Parties Dispute Instagram Evidence In Conspiracy, Double-Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman delayed ruling on a key motion regarding social media evidence linked to a homicide defendant in a hearing on Aug. 13.

Michael Mason, 21, is charged with conspiracy, two counts of first-degree murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with intent to murder while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and seven counts of criminal street gang affiliation while committing a felony or violent misdemeanor.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in three separate incidents. The connection with the death of 21-year-old Brea Moon and injury of a second victim. Moon was shot and killed on the 3900 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on April 7, 2020. A shooting that injured two on April 8, 2020 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. Additionally, the death of 18-year-old Antwuan Roach on May 22, 2020 on the 3800 block of East Capitol Street, NE.

According to court documents, prosecutors allege Mason is part of the “Avenue Crew of Simple City” and conspired with others to assault and kill the crew’s adversaries.

Alongside Mason are co-defendants Nkobia Edwards, 22, Charles Hill Jr, 24, Dominique Franks, 24, Melvin Morris, 27, and Dajuan Jones, 24 who are also all charged with criminal street gang affiliation and conspiracy while armed relating to several non-fatal shootings and homicides taking place from January 2020 to June 2021.

During the hearing, Judge Edelman heard arguments from Mason’s attorneys, Andrew Ain and Bernadette Armand, on motions to suppress Instagram evidence. Judge Edelman summarized Ain’s argument that the prosecution improperly seized the Instagram evidence not specified in the warrants. Ain and Armand argued the prosecution not only went beyond the scope of the warrant, tje shared the material with the co-defendants violating Mason’s privacy.

The prosecution explained the evidence they received from Meta, the technology company that owns Instagram, was a huge document with thousands pages of messages, videos, and images. They stated that the evidence was a random mix of data interposed with messages that required them to sort through the pages and find the relevant evidence.

In response, Ain stated that although the prosecution only planned to use evidence that was within the warrants, the fact they looked at the other information could lead them to investigate other issues and collect further evidence. In addition, Ain mentioned the prosecution’s lack of documentation on how they seized the evidence and decided what was relevant or not. He argued that there needs to be sufficient documentation in order to determine whether the bounds of the warrant were respected. Moreover, Ain stated that there were other more reasonable ways to search for relevant evidence like AI instead of manually searching, which the prosecution claimed as the only realistic way.

Ain also argued that by suppressing all the Instagram evidence it would deter the government from practices of using broad warrants to collect a traunch of evidence and then choosing what they deem relevant.

Judge Edelman told the prosecution to draft a brief how they seized and sorted the Instagram evidence before he could rule on the motion.

Judge Edelman told the prosecution Mason was charged with conspiracy when he was 15 which beyond the age range of the court’s jurisdiction. The prosecution stated that they will respond in writing by next week.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 25.

Judge Allows Shooting Defendant to Represent Himself, Denies Request to Withdraw Plea

A non-fatal shooting defendant represented himself in court during a hearing on Aug. 12 before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Rashid Shabazz, 36, pleaded guilty on Sept. 27, 2024, to unlawful discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 4, 2024, on the 5000 block of Banks Place, NE.

Shabazz filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea on Feb. 27, but has refused to appear in court at least six times since then.

During the hearing, Shabazz appeared in person for the first time since Dec. 13, 2024. Shabazz asked to dismiss his defense attorney, Susan Borecki. Borecki is the third attorney to represent Shabazz in this case.

Borecki asked Judge Hertzfeld to be dismiss her from the case, saying she lacks a relationship with Shabazz, and that representing him was a “mistake.”

Shabazz insisted hat all attorneys work for the prosecution because they advised him to take a plea when he did not want to.

Judge Hertzfeld allowed Shabazz to represent himself in court but did not dismiss Borecki, highlighting Shabazz’s lack of training or experience practicing law. The judge warned Shabazz he may “fail” to represent himself and explained that after hearing his arguments she may deny his motion to withdraw his guilty plea and proceed to sentencing.

Shabazz then argued to withdraw his guilty plea. Shabazz began speaking about his poor treatment inside the DC jail, saying he is scared to be there and also of himself. “I’m gonna die in jail for real,” said Shabazz.

Judge Hertzfeld asked if Shabazz had any evidence he wished to disclose. Shabazz responded by saying he was being accused by the prosecution of owning a car at the time of the incident but he has “never had a car in his life.”

The prosecution said they are only accusing Shabazz of the charges filed, which are firearms related, and maintain their proffer of facts that he possessed one during the offense. Prosecutors said there was no mention of a car in the charges or facts of the case.

Prosecutors noted that Shabazz previously admitted to obtaining a firearm when reviewing the evidence.

Judge Hertzfeld denied Shabazz’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea and said his arguments did not supplement his motion or provide evidence that the plea deal was unfair or involuntary.

Judge Hertzfeld decided to proceed and warned Shabazz that if he fails to appear in court, his sentencing will be held without him present.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 25 for sentencing.

Document: Police Investigate Homicide in Northwest DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Aug. 11 in Northwest DC.

The victim, identified as 33-year-old Tymark Wells, was found with gunshot wounds on the 1200 block of 12th Street, NW and later pronounced dead at a hospital.

The case remains under investigation.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Remains Jailed

A non-fatal stabbing defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Aug. 7 before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover.

Julius Miller, 55, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that took place on the 1900 block of Gales Street, NE on July 17.

According to court documents, Miller and the victim allegedly smoked cocaine together on July 16 when Miller requested money and the victim refused to pay. The next day, the victim was walking behind the building when Miller reportedly approached him. The two then reportedly engaged in a verbal then physical argument before Miller allegedly stabbed him several times. The victim suffered multiple stab wounds to his left middle back, left upper abdomen, and left upper back.

Following Miller’s waiver of his preliminary hearing in court, the prosecution requested that Miller remain detained prior to trial.

Miller’s defense attorney, Bruce Cooper, did not object to the hold or request for Miller’s release. Judge Glover acknowledged Miller’s continued detention and accepted the waiver of his preliminary hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 13.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in 16 Year Old’s Murder

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with a homicide that occurred on May 20 in Southeast DC.

The victim, identified as 16-year-old Dominique Dingle, was found deceased from gunshot wounds on the 1000 block of 3rd Place, SE.

On Aug. 11, Leroy Dixon, 17, was arrested and charged as an adult for second-degree murder while armed.

Judge Denies A Shooting Defendant’s Release Following Mistrial

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson denied a shooting defendant’s request for release after prosecutors said they intend to retry the case during a hearing on Aug. 8.

Demann Shelton, 32, is charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

These charges stem from his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Nov. 9, 2020 the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW outside of the Columbia Heights Metro Station. One individual sustained a gunshot wound to the hand.

The court declared a mistrial on July 28 after the jury could not reach a verdict. During the hearing, prosecutors informed Judge Dayson that they intend to retry the case.

Shelton’s defense attorney, Emily Sufrin, requested Shelton’s release on GPS monitoring. Sufrin said the case was several years old and that the trial was delayed several times before the mistrial. She pointed out that Shelton had been incarcerated for almost two years and has not been charged with any more crimes. Suffrin also asserted that most jurors did not think Shelton was guilty.

“They undermined Shelton’s right to a speedy trial,” said Sufrin about the prosecution.

Sufrin also told Judge Dayson that Shelton completed the “A’Tonement Project” program, a self-development course at the DC Jail, for which he was a block leader. Suffrin played a video from a staff member advocating for Shelton’s release and spoke about his growth as a violence-interrupter in the program.

Sufrin said if released, Shelton already had an employment offer, would stay with his mother, and abide by any conditions of release. She added that he had an abundance of family supporting him and pointed out family members in the courtroom.

Shelton’s sister was present and asked Judge Dayson for leniency because she was actively working on connecting Shelton with counseling and the resources he needed if granted release.

The prosecution requested that Shelton continue to be held at the DC Jail and argued that his criminal record showed a pattern of dangerousness to the community. They pointed out that Shelton had two prior firearm convictions, previously had his probation revoked because he did not abide by conditions of release, and was on release at the time this incident occurred. The prosecutor added that Shelton had only been held in this case since April 2024.

Judge Dayson acknowledged the strong familial support that Shelton had but said that his history indicated an escalation of risky behaviors. Ultimately, the judge denied Shelton’s release because there were no conditions she felt could ensure the safety of the community.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 7.

Triple-Fatal Arson Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A murder defendant pleaded not guilty during his arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Aug. 8.

Robert Simpson, 56, is charged with three counts of felony murder that was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel with aggravating circumstances, assault with a dangerous weapon, simple assault, threat to kidnap or injure a person, misdemeanor threats to do bodily harm, arson, and two counts of destruction of property worth less than $1,000. These charges stem from Simpson’s alleged involvement in a house fire that occurred on Oct. 6, 2024, on the 3400 block of 23rd Street, SE. The fire killed 64-year-old Ronald McKinnon, 34-year-old Jessica Cunningham, and 85-year-old Margaret McKinnon.

During the hearing, Simpson’s attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, informed Judge Dayson of Simpson’s intention to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

In a January hearing, prosecutors presented surveillance footage allegedly showing Simpson walking toward the home, pausing briefly, then walking away following the start of the fire. Shortly after, a 911 call was made by Cunningham in which she stated “He came back…He set the house on fire.”

The defense claims there is insufficient evidence that proves the identity of the suspect in the footage.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Dec. 12.

Judge Grants Severance in Co-Defendant Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted a motion for separate trials to two non-fatal shooting co-defendants during a motions hearing on Aug. 7.

Daquawn Lubin, 30, and Jonathan Young, 35, are charged with conspiracy while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence.

Lubin is also charged with possession of a prohibited weapon. These counts stem from their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two on the 4000 block of Benning Road, SE, on July 24, 2023.

During the hearing, Young’s attorney, Lisbeth Saperstein, proposed Young’s motion for severance from Lubin, namely to have a separate trial. Saperstein stated that Lubin agreed to testify in Young’s trial and his testimony would prove Young’s innocence.

The government argued that Lubin’s testimony must have substantial evidence in order to separate the trials for Lubin and Young.

Judge Kravitz acknowledged that it would be inefficient to have two separate trials but granted the motion after a discussion under seal with Saperstein and Lubin’s attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan. Judge Kravitz said Lubin’s testimony would show inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.

The prosecution also requested delaying the trial in order to get Lubin’s cell site data around the time of the shooting. They argued that this evidence would be pivotal for their case but needed more time to receive the report.

O’Sullivan, argued against any continuance, stating that Lubin is ready to proceed with trial and this case is making him take time off from work.

Judge Kravitz agreed that the evidence is pivotal and ruled that he would grant the government’s request for a continuance. The trial was scheduled to begin on Aug. 11 but a new trial date for Lubin was set for Sept. 29.

In addition, Saperstein requested Young be released from jail awaiting trial.

The prosecution had no objection, but wanted Young to be put on GPS monitoring and home confinement. However, Saperstein stated that home confinement keep Young from getting a job.

Judge Kravitz released Young with GPS monitoring and a curfew from 10 p. m. to 6 a. m.

The prosecution also argued their motion for a good faith exception to illegally obtained evidence. Previously, in an Aug. 5 hearing, Judge Kravitz ruled that the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective in the case collected GPS evidence from Lubin’s rental car illegally without a warrant and that evidence couldn’t be used in the trial.

Prosecutors disputed Judge Kravitz’s ruling and argued the detective was acting in good faith because he thought he obtained the evidence legally. The prosecution stated the detective believed he could get the GPS data from the rental car based on the rental agreement and since it was not Lubin’s personal car. Therefore, admissible in court.

O’Sulliven rebutted the government’s motion stating that the good faith exception only applies if the detective relied on a specific precedent from the courts or training which caused him to believe that he could obtain the evidence without warrant. But since there was no specific training or precedent that the detective used when gathering the GPS illegally, the good faith clause does not apply and the evidence can’t be used in court.

Judge Kravitz ruled that it was unreasonable for the detective to believe that he could access the GPS data without a warrant. He also stated that MPD should have trained the detective on what is prohibited or permitted under the Fourth Amendment. Therefore, Judge Kravitz denied the prosecution’s motion and affirmed the suppression of GPS evidence.

After Judge Kravitz’s ruling, prosecutors proposed since the GPS data is going to be obtained legally through a new warrant the government filed, the evidence should be included.

Judge Kravitz allowed parties to submit arguments and he will rule on it at a later time.

For the remaining motions filed, O’Sullivan argued the probable cause for the arrest of Lubin wasn’t established. Prosecutors called the case’s lead MPD detective to the stand to establish his reasoning.

During the direct examination by the prosecution, the detective stated that he noticed Lubin’s rental car in the area before the shooting and after the shooting seen through video surveillance and GPS tracking. The detective also stated that surveillance footage captured Lubin and Young wearing the same clothing said to be the same as the shooters. For example, the detective said one of the suspects wore a teal shirt on surveillance video before the shooting, and MPD discovered a similar teal shirt in Lubin’s rental.

On cross examination by O’Sullivan, the detective stated that they did not know of any gun in Lubin’s possession. The detective also stated that they never recovered a ski mask or black hoodie that was seen worn by the shooters. In addition, no witnesses identified Lubin as the shooter to the detective.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 11 to continue discussing motions.

Judge Orders Full Mental Exam For Fatal Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered a homicide defendant to receive a full mental competency exam on Aug. 11.

Anna Hyman, 22, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 63-year-old Robert Dent on July 26, 2025, on the unit block of Galveston Street, SW. Dent sustained 55 sharp force trauma injuries to his face, neck, chest, left thigh, and right hand.

According to court documents, the homicide allegedly resulted from a domestic dispute between Hyman and Dent.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan said that an initial competency report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found Hyman was partially competent.

The DBH report concluded that Hyman understood her attorney’s role but had less understanding of the role of the prosecution and the judge. The report also stated that Hyman didn’t appreciate the seriousness of the charges.

Therefore, Judge Ryan ruled Hyman be sent to Saint Elizabeths Psychiatric Hospital for a full competency exam.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 10.

Prosecutor Says Murder Defendant’s Injuries Are A ‘Ruse’

The prosecution alleged that a homicide defendant was not being honest about the extent of his injuries during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Aug. 8.

Tommy Whack, 35, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and robbery for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Fasil Teklemariam, 53, on April 5, 2024, on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW.

Whack appeared at the hearing in a wheelchair.

The prosecution asserted that Whack’s injuries are a “ruse” because DC Jail staff members have seen Whack walking around and playing basketball at the jail.

Prosecutors also informed Judge Kravitz that Whack claimed he was injured by DC Jail staff after he was caught bringing fentanyl into the jail. According to prosecutors, during visitation at the jail, Whack was allegedly seen hugging a visitor and, in the process, exchanging up to 300 fentanyl pills. DC Jail staff seized the pills from Whack, and it was during this encounter that he alleged he sustained injuries.

Prosecutors added that Whack has been non-compliant with many of the court and jail staff’s orders.

For example, prosecutors said Whack previously refused to take a mouth swab to obtain DNA. The prosecution contacted the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) and planned to have staff members swab Whack after the hearing.

Additionally, prosecutors said they received a report of a social media post made by Whack from the jail with the caption,“This is the lady trying to frame me, her name is [prosecutors name].”

Whack’s defense attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, argued that the defendant dosn’t have the technology to access social media from the jail and that if the post came from Whack’s account he was more than likely hacked.

Judge Kravitz said “Whoever made this post, it is utterly inappropriate. If I was [prosecutor’s name] I’d consider this threatening” and ordered Whack to not make any threatening messages.

O’Sullivan also argued that the DC Department of Corrections (DOC) hasn’t properly tended to Whack’s injuries.

According to O’Sullivan, during Whack’s last visit to George Washington Hospital, the staff ordered Whack to come back for neurological testing. Despite this, the jail transported Whack to his appointment two to three hours late so he missed the appointment.

O’Sullivan also stated that the DOC failed to transport Whack to any of his legal appointments and therefore O’Sullivan has not seen his client since the last hearing. Additionally, O’Sullivan claimed the jail refused to provide assistance for Whack to shower which caused a variety of infections and health issues.

Judge Kravitz stated that he will not order the DOC to do anything unless a representative is present to speak on their behalf.

Parties are set to reconvene Sept. 12.

Detective Testifies Attire, Instagram Messages Link Suspect to Homicide

The lead detective in a murder trial testified about a defendant’s clothing and phone records before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 12.

Jajuan Gripper, 22, is charged with conspiracy, first-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 for his alleged involvement in the death of 34-year-old Rynell Bradford. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue, NE on Dec. 20, 2022.

The lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective presented surveillance footage that allegedly showed Gripper and other suspects leaving an apartment building on Quarles Street, NE, holding firearms shortly after Bradford left. The building is near Anacostia Avenue, where Bradford was ultimately shot.

More footage showed the suspects in an alley across from Quarles Street after the shooting occurred, getting in a car. The detective said that footage from several crime cameras in the area was used to track the car after it left the alley.

According to the detective, the car, an older model Lexus sedan, has been connected to Gripper and was towed for evidence at the beginning of the case but no significant evidence was recovered from the car.

Footage also shows a man in a Moose Knuckle jacket–a distinctive, higher end sportwear brand– leaving the apartment building on Quarles Street, which the prosecution argued is an identifier for Gripper.

The detective testified that he went to Gripper’s apartment in early January, more than two weeks after the incident, and questioned him about the shooting, informing him that his car was towed. Gripper told the detective that he did not know anyone from the area where the murder occurred, but that he had previously lived in another nearby neighborhood.

According to the detective, he directed a search warrant of Gripper’s apartment due to the video evidence and car connection and seized his phone at the scene. After getting an additional warrant to search the phone, the detective said he reviewed cell site data from Gripper’s phone.

The detective further testified that it took “a significant amount of time” to gain complete access to Gripper’s phone.

He said that Instagram messages between Gripper and another person from the night of the murder show Gripper attempting to call this person, saying there was an emergency. According to the detective, Gripper then requested to call the person over an app called TextNow and asked if that app records calls.

According to the records shown during the detective’s testimony, Gripper contacted another person in the early morning after the shooting, asking to swap his Moose Knuckle jacket for their Canada Goose jacket.

The prosecution also showed the jury the search history from Gripper’s phone. The detective said the phone records show Gripper searched “unsolved homicides” several times and viewed a MPD webpage with a list of major cases and unsolved homicides in the days following the shooting.

During the cross examination, defense attorney Wole Falodun probed the detective about his knowledge of what happened between Gripper’s leaving the building on Quarles Street and arriving at another building on Anacostia Avenue. The detective testified that he only knows what witnesses reported and what could be seen on surveillance footage.

The medical examiner who performed Bradford’s autopsy also testified that Bradford’s death was a homicide from one gunshot to the back of the head and he also sustained several injuries as he fell after being shot.

Falodun confirmed with the medical examiner further that she cannot determine from how far away the shot was fired or what position Bradford may have been in when shot.

With the jury dismissed, Falodun motioned for acquittal of the premeditation and conspiracy charges and argued that the government did not meet their burden of proof.

In response, the prosecution presented surveillance footage that showed Gripper and the other alleged shooters in the apartment building and then walking out together, all carrying guns. Bradford had walked out of the building less than a minute before the suspects.

“That is the product of an agreement,” prosecutors said.

Judge Ryan denied the motion of acquittal and said that although the evidence is “thin,” it is sufficient to prove conspiracy and premeditation.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 13.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in Benning Road Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 31-year-old Brian Diggs, of Southeast, DC, for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Aug. 6 on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE.

The incident followed a verbal altercation, during which Diggs allegedly shot the victim, who survived with non-life-threatening injuries. He was found in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest.

Diggs was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license, unregistered firearm and unregistered ammunition.

Prosecutors Say Double-Homicide Suspect Linked to Gang Conspiracy

Defense attorneys representing a double-homicide suspect argued detectives used coercive tactics during a police interview. The challenge came in a gang-related, conspiracy case before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman during a motions hearing on Aug. 12.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in three separate incidents. The death of 21-year-old Brea Moon and injury of a second victim on the 3900 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on April 7, 2020. A shooting that injured two on April 8, 2020 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. Additionally, the death of 18-year-old Antwuan Roach on May 22, 2020 on the 3800 block of East Capitol Street, NE.

According to court documents, Mason is part of the “Avenue Crew of Simple City” street gang and conspired to assault and kill the crew’s adversaries.

The defense asked Judge Edelman to have the conspiracy count tried separately from the other charges. They worried the jury might be influenced by unrelated or damaging evidence from the conspiracy charge affecting a verdict.

The prosecution argued all the evidence supports a conspiracy.

Prosecutors alleged that Mason is connected to 13 other shootings in DC as part of another street gang named “Avenue Crew.” On multiple occasions, according to prosecutors, Mason is visible in social media posts and group chats associated with co-conspirators, linking himself with several crimes that took place in 2020.

Defense attorney Andrew Ain argued Mason’s Instagram account was not the address for some of the messages prosecutors cited. He said, like other professionals, criminals may talk about the work they do, but that does not automatically prove conspiracy and that it is unfair that the alleged co-conspirators are not also being charged.

However, prosecutors also noted that many of the shootings happened in what they described as rival crew territory, and alleged that guns seized during the arrests were linked to other shootings on crew turf.

Prosecutors said they plan to call law enforcement officers as witnesses to testify who are familiar with how the crews operate and have knowledge of the locations they frequent.

Mason’s attorneys, Ain and Bernadette Armaand, filed a motion to prevent prosecutors from showing Mason’s second interview with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives to the jury. They argued that it’s manipulative and coercive.

They say Mason was only 16 at the time of the interview, had a 10th-to-12th grade education level, and invoked his right to remain silent during the first interview.

The defense says that despite his refusal to speak during the first interview, he was interviewed a second time for an extended period and was told that if he talked, detectives would reveal the evidence against him.

Judge Edelman stated that the DC Court of Appeals ruled in several cases that an interview can still be considered voluntary despite its length. He also noted that Mason was offered food and water during both interviews, that there was no yelling, no direct threats, and no promises made by the detectives and ultimately denied the defense’s motion.

Meanwhile, prosecutors stated that the firearms expert they intend to call during trial will present research purporting to show that recovered shell casings can be linked to a specific firearm with a high degree of conincidence.

Ain argued that is essentially the same as saying “studies have shown that.” He said this could prejudice the jury into believing the firearms expert’s assessment was made with absolute certainty, when in most cases it is only an educated guess.

The prosecution clarified that the expert will testify only that he observed specific marks on the casings and that studies have found each mark to be unique, with individual characteristics that can link it to a specific source.

Judge Edelman ruled that the firearms analyst cannot claim an accurate percentage during testimony and required prosecutors to say the results are not 100 percent certain.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 13 to continue discussing motions.

Judge Admonishes Suspect After Acquittal in Nephew’s Murder

“Don’t mistake my kindness for being foolish,” stated DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt after she released a murder defendant following an acquittal on Aug. 11.

Franklin Dorn, 45, was charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his nephew, 28-year-old Antonio Brown, on Aug. 6, 2023 on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

During the week-long trial, prosecutors argued that although Dorn did not fire the fatal shot, he was guilty of Brown’s murder because was the aggressor in a conferontational situation and would have shot if his gun did not malfunction.

Dorn’s attorney, Kevin Irving, asserted Dorn’s innocence and said he acted in self-defense because the other shooter acted in a threatening manner.

Following one day of deliberations, the jury found Dorn not guilty of second-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during crime of violence. However, the panel found Dorn guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

After the jury returned the verdict, Irving asked for Dorn’s release and stated Dorn was willing to comply with any conditions of release the court imposed.

The prosecution opposed Dorn’s release due to his conviction on the firearms charge.

Judge Brandt stated she believed she could set conditions of release that would ensure the safety of the community and released Dorn with a GPS monitoring device and a curfew.

Judge Brandt told Dorn “if you sneeze out of place it won’t look good on sentencing day” at the end of the hearing.

Parties are slated for sentencing on Oct. 15.

Carjacking Co-Defendants Consider Plea Deal

Co-defendants in a carjacking case were granted time to consider a plea deal during an Aug. 8 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Laiten Bell, 20, and Cornell Jamison, 21, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in an armed robbery, carjacking, and assault of a woman on Jan. 22 on the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE. Bell is also charged with armed robbery and an additional count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to court documents, Bell and Jamison allegedly knew the victim for more than ten years and targeted her because of her ties to her neighborhood. A video of the assault, connected to an Instagram account name allegedly associated with Cornell, was posted online. The video portrayed the suspects kicking and punching the half-dressed victim. Following the assault, Bell and Jamison reportedly stole the victim’s car.

Prosecutors presented a plea deal during the hearing that would require Bell to plead guilty to unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, with a sentence of up to eight years of incarceration. Jamison would be required to plead guilty to armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, with up to a nine year sentence.

Judge Hertzfeld granted both Bell and Jamison more time to consider the offer. Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 25.

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