Defendant in 2015 Murder Case Considers Plea Offer

Attorneys for a defendant in a murder case from 2015 asked for additional time to consider a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Sept. 12.

Sean Green, 34, is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Derrick Black, 24, on the 3300 block of Georgia Avenue, NE, on July 30, 2015.

In 2018, Green was convicted by a jury on these charges. In 2024, Green’s conviction was overturned on appeal due to a violation of his Miranda rights and the case was reopened.

The prosecution offered a plea where they would dismiss all other charges if Green pleads guilty to second-degree murder while armed.

Defense attorney Russell Hairston asked for more time to consider this plea offer and the prosecution agreed.

Green’s case is set to go to trial on Nov. 3.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 17.

Fatal Stabbing Defendant Considers Insanity Defense

Defense attorneys for a fatal stabbing suspect said they are considering the possibility of an insanity defense before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Sept. 12.

Lamont Stephenson, 50, is charged with first-degree murder and cruelty to animals for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Natina Kiah, 40, and the killing of her cat on March 6, 2019 on the 5000 block of D Street, SE.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki told Judge Edelman that the defense has a psychologist to evaluate if Stephenson can use the insanity defense, meaning Stephenson didn’t know right from wrong, nor was able to control his conduct in the moment. Kopecki also requested medical records for the psychologist to review.

Kopecki has until Dec. 10 to decide if they will use the insanity defense.

Parties are set to reconvene Dec. 12.

Eyewitness Spots Suspect Car in Teen Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony from eyewitnesses and police investigators in a homicide trial on Sept. 16.

Reginald Steele, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, 10 counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, and five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.

The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in four shootings, including the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, at the 600 block of S Street, NW on March 1, 2020. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Steele was also allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on March 1, 2020 at the unit block of Channing Street, NE, and a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 22, 2020 at the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW. No individuals sustained injuries.

Additionally, Steele faces charges for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 24, 2020 at the 1700 block of Ninth Street, NW. Three individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

Two witnesses who were called focused on information related to the Channing Street shooting.

A witness who lived on the unit block of Channing Street, NE, testified he called 911 on March 1, 2020 following the sound of gun shots. The witness said that he looked out of a window immediately following the gunfire and saw a Black male running down the alley headed south.

Home camera surveillance video captured a Kia Soul driving away following four shots fired. The witness resided in the 2400 block of North Capitol Street, NE, directly next to the unit block of Channing Street, NE.

A 2024 trial verdict found that Steele’s co-defendants, Tyiion Freeman, 26, Koran Jackson, 25, Stephen Nelson, 34 and Aaron Brown, 29, stole the same Kia Soul seen in the video footage and used it in the Channing Street and Malachi Lukes shootings. Prosecutors claim Steele was part of the group.

Cross examination by defense attorney Megan Allburn focused on the inability to see who was actually in the car, as well as if anyone entered or exited the vehicle while it was off camera. The witness agreed that it was impossible to identify any inhabitants of the car, just that the car was present in the alley.

“How many cars did you see in that alley?” prosecutors pushed back in redirect. “One,” the witness responded.

A first class patrol officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was called, testifying about his interaction with Steele’s former co-defendant,Brown.

The officer was instructed by a fellow detective to seize Brown’s cellphone, because Brown was a person of interest in the Lukes’ murder.

“When you say you were trying to get the phone, does that mean you didn’t have a warrant for the phone?” Allburn questioned, which drew a sustained objection from the prosecution.

Allburn rephrased the question to ask, “[Brown] didn’t hand over the phone from his pockets, did he?”, to which the officer confirmed that he had not.

The prosecution called another MPD detective who formerly worked on patrol in a ward that Steele was known to frequent.

On March 18, 2020, the detective was shown an image of Steele by another MPD officer to make an identification, in which she said, “That’s Gordo all day.” Gordo is the rapper name that Steele allegedly used, according to the prosecution. The detective provided an identification by pointing out Steele in the courtroom during the hearing.

A forensic scientist was called in a continuation from testimony given on Sept. 15, during which the defense focused on evidence mishandling.

Redirect clarified that there were no errors currently present on evidence admitted into the trial, and that all mislabeled evidence was corrected.

Court documents show that the blue tape with fingerprints was recovered from the Kia Soul car. While the analyst testified that more than 20 fingerprints were identified, it wasn’t her job to match the prints to a person.

The witness also tried pulling prints or DNA samples from two weapons involved in the case, however none were found.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 17.

Acquitted Shooting Suspect Sentenced on Weapons Charge

DC Superior Court Judge Micheal Ryan imposed a 24 month sentence on an individual with all but 18 months suspended on Sept. 12.

On July 8, Vann Allen, 36, was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Allen was acquitted of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NE on Nov. 11, 2023.

During his sentencing, the prosecution requested that Allen serve a 28 month sentence, due to the nature and circumstances of the case, and Allen’s prior history of assault.

Judge Ryan noted that he had received numerous letters from Allen’s friends and family, many of which spoke highly about his character. Judge Ryan also addressed Allen’s upbringing, which featured a year in the foster care system and a fraught relationship with his mother and her violent boyfriend, and recognized the resulting mental toll.

The defense responded by asking for the minimum sentence of one year and one day. Defense attorney Sellano Simmons argued that Allen was acting out of self-defense, a verdict that the jury agreed on unanimously.

Allen addressed the court, and said that he took full responsibility and remorse for all parties.

“I’m a father and a figure in my community,” Allen said. “I was granted the opportunity in September to come home and take care of my family, and I would like to continue to do so.”

Judge Ryan said he was unable to move past Allen’s choice that day to walk around with his weapon.

“Mr. Allen didn’t need to be there, he didn’t need to be armed,” Judge Ryan said. “Walking around with a glock is concerning to me.”

Judge Ryan sentenced Allen to 24 months in prison with all but 18 months suspended, two years of probation, and three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Upon his release, Allen must also register as a gun offender.

The defense requested that Allen turn himself in to the DC Department of Corrections on Monday, Sept. 15, which Judge Ryan denied. He was taken into custody by the US Marshal in Judge Ryan’s courtroom.

No further dates were set.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A defendant accused of fatally shooting an 18-year-old pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Sept. 15.

Jordan Battle, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree cruelty to children grave risk while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and obstructing justice.

The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in the murder of 18-year-old Terrell Oliver at the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE on Dec. 18, 2024. The defendants alleged actions also posed a grave risk of bodily injury to a 3-year-old.

Battle and his attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, alerted the court of Battle’s intent to plead not guilty. O’Sullivan also asserted Battle’s constitutional rights as well as his right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 24.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Stabbing, Despite ‘Wrestling With Competing Scenarios’

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a stabbing on Sept. 16, even though he might have been the victim of a robbery in a hearinfg on Sept. 15.

Edin Matute Bautista, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing at the 1400 block of Irving Street, NW, on Aug. 28. The defendant and one other individual sustained injuries.

The lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified she saw blood at the mouth of an alley.

According to the detective, one witness was walking with the victim when they encountered an individual who started to swing a knife at them. The victim stated that he was attacked by a young, Hispanic male and he reacted in self-defense. He was riding his bike when he saw an individual crouched between cars and was attacked.

A witness recorded the incident and sent videos to the police. They depict one individual, later identified as the defendant, chasing another person with a knife and another video of the victim bleeding. The witness identified said to be Bautista as the assailant when he was taken to the hospital for treatment..

Another witness claimed to see the defendant chasing another man with a knife yelling “I’m going to kill you” in Spanish. The witness also claimed that one day prior Bautista was, “looking for someone to stab”.

According to Bautista, he was walking home from work when he was robbed and his backpack was stolen.

Bautista’s defense attorney, Hannah Claudio, noted police didn’t find a knife on Bautista.

Claudio also focused on the detective’s earlier testimony that the victim injured his leg jumping a fence when this is not indicated in police or court documents.

The victim also didn’t hear any threats, according to Claudio, and she pointed out apparent inconsistencies in the detective’s description of the suspect’s clothing.

Following the arguments, Judge Ryan stated that he was “wrestling with competing scenarios,” as witness testimonies are contradictory and not corroborative.

Claudio claimed that the individual being chased in the video had a backpack and that MPD failed to corroborate or follow-up on witness testimonies that could identify a suspect.

She also noted “credibility issues” by the witnesses as one of them declined to be identified or speak in person and the other was said to be uncooperative and intoxicated according to the detective.

Additionally, Claudio argued that one of the witnesses said the chase was eastbound, but the victim said he was chased westbound citing a landmark that is consistent with the claim.

Judge Ryan acknowledged that there is a “less than coherent idea of what happened” but based on the skeletal facts of the case, he found probable cause.

The prosecution then requested that Bautista remain in custody citing that he is a danger to the community given the seriousness of the offense.

Claudio asserted that Bautista has no criminal convictions and the court previously noted that there was bare minimum probable cause. She claimed there is evidence that Bautista was robbed and reacted. He also has a stable job and home to return to and substantial support from his community, some of whom were present in the courtroom.

Judge Ryan ruled to have Bautista released with minimal conditions other than to report to pre-trial services as directed. A stay-away order was also imposed meaning Bautista must not make contact with the victim.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 18.

Defendant’s Stricken Relatives Relive Family Quarrel Shooting on The Stand

A shooting defendant’s relatives testified about the damage done to their family in a flash of violence before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Sept. 17.

Larry Carr, 21, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license.

The charges are in connection to Carr’s alleged involvement in the Oct. 22, 2023 nonfatal shooting of his cousin, at the 100 block of Ridge Road, SE.

The defendant’s 13-year-old cousin, who was present at the time of the shooting, was called to the witness stand.

Prosecution first asked the witness to describe the scene leading up to the shooting. She explained that she was watching TV in the living room with Carr, who was asleep.

The victim, the witness’ uncle, then entered the home, which is when the witness described the altercation began.

The witness said Carr stood up from the couch, and began arguing with the victim, who was also yelling at Carr. She depicted Carr’s expression as “angry,” and said he eventually began reaching for his right hip, brandishing a gun that was tucked into his waist so only the trigger half was visible.

When the witness began to see Carr “be more aggressive” by pulling out the weapon, she explained that she went upstairs to alert her mother of the escalating situation.

The witness then stayed upstairs for the remainder of the incident, trying to care for her younger sibling who was upset by the yelling downstairs. She described having to play music in order to calm him down.

After describing the altercation, the prosecution asked the witness what her emotions were after the fact.

“I was younger then, not like I am now,” the witness said, referencing the fact that, unlike now, she was completely unaware of any preexisting disagreements or violent behavior in her family.

When asked about her relationship with Carr, the witness explained they used to be extremely close. “That was my dog, man,” she said, sharing that they used to do everything together. After the altercation, “I didn’t know who he was anymore,” the witness shared. She couldn’t even look at the defendant, the witness stated.

During the teen’s testimony, the defendant became visibly upset and started crying. Defense attorney Teresa Kleiman asked the court for a brief break, and Judge McLean agreed.

Afterward, Kleiman cross examined the witness, focusing on the fact that the victim did not reside at the Ridge Road home, and that she did not see the actual shooting occur, only the events leading up to it.

The prosecution also called the witness’ mother to testify. She testified about stepping in-between Carr and the victim, who is her brother, moments before the shooting.

“He reached his arm up around my face and he pulled the trigger,” the witness said.

Prosecutors played a recorded 911 call the witness made immediately after the shooting, in which the witness can be heard screaming that her brother had been shot and asking for the operator to send help to her apartment.

The witness testified to having helped raise Carr and said that their extended family was extremely close until August of 2023, when her brother, the victim, allegedly exposed himself to Carr’s young sister. He has since been indicted for that incident and another in which he allegedly sexually assaulted a disabled minor on a bus.

Kleiman focused her cross examination on the souring relationship between Carr and the victim, who, the witness said, showed up at Carr’s workplace after Carr made comments about him on Instagram.

The witness testified that the victim told Carr that “one of us is not going to make it out this living room,” minutes before the shooting, repeating a statement similar to the one the defense used in their opening arguments.

When prosecutors asked the witness about her relationship with Carr and his relatives after the shooting, she responded, “I guess we’re not family.”

Another witness, the responding officer, described the moments immediately following the shooting.

The officer arrived less than five minutes after the 911 call was placed, and was met with a “chaotic” scene.

“People were screaming, crying, and point[ing] for me to go inside the building,” to where the victim was lying, the officer testified.

The officer’s bodyworn camera footage was introduced as evidence, and the court watched the officer run inside to find the victim moaning in a pool of blood, “gasping for air,” according to the officer.

“Help, bro,” the victim yelled, visibly struggling.

The officer shared that he found a knife under the victim. The knife, which was later shown to the jury, was in the shape of an approximately four inch handgun. The officer described having to examine the weapon before determining that it was only a knife, removing the weapon from the floor and placing it nearby.

The jury was later shown images of the crime scene where the knife and shell casing could still be seen on the floor, near pools of blood and vomit.

The trial is set to resume Sept. 18.

__________________________________________

Aiden Mellon & Elizabeth Twardock

Judge Returns Murder Defendant to Jail Treatment Center

A homicide defendant received the OK from DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan to return to the lower security Central Treatment Facility (CTF) at the DC Jail on Sept. 12.

Maurice Corbin, 46, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Daquan Gardner on April 30, 2024 on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NE.

Following Corbin’s arraignment on Aug. 22, 2024, he was placed in a CTF program as per the request of the defense. However, by his next status hearing on Sept. 25, 2024, Corbin had been moved from CTF placement to the general population at the jail.

The defense noted that they had reached an agreement with the prosecution, and would enter a plea deal at their next hearing on Oct. 17, 2025, though the terms were not mentioned. In the meantime, the defense once again requested that Corbin be moved back to CTF, which Judge Ryan approved.

The parties are slated to convene on Oct. 17.

Stabbing Defendant Court No-Show

A defendant accused of stabbing a corrections officer refused to appear in court before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Sept. 15, potentially causing delays in his case.

Ovid Gabriel, 20, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault on a police officer for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of an officer at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Aug. 3. One individual was injured during the incident.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan alerted the court that Gabriel refused to appear and was still at the DC Jail. Gabriel’s attorney, Raymond Jones, stated that he would talk with the defendant about the importance of showing up for court.

His case could be impacted if he continues to refuse to attend court, as Jones alerted the court the parties are in plea negotiations.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 18.

Shooting Sentencing Delayed Pending Youth Act Study

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted a continuance in the sentencing of a non-fatal shooting defendant pending the results of the court ordered Youth Study Act on Sept. 15.

On July 14, Nathaniel Washington, 21, pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for the non-fatal shooting of a single victim on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE on Feb. 7.

Through the deal, parties agreed on 60 months of incarceration for each charge, with sentences running concurrently.

Washington’s attorney, Chantal Jean-Baptiste, asked for a continuance for the sentencing hearing because the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) study had not been completed. The YRA can be applied to individuals under 25, and allows for their convictions to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Judge Arthur granted the continuance. The prosecution had no objections to the defense’s request.

Parties are set to reconvene Oct. 28.

Detective Challenged on Video Said to Link Suspect to Drive-By Murder

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan heard testimony from a lead detective of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Unit to determine whether the prosecution has probable cause to charge the defendant on Sept. 5.

Daniel Thomas, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Jeanette Walls during a “drive-by” shooting on the 4300 block of Wheeler Road, SE, on Nov 11, 2020.

According to court documents, Walls died from a gunshot wound to her head. Two others sustained injury but have since recovered.

The prosecution argued that they had probable cause to charge Thomas with murder because of his alleged connection with two weapons involved in the homicide. The prosecution cited a latent fingerprint on an AR pistol, the murder weapon, and Thomas’ possession of a ghost gun, which was allegedly found in his flight path after running from officers prior to his arrest on Nov. 12.

Defense attorney Todd Baldwin argued that a connection to the guns does not indicate that he used the gun in the homicide of Walls.

“Posessing a gun at any point does not correlate to using that gun in a murder,” Baldwin said.

During cross examination of the detective, he highlighted an Instagram live video of multiple men passing an AR pistol that resembled the murder weapon. He clarified for the court that during the investigation, officers initially said Thomas was in the Instagram video, but after a second watch, said he was not.

The prosecution argued that the Instagram video demonstrated that Thomas was involved with “friends who hang out and potentially pass guns around.”

The prosecution argued that Thomas was in another video, firing what resembled the murder weapon.

The detective testified that he believed Thomas was in the video because the video was “on his phone and sent out from his phone” and that the man matched “his skin tone” and “the size of his arms and legs.”

Baldwin highlighted in cross examination that Thomas never indicated that it was him in the video when he sent the video. He also questioned the detective on his belief that Thomas was in the video based on his skin tone and size of his limbs.

The prosecution also alleged that there were multiple deleted calls between Thomas and one of his friends from the “day before, the day of, and the day after” the murder.

Baldwin argued that deleted calls are not a sign of guilt.

“People delete phone calls for innocuous reasons, right?” Baldwin said.

Baldwin closed by arguing that the prosecution has not conducted a sufficient investigation. He cited a confession made to an informant that the prosecution has used in prior investigations.

Baldwin said that the alleged confession, which referenced killing an “old-lady” in Walls’ apartment complex, was specific to the homicide in this case. The detective confirmed that there were no other homicides in Walls’ apartment complex in 2020.

Baldwin argued that the confessor should be a suspect because he admitted to the homicide without prompt and did so against his best interest.

The detective said that the man who confessed is not a suspect and was not related to the crime.

At this point no evidence has been presented of Thomas’ being in the vehicle involved in the drive-by based on DNA evidence or eyewitness testimony.

Due to time constraints, Judge Ryan was unable to make a final ruling.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 8.

Homicide Defendant Deemed Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

A homicide defendant was deemed mentally competent to stand trial by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Sept. 11.

Marcus Barringer, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of obstruction of justice, three counts of possessing a firearm during crime of violence, and six counts of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Rashad Davis, 32, that occurred May 6, 2022 on the 2300 block of Nicholson Street NE.

A report from DBH on Aug. 29 stated that Barringer is competent to stand trial after receiving mandated medication to moderate dangerousness. DBH still recommends that Barringer be held at Saint Elizabeths Hospital for psychiatric patients. rather than in DC Jail.

The parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 26.

Homicide Defendant Faces Likely Deportation, 5 Years in Prison

A homicide defendant was sentenced to five years in prison on Sept. 12 by DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz after accepting a plea deal. Meanwhile, immigration officials have placed a hold on the defendant as a result of his guilty plea which could lead to deportation.

Eliexander Lopez-Burgos, 25, pleaded guilty on June 27 to voluntary manslaughter and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Carlos Blanco Fernandez on the 2200 block of New York Ave, NE on Nov. 16, 2023.

According to court documents, Fernandez died of a gunshot wound to his head in a drive-by shooting.

The prosecution advocated Lopez-Burgos serve six years in prison, which is the maximum sentence of the plea agreement. She argued that the prosecution’s plea agreement is already generous and Lopez-Burgos must be held accountable for the loss of a life.

“This was attempted revenge,” the prosecution said. “At the end of the day, he had no regard for the victim, no regard for the victim’s family, no regard for the impact on his family, or regard for himself.”

Lopez-Burgos’ attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, argued for a four year sentence, the minimum amount of years under the plea agreement. He argued that prior to the homicide, Lopez-Burgos had no criminal record.

O’Sullivan presented Lopez-Burgos’ immigration story–after his father was diagnosed with a fatal medical condition, he moved from Venezuela to Colombia, Ecuador, Texas, and then DC at the age of 16, seeking safety for his wife and children and economic opportunity to pay for his father’s treatment.

Lopez-Burgos transition from Texas to DC was unstable, according to O’Sullivan, who argued that the community members he lived with “weren’t the best influences.”

Two days before the shooting, Lopez-Burgos became a victim of gun violence himself after he was shot at close range with his family in the car with him, according to the defense. He was hospitalized and police were involved, but no one was charged.

O’Sullivan argued that when Lopez-Burgos was released from the hospital, he was in a bad mental state and turned to marijuana. People in his community provided him with a weapon, and Lopez-Burgos testified during his sentencing that he attempted to shoot his shooter.

O’Sullivan argued that the two years of time already served were a “wake up call for” Lopez-Burgos. O’Sullivan told the court that Lopez-Burgos’ father passed away while he was incarcerated.

“This has devastated him to know that his actions contributed to this,” O’Sullivan said. “He died because he couldn’t get the medicine he needed.”

O’Sullivan also explained that Lopez-Burgos has deep remorse for the victim’s family. He argued that the prosecution had a weak case but Lopez-Burgos accepted guilt to assuage the victim’s family.

“But his actions speak louder than words,” said O’Sullivan. “His acceptance of the plea shows his remorse. This was not a case with overwhelming evidence. The prosecution couldn’t get key witnesses.”

Lopez-Burgos was also aware of the immigration detainers that would be placed on him if he pleaded guilty, disrupting his family’s life in the United States. He did so anyway.

“With everything going on right now, this may not be a quick deportation,” O’Sullivan said. “Four years is appropriate because he will likely be detained elsewhere which is not typical of others without the immigration factor.”

O’Sullivan also argued that Lopez-Burgos has taken steps towards rehabilitation, indicating that he is on the path to becoming a law-abiding person. He has addressed his substance abuse and mental health issues through regular participation in religious, writing, leadership, and painting programs provided by the DC Jail.

In his statement to the court, Lopez-Burgos expressed remorse for the victim’s family and a firm dedication to his own family.

“My family has always been my biggest form of support. Being away from them has been the biggest challenge of my life,” Lopez-Burgos said. “I am committed to being a better father, son, brother, and I am committed to creating a loving and stable environment for my family.”

Judge Kravitz accepted the plea agreement and sentenced Lopez-Burgos to five years in prison, drawing a compromise between the two parties. He found that the prosecution’s plea agreement was lenient but that the defense made strong arguments.

“The facts do sound like first-degree premeditated murder,” Kravitz said. “The defense presented mitigating facts that don’t justify what he did but provide significant context.”

No further dates were set.

Murder Defendant Accused of Heinous Crime Waives Initial Jury Trial

A homicide defendant waived his right to have a jury decide whether he committed a stabbing while on pre-trial release for another crime on Sept. 12, leaving that decision to a judge.

George Sydnor, 46, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, kidnapping while armed, and two counts of felony murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Christy Bautista on March 31, 2023 at a hotel on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE.

All charges include “offense committed during release” enhancements and an aggravating circumstance of an especially “heinous, atrocious or cruel crime.”

According to court documents, Bautista died from 30 stab wounds to the back, head, and neck.

During a Sept. 12 hearing, Sydnor waived his right to a jury trial for the pre-trial release enhancements, which could increase Sydnor’s sentence. The question of whether the offense was committed during pre-trial release will now be answered by a judge rather than the jury.

The jury won’t be made aware of Sydnor’s prior convictions and his actions on release during the trial. Defense attorney Jesse Winograd chose this approach to ensure that the jury will not be biased by Sydnor’s past criminal record.

For the heinous, atrocious, and cruel aggravating circumstance changes, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz reasoned the question should be decided by a jury or the judge after trial. Judge Kravitz explained that a bifurcated trial, or trial where two legal questions are answered by two separate juries, will not be necessary.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 3.

Defendant Admits Guilt in Southeast Shooting

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal in connection to a Southeast shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Sept. 11.

Roscoe Atchinson, 33, was originally charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a conviction for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on April 15, 2020, on the 4600 block of Livingston Road, SE.

According to court documents, Atchinson approached a Special Police Officer with a handgun while another suspect attempted to disarm the officer, and shot him.

During the hearing, Raymond Jones, Atchinson’s attorney, alerted the court that he intended to accept a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery and carrying a pistol without a license in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment on more serious charges.

Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to limit their sentencing request to 60 months of imprisonment. Judge Arthur accepted the plea. The prosecution also agreed to address Atchinson’s disability needs during sentencing, as he uses a wheelchair.

Jones requested three-to-four months to confirm whether the federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP) can accommodate Atchinson.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on Jan. 29.

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