, Twitter posts stay up indefinitely. He also demonstrated that the link Whitley kept visiting allegedly led to an MPD Twitter post about the shooting on Jay Street.

The prosecution also called a witness who works for MPD as a handler with the K9 dog patrol unit. The MPD officer was patrolling the area at the time of the shooting and testified that they searched for bullet casings at the scene but did not recover any evidence.

On cross-examination, Brockway established that the MPD officer did not search the whole area surrounding the shooting. He also testified that he conducted the search in the dark, with a flashlight, and did not come back to the scene during the day.

Additionally, prior to the jury’s returning, the parties agreed to stipulate that Whitley was familiar with the area surrounding where the shooting occurred.

Prosecutors also called an MPD sergeant to testify. He explained that it was not his responsibility to collect evidence. The Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) has that authority, he said.

The prosecution published a diagram from the ShotSpotter app. This is used by law enforcement to “determine the vicinity” in which gunshots occurred, the sergeant said. In the diagram, there is a marking in the center of a circle. This marking represents where the “actual shots” took place. This marking is consistent with the location of a backyard searched by MPD.

The sergeant testified that the ShotSpotter app is not always precise and no evidence was collected from the backyard.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 14.

‘What You Did That Night Was Evil,’ Murder Victim’s Son Tells Defendant at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz sentenced a homicide defendant to 18 years in prison after statements from the victim’s close family members on April 10.

Dearay Wilson, 30, pleaded guilty on Feb. 13 to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 53-year-old Jeremy Black on June 29, 2021 on the 1400 block of R Street, NW. Black was a Peace Corps worker.

As part of the deal, parties agreed to a sentence between 15-to-21 years imprisonment.

According to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO), the incident occurred in a crowded area and Wilson was accompanied by three other armed individuals, but none of them have been identified.

Black’s wife, two sons, parents, and sister all gave statements at the hearing before the prosecution made their request for sentencing. Black’s work with the Peace Corps and his compassion and love for the people around him were reiterated many times.

Black’s wife recalled the joy she and her husband felt on the night of the incident before Black was murdered, as they were out for dinner for the first time since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. She called the outing a “hopeful end” to the challenge of the deadly disease and said that when Black was shot, she “lost [her] best friend” and “became a widow.”

While talking about how much Black loved and supported their children, she said in tears that she did not want her pain and grief to distract from the commitment both she and her husband had to serving their community.

Black was also eulogized by the National Peace Corps Association as an individual whose life work was, “[p]romoting understanding between people” in challenging parts of the world.

Black’s sons both emphasized how young they were when their father was killed, and how much they remember the love he had for them. His youngest son said, “To have known my dad is a gift,” and that he was lucky to have as much time as he did with his father.

Black’s oldest son directly addressed Wilson and said, “What you did that night was evil.” He called Wilson a coward for not disclosing the identities of the individuals that were with him during the shooting.

Likewise, Black’s sister criticized Wilson for protecting the other suspects. She discussed the difficulties of thinking about this case for four years as parties worked to find a resolution, claiming that the defense strategized to delay the proceedings for the case as much as possible.

Black’s mother briefly shared that her husband, Black’s father, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which intensified after the news of Black’s death. Both Black’s mother and his sister talked about the pain of repeatedly telling Black’s father that his son died because he consistently forgot and asked, “Why isn’t [Jeremy] calling me?”

Black’s father gave a statement about Black’s character and life up through his death, detailing his passion for his work with the Peace Corps and his love for his family. He asked Wilson, “What did he ever do to you?”

In their statements, most of Black’s family said that no sentence would undo his death and bring him back, but his sister advocated for the full 21-year sentence.

The prosecution said that Black’s death was “devastating,” and that due to the serious nature of the crime as well as evidence supporting Wilson’s active involvement in the incident, they requested a sentence of 21 years in prison.

Before Wilson’s defense attorney, Thomas Healy, made his sentencing request, Wilson’s father gave a brief statement. He emphasized that by entering a guilty plea, Wilson admitted to his wrongdoing, and asked Judge Kravitz to show leniency in his sentencing.

Wilson himself apologized to Black’s family and his own family and said, “I made a bad choice.”

Healy acknowledged that no sentence could bring peace to Black’s family or undo their loss, but he asked Judge Kravitz to consider that Wilson took full responsibility for his actions and also that Wilson had a history of cognitive impairment and learning disabilities.

Healy emphasized Wilson’s history as a firefighter, saying Wilson’s previous work “helped save this city,” and that Wilson currently did well as an inmate at the DC Jail. Healy requested a sentence of 15 years, expressing his belief that this sentence would both account for the seriousness of Wilson’s actions as well as his positive progress.

Judge Kravitz said he appreciated both parties’ presentations, as well as all of the statements. He called Black’s death a “terrible tragedy” and expressed sympathy for his family. He also acknowledge the importance of considering Wilson’s humanity in his sentence.

Judge Kravitz imposed a sentence of 18 years, followed by five years of supervised release for Wilson. Wilson will also be required to register as a gun offender, pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund, and participate in mental health and employment services.

No further hearings were scheduled.

Judge Delays Shooter’s Sentencing After DC Jail Fracas

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman delayed sentencing a shooting defendant after he was allegedly involved in an altercation at the DC Jail on April 10.

Ke’Shaun Farmer, 27, pleaded guilty on Feb. 13 to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Feb. 18, 2025 on the 3700 block of Jamison Street, NE. One individual sustained a gunshot wound to his chest.

According to US Marshals, Farmer was involved in an dispute at the DC Jail and wasn’t transported to the courthouse for his sentencing.

Judge Edelman suggested the parties pick a new date the following week.

The prosecutor informed Judge Edelman that the victim’s father was in the courtroom to give a victim impact statement, and she asked if he could give the statement during the proceeding so he didn’t have to come back at a later date.

Howevef, Judge Edelman said that without Farmer, he couldn’t proceed with the sentencing in any way.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 15.

Judge Sends Shooting Defendant to Maryland For Outstanding Warrant

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ordered US Marshals to take a shooting defendant to Maryland for an outstanding warrant on an unrelated matter on April 13.

Terry Greene, 35, 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 non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 5800 block of Fields Place, NE, on June 7, 2010. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

At the hearing, Judge Edelman alerted parties that Greene has an outstanding warrant in Prince George’s County, MD. The judge explained that when he released Greene to home confinement on April 3, he soon after violated the provision by leaving his house in the middle of the night.

Greene’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, replied that Greene had gone to Maryland to try and take care of the warrant and was unsure why it was still outstanding.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) confirmed with the Maryland probation officer that Greene did go to Maryland to take care of his warrant but did not stay for the entire process. The representative explained that this process often takes several hours and people sometimes grow impatient and leave.

Baldwin explained that Greene believed he wouldn’t have to wait a long time because he was in home confinement and there was a misunderstanding on his part.

Judge Edelman explained that as long as the warrant is still outstanding, Greene would be detained and sent to Maryland to take care of it. Judge Edelman noted that once Greene is released from Maryland, he must report to PSA and have his GPS monitor re-installed.

Before leaving, Greene addressed Judge Edelman and said, “Thank you for how you handled this, it was very professional.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 10.

Homicide Defendant Asks to Dismiss Charges for Want of Medical Care in Jail

As part of a motion to dismiss charges, the defense for a homicide defendant told DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kraitz that his client was not receiving the proper medical care in jail on April 10.

Tiffany Taylor-Gray, 23, and Tommy Whack, 36, are charged with felony murder while armed, robbery while armed, and second-degree burglary for their alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Fasil Teklemariam, 53, on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW, on April 5, 2024.

Taylor-Gray is additionally charged with second-degree theft, two counts of first-degree theft, second-degree felony fraud, and first-degree identity theft.

At the hearing, US Marshals informed parties that Taylor-Gray was a medical scratch, when a defendant’s appearance is canceled or postponed due to a medical issue. Her attorney, Eduardo Balarezo, was present on her behalf.

Whack’s attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, filed a motion on March 18 to dismiss Whack’s charges. In the motion, O’Sullivan argued that Whack will have been held pre-trial for over three years by the time of his scheduled trial in November 2027, which violates his Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial.

Additionally, the motion included charges of medical mistreatment O’Sullivan claims Whack faces in the DC Jail. This includes an assault by jail employees and failure to receive treatment for mobility issues.

O’Sullivan also told Judge Kravitz that Whack was prescribed a walker but has not received it at the jail and has not received necessary physical therapy.

Judge Kravitz said he is unsure what he can do about the issue.

Parties in Whack’s case are slated to reconvene to address the motion to dismiss his charges on May 29.

All Parties are slated to reconvene on August 14.

Defense Attorney Says Shooting Defendant is ‘Back on Track’ With Probation

A defense attorney stated a shooting defendant was back in compliance with his probation requirements before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 13.

Adrian Williams, 26, was sentenced on June 12, 2025 to one year incarceration, all suspended, in favor of supervised probation for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 17, 2023 on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection surveillance system used by law enforcement agencies, detected nine gunshots.

Williams was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows sentencing flexibility for defendants under the age of 25 and their convictions to be sealed after successfully completing all sentencing requirements.

According to court records, Williams’ had a probation violation on Feb. 12. No details were provided.

John Machado, Williams’ attorney, stated that his client is “back on track,” having begun his community service hours required for his YRA sentence. According to Machado, Williams must complete his community service hours by June.

A representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) stated that Williams is consistently drug testing negative and confirmed Williams had begun his community service hours.

Judge Hertzfeld discharged the probation show cause based on the representations made by CSOSA and Machado.

No further dates were set.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A jail stabbing defendant waived his preliminary hearing in connection to a reported brawl between himself and another inmate before DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones on April 13.

Sean Green, 35, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing at the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Feb. 5. The victim sustained wounds to his chest and Green sustained a minor cut to his pinky and an abrasion to his forehead.

During the hearing, Green’s attorney, Matthew Covert, waived his client’s right to a preliminary hearing, essentially acknowledging that probable cause had been established in the case. After making sure Green understood the rights he declined, Judge Jones accepted the waiver.

The prosecution requested Green remain detained and Covert did not oppose since Green has an unrelated homicide case from 2015.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 6.

Judge Says Claim That Prosecutors Doctored Footage is a ‘Low Blow’

A defense attorney accused the prosecutor of altering security footage evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 13.

Tyrone Spencer, 44, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Francois Adkins on the 2300 block of 14th Street, NE, on Sept. 1, 2025. Adkins sustained gunshot wounds to his forehead, right thigh, left thigh, and right arm.

Spencer’s attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, said Spencer believed the prosecutors altered motion-activated security footage. O’Sullivan said it is “unique” to see people disappear out of frame suddenly.

Judge Brandt said accusing prosecutors of doctoring evidence is a “low blow,” and O’Sullivan needs to show proof of the tampering.

Spencer read a letter addressed to Judge Brandt that stated he was “framed.”

Prosecutors said O’Sullivan’s allegation is problematic because he argued “whatever [his] client wants without proof,” and it could have professional ramifications for prosecutors and detectives involved.

O’Sullivan also requested Spencer’s release, noting that a Virginia housing project has agreed to pay three months of rent and provide job placement assistance. Additionally, Spencer will be enrolled in a local drug and alcohol recovery center.

O’Sullivan said if Spencer is released in Richmond, VA he will not be a danger to the DC community because he has never committed a crime nor had “issues” with anyone there.

Prosecutors objected to Spencer’s release because the shooting he’s accused of occurred in broad daylight while he was on release for another unrelated matter.

Judge Brandt denied O’Sullivan’s request because of his criminal history, including aggravated assault with a firearm, escape from an institution, and a “menagerie” of prior drug convictions , and the public nature of the offense.

“Moving the potential harm to another jurisdiction is not being a good neighbor,” Judge Brandt said.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 14.

Judge Releases ‘Bar Fight’ Stabbing Defendant Ruling Against Probable Cause

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park found no probable cause in a “bar fight” stabbing case, reducing the defendant’s charges to simple assault in a preliminary hearing on April 10.

Marques Price, 38, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing at the 1900 block of 9th Street, NW on April 1.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a fight that broke out outside Unity Lounge at 12:35 a . m. When officers arrived, the victim was found unconscious, having lost blood from multiple stab wounds on his left forearm. He was transferred to a hospital to receive “life saving care.”

In court, Price rejected a plea from the prosecution, requiring him to plead guilty to unarmed aggravated assault and possession of a prohibited weapon. In exchange, the prosecution would have agreed not to indict Price on any further charges and would dismiss any other charges.

Judge Park said he was surprised Price was charged with assault with intent to kill. He ruled there wasn’t enough evidence, reducing the aggravated assault to simple assault. Judge Park ordered Price’s release with a stay-away order from the victim.

Price’s attorney, Elizabeth Weller, argued the prosecution lacked evidence to charge Price, characterizing the event as a “bar fight” incited by the victim, a “belligerent, intoxicated person with a split arm.” Weller argued the case should not have been escalated to assault with intent to kill.

The prosecution brought the lead MPD detective in the case to testify. They presented surveillance footage that captured a fight breaking out between Price and the victim. According to the prosecution, the incident escalated when a nearby group joined the fight. Two individuals were seen lifting up barricade posts and charging at the victim. As the fight intensified, the victim attempted to flee into the street, but Price allegedly continued to swing at him.

The prosecution asserted Price used “stabbing-like motions” and presented footage from Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), a department within MPD that analyzes surveillance footage from DC, also showing Price swinging at the victim. They also pointed out liquid on the ground, which the detective described as “suspected blood.”

According to the detective, Price was arrested by officers later in the night with a pocket knife on him.

The prosecution argued Price’s swinging motion, the apparent blood on the pavement, and the knife found on him were sufficient to assert probable cause on all charges.

Weller criticized prosecutors’ depiction of the incident, citing Price’s interview with MPD. According to Weller, Price told the officers the victim approached him and started the altercation and that he carried the pocket knife as protection. Weller added, Price was merely following the crowd when the incident started.

Weller presented surveillance footage noting that before the victim got pushed into the street, an unknown man in black “manhandled” the victim and pushed him against a metal street sign pole and back into a car.

Then, Weller said, the victim and Price went into the street. Price swung a punch, without a knife, that did not make contact. She argued that due to the victim’s right arm blocking the swing, there was no way Price could feasibly stab the victim on his left forearm.

Weller showed images of Price’s clothing at the time of the incident and the pocket knife, asking whether blood was found. The detective said there were minimal “suspected blood” spots on the clothing and admitted there was seemingly no signs of blood on the pocket knife.

The detective admitted to Weller that the phone call with the RTCC officer was not documented and she didn’t know who she spoke with. Weller criticized the arrest of Price based on a perspective of the footage by an RTCC officer unknown to the detective.

The detective also noted she did not see Price with a knife and relied on the RTCC analysis.

Weller implied MPD’s investigation as “[Price] was nearby a crime, he must be responsible. I guess we arrest him.”

No further dates were set.

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