Judge Holds Murder Defendant During Presentments

A DC Superior Court judge held a murder defendant during presentments on Sept. 29.

Trevon Devore is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 27-year-old Daqual Covington on the unit block of O Street, SW, on May 17.

Judge Lloyd Nolan held Devore and scheduled him to return to court on Oct. 8.

A domestic violence defendant charged with destruction of property less than $1,000 and simple assault was also held. He is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 19.

A second domestic violence defendant was charged with second-degree theft, simple assault and contempt. He was held and scheduled to return to court on Oct. 8.

Judge Nolan released three domestic violence defendants with stay away orders. Their charges include simple assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, attempted threats to do bodily harm, destruction of property less than $1,000 and first-degree burglary. They are scheduled to return to court on Dec. 15.

Defendant Charged With Shooting Senior Citizen Pleads Guilty

A defendant accused of fatally shooting a senior citizen in 2018 pleaded guilty.

Nazir Ahmad, 68, was killed on Nov. 3, 2018, on the 900 block of Brentwood Road, NW. The defendant, Demetrius Pierce, went on to be indicted on charges of first-degree murder while armed of a senior citizen, robbery while armed of a senior citizen, second-degree burglary while armed of a senior citizen, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Pierce, 34, pleaded out on charges on second-degree murder, possession of a prohibited weapon and simple assault.

The plea deal includes an agreement between parties that an appropriate sentence in this case would be 20 years for the murder charge, six months for the simple assault charge and three months for the possession charge.

According to court documents, surveillance footage from a food mart in Northeast, DC, shows Ahmad sitting behind the cash register. After he went to an employee area in the rear of the building, Pierce took the cash register and tried to exit, but the door was locked. Shortly after, the victim approached the defendant.

Ahmad stopped, raised his hands in the air and began backing up towards the employee area, where he shut the door behind him. Pierce shot through the employee area door, striking Ahmad. The defendant then shot through the glass front door and exited the building, cash register in hand.

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee scheduled Pierce to be sentenced on Dec. 10.

Judge Changes Date of Murder Trial

A DC Superior Court judge granted a request to change the date of a murder trial due to a defense attorney’s scheduling conflict.

Co-defendants Stephon Evans, 21, and Kewon Hunter, 22, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with the shooting of 21-year-old Dion DeMarco Boyd on July 30, 2018, on the 1400 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

The two are also charged with conspiracy while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in this case.

During the Sept. 28 hearing, Judge Marisa Demeo granted the defense’s request to change the trial date. The trial date was previously set to begin in May. It is now set to begin in July.

Evan’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, needed to change the trial dates due to a scheduling conflict with another trial.

Judge Demeo set the next hearing for Oct. 22.

Evans is also one of four defendants charged with murder in the death of 21-year-old Michael Taylor on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE, on Jan. 12, 2019.

Murder Defendant Makes First Court Appearance Following Hospital Stay

A murder defendant who had been in the hospital since his arrest in July made his first appearance before a DC Superior Court judge during presentments.

A total of 21 defendants were brought before Judge Nolan Lloyd.

Klein Lawrence is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Vanessa Brooks-Williams on the 5100 block of Fitch Street, SE, on July 10. He has been hospitalized since his arrest on July 31.

A bench warrant was issued on July 16 for the 37-year-old’s arrest in connection with the homicide. On July 31, police received a tip that he was on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE, according to court documents. A detective saw a man laying on the hood of a vehicle attempting to stop it from moving. After the car sped off and the man picked up a paper bag from the ground, the detective reportedly recognized him as Lawrence.

The detective kept his eyes on Lawrence as he walked away from the area before being surrounded by officers at the intersection of West Virginia and Fenwick Street, NE. Officers attempted to arrest Lawrence when he allegedly held the bag to his head and repeatedly threatened to shoot and kill himself.

Eventually, according to court documents, an officer deployed a taser and two pops were heard: one consistent with the sound of a taser and another consistent with that of a gun.

Officers later recovered a semi-automatic pistol, which court documents state, “had an expended cartridge casing ‘stove-piped’ in the injection port causing it to be jammed.”

Lawrence allegedly told the officers he was not going to use the gun on them. He was taken to a hospital and made his first appearance in court on Sept. 28. There, Judge Lloyd decided to hold him in jail.

Two domestic violence defendants charged with simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm were held on bench warrants due to failure to appear in court. They are scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 5.

Crime Alerts: September 28-29

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out four crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on Sept. 28 and 9:00 a.m. on Sept. 29.

A crime alert was sent out at 11:24 pm. due to a robbery investigation in the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE. Police identified the first suspect as a heavy-set Black male wearing leggings and a sweatshirt. Police identified the second suspect as a slim Black male. Police identified the third suspect as a stocky Black male with black clothing.

A crime alert was sent out at 11:55 p.m. due to an assault with intent to commit robbery in the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A crime alert was sent out at 1:40 a.m. due to a robbery in the 2400 block of K Street, NW. Police identified the suspect as a Black male wearing a blue shirt and riding a red rideshare bike.

A crime alert was sent out at 2:26 a.m. due to a shooting investigation in the 1100 block of Raum Street, NE. Police identified the suspect as a black male with a red sweatshirt and black shirt.

Document: Arrest Made in May Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives have made an arrest in relation to a May homicide.

At approximately 10:18 p.m. on May 17 police responded to the unit block of O Street, SW, due to a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, police located 27-year-old Daqual Covington and pronounced him dead on scene, according to the press release.

On Sept. 28 officers arrested 20-year-old Trevon Devore and charged him with second-degree murder while armed, according to the press release.

Judge Continues Sex Abuse Case

A DC Superior Court judge continued a Sept. 28 hearing to give the defense more time to discuss a plea offer.

The 19-year-old defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit third-degree sexual abuse, assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse and misdemeanor sex abuse.

He is accused of sexually assaulting two women on the 1600 block of Gainesville Street, SE, on different days. He allegedly sexually assaulted one woman who was walking her dog on Sept. 14, and another woman who was walking outside on Sept. 15.

Defense attorney Jason Kalafat said he has received new discovery evidence from the prosecution. He also said the prosecution has extended a plea offer.

Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled parties to reconvene on Oct. 29.

Murder Trial Moved Up By One Year

A murder trial previously set to take place in March 2023 was moved up one year.

Marquette Jordan is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 48-year-old Ivan Lynch on April 30, 2018, on the 900 block of 5th Street, SE.

Jordan, 28, is also charged with robbery while armed, threat to kidnap or injure a person, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a weapon outside a home or business and simple assault in this case.

The trial was originally set to begin on March 13, 2023. DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson rescheduled it to begin on March 23, 2022.

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 19 for a status hearing.

Murder Defendant Remains in Quarantine at DC Jail

A murder defendant was not present for his Sept. 27 hearing because he is still in quarantine at DC Jail.

Davon Patterson, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Bryant McClain on June 8, 2019, on the 800 block of Crittenden Street, NW.

Defense attorney Pierce Suen said that, if his client had appeared in court for the Sept. 27 hearing, he would have requested his release. But DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee said such a request would not be granted.

Suen said his client has been in jail for 18 months and the prosecution is under obligation to quickly indict.

The prosecution said they are working towards an indictment and oppose Suen’s release request due to the seriousness of the charge. The prosecution said the COVID-19 pandemic is slowing down proceedings. But Suen argued that other cases are being prioritized over his client’s.

Judge Lee said that, given the pandemic’s effect on the courts, it makes sense that court proceedings are moving slow. Judge Lee asked the prosecution to give him details of what obstacles they are facing in private.

The next hearing is set for Oct. 7.

Suspected ‘Potomac River Rapist’ Scheduled for Trial

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a man charged in connection with a 1998 murder to go to trial in late 2022.

Giles Warrick, 61, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly sexually assaulting and killing 29-year-old Christine Mirzayan. According to court documents, Mirzayan was found dead in a wooded area on the 3600 block of Canal Road, NW, on Aug. 1, 1998.

Warrick was arraigned and pleaded not guilty during the Sept. 27 status hearing. Defense attorney Stephen Mercer requested a trial date for the end of 2022.

Judge Milton Lee set aside Nov. 29, 2022, through Dec. 6, 2022, for the trial. He also set a hearing date for Nov. 12.

Warrick is suspected of being the so-called “Potomac River Rapist.” According to court documents, DNA from an unknown male individual was recovered from the victim. After the FBI entered the DNA profile into the national DNA database known as the Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, they found that it matched DNA from six unsolved rape cases from the 1990s in Montgomery County, Md.

Judge Denies Release Motion for Murder Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge denied an attorney’s request to release a murder defendant.

Keith Toney is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 45-year-old Melton Grant on June 22, 2019, on the 600 block of Morton Street, NW.

The 43-year-old defendant is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault with intent to kill while armed in this case.

Defense attorney Pierce Suen asked for his client to be released from jail because of concerns over his health. The prosecution said the defense has no grounds for the motion, but Suen said his client has a medical condition that makes him vulnerable to COVID-19.

In a motion for release pending trial that he filed on Sept. 23, Suen said his client has been detained for more than 800 days. Toney is currently set to go to trial in January 2023. Suen pointed out that, were he detained until then, he will have been incarcerated for 1,288 days without being convicted in this case. That’s about three-and-a-half years.

DC Court Superior Judge Milton Lee said the defendant’s prior arrests show he is a danger to society, but Suen said that none of the prior arrests were from violent crimes.

Judge Lee was also concerned that Toney’s criminal history shows him to exhibit impulsive behavior. But Suen said that if his client is put on a GPS tracker, he would be less likely to get in trouble.

Judge Lee ultimately denied the release request.

The defense has asked for an earlier trial date. Judge Lee said he would give the defense a list of available trial dates at another time.

Another hearing is scheduled for Oct. 7.

Judge Sentences Domestic Violence Defendant to Serve 18 Months

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a domestic violence defendant for three charges.

Damion Thomas pleaded guilty to arson, threat to kidnap or injure a person and second-degree burglary in December 2019.

During the Sept. 27 hearing, Judge Todd Edelman sentenced the 24-year-old defendant to serve a total of 18 months.

For the arson charge, Thomas was sentenced to 66 months, 54 of which were suspended. For second-burglary, he was sentenced to 66 months, 48 of which were suspended. For threat to kidnap or injure a person, he was sentenced to six months.

The sentences will run concurrent. Thomas will also receive credit for time served.

The sentences for the burglary and arson charges will be followed by two years of supervised probation. Conditions of his probation include a mental health screening and evaluation, drug testing, a stay away order, a requirement to obtain his GED, vocational training and 90 hours of community service.

Judge Edelman sentenced him under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which will allow his case to be effectively sealed once he completes his requirements.

Judge Edelman also required Thomas to pay $3,308 in restitution for the damage he caused during the arson.

Document: Homicide on the 5200 Block of E Street, SE

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Sept. 26.

At approximately 4:26 p.m. police responded to the 5200 Block of E Street, SE, due to a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, police located 52-year-old Ronald Bailey inside of a residence with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead, according to the press release.

Judge Sentences Domestic Violence Defendant To Three Years

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a domestic violence defendant to three years.

Lawrence Day pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction on June 29.

Several of the defendant’s friends and family members were present during the Sept. 24 sentencing hearing.

The defendant’s significant other said Day is a good person and needs to be at home to take care of his children. Her sister also spoken court, saying she does not want Day to be locked away forever but thinks he needs to face consequences for his actions.

The prosecution said they understand Day has trauma, but his actions have traumatized others. They said they believe the defendant has a lot of potential to grow from his trauma, and requested mental health services for him both in and out of prison. They also requested a stay away order from his significant other.

Judge Smith granted the prosecution’s stay away order request and also said that Day must register as a gun offender upon his release from prison.

Defense attorney Albert Amissah said his client is a great person whose criminal record does not define him. He also said Day is a loving father who is willing to seek mental health help.

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Smith said she is concerned about the defendant’s criminal record, and Day is lucky no one was hurt during the crime.

Day was sentenced to 36 months for each of the charges. The sentences will run concurrent.

Cases in Upcoming Murder Trial May be Severed

An upcoming murder trial involving three co-defendants may be split into three separate trials in the aftermath of concerns over a material witness’ competence to testify. In light of these issues, a DC Superior Court judge cancelled the trial.

Edward Brown, Steven Robin and Antonio McKenzie are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 29-year-old Kenneth Poindexter on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE, on Jan. 18, 2018.

The three defendants are also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. McKenzie and Brown are charged with conspiracy to commit a crime of violence and obstruction of justice. Brown is also charged with prisoner escape.

Jury selection was set to begin on Sept. 27, but the prosecution recently motioned to continue the upcoming trial. In the motion, the prosecutions states that, on Sept. 22, they day they filed it, the witness told them she sustained a traumatic brain injury due to an assault she allegedly suffered in 2019. She told them she has ongoing issues with recalling and recollecting events.

The prosecution went on to state that she is a material witness and that they are not prepared to go to trial without her.

During the Sept. 24 hearing, the prosecution reported their acquisition of over 400 pages of medical records, which they say show that the witness does not have significant memory problems. However, they want an expert neurologist to review the records.

According to court documents, this witness said she knew Robin, but does not believe she would recognize him. Robin’s defense attorney, Kristin McGough, says she has “a good faith basis to ask (the) witness” about a man referred to as “Moe,” who the witness apparently connected to the homicide.

Howard McEachern, Brown’s defense attorney, moved to sever the cases during the hearing. Both McKenzie and Robin’s defense attorneys joined him. Judge Danya Dayson said that if the witness is deemed competent to testify, the defense’s request will be granted.

The next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 4.

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