Blood Found on Shirt Defendant Last Seen Wearing, Analyst Says

A DNA expert testified, during a homicide trial Sept. 13, that blood was found on a shirt the defendant was last seen wearing.

Edward Brown, 61, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the stabbing death of 77-year-old Michael Mahoney on Feb. 5, 2018, on the 2300 block of 11th Street, NW.

Brown and Mahoney’s DNA were found on a black long-sleeve shirt and blue jeans that Brown was wearing in surveillance footage, said a DNA analysts who worked on the case.

Mahoney is last seen entering his apartment at 10:03 p.m, on Feb. 3 according to the Metropolitan Police Department’s lead detective on the case.

His notes stated that at 1:16 a.m, on Feb. 4, Brown is seen coming from the direction of Mahoney’s apartment and getting into the elevator; wearing a Redskins jacket, black long-sleeve shirt, burgundy and gold sock cap, blue jeans, and black shoes.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Kevin Mosley created reasonable doubt in the detective’s investigation. Mosley noted that several unidentified persons had interactions with the victim and Brown that detectives never tried talking too.

The prosecution called two more witnesses to the stand. Both were from Bode Technology, the first expert witness was a forensic biology analyst and the second was a senior DNA analyst.

The biology analyst testified to testing the Redskins jacket that Brown was seen wearing in the surveillance video, for blood. The jacket tested negative for any presumptive blood.

Mosley had the expert witness point out every spot on the jacket she tested for blood. The expert pointed to 11 areas that tested negative.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt scheduled the trial to resume on Sept. 14.

Defendant Receives 6-Month Jail Sentence for Molesting Sister

On Sept. 14, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a teen defendant to 6-months at the DC Jail for molesting his sister in a 2021 sex abuse case.

On the evening of Oct. 17, 2021, the mother of 19-year-old Tieyon Garnett found her son and the 9-year-old victim sitting together on the couch. Neither was wearing pants. The victim told her mother that the defendant had penetrated her anus with his “private part,” and had been touching her buttocks and vagina.

Although Garnett initially denied these accusations, he later accepted full responsibility for sexually abusing the victim. Garnett was charged with first-degree child sex abuse on Oct. 27, 2021.

During the Sept. 14 sentencing, the victim and her mother were called to the stand. The mother reported that Garnett’s actions have driven a wedge between their entire family with the victim was having breakdowns and lashing out daily.

She then relayed the victim’s desire for Garnett to serve jail time. “My son deserves the consequences that will be handed to him,” Garnett’s mother told the judge.

The mother requested a stay-away order from her daughter be imposed on Garnett. However, she did not request a similar order for herself.

“For an adult man to have sex with any 9-year-old is one of the most reprehensible things a person can do,” the prosecutor said. He added that the incestuous nature of the act violated fundamental human principles, and called for at least one year of jail time.

Still, the prosecutor maintained that a Youth Rehabilitation Act sentence was most appropriate, considering Garnett’s young age and cooperative behavior throughout the entire legal process. He also believed that such a sentence would empower Garnett to actively work through any underlying issues that may have driven his reprehensible actions.

In response, defense attorney Quo Mieko Judkins read aloud a statement from Garnett, in which he expressed significant remorse for his actions, and wished his sibling a full emotional recovery. “I’m sorry this happened. I wish I could take it back,” Garnett wrote. “I love [the victim and I am] trying to do better.”

Judkins requested a much lighter sentence than that put forth by the prosecution. She noted Garnett’s unwavering compliance throughout all legal proceedings, as well as his lack of a prior criminal history. Judkins also emphasized Garnett’s practical efforts to get back on track, such as his commitment to graduating high school and gaining acceptance into a music program at the University of D.C.

Judkins underlined that Garnett’s harshest sentence was arguably the “scarlet letter” he would be branded with when attempting to reintegrate into society. The “sex offender” label, and the civil death accompanying it, would plague Garnett for the rest of his life, heavily impacting his future employment, housing, education, romantic, and social prospects, his attorney said.

Judkins expressed hope that mental health treatments and counseling would address Garnett’s behavior in relation to this offense specifically, insisting that any polygraphs, GPS monitors, or substance abuse treatments would be extraneous and unnecessary.

In Garnett’ expressed love and appreciation for his family, a desire to better himself academically and professionally, and remorse for his actions. “I’m very messed up about this,” he said.

Judge Okun acknowledged that this was a very difficult sentencing. He agreed that a youth act sentence would be appropriate, given Garnett’s compliance during pretrial release. Still, with the sheer severity of Garnett’s offense and the acute suffering he’d subjected his sibling to, Judge Okun felt that a jail-free sentence would be unjust and insufficient.

Judge Okun sought a compromise between the two proposed sentences, settling on a suspension of 24 months including 6 months of jail time, 3 years on probation, and 90 hours of community service.

Garnett would be required to undergo mental health evaluations and treatment and pursue a full-time job and education once released. Judge Okun mandated that Garnett register as a sex offender for the next 10 years. He also issued a stay-away order from the victim.

Should Garnett comply with all conditions, Judge Okun assured him that his conviction would be set aside, enabling Garnett to move forward without the conviction staining his public record.

“You’re still so young,” Judge Okun told Garnett. “You’re going to have your whole life ahead of you,” continuing,”I hope that when you get out, you can be a productive member of society, and never come back to this courthouse again.”

Document: Arrest Made in a Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department detectives made an arrest in a homicide that occurred on Sept. 15, 2021, on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE.

MPD officers located 37-year-old Paris Odemns suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

On Sept. 13, 2022, 27-year-old Malik Seltzer was charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Five Witnesses Take Stand Monday in Ongoing Homicide Trial

A homicide trial continued on Sep. 12 with the prosecution calling five witnesses to the stand.

Edward Brown, 61, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the murder of 77-year-old Michael Mahoney on the 2300 block of 11th Street, NW, on Feb. 5, 2018.

Mahoney was found in a pool of his own blood in his apartment in his senior living center, according to court documents.

The prosecution called an expert in forensic pathology, someone who examines the bodies of people who have died unexpectedly, to determine the cause of death.

The expert testified that Mahoney died about 48 hours before the autopsy and 3-5 hours after eating. She said the stab wounds were likely inflicted by a single assailant, and the assailant was most likely left-handed, due to the angle of the blade when it punctured the body.

The pathologist said she based her estimation on Mahoney’s time of death on the degree of food digested in the victim’s stomach, the temperature of the body when found on the scene, and the degree of lividity—or the settling of blood in the body after death—in the body.

The witness also mentioned surveillance of Mahoney carrying food to his apartment prior to his death and the food having been consumed before investigators arrived at the crime scene.

A technician for DC Housing, who is responsible for accessing and downloading surveillance footage from Mahoney’s building, provided police with the surveillance from the building in the days leading up to the death, during the estimated time of death, and after the murder occurred.

A neighbor from Mahoney’s senior living facility told the jury about all the people Mahoney had contact with the victim on the day of his murder.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt scheduled the trial to resume Sept. 13. She said she expects the prosecution to rest by the end of the day on Tuesday.

Judge Modifies Homicide Defendant’s Release Conditions, Removing Him from Supervision Program

A DC Superior Court judge modified the release conditions of a homicide defendant during a hearing on Sept. 13.

On Oct. 25, 2021, the Metropolitan Police Department received calls about a stabbing on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE. Upon arrival, officers found 26-year-old Aaron Langford still alive and conscious. He was taken to a local hospital but died from his wounds shortly after.

Charles Haythe, 31, is charged with second-degree murder while armed. According to court documents, a witness told police that Haythe was the victim’s boyfriend.

During the hearing, defense attorney Megan Allburn said Haythe was in full compliance with the conditions of his release, which included a GPS monitor, curfew and several stay away orders. She requested that Haythe be downgraded from the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) to personal recognizance, and that his stay away orders be lifted. Haythe was released from jail on Jan. 12.

“Yes, he’s been compliant,” the prosecutor said, “but it doesn’t really matter how much he was in compliance, based on the facts of the case.”

Allburn said the defense had a “different view” on the facts of the case.

Even though D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun agreed that the severity of the charges was a relevant consideration, he granted the defense’s motion in part. Haythe was released from HISP and GPS monitoring.

Allburn also requested that the stay away order from Haythe’s previous place of residence, which still belongs to him, be lifted.

The prosecutor said the apartment was close in proximity to an eyewitness and that there is still a tangible safety concern for that witness.

Allburn said the defense would be fine with keeping in place the stay away order from the witness but because “the defendant and [the witness] are essentially perfect strangers,” Haythe could be allowed to return to his apartment without it necessarily posing a threat to the witness.

Judge Okun agreed, lifting the order to stay away from Haythe’s apartment.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene for another hearing on Jan. 27.

Homicide Defendant’s Attorneys Challenge Psychologists’ Evaluation Results

The results of a mental evaluation for a murder defendant were challenged by the defense.

Bobby Jordan, 47, who is also known as Hillman Ray Jordan, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license in connection with the fatal shooting of 64-year-old Jawaid Bhutto. This incident occurred on March 1, 2019, on the 2600 block of Wade Road, SE.

During the hearing, which took place on Sept. 12 and Sept. 13, two expert witnesses testified about their findings on Jordan’s mental state.

Both witnesses are experts in forensic psychology.

According to one of the witnesses, Jordan suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, citing auditory delusions as the symptom that most frequently impairs his ability to form rational and logical thoughts.

After conducting several interviews with Jordan from April of 2021 to October of 2021, the expert witnesses concluded that he was competent to stand trial, saying the determination was rooted in the defendant’s demonstrated abilities to effectively work with his counsel and exhibit a factual, rational, and logical understanding of his case.

The experts drew this conclusion from the progress Jordan displayed during their initial evaluation in April of 2021 to their fourth and final evaluation in October of 2021. Both psychologists said the defendant was “alert” and “less distracted,” during their last evaluation, which attributed to his improvement while on a medicine regimen, taking part in cognitive behavioral therapy, developing better sleeping habits, and abstaining from substances over the 6-month period.

Despite this conclusion, Jordan’s defense attorneys, Dana Page and Christen Philips, said Jordan was incompetent to stand trial based on the previous three evaluations that deemed him incompetent.

Page questioned one of the witnesses’ credibility, citing their Facebook posts, which she alleged were “anti-Black Lives Matter” in nature. She speculated as to whether the witnesses’ “racial biases” influenced their competency evaluation of Jordan.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Milton Lee permitted both parties to question the witness about racially biased concerns.

The hearing is set to continue for the next few days as the witness is further questioned and a determination can be reached.

Judge Reviews Motion to Reconsider Defendant’s Bail

During a Sept. 13 hearing, a judge considered a motion for reconsideration of a murder defendant’s release. The prosecution urged the judge to reconsider the facts in the case and revoke the defendant’s release.

Jose Ramos, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of 58-year-old Eduardo Cruz’s Jan. 29. Cruz was found dead in a car in the Carter Barron Ampitheater parking lot located on the 4800 block of Colorado Avenue, NW. According to court documents, a medical examiner listed Cruz’s manner of death as blunt force trauma, which police say stemmed from an altercation at the victim’s apartment on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

According to the prosecutor Ramos allegedly “spearheaded” a severe assault on the victim in which he was beaten with “hands, feet, and possibly other readily available objects.”

In his motion, the prosecutor also presented four reasons, and various transcripts, that illuminated why DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt should reverse her Aug. 12 decision for release. The prosecution’s argument included four pillars, the defendant’s criminal history, the nature of the offense, the weight of evidence against Ramos and the danger he posed to the community.

The motion stated that Ramos was arrested for assault four time with two resulting in convictions for second-degree assault in Prince George’s County and simple assault in DC.

The prosecutor’s motion also mentioned Ramos’ latest arrest in which he was apprehended in Fairfax County, at the end of August, for an outstanding warrant connected to a 2019 assault case. The prosecutor said the warrant was issued for Ramos’ failure to appear in a June 15 court hearing as another argument against his release.

Judge Brandt entertained the prosecution’s motion, asserting that the bench warrant called for thorough consideration. Judge Brant admitted she failed to notice the warrant during her initial bail review, and that if she had, she would have focused on it more.

“An omission of this significance is an inaccurate record,” Judge Brandt said.

According to Judge Brandt, the bench warrant coupled with Ramos’ criminal history, and the weight and nature of the evidence and outstanding charges against him, might have compelled her to deem him too much of a threat to his community and thus not eligible for release.

Ramos’ defense attorney, Rachel McCoy, contended that Ramos’ absence was not voluntary nor of negligence. She said the defendant was arrested on the morning of the hearing and was not allowed to go to the hearing.

However, the prosecutor said Ramos’ failure to attend the hearing on June 15 was because he was found carrying 17 bags of cocaine at a 7-Eleven. According to the prosecution, Ramos had been “cutting it very close,” and was not on track to arrive on time for the hearing.

The prosecution also called attention to Ramos’ refusal to speak to officers when he was initially arrested in Fairfax, due to being “high” on cocaine. According to the prosecution, Ramos’ intoxicated state would have presumably impacted his ability to appear in court later that day, regardless of whether he was arrested.

Both McCoy and Judge Brandt agreed that the prosecution’s assertions were speculative and didn’t conclusively indicate that Ramos wasn’t planning to appear in court.

Judge Brandt said the prosecution’s arguments were worthy of further consideration but did not make a decision on Ramos’ release conditions. Before doing so, Judge Brandt insisted she would need more information regarding Ramos’ activities on the day he was arrested, as well as the time he was scheduled to appear in court.

Ramos is currently being held in jail in Fairfax County.

His next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 3.

Judge Grants Motion of General Supervision for Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun held a motion hearing on Sept. 13 where a homicide defendant requested less supervision.

Gary Rush, 40, is charged with second-murder in connection to the death of Keena Dowtin in Fort Dupont Park in Southeast DC on Sept. 20, 2020.

According to court documents, Rush was driving with Dowtin as his passenger and swerved to avoid hitting a deer. Dowtin dies in the crash.

At the hospital after the incident, Rush was later found positive for PCP, a hallucinogenic drug.

Rush was put under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) after being released from jail on July 22, 2021.

During the hearing, defense attorney Nathaniel Mensah requested that his client to be placed on general supervision.

This would allow Rush to be taken off GPS monitoring. He would also have to report to his parole officer in person once a week.

Judge Okun granted the motion but informed Rush that he is still prohibited from driving under any circumstance. He cannot consume alcohol, nor take drugs unless prescribed by a medical professional.

Rush is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 3, 2023.

Document: Homicide in Northwest

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Sept. 9, on the 1300 block of 5th Street, NW.

At approximately 11:45 p.m., officers located 40-year-old Keith Allen suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

Document: Arrest Made in Sex Abuse Case

Metropolitan Police Department detectives announce an arrest in a misdemeanor sexual abuse offense that occurred on Sept. 9, on the 1500 block of New York Avenue, NE.

A 26-year-old was arrested and charged with misdemeanor sexual abuse.

Document: Police Investigating Homicide in Southeast

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Sept. 10, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

Officers were notified of two adult males seeking treatment at an area hospital for gunshot wounds.

One of the male victims has been pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 18-year-old Lonzo Malcolm.

Document: Homicide in Southeast

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Sept. 5, on the 1700 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

Officers reported to the location for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 63-year-old John Murphy suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

On Sept. 8, Murphy was pronounced dead.

Judge Hears Arguments for Motion on Murder Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan heard arguments Sept. 12 from both parties regarding a motion filed by the prosecution to discuss previous domestic violence charges against the defendant during trial.

Darnel Sterling, 57, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly killing his girlfriend 34-year-old Olga Ooro on Sept. 17, 2020, on the 300 block of Massachusetts Ave, NW.

The prosecution argued that the defendant’s previous cases and charges of domestic violence that involved the victim and violating a stay order are relevant to this case and present motive and pattern.

However, Sterling’s defense attorney, Howard McEachern, argued that the involvement of previously dropped charges of domestic violence against the victim were prejudicial.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Raffinan sided with the prosecution and accepted the motion.

The trial is set to begin with jury selection on Sept. 13.

Judge Sentences DC Man for 2020 Murder of A Senior Citizen

On Sept. 9, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced a homicide defendant to 32 years in prison for felony murder of a senior citizen and attempted robbery of a senior citizen.

On March 29, 2020, 81-year-old Bobby Poole Jr. was knocked down by 52-year-old Tyrone Williams and an accomplice in an attempted robbery on the 900 block Eastern Avenue, NE. During the incident, Poole hit his head on a metal fence, which caused serious injuries.

Poole was rushed a local hospital. He was released from the hospital on April 2, 2020, but returned days later due to complications from his brain injury. Poole died on May 6, 2020.

Along with the 32-year sentence, Williams will also have to serve eight years of supervised release.

Following Defendant’s Refusal to Participate, Judge Schedules Final Competency Screening

During a Sept. 12 mental observation hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ordered a preliminary screening for the defendant, a “third and final” attempt to assess his competency.

Joseph Melton, 54, has been charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with intention to kill while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business with a prior felony, and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Melton’s charges are connected to the Jan. 14, 2020, double-stabbing of 48-year-old Kevin Chamberlain, resulting in Chamberlain’s death later that evening.

Melton appeared in court for “yet another” mental observation hearing, as noted by Judge Okun.

In compliance with statutory procedures, Okun previously ordered two screenings for Melton’s mental health evaluation. However, Melton refused to participate in both screenings.

Due to Melton’s behavior, Judge Okun expressed temptation to skip the screening process.

However, Judge Okun agreed to schedule a screening for the third time., insisting that this would be Melton’s last opportunity to cooperate before the screening would be bypassed entirely.
Melton stated that he would participate in the screening.

Both parties agreed that the mental health evaluation should be conducted at a hospital, rather than DC Jail, as previously planned.

The preliminary screening is scheduled for Oct. 7.

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