Domestic Violence Defendant Requests Prison Transfer Due to Threats of Violence

A defendant in a domestic violence case expressed concerns regarding his safety in DC Jail, requesting transfer to the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF).

The defendant was charged on Jan. 26 with assault with intent to kill while armed in connection to a domestic violence incident.

“I really need your help, judge, ‘cause I’ve been going through a lot in the DC Jail,” the defendant said. “[They] told me if I go back, they are going to do evil things to me.”

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun had previously recommended the defendant be placed in CTF, but due to the court’s limited ability to direct the Department of Corrections, the defendant was placed in the DC Jail.

“I’m just a target in the jail,” the defendant said on Aug. 5. “There’s a lot of evil things going on, I just want to be away from that.”

As of yesterday, the defendant was placed in solitary confinement. Judge Okun said it would be difficult to transfer the defendant due to the defendant’s placement in maximum security.

Defense attorney Julie Swaney asked that jail staff keep an eye on the defendant, in light of the threats. “He has had a really challenging time mostly throughout his time in jail,” Swaney said.

Swaney requested that the defendant be placed in CTF or another institution, citing the defendant’s repeated mental health difficulties. Swaney also recognized that, due to the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s homeless status, release would be difficult..

Prosecution was against release but held no objections to the defendant’s transfer.

Judge Okun said he would contact DC Jail officials about the transfer, specifically recommending CTF.

Swaney also submitted a motion to withdraw as counsel, citing a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship.

Judge Okun agreed to the motion, and set a new hearing date pending the selection of a new defense attorney.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled to occur on Aug. 8 to ascertain new counsel.

Domestic Violence Defendant Pleads Guilty, Sentenced to One-Year of Parole

During a hearing on Aug. 3, a domestic violence defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted second-degree cruelty to children and was sentenced to one-year of supervised parole.

The prosecutor alleged Marcus Harrison, 36, beat his fiance’s 4-year-old son with a belt and a drumstick on Jan. 9, 2020 and Jan. 10, 2020, at his fiancée’s residence while the victim was left home alone with Harrison.

When his mother admitted the victim into the hospital, doctors observed the victim suffering from bleeding, bruising on his legs, and two missing teeth, one of which was found in his intestines. The victim was given two doses of morphine to deal with the pain.

“The victim was in so much pain, the social worker couldn’t speak with him,” the prosecutor told DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

According to the prosecutor, the victim’s older sister accompanied the victim to the hospital and provided text messages exchanged between Harrison and the victim’s mother.

In one message, Harrison told his fiancée he beat the victim “because he didn’t want to listen. A kid gets beat when they don’t want to listen.”

The defendant later texted his fiancée, “I did overbeat him, I did.”

“There’s absolutely no remorse or concern for the victim displayed in these messages,” said the prosecutor.

After Judge Raffinan accepted Harrison’s guilty plea, the prosecutor then asked Judge Raffinan to sentence Harrison to the maximum sentence of 180 consecutive days of imprisonment for each count and one-year supervised probation with a stay-away order from the victim and the fiancée’s house. The prosecution also requested GPS monitoring.

The prosecutor cited the defendant and the victim’s family’s violations of a previous court order issued by the DC Family Court in 2020 concerning a separate, unrelated case involving Harrison and the victim’s family.

The prosecutor noted although the court order forbade the victim from having any contact with Harrison and ordered the victim to live with his biological father, the victim continued to spend a significant amount of time in his mother’s house, where Harrison would often show up. Due to these violations, the prosecutor argued there was a risk Harrison would continue to be present around the victim.

“The prosecution is extremely concerned for the victim’s safety,” said the prosecutor, arguing the family as a whole violated the court’s conditions. “Mr. Harrison is supposed to be staying away from him and it seems like no one in the family is abiding by that.”

Defense attorney Michael Bruckheim opposed the prosecutor’s sentencing request, pointing out Harrison’s full compliance with his high-intensity supervision program (HISP) release conditions since March 31 and full employment status.

“For the prosecution to suggest 180-days after Mr. Harrison has been on release in full compliance would strip all that away,”

Bruckheim also said the Family Court order was not directed at Harrison himself, but at the victim’s mother.

“Much of what the prosecution said relates to what the victim’s mother did in relation to the Family Court order,” said Bruckheim. “What the prosecution has not shown is any evidence that Mr. Harrison actively sought out the victim’s presence.”

Instead, Bruckheim asked Judge Raffinan to suspend the entirety of the 180-days imprisonment and to sentence Harrison to probation with participation in the Family Violence Intervention program. However, Bruckheim opposed issuing a stay-away order from the victim.

“As a man, I apologize for my actions,” Harrison said while audibly emotional. “From my past to my present, I’ve been through so much. I’ve been trying to be a better person, taking it one day at a time. I just want to do right with a second chance to show the black community that we can change, that we can be something.”

Judge Raffinan sentenced Harrison to 180-days of imprisonment, the entirety of which was suspended.

Harrison will be released on supervised probation for one year with a stay-away order from the victim and GPD monitoring at the discretion of the Court Services and Offender Services Agency (CSOSA). Harrison will also be required to attend a Family Violence Intervention program.

“Mr. Harrison, you are the grown-up,” Judge Raffinan told the defendant. “It’s partially because the victim may trust you that you cannot abuse him. He’s four years old, not even a quarter the size you are. The damage you have done to this child may never be restored.”

The issues with the DC Family Court’s order “need to be worked out in a Family Court setting,” said Judge Raffinan. “There’s not much I can do about it here.”

The prosecutor requested Judge Raffinan impose a stay-away order from Harrison’s fiancée’s residence, the location of the offenses, as well. However, Judge Raffinan denied the request, telling Harrison he should not be at the residence if the victim is there.

“While I don’t think the prosecution’s request is unreasonable at all, due to the extent of the injuries and your prior criminal history, you have shown an ability to abide by court conditions,” Judge Raffinan said.

Sexual Assualt Defendant Put on Home Confinment

D.C. Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause for a defendant charged with sexual assault.

The 18-year-old defendant is charged with fourth degree sexual assault and robbery.

During the preliminary hearing on Aug. 4, surveillance footage was shown to detail the incident where the defendant allegedly assaulted the complainant in a parking lot and took her rings and bag, which he later gave up.

The defendant did not know the complainant.

Also, a Metropolitan Police Department detective testified that the complainant was “conscious but unable to speak.”

The “video really speaks for itself here. The complainant could not stand up,” the prosecutor said. “She repeatedly fell asleep.” The complainant was administered NARCAN on the scene to wake her up.

However, defense attorney Joseph Yarbough characterized the sequence of events differently.

“There is an absence of information of what actually happened in the alley,” Yarbough said.

Regarding the sexual assault charge, the videos are “without any information that there was a “no”.” Additionally, Yarbough rejected the idea that this was a robbery because it was not similar to other robberies as most times the defendant does not “take it and chill and wait for cops.”

Yarbough also highlighted Taylor’s character and involvement in a community program. Based on this absence of evidence he asked the court to not find probable cause.

Judge Brandt said the video evidence was clear and that only the defendant was in control of his actions. She said the complainant would have fallen over if it was not for the support from the defendant. She said the woman was under the influence of something.

“She has no clue what is going on,” Judge Brandt said. “She is not in a position to consent to anything.”

Furthermore, the detective said that when asked if she consented to what happened the complainant respondent, “hell no.”

Concerning the robbery charge, Judge Brandt said, “he took property” and hid it on his person from the complainant and thus, it was a robbery.

Judge Brandt ordered Taylor to be released from jail under the high intensity supervision program (HISP). He will be confined to his home and has a stay away from the location of the incident and the victim.

Domestic Violence Defendant Pleads Guilty

A domestic violence defendant pleaded guilty to several felony crimes against three women.

In an Aug. 4 hearing, the defendant pleaded guilty to unlawful disclosure, two counts of first-degree publication, 2 counts of stalking, and felony threats for crimes starting in 2018.

According to the proffer of facts, the 25-year-old defendant sent explicit photos of his ex-girlfriend to numerous people through GroupMe, Instagram, Gmail, and Kik. The defendant also mailed the photos to his ex-girlfriend’s employer and sent numerous threatening messages to his ex-girlfriend and two other women. He also sent an email to a law enforcement officer at American University where he threatened two of the victims.

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz accepted the plea.

Defense attorney, Kevin Mccants, requested that Jackson be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act. Judge Leibovitz is slated to consider the sentencing the defendant under the act during sentencing.

McCants also asked that his client be released prior to sentencing.

“They were idle threats,” McCants said.

Judge Leibovitz denied the request for release, saying the defendant presents a danger to the community.

The defendant’s sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 28.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 8 Years in Prison for Shooting 11-year-old

During an Aug. 4 hearing, one of four defendants charged with the death of 11-year-old Davon McNeal was sentenced to 8 years in prison.

Daryle Bond, 20, pleaded guilty Feb. 18 to voluntary manslaughter while armed with aggravating circumstances. He was initially charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed during aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license.

During Thursday’s hearing, McNeal’s family was present in the courtroom. Since the family previously spoke during a June 3 sentencing of the other three defendants who were also convicted for the shooting, the prosecutor read a victim impact statement from McNeal’s mother. He said he read it to prevent the family from having to go through more emotional turmoil.

“No time you are sealed will ever be enough for the life you took from us,” McNeal’s mother wrote in a letter written to Bond and the three other defendants. “Davon should be here with us and not 6 feet under.”

In response, Bond addressed the family and apologized for his actions.

“I’m sorry this happened. Davon had a lot of life ahead of him. He did not deserve what happened to him,” Bond told the family. “He is my younger brother’s best friend. I know there is nothing I can do or say to take back the pain I’ve caused.”

Defense attorney’s Roderick Thompson and Christen Philips argued that Bond should be sentenced to 7 and a half years in prison under the DC Youth Rehabilitation Act. The Youth Rehabilitation Act, which was first enacted in 1985, provides sentencing alternatives for young adult offenders under the age of 25 at the time the crime was committed, according to the Bureau of Prisons website.

“Daryle has consistently displayed remorse. It is something that he is going to carry with him for the rest of his life.” Thompson said.

The defense also brought in a pretrial services officer who said Bond would benefit from the Youth Rehabilitation Act. Additionally, the defense requested DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt recommend to the Bureau of Prisons that Bond be placed in the BRAVE Program.

The BRAVE program is a cognitive behavioral, residential program for young males, serving their first federal sentence, according to the website. Inmates participate in this program at the beginning of their sentence and interact in groups and attend community meetings during their time in the program. There are only two prisons that have this program, with one being on the west coast.

Judge Brandt expressed her condolences to the family and rejected the defense’s request to sentence Bond to 7 and a half years in prison. Bond will serve 8 years in prison, which will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. He must also register as a gun offender.

Judge Brandt also agreed to recommend Bond to the BRAVE program and PTSD treatment.

Bond’s co-defendants received their sentences in June. Carlo General, 22, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison; Marcel Gordon, 27, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison; and Christen Wingfield, 24, who was sentenced to 9 and a half years in prison.

MPD officers responded to the 1400 block of Cedar Street, SE on July 4, 2020, and located 11-year-old McNeal lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head. McNeal was transported to the hospital but life-saving efforts failed and he was pronounced dead.

“I’ve just given you a fully healthy second chance. Turn it around.” Brandt said.

Judge Rules Defendant Incompetent to Stand Trial

A DC Superior Court judge found a domestic violence defendant incompetent to stand trial.

The defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor in a 2022 domestic violence case.

A report from the Department of Behavioral Health found Payne incompetent to stand trial.

During the Aug 4 hearing, Judge Lynn Leibovitz, in accordance with the report, found the defendant mentally incompetent to stand trial, with no objection from parties.

Judge Leibovitz scheduled another evaluation for Aug. 17 and the next mental observation hearing for Sept 1.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Defendant Aiding and Abetting Teen Murder

During a preliminary hearing on Aug. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found probable cause for a defendant aiding and abetting a 2022 homicide case.

Anthony Green, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly aiding and abetting the shooting of 16-year-old Deshawn Francis during the course of an attempted robbery on Feb. 8 on the 100 block of Chesapeake Street, SE.

On Aug. 4, the lead detective of the investigation testified about the surveillance footage he collected and the witness interviews that were conducted.

One surveillance clip showed Green and his co-defendant, 17-year-old Eugene Williams, approaching the vehicle where Francis and a witness were seated. After a brief amount of time, Williams pulls out a firearm and shoots into the vehicle before running away with Green. Both Williams and Green can be seen with firearms shooting in the witness’s direction as the witness chased after them shooting back.

According to the detective, the witness initially told police officers he and Francis were there to meet Green and Williams for a shoe transaction. However, the witness later admitted they were there to sell marijuana to Williams.

Defense attorney Errin Scialpi asked the detective about the statements made by the witness who was in the car with Francis when Francis was shot.

In one statement to MPD officers, the witness said he did not think Green knew what was going on or that there was going to be a robbery. He said Green looked surprised when Williams suddenly told him “run that shit” and shot into the vehicle.

The detective said Green could be seen in the surveillance videos with one hand holding his phone and the other outside his pocket as he approached the vehicle. At no point before Williams shot into the car did the detective observe Green holding a firearm.

Scialpi also pointed out that neither Green nor Williams attempted to open the car doors or tried to take anything from the vehicle. Additionally, there was no evidence of Green and Williams planning a robbery or a shooting together before the event occurred.

During his closing arguments, the prosecutor emphasized how he did not have to prove Green planned to commit robbery or murder with Williams–merely that Green was physically present at the shooting to aid and abet the robbery.

“Mr. Green wouldn’t have done all he had done and acted how he had acted if he was just there to buy marijuana,” the prosecutor said.

In response, Scialpi emphasized the prosecutor’s lack of evidence that Green was aware a robbery was going to occur, pointing to the witness’s statements to police and the videos of the defendant on his phone.

“This is not somebody who’s there to perpetrate a robbery,” said Scialpi. “He’s distracted, he’s got his phone out, and he doesn’t have his gun out.”

After hearing the parties’ arguments, Judge Raffinan found probable cause that Green was an aider and abetter of attempted robbery.

“The video is quite compelling and clear,” said Judge Raffinan.

Judge Raffinan explained she did not find substantial probability because of the prosecutor’s lack of evidence of Green’s knowledge of or intent to commit the robbery.

Green will continue to be held at the DC Jail until his next court appearance, which is set for Oct. 11. Williams will also appear on the same date.

Judge Recommends Jail Transfer of 2015 Road Rage Homicide Defendant to GED Block

At the defense’s request, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sent a recommendation to the DC Jail for a homicide defendant to join a program to receive GED training.

Oscar Ramos, who was arrested when he was 32-years-old, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with the intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting two victims on May 28, 2015, on Interstate 295 at Exit 1 in Southwest DC. Police suspect the motive was road rage. One of the victims, 50-year-old Pedro Alvarado, was pronounced dead on the scene. The other victim was treated for life-threatening injuries at a local hospital.

Ramos was charged on April 20, seven years after the shooting occurred.

During a hearing on Aug. 4, Ramos’s defense attorney Rachel McCoy requested that Judge Raffinan send a recommendation to the DC Jail, where Ramos is currently detained, for Ramos to be transferred to the GED block.

The GED and Adult Basic Education Services at the Department of Corrections (DOC) offer inmates structured educational programming to enhance their academic skills and prepare them to take the GED exam to receive a high school-equivalent degree.

“Especially considering how Mr. Ramos is going to be detained for a long period of time, he can only benefit from studying and taking advantage of the resources at the block,” McCoy said.

Defendants usually get transferred into the GED block by submitting an application to their case manager. However, McCoy told Judge Raffinan that Ramos could not fill out the application or speak to his case manager due to language barriers. .

Judge Raffinan also scheduled Ramos’ trial to begin on March 18, 2024.

The prosecutor told Judge Raffinan he would not offer a plea agreement to the defense and expected the trial to last approximately seven days.

Ramos’s next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 8, where parties will discuss potential DNA testing.

Document: Homicide on 14th Place, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a homicide that occurred on Aug. 4 on the 3300 block of 14^th Place, SE.

According to a press release, officers responded to the location after hearing gunshot sounds. They found an adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim, who has not been named by the police, died on the scene.

A juvenile victim was also admitted to a local hospital a short time after for non-life-threatening injuries, the release stated.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s text tip line by sending a text message to 50411. The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Judge Allows Home Confinement to Expire

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan allowed the home confinement of a murder suspect to expire.

Derricko Johnson, 18, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting 16-year-old Justin Johnson.

Johnson attended the Aug. 4 hearing virtually.He was released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) under home confinement on July 18. Johnson was reported as staying in compliance with his release orders.

On May 26, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a shooting report at 2234 Savannah Terrace, SE. Upon arrival, MPD officers located the juvenile victim. The decedent was unconscious, unresponsive, and suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Johnson’s HISP orders include checking in by phone, GPS monitoring, as well as complying with stay away orders from the scene where the killing happened. Due to his compliance, as well as his not receiving any further warrants since his release, the Pretrial Services Agency did not request any further changes to his release conditions.

Once the defendant’s home confinement ends in August, Johnson must report back to PreTrial Services where he will remain under GPS monitoring as well as a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Johnson is scheduled to return to court for a status hearing on Nov 9.

Judge Reschedules Sex Abuse Trial for November

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo accepted the defense’s motion to reschedule a sex abuse trial for Nov. 10.

The defendant is charged with first-degree burglary, fourth-degree sex abuse and two counts of second-degree theft in connection to an incident that occurred on July 9, 2021. According to court documents, the victim told police that she awoke to the defendant “sucking on [her] nipples” at her residence on the 1000 block of 46th Street, NE. The victim said she believes the defendant entered her home through the window and took cash and her car keys from her purse.

At the Aug. 3 hearing, defense attorney Sara Kopecki told Judge Demeo that she needed more time to talk to her client and review video evidence with him. Kopecki indicated that she had been in discussion with the prosecutors about her timeline in advance of the hearing.

The prosecution did not object to the motion to reschedule the trial. Court records indicate that jury selection was originally scheduled for Aug. 3.

Judge Demeo scheduled jury selection for Nov. 10 and the beginning of arguments for Nov. 15.

She also set a Sept. 6 deadline for all parties to file responses to outstanding motions and for the defense to file notice of an expert witness.

The prosecution indicated that it expected its case to last two days. Kopecki said she needed one day to argue her case.

Judge Demeo accepted the defendant’s waiver of his rights to independently test DNA evidence. Law enforcement tested DNA taken from the victim’s breasts. The DNA profile matched the defendant’s profile on file from the FBI Federal DNA Database.

The defendant’s next appearance in court is scheduled for a trial readiness hearing on Oct. 7.

Judge Finds Child Sex Abuse Defendant Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

During a hearing on Aug. 2, DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee found a child sex abuse defendant mentally competent and denied the defendant’s request for new counsel.

The 23-year-old defendant is charged with second-degree child sex abuse in connection to engaging in sexual contact with a 15-year-old victim on Jan. 26 on the 500 block of 42nd Street, NE.

The defendant is also charged with assault with intent to commit third-degree sex abuse concerning a separate, unrelated case. The defendant is accused of wrapping his arms around the victim’s waist and holding her as he thrust his pelvis into her buttocks on Jan. 28 at the Shaw Howard Metro Station.

During the mental observation hearing on Aug. 2, Judge Lee considered a report by the Department of Behavioral Health (DHS) regarding the defendant’s mental competency. He found the defendant competent to stand trial.

Defense attorney Thomas Healy also informed Judge Lee of the defendant’s request for new counsel. Judge Lee denied the request.

Throughout the proceeding, the defendant kept his head on the table and refused to acknowledge Judge Lee.

“The only person you’re damaging is yourself,” Judge Lee told the defendant. “I can’t help you right now with you acting like this.”

According to court documents, the victim was walking home from school when she noticed the defendant following her. The defendant allegedly asked the victim, “have you ever seen a grown man’s penis” and when the victim turned around, the defendant was exposed. The victim tripped over her book bag as she was running away and as she got up, the defendant grabbed her buttocks and asked if she wanted to do something.

The defendant will be arraigned on all charges during his next court appearance scheduled for Sept. 1.

Counsel Requests More Time Due to Defendant’s Quarantine Status at DC Jail

Counsel asked DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee for more time to discuss DNA testing with a sex abuse defendant due to the defendant’s quarantine status at the DC Jail.

The defendant, 22, is charged with multiple counts of assault with the intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse, third-degree sex abuse with force, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and simple assault for allegedly sexually assaulting four individuals on the 1700 block of Park Road, NW and the 1700 block of Newton Street, NW between July 10, 2021, and Aug. 7, 2021.

During the hearing on Aug. 2, defense attorney Justin Okezie, standing in for the defendant’s attorney Rachel McCoy, informed Judge Lee McCoy has not yet been able to meet with the defendant to discuss potential independent DNA testing.

McCoy, Okezie said, will be able to meet the defendant once he is released from quarantine.

In light of the delay, Judge Lee scheduled an additional hearing after the defendant’s release from quarantine on Sept. 1 to address potential DNA testing.

Judge Denies Motions by Prosecution and Defense in 2018 Homicide Case

During a hearing on Aug. 3, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied the defense’s motion for a speedy trial and the prosecutor’s motion for a protective order for a homicide case.

Reginald Turner, 37, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection to the shooting of 37-year-old Malik Muhammad on the 800 block of Taylor Street, NE, on Nov. 26, 2018. The homicide occurred while Turner was on parole supervision for a separate, unrelated case in Maryland.

On Aug. 3, parties convened to discuss a motion Turner filed from the DC Jail, objecting to his trial date which is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2024. According to Turner, who has been detained for this case since April 9, 2019, his case was continually delayed by the prosecutor to an extent that violated his constitutional right to a speedy trial. He requested an earlier trial date or to be released from detention.

In reviewing Turner’s argument, Judge Raffinan considered the length of the case’s delay, the reasons for the delay, the defendant’s assertion of his speedy trial right, and the degree of prejudice to Turner caused by the delay–the four prongs established by United States Supreme Court case Barker v. Wingo to evaluate whether or not a defendant’s right to a speedy trial had been violated.

Judge Raffinan denied Turner’s motion, determining that although Turner’s case had been delayed significantly by the prosecutor, the majority of delays were unavoidable due to COVID-19 issues. In addition, the scheduled trial date accommodated the earliest time the case could go to trial.

Judge Raffinan then heard the prosecutor’s arguments concerning her motion to protect witnesses’ identities and sensitive information when turning over interview transcripts to Turner’s defense attorney, Dana Page.

“Your Honor has great discretion over this discrete matter,” said the prosecutor. “But it is important to protect the witnesses’ identities and security.”

Page opposed the prosecutor’s motion, arguing there was “no particularized reason and no good cause” for imposing a protective order.

Judge Raffinan denied the prosecutor’s motion, saying the prosecutor’s reasons for imposing a protective order on witnesses’ sensitive information was not specific enough.

According to court documents, a witness told members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that Turner and Muhammad were conversing outside an apartment building about the location of Turner’s cell phone. Turner, according to the witness, seemed “irritated and impatient” when Muhammad told the defendant the cell phone was in his girlfriend’s car and would be returned shortly.

Turner’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 23, where parties will discuss potential DNA testing.

Defense Discusses Plans To Test DNA Evidence For Defendant Accused Of Shooting Ex-Girlfriend

During an Aug. 3 hearing, defense counsel for a homicide defendant discussed plans for testing DNA and ballistics evidence for a trial set to begin in May of 2023.

Carson Posey, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Shantal Hill on April 15, 2020, on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW. Hill suffered multiple gunshot wounds and succumbed to her injuries a few hours later.

According to court documents, a police officer who was rendering aid to Hill before she was transported to a local hospital asked who shot her. Hill said Posey, her ex-boyfriend, shot her.

Defense attorney Jacqueline Cadman and the prosecution said laboratories are behind with DNA testing because of the number of trials that are set this fall. The prosecution estimates the testing would be completed by the end of August. However, a report would not be ready until after Labor day.

Cadman said the defense would independently test DNA evidence from Hill’s cell phone and sim card. However, parties are having trouble unlocking the phone due to technical issues.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt told the court that if the DNA testing comes back before the end of August, parties can schedule to come back to court earlier.

“I just want to keep you guys talking and make everything as smooth as possible,” Judge Brandt told both parties. “It sounds like you are working nicely together in the sandbox of justice.”

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