Judge Grants Prosecutor’s Motion to Reopen a Previous Hearing

During an Aug. 30 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt accepted the prosecution’s motion to reopen a previous hearing, which included an email from a series of emails between the victim and a detective.

On April 26, 2016, the defendant was indicted on three counts of first-degree child sexual assault of his step-daughter between 1999 and 2001. The victim was 13-years-old when the assaults began.

Defense attorney Sylvia Smith objected to the inclusion of the email since it had not been introduced earlier.

She also called for the suppression of illegal recordings obtained without the defendant’s consent, including a video recording of the defendant’s interrogation at a police station. She said several detectives were harassing the defendant, cursing at him, and calling him names such as “pedophile.”

Smith also said the defendant’s Miranda rights were violated.

During the previous hearing, two of the three emails in the series were thrown out due to their irrelevance of the case.

Judge Brandt said she plans to give a ruling on the admissibility of the prosecution’s evidence by the end of the week. The next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29.

Judge Ends Weekend Home Confinement for Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt modified the release conditions for a homicide defendant during an Aug. 30 hearing.

On Jan. 19, 2021, Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to reports of gunshots on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE. Two men were found shot in a parking lot. Upon arrival, officers found Tyrone Wright, 32, unconscious and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the head, body, and legs. The second victim was transported to a local hospital and recovered from his injuries.

Ronald Wallace, 49, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder on Feb. 25. According to court documents, Wright allegedly robbed Wallace’s brother.

During the Aug. 30 hearing, Wallace’s defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, moved to have Wallace’s weekend home confinement waived on Sept. 3 , so he could attend the funeral of a woman Bruckheim said was “basically like a second mother for Mr. Wallace.”

A pretrial service officer reported that Wallace has been in complete compliance with release conditions.

The prosecutor did not oppose the motion.

Citing Russell’s “glowing report,” Judge Brandt granted the waiver, and in response to a second defense motion to waive all conditions of release, ended home confinement but kept the curfew in place for weekends as well as weekdays.

“Mr. Wallace, I’m sure, can understand that he’s one of the lucky ones,” Judge Brandt said.

Bruckheim stood by his request for the curfew to be removed, noting again Wallace’s full compliance throughout the process.

“It’s called baby steps, Mr. Bruckheim,” said Judge Brandt. She denied the second motion as well.

Wallace is scheduled to return to court for a felony status conference scheduled for Sept. 16.

Judge Sets Trial Date for Murder Case

D.C. Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan set a trial date for a 2020 murder case.

Darnell Sterling, 57, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and contempt for allegedly murdering his girlfriend Olga Ooro, 34, on July 17, 2020, on the 300 block of Massachusetts Avenue,
NW.

The victim’s body was never recovered; however, Sterling was the last person seen with Ooro before her sudden disappearance.

Court documents revealed Sterling’s criminal history, which involved domestic violence against Ooro, citing several stay-away orders as well as an incident in which he physically assaulted her.

The trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 13 and is expected to run for two-and-a-half weeks.

Document: Murder Suspect Apprehended in Florida

Metropolitan Police Department detectives made an arrest in connection to the murder of a 33-year-old woman that was murdered in July 19, on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE.

At approximately 1:24 p.m., officers found Audora Williams suffering from apparent gunshot wounds inside a residence. She was pronounced dead at the scene. On Aug. 29, 34-year-old Wonell Jones Jr., was located in Jacksonville, Florida and was charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Self-Defense Remains Plausible in Homicide Case, Judge Rules

During an Aug. 29 preliminary hearing, D.C. Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled that a fatal shooting of a 21-year-old man has enough evidence to go to trial.

On March 20, 2021, Metropolitan Police Department detectives received reports of a shooting on the 100 block of Madison Street NE. Nyjell Outler,19, allegedly shot and killed 21-year-old Demetris Johnson and injured another. Outler fled the scene after the shooting and was on the run for 11 months before being apprehended in February of 2022. He was on the U.S. Marshals’ Top 15 Most Wanted list and was aware he was wanted even when he returned to D.C., according to court documents.

The lead detective on the case said there was one victim pronounced dead at the scene and another victim severely injured who sustained two gunshot wounds to the legs and was sent to the hospital.

The prosecutor said the only gun found on the scene belonged to Johnson, but that four shell casings from a different gun were found at the site as well. Although the suspected murder weapon was not found, the casings, according to the prosecutor and the witness, were those of an assault rifle.

“If firing towards a gender reveal party, where he knows there are people, is not conscious disregard,” the prosecutor said, “I don’t know what would be.”

Judge Raffinan agreed with the prosecution, saying Outler’s actions met the standard of conscious disregard. She went on to say that while there can be no question on the identity of the shooter, given overwhelming video and GPS evidence, it could only be speculated to what extent Outler acted in self-defense.

Surveillance video of the party did not record audio and did not show the fronts, notably the waistbands, of the three men that approached Outler shortly before he fired. Outler said they were armed and expressed intent to rob him.

Defense Attorney Gemma Stevens argued that any attempts to speculate were on shaky legal ground at best.

When the prosecution asked the witness to describe the intent of the three men, he attempted to “read some tea leaves and say that nothing dangerous was happening to the defendant,” Stevens said.

Stevens also said that, during his interview with the police, Outler told detectives he was in fear for his life when he was approached.

However, the fear of robbery was disputed by several witnesses who were on the scene, as well as one Webex viewer, who held up a sign that read “wasn’t nobody tryna rob that dirty ass crack baby, he shot that mf in the back.”

Though Judge Raffinan ruled against substantial probability, she did not grant Outler conditional release, noting that he had other pending felony trials in the DC. Outler will remain detained at the D.C. Jail.

He is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 9 for a status hearing.

Document: Homicide in Southwest

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Aug. 28, on the 100 block of Xenia Street, SW.

At approximately 5:50 a.m., an off duty MPD officer located 25-year-old Brandon Smith suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Defense Requests Defendant’s Release Pending Trial

The attorney for one of two co-defendants charged in the death of a 37-year-old woman, requested his client’s release on Aug. 26.

Chakeatia Jackson, 38, and her eldest son, 18-year-old Jaquell Jackson were charged with second-degree murder while armed for the murder of Tarshaqua Chappell. Chakeatia was arrested and charged on Dec. 9, 2021, she is currently released under the High Intensity Supervision Program. Jaquell was arrested and charged on Dec. 16, 2021. He is being held at the DC Jail.

Jaquell’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, requested Jaquell’s release under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with GPS monitoring.

McDaniel said Jaquell has attempted to better himself while awaiting trial. He provided the court with a letter in support of Jaquell’s release.

Despite denying the teenager’s release on May 25, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan agreed to review the letter along with information that was previously provided. The motion for release was held pending a later decision.

Chakeatia has been in full compliance with release conditions, including successful weekly check ins, keeping her employment status up-to-date, and scheduling project empowerment classes.

Despite this compliance, her request to modify her release conditions was denied.

Judge Raffinan requested Chakeatia’s defense attorney, Errin Scialpi, file the request in writing, and for the prosecution to respond. Judge Raffinan said this would allow her to view the details of Chakeatia’s release more closely.

The prosecutor said she expects to have an indictment in the case by Aug. 31.

On Sept. 15, 2021, Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to the report of a shooting in front of a residential building on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. Upon arrival, officers found Chappell unconscious and suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to the chest and torso, according to court documents.

Prosecutors allege that Chakeatia was involved in a verbal dispute with adults and students at Ballou High School. She was allegedly followed home by two cars after deciding to leave. Jaquell is accused of shooting into the driver’s side window of one of the cars before fleeing, court documents state.

Judge Raffinan scheduled the next status hearing for Sept.14.

Document: Arrest Made in a Coercion and Enticement of a Minor Offense

Metropolitan Police Department detectives made an arrest in connection to a coercion and enticement of a minor offense that occurred on Aug. 2 at approximately 8:17 a.m., on the 600 block of D Street, NW. The suspect made an effort to entice a 9-year-old into performing sexual acts.

On Aug. 26, the 50-year-old defendant was arrested and charged with coercion and enticement of a minor.

Defense Requests Individual Competency Evaluation

During an Aug. 29 hearing, defense attorney Madalyn Harvey requested an individual mental health evaluation to determine the competency of a defendant charged with murder at St Elizabeths Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution.

Charles Lee, 28, was charged with first-degree murder on March 10 for the murder of David Dowdell on March 9.

Since the murder occurred at St. Elizabeths, Harvey said she hoped to avoid complicating the evaluation process with institutional bias from psychiatrists employed by the Department of Behavioral Health, citing lawsuits filed against the Department.

In order to give the prosecution time to respond, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan continued the hearing, mandating that official motions be made in writing.

Metropolitan Police Department officers were called to 1100 block of Alabama Ave, SE for reports of an assault. Upon arrival, officers found Dowdell unconscious and not breathing, according to court documents.

The next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21.

Document: Suspect Sought in a Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are asking for the public’s help locating a suspect wanted on a DC Superior Court arrest warrant.

At approximately 8:16 p.m., officers responded to the 800 block of 7th Street, NW for the report of a shooting, according to a press release. There, they found 21-year-old Juwaan Henry suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead.

Judge Grants Continuance for Child Sex Abuse Defendant

D.C. Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt issued a continuance for a 2021 child sex abuse hearing.

The 30-year-old defendant is charged with first-degree child sex abuse for allegedly forcing his 9-year-old daughter to perform oral sex on him. The defendant claimed he initiated this act to punish his daughter for the supposed pornographic content on her phone, according to court documents. He was arrested and charged on Sept. 14.

During the Aug. 26 hearing, defense attorney Dana Page requested a motion to reschedule the current hearing, saying “we’re still trying to come up with a resolution for this case.”

Judge Brandt accepted the request.

The next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 14 when the prosecution’s current plea offer is set to expire.

Defense Says Evidence Compromised in Homicide Case

During an Aug. 25 motion hearing, the defense attorney asserted that the defendant’s car had evidence that was not preserved.

On Sept. 5, 2020, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department were summoned for reports of 45-year-old David Farewell being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on the 2100 block of Young Street, SE.

Eric Beasley, 32, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The vehicle was registered to Beasley’s partner.

According to defense attorney Madalyn Harvey, Beasley’s vehicle was seized in September of 2020 for testing. She states that the vehicle was missing its exhaust pipe when turned over by the prosecution. As the exhaust pipe would be essential to both sides’ arguments, the defense insisted that it be recovered and provided to them.

Harvey said she intended to call two witnesses in pre-trial hearings, one witness is a supervisor with the MPD to discuss the vehicle in question and the procedure for evidence collection.

The prosecution argued that the only evidence relevant is the view of the car from the front, and since Farewell was hit head-on, the prosecutor said the exhaust pipe was immaterial, having only come in contact with Farewell’s bike.

“The bike being dragged didn’t kill the decedent,” the prosecutor said. “That’s why I question the materiality.”

Harvey disagreed with this analysis, saying that the entire exhaust system, including the muffler and the pipes to the engine, was removed but would have been pertinent given Farewell ended up underneath the car and was not killed on impact but died later.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan eventually permitted the prosecution to call a supervisor at the MPD’s impound lot. Two images of the suspected car, one of which the witness identified as the car with its exhaust pipe fitted on top, were shown by the prosecution.

The MPD supervisor said, “a lot of these cars come in unrecognizable,” and the lot would take any parts that had fallen off or were touching the ground and put them inside the car or on top to prevent toxic runoff into the Potomac.

Harvey then cross-examined the witness, who clarified that he had not received any formal training in the proper procedure for preserving evidence. He also testified that although there was a requirement to put identification tags on all pieces that had detached from their cars and log those tags, he had not logged the exhaust system of the suspected vehicle, which accounted for it going missing.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 26.

Document: Homicide in Northwest

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Aug. 25, on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW.

At approximately 8:16 p.m., MPD officers located 21-year-old Juwaan Henry suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Document: Arrest Made in Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department detectives made an arrest in a homicide that occurred on Aug. 14, on the 3900 block of 4th Street, SE.

At approximately 9:45 p.m., officers located 41-year-old Cynthia Stewart suffering from apparent stab wounds inside of a residence. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Aug. 25, 45-year-old Alexis Hawkins was arrested and charged with second degree murder while armed.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Abuse

During an Aug. 25 hearing, a 31-year-old sex abuse defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree child sex abuse.

On the evening of Feb. 27, Dennis Morton arrived at his girlfriend’s residence at the 900 block of Kennedy Street, NW. While lying on his girlfriend’s bed with his child and his niece, Morton began inappropriately touching his niece, court documents state. After his girlfriend fell asleep, Morton took the victim to his daughter’s room and proceeded to sexually assault her.

Morton was picked up for an unrelated charge, but after custodial review, he was charged with first-degree child sex abuse for the offense on Feb. 27.

Morton accepted an Alford Plea in which he asserted his innocence but, given the evidence presented by the prosecution, understood that he would likely be found guilty by a judge or a jury beyond reasonable doubt if he were to go to trial.

Both parties settled on a sentence of 12 years in prison. Morton will also have to register as a sex offender.

“I don’t know. I guess. Whatever was going on with my niece I did it. I didn’t have knowledge of it at the time,” he said, explaining that he was under the influence of drugs at the time.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan scheduled the sentencing date for Nov. 4.

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