Attorneys Seek Release of Co-Defendants Charged With Murder, Citing Jail Conditions

Attorneys for two co-defendants in a murder case have motioned for their clients’ release from custody, citing reports on the conditions of confinement at DC Jail.

Tony Morgan, 28, and Martinez Raynor, 21, are charged with murder for their alleged involvement in the shooting of 19-year-old Malik McCloud on Oct. 20, 2018, on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE. The case is scheduled to go to trial in 2022.

Morgan is being represented by Kevin Mosley and Raynor is being represented by Ronald Resetarits.

On Nov. 9, both Mosley and Resetarits filed bond review motions, citing reports on the conditions of confinement at DC Jail in the aftermath of an unannounced inspection of the facility conducted by the US Marshals Service. Concerns raised about DC Jail conditions include poor sanitation and mistreatment of detainees.

During the Nov. 10 status hearing, the prosecution requested time to respond to these motions in writing. The prosecution’s response is expected by Nov. 12.

The prosecution has filed a motion to retest DNA on five items of evidence. This retesting would involve consumption of the biological material. Mosley and Resetarits objected to this, and will have until Nov. 17 to file their opposition in writing. The prosecution will have until Nov. 24 to respond.

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz scheduled parties to reconvene on Jan. 7.

Morgan is charged with first-degree murder while armed while Raynor is charged with felony murder while armed. The two are also charged with conspiracy and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Morgan is also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Raynor is also charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Crime Alerts: November 11-12

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 11 and 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 12.

A crime alert was sent out at 9:34 p.m. due to a robbery investigation in the 1700 block of Erie Sreet, SE. Police identified the suspects as three Black males who were approximately 19-20 years old. The first was wearing a black ski mask and armed with a handgun. The second had a dark complexion and hair twists. The third had a light complexion and a beard.

A crime alert was sent out at 10:43 p.m. due to a shooting investigation in the 300 block of 53rd Street, SE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A crime alert was sent out at 10:49 p.m. due to a shooting investigation in the 300 block of 34th Street, SE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

Document: Suspect Arrested for Murder

A suspect was arrested in connection with a June 11 homicide.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, at about 1:39 p.m. police responded to the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE due to reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, police found two adult males with gunshot wounds. One was treated for non-life-threatening injuries while the other, 28-year-old Delonte Johnson, was pronounced dead.

On Nov. 1, 31 year-old Joshua Calvin Allen was arrested for first-degree murder while armed.

Plea Negotiations Continue in Murder Case

A DC Superior Court judge continued a hearing for a murder case as parties continue with plea negotiations.

Tarik Turner, 26, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Keosha Ferguson on March 31, 2021, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

Turner was previously offered a plea deal and negotiations are still underway. During the Nov. 10 hearing, parties reported they anticipate coming to a decision on the plea offer by the time they are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 24.

Defense attorney Quo Judkins recently filed an emergency motion for immediate release, citing the results of an unannounced inspection of the DC Jail. The defense has since agreed to set the motion aside for now in exchange for the prosecution extending the availability of their plea offer for two to three more weeks.

Parties are also expected to discuss the motion for emergency release during the Nov. 24 hearing. Judge Neal Kravitz said he believes more information about the conditions of confinement at DC Jail will come to light by then.

Members of Turner’s family were present for the hearing. Turner will remain at DC Jail as he awaits his next day in court.

Defendant Sentenced for Killing Girlfriend

A defendant was sentenced to 12 years in prison for killing his girlfriend.

Back in June, Steven Robinson pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for shooting his girlfriend, 28-year-old Shanika Williams, on July 12, 2020, on the 800 block of 19th Street, NE.

Robinson, 28, was previously set to be sentenced on Nov. 4, but Judge Neal Kravitz said he needed more time to decide if he would accept the plea agreement after hearing from the victim’s family.

”I don’t know who the state works for, but, in this case, it was not for Shanika Williams,” one of William’s family members said during that hearing.

The plea deal included an agreement between parties that 10 to 12 years would be an appropriate sentence in this case. Typical sentencing guidelines for second-degree murder while armed suggest a minimum of 14 years. If Judge Kravitz rejected the plea deal and Robinson were convicted by a jury, he could have faced a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

During the previous hearing, defense attorney Matthew Davies said Robinson pleaded guilty early on because he had been living under poor conditions at DC Jail.

Judge Kravitz decided to accept the plea agreement rather than send the case to trial. He said trials were too risky and he did not want Williams’ children, who were witnesses in the case, to have to testify in front of a grand jury. Williams’ mother previously expressed that she did not want her grandchildren to have to testify.

The prosecutor requested a 12-year sentence along with domestic violence counseling for Robinson, saying Robinson’s actions may fit into a larger cycle of domestic violence. Davies said his client would be happy to undergo domestic violence treatment, but only if it was recommended after an evaluation.

Davies requested a lighter sentence, saying it would be easier to be certain that Robinson was complying with treatment requirements if he were to spend less time in prison.

Judge Kravitz agreed to impose a 12-year sentence, which will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. He must undergo domestic violence and anger management treatment while in prison. Additionally, Robinson is required to register as a gun offender for seven years following his release from prison.

The impact statements of Williams’ family were heard in an earlier hearing, but Judge Kravitz asked Robinson if he had any words of his own during the Nov. 9 sentencing. Robinson said “I apologize to Ms. Williams’ family…it was in cold blood…I don’t even think I will probably ever be at peace. She was my friend.” Judge Kravitz thanked Robinson for his apology and said he hoped Williams’ family would one day be able to appreciate the apology as well.

“I want to thank everyone for your thoughtfulness during this case,” Judge Kravitz told Williams’ family, “if you are disappointed in this outcome, I understand and appreciate your disappointment.”

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Judge Finds Probable Cause for Sex Abuse Case

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that the case against a domestic violence defendant charged with fourth-degree sexual abuse has enough evidence to go to trial.

The defendant is accused of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman. He is currently on pretrial release.

During the Nov. 10 preliminary hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified that the victim contacted her saying she wanted to make a complaint against her romantic partner.

According to the detective, the complainant said the defendant told her he has had sex with her while she was asleep or unconscious, and the victim told him that was rape. The defendant allegedly told her it was not because she is his girlfriend.

The victim has a seizure disorder she manages with medication that makes her drowsy, the detective said. Defense attorney Thomas Healy asked the detective if it was possible the victim was partly conscious while on medication. The detective said she did not know.

The prosecution asked the detective about text messages cited in an affidavit she wrote. The detective identified one of the phone numbers as being the defendant’s. She said she found an explicit video, allegedly sent by the defendant via text, of a person she said did not seem responsive. The defendant’s face could allegedly be seen at the end of it and, according to the detective, the victim identified herself in it.

When Healy asked if there was a conversation between two people in the video, the detective said the video had no sound, but the victim told her she was unconscious in the video.

Judge Milton Lee ruled the case had probable cause, citing the victim identifying herself in the video. Judge Lee also noted that the victim being on a medication that made her unconscious indicates a lack of consent from her.

Judge Approves Sex Abuse Defendant’s Request for New Attorney

A DC Superior Court judge approved a sex abuse defendant’s request for a new attorney.

The defendant is charged with third-degree sex abuse for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman on Aug. 7 on the 3000 block of Mount Pleasant Street, NW. The defendant is also charged with simple assault and misdemeanor sex abuse.

During the Nov. 10 hearing, the defendant said he would like to replace his attorney, Joseph Molina. The defendant says they have not been in communication, and feels Molinda is judging him and does not want to help him.

In response, Molina said he believes he visits the defendant as often as he can. He also said he has not been judgmental, but brutally honest about the prospects of the case.

Judge Milton Lee approved the defendant’s request for a new lawyer. The defense said he would like defense attorney Rachel McCoy to be his lawyer because she speaks Spanish. Judge Lee said he did not know if that was possible.

Judge Lee scheduled another hearing date for Nov. 17.

Murder Case Set for Preliminary Hearing

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

Javon Duckwilder, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 23-year-old Juwan Smith. On Oct. 25, Smith was found on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

During the Nov. 4 hearing, defense attorney Jesse Winograd made an oral motion for his his client’s release from DC Jail, which was denied by Judge Milton Lee.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place on Nov. 20.

Document: Arrest Made in Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officials have made an arrest in relation to a Nov. 8 homicide.

At approximately 8:20 p.m. officers responded to the 1600 block of R Street, SE, due to a report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, officers located 41-year-old Dameon Yates unconscious and unresponsive with apparent lacerations. He was pronounced dead on scene, according to the press release.

On Nov. 9, officers arrested a juvenile male and charged him with second-degree murder while armed, according to the press release.

Homicide Victim’s Mother Voices Frustrations With Court Process During Sentencing

The mother of homicide victim Jamaul Crockett voiced frustrations over how her son’s case was handled at the sentencing of the man convicted of killing him.

Aaron Jackson, 41, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in June, less than a year after the homicide occurred on Aug. 5, 2020.

Crockett’s mother spoke at the Nov. 5 hearing, explaining how her 36-year-old son had just gotten out of jail and went to smoke the synthetic cannabinoid K2 with friends nearby, including Jackson. After Crockett became violent, Jackson pulled out a knife and stabbed him. Less than fourteen hours after getting out of jail, he was dead.

Crockett’s mother said it took the prosecution 68 days to get in touch with her family. She complained of a lack of communication, including when it came to discussing plea offers.

Crockett’s mother also spoke to DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee when Jackson pleaded guilty, at which time he told her, “I have to make a very tough decision.”

As part of the plea deal Crockett took, the prosecution agreed to recommend a nine-and-a-half-year sentence. Judge Lee honored that sentencing recommendation.

Crockett’s mother called Judge Lee part of a “black robe gang” and said he plays a different role in the correctional system than police officers, who she says are tired of locking up the same people.

Judge Lee asked Crockett’s mother to take a seat multiple times throughout her statement as she vocalized her concerns in the courtroom.

“The jail is a revolving door,” she said, saying Jackson has never successfully completed probation.

Crockett’s best friend, who knew him since he was 14-years-old, described Crockett as a “good man” and expressed similar concerns to those of the victim’s mother.

“This is my best friend man and I want you to see my face,” he told Judge Lee, asking him to make the “best decision possible” in regards to Jackson’s sentence and give him “no mercy”.

The best friend noted that he has been in front of the court before for his own cases but this is different.

Judge Lee apologized to the two for how the situation was handled. He said that, while plea agreements are not unusual, the sentencing guidelines agreed upon are a little less than mid-range for the charge. If Judge Lee did reject the terms, he said the case would have to go to trial.

The prosecution explained how Jackson was cooperating with officers and explained to them how Crockett had become belligerent and physical but showed responsibility for the murder early on. They described the incident as having a “very unusual set of circumstances” compared to what they have seen in their time as a prosecutor.

A letter written by Jackson was read briefly in his sentencing hearing. In the letter, he said the homicide “does not reflect the love I have for people.” Growing up in the environment he was in, he said he had to learn to protect himself and quickly take action in violent situations. He has nothing but respect for the court process and is confident he will be the change in his community.

“We all miss out on the greatness of each human soul,” the letter read.

Jackson’s nine-and-a-half year prison sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.

“She deserved better from us all,” Judge Lee said of Crockett’s mother.

Parties in Sex Abuse Case Prepare for April Trial

A sex abuse case is set to go to trial in April.

The defendant is charged with two counts of first-degree sex abuse, assault with intent to commit first-degree sex abuse, kidnapping, first-degree burglary and robbery. He is accused of breaking into a woman’s ground-floor apartment one morning in 2010 and sexually assaulting her, according to court documents. He is also accused of stealing the woman’s cell phone.

The defendant waived his right to a speedy jury trial during the Nov. 5 hearing. DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna scheduled jury selection to begin on April 11. The prosecution anticipates needing about three days to present their case.

Defense attorney Thomas Healy was appointed to represent the defendant last September. Judge McKenna agreed to sign an order allowing Michelle Lockard to assist Healy as the second chair.

Parties will reconvene for a trial readiness hearing on Feb. 4. Any motions parties may file are due on Dec. 20, with responses due on Jan. 21.

The defendant is also awaiting sentencing in another case, in which he was convicted by a jury of kidnapping and first-degree sex abuse in March 2020. The case stems from a 2007 home invasion.

According to a Department of Justice press release citing the prosecution’s evidence, the victim was in her Northwest, DC apartment when she awoke to the defendant sleeping in her bedroom. The defendant then sexually assaulted her, stole her phone and fled, according to the press release. The press release also stated that he was previously convicted in connection with another home invasion sexual assault out of Arlington County, Va.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29.

More than 20 Witnesses Expected to Testify at Upcoming Murder Trial

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

Jury selection is underway for Daniel Parker’s murder trial. More than 20 witnesses are expected to testify throughout the trial proceedings.

Dewayne Shorter is accused of shooting 38-year-old Daniel Parker multiple times on the 2000 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE, on July 26, 2017.

The doctor who performed Parker’s autopsy reported that the victim was shot so many times that he could not count the exact number of entry and exit wounds he sustained, according to court documents.

Forty-nine 5.56 cartridge casings were recovered between 1412 Young Street and 2005 Fairlawn Avenue, according to court documents. Over ten of them were found within arm’s reach of the victim.

Shorter, 33, was arrested one month after the homicide. He went on to be indicted on 11 charges including first-degree murder while armed, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm.

A witness who reported to have been friends with Parker for more than a year said they were near the intersection of Young Street and Fairlawn Avenue when they saw parts of the shooting. They said they did not get a good look at the alleged shooter’s face, according to court documents, but said that some of his features appeared to match an individual they referred to by the nickname “Lil Wayne,” who they believe the shooter to be. After detectives showed him a picture of Shorter, they reportedly told them that’s the man they know as “Lil Wayne.”

The first witness told detectives that Parker told him in May or June of 2017 that if anything happened to him, “Lil Wayne” would be the one responsible, according to court documents. Detectives believe “Lil Wayne” to be Shorter’s nickname.

Both this witness and a second witness said Parker sold marijuana. The second witness told detectives that Parker was angry with another nearby seller. The witness believed Parker thought the other seller was stealing his customers. However, the witness later said they did not remember anything they told them, according to court documents.

Shorter rejected plea offers in October 2018 and last September.

During a trial readiness hearing on Sept. 27, the prosecution estimated they will call about 20 to 25 witnesses. This includes 10 to 12 officers, five to seven civilians and two to three experts. The defense anticipated calling six to eight witnesses.

Crime Alerts: November 8-9

The Metropolitan Police Department(MPD) sent out three crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on Nov.8 and 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 9.

A crime alert was sent out at 9:29 p.m. due to a stabbing investigation in the 1600 block of R Street, SE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A crime alert was sent out at 10:54 p.m. due to a stabbing in the 1700 block of Galen Street, SE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A crime alert was sent out at 11:17 pm. due to a shooting investigation in the 1500 block of Good Hope Road, SE. Police identified the suspect in a dark sedan headed eastbound.

Jury Selection Continues for Murder Trial

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

Jury selection continued for a murder trial.

The defendant, 33-year-old Dewayne Shorter, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of Daniel Parker on July 26, 2017, on the 2000 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE. Shorter is also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm while armed during a crime of violence.

During the Nov. 8 jury selection, 80 potential jurors attended to be interviewed by DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo. Judge Demeo asked the potential jurors questions such as if they lived or worked in the area where the shooting happened or if they had heard about the case before.

Defense attorneys Jon Norris and Gemma Stevens read out the names of all potential witnesses, and jurors were asked to indicate if they knew the potential witnesses.

Judge Demeo scheduled for the jury selection to continue on Nov. 9.

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