Street Level Entrance Door ‘Difficult to Lock,’ Apartment Manager Tells Jury in Sex Abuse Trial

A difficult to lock door, at street level, was shared through witness testimony on the first day of arguments in a sex abuse trial.

The case, which had been unsolved for years, involved a 47-year-old defendant who is charged with first-degree burglary, kidnapping, assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse with force, robbery, and two counts of first-degree sexual abuse while threatening the victim in connection to a sex assault on June 12, 2010, on the 1700 block of Lanier Place NW. The defendant was apprehended on March 8, 2019.

On Jan. 30, a prosecutor called the manager of the apartment building where the incident took place to the stand.

The manager told the jury that the victim was his tenant for 15 years. He also said there were two ways into the victims apartment, the main entrance and another one at street level.

However, the door lock for the entrance at street level was difficult to lock, the witness continued.

A journalist who worked with the victim at the time of the crime said he was concerned when the victim went home late because Saturdays at work are typically the longest and busiest.

He said she told him about her encounter with the cops and what happened the morning after the assault when she arrived at work.

“I offered to stay on her couch that night, and she took me up on that offer,” he said.

A public defense trial lawyer, who had known the victim personally for more than ten years at the time of the offense, said the victim called him and told him about the incident.

She admitted that she had gone out the night before and had come home around 2 a.m. to get ready for bed, he said.

That’s when she saw a man, either fully or partially nude, standing beside her bed. Before the attack started, she said there was a battle, he continued.

When the victim called, she reportedly seemed disturbed, he said.

The trial is scheduled to resume on Jan. 31.

Judge Sentences Defendants for Murder of 25-Year-Old

On Jan. 27, two defendants were sentenced for the murder of a 25-year-old man.

Keshawn Taylor and Rashaad Winston opened fire against Tyree Brox on the 5100 block of Bass Place, SE on December 21, 2020.

On Friday, Taylor was sentenced to 12 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter while armed with five years of supervised release. He must also register as a gun offender for two years. In addition to his sentence, Taylor is also required to pay $100 to the victims of violent crime act, enroll in a drug treatment program and get therapeutic counseling.

Winston was sentenced to 72 months in prison with five years of supervised release for aggravated assault with being a grave risk while armed. He must also pay $100 to the victims of violent crime act fund and register as a gun offender along with therapeutic counseling, seeking out a male role model and job training.

Both defendants were initially charged with felony murder while armed – aggravating circumstances and second-degree murder while armed.

Taylor, 24, was also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. Taylor wasn’t sentenced under the Youth Act.

Winston, 26, was charged with robbery while armed. He was sentenced under the Youth Act.

Both defendants are currently facing gun possession charges in Maryland for an unrelated case.

Elizabeth Weller, Taylor’s defense attorney, said he has developmental problems, including emotional and maturity challenges, and is not the best at expressing himself.

She said the defendant wasn’t treated fairly since, after being freed, he immediately resumed his previous practices, including couch surfing, which led to his residing with Winston.

“I’m amazed that you are still here,” DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt told Winston, 26, referring to the losses and experiences he had in his life.

In a letter to the judge, Brox’s family said he was a devoted brother, father, artist, and community leader. The victim’s family said Brox was attempting to make his community once again what it was when he was a child by reintroducing block parties, barbecues, poetry nights, and back-to-school drives for the kids in town.

“My life is over since my son died,” Brox’s mother wrote in a letter the prosecutor read in court.

Defense Reveals More Scrutiny is Needed for Evidence Review in Homicide Case

Parties in a homicide case, discussed an order authorizing transfer of evidence that was filed on last week during a motion hearing regarding a homicide case.

Alphonso Walker, 44, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, first-degree murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit a robbery, attempted armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in connection to allegedly shooting of 23-year-old Dalonte Wilson and 44-year-old Antone Brown on April 25, 2018, on the 400 block of 61st Street, NE.

During the Jan. 30 hearing, both parties argued over an unpublished article regarding forensic science research.

“Arguing over an unpublished piece of work is a waste of time,” DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Bradnt said in response. She then asked defense counsel to call their first witness.

Jessica Willis, Walker’s attorney, called an expert witness in forensic science standards and research.

In regards to the article, the witness explained that a term in the text changed its meaning, therefore, it has to undergo more scrutiny or examination.

Redirect testimony will begin on the next hearing date set for Feb. 3.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty At Arraignment

During a Jan. 27 hearing, D.C. Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan arraigned Eugene Williams on five counts connected to a murder on Feb. 8, 2022.

Williams was indicted on first-degree murder premeditated while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a concealed weapon outside a home or business.

Williams, 17, is accused of shooting 16-year-old Deshawn Francis. He was charged with first-degree murder while armed on April 29 and has been held at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) since.

During the hearing, defense attorney, Kevann Gardner pleaded not guilty on behalf of Williams.

Anthony Green, a co-defendant of William, is scheduled to be arraigned on March 3.

Green, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly aiding and abetting the shooting of Francis during the course of an attempted robbery on Feb. 8 on the 100 block of Chesapeake Street SE.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 3.

Judge Sets Trial Date for Homicide Case With Two Defendants

At a status hearing on Jan. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein scheduled a trial date for two defendants in a homicide case.

Twenty-six-year-old Georgio Hyles, charged with first-degree murder while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license. Omar Williams, 26, is charged with attempted robbery while armed and felony murder while armed. The defendants allegedly shot Anthony Depetris on Nov. 5, 2021. According to court documents, the two defendants allegedly approached Depetris, 26, on the 3500 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, and shot him multiple times.

Despite a request from the prosecution and Hyles’ defense attorney Teresa Kleiman to hold the initial privacy assessment Friday, defense attorney Stephen Logerfo, who represents Williams, requested that the hearing be pushed further back to allow time for a review of the prosecution’s evidence against his client.

Judge Epstein compiled and scheduled the hearing for a later date.

Due to the high number of cases that were backed up due to court closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Judge Epstein made it clear that a speedy trial was not possible.

He set the trial date for Oct. 7, 2024, despite the defense’s request to begin the trial sooner.

The next hearing is slated for March 3.

Defense Requests to Cancel Next Hearing If Defendant Is Not Found Mentally Competent

In a status hearing on Jan. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein agreed to the defense’s request to cancel the next status hearing if a defendant is not found mentally competent.

Daniel Simon, 41, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the death of Michael Jones. According to court documents, Simon allegedly beat Jones, 52, with a metal pole on the 200 block of 15th Street, NW on Jan. 4. Jones suffered blunt force trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Upon being interviewed by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives after detainment, Simon did not appear to understand the questions and his responses were unintelligible. The interview was terminated.

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey motioned for a competency screening on behalf of Simon, which was granted and ordered earlier this week.

At Friday’s status hearing, Harvey also requested that the next status hearing be canceled if Jones requires further screening.

Simon, who was not present at the hearing, is currently detained at the DC Jail and waiting for his competency exam.

The next status hearing is scheduled for Feb. 2 but is subject to change according to the results of Simon’s screening.

Despite A Murder Defendant’s Accomplishments in Jail, Judge Denies His Request for Release

On Jan. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Maibeth Raffinan granted co-defendants’ request to waive their right regarding any DNA testing, but she also denied a defendant’s third request to be released under the High-Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

Eighteen-year-old Nelfy Hernandez, 20-year-old DeAndre Levy, and 18-year-old Trey Prillerman are allegedly charged with first-degree murder regarding the shooting of a group of teenagers that resulted in the death of Taijhon Waytt, 17. The shooting took place on the 5500 block of 9th Street, NW on Aug.10, 2020.

During a three co-defendant status hearing, Judge Raffinan granted defendants Levy and Prillerman their request to waive their rights to DNA testing.

Hernandez’s attorney, Douglas Wood, asked for additional time on whether or not Hernandez would request any DNA testing due to the prosecution’s tests showing Hernandez’s DNA on one of the pieces of evidence recovered.

There was also noticeable tension between regarding an issue with one of the prosecution’s witnesses. Judge Raffinan along with the attorneys showed concern about the amount of bias and favor the prosecution has since the witness is allegedly charged in another murder case.

The prosecution said they are working on the matter and will provide the defense with any important information but, as for now, the witness will testify and there are no plea deals between the witness and prosecution.

“I am aware of my obligation,” said the prosecution.

On behalf of Levy, attorney Thomas Healy narrated the reasoning behind the defendant’s motion for release under HISP, which the defendant has been denied more than once.

Healy said Levy has completed his GED and is attending college for his second semester.

After weighing the factors of the case, Judge Raffinan acknowledged Levy’s accomplishments however, with the court’s finding of probable cause of Levy being one of the shooters, the danger he imposes on the community has not changed.

A status hearing is scheduled for Feb. 24.

Document: Vehicle Wanted 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 Jan. 27, on the 1200 block of 49th Street, NE.

According to a press release, at about 2:10 pm, officers located a juvenile male suffering from gunshot wounds.

Judge Denies Defense’s Request to Remove Defendant From HISP

During a Jan. 27 pre-trial show cause hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied the defense’s request to have their client’s conditions relaxed from the conditions he was ordered under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

Gerald Thomas, 19, has been charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting that left four victims injured and 20-year-old Dasha Cleary dead. The shooting occurred on Jan. 27, 2022, at a Days Inn Hotel on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. Thomas is currently under total home confinement and GPS monitoring for his connection to this incident.

The prosecutor asked for Thomas to be stepped back to jail due to his recent indictment on several drug-related charges.

However, defense attorneys Jacqueline Cadman and Aubrey Dillon argued that those indictments don’t change the facts that were presented in this case. They noted that Thomas is enrolled in school, has a job, and is going to drug treatment.

“He’s done everything that we’ve asked him to do,” stated Cadman.

Judge Raffinan agreed with the defense’s argument that although the indictments in his other cases are important information for her to have, they don’t serve as a basis to send Thomas back to jail.

However, Judge Raffinan decided not to modify Thomas’s conditions. She said that she’d like to see at least another 30 days of compliance from Thomas before she considers the defense’s request to have his conditions relaxed. Even then, she can’t assure them that the terms of his confinement will be modified.

A status date was scheduled for March 28.

Homicide Trial Set to Begin in 2025

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan set a trial date in 2025 for a homicide case involving three co-defendants.

The co-defendants, 23-year-old Mark Fletcher III, 22-year-old Malik Bynum, and 22-year-old Larry White, are charged with allegedly killing Rosendo Miller, 21. The incident occurred on the 1300 block of Brentwood Road, NE on July 2, 2021. All three co-defendants have been indicted on charges of conspiracy, robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and first-degree murder while armed.

According to court documents, the crime was captured on surveillance footage which showed the three defendants attempting to steal items from the victim including his Gucci satchel, Rolex watch, and Dior shoes. Shell casings were also recovered from the scene of the crime.

The prosecution asked to set a trial date, but Bynum’s defense attorney Pierce Suen argued that a trial date shouldn’t be set before the results of ballistics testing are returned.

However, White’s defense attorney Lisbeth Siperstein, who appeared online for the hearing, said that she was open to setting a trial date. Fletcher’s defense attorneys Gretchen Franklin and Thomas Healy agreed.

The prosecutor said she also expects DNA testing results to be returned “sometime around April.”

Judge Raffinan instructed the parties to return in May to discuss the DNA results.

A status hearing was scheduled for May 19.

Document: Vehicle Wanted in Connection to Assault. With a Dangerous Weapon

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Sixth District is requesting assistance in locating a vehicle in connection to an assault with a dangerous weapon on the 4500 block of Quarles Street, NE.

On Jan. 26, members of the MPD responded to a report of a shooting where a man suffering from gunshot wounds was found and transported to a hospital for treatment.

Defense in Murder Case Requests 60 Days to File Insanity Defense Notice

During a Jan. 27 hearing, defense attorney Ronald Resetarits requested to push back the next status hearing to file an intent to plea insanity.

Cory Brown is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting his girlfriend, Latasha Estep. The murder is believed to have occurred on Aug. 7, 2020, on the 1900 block of Good Hope Road, SE.

Following the defense filing the insanity notice, The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) will carry out an evaluation to declare Brown’s mental health. Defense attorney Resetarits explained to DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein that this evaluation could take “several months to complete”.

Brown, 41, was initially charged with second-degree murder, however, the charge was increased during a formal arraignment in February 2022. Additionally, Brown has a previous domestic violence arrest involving Estep, but the case was not prosecuted.

Brown is currently being held with no bail at the DC Jail.

Judge Epstein scheduled the next hearing for March 31 to check on the DBH evaluation process.

Defendant Waived Presence for Murder Status Hearing

On Jan. 27, a defendant waived her presence during a hearing for second-degree murder.

Wayneice Ellis, 30, is facing charges for second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in a crime that occurred on Oct. 7, 2021, on the 600 block of Parkland Place, SE that resulted in the death of 41-year-old Talaya Wright.

Ellis did not show up to her hearing due to a transportation issue between the DC Jail and the DC Superior Court.

Her defense attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, let DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun know that the defense and the prosecution were still in plea negotiations and would be ready to discuss them in the next hearing.

The defendant’s family was present to serve her custody papers for the baby she recently had. They were unable to do so due to her not being present.

The next status hearing is scheduled for March 17.

Arraignment Date Set for Second-Degree Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony C. Epstein set an arraignment date for alleged murder suspect Alvin Alexis Cruz-Garcia.

Cruz-Garcia is charged with the second-degree murder of 38-year-old Ramon Gomez-Yanez on March 23, 2021, on the 1500 block of Ogden Street, NW.

The Jan. 27 hearing was pushed back an hour due to issues at the court with having a court-appointed Spanish-English translator.

Defense attorney Kevann A. Gardner had a private translator from his office, yet the prosecutor questioned the regulations regarding private translators and suggested the court wait for the court official.

The indictment deadline is coming up in March 2023.

The prosecutor explained to Judge Epstein that she attempted to negotiate a pre-indictment plea after new fingerprint evidence was handed over to the defense. She said the defense did not reply to the offer.

The original charge brought by the prosecution was second-degree murder, however, the official charges will be pending the review of a Grand Jury indictment.

Judge Epstein set the next hearing date for March 10.

Judge Postpones Hearing to Give Prosecution More Time to Review Evidence

During a Jan. 27 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony C. Epstein postponed the next status hearing to give the prosecution more time to review pieces of evidence.

Kirk Spencer, 27, is charged with the murder of Marcus Covington at the Anacostia Metro Station on the 1000 block of Howard Road, SE. Covington, 49, was shot at approximately 1:35 p.m. on Feb. 23, 2021. He was pronounced dead the following morning. Spencer is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The prosecution told Judge Epstein that they have a few more pieces of evidence to hand over, requesting more time to do so.

This is not the first instance of the prosecution requesting more time with evidence. In previous hearings, Spencer’s defense attorneys Jacqueline Cadman and Rachel Cicurel have asked the prosecution to hand over evidence as they had received limited information for the case.

Additionally, both the prosecution and defense told Judge Epstein they have yet to decide if they will do DNA testing to prepare for the trial, which is scheduled for March 2024.

Judge Epstein urged both the prosecution and defense to be aware of the trial date explaining that both parties must try to keep the trial on track by scheduling evidentiary hearings soon.

Spencer is currently being held at the DC Jail. His next hearing is scheduled for March 3.

Search