Case of Traffic Accident Turned Deadly Set for Trial

A man charged with murder for his alleged role in a deadly traffic accident was scheduled for trial after plea negotiations fell through.

In the early morning hours of June 13, 2021, 59-year-old Antonio Felder was standing at a bus stop on the 1500 block of 14th Street, NW, when Gerald Lewis allegedly struck him with his vehicle. According to court documents, Lewis approached a police officer saying, “I’m right here. I was driving. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m sorry.” He proceeded to beg someone to save Felder before reportedly saying, “y’all not about to get me for a f****** murder bro.” Lewis allegedly told officers he had a drink “like an hour or two ago.”

Lewis, 30, is charged with second-degree murder.

Back in January, parties said they were in preliminary plea negotiations. When they convened again on March 4, they told DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt they were not able to come to an agreement.

Judge Brandt scheduled Lewis’ trial to take place in September.

Lewis has yet to be indicted. The prosecutor said they were not giving as much attention to indicting this case because the defendant is on pretrial release. They expect to have an indictment ready in the coming months.

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled for May 4. In the meantime, Lewis will remain in the High Intensity Supervision Program.

February Homicide Count Down by 17% from January

A total of ten homicides occurred during the month of February, all of which were shootings.

February homicides decreased by approximately 17 percent from the month before. There were 12 homicides in January.

Of the 10 incidents that occurred in February, the Metropolitan Police Department arrested two suspects.

Police arrested Ronnie Thorne, 33, on March 3. She is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Miana Tanisha Luckett, 34, on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NE.

According to court documents, surveillance video captured Thorne in an alleged dispute with the female victim. Several witnesses also identified the suspect as well.

The victim suffered from one gunshot wound to the chest, which injured her heart and left lung, according to an autopsy report by the Chief Office of the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia.

Thorne is pending a preliminary hearing. Her next hearing is scheduled for March 24. She is being held without bail.

Police apprehended another homicide suspect on Feb. 5 for a domestic violence related homicide. Gregory Johnson, 30, allegedly stabbed 32-year-old Passion Pleasant on Southbound 295 near East Capitol Street, SE earlier that same day.

Johnson, who was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in 2020. He was released under the High Intensity Supervision Program on GPS monitoring in September of 2020. The assault case is pending a grand jury, according to DC Courts.

Johnson’s next hearing, in the homicide case, is scheduled for March 22.

Document: Alexandria Resident Fatally Shot

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that took place in Northeast, DC.

Police responded to the sound of gunshots at approximately 6:03 a.m., according to a press release. They found 44-year-old Artavarn Wagner in an alley on the 1700 block of Gales Street, NE, suffering from an apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on scene.

Man Accused of Sexually Abusing 13-Year-Old Girl Considering Plea Offer

A man accused of repeatedly sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl was given more time to consider a plea offer.

The 36-year-old defendant said he knows the victim through a mutual friend, according to court documents. The victim showed law enforcement Facebook messenger conversations between her and the defendant. She described numerous instances of abuse dating back as early as mid-2020. The defendant was arrested and charged with first-degree child sex abuse in February 2021.

During a March 3 felony status conference, defense attorney Ronald Resetarits requested more time to go over the plea offer they received in January.

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee granted this request, scheduling the next hearing for March 31. In the meantime, the defendant will remain released under the High Intensity Supervision Program.

Prosecutor Says He’s Close to Filing Indictment, Plea Offer in Fatal Stabbing Case

A prosecutor said he’s working towards an indictment and a plea offer in a murder case.

Olivia Cartwright-Cole is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 24-year-old Joel Midgett to death during the early hours of Oct. 16, 2015. According to court documents, Midgett was stabbed in the chest after a verbal dispute turned violent with rock-throwing and pepper spray. Another man was stabbed in the upper thigh but survived his injuries. Witnesses told detectives that Midgett and Cole had an intimate relationship for several years before breaking up.

Cole, 31, was arrested in 2019 and is currently released under the High Intensity Supervision Program.

During the most recent hearing for this case on March 3, the prosecutor asked Judge Milton Lee for more time because they are close to having the indictment and plea offer ready. Judge Lee granted the request with no objection from the defense.

Parties are now scheduled to reconvene for a felony status conference on April 22.

Deadly Shooting Case Approaches Indictment

A prosecutor announced they plan to formally indict a defendant by the end of March.

On Sept. 17, 2020, 38-year-old Phillip Roache was found on the 7000 block of 5th Street, NW, suffering from 10 gunshot wounds. Nearly a month after the homicide, 35-year-old Jacobi Williams was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He has remained detained ever since.

During Williams’ most recent hearing on March 3, the prosecutor said they have filed for indictment and were hoping to have it back by today, but are running behind. The prosecutor said the indictment should be back by March 18.

Defense attorney Marnitta King asked for the case to be dismissed due to the lack of an indictment, arguing the prosecutor has not prioritized the case. In the alternative, King asked for her client’s release.

The prosecutor argued that the evidence of dangerousness is greater now than it was during the preliminary hearing. He also said the defendant currently has a bench warrant in Charles County, Md., so even if he was released, he would end up detained there.

Judge Robert Okun said there is no basis for dismissing the case. He denied the release request as well.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 24.

Defendant Indicted on Murder, Firearms Charges

A defendant was indicted on four counts for his alleged role in a deadly Brightwood shooting nearly a year and a half ago.

On the afternoon of Oct. 1, 2020, 42-year-old Arthur Daniels IV was found in the front yard of a residence on the 6200 block of 8th Street, NW, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Less than three months after his death, Deon Walters was arrested and charged with murder.

Walters, 18, went on to be indicted on charges of first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possessing a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He was arraigned on March 2 and pleaded not guilty.

During that hearing, defense attorney Ronald Resetarits said they are ready for trial. Still, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan decided to schedule one at a later date.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for March 24.

Document: Two Men Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Tennessee Man

Two men were arrested in connection with a Congress Heights homicide.

At approximately 7:19 am on June 14, police officers responded to a shooting on the 1300 block of Congress Street in Southeast, DC. There, they found two men suffering from gunshot wounds. One of them, 21-year-old Albert Smith, of Grand Junction, Tn., succumbed to his injuries, according to a press release.

On March 2, pursuant to DC Superior Court arrest warrants, 32-year-old John Wilkins and 34-year-old Marcel Gavin were arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Parties Relay Obstacles in Preparing Murder Case for Trial

Parties discussed multiple obstacles they encountered in a murder case that was set to go to trial in March.

Chad Hawthorne is accused of shooting 35-year-old Antonio Bassett to death on the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on May 22, 2017. The 41-year-old defendant is indicted on charges of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Jury selection for Hawthorne’s trial was set to begin on March 2, but during a Feb. 28 hearing, the prosecution said they encountered issues with witnesses and ballistic evidence that may hold them back from being ready for trial.

The prosecutor said they received something by mail regarding ballistic evidence from the defense counsel’s expert but couldn’t articulate the contents and were unable to test it again with their preferred experts.

“The man knows what he’s doing,” said defense attorney Steven Keirsh of this expert, who he said he has been working with for a long time.

Towards the end of the hearing, defense counsel brought in multiple witnesses to be formally told they have a legal obligation to testify in trial. Judge Marisa Demeo explained to these witnesses what a subpoena is and their responsibilities in the trial.

Judge Demeo filed a material witness warrant for two witnesses who failed to appear after being reminded and contacted to attend. One officer who is supposed to testify in the trial also failed to show up but no warrant was issued.

The trial is no longer scheduled for its previously intended date. A trial readiness hearing is set for March 4.

The prosecutor requested that the defense be precluded from alluding in the trial that there may have been more than one shooter. Judge Demeo denied this request.

Judge Reduces Pretrial Supervision Requirements for Man Accused of Killing One-Year-Old Child

A DC Superior Court judge agreed to lessen the pretrial release conditions imposed on a man accused of killing his partner’s one-year-old child.

On May 16, 2018, emergency personnel responded to an apartment on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE, following a 911 call reporting an unconscious child. First responders found the child, Carter Sanders, and rushed him to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A medical examiner ruled his death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma to the head, according to court documents.

Brian Wooden is charged with felony murder and cruelty to children. The 32-year-old defendant has been released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) since July 2019. During his most recent hearing on March 1, defense attorney Marnitta King asked for him to be removed from HISP.

The prosecutor objected to this, though Judge Rainey Brandt ultimately granted King’s request. Wooden must call the Pretrial Services Agency once a week and abide by a stay away order for all children less than 18-years-old, with the expectation of his own children.

“This does not mean out of sight out of mind,” Judge Brandt warned the defendant. “If I get as much as one violation, I will send you straight to jail. You get one shot. That’s it.”

Wooden is scheduled to go on trial in April 2023. King mentioned she has an expert witness coming from California to prepare before the trial.

The next hearing for this case is scheduled for June 2.

Murder Defendant Waves Right to Independent DNA Testing ahead of Trial

A murder defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence ahead of his trial.

Jordan Marquette allegedly stabbed 48-year-old Ivan Lynch in the chest and back on March 1, 2018, on the 900 block of 5th Street, SE. The 28-year-old defendant was arrested that same day and has since been indicted on charges of first-degree murder while armed, armed robbery, threat to kidnap or injure a person, carrying a dangerous weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon. He is scheduled to go to trial later this month.

DC defendants accused of violent crimes have a right to independently test DNA evidence obtained during the investigation, which in Marquette’s case includes swabs of blood from the kitchen floor of the crime scene, four cell phones, Marquette’s clothing and a metro card, according to the prosecution.

During a Feb. 28 hearing, the defense confirmed they won’t be testing any of the material.

As the trial date nears, defense attorney Elliot Queen adopted a motion to suppress evidence that was filed by previous counsel in July 2019, which is expected to be addressed during a motion hearing on March 11.

The prosecutor also made a request for an American Sign Language translator for one of the expert witnesses taking the stand during that hearing.

Judge Issues Writ for Sex Abuse Defendant’s Presence After Prosecutors File Five-Count Indictment

After a sex abuse defendant was indicted on five charges, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun issued a writ for the defendant to appear in court for his arraignment, as he is currently incarcerated in Maryland.

On Feb. 25, prosecutors indicted the defendant on one count of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor, three counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor with aggravating circumstances and one count of attempted second-degree sexual abuse of a minor with aggravating circumstances.

The arraignment was planned for March 1, but the defendant could not attend due to his detention. He had been released on his personal recognizance in this case.

Defense attorney Bernadette Armand pointed out that her client cannot flee and argued it would be inhumane to bring him to the DC Jail simply for his arraignment given the issues with the facility’s conditions of confinement.

Prosecutors informed the court that a plea offer extended two years ago is still on the table for the defendant’s consideration. Armand wanted a renewed plea deal, but prosecutors say that they will not offer a new plea deal until the defendant is present in court to accept or decline the current one.

The arraignment is now scheduled for May 11.

Sexual Assault Defendant Scheduled for Trial After Rejecting Plea Offer

A sexual abuse defendant rejected a prosecutor’s plea offer and is now scheduled to go to trial next year.

The 33-year-old defendant is accused of attacking a woman who was walking through a trail near Rock Creek Park on her way to church in May 2021. He was arrested that same day and now faces charges of kidnapping and assault with intent to commit third-degree sex abuse. Last November, the defendant was released into home confinement under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

During the most recent hearing for this case on March 1, the defendant rejected the prosecution’s offer to plead guilty to one count of third-degree sexual abuse. His trial is set to take place in January 2023.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt lifted the defendant’s home confinement order due to his employment status, requiring him to abide by a curfew instead.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 23.

Global Plea Offer in the Works for Murder Defendant

A prosecutor informed a DC Superior Court judge they are in the process of extending a plea offer to a murder defendant.

On December 3, 2020, Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a report of a traffic accident. Upon arrival, they found 25-year-old Devonte Wilson inside a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. Wilson succumbed to his injuries the next day and Mohamed Goodwin was arrested later that month. Goodwin, 33, was under the supervision on the Pretrial Services Agency at the time of his arrest.

During the most recent hearing for this case on Feb. 28, the court was informed that Goodwin may be accepting a global plea deal that would encompass this case as well as another one involving a firearm possession charge.

Defense attorney Lee Smith asked for a two to three-week continuance as they await the prosecution’s plea deal offer. Judge Milton Lee scheduled parties to reconvene on March 23.

Document: Arrest Made in December 2021 Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department has made an arrest in relation to a homicide that occurred on Dec. 15, 2021.

At approximately 6:50 a.m. officers responded to the Unit block of 61^st Street, NE, in response to a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 44-year-old Jacques Russ with a gunshot wound. He later succumbed to his injuries, according to the press release.

On March 1, officers arrested 21-year-old Terrell Morgan and charged him with first-degree murder while armed, according to the press release.

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