Judge Finds Sex Abuse Defendant Competent to Stand Trial

During a June 21 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found a sex abuse defendant competent to stand trial.

On Feb. 12, 2020, the defendant was indicted on one count of kidnapping while armed, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of first-degree sex abuse while armed in relation to an armed sexual assault incident on the 1000 block of First Street, NE on Sept. 23, 2012.

The defendant has been held at St. Elizabeths Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, amid ongoing mental observation hearings.

After Judge Brandt found the defendant competent to stand trial, he was arraigned on all charges.

Defense attorney Andrew Ain pleaded not guilty on behalf of the defendant.

After the arraignment, Judge Brandt admonished the defendant for persistently calling her chambers and writing letters to the courthouse and the prosecution about his case.

“You are trying to manipulate all of us,” Judge Brandt said.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 7.

Judge Sentences Homicide Defendant to Serve 6.25 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee sentenced a homicide defendant in a 2019 homicide case to over six years in prison.

On the evening of July 21, 2019, Metropolitan Police Department officers found 27-year-old Jamal Bandy suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. According to court documents, Bandy succumbed to his injuries an hour after being found.

Law enforcement officials later identified Romiel Hightower, 31, as one of two suspects on the scene. The second suspect has not yet been identified.

Hightower was indicted on first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

On Feb. 24, Hightower pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, which carries a potential maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. As part of the plea agreement, the prosecutor and Hightower’s defense attorney, Jason Tulley, agreed to recommend six-and-a-quarter years in prison with five-years of supervised release.

During the sentencing on June 21, Judge Lee expressed his concern that the parties’ proposed such a short sentence.

“The sentence is on the light side,” Judge Lee said. “And what the decedent’s family said to me is not insignificant.”

Tulley argued that Hightower has expressed genuine remorse for his actions. He told Judge Lee that Hightower \pleaded guilty despite knowing that, given the challenges to the prosecution’s investigation, he would have had a high chance of being found not guilty in a trial.

Tulley argued that this showed Hightower’s willingness to accept full responsibility.

“I’d like to apologize to the Bandy family and Mr. Bandy himself,” Hightower said. “This has been an ongoing nightmare, and there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about what I did.”

Judge Lee then listened to statements by several members of Bandy’s family regarding the impact that the incident had on their lives.

“To Mr. Hightower, I appreciate you acknowledging you’re wrong and apologizing because it helps,” one of the family members said. “But at some point, in time, we have to say enough is enough and you need to get the maximum sentence.”

After hearing from the family members, Judge Lee decided he would accept the sentence that both parties proposed, citing Hightower’s decision to plead guilty despite having a good chance of winning a trial as a major part of his decision.

As part of his sentence, Hightower will have to register as a gun offender.

Murder Defendant Arraigned, Scheduled for Trial

Dennis Chase, was arraigned on first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction charges.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police department was called to the 400 block of Xenia Street, SE, on Dec. 7, 2020, where they found Anthony Orr, 30, with a gunshot wound to the head. Chase, 30, allegedly shot Orr in the head then pushed him out of a car. Orr died at a nearby hospital later that day.

Chase was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed but was indicted on May 12 for first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun presided over the arraignment on June 21.

Judge Okun scheduled jury selection to start on March 11, 2024. The trial is anticipated to last until March 28, with the prosecution expecting use two weeks and the defense expecting to use two days.

Judge Okun scheduled a status hearing for Sept. 13.

Child Sex Abuse Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A defendant pleaded guilty to one count of attempted second-degree child sexual abuse on June 17.

Tieyon Garnett sexually abused his younger sibling in their home in 2020. According to court documents, Garnett, 20, at first denied any sexual contact with the victim but later admitted that sexual abuse had taken place. He was placed under the high intensity supervision program and given a pretrial stay away order from the victim 10 days after the incident.

Garnett and his defense attorney, Quo Meiko Judkins, attended the hearing over WebEx. Judkins and Garnett briefly discussed the terms of the plea agreement before announcing that the defendant would plead guilty.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun accepted Garnett’s guilty plea but stated that he would like to have all parties in person for the next hearing.

“I will find Mr. Garnett guilty of attempted second-degree child sex abuse,” Judge Okun told the parties. But, “I’m inclined to have everyone here in person as well.”

Judge Okun scheduled the sentencing for Sept. 8.

Document: Homicide on Mississippi Avenue, Southeast

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a fatal shooting on Mississippi Avenue, SE.

At approximately 4:12 a.m. on June 18, officers responded to the 3800 block of Halley Terrace, SE due to reports of gunshots, according to the press release.

Upon arrival, officers located 41-year-old Terrell Johnson suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Document: Deadly Shooting in Northeast, DC

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating the death of a 27-year-old man.

At approximately 6:04a.m, on June 18, officers responded to the 1500 block of F Street, Northeast. Officers located a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds, according to the press release.

The victim, Israel Minger, 27, died from his injuries.

Defense Discusses Plans to Test DNA Evidence Ahead of Homicide Trial

A defense attorney discussed his plans for testing DNA evidence in a homicide trial set to begin in April of 2023.

On Feb. 24, 2019, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department responded to Safari DC Lounge, located on the 4300 block of Georgia Avenue, NW for an alleged fight. Two people, one of which was 30-year-old David Brandon, were brought to a local hospital with gunshot wounds shortly after. The other victim survived and Brandon Randall, 34, was charged with first-degree murder while armed in relation to the homicide.

Parties in this case discussed what should be used as evidence in the trial during the June 17 hearing.

The prosecutor said there is DNA from the victim’s fingernails and blood that stained the car.

Brandon’s defense attorney, Anthony Matthews, argued that some items should not be admitted as evidence because it only appears to be the victim’s blood-stained clothes.

Matthews also said Brandon has not submitted a DNA test.

Matthews requested two motions for independent DNA testing.

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee did not oppose the motions.

The trial is set to begin on April 17, 2023. Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 9 for a status hearing.

Domestic Violence Defendant Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison

A 26-year-old domestic violence defendant was sentenced to 18 years in prison for a 2019 shooting.

On April 27, 2019, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department were dispatched to the 200 block of Newcomb Street, SE, after Shot Spotter detected gunshots. Upon arrival, officers found the victim suffering from four gunshot wounds and the vehicle the victim was in contained seven bullet holes. After the crime, Shawn Mitchell fled to Connecticut.

Mitchell pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. During the course of this case, Mitchell accepted a plea deal, however, he later told an officer from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency in an interview that “I really haven’t had anything to do with it.” He said he was taking the fall for the crime.

During the June 17 sentencing, Mitchell told DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan that he did commit the crimes he is charged with.

Mitchell’s past criminal history includes two felony offenses, one of which was in 2015 for assault with a dangerous weapon and the other in 2013 for assault with significant bodily injury.

The prosecutor told the court that Mitchell has not accepted responsibility for his actions and his past criminal offenses.

The defense agreed with the sentencing recommendation of 108 months or 9 years for each charge.

Mitchell chose to not make a statement during the hearing.

Judge Raffinan sentenced Mitchell to two consecutive 108-month sentences for both of his charges. Mental health treatment and registering as a gun offender were both terms of the sentencing.

Judge Says He Will Deny Defendants Release Before Motion Filed

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee said he plans on denying a homicide defendant’s release, citing potential danger to the community.

David 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.

Defense attorney Albert Amissah, during the June 17 hearing, said he will be filing a motion in the next month to request Beale be released from DC Jail.

The prosecutor said evidence was recently provided, including DNA evidence to the defense. Judge Lee plans to have an Innocence Protection Act hearing, but in the meantime, is allowing the defendant’s DNA to be tested.

The prosecutor plans to file more charges as well as a severance motion, asking Judge Lee to grant separate jury trials for the different charges.

“If you want to file it you can but the likelihood I’ll grant it is low,” Judge Lee said in response. He cited the numerous charges filed against Beale as the reason for potential denial of bail.

Beale’s family was in attendance at the status hearing and could be heard shouting, “love you” to him. Beale responded with “love you more” before exiting the courtroom.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 2 for a status hearing.

Document: 16-year-old killed in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a June 15 homicide.

At approximately 8:37p.m, officers responded to the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE, due to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 16-year-old Deandre Coleman, with gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital. He succumbed to his injuries that evening.

Judge Sentences Homicide Defendant to 16 Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a 29-year-old defendant to 16 years in prison.

Delonte Samuels pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed in relation to 30-year-old Michael Bright’s homicide in 2020. He was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed, however, Samuels accepted a plea offer of second-degree murder on March 18.

On October 6, 2020, Samuels and another defendant were attempting to rob Bright in his car in front of his mother’s house on the 1100 block of 45th Street, NE. Another defendant was also arrested in relation to the homicide, but Judge Michael O’Keefe did not find probable cause and dismissed the other defendant’s case.

Bright’s mother provided a victim impact statement before the sentencing on June 17. She spoke for her son, who suffered numerous gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead on the scene.

His mother said she knew Samuels and “never pictured him doing this.” She presented the judge with photographs of Bright and expressed how he left behind his four children.

Defense attorney Janai Reed said Samuels was “extremely ashamed” and “can’t forgive himself” for his crime.

Samuels spoke before the sentencing and apologized to Bright’s family. He said he wishes “I could take it back” and “never meant for any of that to happen.” Samules repeatedly said sorry and that he “is not that type of person.” He also expressed that he “wants justice to be served,” in regard to his sentence.

Considering Samuels’ prior criminal history, he was sentenced to 16 years of incarceration based on the prosecutor and defense counsel’s agreement. Other conditions that Raffinan ordered were for Samuels to undergo a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, mental health assessment and treatment, grief counseling, anger management, and enter a General Educational Development program.

Samuels committed this crime while he was on release from a previous case. Additionally, other cases he currently has open were dismissed as part of the terms of the plea deal.

Defendant In Homicide Case Rejects Plea Deal

A defendant charged in a March 2020 fatal shooting case rejected a plea deal on June 17.

Khamari Perkins is charged with first-degree murder while armed. The case stems from the shooting of Naseem Simpson, 18, on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW, on March 15, 2020.

Under the plea offer, if Perkins pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange the prosecution would dismiss all other charges and recommend a sentence of 15 to 17 years in prison.

The defendant, 21, was represented by defense attorneys Mitchell Candace and Kevann Gardner.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan set a motion hearing for Aug. 24.

Homicide Trial Continues With a Long Day of Testimonies

A homicide trial resumed with several witnesses called in to testify regarding their role in the DNA extraction of evidence.

Co-defendants Saquan Williams, 20, and Quincy Garvin, 22, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm, criminal street gang affiliation and conspiracy in connection to the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Carl Hardy on the 1200 block of I Street, SE, on Sept. 10, 2017.

During the trial on June 16, the prosecutor called a series of Bode Technology forensic technologists and analysts who assisted in the DNA extraction and amplification of two pieces of evidence taken from Williams’ apartment. Each witness was briefly quizzed on their role in the forensic evidence procedure, none of which took more than a few minutes.

The majority of the day revolved around a witness, called by the prosecution, who was asked to testify regarding his criminal past and his knowledge of any Wellington Park individuals.

After not much success, the prosecution went through the witness’ charges, many of which were dropped because of a plea deal.

The cross-examination by the prosecutor recounted many of the federal gun charges the witness pleaded guilty to in order to get less time. He also showed a music video the witness made to show how all the weapons used in the video were props, not real weapons.

Judge Robert Okun scheduled the trial to resume on June 21.

Five Murder Defendants Pleaded Guilty Between May 1 and June 15

Five defendants charged in murder cases pleaded guilty between May 1 and June 15.

Document: Police Investigate Shooting on Bowen Road, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a June 16 homicide.

At approximately 9:41p.m, officers responded to the 4400 block of Bowen Road, SE, due to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 42-year-old Dimaris Smith suffering from a gunshot wound. He died from his injuries at the scene.

An arrest has not yet been made in this homicide.

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