Judge Approves Sex Abuse Defendant’s Request for New Attorney

A DC Superior Court judge approved a sex abuse defendant’s request for a new attorney.

The defendant is charged with third-degree sex abuse for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman on Aug. 7 on the 3000 block of Mount Pleasant Street, NW. The defendant is also charged with simple assault and misdemeanor sex abuse.

During the Nov. 10 hearing, the defendant said he would like to replace his attorney, Joseph Molina. The defendant says they have not been in communication, and feels Molinda is judging him and does not want to help him.

In response, Molina said he believes he visits the defendant as often as he can. He also said he has not been judgmental, but brutally honest about the prospects of the case.

Judge Milton Lee approved the defendant’s request for a new lawyer. The defense said he would like defense attorney Rachel McCoy to be his lawyer because she speaks Spanish. Judge Lee said he did not know if that was possible.

Judge Lee scheduled another hearing date for Nov. 17.

Murder Case Set for Preliminary Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a preliminary hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Javon Duckwilder, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 23-year-old Juwan Smith. On Oct. 25, Smith was found on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

During the Nov. 4 hearing, defense attorney Jesse Winograd made an oral motion for his his client’s release from DC Jail, which was denied by Judge Milton Lee.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place on Nov. 20.

Document: Arrest Made in Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officials have made an arrest in relation to a Nov. 8 homicide.

At approximately 8:20 p.m. officers responded to the 1600 block of R Street, SE, due to a report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, officers located 41-year-old Dameon Yates unconscious and unresponsive with apparent lacerations. He was pronounced dead on scene, according to the press release.

On Nov. 9, officers arrested a juvenile male and charged him with second-degree murder while armed, according to the press release.

Homicide Victim’s Mother Voices Frustrations With Court Process During Sentencing

The mother of homicide victim Jamaul Crockett voiced frustrations over how her son’s case was handled at the sentencing of the man convicted of killing him.

Aaron Jackson, 41, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in June, less than a year after the homicide occurred on Aug. 5, 2020.

Crockett’s mother spoke at the Nov. 5 hearing, explaining how her 36-year-old son had just gotten out of jail and went to smoke the synthetic cannabinoid K2 with friends nearby, including Jackson. After Crockett became violent, Jackson pulled out a knife and stabbed him. Less than fourteen hours after getting out of jail, he was dead.

Crockett’s mother said it took the prosecution 68 days to get in touch with her family. She complained of a lack of communication, including when it came to discussing plea offers.

Crockett’s mother also spoke to DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee when Jackson pleaded guilty, at which time he told her, “I have to make a very tough decision.”

As part of the plea deal Crockett took, the prosecution agreed to recommend a nine-and-a-half-year sentence. Judge Lee honored that sentencing recommendation.

Crockett’s mother called Judge Lee part of a “black robe gang” and said he plays a different role in the correctional system than police officers, who she says are tired of locking up the same people.

Judge Lee asked Crockett’s mother to take a seat multiple times throughout her statement as she vocalized her concerns in the courtroom.

“The jail is a revolving door,” she said, saying Jackson has never successfully completed probation.

Crockett’s best friend, who knew him since he was 14-years-old, described Crockett as a “good man” and expressed similar concerns to those of the victim’s mother.

“This is my best friend man and I want you to see my face,” he told Judge Lee, asking him to make the “best decision possible” in regards to Jackson’s sentence and give him “no mercy”.

The best friend noted that he has been in front of the court before for his own cases but this is different.

Judge Lee apologized to the two for how the situation was handled. He said that, while plea agreements are not unusual, the sentencing guidelines agreed upon are a little less than mid-range for the charge. If Judge Lee did reject the terms, he said the case would have to go to trial.

The prosecution explained how Jackson was cooperating with officers and explained to them how Crockett had become belligerent and physical but showed responsibility for the murder early on. They described the incident as having a “very unusual set of circumstances” compared to what they have seen in their time as a prosecutor.

A letter written by Jackson was read briefly in his sentencing hearing. In the letter, he said the homicide “does not reflect the love I have for people.” Growing up in the environment he was in, he said he had to learn to protect himself and quickly take action in violent situations. He has nothing but respect for the court process and is confident he will be the change in his community.

“We all miss out on the greatness of each human soul,” the letter read.

Jackson’s nine-and-a-half year prison sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.

“She deserved better from us all,” Judge Lee said of Crockett’s mother.

Parties in Sex Abuse Case Prepare for April Trial

A sex abuse case is set to go to trial in April.

The defendant is charged with two counts of first-degree sex abuse, assault with intent to commit first-degree sex abuse, kidnapping, first-degree burglary and robbery. He is accused of breaking into a woman’s ground-floor apartment one morning in 2010 and sexually assaulting her, according to court documents. He is also accused of stealing the woman’s cell phone.

The defendant waived his right to a speedy jury trial during the Nov. 5 hearing. DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna scheduled jury selection to begin on April 11. The prosecution anticipates needing about three days to present their case.

Defense attorney Thomas Healy was appointed to represent the defendant last September. Judge McKenna agreed to sign an order allowing Michelle Lockard to assist Healy as the second chair.

Parties will reconvene for a trial readiness hearing on Feb. 4. Any motions parties may file are due on Dec. 20, with responses due on Jan. 21.

The defendant is also awaiting sentencing in another case, in which he was convicted by a jury of kidnapping and first-degree sex abuse in March 2020. The case stems from a 2007 home invasion.

According to a Department of Justice press release citing the prosecution’s evidence, the victim was in her Northwest, DC apartment when she awoke to the defendant sleeping in her bedroom. The defendant then sexually assaulted her, stole her phone and fled, according to the press release. The press release also stated that he was previously convicted in connection with another home invasion sexual assault out of Arlington County, Va.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29.

More than 20 Witnesses Expected to Testify at Upcoming Murder Trial

Editors Note: The defendant in this case has since been acquitted on all counts.

Jury selection is underway for Daniel Parker’s murder trial. More than 20 witnesses are expected to testify throughout the trial proceedings.

Dewayne Shorter is accused of shooting 38-year-old Daniel Parker multiple times on the 2000 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE, on July 26, 2017.

The doctor who performed Parker’s autopsy reported that the victim was shot so many times that he could not count the exact number of entry and exit wounds he sustained, according to court documents.

Forty-nine 5.56 cartridge casings were recovered between 1412 Young Street and 2005 Fairlawn Avenue, according to court documents. Over ten of them were found within arm’s reach of the victim.

Shorter, 33, was arrested one month after the homicide. He went on to be indicted on 11 charges including first-degree murder while armed, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm.

A witness who reported to have been friends with Parker for more than a year said they were near the intersection of Young Street and Fairlawn Avenue when they saw parts of the shooting. They said they did not get a good look at the alleged shooter’s face, according to court documents, but said that some of his features appeared to match an individual they referred to by the nickname “Lil Wayne,” who they believe the shooter to be. After detectives showed him a picture of Shorter, they reportedly told them that’s the man they know as “Lil Wayne.”

The first witness told detectives that Parker told him in May or June of 2017 that if anything happened to him, “Lil Wayne” would be the one responsible, according to court documents. Detectives believe “Lil Wayne” to be Shorter’s nickname.

Both this witness and a second witness said Parker sold marijuana. The second witness told detectives that Parker was angry with another nearby seller. The witness believed Parker thought the other seller was stealing his customers. However, the witness later said they did not remember anything they told them, according to court documents.

Shorter rejected plea offers in October 2018 and last September.

During a trial readiness hearing on Sept. 27, the prosecution estimated they will call about 20 to 25 witnesses. This includes 10 to 12 officers, five to seven civilians and two to three experts. The defense anticipated calling six to eight witnesses.

Crime Alerts: November 8-9

The Metropolitan Police Department(MPD) sent out three crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on Nov.8 and 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 9.

A crime alert was sent out at 9:29 p.m. due to a stabbing investigation in the 1600 block of R Street, SE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A crime alert was sent out at 10:54 p.m. due to a stabbing in the 1700 block of Galen Street, SE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A crime alert was sent out at 11:17 pm. due to a shooting investigation in the 1500 block of Good Hope Road, SE. Police identified the suspect in a dark sedan headed eastbound.

Jury Selection Continues for Murder Trial

Editors Note: The defendant in this case has since been acquitted on all counts.

Jury selection continued for a murder trial.

The defendant, 33-year-old Dewayne Shorter, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of Daniel Parker on July 26, 2017, on the 2000 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE. Shorter is also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm while armed during a crime of violence.

During the Nov. 8 jury selection, 80 potential jurors attended to be interviewed by DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo. Judge Demeo asked the potential jurors questions such as if they lived or worked in the area where the shooting happened or if they had heard about the case before.

Defense attorneys Jon Norris and Gemma Stevens read out the names of all potential witnesses, and jurors were asked to indicate if they knew the potential witnesses.

Judge Demeo scheduled for the jury selection to continue on Nov. 9.

DC Police Officer Testifies About Homicide Investigating During Preliminary Hearing

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective took the witness stand during a hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

William Davenport is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Leonard Turner on May 14 on the 1700 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE.

During the Nov. 5 hearing, the MPD detective was shown an image from video footage of the crime scene and identified Davenport and his mother emerging from a car.

The detective said he talked to Davenport’s mother and showed her the photos from the video footage. His mother identified herself and her son in the photos but refused to give the detective her son’s name.

When shown another photo of two men walking, the detective identified them as 27-year-old Turner and 29-year-old Davenport. He said Davenport appeared to be reaching into his waistband in the photo but could not tell what he was reaching for.

Earlier that day, Turner had robbed Davenport, the detective said. The detective called Davenport about the robbery, but he said he did not want to file a police report.

The detective said he prepared and submitted a warrant to obtain cell phone information from the defendant. He also said he went to the defendant’s house and found a gun in his car.

Defense attorney Jacqueline Cadman asked the detective if he had made any statements to the responding officers, who were wearing Body Worn Cameras. The detective said he had. Cadman requested the footage, but the prosecution said they have looked over the footage and the detective appears in it but does not speak.

The detective also said no shell casings found at the scene had DNA on them. He also said a witness described the shooter as having dreadlocks, which Davenport did not have at the time.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson scheduled proceedings to pick back up on Nov. 17.

Another Hearing Date Set for Sex Abuse Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge continued a Nov. 5 hearing for a sex abuse case so an independant expert retained by the prosecution could have more time to go over relevant documents.

The defendant is charged with first-degree sex abuse while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon and kidnapping while armed for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman who was walking to a bus in 2012.

Last February, he was found competent to stand trial based on a report by the Department of Behavioral Health, according to court documents. The defense contested those findings, however, and retained an independant expert, who opined that the defendant is not competent.

The prosecution then motioned to have their own expert, a forensic psychologist, examine the defendant. Judge Danya Dayson allowed the expert to do so for the sake of determine the defendant’s competence to stand trial.

The prosecution asked Judge Dayson to continue the Nov. 5 hearing so their expert has time to go over recently obtained documents.

Defense attorney Andrew Ain asked Judge Dayson to move his client from DC Jail to St. Elizabeths Hospital in hopes he could get better mental health treatment there. According to Ain, the treatment at the jail is not adequate for the defendant’s needs. Judge Dayson said she will make her decision at the next hearing.

Judge Dayson scheduled the next hearing for Dec. 7.

Murder Defendant Ready to Take Plea Deal, Attorney Says

A DC Superior Court judge continued a hearing in a murder case to allow for plea discussions.

Shaquille Bynum, 19, and Sean Howard, 18, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 20-year-old Ibrahim Sesay on Jan. 6 on the 1300 block of 9th Street, NW.

Defense attorney Stephen Brennwald said Bynum was ready to enter into a plea agreement during the Nov. 5 hearing. From there, Judge Neal Kravitz continued the hearing to allow the defense to speak with Howard.

The defendants are scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 1.

Crime Alerts: November 7-8

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 7 and 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 8.
A crime alert was sent out at 9:51 p.m. due to a shooting on the corner of 4th and L Street, NW. Police identified the first suspect as a Black male who was approximately 25 to 30 years old wearing a blue jacket, black pants, white socks and flip-flops. The second suspect was described as an adult male who was approximately 25 to 30 years old with a brown complexion and armed with a handgun.

A crime alert was sent out at 2:11 a.m. due to a stabbing investigation in the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A crime alert was sent out at 6:11 a.m. due to a robbery investigation in the 800 block of Florida Avenue, NW. Police identified the suspects as a Black female who was approximately 55 years old and a Black male with a skinny build and black clothing.

Document: Two Homicides on November 5

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officials are investigating two homicides that occurred on Nov. 5.

At approximately 4:58 p.m. officers arrived at the 3500 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, due to a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 26-year-old Anthony Depetris with gunshot wounds and transported him to a local hospital. He later succumbed to his injuries, according to the press release.

At approximately 9:00 p.m. officers responded to the 100 Block of Taussig Place, NE, due to sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers located 32-year-old Antwonne Turner with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on scene, according to the press release.

Document: November 3 Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officials are investigating a homicide that occurred on Nov. 3.

At about 2:02 p.m. officers arrived at the 2800 block of 14^th Street, NW, due to a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located two adult males with gunshot wounds. Both were transported to a local hospital, according to the press release.

On Nov. 5, one of the victims transported to the hospital, 34-year-old Delonte King succumbed to his injuries, according to the press release.

October Homicides Increase by 50% from September

Homicides in October increased by 50 percent from September and have outpaced homicides from October 2020, according to D.C. Witness data.

Homicides rose in the District of Columbia in October by 50 percent from September. Data also shows that twenty-seven homicides occurred in October compared to 24 in October 2020.

This year’s homicides included one officer-involved shooting. Deandre Johnson was shot and killed after what Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Robert J. Contee III called “an intense physical struggle.”

According to court documents, police officers were at an apartment on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE to serve 30-year-old Johnson with a Temporary Protection Order due to an alleged domestic violence incident from the day before. Once officers entered the apartment, they decided to arrest Johnson for assault with a dangerous weapon. Johnson allegedly resisted, which led to the struggle.

“Based upon initial interviews, it was reported that Mr. Johnson grabbed one of the officer’s firearms while in the holster,” Contee said. “It can be heard on the Body Worn Camera an officer stating, ‘he’s got my’ while almost simultaneously an officer discharged their weapon, striking Mr. Johnson in the back.”

However, D.C. Witness previously reported that Contee said the BWC footage does not “conclusively” show Johnson grabbing the gun from the officer’s holster.

Johnson was pronounced dead on the scene, Chief Contee said during a press conference. The three officers involved were put on on paid administrative leave until the investigation is finished.

Two of the homicides in October resulted from stabbings. The rest were shootings. In comparison, seven homicides from October 2020 were stabbings.

The stabbings included, Talaya Wright, 41, who was stabbed on the 600 block of Parkland Place, SE on Oct. 7. No arrests have been made in relation to this homicide.

Aaron Langford was stabbed in the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE, on Oct. 25. Charles Haythe, 30, has been charged with first-degree murder in relation to the 27-year-old’s homicide. An investigation found the homicide to be domestic in nature, according to a press release.

The average age of victims is getting younger. In October the average age documents as 31-years-old. In October of 2020, the average age of victims was 33-years-old, according to D.C. Witness data.

Ward 7 saw their homicide count in October more than double that of September, with seven in October.

Ward 2 and Ward 3 had no homicides in September or October. Ward 2 has only had five homicides in total in 2021, with the last dating back to July. Ward 3 has had less, with only two homicides so far this year with the last dating back to April.

Wards 1 and 6 saw no increase in homicides.

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