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.

Witnesses Testifies About Couple’s Relationship in Homicide Trial

Witnesses testified to the relationship between a homicide defendant and the victim during trial on Sept. 21.

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

Sterling’s cousin said he had Sterling and Ooro at his house on several occasions. The witness described the relationship between Sterling and Ooro as “not the best” as he saw them constantly arguing.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Howard McEachern questioned the credibility of the witness’s memory due to alcohol consumption.

Another witness said she saw Ooro being ridiculed by Sterling on multiple occasions. Ooro was called belittling names and was noticed to have evident bruises on her body, the witness said.

During cross-examination, McEachern noted that name-calling is not directly connected to the act of murder.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan scheduled the trial to resume on Sept. 22.

Violation of Curfew Results in Home Confinement for Defendant

During a Sept. 22 hearing parties discussed a curfew violation committed by a homicide defendant.

Gerald Thomas, 19, is charged with second-degree murder while armed allegedly shooting 20-year-old Dasha Cleary. The shooting occurred at the Days Inn Hotel located on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW on Jan. 27.

The defendant was released under the High Intensity Supervision Program on April 8 with specific conditions such as GPS monitoring.

According to defense attorney, Aubrey Dillon, the violation occurred on Aug. 22 when Thomas left his residence past curfew to get something to eat. He was pulled over in a traffic stop in Prince George County, Md. with two other individuals in the car. Large amounts of cocaine was found in the vehicle upon inspection by officers.

The front passenger, who was on probation for carjacking, fled to a laundromat to evade police and hid his loaded gun inside one of the laundry machines.

Thomas was arrested and detained by officers from the Prince George’s Police Department. After being released, Thomas reported to his supervisor, Dillon said.

Dillon said Thomas has no knowledge of the weapon and that there was no probable cause within the charges against him.

However, the prosecution said Thomas was non-compliant with his conditions of release because he was apprehended with a convict carrying an illegal weapon, in a car with drugs and he missed his curfew.

Dillon stated the defendant has been compliant with his release since April. Thomas is enrolled in a school program, has a 3.0 GPA, and has family members supporting him. There were multiple family members in the courtroom and remotely logged in to the hearing.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sanctioned the defendant to 21 days in home confinement.

Judge Raffinan scheduled the next hearing for Oct. 14.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Release Request

DC Superior Court Judge Robert D. Okun denied Sept. 22 the defense’s motion for release citing possible danger to the community.

Damonta Thompson, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed on Sept. 4, 2021, on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW. Thompson is accused of allegedly shooting 31-year-old Donetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner and injuring three others.

Kamar Queen, 24, Erwin Dubose, 27, and 49-year-old Toyia Johnson were also charged with first-degree murder while armed and tampering with physical evidence in this case.

Judge Okun cited the heinousness of the crime and the lack of new substantial evidence introduced as other reasons to deny release.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller argued for Thompson’s release under home confinement with GPS monitoring.

Weller claimed that there was little to no evidence that Thompson was at the scene of the crime when the shooting occurred. She cited there was no photo, video, DNA, witness, or fingerprint evidence placing him at the scene of the crime. She said the prosecution has not found any new evidence linking Thompson to the murders.

Thompson has no priors, according to Weller, and a loving family to whom he might be released. A large number of his family members present in the courtroom and via WebEx for support.

The prosecution refuted Weller’s points by citing phone records, Thompson’s association with the identified shooters, the heinousness of the crime, and the possible danger that Thompson poses to his community if he is to be released.

Judge Okun scheduled the next hearing for Jan. 13.

Judge Sentences Child Sex Offender to 24 Months in Prison

After two days of sentencing, a judge sentenced a man convicted of child sex abuse to two years in prison.

Raymond Diggs, 37, was originally charged with five counts of first-degree child sex abuse, enticing a child, and misdemeanor sexual abuse of a child for sexual acts that were conducted with his 9-year-old stepdaughter. Diggs was first charged in this case on Feb. 9, 2019.

On Sept. 21, Judge Kravitz reviewed all given testimonies, notes, and victim impact statements given during the Sept. 12, and Sept. 15 hearings. In his decision, he referenced Diggs’s prior history concluding that he is a first-time offender and a first-time sex offender.

Diggs pleaded guilty to second-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances and second-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances where the victim was under the age of 18 and actor had a significant relationship with the victim on Feb. 19, 2020.

The parties agreed on a sentence between 3-15 years in prison, 10 years of supervised release, and a 10-year registry as a sex offender.

Diggs was consciously aware of his actions and upon his release back in February of 2019, he demonstrated remorse and has not offended again, said Judge Kravitz.

He was sentenced to 24 months in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and is required to register as a sex offender for 10 years.

As part of the sentence, Diggs will be required to attend sex offenders therapy, individual trauma therapy, and drug testing.

Diggs is required to self surrender to the Bureau of Prisons when he is assigned a specific location.

Hearing Continues So Homicide Defendant Can Consider Plea Deal

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee continued a hearing on Sept. 21, so a homicide defendant could have time to consider a plea offer.

William Whitaker, 20, was indicted on charges of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and criminal street gang affiliation in connection to the murder of 18-year-old Malick Cisse on Jan. 8, 2020, on the 1300 block of 7th Street, NW.

Defense attorney Paula Pagan was present as stand-in counsel for David Benowitzs. Pagan asked to reschedule on the behalf of Whitaker to review the plea offer prosecution sent over the night before.

The deal hadn’t been reviewed by the defendant because the document wasn’t printed. The prosecution suggested they could possibly print out the offer and review it with the defendant before the hearing began.

Judge Lee wanted to know why the defense didn’t review the offer with the defendant before the hearing because the plea deal was sent over months in advance and last night.

Pagan said the formal plea offer hasn’t been received in writing.

“What is the difference,” Judge Lee asked.

Pagan said placing the deal in writing is an “appropriate and necessary” step because the defendant should be aware of all the terms and conditions that come with taking a plea deal.

The prosecution said the plea deal is to second-degree murder while armed and the defense has received the plea because it was sent in an abundance of caution due to discrepancies in the fact section. The plea deal was set to expire months ago but will remain until the next hearing.

Judge Lee told Whitaker to review the plea and talk to his lawyers and family members to make his final decision.

According to court documents, Cisse walked alone to the area of the Mount Vernon Square Metro station around 11:22 p.m. after a woman, who is believed to be Whitaker’s significant other, asked to meet him on the train. When he arrived, the woman was not there.

Cisse began walking back to his residence as a suspect, who is believed to be Whitaker, drove up in a car and allegedly shot him in the back of the head at approximately 11:31 p.m. Cisse was pronounced dead shortly after midnight.

The next hearing is set for Oct. 12.

Document: Arrest Made in a Southeast Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department detectives made an arrest in a homicide that occurred on May 6, on the 2300 block of Nicholson Street, SE.

At approximately 4:29 pm, officers located 32-year-old Rashad Davis suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Sept. 22, 31-year-old Marcus Barringer was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Witnesses Speak of Pattern of Physical Abuse in Homicide Victim’s Relationship

During a Sept. 20 jury trial, the prosecution called six witnesses to share their knowledge of footage and interactions with the defendant and victim. Several witness testimonies indicated a potential pattern of physical abuse within the defendant and victim’s relationship.

On July 24, 2020, 57-year-old Darnell Sterling was arrested and charged with murdering his 34-year-old girlfriend, Olga Ooro. Sterling was the last known person to see Ooro before she was reported missing, one week earlier.

A former concierge of the Twelve12 apartment building, where Sterling lived, described a fight he saw between Sterling and Ooro on July 13, 2019. Earlier that evening, the concierge reported seeing the couple leave and return from an evening out, appearing “normal” and talkative both times.

After receiving a noise complaint from one of Sterling’s neighbors of Sterling’s, the concierge found Sterling yelling at his girlfriend, insisting she leave his apartment. Ooro staunchly refused, adamant about collecting her belongings which had fallen from her purse and all over the floor.

According to the concierge, Sterling repeatedly shut the door in attempts to drive his girlfriend out. Each time, she would jam her foot into the door, preventing it from closing fully.

The concierge described Ooro as bleeding from the nose and mouth, while her leg was “scabby and bleeding” from repeated scrapes by the door.

The prosecution called a patrol sergeant who arrested Sterling for assault after the July 13 incident. The sergeant’s body camera footage showed him speaking with a frenzied Sterling. Sterling revealed scratches on his neck where Ooro allegedly grabbed him while refusing to leave.

The sergeant then compared the scratches to Ooro’s injuries, which landed her in an ambulance. The officer concluded that Sterling had assaulted Ooro, and she had fought back in self-defense.

Although Sterling was later released from jail, he was given a stay-away order from Ooro.

During another officer’s testimony, body-cam footage showed Sterling in front of the apartment building. Sterling had contacted authorities after Ooro reportedly visited him at his apartment, breaching Sterling’s stay-away order.

According to Sterling, Ooro kept begging him for money despite his repeated refusals. When Sterling became fed up, Ooro said “I’ll kill you” and attempted to stab him with a fork.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan scheduled the trial to resume on Sept. 21.

Judge Delays Hearing to Allow Homicide Defendant to Consider Plea Offer

During a Sept. 20 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee granted a continuance, giving a sexual assault defendant time to decide whether to take a plea deal.

On July 8, the complainant told Metropolitan Police Department officers that the defendant opened the door to her apartment, which is located on the 100 block of I Street, SE. The apartment was unlocked, and approached her. The defendant is charged with assault with the Intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse by force and first-degree burglary.

“I spoke with him, and I guess he needs to talk to some people in order to come to conclusions,” his attorney Anthony Smith said.

The prosecutor agreed to the continuation.

She said that he groped her thigh. She said he wanted to have sex with her and climbed into her bed with his penis exposed. It was then that a witness entered the room and pulled him away, according to court documents.

The defendant stayed in the apartment building, walking around an interior courtyard. He was arrested in the early morning on July 9.

According to the court documents, the defendant exposed himself to a female officer while in handcuffs.

Judge Lee scheduled the next hearing for Oct. 7.

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