After Being Confined for 7 Years, Judge Reschedules Trial Date for Murder Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun set a new trial date for a murder defendant who has spent 7 years in pretrial confinement.

Stanley Moghalu, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting of 27-year-old Ronald Smith on Nov. 14, 2011, alongside the 2000 block of M Street, NE. Smith was a witness for a 2011 homicide. In 2017, Moghalu was convicted by a jury on 11 charges, and sentenced to 75-and-half years in prison. He appealed the ruling in 2018, and won in 2021, reopening the case.

During an Oct. 7 hearing, his defense attorneys, Thomas Healy and Jonathan Zucker, sought to reschedule his trial to a sooner date, characterizing his 7 year stint in pretrial confinement as an “untenable stay.”

Zucker expressed sympathy for his client, saying, “I am very apologetic to Moghalu.”

Judge Okun coordinated with counsel to schedule a new trial date, which is now expected to occur in September of 2023.

Parties must reconvene on June 15, 2023, with motion and expert notices. Responses are due on July 15, 2023, prior to trial.

The trial is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2023.

Judge Grants Defense’s Request for Severance

During a motion hearing on Oct. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee granted the defense’s motion for severance.

Hahqwon Beale, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, armed carjacking, and assault with intent to kill for allegedly shooting 43-year-old George Johnson Jr. on the 800 block of Oglethorpe Street, NE on May 7, 2018. Hours later, Beale allegedly stole a car and $300-$400 from a pizza delivery driver.

In trying to keep the cases connected, the prosecutior told Judge Lee that the homicide and carjacking are related due to the offenses being in close proximity.

However, defense attorney Julie Swaney said she believes the offenses are misjoined. There is no overlap between the two, she said.

According to court documents, police recovered Beale’s cell phone from the stolen vehicle. The cell phone contained a video of Beale holding a black 9mm Glock. After obtaining a search warrant, police recovered multiple firearms, including the Glock from Beale’s girlfriend’s residence. Court documents state the police were able to determine that shell casings from the scene were fired from the gun found in Beale’s residence.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found Beale and his girlfriend in the stolen car.

A hearing was scheduled for Nov. 8 so the prosecution can decide how to proceed.

Judge Stresses Filing On Time to Prevent Delay in Murder Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt stressed the importance of filing motions on time to prevent a delay in trial.

Co-defendants Maurice Johnson, 23, and 21-year-old Jermaine Harris are charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting death of 38-year-old Lamar Walters on 2400 block of Franklin Street, NE on Jan. 6, 2020.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived on scene and found Walters suffering from several gunshot wounds. Walters was transported to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

During an Oct. 11 hearing, Harris’ defense attorney, Jonathan Zucker, told Judge Brandt that he expects to file a motion because he has suspicion that the prosecution is withholding evidence from the defense.

Johnson’s defense attorneys, Jason Clark and Thomas Key, expressed their frustration towards the prosecution as well as the delays with counsel sharing documents with the defense.

With the trial scheduled to start on Dec. 5, Judge Brandt made clear to both parties that motions need to be filed by the end of next week in order to prevent the trial date from getting pushed back.

The next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 17.

Witness Testifies About Incriminating Details in Murder Trial

After a witness’s testimony detailed text message statements incriminating the defendant during a homicide trial, a judge made her ruling on two motions from a two-day motion hearing.

Malik Holston, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the death of 15-year-old Gerald Watson. The incident occurred on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE on Dec. 13, 2018.

Watson was found inside of a building. He had sustained 17 gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead soon after. A witness saw two gunmen, one of whom went by the name “Malik,” according to court documents.

On Oct. 7, Judge Rainey Brandt denied the defense’s motion to suppress and granted the prosecution’s motion.

During the hearing on Oct. 6, a witness testified that her deceased friend, Steffen Brathwaite, told her about his and Malik’s involvement in Watson’s death. “Me and my mans caught an op,” the witness said Braithwaite told her through a text message thread. She described “an op” as a rival and his “mans” as the defendant.

Another text said, “the feds be on me and my man’s ass” after Holston’s arrest.

Defense attorney, Sean Sukumar, said the evidence was vague as Brathwaite gave few details about the incident.

The witness asserts that, in video footage showing an individual and Holston chasing Watson into an apartment complex, Brathwaite identified himself.

The information is considered credible by the prosecution because Brathwaite didn’t use it to gain “clout” or notoriety. He also pushed for Holston’s release while not placing all the burden on him.

Another motion from the prosecution is slated for a ruling at the trial readiness hearing set for Oct. 13.

The trial is scheduled for Oct. 24.

Case Acquitted: Judge Rules on Motions as Murder Case Moves Toward Trial Date

This case was acquitted on Nov. 9, 2022.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan accepted the prosecution’s motion to admit prior bad acts in an upcoming trial, ruling evidence of a burning vehicle and cell-site information as central to the context of the homicide.

Mike Bidgell, 26, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection to the shooting of Marquis Harrod on the 1000 block of Brentwood Road, NW.

The Oct. 7 hearing addressed two pretrial motions, both of which were filed by the prosecution and opposed by the defense.

The first motion discussed the admissibility of evidence found after the shooting, namely, a burned vehicle, allegedly the suspect’s getaway vehicle, and cell-site information that traces the defendant to the site of the burning vehicle.

Judge Raffinan said that since the evidence is closely intertwined with the case, the burning vehicle shows a consciousness of guilt by the defendant that completes the story of the crime. There is no danger of unfair prejudice, the motion is granted, she said.

In the second motion, the prosecution requested to preclude a self-defense claim by the defense, stating that there is currently no evidentiary basis for such claim.

Judge Raffinan denied the prosecution’s motion since Bidgell, represented by defense attorney Brian McDaniel, has not outlined what Bidgell’s defense will use nor is the defense required to disclose that information.

On June 6, 2020, Bidgell parked in front of the 1000 block of Brentwood Road, NW and entered the location’s store. After making a purchase, the defendant returned to the driver side seat of the vehicle when he was approached by Harrod who the defendant allegedly shot three times before driving away.

The trial date is set for Oct. 18.

Follow this case, here.

Document: Suspect Sought in a Sex Abuse Offense

Metropolitan Police Department are asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect in connection to a third-degree sexual abuse offense that occurred on Oct. 9, on the 1700 block of Church Street, NW.

According to a press release, at about 3:00 am, the suspect approached the victim and made unwanted sexual contact with the victim. The suspect then fled the scene.

He is described as being a black male with a dark complexion.

Document: Vehicle Sought in Reference to a Non-fatal Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department detectives ask for the public’s help in locating a vehicle in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 10, on the 1300 block of Columbia Road, NW.

According to a press release, at about 11:40 am, officers located an adult male and a juvenile male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

Document: Vehicle Sought in Connection to a Non-Fatal Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department detectives seek the public’s help in locating a vehicle in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 10, on the 3600 block of Warder Street, NW.

According to a press release, at about 11:18 am, officers located a juvenile male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to an area hospital.

Document: Suspects Sought in Connection to a Non-Fatal Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating suspects in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 9, on the 2600 block of Birney Place, SE.

According to a press release, at about 12:55 pm, officers located a juvenile male suffering from a gunshot wound.

Document: Vehicle Sought in Connection to a Non-fatal Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department detectives ask for the public’s help in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 9, on the 600 block of O Street, NW.

According to a press release, at about 5:45 pm, officers located three adult males that were struck by gunfire. The three victims were transported to an area hospital for treatment for their injuries.

Document: Vehicle Sought in Connection to a Non-Fatal Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a vehicle in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 9, on the 200 block of 15th Street, SE.

According to a press release, at about 2:18 pm, officers located a juvenile male suffering from a gunshot wound.

Document: Suspect and Vehicle Sought in a Non-Fatal Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department detectives need the public’s help in finding a suspect in connection to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 19, on the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE.

According to a press release, at about 3:48 am, there was a verbal confrontation between the suspects and the victim. One of the suspects pointed a firearm at the victim and started firing. There were no reported injuries. The suspects then drove away from the crime scene.

DC Family Receives Justice After 8 Years, Defendant Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee sentenced a middle-aged man to 30 years in prison for murder.

Mark Kenyatta Bowser, Jr., who was initially indicted in June of 2015, was sentenced for first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a weapon outside the home and/or place of business.

Bowser, 43, fatally stabbed Tracy Womack, 39, on the 4600 block of Benning Road, SE in 2014. Womack died at a nearby hospital hours later.

The prosecution brought up Bowser’s deceptive and threatening attempt to intimidate a witness from testifying. He apparently sent a letter that encompassed “bi**ch** are lying on me in this case” along with a map to witnesses’ houses. The letter was sent to someone known as “T-Dog” or “Murder.”

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee said the letter “isn’t sufficient and was not an obvious way to discredit the witness from testifying or to leave town. Does it constitute a threat? No, it does not withstand further scrutiny.”

“My mother was strong and a great woman,” Womack’s daughter said. “She possessed an aura before and after her death. My brother’s mental health was destroyed and he has to forever deal with that. My mom’s death prolonged through the 8-years of torcher. Harsh and the strictest punishment of life without the possibility of parole should be given to Mr. Browser today.”

The victim’s sister said, “I love and miss my baby sister. Her beautiful smile, it’s all tears every time I think of her not being here to fill us with laughter, being able to call her to do my hair, and hearing her voice. We have lost time for this crime and other crimes Mr. Browser has committed. I wear red today because it was her favorite color, and it hurts me that our mom can’t be here to see the justice she oh-so deserves today. I am asking you judge Lee to give him the full sentence he deserves for what he did to my sister.”

Other victim impact statements expressed the anger and pain felt as well.

“This crime has affected me,” Womack’s friend said. “You are a COWARD. Do your time… do your fu**ing time. YOU TOOK HER FROM US.”

Judge Lee called upon the US Marshalls to have her removed from the stand to calm down because lashing and actions were not allowed.

Browser’s defense attorney Errin Scialpi said Bowser is a good father, grandfather, and relative and that he has had great compliance over the past 8-years.

The prosecution says she has followed Womacks devoted family from the time she was introduced to the case until Oct 7.

She said she has told the family it was going to take a while to get the justice they deserve, but today is the day. “The defense asks for mercy,” but it is too late for him. He has never accepted his responsibilities or said he was sorry until now, the prosecutor said.

“I have repeatedly seen the incidence of PCP being the contributing factor. It wasn’t just a killing. It was a slow and painful death. They aren’t fixable and I agree with the prosecution that it is too late,” Judge Lee said.

In addition, Bowser will also serve five years on supervised release.

Co-Defendants Enter Guilty Plea In Homicide Case

On Oct. 7, DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee accepted tow co-defendants’s decisions to accept plea agreements from the prosecution in regard to a 2020 homicide case.

Stanley Brown, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the fatal shooting of Jimmy Beynum on the 1600 block of F Street, NE, on Jan. 23, 2020. Beynum, 36, suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the body and succumbed to his injuries six days later. His co-defendant Emanuel Taylor, 38, is also charged with first-degree murder.

Brown entered a guilty plea to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed. Both parties settled on a sentence of 12 years in prison. The charge has a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a minimum sentence of 5 years.

The prosecution presented probable cause, stating Brown was on GPS monitoring, which placed him in the area before and after the shot spotter alerts went off.

Taylor entered a guilty plea agreement for one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. Both parties settled on a sentence between 3-5 years. The charge has a maximum sentence of 13 years and a minimum sentence of 3 years of supervised release.

The prosecution took Taylor’s pending criminal misdemeanor into account and offered to drop the matter as part of the terms of the plea agreement.

The next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 6.

Judge Sentences Homicide Defendant to 11 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a homicide defendant to 11 years in prison.

On July 21, 2021, Rondez Tibbs entered a convenience store on 2200 block of Martin Luther King Avenue, SE, according to court documents. He approached 27-year-old Malcolm Johnson and attempted to take a cross body bag from him which led to a struggle between the men. Surveillance video shows Johnson fighting off Tibbs, 27, and, in the midst of the fight, Johnson’s handgun went off. Both individuals in the fight were shot. Johnson left the scene, but was later found unconscious in a car. An autopsy confirmed that his cause of death was a gunshot wound to the stomach.

During the sentencing on Oct. 7, defense attorney Pierce Suen requested that Tibbs receive the lowest sentence possible of 9.5 years in prison. He said he believes Tibbs is not a threat to the community due to his current medical state. “He is more likely to be the victim than the perpetrator,” Suen said.

Tibbs pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed on June 23. The terms of this plea deal included a sentencing recommendation of 9.5 years to 14 years in prison.

“No matter how sorry you are, it would never bring Malcolm back. You deserve life in prison and everything that comes to you. Karma will have its way with you,” Johnson’s sister said.

Tibbs was on probation for robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The prosecution told the Judge Raffinan that Tibbs had numerous interactions with the criminal justice system.

“It was never my intent to hurt your son or cause bodily harm. I thought I had it under control,” Tibbs said. He then asked the family for forgiveness.

In addition to his 11 year sentence, Tibbs must also register as a gun offender for 2 years once released.

Search