Attorney Requests Murder Defendant’s Release to Halfway House

A murder defendant’s attorney sought his client’s release into a halfway house.

The defendant, Travis Russell, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 44-year-old Michael Hooker on May 26, 2019, on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Hooker was determined to have died from a “sharp force to the right side of the neck.” He was found by responding officers with severe lacerations to his neck and a piece of glass was found in his wound.

Russell, 37, was detained at DC Jail upon his arrest in June 2019. According to court documents, in April 2020, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz agreed to the defense’s request to have Russell released to a halfway house. However, days later, the halfway house in question stopped taking new admissions. The following month, it shut down, which prevented Russell from being able to leave the jail, where he has now been for more than two years.

Back in July, defense attorney Mani Golzari motioned for his client to be released into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) instead, with home confinement as an added condition if necessary, but that request was denied.

Golzari asked Judge Kravitz if he knew about any available halfway houses during the Nov. 12 hearing. Judge Kravitz said he did not know about any available houses.

Russell will remain held at DC Jail until further notice is given.

Judge Kravitz also asked the prosecution for an update on DNA testing that had been recently conducted during the hearing.

The prosecution said they have received results from the DNA testing and have shared the results with the defense. Golzari requested a 30-day continuance to allow for DNA to be further examined.

Judge Kravitz scheduled parties to reconvene on Jan. 18.

The trial is set to begin in June. The prosecution expects to call 20 witnesses.

Defense in Murder Case Waiting to Receive Evidence

The defense in a murder case expects to receive discovery evidence from the prosecution in three to four weeks.

Deangelo Glover, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 32-year-old Tyrone William Wright on Jan. 19 on the 3800 block of Hayes Street, NE.

According to court documents, multiple expended .40 caliber and 9mm cartridge casings were found at the scene. The medical examiner reported that the victim received 17 gunshot wounds, six to the back of the head.

During the Nov. 12 hearing, the defense counsel requested another status hearing for after they receive discovery materials and have time to review them. Defense attorney David Knight requested a hearing date in February.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson scheduled parties to reconvene Feb. 4.

Defense Attorney in Murder Case Raises Concerns Over Conditions of Confinement

A murder defendant’s attorney raised concerns over the conditions in which her client is being held.

Rashon Hall, 25, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting 22-year-old Joseph Simmons on the morning of Jan. 3 on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The shooting occurred just after 11:00 across the street from an elementary school, according to court documents. The medical examiner found that Simmons had multiple gunshot wounds in his back.

During the Nov. 12 hearing, defense attorney Dana Page voiced her client’s concerns about the conditions of the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF), where he is being held. Page asked Judge Danya Dayson to release Hall.

Page told Judge Dayson that Hall says there is mold in his cell. He also reports there is water leaking through the ceiling in the cell block leading to standing water in the block. Additionally, he says he has not received medications he is supposed to take daily for multiple weeks at a time.

Page noted that the cell block is extremely cold. She said when she visits clients there they shiver throughout the entire visit.

The prosecution said that, while there have been allegations that the conditions at the Central Detention Facility (CDT) are unhealthy, the conditions at CTF are better than those at CDF.

Judge Dayson denied the request for release due to the seriousness of the charges and the defendant’s previous firearms convictions. But she did acknowledge the conditions at DC Jail and said she would set an evidentiary hearing to examine the problem.

Judge Dayson set a hearing for Dec. 7 and will request the presence of a Department of Correction representative.

Crime Alerts: November 14-15

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out four crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 14 and 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 15.

A crime alert was sent out at 10:53 p.m. due to a shooting investigation in the 3500 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE. Police identified the suspects as three Black males.

A crime alert was sent out at 11:07 p.m. due to a robbery investigation in the 600 block of F Street, NW. Police identified the first suspect as a Black male with a slim build, wearing a black ski mask and a black and purple jacket. The second was identified as an 18-20-year-old Black male with a heavy set, wearing a black ski mask and armed with a knife. The third suspect was identified as a Black female who was 18-20 years old with a heavy set.

A crime alert was sent out at 1:41 a.m. due to a gun robbery on the corner of 29th and M Street, NW. Police identified the suspects as a Black male and a Hispanic male who were in a Jeep Cherokee vehicle with unknown MD tags.

A crime alert was sent out at 7:17 a.m. due to a shooting investigation in the 1800 block of 14th Street, SE. Police identified the suspect in a two-door black BMW vehicle.

Document: November 13 Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a Nov. 13 homicide.

At approximately 6:44 p.m. officers responded to the 1500 block of F Street, NE, due to a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 37-year-old Kenneth Harris inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on scene, according to the press release.

Document: November 13 Traffic Fatality

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers are investigating a Nov. 13 traffic fatality.

An investigation revealed that at approximately 3:30 p.m. a vehicle struck a pedestrian in the 1800 block of Columbia Road, NW. The pedestrian, 24-year-old Nina Larson, was stuck under the vehicle until emergency personnel arrived and transported her to a local hospital. Larson later succumbed to her injuries, according to the press release.

Document: November 12 Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a Nov. 12 homicide.

At approximately 4:44 p.m. officers were flagged down on the Unit block of Florida Avenue, NW, due to an assault. Upon arrival, officers located 35-year-old Chanea McLaughlin with stab wounds and transported her to a local hospital. She later succumbed to her injuries, according to the press release.

Judge Sentences Man to 12 Years for Fatal Stabbing

A defendant received a 12-year sentence for stabbing a man to death.

Back in August, Joshua Young pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for stabbing Walter Rogers on Feb. 21 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. The 21-year-old defendant was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed.

During the Nov. 12 hearing, Roger’s oldest sister said her brother, a father and grandfather, would have turned 51-years-old tomorrow. She did not ask DC Superior Court Judge Yvonne Williams to pass a specific sentence, but rather, asked her to “seek justice in his name.”

The prosecutor said he offered Rogers the opportunity to plead down to a manslaughter charge despite the evidence they had against him in part because he took responsibility for his actions early on. The prosecutor also said the victim was displaying “erratic behavior” that day, but emphasized that it did not justify the stabbing.

The defense sought to have the sentenced imposed under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would have effectively sealed Young’s case once he completes his requirements, but the prosecution opposed this, citing the defendant’s criminal history.

“Mr. Young should never have been on the streets that day,” the prosecutor said.

At the time of the homicide, Young was set to return to custody following the revocation of his probation in another case. But he allegedly cut off his GPS.

The prosecutor sought a 16-year sentence, but defense attorney Madalyn Harvey argued that would be too harsh. She recommended an eight-and-a-half-year sentence, saying her client lacked the resources and support he needed in his early life to be successful. He lost multiple members of his family, including his parents, at a young age.

“He’s a nice young man,” Harvey said, “I’m amazed at how he can maintain a positive outlook.”

Judge Williams agreed that the defendant has faced significant hardship.

“The defendant has quite an empathetic story and background,” she said, “…to say he’s faced troubles is an understatement.”

Judge Williams did not agree to sentence Young under the YRA, but said his counsel can ask for the YRA to be imposed if he’s successful following his release.

Young apologized to the victim’s family and friends. “I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said. He also said he is taking GED and college classes, and has been working on his anger management and seeking grief counseling.

Young’s 12-year sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.

Attorneys Seek Release of Co-Defendants Charged With Murder, Citing Jail Conditions

Attorneys for two co-defendants in a murder case have motioned for their clients’ release from custody, citing reports on the conditions of confinement at DC Jail.

Tony Morgan, 28, and Martinez Raynor, 21, are charged with murder for their alleged involvement in the shooting of 19-year-old Malik McCloud on Oct. 20, 2018, on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE. The case is scheduled to go to trial in 2022.

Morgan is being represented by Kevin Mosley and Raynor is being represented by Ronald Resetarits.

On Nov. 9, both Mosley and Resetarits filed bond review motions, citing reports on the conditions of confinement at DC Jail in the aftermath of an unannounced inspection of the facility conducted by the US Marshals Service. Concerns raised about DC Jail conditions include poor sanitation and mistreatment of detainees.

During the Nov. 10 status hearing, the prosecution requested time to respond to these motions in writing. The prosecution’s response is expected by Nov. 12.

The prosecution has filed a motion to retest DNA on five items of evidence. This retesting would involve consumption of the biological material. Mosley and Resetarits objected to this, and will have until Nov. 17 to file their opposition in writing. The prosecution will have until Nov. 24 to respond.

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz scheduled parties to reconvene on Jan. 7.

Morgan is charged with first-degree murder while armed while Raynor is charged with felony murder while armed. The two are also charged with conspiracy and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Morgan is also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Raynor is also charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Crime Alerts: November 11-12

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 11 and 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 12.

A crime alert was sent out at 9:34 p.m. due to a robbery investigation in the 1700 block of Erie Sreet, SE. Police identified the suspects as three Black males who were approximately 19-20 years old. The first was wearing a black ski mask and armed with a handgun. The second had a dark complexion and hair twists. The third had a light complexion and a beard.

A crime alert was sent out at 10:43 p.m. due to a shooting investigation in the 300 block of 53rd Street, SE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A crime alert was sent out at 10:49 p.m. due to a shooting investigation in the 300 block of 34th Street, SE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

Document: Suspect Arrested for Murder

A suspect was arrested in connection with a June 11 homicide.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, at about 1:39 p.m. police responded to the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE due to reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, police found two adult males with gunshot wounds. One was treated for non-life-threatening injuries while the other, 28-year-old Delonte Johnson, was pronounced dead.

On Nov. 1, 31 year-old Joshua Calvin Allen was arrested for first-degree murder while armed.

Plea Negotiations Continue in Murder Case

A DC Superior Court judge continued a hearing for a murder case as parties continue with plea negotiations.

Tarik Turner, 26, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Keosha Ferguson on March 31, 2021, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

Turner was previously offered a plea deal and negotiations are still underway. During the Nov. 10 hearing, parties reported they anticipate coming to a decision on the plea offer by the time they are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 24.

Defense attorney Quo Judkins recently filed an emergency motion for immediate release, citing the results of an unannounced inspection of the DC Jail. The defense has since agreed to set the motion aside for now in exchange for the prosecution extending the availability of their plea offer for two to three more weeks.

Parties are also expected to discuss the motion for emergency release during the Nov. 24 hearing. Judge Neal Kravitz said he believes more information about the conditions of confinement at DC Jail will come to light by then.

Members of Turner’s family were present for the hearing. Turner will remain at DC Jail as he awaits his next day in court.

Defendant Sentenced for Killing Girlfriend

A defendant was sentenced to 12 years in prison for killing his girlfriend.

Back in June, Steven Robinson pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for shooting his girlfriend, 28-year-old Shanika Williams, on July 12, 2020, on the 800 block of 19th Street, NE.

Robinson, 28, was previously set to be sentenced on Nov. 4, but Judge Neal Kravitz said he needed more time to decide if he would accept the plea agreement after hearing from the victim’s family.

”I don’t know who the state works for, but, in this case, it was not for Shanika Williams,” one of William’s family members said during that hearing.

The plea deal included an agreement between parties that 10 to 12 years would be an appropriate sentence in this case. Typical sentencing guidelines for second-degree murder while armed suggest a minimum of 14 years. If Judge Kravitz rejected the plea deal and Robinson were convicted by a jury, he could have faced a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

During the previous hearing, defense attorney Matthew Davies said Robinson pleaded guilty early on because he had been living under poor conditions at DC Jail.

Judge Kravitz decided to accept the plea agreement rather than send the case to trial. He said trials were too risky and he did not want Williams’ children, who were witnesses in the case, to have to testify in front of a grand jury. Williams’ mother previously expressed that she did not want her grandchildren to have to testify.

The prosecutor requested a 12-year sentence along with domestic violence counseling for Robinson, saying Robinson’s actions may fit into a larger cycle of domestic violence. Davies said his client would be happy to undergo domestic violence treatment, but only if it was recommended after an evaluation.

Davies requested a lighter sentence, saying it would be easier to be certain that Robinson was complying with treatment requirements if he were to spend less time in prison.

Judge Kravitz agreed to impose a 12-year sentence, which will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. He must undergo domestic violence and anger management treatment while in prison. Additionally, Robinson is required to register as a gun offender for seven years following his release from prison.

The impact statements of Williams’ family were heard in an earlier hearing, but Judge Kravitz asked Robinson if he had any words of his own during the Nov. 9 sentencing. Robinson said “I apologize to Ms. Williams’ family…it was in cold blood…I don’t even think I will probably ever be at peace. She was my friend.” Judge Kravitz thanked Robinson for his apology and said he hoped Williams’ family would one day be able to appreciate the apology as well.

“I want to thank everyone for your thoughtfulness during this case,” Judge Kravitz told Williams’ family, “if you are disappointed in this outcome, I understand and appreciate your disappointment.”

Help D.C. Witness Continue its Mission

The sad reality is that most of the 200 plus lives lost this year are forgotten by the next news cycle. But not for the families who lose their loved ones, and not by D.C. Witness.

For the last six years, we have followed every homicide, attending every hearing of every case to make sure those lives are not forgotten.

For the last 18 months, little moved forward in those cases with the courts closed. That is about to change and D.C. Witness is going to be there for every step of every case so those lives are not forgotten.

Will you join us in keeping those memories alive? We do not take advertisements or paid editorials. Even though we keep our costs down, what we do has its costs. Will you help us reach our goal of $10,000 by January? Generous donors have offered to match every dollar we raise so every dollar you donate is worth $2 dollars to us. Any amount will help us get there.

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Judge Finds Probable Cause for Sex Abuse Case

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that the case against a domestic violence defendant charged with fourth-degree sexual abuse has enough evidence to go to trial.

The defendant is accused of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman. He is currently on pretrial release.

During the Nov. 10 preliminary hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified that the victim contacted her saying she wanted to make a complaint against her romantic partner.

According to the detective, the complainant said the defendant told her he has had sex with her while she was asleep or unconscious, and the victim told him that was rape. The defendant allegedly told her it was not because she is his girlfriend.

The victim has a seizure disorder she manages with medication that makes her drowsy, the detective said. Defense attorney Thomas Healy asked the detective if it was possible the victim was partly conscious while on medication. The detective said she did not know.

The prosecution asked the detective about text messages cited in an affidavit she wrote. The detective identified one of the phone numbers as being the defendant’s. She said she found an explicit video, allegedly sent by the defendant via text, of a person she said did not seem responsive. The defendant’s face could allegedly be seen at the end of it and, according to the detective, the victim identified herself in it.

When Healy asked if there was a conversation between two people in the video, the detective said the video had no sound, but the victim told her she was unconscious in the video.

Judge Milton Lee ruled the case had probable cause, citing the victim identifying herself in the video. Judge Lee also noted that the victim being on a medication that made her unconscious indicates a lack of consent from her.

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