The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the recovery of 60 illegal firearms in Washington, D.C., from Jul 21 to Jul 27. Arrests included individuals such as 29-year-old Izaiah Pharoah McNeil and 18-year-old Enrique Leonardo Ramos Moreno, among others, for charges related to carrying pistols without a license and possession of unregistered firearms and ammunition. The MPD continues its efforts to remove illegal firearms from the streets to enhance community safety.
A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan’s courtroom heard opening statements and multiple witnesses testify, including the victim’s fiancee, on Aug. 5.
Jajuan Gripper, 22, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the death of 34-year-old Rynell Bradford. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue, NE on Dec. 20, 2022.
In opening statements, the prosecution showed surveillance footage of the victim being shot and collapsing face-first. The prosecution argued that the shooting was an act of retaliation after Bradford allegedly took a Glock 22 from Gripper and two other men. When asked by the group if he had the gun, Bradford said no and that he was going to the car. His diversion did not work and he had to flee, with the three men chasing after him and opening fire, according to the prosecutor. .
Bradford’s fiancée witnessed the shooting from the bedroom window of their shared apartment, according to the prosecutor.
The prosecution noted that the Glock 22 was never fired, and Bradford did not pose a threat to the three individuals when he was murdered.
The prosecution informed the jury that there was identification, forensic, and getaway evidence connected to Gripper. The prosecution clarified that the defendant can be guilty of the crime, even if he did not fire the fatal shot.
Gripper’s defense attorney, Wole Falodun, said the person who shot the victim is not depicted on video. Falodun argued that the victim turned around and pointed a gun at Gripper. He stated that Gripper acted in self-defense, not as part of a planned conspiracy.
He also noted that Bradford had a blood alcohol level that was four times the legal limit to drive.
Following opening statements, the prosecution called Bradford’s fiancée to the stand. She testified she shared an apartment with the victim, near the site of the crime scene.
Bradford’s fiancée testified that, on the day of the incident, Bradford returned to the apartment intoxicated, but sobered up after a nap. She recalled that, when Bradford left to take out the trash, he was taking longer than usual.
The fiancee testified that when she looked out the window, she saw Bradford being followed by three men wearing big coats. She heard one of the men ask “you got that 22?” with the victim responding,“Don’t play with guns.”
She said she witnessed the men chasing after Bradford and shooting at him when he ran out of sight. She later heard one of the men say, “You killed them, bruh,” with another man responding ,“They say he was still moving.”
The prosecution presented the witness’ 911 call to the court. The witness was heard sobbing over the phone, telling emergency services that her fiancée just got shot and that he was no longer breathing.
During cross-examination, Falodun questioned the fiancée about Bradford’s possessing a gun. The witness stated she could not see Bradford holding a weapon, since it was dark outside. She admitted that she could not say that Bradford did not threaten or point a gun at anyone.
One of Bradford’s neighbors testified that he overheard gunshots coming from the back of the apartment building. He heard someone ask “Did you kill them?”
Parties are set to reconvene Aug. 6.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred on Jul 30 in the 700 block of V Street, Northwest. The victim, identified as 31-year-old Jonathan Simmons-Miller of Gaithersburg, Maryland, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking suspects involved in an armed carjacking that took place on Jul. 27 in Northeast Washington, D.C. The incident occurred at the corner of Minnesota Avenue and Benning Road, where one suspect brandished a knife and took the victim’s moped keys, allowing the second suspect to flee on the moped. Surveillance cameras captured images of the suspects.
A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him in a proceeding before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum on July 30.
Kyre Robinson, 22, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place at the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE, on Dec. 16, 2024.
Robinson, represented by defense attorney Edwin Palacio, waived his right and the judge acknowledged his decision. Palacio did not argue for Robinson’s release, and he will remain detained until further notice pre-trial.
Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 22.
Defense attorney Sellano Simmons told the court on Aug.1 that he is working toward an insanity defense for the suspected murderer of two brothers in a case before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.
Ronzoni Jackson, Jr., 24, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shootings of 28-year-old Octavio Quintano and 35-year-old Osmine Quintano on Dec. 12, 2023, at a liquor store on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE. The suspect was initially identified through distinctive facial features captured on surveillance footage.
Jackson was found mentally competent to stand try in an assessment made by the DC Department of Behavioral health in March, 2024. The law requires that a defendant be mentally competent enough to understand the charges he faces as well as participate in the case with his lawyer. Otherwise, he can’t stand trial.
However, Simmons argued that Jackson needs to undergo more competency testing from behavioral specialists and expressed the hope that in September he will be in a better position to present an insanity defense at trial, which is set to begin Feb 9, 2026.
Judge Edelman urged Simmons to complete competency testing by early September.
Simmons responded that he doesn’t know if that timeline will be feasible given the available experts but he will try his best.
The prosecution said they have conducted DNA testing of some pieces of evidence, while others won’t be tested.
The defense chose to waive their right to independent DNA testing.
Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 12.
A murder defendant’s defense attorney argued for his release before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 1.
Juan Adams, 40, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Michael Hansley on Dec. 2, 2023, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.
Adams’ defense attorney, Rachel Cicurel, filed an emergency motion for Adams’ immediate release from detention. She cited that the extreme summer heat and the lack of air conditioning in the DC Jail posed serious physical health issues for Adams. Cicurel also mentioned that the recent rise in jail stabbings has caused him to fear for his life.
Cicurel explained that the defendant has a wife and newborn child to support. Adams’ wife is allegedly struggling to take care of her healthcare needs because she cannot afford childcare. Cicurel also expressed concerns that Adams’ family may lose housing due to the defendant’s name being on the lease of their apartment.
His lawyer also noted that the defendant has taken steps to better himself by completing anger management classes, learning CPR, doing career exploration, and learning construction management through jail programming.
Cicurel argued for Adams to be placed in 24-hour home confinement. She insisted that the conditions of the DC Jail have frightened him into compliance with release.
Judge Ryan, while sympathetic to the defendant’s struggles, maintained the detention. He cited that the conditions of Adams’ release don’t take his personal situation into consideration. The judge is a frequent critic of the jail and said he wished Adams could be sent somewhere else.
Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 21.
A murder defendant rejected a wired plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 1.
Michael Sanders, 30, and Darnell Resper, 31, are charged with first-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, conspiracy, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Youness Zarouaki on the 1000 block of Thomas Jefferson Street, NW on Feb. 18, 2021. Another individual was injured.
Sanders’ defense attorney, Daniel Kovler, informed the court that Sanders intended to reject a plea deal extended by the prosecution. Since the plea was wired, Sanders’ rejection also excluded Resper from the deal. If it had been accepted, Sanders and Resper would have pled guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.
According to court documents, Sanders and Resper allegedly entered the home while Zarouaki was hosting a “marijuana party” and demanded drugs and personal property from the individuals present while pointing guns at them. Sanders allegedly fired, fatally shooting Zarouaki in the neck and wounding another victim.
Additionally, the prosecution requested the trial date, which is slated to begin Oct. 21, be pushed back to 2026 due to scheduling conflicts. Judge Ryan objected to changing the date, stating “it never makes sense to continue trial unless I absolutely have to.”
Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 29.
A report from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) deemed that a murder defendant remains mentally incompetent to stand trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 1.
Charles Lee, 29, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the murder of 65-year-old David Dowdell that occurred on March 9, 2022, on the 1100 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.
Lee is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury while armed in connection with a stabbing on the unit block of Massachusetts Avenue, NE on Feb. 15, 2021.
A report from Lee’s behavioral evaluator at Saint Elizabeths hospital stated that Lee remains incompetent to stand trial. The report described that, while Lee is making progress toward competency, the doctor “could not say with medical certainty how soon he would regain competency.”
In order to stand trial, a defendant must have the mental competence to understand the charges he faces and help his lawyer defend the case.
DBH is hesitant to suggest that more medication or alternative medication would improve the likelihood of Lee’s regaining competency.
Lee has been compliant with treatment. The defendant appeared virtually.
The judge ordered three more months of restoration efforts. The prosecution plans to consult another medical expert to evaluate the defendant’s competency.
Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 5.
DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan gave a stabbing defendant 30 days to become compliant with her probation requirements on Aug. 1.
Donnell Jackson, 32, was found guilty and sentenced for threats to do bodily harm, simple assault, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, and threat to kidnap or injure a person while armed, in connection with her involvement in a stabbing at the intersection of Nannie Helen Burroughs and Eastern Avenues, NE on Nov. 16, 2023.
A representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) reported that Jackson has not been in full compliance on probation. Jackson tested positive for methamphetamines and PCP. Jackson has occasionally failed to report for drug testing, but reports to test the following day.
Jackson’s defense attorney, Gregg Baron, explained that the positive test for methamphetamines were from the defendant’s ADHD medication.
Judge Ryan informed Jackson that she needs to bring her prescriptions with her to CSOSA to explain any potential discrepancies in drug testing. He noted that Jackson is familiar with the criminal justice system and “is too smart to be in the position that she is in now.”
Additionally, the CSOSA representative was unsure if Jackson had already completed an anger management class during incarceration. Jackson plans to show CSOSA her certificate of completion.
Judge Ryan gave Jackson 30 days to get back into compliance with her probation, specifically instructing her to avoid illicit drug use and sort out the anger management class completion issue with CSOSA. He warned Jackson that she has more than enough problems for him to re-sentence her.
“I don’t want to lock you up,” Judge Ryan told Jackson.
Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 4.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum denied a request for a stabbing defendant’s release on Aug. 1 after the defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
Andre Thomas, 55, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured an individual on the 1800 block of 7th St, NW, on July 29.
Since Thomas waived a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him ,Judge Hildum found probable cause Thomas committed the crime and send the case to a grand jury immediately.
Thomas’ attorney, Lola Ziadie, asked Judge Hildum to release her client pending trial. She argued Thomas was a victim in the incident, since he had also been stabbed during the altercation on July 29.
In support of her request for Thomas’ release, Ziadie noted that he had employment. She said Thomas’ wife worked as a mental health provider who could ensure he received proper treatment for his diagnosed mental health conditions while on release.
The prosecution opposed releasing Thomas, since he was accused of a crime of violence in which the victim was stabbed twice and had to receive stitches. The prosecution also mentioned that Thomas had an extensive criminal history, including domestic violence offenses.
Judge Hildum acknowledged the seriousness of the offense and Thomas’s domestic violence history. He also noted Thomas’ positive test results for multiple drugs in his system upon his arrest.
With this in mind, Judge Hildum denied Thomas’ release for the safety of the community.
Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 7.
DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur postponed a carjacking trial on July 31 to allow the defense more time for DNA testing.
Miquel Beasley, 22, is charged with armed carjacking in connection with an incident that occurred on March 22, 2024, on the 3900 block of 1st Street, SE.
According to court documents, Beasley entered the victim’s vehicle for a marijuana transaction that allegedly escalated when Beasley pulled out a handgun. He then allegedly forced the victim out of the vehicle before fleeing the scene in it.
Beasley’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, requested a new trial date, arguing that the prosecution had handed over the results of their second round of DNA testing too close to the original trial scheduled for the next week. King stated she didn’t have enough time for her own experts to properly analyze the DNA evidence and asked the court to exclude the prosecution’s test results from the evidence to be presented at trial.
The prosecutor countered that he had notified the defense as early as possible about the second round of DNA testing, and he couldn’t control how quickly the lab provided results. He maintained that he acted in good faith and argued that the additional testing was critical to the argument he planned to present at trial, as it included DNA swabs from the vehicle’s steering wheel and turning signal handle.
Judge Arthur decided not to exclude the second round of DNA testing but granted the defense a delay of 45 days to find a new expert to analyze the additional DNA evidence. The trial date was pushed back to later this year.
The parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 7.
A psychologist gave testimony before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Aug. 1 regarding her 2023 report that found a stabbing defendant competent to stand trial while malingering in his representations of incompetence.
Davon Hodge, 29, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the stabbing of an incarcerated individual at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Jan. 18, 2023.
The prosecution called a psychologist employed by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) at Saint Elizabeths Hospital as an expert witness. She conducted a mental competency evaluation of Hodge in August of 2023.
The witness said Hodge was held at at the hospital 30 days for observation. His evaluation was based on records of his behavior made by medical staff during that period and by staff at DC Jail during his preceding period of detention there. It was also based on the witness’ interviews about Hodge, the results of diagnostic tests conducted by other clinicians, and the recordings of jail calls Hodge made that the witness reviewed.
The witness said Hodge was sent to Saint Elizabeths to have his mental competency evaluated because his attorney, Seth Schrager, was concerned that he couldn’t understand the judicial process well enough to participate in his own defense.
According to the witness, Hodge had reported auditory hallucinations to the medical clinician at the DC Jail. He received antipsychotic medication on the basis of his self-report, even though the clinician didn’t see in Hodge’s behavior that is typical of people experiencing hallucinations.
The witness said one goal of her evaluation was to rule out malingering, which was suspected by another psychologist who evaluated Hodge before she did. The witness explained malingering as feigning symptoms of mental illness, or feigning lack of cognitive ability or legal knowledge, in order to accomplish a desired result.
The witness stated in her report she had determined he was a malingerer. One reason for this finding was that Hodge described auditory hallucinations but wasn’t observed by any medical staff as experiencing that phenomenon.
Another reason was that the symptoms he described didn’t match the symptoms usually experienced by individuals suffering with mental illness. Additionally, his jail calls showed he understood the judicial process in ways he wouldn’t admit to during interviews.
In one jail call the witness reviewed, Hodge said he wanted to stay at Saint Elizabeths instead of going to DC Jail. He reported that the witness had found him competent to stand trial, but his attorney was finding a different doctor who he hoped would help keep him institutionalized.
In interviews with the witness, Hodge replied, “I don’t know,” to questions about basic legal information, such as the name of his defense attorney or who was the defendant in his case. The witness said, in her experience evaluating hundreds of defendants, even those with severe mental illness could usually answer such questions.
The prosecutor asked the witness to comment on an evaluation of Hodge produced by a psychologist hired by the defense.
The witness said the other psychologist didn’t state a determination of whether Hodge was competent. In parts of her evaluation, she reported behaviors by Hodge that she identified as malingering, but she didn’t make a formal finding of malingering.
According to the witness, the other psychologist concluded that Hodge receive medication to stabilize his symptoms of mental illness. The witness found the recommendation puzzling because Hodge was already on medication at the time of the evaluation, and no one, not even to the other psychologist, observed him to be symptomatic.
In cross-examination, Schrager confirmed with the witness that it’s possible for a defendant to be both incompetent and malingering at the same time.
Schrager pointed out that the diagnostic tests for malingering that the witness cited in her evaluation of Hodge are considered screening tests. On their own, they don’t prove a defendant is malingering. Schrager mentioned other tests that are used to detect malingering and noted that Hodge hadn’t received those.
The witness responded that all tests for malingering must be combined with other evidence, such as interviews, observations, and jail calls, in order to arrive at a reliable determination.
Schrager confirmed with the witness that psychologists are not permitted by law to share the raw data from their tests with anyone but other psychologists trained in administering those tests. He asked for the witness and the psychologist he hired to share their raw data from Hodge with each other.
The witness said she didn’t personally administer any tests and didn’t receive the raw data from the clinicians who administered them. She only read the test scores and the clinicians’ summaries. According to the witness, sharing the raw data would require a subpoena.
The prosecutor objected because subpoenaing the raw data would take more time, and cases become more difficult to prosecute.
Schrager said he would check with the psychologist he hired to see if she thought sharing the raw data was necessary. She is scheduled to testify at the next hearing in this case.
Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 5.
DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz postponed a murder defendant’s arraignment after deeming him mentally incompetent to stand trial on Aug. 1. A defendant cannot stand trial unless he understands the charges against and can work with his lawyer in crafting a defense. Behavioral experts are often able to restore a defendant’s competence so the trial can proceed.
Christopher Holness, 32, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of his grandmother, 83-year-old Sandra Mundle, which occurred on Jan. 17 on the 1300 block of Missouri Avenue, NW.
According to court documents, Holness and Mundle were both in the apartment when officers arrived at the scene. Mundle was reported to have sustained multiple injuries, including 13 stab wounds to the chest, lacerations to her right arm, and bruising around her eyes.
During Holness’ mental observation hearing, Judge Kravitz told the parties he had reviewed the report issued by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on July 31, which stated that Holness was mentally incompetent to stand trial.
Neither the prosecutor nor Holness’ defense attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, objected to DBH’s finding.
Judge Kravitz agreed with the findings in the DBH report and deemed Holness mentally incompetent to stand trial. Holness was scheduled to be arraigned the same day, but Judge Kravitz decided to delay his arraignment until he was found to be competent to stand trial. He ordered Holness to continue his competency restoration services at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 10.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt encouraged a fatal-shooting defendant to make an effort in a drug treatment program on Aug. 1.
William Davenport, 30, and his mother Violet Davenport, 53, are charged with first-degree murder while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of 27-year-old Leonard Turner. The incident occurred near a shelter on the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW, on May 14, 2021.
During the hearing, Judge Brandt said she was glad that Mr. Davenport was complying with some of release conditions but not avoiding illegal illegal drugs.
“I recognized it’s a struggle,” Judge Brandt said about his drug problem. “It won’t get fixed or cured overnight.”
Defense attorney Jason Tulley informed the court that Mr. Davenport had begun outpatient treatment due to a series of positive drug tests.
Judge Brandt told Mr. Davenport, “All I am asking is that you try.”
Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 19.
