Judge Postpones Decision on Accepting Plea Deal

Richard Goodwin, 29, was initially charged with first-degree sex abuse for the sexual assault of a woman on Feb. 15 in a residence on the 1500 block of F Street, NE. During a Nov. 5 hearing, he agreed to plead down to two counts of third-degree sexual abuse as part of an agreement with prosecutors.

The plea deal includes an agreement between parties that an appropriate sentence would be two to four years of incarceration run concurrently, according to court documents.

The prosecution also agreed to “dismiss and not indict on any other related charges.”

During the hearing, Judge Neal Kravitz said he wanted to “defer the ruling on whether or not I accept the plea deal until I can review the sentencing guidelines.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 10. In the meantime, Goodwin will remain held at DC Jail.

Trial Review: Man Convicted of Second-Degree Murder for Stabbing Woman with Screwdriver

After seven days of trial proceedings, a jury convicted Robert Dean of second-degree murder while armed for stabbing a woman with a screwdriver. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the charge of first-degree murder while armed.

At approximately 4:58 p.m. on March 31, 2018, Tamiya White drove into a McDonald’s parking lot on the 1900 block of 9th Street, NE, according to court documents. She entered the lobby holding her neck. A witness who called 911 said she pleaded for an ambulance and appeared to be bleeding heavily from her mouth, nose and neck. Approximately 30 minutes after she had pulled into the parking lot, the 38-year-old was pronounced dead.

The doctor who performed White’s autopsy determined she sustained a stab wound to the left side of her neck and the left side of her chest, according to court documents. The doctor noted that her wounds appeared to have been caused by a weapon consistent with a Phillips-head screwdriver.

Dean, 63, was arrested less than one week after White’s death.

Dean’s attorneys, Anthony Matthews and Jonathan Armstrong, argued their client acted in self-defense, with one of them calling White a “200-pound screwdriver wielding psychotic on PCP.”

White tested positive for the drug PCP, a dissociative hallucinogen, in her autopsy. During the trial, a professor of systems pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania with expertise in toxicology testified that the methodology of tracing PCP in Tamiya White’s blood was accurate. The results also showed she had traces of cocaine in her system, the professor said.

During opening arguments, Matthews said the DNA swabs of the alleged murder weapon suggest it belonged to the victim.

The prosecution called a long-time friend of Dean’s to the witness stand during the second day of the trial. He said he received a text from the defendant reading, “I feel that I am about to go to jail,” on the day of the homicide. When the witness later picked Dean up, he said the defendant told him he stabbed a woman after she hit him in the face.

Text messages between Dean and White were admitted into evidence. In the messages, Dean was upset that she apparently kicked him out of her apartment, despite having paid her $450 for rent, D.C. Witness previously reported.

The prosecution also called a neighbor who took Dean in after the stabbing to the witness stand. The witness said he and his wife were unaware of the incident when they let him into their home.

On Nov. 5, a jury found Dean guilty of second-degree murder while armed. He is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 4. Judge Marisa Demeo gave his attorneys 30 days to motion for a new trial.

On May 5, 2022, Dean was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Read D.C. Witness’ timeline of this case.

Judge Continues Status Hearing for Murder Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a status hearing for a murder case.

Tondrick Murphy, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 26-year-old Marquis Jones. On Oct. 6, 2018, Jones was found on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on scene.

The case is currently set to go to trial in April.

Judge Milton Lee continued the Nov. 4 status hearing so the attorneys could have more time to discuss the trial status and address motions.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 18.

Domestic Violence Case Set for Trial

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a domestic violence defendant indicted on five charges to be tried in front of a jury in November 2022.

The defendant is charged with malicious disfigurement, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon and cruelty to children in a domestic violence case.

During the Nov. 5 hearing, the defendant rejected a plea deal for aggravated assault with serious bodily injury.

Judge Juliet McKenna scheduled jury selection to take place on Nov. 2 and 3 with the trial to begin on Nov. 7.

The prosecution estimated they will call five to six witnesses to testify, including three civilian witnesses.

Parties are set to reconvene on May 13 for a status hearing.

Document: Jail Inspection Results Sent to Department of Justice Civil Rights Division

In a Nov. 1 letter, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia Lamont J. Ruffin informed DC Department of Corrections Director Quincy Booth that he has forwarded the results of an unannounced inspection of DC Jail to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division for review of potential violations of the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, specifically in regard to the Central Detention Facility.

The Central Treatment Facility’s conditions, “were observed to be largely appropriate and consistent with federal prisoner detention standards,” the document states.

Crime Alerts: November 4-5

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out five crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 4 and 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 5.

A crime alert was sent out at 9:58 p.m. due to a robbery investigation in the 1000 block of New Jersey Avenue, SE. Police identified the suspects as three Black males wearing all black who were last seen in a Black Lexus with MD Tags.

A crime alert was sent out at 10:46 p.m. due to a stabbing in the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A crime alert was sent out at 12:47 a.m. due to a stabbing in the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. The suspect is in custody.

A crime alert was sent out at 12:47 a.m. due to a shooting investigation in the 1900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Police identified the suspects as three Black males in a black sedan.

A crime alert was sent out at 1:02 a.m. due to a shooting investigation in the 2900 block of Nelson Place, SE. Police identified the suspects as three Black males who were approximately 18-27 years old and wearing black ski masks with black clothing.

Trial Date Set for First-Degree Murder Case

A murder case is set to go to trial in May.

Terrance Prue, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 39-year-old Bruce Gilmore on the 3500 block of 22nd Street, SE, on June 5, 2019.

The prosecution previously extended a plea offer to the defendant, but Prue rejected it and decided to move towards a trial.

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz set the trial to begin on May 5. Parties estimate it will last two weeks.

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 23 for a status hearing.

Judge Needs More Time to Decide Sentencing for Murder Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge postponed a sentencing for a murder defendant after hearing from the victim’s family.

Steven Robinson is convicted of second-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 28-year-old Shanika Williams on July 12, 2020, on the 800 block of 19th Street, NE.

“I don’t know who the state works for, but, in this case, it was not for Shanika Williams,” a member of her family said. “It’s hurtful that our system is not working on behalf of Shanika.”

The plea deal includes an agreement between the prosecution and defense to seek a sentence of 10 to 12 years, according to court documents. Sentencing guidelines, however, recommend a minimum of 14 years, Judge Neal Kravitz said during the Nov. 4 hearing.

“Robinson took a plea of guilty very early on in this case,” defense attorney Matthew Davies said. “He has been living under very poor conditions at the jail and it was under these conditions that he plead guilty.”

The prosecutor said she agreed to the lesser sentence because, “Robinson has taken responsibility at the earliest time in this case.” She recommended a 12-year sentence, the maximum length of time outlined in the plea agreement, saying, “[Robinson] is 29 years old. He has the ability to use his words. He has the ability to walk away.” She also said he has never completed probation successfully.

“[Williams] would always make us laugh,” her mother said. “She loved her children dearly. She did anything for her kids… I think [Robinson] deserves life.”

“Although the maximum sentence for second-degree murder while armed is 40 years, the parties agreed 10 to 12 years is the appropriate range,” Judge Kravitz said. “I can either accept the plea agreement and am required to give a sentence within 10 to 12 years, or I can reject the plea deal which would result in the case going to trial and the children would have to testify.”

Judge Kravitz said he believed the prosecution wanted to “avoid making [the children] relive the trauma.” After hearing from judge Kravitz, the victim’s mother said she did not want her grandchildren to have to testify in court.

After from Judge Kravitz, the victim’s mother said she did not want her grandchildren to have to testify in court.

“I don’t have faith in our justice system,” another member of William’s family said. “My nieces and nephew have already experienced the worst of the worst so what more is a trial?”

“Trials are inherently adversarial,” the prosecutor said. “There is no guarantee in the outcome… no matter how strong evidence may be.”

The prosecutor also said no sentence will compensate the loss of life.

Judge Kravitz said, “It’s extremely important to hear from the people in the community who are most affected [by the crime].”

“I’m not ready to decide whether or not to accept the plea agreement,” he went on to say.

Another sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 9.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Accessory to Murder

One of the defendants charged in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in February 2020 accepted a plea deal.

Elton Wiggins pleaded guilty to one count of accessory after the fact to second-degree murder while armed in the death of 34-year-old Eugene Isaac Jr on the 100 block of N Street, NW, on Feb. 15, 2020.

Wiggins, 55, is one of three defendants who were charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with Isaac’s death. The case against 37-year-old Lejeezan Toudle was dismissed after a DC Superior Court judge ruled it did not have enough evidence to go to trial. Devon Stephens‘ case remains open. The 35-year-old’s competency to stand trial is currently under assessment.

Wiggins also pleaded guilty to using, carrying, possessing and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence in a District Court case, in which he is charged alongside Stephens.

During the Nov. 4 hearing, the prosecution said Wiggins is expected to serve 12 to 15 years in prison in total for both cases.

According to court documents, as part of the plea deal, parties agreed to seek a sentence of five to eight years for the Superior Court case and seven years for the District Court case, to be served consecutively.

Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled Wiggins to be sentenced on Jan. 14.

Judge Orders Competency Exam for Murder Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge ordered a murder defendant’s transfer to St. Elizabeths Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, for an exam to determine if he is competent to stand trial.

Kavel Miller is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the Oct. 8 shooting of 33-year-old Lester Mangum on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

Back in September, the 20-year-old defendant was found incompetent to stand trial in a misdemeanor simple assault case he picked up last year.

With this in mind, Judge Neal Kravitz ordered the defendant transferred to St. Elizabeths so he could undergo a full competency examination in relation to his murder case.

Judge Kravitz also scheduled a Dec. 7 preliminary hearing to determine if the case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Mangum sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his chest, according to court documents. After being shot, the victim reportedly ran into a nearby market, where Metropolitan Police Department officers found him.

Judge Sets Preliminary Hearing for Murder Case

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

Brian Foster is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of Anthony Joseph Mitchell, Jr. on Aug. 18. According to court documents, the 43-year-old was found on the 3700 block of 1st Street, SE, suffering from a gunshot wound to the face.

During an autopsy, the chief medical examiner found a second bullet that was lodged in the decedent’s back, according to court documents. Crime scene technicians observed three 9mm bullet casings in the street near Mitchell’s vehicle.

Foster, 39, was arrested on Oct. 26.

Defense counsel Nikki Lotze asked the prosecutor for evidentiary materials regarding a preliminary hearing. The prosecution said it would take a couple weeks to get everything prepared as the courts are beginning to hear more jury trials since the start of the pandemic.

Judge Danya Dayson scheduled the preliminary hearing for Dec. 14.

Judge Denies Motion to Transfer Jailed Murder Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge denied a motion to transfer a jailed homicide defendant to DC’s Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF.)

Rasheed Young, 43, is charged with murder in two cases.

The first case involves the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Cedric Rogers on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE, on June 11, 1996. Young is charged with first-degree murder in relation to this homicide.

The second case centers on the death of 39-year-old Ronald William Richardson, who was shot on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE, on May 20, 2018. He is charged with second-degree murder in relation to this homicide.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller requested her client’s transfer to CTF due to undisclosed issues in DC Jail. She said he was not getting medical treatment at the jail for a condition he has, among other factors. DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo denied this request.

Weller also requested for a hearing to be set for a later date because she has been unable to meet with the defendant to discuss the case because his section of DC Jail was quarantined.

Parties agreed to reconvene on Dec. 1.

Parties Anticipate 40-50 Witnesses for Double Murder Trial

Parties in a double murder case said they are ready to go to trial.

Alonzo Lewis, 35, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed for his alleged roles in the deaths of Jaquon Helm, 40, and Venius Badgett, 35, on May 26, 2018. Helm and Badgett were both found on the 4600 block of Galveston Street, SW, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

During the Nov. 3 hearing, both parties reported they will be ready for trial by early January. The prosecution anticipates calling 20-30 witnesses while the defense anticipates calling five to ten.

Judge Marisa Demeo ruled that all expert witnesses should be finalized by Jan. 5. She also scheduled a status hearing for Dec. 10.

The prosecution declared that they will not be doing any more DNA testing. The prosecution also plans to file a motion asking the court not allow certain evidence that might prejudice the jury.

Defense attorney Joseph Yarbough filed an emergency motion for his immediate release from DC Jail. This motion comes following an inspection of DC Jail conducted by The US Marshal Service on Oct. 18. Their report concluded that the living conditions of the facility were unsanitary, according to documents

Judge Demeo scheduled a motion hearing for Nov. 12 to rule on that emergency motion.

Three Witnesses Testify in Murder Case

The trial for a defendant charged with murder continued with more witness testimony.

Steven Robin is charged with first-degree murder while armed in relation to the shooting of Kenneth Poindexter on Jan. 18, 2018. The 25-year-old defendant is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and conspiracy to commit a crime of violence.

Antonio McKenzie and Edward Brown are also charged with murder in Poindexter’s death, but they will they tried separately from Robin. Charles Young has also pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact voluntary manslaughter for his role as the getaway driver. He was recently sentenced to four years in prison, all of which were suspended, plus six months of probation, D.C. Witness previously reported.

Three witnesses were called to the stand on Nov. 3, starting with a close friend of the victim. The prosecution asked her about a fight at Aqua, a club in the Langdon neighborhood of DC, the day before the shooting. The witness said she and others fought with a group of people they mostly did not know. She said she was hit on the head with a bottle during the fight.

The witness said that, some time later, she went to an apartment owned by a woman who previously testified. She said she told the woman to come outside so they could fight. Other people came out with the woman, but the witness was not sure if they were family or not. According to the witness, the victim had come with them to join in on the fight.

When asked if they knew where or who the gunshots came from, the witness responded, “you don’t look to see where gunshots come from, you run”.

She said Poindexter and the woman who previously testified fought later over Instagram direct messages and that she believed Poindexter appeared to be upset about the fight.

The witness was asked about a group of people who had approached her at her job. She said she does not remember if the confrontation happened before or after the fight at the club. The witness was shown a video of herself talking to officers about the confrontation after the shooting.

Defense attorney Kristin McGough asked the witness if the people who confronted them at her job mentioned the woman from the Club Aqua fight, and the witness said no.

McGough also asked the witness if she had brought any weapons with her when she went to fight. “I went there to fight,’ the woman responded, “I don’t need any weapons”.

At the time of the shooting, another witness was working in the area when they heard gunshots and saw a man running from the scene towards a white car. When called to the stand, this witness said the man appeared to be in his 20s or 30s with short hair and a stocky build. The witness said they saw a man standing beside the car with what appeared to be a gun. The man was described as being in his 20s and a little under six feet tall. He could not tell the hairstyle of the man because he was wearing a winter coat. The witness said he had gotten out his car and ran towards the white car to write down the license plate numbers. He called 911 when they saw the body of the victim.

A third witness was called to testify. The witness was asked about a domestic assault she suffered. The witness said she sustained serious injuries such as broken ribs, plastic surgery, and punctured lungs. The witness said they also have memory loss.

When asked by the prosecution why she initially lied about who assaulted them, the witness said she was afraid of the person. The witness was asked how they learned about the victim’s death and said they received the news from someone named “Smiley,” which is believed to be am alias of Robin’s. The witness said Smiley told them people were “snitching” that he killed Poindexter.

McGough questioned the witness, asking them if they had money troubles and if they called the tip line to receive the cash reward. The victim said they did not have money troubles.

McGough asked the witness if they have ever disclosed having auditory illusions, where they heard things that weren’t there, and the witness said that is not true.

The court was shown a video of the witness in their police interview. In the video, the witness told police Smiley had to “finish him off because he was yapping”.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson is presiding over the trial, which will continue on Nov. 4.

Crime Alerts: November 4-5

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 3 and9:00 a.m. on Nov. 4.

A crime alert was sent out at 10:23 p.m. due to a shooting investigation in the 4600 block of MLK Avenue, SW. The suspect was described as a Black male wearing all dark clothing, a ski mask and dreadlocks. They were running towards a white sedan.

A crime alert was sent out at 11:18 p.m. due to a shooting in the 1200 block of Eastern Avenue, SE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

Search