Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Deemed Mentally Competent to Face Sentencing

A non-fatal shooting defendant was deemed mentally competent to stand trial during a mental observation hearing with DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Aug. 27. That finding enabled the case to move forward to sentencing.

On Dec. 9, 2024, Anthrone Cabos, 28, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 600 block of Condon Terrace, SE, on June 28, 2020. One person sustained injuries during the incident.

cIn a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), a forensic psychologist that evaluated Cabos deemed him mentally competent. A defendant can’t stand trial unless he is mentally competent enough to understand the charges and work with his attorney.

Cabos’ defense attorneys, Kevin O’Sullivan and Theodore Shaw, did not object to the psychologist’s findings and requested that they move forward to sentencing. The prosecution also did not object, and stated they would like to move forward as well.

However, Judge O’Keefe put on the record that he had a few concerns, including the defendant’s competency status, and pending acceptance and terms of the plea deal.

“The sentence doesn’t adequately address the magnitude of the crime,” Judge O’Keefe said.

The deal, which Cabos accepted in December 2024, requires Cabos to serve four years for the two charges he pleaded guilty to, and dismiss the remaining 12.

Judge O’Keefe highlighted that Cabos “seemed reluctant and unengaged” when taking the plea deal, almost as if he didn’t want to do it at the time.

The judge also put on the record that there were issues with Cabos and his counsel back in May, and believed Cabos was afflicted with delusional thinkingt as noted in the DBH report.

He then urged counsel to file pleadings to aid in sentencing, hoping they would address some of his concerns and bring and close case.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing Sept. 26.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to All Charges at Arraignment

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Aug. 22.

Jeremiah Simms, 25, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, attempted robbery while armed, carrying a pistol without license outside home/business, and destruction of property $1000 or more. The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Erik Mewborn, on Sept. 14, 2024, on the 2200 block of Adams Place, NE.

At the hearing, Mani Golzari, Simms’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

The prosecution filed a motion on Aug. 2, to revoke Simms’ release and place him back into custody citing that he is a danger to the community. Simms’ was released on Jan. 15, and has been under home confinement.

The prosecutor claimed that, as part of Simms’ release conditions, he may not have a firearm. They claimed there is no way of knowing whether or not Simms has a gun. In a motion filed with the court, prosecutors also argued that the indictment, issued by a grand jury, increased the seriousness of Simms’ charges increasing the risk of him fleeing.

Additionally, in the motion, prosecutors argued that eyewitnesses claim to have seen the defendant attempt robbery, the alleged recovery of illegal substances from Simms’ vehicle, and events leading to Mewborn’s death make him a danger to the community.

Golzari claimed that Simms’ has no criminal record, has been compliant, and there is no indication that Simms’ has engaged in behavior dangerous to the community. The defense plans to file an opposition to the prosecution motion.

A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) officer stated that Simms is compliant with release conditions.

Golzari also asked that all Brady information, evidence that may be favorable to the defendant, be turned over. He stated during Simms’ Jan. 8 preliminary hearing the prosecution was ordered to provide all video evidence. Defense lawyers claimed that the prosecution only uploaded 15 minutes of video when they have four or more hours of footage.

The prosecution stated that they have additional video that they will be providing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 7.

Shooting, Stabbing Defendant Sentenced to Eight Years

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson sentenced a shooting defendant, also guilty of a stabbing, to 96 months of imprisonment on Aug. 22.

On June 13, Dontrell Harrison, 48, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on April 17, 2023. The incident occurred on the 2100 block of I Street, NE. Harrison’s neighbor, the intended victim, sustained injuries during the incident.

The same day, Harrison pleaded guilty to simple assault for his involvement in a stabbing on April 22, 2024. This incident took place on the 300 block of Livingston Terrace, SE.

The prosecution requested that Harrison be sentenced to 96 months for assault with intent to kill and 180 days for simple assault. Prosecutors mentioned Harrison’s long criminal history and stated that on the day of the incident, Harrison waited for the victim in the apartment building lobby while holding a firearm and allegedly pointed it at the victim’s partner and child.

Errin Scialpi, Harrison’s attorney, claimed that Harrison was minding his business in the lobby when the victim became aggressive, triggering Harrison’s past trauma of being imprisoned. Scialpi claimed the victim pushed Harrison first and that this was not their first verbal confrontation.

According to his attorney, Harrison acknowledged that he did not act in self-defense.

Harrison took responsibility for his actions but he didn’t not agree with all of the prosecution’s claims, denying that he pointed a gun towards the victim’s partner and child. Harrison stated that he was being constantly harassed and threatened by his neighbor.

No victim impact statement was given.

Judge Dayson stated the defendant has a pattern of “interpersonal conflict” that ends in unlawful behavior. However, the judge also acknowledged Harrison’s willingness to take accountability.

For assault with intent to kill, Harrison was sentenced to 96 months incarceration and three years of supervised release.

Harrison was also sentenced to 180 days for simple assault.

The sentences are to run concurrently and Harrison will be required to register as a gun offender upon release.

No further dates were set.

No-Show Homicide Defendant Wants Lawyer Off The Case, Judge Refuses

During a hearing in which the defendant refused to appear DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied the defense attorney’s request to withdraw from a case on Aug. 26.

Tiffany Taylor-Gray, 23, is charged with first-degree murder for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old Fasil Teklemariam on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW, on April 5, 2024.

Taylor-Gray was not present before the court, as she refused to get off the bus at the courthouse for the second time. Defense attorney Eduardo Balarezo said Taylor-Gray was refusing to speak with him during legal visits to the jail and that he was unsure how to proceed.

Balarezo explained he cannot represent Taylor-Gray if she is not present, which is why he filed a motion to withdraw from the case.

The rosecutor suggested Judge Kravitz could issue a court order that requires Taylor-Gray to attend hearings. She explained that it “sounds ridiculous,” but that a court order may induce Taylor-Gray to get off the bus and comply.

Kravitz said he a contempt order will likely change anything because Taylor-Gray is serving a lengthy sentence for an unspecified crime in another jurisdiction.

Judge Kravitz said there is “not a proper basis to grant the motion” for Balarezo to withdraw from the case. He indicated there was no suggestion Balarezo had “caused any rupture,” and that they have no reason to believe Taylor-Gray won’t act the same with a different attorney.

Judge Kravitz also suggested that they could set a new court date in hopes of speaking with Taylor-Gray about the importance of showing up to her own court hearings.

“A person cannot prevent their own prosecution,” he said.

However, Judge Kravitz will research the matter and encourged counsel to do likewise.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 11.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment

A non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Aug. 15.

Ernest Cleveland, 31, is charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 600 block of 19th Street, NE, on Oct. 24, 2020. Three people were injured.

Cleveland is also charged in a separate case with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Edward Pearson, 39, on the 2900 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, on Nov. 26, 2020.

According to court records, Cleveland was charged in the non-fatal shooting in May 2024 after text messages obtained during a search warrant for the homicide and DNA evidence allegedly tied him to the incident.

During the hearing, Cleveland was arraigned in a formal reading of the charges related to the non-fatal shooting incident. Cleveland’s defense attorney, Nathaniel Mensah, pleaded not guilty to all charges on his behalf and asserted Cleveland’s right to a speedy trial.

Parties set a date to further discuss how to proceed with the case in light of Cleveland’s plea of not guilty.

They are slated to reconvene on Dec. 12 to discuss both cases.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A non-fatal shooting defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Aug. 26.

Keith Walker, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a March 7 shooting on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE, where an individual was wounded in the ankle.

The prosecution offered a deal to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for all other charges being dropped. The sentencing range would have been 48-to-60 months.

Walker rejected the offer and parties set a trial date.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 1.

Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 26 in Southeast. The victim, identified as 31-year-old Franck Foute Mohdjiom, was found with a gunshot wound on the 300 block of Anacostia Rd, SE, and later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect for Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 64-year-old Darryl Woods for allegedly shooting at two teenagers in a Southwest apartment building on Aug. 23 on the 4600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. The incident occurred after the teenagers knocked on Woods’ door and ran away, prompting him to fire shots down the hallway. No injuries were reported, and Woods faces multiple charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon and firearm-related offenses.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, Considers Plea Deal

A defendant was indicted on five charges related to a 2024 non-fatal shooting that left a victim paralyzed before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Aug. 22.

Damon Bradford, 28, 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, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW on Oct. 2, 2024. A victim sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.

Joseph Yarbough, Bradford’s defense attorney, entered a plea of not-guilty, but stated that they were open to discussing a deal in the coming weeks.

The prosecution opened the hearing by notifying the court of a plea offer, which would require Bradford plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a midline sentencing recommendation and the promise to not pursue a murder indictment, even if the victim passes away after the agreement.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sep. 12.

Shooting Suspect’s Mental Competency in Limbo

In an Aug. 25 hearing, Judge Neal Kravitz reviewed the results of shooting defendant’s mental health screening but the findings were incnclusive.

Mario Kirksey, also known as Jaymario Kirksey, faces seven felony charges in connection to a non-fatal shooting of a victim at the 1300 block of Okie Street NE on Feb. 28, 2024. Kirksey is accused in three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, one count of assault with intent to kill while armed, and one charge of unauthorized use of a vehicle.

A bench warrant was issued for Kirksey after missing his felony arraignment on the 29. As a result, he’s being held in the DC Jail without bail.

Judge Kravitz ordered a full mental competency evaluation be performed at the jail for Kirksey. There were no objections to the order. In order to stand trial, a defendant must be mentally compent, meaning he can understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyer argue the case.

Parties are slated to reappear in court on September 24, 9:30am.

Judge Denies Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant’s Release Over a Roommate Dispute

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover denied a non-fatal shooting defendant release after finding probable cause during a preliminary hearing on Aug. 15.

Neiby Boreshe, 24, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 1900 block of Bennett Place, NE on May 12.

According to court documents, Boreshe’s girlfriend is also a suspect in the incident. She reportedly lived with a family member for several months before she was asked to move out for not contributing to the household.

When Boreshe returned to the residence with his girlfriend to retrieve her belongings a physical fight ensued and then Borshe allegedly shot seven times at the residence from his car. The front of the victim’s residence is reported to have damage from gunshots.

During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution brought in a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who identified Borshe as the allgeded shooter.

Defense attorney Kyle McGonigal, cross-examined the detective and asked if she was aware that there was a Ring camera in the neighborhood that could have captured the incident. The detective was unsure if the device worked.

McGonigal also asked the detective if she was aware of the first fight that Borshe’s girlfriend had with the victim after the girlfriend was told to come back to get her belongings that were left outside on the porch.

According to McGonigal, Boershe’s girlfriend believed she was being set up and told the victim, “Burn my stuff I don’t wanna go back.” However, she went back with Boreshe and the situation escalated into a profance exchange, said McGonigal.

McGonial argued that Boreshe acted out of self-defense allegedly hearing, “bust them windows,” an apparent threat.

The prosecution opposed Boreshe’s release because they say he “completely disregarded… human life.”

Judge Glover found probable cause and denied Boreshe’s releasen reasoning that Boreshe took out a gun allegedly to shoot in a squabble between roommates.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 20.

‘You Will Be Back In That Jumpsuit,’ Judge Warns Corrections Officer After Release in a Road Rage Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover released a non-fatal shooting defendant with strict conditions despite finding probable cause during a preliminary hearing on Aug. 19.

Akinde Akinseye, 43, a corrections officer at the DC Jail, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 12 on the 1700 block of New York Avenue, NE. No injuries were sustained.

According to court documents, Akinseye was on his motorcycle when he allegedly fired multiple shots at the victim’s car. Akinseye reportedly turned himself in later the same day and told the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that he shot his firearm in fear for his life.

During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution called a MPD officer who spoke with the victim who said multiple shots were fired towards his car.

Defense attorney Brandon Burrell presented body-worn camera footage in which the victim told a different MPD officer only one shot was fired and then another officer asked again and the victim confirmed it was only one shot. The officer testified that he was not aware the victim said only one shot.

In the footage, the victim also admitted he tried to block the road so Akinseye could not drive through on his motorcycle and said, “Maybe that pissed him off.”

Burrell also asserted that when the victim was asked to give a description of Akinseye he said he had cornrow braids and no helmet. However, Burrell showed images of Akinseye wearing a helmet and bald.

Burrell also called Akinseye’s girlfriend as a witness who was driving behind him and obvserved the incident. She testified that the victim tried to crash into Akinseye and she began to pray. However, the witness could not confirm where Akinseye was in relation to the victim when he allegedly fired the shots.

The witness also stated Akinseye immediately called 911. There was additional footage of Akinseye in the police station explaining the incident.

The prosecution argued that this was a road rage incident that escalated into something very serious because Akinseye introduced a gun into the situation.

Burrell argued that Akinseye acted in self-defense because he tried to defend himself after the victim almost crashed into him multiple times. Burrell stated Akinseye believed his life was in danger so he fired at the car’s tires.

Judge Glover stated he understood how both sides believed they were the victim.

However, he found probable cause because Akinseye allegedly had a gun, felt road rage and shot in broad daylight, putting others in danger.

Burrell subsequently asked for Akinseye’s release since he works as a correction officer at the DC Jail, has family support, and a limited criminal history that only relates to traffic matters. Burrell also emphasized that Akinseye took responsibility by calling 911 after the incident and turning himself in.

Even though the prosecution was opposed, Judge Glover granted his release with a stay-away order from the victim and 24-hour home confinement.

Judge Glover emphasized that these conditions are not suggestions nor recommendations because the charges against him are very serious.

The judge made it very clear to Akinseye, “if you do not comply with these conditions you will be back in that jumpsuit.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 1.

Judge Dismisses Stabbing Case Against Aging Defendant For Want of Probable Cause

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe dismissed the case against an elderly stabbing defendant for lack of probable cause he committed the crime during preliminary hearing on Aug. 15.

Edward Smith, 87, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on the 1800 block of Harvard Street, NW on Aug. 14.

According to court documents, the victim reportedly went to Smith’s apartment to buy cigarettes when a fight ensued and he allegedly stabbed the victim with a large kitchen knife.

During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution brought in a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who wrote the incident report as their witness. The prosecution asked the police officer how she identified Smith as a suspect and the officer responded by the victim’s statements.

The officer also said she was with the victim most of the night.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller asked the officer if she interacted with Smith at any point in order to identify him. The officer stated she did not but only knew Smith’s appearance based on what the victim described and from a photo that a detective showed her.

The officer stated that all she knew about the case what a detective told her during a debrief and statements from the victim.

Weller argued that there was no probable cause due to there not being any interaction between Smith and the officer in order for the officer to confirm an identification.

The prosecution argued that there was probable cause and alleged that during the fight between Smith and the victim, Smith was the only one with a weapon.

Judge Pipe found there was insufficient evidence and “no testimony before me” to demonstrate that Smith committed the stabbing as the basis for not finding probable cause.

With that, Judge Pipe dismissed the case and released Smith.

No further dates were set.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Drive-By Murder

A homicide defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Aug. 18.

Korriek Akinola, 24, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Joshua White on the 4700 block of South Capitol Street, SE on June 6, 2023.

According to court documents, White was riding a bike in a Shell gas station parking lot, when Akinola drove past and shot him out of the window of a black sedan.

At the hearing, Kevin Mosley, Akinola’s attorney informed Judge Kravitz that the defendant accepted a plea offer from prosecutors. Akinola pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for prosecutors dismissing the remaining charges.

Second-degree murder while armed carries a potential maximum sentence of 40 years of incarceration with five years of supervised release.

Judge Kravitz accepted Akinola’s guilty plea as knowing and voluntary.

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 24.

After Turning Down Two Offers, Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty Days Before Trial

A homicide defendant pleaded guilty four days before his trial was scheduled to begin before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Aug. 21.

Walter Jenkins, 36, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, and carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or place of business.

The charges stem from his involvement in the fatal shooting of 52-year-old David Williams on Nov. 14, 2021 on the 2000 block of Bruce Place, SE. A second surviving victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to their legs.

Parties were scheduled to return to court on Aug. 25 to begin the jury trial, however, they reconvened early regarding Jenkins decision to plead guilty.

Jenkins’ attorney, Dominique Winters, informed Judge Brandt that Jenkins accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors. The deal required Jenkins to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the remaining charges.

Prior to Jenkins’ acceptance, he rejected plea deals from prosecutors twice. Both prior offers required him to plead guilty to the same charges. However, previous deals had an agreed upon sentence range of 16-to-23 years of incarceration. Prosecutors did not stipulate a sentence range in the deal Jenkins accepted.

Judge Brant ensured Jenkins understood he could be sentenced to a maximum of 40 years for second-degree murder and 10 years for assault with a dangerous weapon.

Prosecutors said at trial, they would have proven that Williams was in a romantic relationship with Jenkins’ sister and acted violently towards her. The day of the incident, Williams was in a car with two other individuals, when Jenkins fired over 20 shots through his backpack as he walked around the front of the car. Jenkins agreed to the facts proffered by prosecutors.

Judge Brant found a factual basis and accepted Jenkins’ guilty plea as knowing and voluntary.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 18.

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