Parties in Murder Trial Deliver Closing Arguments

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

A murder trial wrapped up with parties delivering their closing arguments.

“He was not going to stop until he was absolutely sure Daniel Parker was dead because he was out for revenge,” the prosecutor said of the defendant, Dewayne Shorter on Dec. 6. The 33-year-old is charged with first-degree murder while armed in Parker’s death on July 26, 2017, on the 2000 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE.

The prosecutor heavily pushed on Shorter allegedly telling Parker’s brother, “I got bodies, you got bodies” at the scene of the shooting. Parker, 38, had allegedly shot Shorter just a few months prior while he was sitting in a car.

The prosecutor argued that killing Parker was retaliatory and this phrase was an admittance. He also said Shorter’s arm wound should have been healed enough by the time of the shooting for him to hold a gun.

The prosecution continued, saying one of the witnesses was also allegedly told by Parker that if anything happens to him, Shorter was to blame. He said this witness, aligned with multiple others, identified Shorter as a shooter.

Shorter allegedly chased Parker down the street in order to shoot him.

“He was hunting Daniel Parker down,” the prosecutor said.

Both DNA and fingerprint evidence were unavailable to identify Shorter as the shooter. But the prosecutor said, “Not every case has DNA and it doesn’t have to.” He argued that the witnesses’ identification was clear reasoning to point to Parker as the shooter.

“The reasons to doubt are too huge,” defense attorney Jon Norris told the jury during his closing arguments.

Norris argued that the case was built around Parker’s brother’s story, specifically the alleged “I bodies, you got bodies,” statement.

The “case makes no sense, ladies and gentlemen,” Norris said.

Norris said the prosecutor downplayed the identification multiple witnesses gave. They said the shooter was a “light-skinned” individual and compared this to Shorter’s darker complexion.

“When you deliberate, presume Dewayne Shorter innocent,” he finished.

Trial for Man Accused of Murdering 11-Year-Old Begins

Parties delivered their opening arguments in a trial for the man accused of fatally shooting an 11-year-old boy.

Tony McClam is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of Karon Brown on July 18, 2019, on the 2700 block of Naylor Road, SE.

Prosecutors say an altercation broke out between two groups of kids, one of whom being McClam’s nephew. The other kids physically assaulted his nephew, and when McClam found out, he told him that they would teach the kids a lesson, according to the prosecution. McClam, 31, allegedly brought a gun to the confrontation, which prosecutors allege was used to shoot Brown.

McClam allegedly bought the gun illegally out-of-state. One of the videos prosecutors admitted into evidence showed Metropolitan Police Department officers searching a witness’ apartment, where they found the gun believed to have been used during the shooting. The video clip showed the gun found in a bag next to children sitting on the couch, which the prosecution intends to use to help determine the timeline of where the gun went after the initial incident.

The second video showed Body Worn Camera footage from a police officer who found a bullet on the child of a witness during a search. The prosecutor said the evidence of the bullet in his pocket corroborates the story a witness gave about handing the gun to her child to let him unjam it.

While defense attorney Jason Tulley agreed that an altercation broke out between a group of kids, including McClam’s nephew, he said the prosecution failed to mention how the other parents were involved. He said the other kids’ parents made the most significant threats towards McClam’s nephew.

Tulley told the jury that McClam did not initially bring a gun when confronting the groups of kids. He only went back to get it when he realized there were grown adults present also making threats. When one of the other parents was leaving, they promised they’d be back with weapons and that is when McClam decided to use his gun, but his intention was only to scare the individual, according to Tulley.

Tulley told the jury that McClam has vision problems in his left eye and did not see a child in the car. So while McClam shot at the vehicle and purposefully avoided hitting the adult, he, unfortunately, ended up striking the child, he argued. McClam’s ophthalmologist is slated to testify as an expert witness within the next two weeks.

The prosecution filed a motion to prevent McClam’s ophthalmologist from testifying as an expert witness. According to prosecutors, because the defense was so late in delivering discovery, they have been unable to find a last-minute ophthalmologist willing to testify as an expert because of concerns over privacy information and patient relationships.

Although the prosecution argued it would bias the jury if one doctor is identified by the court as an expert and the other isn’t, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied the motion. He said that while the court won’t identify the doctor as an expert, there are no rules in preventing the prosecution from showing the jury all of his qualifications in order to demonstrate their expertise.

A sergeant with the MPD took the stand to analyze shell casings he collected from the crime scene. The defense asked the sergeant if he was aware that two different shootings took place on the same road earlier in the week. The officer said at the time, his team was unaware of the other shootings because they were out of his jurisdiction and that a different police district covered them.

The defense argued that it is highly possible that evidence between the three shootings such as shell casings and property damage could be miss-matched with the wrong case because they took place so close together.

A member of the Department of Forensic Science is expected to take the witness stand to go over DNA evidence in the case later this week.

Judge Cancels Trial Dates Following Defense Attorney’s Request to Withdraw

A DC Superior Court judge canceled a sex abuse defendant’s upcoming trial dates because he requested a new lawyer.

The 52-year-old defendant is charged with first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly breaking into a woman’s apartment on the 1000 block of North Capitol Street, NE, and sexually assaulting her in March. He had been scheduled to go to trial in January.

During the Dec. 6 hearing, defense attorney Madalyn Harvey said she thinks it’s in the defendant’s best interests that another lawyer represents him. Judge Milton Lee spoke with the defense about the reasoning for this outside of open court.

After the ex parte meeting, Judge Lee said there has been a breakdown in communication between Harvey and the defendant and he intends to grant Harvey’s request to withdraw.

Judge Lee also cancelled the upcoming trial dates so that the defendant’s new attorney will have more time to get acquainted with the case.

Parties are now slated to reconvene for an ascertainment of counsel hearing on Dec. 13.

Document: Suspect Arrested in 76-Year-Old Man’s Death

A suspect was arrested for second-degree murder in connection with the death of 76-year-old Luther Brooks.

According to a press release, at approximately 2:10 p.m. on Sept. 28, Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to the 1300 block of Kalmia Road, NW, for the report of a possible assault. There, they found Brooks suffering from injuries consistent with assault. He was taken to a hospital, but succummed to his injuries on Oct. 8.

Two days later, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be multiple blunt force trauma injuries. Brooks’ death was ruled a homicide.

Clifton Brown, 57, was arrested on Dec. 6.

Sex Abuse Case Heads to Grand Jury Following Plea Deal Rejection

A sex abuse defendant rejected a plea offer on Dec. 6.

The 34-year-old defendant is charged with two counts of first-degree sexual abuse.

The prosecution offered the defendant the option to plead down to one count of attempted first-degree sexual abuse. But with the offer rejected, the prosecutor is now slated to work on securing an indictment.

D.C. Witness previously reported that the victim and defendant originally met at a wedding. The victim and her boyfriend were driving the defendant home from the wedding when they got into a car accident that led to a physical altercation between the victim’s boyfriend and the other drivers. The boyfriend got arrested at the scene. Later, the victim and the defendant drove back to his home where he then allegedly sexually assaulted her.

The defendant is currently released into the High Intensity Supervision Program. DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee allowed him to travel to Pennsylvania for the holidays. He also allowed the defendant not to be penalized for curfew violations related to work travel.

Document: December 5 Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that happened on Dec. 5.

According to a press release, at approximately 2:00 p.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of Eastern Avenue, NE, for the sound of gunshots. There, they found 24-year-old Raychelle Freeman in a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Freeman was pronounced dead on scene.

Defense Challenges Use of Video Evidence in Preparation for Murder Trial

A defense attorney challenged a prosecutor’s decision to use certain video evidence in an upcoming murder trial.

Tony McClam is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 11-year-old Karon Brown on July 18, 2019, on the 2700 block of Naylor Road, SE.

Defense attorney Jason Tulley argued during the Dec. 1 hearing that videos and images the prosecution planned on using during the trial would sway the jury to find prejudice against 31-year-old McClam.

Tulley showed two videos the prosecutor intended to use. In one of the videos, the police searched a witness’ apartment found a gun allegedly used during the shooting.

The video clip showed the gun was found in a bag next to children sitting on the couch. Tulley said that the jury might associate McClam with letting the gun be in a space where children are present and hold it against him.

The prosecutor argued that the video is relevant because it adds to the timeline of where the gun traveled from the time of the shooting. The witness found the defendant’s gun in her bag and presumably brought it to the residence they were staying in, the prosecutor said, so the gun being retrieved near children does not involve McClam.

The other video from the prosecutor showed Body Worn Camera footage of a police officer who found a bullet on the child of the witness during a search. Tulley said this is not relevant and “advances the case in no way.”

The prosecutor said the evidence of the bullet in his pocket corroborates the story the witness gave about handing the gun to her child to let him unjam it.

“There’s no way to take kids out of the case,” the prosecutor said, “the government has a right to present evidence in the manner it unfolds.” They said they are modernizing the system by showing the video instead of telling the jury what took place.

Judge Neal Kravitz said there is relevance and the prejudicial effect is diminished because the defendant was locked up before the gun was found. Judge Kravitz mentioned the prosecution has the right to show where the gun was found.

The prosecutor was required to blur the image of the child in handcuffs during the video at Judge Kravitz’s orders and Tulley’s request.

Judge Kravitz said there is no evidence McClam asked the witness to put the gun in the residence it was found and he didn’t see the connection of how there was an unfair risk to McClam since the bullet retrieved corroborates the witness’s testimony.

However, Judge Kravitz encouraged the prosecutor to think again about showing the video of the child being searched by police. He denied both motions filed by the defense and allowed the videos to be used as evidence for the prosecution during the trial resuming on Dec. 6.

Document: Homicide in Southeast, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on Dec. 4.

According to a press release, at approximately 1:11 a.m., officers responded to the 4400 block of Falls Terrace, SE, for the report of a shooting. There, they found 40-year-old Willie Spain, Jr. suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on scene.

Document: Multiple Arrests Made in Homicides

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives have made three arrests in relation to three different homicides.

Around 11:30 p.m. on July 19, police found 37-year-old Rayfone Gassaway unconscious and suffering from gunshot wounds on the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE. Emergency Medical Services determined that the victim showed no signs of life.

At approximately 4:58 p.m. on Nov. 5, 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.

On Dec. 3, officers arrested 24-year-old Georgio Hyles and charged him with first-degree murder while armed, according to the press release.

On Dec. 2 officers arrested 19-year-old Earl Isaac, III and charged him with second-degree murder while armed in relation to the homicide, according to the press release.

At approximately 11:27 a.m. on Dec. 3. officers responded to the Unit block of Elmira Street, SW, due to a burglary. Upon arrival, officers located 71-year-old Sylvia Matthews with trauma and transported her to a local hospital. On Dec. 4 she succumbed to her injuries, according to the press release.

On Dec. 3, officers arrested 66-year-old Michael Garrett and charged him with assault with intent to kill, according to the press release.

Judge Cancels Trial After Man Pleaded Guilty to 2018 Fatal Shooting

A homicide defendant who had been previously set to go to trial in late March chose to take a plea deal instead.

Marcus Whitaker was charged with second-degree murder while armed in the shooting of David Hart on July 28, 2018.

Last August, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson set aside March 31 through April 18 for the 31-year-old defendant’s trial. But on Dec. 1, Whitaker accepted an offer from the prosecution to plead down to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed.

According to court documents, the plea deal includes an agreement between parties that a 12-year prison sentence would be appropriate for this case.

The prosecutor also dropped his charges of unlawful posession of a firearm with a prior conviction and posession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Hart was 22-years-old when he was shot multiple times on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE. Three days later, police identified Whitaker as their suspect. He was not apprehended until May 8, 2019.

Judge Milton Lee cancelled the upcoming trial dates and scheduled Whitaker to be sentenced on Feb. 11.

Document: Suspect Arrested for Second-Degree Murder

Jermaine Washington, a 37-year-old resident of Northwest, DC, has been arrested for second-degree murder while armed in connection with an October homicide.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) press release, during the early hours of Oct. 26, officers found 40-year-old Keon Bonner suffering from apparent stab wounds in an alley on the 1500 block of Ogden Street, NW. He was pronounced dead on scene.

Washington was arrested on Dec. 2.

Judge Denies Emergency Release Motion for Man Charged in Two Homicides

A DC Superior Court judge denied an emergency motion for a murder defendant’s release due to what the defense calls “unsanitary, unsafe and unconstitutional conditions” at DC Jail.

Rasheed Young, 43, is charged with murder in two cases, both of which he picked up in December 2020.

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

Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller filed the emergency release motion in November. In it, she cites a memo from the U.S. Marshals Service regarding an unannounced inspection of the jail. Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia Lamont Ruffin has forwarded the inspection results to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division for review of potential violations of the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act.

During the Dec. 1 hearing, Weller said her client said there is no running water on his floor of the jail. Judge Marisa Demeo still denied the motion, saying her office will need to get in contact with the jail again before a decision can be made.

Wellers also requested a mental observation hearing to reassess Young’s competence to stand trial. According to Wellers, a full year in confinement has had a drastic impact on Young’s mental and physical health. Judge Demeo agreed to this request..

The mental observation hearing is set for Dec. 13.

Prosecution Awaiting Protective Order in Sex Abuse Case

A sex abuse case is developing as the prosecution waits to give the defense discovery evidence.

The 51-year-old defendant is charged with two counts of second-degree child sex abuse for for allegedly abusing his goddaughter and her sister.

The prosecution said they have already provided additional discovery evidence to the defense and are prepared to provide more after securing a protective order.

Defense attorney Aubrey Dillon stood in for the defendant’s attorney Rachel Cicurel. Parties are involved in plea negotiations. They asked Judge Neal Kravitz to continue the Dec. 1 hearing. Judge Kravitz scheduled parties to reconvene on Jan. 24.

The defendant is currently on release. A Pretrial Services Agency officer said during the hearing that the defendant has been compliant with his release conditions.

Judge Schedules Trial for Murder Case Involving Woman’s Disappearance in 2010

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a trial for a murder case in which the victim has yet to be found.

Isaac Moye is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 24-year-old Unique Harris. According to court documents, Harris’ children reported her missing one morning when they realized she was not in her home on the 2400 block of Hartford Street, SE, but her car was still in the driveway. Moye, 44, was on GPS tracking at the time due to another case. Tracking records indicate that he arrived at Harris’ home around 10:40 p.m. on Oct. 9, 2010, and left around 7:20 a.m. the following day.

Harris has yet to be found. In 2018, the court granted a petition for a presumption of death of a missing person and issued a death certificate for her. Moye was arrested in December 2020.

Judge Neal Kravitz asked if the parties could pick an earlier date due to defense attorney Jason Tulley asserting Moyes right to a speedy trial during the Dec. 1 hearing. Both parties were unable to find time in their schedules until conflicts and the start date was set for May 22, 2023.

Judge Kravitz also acknowledged defense attorney Jason Tulley’s motion for release following the recent U.S. Marshal Service’s report on the jail conditions but said he will address the issue at another date when he is able to further review the motion.

The prosecution expects to have DNA results by Feb. 16. A status hearing to discuss these results is set for March 9.

Sex Abuse Defendant Requests New Attorney

A sex abuse defendant requested a new attorney.

The defendant is charged with first-degree sex abuse while armed for allegedly forcing himself into a woman’s car on the 3200 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE, and sexually assaulting her. The assault allegedly took place on March 20, 2018.

The defendant asked for a new lawyer during the Dec. 1 hearing. His current attorney, John Iweanoge, motioned to withdraw on Nov. 29.

Iweanoge, the defendant and DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz conferred outside of open court. Afterward, Judge Kravitz scheduled the proceedings to pick back up on Dec. 22.

Search