Witness Speaks to Alleged Abuse Incident During Murder Trial

During a Sept. 22 jury trial, the prosecution called four witnesses to share their knowledge of body-worn camera and surveillance footage relating to the victim and defendant around the date of the murder.

Darnell Sterling, 57, was arrested and charged with the second-degree murder of Olga Oora, his 34-year-old girlfriend. According to court documents, Sterling was the last person reported to have seen Oora before her disappearance on July 17, 2020.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer shared her experience reporting to the Twelve12 apartment building located on the 300 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW on July 13, 2019. The MPD officer said she was called to the scene after a neighbor of Sterling’s reported a noise complaint. The officer stated she noticed “fresh” bruises and wounds on Oora’s shoulder, knees, lips, and feet.

The officer also said the victim was noticeably upset as she was “speaking loudly, crying, and just emotional.” When the officer went to retrieve Oora’s phone from the defendant’s apartment, she noticed “fresh red marks on the ground that looked like blood” outside of the apartment door.

In court, the officer identified photos she had taken of Oora and the blood on the floor.

In relation to this incident, the prosecution submitted a motion requesting Judge Maribeth Raffinan allow statements made from the victim to the EMTs.

“I was beating up by my boyfriend for no reason,” Ooro told EMTs on July 13, 2019, continuing, “can you just give me some bandage and a icepack? I don’t want to go to the hospital right now, I just want my phone.”

The prosecution also called the head of security, who was also the defendant’s neighbor, to identify Sterling in several security footage tapes the witness had pulled during the initial investigation.

In the videos, the defendant can be seen entering the apartment building through the Harris Teeter parking garage at 4:11 a.m. on July 17, 2020, instead of entering through the front door.

A MPD detective from youth and family services was the first person to interview Sterling after connecting him and Oora’s child. According to the detective, Oora’s son was with his uncle and distraught he hadn’t seen his mother in two days.

In the interview, Sterling responded “that’s crazy” when the detective told him Oora hadn’t been seen in two hours. He then said, “I called and texted her but she didn’t call me back.”

The detective’s sergeant also took the stand to confirm the footage shown to the court of the first interview with Sterling from her body worn camera.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan scheduled the trial to resume on Sep. 28.

Document: Police Investigate Fatal Stabbing in Northwest DC

The Metropolitan Police Department are investigating a homicide on the 5100 block of 2nd Street, NW on Sept. 25.

A medical examiner noted that the cause of death was death was by sharp force injuries.

Police have not released the identity of the victim pending notification of family.

Preliminary Hearing Date Set for Murder Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun scheduled a preliminary hearing for a murder defendant who was arrested on Sept. 13.

Malik Seltzer, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Paris Odemns on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on Sept. 15, 2021.

During Friday’s hearing, Seltzer’s defense attorney, Craig Ricard, and the prosecution, settled on a preliminary hearing date where they plan to address matters pertaining to the case as it progresses. No other details about the hearing were discussed.

Ricard estimates that the hearing will last all day, saying “there are a lot of moving parts.”

Parties are set to return for the hearing on Oct. 6.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty In Connection to Death of 40 Year Old

During a Sept. 23 hearing, a 37-year-old homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder while armed.

Jermaine Washington, 37, allegedly stabbed 40-year-old Keon Bonner to death on Oct. 26, 2021 on the 1500 block of Ogden Street, NW.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt accepted the defense’s request to go to trial.

Judge Brandt said she wants both parties to arrive at court with co-council members to give a less experienced attorney the opportunity to gain more experience as they integrate into homicide cases.

The next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 12. A trial date is set for March 21, 2023.

Sexual Assault Case Ready to Go to Trial, Judge Says

During a Sept. 22 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee discussed how parties should present their evidence ahead of a jury trial in a sexual assault case.

The defendant, 53, is being charged with first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly forcing himself on a woman in her apartment located on the 1000 block of North Capitol Street, NE on March 11, 2021.

Judge Lee asked the prosecutor to outline the evidence she planned to present as the trial nears. The prosecutor said that aside from testimony from custodians of the apartment building, she expected to present surveillance footage of the hallway.

The relevant footage was seven hours long without any cuts, she told the judge. She requested to call a summary witness, with prior approval of the summary from the defense. The abridged version would only be two and a half hours, she said.

When defense attorney Wole Falodun appeared to begin to comment, Judge Lee interjected, saying he would not entertain a request to show the jury the unabridged footage. “We’re not going to sit here and watch seven hours of hallway video,” Judge Lee said.

The defendant said he and Falodun had to be able to present a relevant defense, which could include additional parts of the footage.

The prosecutor said although she was ready for trial, she was wasn’t available until late October.

Judge Lee said he had several other jury trials after that point, keeping him busy through December. “We’ve done everything but try this case,” Judge Lee said.

“I’m ready today,” the defendant said.

According to court documents, the complainant called Metropolitan Police Department from the lobby of her apartment building, telling officers the defendant confronted her in her hallway with a knife and forced her to let him into her apartment. He hit her several times on her head, chest and back, and raped her, according to court documents.

The victim said she was able to escape when the defendant allowed her to use the restroom, running down the stairs from the fourteenth floor to call the police in the lobby.

When officers arrived, they escorted her back up to her apartment, where the defendant was located. He opened the door for officers and was arrested. The complainant confirmed to officers that he was the man who had raped her.

The parties are scheduled to return to court on Sept. 28 for a status hearing.

Defendant’s Actions Enabled Murder, Prosecutor Says

The prosecution delivered their opening arguments in the trial of a defendant who allegedly “allowed Turner to kill, assault, and destroy property.”

Ronnika Jennings, 44, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, obstruction of justice and conspiracy in connection with the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on March 5, 2017, on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE.

According to court documents, Jennings, 43, is accused of providing information from confidential databases while she worked as a clerk for the 7th district Metropolitan Police Department. She was employed at the department for 14 years.

Jennings allegedly provided information to Derek Turner, who is accused of shooting McPhatter.

The prosecutor told jurors that Jennings would look Turner’s name up in different ways such as using his social and police identification number to make sure she was being thorough. When she finished, she would inform him of any information the police may have regarding what he has been up to.

“Ms. Jennings’ weapon of choice was that computer terminal,” the prosecutor told the jury.

He also told jurors that Turner’s GPS tracker was modified by Jennings so nothing could ever be linked to him. According to the monitor, Turner was always home.

However, a detective started to sense that something was wrong. The detective could see that Turner had been searched for several times and he was able to learn that Jennings was the one always looking for reports on Turner because you need an ID to enter the database.

The prosecution presented an image of what these reports look like, listing several reasons of how Jennings’ actions were dangerous.

Turner could have located the witnesses if he wanted, the prosecutor said. This is because all of their personal details, including names and addressed are on the database.

Jennings and Turner also shared various phone calls and text messages that were presented in court. Each time Turner committed a crime, he would immediately contact Jennings.

Two and a half hours after the murder of Devin Hall, Turner called Jennings, asking what the police knew about the suspect.

Defense attorneys Russell Hairston and Alvin Thomas were not able to deliver opening arguments.

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled the trial to resume on Sept. 21.

Document: Homicide in Northeast

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Sept. 24, on the 2300 block of 15th Street, NE.

At approximately 12:59 a.m, officers located 32-year-old David Scott suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Judge Sets 2024 Trial Date for Homicide Defendant Accused of Killing Girlfriend

On Sept. 23, a DC Judge set a trial date for a 2021 murder case revolving around a couple’s dispute about food.

Idrissa Fall, 35, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the death of 29-year-old Dara Northern on July 18, 2021, on the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW.

The prosecution asked Judge Brandt for another hearing because they have not tested the evidence based on “the nature and collection” of the evidence ahead of a jury trial.

According to court documents, Northern and Fall, also known as “Idy,” had an argument the night before the shooting. Northern allegedly made plans to attend a reggae club with a witness.

Fall followed Northern down the stairs where the witness said, “Hi Idy” and Fall then replied saying, words to the effect of, “stop playing with me with that gay sh**,” according to court documents. The witness said he saw Fall grabbing at his waistband.

The witness said, minutes later, a gunshot was heard coming from the passenger side of a vehicle where Northern had appeared to be shot through the passenger window.

Judge Brandt set the next hearing for Dec. 9. Fall is expected to go to trial on May 6, 2024.

Judge Denies Defenses Request to Lift Murder Defendant’s Curfew

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied defense attorney Pierce Suen’s request to lift a murder defendant’s curfew.

Raymond Jones, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the shootings of 22-year-old Antoine Jenkins and 62-year-old Antwan Brown on the 700th block of 13th Street, SE on March 14.

During the Sept. 23 hearing, Suen requested that Judge Okun revoke his defendant’s curfew on account of his compliance with measures implemented by pretrial services. Suen also cited Jones’ ability to maintain a job and his childcare duties as grounds for this request.

The prosecution countered the defense, stating that Jones’ prior gun arrests suggest he is dangerous, and, as a consequence, his curfew should remain intact.

Judge Okun agreed with the prosecution, declining to lift Jones’ curfew.

The next hearing is set for Jan. 27, 2023, as counsels prepare for a Grand Jury hearing.

Defense Rejects Plea Offer in Murder Case

A prosecutor presented a plea offer for a murder defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun. The defense rejected this proposal.

On the evening of June 24, 2021, Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to the 3600 block of 22nd Street, SE, where 27-year-old Damohn Gill was allegedly stabbed by 29-year-old Aaron Jackson.

During a Sept. 23 hearing, both Jackson’s defense attorney, Megan Allburn, and the prosecution conceded that they are currently in the “pre-indictment phase” of this case. The prosecutor said he hopes to gather and organize enough evidence to proceed in that direction.

Jackson is charged with second-degree murder while armed. According to court documents, Jackson and Gill were allegedly childhood friends. Jackson allegedly stabbed Gill nine times in response to a “verbal dispute” that ensued at the time of the incident.

In addition to outlining counsel’s plans to move forward with an indictment, the prosecution also proposed a plea offer that would impose a sentence between 10.5 to 12.5 years in prison.

“No,” Jackson said after this offer was revealed.

Parties expect to return to court on Jan. 12, 2023, to further discuss matters pertaining to the case.

Preliminary Hearing Date Set for Murder Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun scheduled a preliminary hearing in a murder case after after his arrest on Sept. 13.

Malik Seltzer, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Paris Odemns on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on Sept. 15, 2021.

During a Sept. 23 hearing, Seltzer’s defense attorney, Craig Ricard, and the prosecution, set a date to address matters pertaining to the case as it progresses.

Ricard estimates that the hearing will last all day, saying “there are a lot of moving parts.”

The preliminary hearing date was set on Oct. 6.

Plea Negotiations Ongoing for 2020 Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Milton C. Lee set a date for ongoing negotiations over a global plea deal in a 2020 murder case during a Sept. 23 status hearing.

Mohamed Goodwin, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in connection to the shooting of 25-year-old Devonte Wilson on the 700 block of Morton Street, NW.

The plea deal would cover two cases, including the current murder case and another firearm possession charge.

In the murder case, Goodwin rejected the prosecution’s original plea offer on June 16, and a counter offer was made by the defense on July 20. During the Friday hearing, defense attorney Lee A. Smith III requested another date for further discussion.

The prosecution made a final note as the hearing came to a close about a 2013 homicide case in which the murder defendant did not accept a “plea offer similar to Goodwin’s.” Instead, he was given a sentence that was 20 years longer.

The prosecution said if the 2013 defendant accepted the plea offer, he would have been released last Friday. He concluded that the murder defendant eventually committed suicide while being held in jail.

On Dec. 3, 2020, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were dispatched in reference to a traffic incident. Upon arrival, officers found Wilson inside a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck, unconscious and not breathing. Wilson succumbed to his injuries the next day. Goodwin was arrested later that month.

The hearing to further discuss plea negotiations is set for Nov. 4.

Document: Homicide in Northeast, DC

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Sept. 22, on the 3000 block of Adams Street, NW.

At approximately 12:41 p.m., officers located an adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

According to a press release, the decedent’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Five Witnesses Testify About Separate Drive-by Shooting During a Murder Trial

During a Sept. 21 jury trial, the prosecution introduced five witnesses to testify about a drive-by shooting involving three co-defendants.

Derek Turner, 31, and co-defendant Ronnika Jennings, 44, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and conspiracy in connection with the shooting of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on March 5, 2017, on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE.

Additionally, Turner is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Devin Hall on Jan. 7, 2017, on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE.

Jennings is specifically accused of sharing criminal intelligence with Turner, when she worked as a clerk for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Another co-defendant Duan Hill, 33, is charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

The defendants are also linked to the drive-by shooting, which occurred on March 8, 2017, on South Capitol St, SW, in front of Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), where Jennings previously worked and where Turner would regularly check in while on probation.

The drive-by shooting caused damage to five vehicles.

The first two witnesses, who were MPD officers called to the site of the March shooting, showed video footage from their body-worn cameras (BWC), as evidence of them driving to the site after “they received a call for sounds of shotguns.” They counted the shell casings once they arrived.

A Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) employee, who previously worked as an MPD officer, stated that he advised the owner of the white Lexus, who was believed to be Turner, “that it would be taken to DHS for processing.”

A CSOSA worker, who testified about her relationship working with Turner in the past, said Turner left the site of the shooting and then returned.

“He was distraught and upset,” which she said she assumed “by his demeanor.”

The last witness was a MPD detective who investigated the March shooting. He stated that there were no injured victims or blood at the site, but there was “damage to the building and vehicles.” He also identified Jennings from having worked with her in the past.

The prosecutors then displayed security footage and asked the witness if he could identify Turner in the video. The witness identified a white Lexus and then stated that “Mr. Turner exited the white Lexus.”

The defense also delivered opening statements on Wednesday.

Turner’s defense attorney Michael Madden said he grew up in a neighborhood with high levels of violence and drug use, in which he “associated with some nefarious characters.”

He said the prosecution is going to argue that Turner is “guilty by association” by “cherry-picking” phone calls, dates, and evidence. He also emphasized the lack of eye-witness testimony, DNA evidence, and fingerprint evidence linking Turner to these charges.

He told the jurors that even though this trial has three different defendants, each one of them should be considered separately.

Jennings’ defense attorney Russell Hairston stated that the prosecution’s case is a theory and that Jennings was not involved in the murder.

Furthermore, Hill’s defense attorney Bruce Cooper explained Hill’s innocence and integrity as a man who owns a business.

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa J. Demeo set this trial to continue on Sept 22.

Defense Files Additional Motions in Response to Loss of Critical Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan extended deadlines for continued plea negotiations on Sept. 21, so both parties could be prepared to proceed with a murder trial.

Ch’Juan Robinson, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Louis Kingsbury, 34. The incident occurred on the 200 block of New York Avenue, NW on April 29, 2020.

Defense attorney, Dana Page, requested more time to file additional motions in response to the prosecutor’s failure to preserve critical evidence. According to Page, surveillance footage and photos from the officer’s body-worn cameras during a search of Robinson’s vehicle were deleted.

Page sent a counteroffer to the prosecution, which the prosecution has yet to decide. The offer was not disclosed in open court.

Judge Raffinan set an Oct. 5 deadline for both parties to submit responses to any motion.

Judge Raffinan scheduled the next hearing for Oct. 12.

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