Judge Sentences Homicide Defendant to 16 Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a 29-year-old defendant to 16 years in prison.

Delonte Samuels pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed in relation to 30-year-old Michael Bright’s homicide in 2020. He was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed, however, Samuels accepted a plea offer of second-degree murder on March 18.

On October 6, 2020, Samuels and another defendant were attempting to rob Bright in his car in front of his mother’s house on the 1100 block of 45th Street, NE. Another defendant was also arrested in relation to the homicide, but Judge Michael O’Keefe did not find probable cause and dismissed the other defendant’s case.

Bright’s mother provided a victim impact statement before the sentencing on June 17. She spoke for her son, who suffered numerous gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead on the scene.

His mother said she knew Samuels and “never pictured him doing this.” She presented the judge with photographs of Bright and expressed how he left behind his four children.

Defense attorney Janai Reed said Samuels was “extremely ashamed” and “can’t forgive himself” for his crime.

Samuels spoke before the sentencing and apologized to Bright’s family. He said he wishes “I could take it back” and “never meant for any of that to happen.” Samules repeatedly said sorry and that he “is not that type of person.” He also expressed that he “wants justice to be served,” in regard to his sentence.

Considering Samuels’ prior criminal history, he was sentenced to 16 years of incarceration based on the prosecutor and defense counsel’s agreement. Other conditions that Raffinan ordered were for Samuels to undergo a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, mental health assessment and treatment, grief counseling, anger management, and enter a General Educational Development program.

Samuels committed this crime while he was on release from a previous case. Additionally, other cases he currently has open were dismissed as part of the terms of the plea deal.

Defendant In Homicide Case Rejects Plea Deal

A defendant charged in a March 2020 fatal shooting case rejected a plea deal on June 17.

Khamari Perkins is charged with first-degree murder while armed. The case stems from the shooting of Naseem Simpson, 18, on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW, on March 15, 2020.

Under the plea offer, if Perkins pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange the prosecution would dismiss all other charges and recommend a sentence of 15 to 17 years in prison.

The defendant, 21, was represented by defense attorneys Mitchell Candace and Kevann Gardner.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan set a motion hearing for Aug. 24.

Homicide Trial Continues With a Long Day of Testimonies

A homicide trial resumed with several witnesses called in to testify regarding their role in the DNA extraction of evidence.

Co-defendants Saquan Williams, 20, and Quincy Garvin, 22, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm, criminal street gang affiliation and conspiracy in connection to the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Carl Hardy on the 1200 block of I Street, SE, on Sept. 10, 2017.

During the trial on June 16, the prosecutor called a series of Bode Technology forensic technologists and analysts who assisted in the DNA extraction and amplification of two pieces of evidence taken from Williams’ apartment. Each witness was briefly quizzed on their role in the forensic evidence procedure, none of which took more than a few minutes.

The majority of the day revolved around a witness, called by the prosecution, who was asked to testify regarding his criminal past and his knowledge of any Wellington Park individuals.

After not much success, the prosecution went through the witness’ charges, many of which were dropped because of a plea deal.

The cross-examination by the prosecutor recounted many of the federal gun charges the witness pleaded guilty to in order to get less time. He also showed a music video the witness made to show how all the weapons used in the video were props, not real weapons.

Judge Robert Okun scheduled the trial to resume on June 21.

Five Murder Defendants Pleaded Guilty Between May 1 and June 15

Five defendants charged in murder cases pleaded guilty between May 1 and June 15.

Document: Police Investigate Shooting on Bowen Road, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a June 16 homicide.

At approximately 9:41p.m, officers responded to the 4400 block of Bowen Road, SE, due to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 42-year-old Dimaris Smith suffering from a gunshot wound. He died from his injuries at the scene.

An arrest has not yet been made in this homicide.

Police Arrest Suspect in April Murder

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) apprehended a suspect accused of fatally shooting a 28-year-old man on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to a press release, on June 16 officers arrested 28-year-old Robert Baskerville, a resident of Oxon Hill, Md., charging him with second-degree murder while armed.

On April 16, Darron Holmes was found suffering from gunshot wounds. He died on the scene.

Seven Homicides Happened in 1st Half of June

There were seven homicides between June 1 and June 15 in 2022, according to D.C. Witness data.

The Majority of Sexual Assaults Do Not Include Weapons, Data Shows

In the majority of sexual assault cases where someone was charged in 2022, there were no weapons involved, according to D.C. Witness data.

Homicide Defendant Requests Mental Health Treatment

A homicide defendant’s lawyer requested June 16 that his client receive mental health treatment after witnessing the death of a fellow inmate.

Ronald Miller, 43, is accused of stabbing his former girlfriend, 28-year-old Tiffany Hardy, to death on Feb. 8, 2021. Hardy was found inside a residence on the 1600 block of E Street, NE with multiple stab wounds to her neck and body, according to court documents. She was pronounced dead on the scene.

The hearing, which began with a focus on scheduling, turned into a mental health hearing due to a recent suicide at the DC Jail. Defense attorney Jason Tulley said an inmate hung himself last week at DC Jail and Miller was in the next cell.

“To have to watch them bring him out and really try to resuscitate him and watch that young man die, like really die, felt like I was experiencing it,” Miller said during the hearing.

Tulley said the defendant, who died, had requested mental health assistance but was unable to receive it. He asked for Miller to receive it from the DC Jail and would file a medical alert.

“I think being alerted to instances like this is educational for all of us,” DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt said.

She said she could not force the jail to give him treatment but suggested Tulley talk to jail officials about the issue.

Another hearing is scheduled for July 7.

Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Voluntary Manslaughter

A judge sentenced a homicide defendant to 11 years in prison after hearing multiple victim impact statements from family members.

Knico Wheaton, 25, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed on Jan. 28 in connection to the shooting of 41-year-old Tavon Cox on the 700 block of 24th Street, NE on Jan. 11, 2020. Cox succumbed to his injuries the following day, according to court documents.

Wheaton was initially indicted on charges of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and obstruction of justice in relation to the murder. He accepted the plea offer June 15.

The prosecutors asked DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee to consider the “permanent damage” of the crime and cited “the danger [they] believe the defendant poses to the community.” They asked for the maximum sentence under the plea agreement, noting the multiple videos and photos of Wheaton holding assault rifles.

The prosecutor read out four impact statements from friends of Cox in addition to those read to the court during a previous hearing April 22.

Cox “was a wonderful, loving father and husband who would give you the shirt off his back,” a close friend of the victim stated in a letter.

The letters revealed Cox was looking forward to moving to Georgia in search of a better life for him and his family.

“I miss my best friend every day … this isn’t a pain that will go away,” according to a statement by Cox’s best friend.

David Richter, Wheaton’s defense attorney, said the defense maintains that Wheaton was not the one who pulled the trigger. According to court documents, a witness saw multiple suspects attempting to purchase marijuana from Cox and saw one individual reach into his pocket as if to pull out money and shoot Cox in the head at close range.

Voluntary manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of 30 years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. However, parties agreed upon a suggested sentence ranging from a minimum of seven and a half years to 12 years in prison.

Richter asked for Wheaton to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). Under the YRA, defendants under the age of 25 can qualify to have their records sealed at the completion of their sentence if they fulfill the imposed requirements.

Richter pointed to Wheaton’s difficult childhood, absent father, loss of a brother, work experience, and new child. He also noted how Wheaton decided to take responsibility for his actions instead of going to trial.

“Mr. Wheaton is an exceptional human I beg to be shown leniency,” a letter, written in support of the defendant from a close family friend, read.

Richter added that he has witnessed the defendant’s character growth since he was first arrested.

“I’ve now known Mr. Wheaton for two years,” Richter said. “I’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth. He is a lot more thoughtful and conscientious.”

Along with reading a letter to the court, Wheaton stood and apologized directly to Cox’s family, his own family, and the community. Members of both the victim and the defendant’s families were in attendance.

“I hope one day y’all will be able to forgive me,” Wheaton said.

Along with the 11-year prison sentence, Wheaton will also serve five years on supervised release.

“You’ve been through the system,” Judge Lee said. “You should have learned.”

Upon release, Wheaton will receive mental health counseling, drug treatment, vocational training, educational services, and will have to register as a gun offender.

In his decision, Judge Lee referenced Wheaton’s past robbery conviction. He also rejected the defense attorney’s request to sentence Wheaton under the YRA due to Wheaton’s priors and the severity of the crime.

“Whatever the sentence, you will recover from this,” Judge Lee said. “Tavon Cox, he won’t.”

Document: June 15 Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department has announced a homicide that took place on June 15.

At approximately 11:44 a.m. officers responded to the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, due to a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 30-year-old Israel Mattocks with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on scene, according to the press release.

An arrest has not been made in relation to this homicide.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request to Remove GPS Monitor

A DC Superior Court judge denied a homicide defendant’s request to remove a GPS tracker.

Tristian Cole, 31, is accused of stabbing 24-year-old Joel Midgett on the 200 block of K Street, NW during an altercation on Oct. 16, 2015. Midgett succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. Cole was later charged with second-degree murder while armed.

On Feb. 10, 2020, Cole was released from detention under the high-intensity supervision program with a GPS monitor.

During the June 14 hearing, defense attorney Ronald Resetarits requested to remove the GPS attached to Cole’s ankle.

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee denied the request but commended Cole on her observation of her release conditions thus far.

Cole’s next hearing is scheduled for July 6.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request to Enter Inpatient Treatment

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee denied a request for release from a defendant accused of shooting his father during an altercation.

Stephon Williams, 31, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol outside a home or business. He is accused of shooting his then 49-year-old father Stephen Magruder on Sept. 11, 2020, on the 700 block of 51st Street, NE during a dispute.

Williams’ defense attorney Jason Tulley filed a motion on June 14 for Williams’ release into inpatient treatment. Tulley spoke about his concerns over Williams’ struggle with fentanyl addiction and the drug’s availability at the DC Jail, where Williams is currently detained. Tully argued that although Williams was currently fighting his addiction, keeping Williams in jail “is punishing him for being an addict.”

Tulley also brought to the court’s attention that the jail had run out of a medication that Williams was prescribed to treat blood clots–an ailment that had sent Williams to the hospital just a few months prior.

The prosecutor opposed the motion, arguing that Williams had plenty of opportunities to enter himself into inpatient programs when he had previously been released. Instead, Williams picked up several misdemeanor charges. Williams had additionally shown non-compliance with his release orders several times.

Judge Lee denied the defense’s motion for release on the grounds that Williams still poses a danger to the community.

Williams is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 30 for an additional hearing.

Case Acquitted: Defendant Accused of Stabbing Man Rejects Plea Deal

This case was acquitted on Dec. 16, 2022.

A defendant accused of stabbing a man to death in 2020 rejected a plea deal.

On Jan. 5, 2020, Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to reports of an assault taking place on the 1200 block of U Street, NW and found 22-year-old Dy’Mani Priestly suffering from a puncture wound to the chest. D.C. Fire and Emergency Services quickly transported Priestly to Howard University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Reginald W. Hooks Jr., 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to Priestly’s death.

“Mr. Hooks will not be accepting a plea offer at this time,” Defense Attorney Bernadette Armand stated during the June 14 hearing.

If Hooks had accepted the plea deal, the murder charge would have been reduced to manslaughter, and he would have also been charged with carrying a dangerous weapon. Hooks would have faced a sentence ranging of six to 12 years in prison.

Prosecutors have conducted DNA testing from blood collected at the crime scene. Hooks waived his right to test DNA at a lab of his choosing.

“I told my lawyer that I was fine with the testing that the government has,” Hooks said.

Armand said that she intends on filing a motion to suppress statements, in relation to evidence collected from Hooks’ phone. Yet, the prosecution said evidence from the defendant’s phone would not be used during trial.

Additionally, Armand requested notice from the prosecution if jail calls are used as evidence.

“If you do identify them (the phone calls), please let the defense know,” DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan told prosecutors.

The trial is set to take place on Nov. 8.

Hooks is scheduled to appear in court again on Sept. 23.

Prosecutors Attempt To Link Prior Shootings To Homicide During Trial

A homicide trial resumed on June 13 with the prosecutors calling four witnesses in an attempt to link the defendants to other shootings.

Co-defendants Saquan Williams, 20, and Quincy Garvin, 22, are charged with, first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm, conspiracy and criminal street gang affiliation in connection to allegedly shooting 24-year-old Carl Hardy on the 1200 block of I Street, SE, on Sept. 10, 2017.

In the prosecutor’s attempt to connect the defendants to other shootings, the prosecution’s first witness Monday was shot in the leg during an incident, that allegedly involved gang activity, on July 9, 2017. The witness said he was shot in the back of his gray Honda on his way home from a social club.

Police searched the witness’s car, finding a firearm and charged him with carrying an illegal firearm. However, the charges were later dropped because it wasn’t his firearm although the gun was in his vehicle.

The prosecutor then called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department who was assigned to investigate a separate shooting that occurred at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 13th Street, NW, on May 1, 2017.

The suspects of the May 1, 2017, shooting were reportedly driving a gray Nissan sedan. Surveillance video captured the suspects, in the gray Nissan, making a three-point turn near the intersection on the day of the shooting.

The detective said he found a Zipcar, a rented vehicle, matching the description of the gray Nissan on V Street, SE. The detective also obtained phone records of the person who rented the car. Records show numerous calls from one number. The same number connected to one of the defendants.

William’s defense attorney, Kyle McGonigal, asked the detective about a gold van that was seen driving away from the scene on one of the surveillance videos the detective reviewed. The detective testified that there were no reports that anyone was shooting from the gold van.

In response to the detective’s testimony, McGonigal mentioned two of the detective’s prior cases. In one of the cases, a judge declared the detective’s testimony as not credible, and, in the other, the case was dismissed because the detective misplaced evidence.

However, the prosecutor emphasized that the evidence that was misplaced was a note that was illegible.

The prosecution called another detective from the homicide branch to identify the individuals who frequented the Wellington Park area, specifically the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

An investigator with the Criminal Intelligence Unit of the MPD was called to testify last. The investigator matched Instagram usernames to the real names of the users, which included Garvin. The witness also testified that “DF” is used as a vanity name to identify people associated with Wellington Park.

The prosecutor also showed the investigator clips of an Instagram live video feed from Oct. 4, 2017. Firearms, that could not be matched to any specific incident, were shown in the video.

During cross-examination, Garvin’s defense attorney Steven Kirsch emphasized that the investigator is not a firearms expert and the firearms shown were in no way unique.

The trial was scheduled to resume on June 14.

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