Defense Questions, ‘I’m A Murderer, I Killed My Mother,’ Confession

A matricide defendant’s attorney claimed his client’s confession to police was not to be taken seriously during a trial on Nov. 25 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Seth Andrews, 38, is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of assault on a police officer, and destruction of property, for his alleged involvement in the death of his mother, 67-year-old Hazel Evans, on the unit block of 35th Street, SE on July 16, 2020.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on a now-sergeant from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify about Andrews’ confession during his arrest in August of 2020.

The then-detective testified that Andrews was arrested Aug. 20, 2020 and taken to MPD’s Homicide Branch for an interview. There, surveillance footage showed Andrews told detectives he did not want to speak to them and wanted to hear his Miranda rights and call a lawyer.

The sergeant testified that officers gave Andrews water multiple times as they processed paperwork. At one point, when the sergeant offered Andrews more water, Andrews asked “Am I being charged with anything?” The sergeant could be heard responding, “Yeah, we’ll talk about all that.”

“Just charge me and give me some water and get me to jail,” Andrews could be seen telling the sergeant.

A while later, the sergeant once again offered Andrews more water, when he snapped at him, stating “I’m a murderer, I killed my mother. That’s something you would never want to help. Leave me alone, I’m going to hell. Just take me to jail.”

Following the sergeant’s testimony, Andrews waived his right to testify. “I choose to remain silent, your honor,” he said to Judge Ryan.

Prosecutors claimed Andrews “wrapped his hands around her neck and squeezed,” in the early morning hours of July 17, 2020. “As she fought for her breath, for air, he continued to squeeze.”

The squeezing, they claimed, caused hemorrhaging on Evans’ neck and eyes. The prosecution insisted that Andrews strangled her “until her breathing stopped, until her heart stopped beating, until she died.”

“She died at the hands of another– his hands,” exclaimed the prosecutor, pointing at Andrews in the courtroom.

According to the prosecution, Andrews had been upset in the days leading up to Evans’ death because he suspected his then-girlfriend had been cheating on him. When he was kicked out of her house, he went back to Evans. However, while he was upset with his girlfriend, he called one of his sisters and complained about their mom.

“She was never there for me… she left me” he told his sister. The prosecution alleged “he was mad. Mad at his mom,” for abandoning them when they were younger and for her drug addiction. An addiction that the defense claims had an impact in her death.

However, prosecutors disagreed, stating the toxicology report from Evans’ autopsy came back clean. “She definitely did not overdose,” the prosecutor exclaimed.

Prosecutors highlighted DNA found on Evans’ nail clippings, which were from a male contributor, and more than likely Andrews in comparison to other men. This, the prosecutor insisted, proved the struggle Evans endured as she attempted to stop Andrews.

“She died from being constricted. She was strangled to death. She was killed by the defendant,” the prosecutor asserted.

Prosecutors argued Andrews not only confessed to MPD, but also confessed to his sister. According to the sister’s testimony, Andrews got down on his knees and showed her how he strangled Evans – an act that the sister could not believe.

“He said, ‘I choked our mother to death’,” the prosecutor reminded the jury of the sister’s testimony.

“What happened is what he told his sister,” the prosecution insisted, once again playing his confession to MPD. “I’m a murderer, I killed my mother.”

“He had been caught, so he admitted it,” the prosecutor stated, adding that Irving tried to downplay it as a joke. “Who jokes about that?” she said.

“Despite [their love and good relationship], he killed her,” the prosecution insisted, demanding the jury convict him of all charges.

“Hazel Evans gave the defendant his first breath, and he took her last. Hazel Evans gave him life, and the defendant took hers,” the prosecutor ended.

“Contradiction after contradiction by witnesses,” Irving claimed, stating the prosecutors had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Andrews was guilty. He claimed that Evans died from natural causes.

Irving highlighted Evans’ health, stating she was obese, had high blood pressure and an enlarged heart, and had nephrosclerosis – a kidney disease caused by the high blood pressure.

“This is what caused her death, because she was at a high risk of a cardiac event at any time,” Irving insisted. “It could’ve happened. It did happen.”

“They [the prosecution] have zero motive. Zero,” he stated, highlighting Andrews and Evans’ great relationship. However, Irving stated the allegations of his involvement started from rumors created by Andrews’ sisters.

“The jealousy… it’s sometimes petty,” he said, stating that they had left Andrews out of the obituary, despite him being the one that spent the most time with Evans and provided for her. “Why is he going to kill his mother out of the blue?”

As for the witnesses the prosecution allegedly paid, Irving highlighted the medical examiner. She previously testified she charges $600 an hour for any court appearance, and $500 an hour for pretrial work. “You don’t think she has her own interest?” Irving questioned, adding “Of course she does.”

He went on to argue that both of Andrews’ confessions should not be considered as the truth, stating he “was sarcastic” with the cops and had been force fed two Ambien, a sedative, before he confessed to his sister.

“This man, who did nothing but love his mother, did not kill her,” Irving insisted.

Prior to closing arguments, Irving filed a motion for judgment of acquittal, which was denied by Judge Ryan, who stated a reasonable jury could find him guilty, highlighting the video where he admitted to killing his mom at MPD’s office.

Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Document: MPD Investigating Minnesota Avenue Fatal Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a fatal crash on Nov. 26 on Minnesota Avenue, NE. Jal Chuol Pinuieny, 29, was struck by a WMATA bus after falling into the roadway and was later hit by a fleeing pickup truck. The bus driver remained on the scene, but the pickup truck driver fled.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 18-year-old Javier Montgomery in connection with a fatal shooting in Northeast. On Oct. 3, officers found 17-year-old Jermaine Durbin deceased from a gunshot wound on the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE. Montgomery was charged with First-Degree Murder While Armed-Felony Murder.

Document: MPD Arrests Three Suspects in 2024 Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrests of three suspects in connection with a 2024 homicide in Southeast. On Jan. 25, 2024, Malik Gliss, 31, was found dead from gunshot wounds in an apartment on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE. On Nov. 26, Steven Metts, 20, Keondre Carroll, 22, and Jovontae Wallace, 21, were charged with First-Degree Murder While Armed for their alleged involvement in Gliss’s death.

Jury Convicts Man for Family Brawl Killing

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson’s courtroom convicted a homicide defendant of multiple charges on Nov. 25.

David Pena, 48, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Maurice Robinson, 24. The incident occurred on June 12, 2023, on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors provided evidence that the incident stemmed from a brawl between Robinson’s family member and Pena’s daughter. The two, who were best friends, had gotten into verbal disputes leading up to the brawl.

Pena testified that he had shot at Robinson in self-defense and to protect his kids, who were all part of the brawl. According to Pena, as he tried to leave the fight, he thought he heard someone shout “Blow his a** up,” and subsequently reach for their waistband. He agreed he retrieved his handgun and shot six times.

However, his testimony was not convincing enough for the jury, as they convicted him of voluntary manslaughter while armed, which is the lesser included offense of second-degree murder, and all other charges.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Feb. 6.

‘You Know What You Did Was Wrong,’ Cries Matricide Victim’s Friend in Court

A homicide victim’s friend and neighbor testified about her knowledge of the incident in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Nov. 24.

Prosecutors called on Evans’ friend and neighbor, who testified to knowing Evans and Andrews for a year at the time of the incident.

According to the witness, Evans and Andrews had a loving relationship, stating “it was nice… she spoke highly of her son.”

The witness testified that on the evening of July 15, 2020, she and Evans sat outside as Evans waited for her daughter to drop something off to her. “She looked fine, like nothing was wrong with her,” the witness recalled.

She stated Evans went back to her apartment after retrieving a bag from her daughter’s car, and she never saw her again.

According to the witness, she went into her own apartment some time after Evans left, and watched TV for a few hours before she “heard a lot of commotion upstairs.”

The witness testified that Evans lived right above her, with their bedrooms in the same location as well as the layout of their rooms.

“I heard her fussing with her son,” the witness testified, adding she muted her TV and heard Evans constantly say “Seth, get off me,” for more than five minutes. A while later, she “heard a thump – a boom.”

The witness was unclear about the timing of events in the evening and early morning hours, stating she knew it was still dark outside, but was unsure of the time.

“They was having a dispute,” the witness continued, however, she stated, she didn’t call 911 because “I thought it was not that serious.”

“It’s not my place to call the police, I don’t know what’s going on in that room,” the witness asserted when questioned why she didn’t call the police. “I would’ve called if I was in the apartment.”

According to the witness, their neighbor from across the street, who had a good relationship with her and Evans, called her around 5 a. m., when he noticed first responders were at the scene due to the sirens and flashing lights.

The witness stated when detectives eventually arrived asking to speak to people in the building she refused to talk to them. “I didn’t wanna be involved,” she said, adding that she later changed her mind – 15 months after the incident.

“You know what you did was wrong,” she cried out to Andrews as she testified. Kevin Irving, Andrews’ attorney, objected to the outburst, and Judge Ryan struck it from the record.

The witness went on to state that Andrews kicked in her door and told her, “Hot b****, I didn’t kill my mom.”

According to the witness, being a “hot b****” in the community is regarded as being a snitch.

Irving questioned why she didn’t speak to detectives on the day of the incident, stating, “You knew why they were there. They knocked on everyone’s door.”

He questioned if she decided to testify at trial to receive a witness voucher, which pays any witness $40 for their participation in trials, and an undisclosed amount when they testify in the Grand Jury.

According to Irving, the witness received a voucher at the Grand Jury proceeding, and asked prosecutors for another one when she met with them prior to trial at their office.

When asked if she had requested one for her trial testimony, she stated she hadn’t. “You’re going to, correct?” asked Irving. The prosecution’s objection was sustained.

“Are you testifying for a 40 dollar voucher?” the prosecutors asked the witness. “No,” she stated, adding “it was never about the money.”

Prosecutors also called on a forensic pathologist who testified she conducted Evans’ autopsy on July 17, 2020 and issued a report for it in August of that year.

According to the witness, she no longer works at the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), and was brought in as an expert in forensic pathology.

The witness stated Evans’ autopsy showed the cause of death was asphyxia secondary to neck compression, or strangulation, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide by another person.

The pathologist stated that Evans’ examination showed signs of strangulation, which could be specifically noted through the hemorrhaging on her neck’s muscles and the breaking of her thyroid cartilage.

She also stated that the asphyxia was noticeable based on vessels bursting in her eyes.

Irving questioned if her testimony would have changed had she not been charging $600 an hour to appear in court, and $500 an hour to prepare for trial.

When asked why there was no bruising on Evans’ neck, but an abrasion on her chin, the witness stated “she was trying to avert the attack by putting her chin down.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 25.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Judge Denies Release

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum denied release for a stabbing defendant after he waived his preliminary hearing of the evidence against him on Nov. 24.

Ashton Johnson, 37, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Nov. 20 on the 2900 block of Langston Place, SE. An individual sustained two critical stab wounds to his abdomen and ribs.

According to court documents, Johnson and the victim reportedly had a verbal argument when Johnson allegedly stabbed the victim with a steak knife. The victim reportedly identified Johnson as the person who stabbed him when police arrived on scene.

Johnson reportedly told the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that he found the victim after the stabbing and called 911. However, Johnson later allegedly told MPD the incident occurred in self-defense.

At the hearing, Johnson’s attorney, Albert Amissah, informed Judge Hildum that his client waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Judge Hildum explained to Johnson the rights he gave up and accepted his waiver as knowing and voluntary.

Following the waiver, parties presented arguments regarding Johnson’s pre-tr9ap detention.

Amissah requested Judge Hildum release Johnson since he had a minor criminal history consisting mostly of traffic offenses and low-level misdemeanors. According to Amissah, Johnson’s most recent conviction was in 2021 for firearm possession and he performed satisfactorily on probation.

If Judge Hildum released Johnson, Amissah said he would stay away from the victim, but noted the victim was Johnson’s friend. Amissah also asserted Johnson’s account of the incident remained consistent and noted he called 911.

The prosecutor opposed Johnson’s release because the incident caused the victim to undergo emergency surgery. The prosecutor said the weight of the evidence in the case was strong since the victim’s statement consistently identified Johnson as the perpetrator but Johnson’s version of events changed.

Additionally, the prosecutor was deeply concerned with Johnson’s ability to comply with any conditions of release. According to the prosecutor, Johnson previously did not appear in court while on release, failed to register as a gun offender, and had multiple bench warrants.

Judge Hildum denied Amissah’s request to release Johnson from the DC Jail. The judge noted the weight of the evidence was strong, the violent nature of Johnson’s stabbing charge, and that he was on supervision at the time of the incident.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene before the case’s calendar judge, DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel, on Jan. 5, 2026.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 38-year-old Michael Singleton in connection with a homicide that occurred on Nov. 4 in Southeast. The victim, identified as 40-year-old Lowell Trueheart, was found with gunshot wounds on the 3500 block of Minnesota Avenue and pronounced dead at the scene. Singleton has been charged with Second-Degree Murder while Armed.

Moped Carjacker Receives Suspended Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld suspended two years of imprisonment for a defendant who carjacked a victim riding their moped during a sentencing on Nov. 17.

Derrick Curtis, 23, was originally charged with unarmed carjacking for his involvement in an incident on Dec. 30, 2024 at the intersection of 16th Street and Benning Road, NE.

Curtis pleaded guilty on Aug. 18 to assault with intent to commit robbery and first-degree theft and in exchange, prosecutors dismissed the carjacking charge.

According to court documents, Curtis pushed the victim off of his moped at a traffic light and drove off with the moped.

At sentencing, the prosecutor requested Curtis serve 39 months of imprisonment for assault with intent to commit robbery and 24 months for theft. The prosecutor acknowledged Curtis’ acceptance of responsibility but requested the sentence as a deterrent against future crimes.

According to the prosecutor, the victim was a food delivery driver who used his moped to sustain himself economically. “That individual was just trying to make a living,” said the prosecutor.

Todd Baldwin, Curtis’ attorney, requested 18 months of imprisonment with all time suspended but the eight months he already served at the DC Jail.

“There was not a drop of blood shed in this incident,” said Baldwin, noting there were no physical injuries and the victim received his moped in working condition.

“To a hammer, everything looks like a nail. To the [prosecution], I think they solve all problems by incarceration,” said Baldwin.

Curtis’ mother, present on Webex, asked for her son to receive the help he needs out of jail. Curtis’ mental competence was questioned during the proceedings but an evaluation determined his eligibility to stand trial.

Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Curtis to 24 months for assault with intent to commit robbery and 12 months for first-degree theft. The sentences will run concurrently with all time suspended but time served.

Curtis will be required to complete one year of supervised probation with mental health and drug assessments from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

After Judge Hertzfeld issued the sentence, parties briefly discussed the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows people under 25 who are convicted of certain crimes to have their convictions sealed or cleared after they successfully complete their sentence and potentially offers sentencing flexibility for the defendant.

The prosecutor immediately voiced that she “absolutely” opposed a YRA sentence. Judge Hertzfeld said she would delay ruling on the YRA until she assessed Curtis’ compliance with his probation.

Judge Hertzfeld ordered Curtis’ release from the DC Jail following the hearing and no further dates were set.

Homicide Defendant’s DNA is ‘Less Likely’ Linked to Murder Weapon

An FBI examiner testified before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Nov. 17 that a shooting defendant had a lower probability of leaving DNA residue on a pistol used in a murder than the two victims at the crime scene.

Julius Worthy, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing and shooting of 36-year-old Orlando Galloway. The incident occurred on April 2, 2023 on the 200 block of 14th Street, SE. Galloway’s girlfriend was also found in the home suffering from multiple stab wounds.

Prosecutors called two forensic examiners to testify about DNA and fingerprint evidence recovered from the crime scene. The FBI examiner testified about the presence of DNA from Worthy, Galloway, and the stabbing victim on various pieces of evidence recovered from the crime scene.

In her analysis of the items, which included a pistol, knife, magazine, Worthy’s hoodie, fingernails and a fingernail clipper from Galloway, a doorknob, and a piece of plastic, the examiner developed statistical probabilities of the likelihood that one of the things examined had residual DNA.

Notably, she found that Worthy’s sample ha the lowest probability of DNA on the pistol out of the three people, and had the highest likelihood for DNA presence on both the handle and blade of the knife.

She also tested several blood stains on Worthy’s hoodie, which indicated that there was DNA present from three other people, though Galloway and the stabbing victim were not identified as having a high probability of residual bloodstain DNA.

During cross examination, Worthy’s attorney, Michael Bruckheim, focused on the DNA findings of the pistol and knife, pointing out that Galloway had a higher DNA probability on the handle of the knife than the blade and that Worthy had the lowest probability of the three of them of having left behind DNA on the pistol.

“You can’t exclude [Worthy] from the pistol DNA but it’s less likely he was on it than more likely,” the witness said during cross examination.

Prosecutors also called n investigator with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who catalogued several of the murder weapons into evidence. Prosecutors showed the 9mm semi-automatic pistol allegedly used in the murder to the jury, which sustained damage to the dust cover.

Prosecutors have previously claimed that Worthy beat Galloway so extensively with a firearm, that his skull caved in and a part of the gun’s frame snapped off.

Prosecutors also called an FBI forensic examiner who said that she only successfully lifted a fingerprint from the interior side of a rear kitchen door. She was able very likely match the extraction with an image of Worthy’s left ring finger from the FBI database.

During cross examination, Steven Ogilvie, Worthy’s other attorney, pointed out that the examiner did not detect Worthy’s fingerprints on the pistol, knife, or a pair of scissors recovered from the crime scene. He also noted that she cannot tell when Worthy touched the rear kitchen door based on his fingerprint.

Prosecutors called on a witness who lived in the area of the incident at the time who stated that she was in her home when she heard screaming around 7 p. m., which she assumed came from a woman in distress. The prosecution displayed surveillance footage from the home where the witness can be seen exiting her front door and scanning the street, before loud screams are heard in the audio.

The witness testified that as she stood in her doorway, she saw two figures fighting, one wearing white and one wearing orange, in the house diagonal to her own. She testified that could see the altercation through the screen door, before the front door was slammed shut and she later called 911 about what she had seen.

The prosecution also called a paramedic who testified he found two injured individuals, a female in the doorway and a male towards the back of the home whom he declared dead on arrival.

In completing primary and secondary exams of the surviving victim, the witness testified she was suffering from penetrating stab wounds on her neck, back, abdomen, and hands, with abrasions on her arms. Given the severity of her injuries, she was transferred her to Washington MedStar hospital for trauma care and treatment.

The prosecution also called on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) homicide detective who went to the hospital twice, once the night of April 2, 2023 and once in the early morning hours of April 3, 2023, to interview the victim.

However, the detective testified that both times he spoke with the victim, she only identified her assailant as “Juju.”

The prosecution also played audio recordings from the detective’s second interview with the victim, asking her “do you know this person?”, in regards to the photograph, to which the victim responded, “that’s him, that’s Juju”.

The detective testified that he was also present for Worthy’s arrest, and attempted to complete an interview with him in custody on April 3, 2023.

During cross-examination, the defense also asked the detective if he consulted with doctors about the possibility of the victim being under the influence of drugs administered for medical treatment. However, the witness was unable to confirm that.

Trial is set to resume Nov. 18.

‘It’s Hard to Fake Making a Change,’ Judge Says at Sentencing for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel acknowledged she saw a positive change in a stabbing defendant during his sentencing on Nov. 19.

Terrence Stanley, 38, pleaded guilty on July 1 to robbery, simple assault, and possession of a prohibited weapon. The charges are in connection to a non-fatal stabbing that took place on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NW, on March 11. One individual sustained a shallow cut on his neck.

Prosecutors requested 60 months of imprisonment for the robbery charge, and 180 days each for the assault and possession charge. They stated that Stanley’s actions were particularly dangerous, since the victim was a case manager for a mental health facility in DC, who was trying to help Stanley find resources in the community.

Defense attorney Lauren Morehouse described this incident as “truly a scared straight moment” for Stanley. She described Stanley’s history with substance abuse, and cited this as one of the driving factors behind the incident.

Morehouse said while incarcerated Stanley had completed a four month long Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program (RSAT), calling it a “stepping stone for the future” for Stanley.

“He put his intention into action,” said Morehouse of Stanley’s dedication to complete the RSAT program.

Morehouse requested a sentence of 24 total months of jail time for all three charges and asked for probation instead of more incarceration.

Judge Israel asked Stanley if he would like to add anything before she finalized the sentence.

“RSAT really helped me with my thinking and my behavior,” Stanley said. “I am remorseful, and I want to prove to you that I can do it,” Stanley said regarding probation.

Judge Israel agreed that the crime was particularly violent against a victim who was trying to help Stanley, however also noted Stanley’s dedication to complete the RSAT program.

“It’s hard to fake making a change over the course of four months,” Judge Israel said.

Judge Israel sentenced Stanley to 38 months of imprisonment for robbery, 180 days for the assault charge, and 180 days for the possession charge. The sentences will run concurrently followed by three years of supervised release.

No future dates were set.

Document: MPD Investigating I-295 Fatal Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Nov. 22 on I-295. Jerome Bowman, 60, of Capitol Heights, MD, was identified as the deceased driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee that crashed into a jersey wall after traveling at high speed and weaving through traffic. There were no other occupants in the vehicle.

Co-Defendants Injured in Shooting Consider Plea

Two co-defendants charged with a shooting during which they sustained injuries requested more time to consider a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Nov. 25.

Reco Jackson, 27, and Raquan Felder, 33, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Additionally, Jackson is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year and Felder is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Jan. 25 on the 4400 block of 19th Place, NE. Jackson sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm and Felder sustained a gunshot wound to his left foot.

At the hearing, Judge Brandt informed parties that due to a court scheduling error, she was not aware the case was on her calendar until the previous day. Therefore, parties delayed arguments regarding the defendants’ conditions of release to allow Judge Brandt time to familiarize herself with the arguments.

A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative, participating remotely, said Jackson and Felder remained fully compliant with their release conditions.

The prosecutor informed Judge Brandt they extended a wired plea. The plea deal would require both defendants to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, Jackson to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and Felder to carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

Additionally, the plea deal required both defendants acceptance and the prosecution would dismiss the remaining charges.

Jackson and Felder requested additional time to consider the plea deal and parties are scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 23, 2026.

Murder Defendant Found Guilty After Three Month Trial

A shooting defendant was found guilty of first-degree murder, among other charges, before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Nov. 19, following a three month long trial.

Reginald Steele, 26, was charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder, ten counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of carrying a pistol without a license, five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, and two counts of tampering with physical evidence.

These charges stem from Steele’s involvement in four separate shootings including the murder of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes and injury of another juvenile on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW. Steele’s accused of a separate shooting the same day with no reported injuries on the unit block of Channing Street, NE.

Prosecutors stated that Steele was “driven by the desire of revenge” for the murder of his friend, Tahlil Byrd, 19. Byrd, a rapper who was publicly known as the “North West Goon” and by his friends as “Slatt,” was fatally shot on Sept. 19, 2019 on the 600 block of S Street, NW. The killing ignited a rivalry between two neighborhood crews.

Steele’s other alleged crimes include a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals on Feb. 22, 2020 on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW, and a non-fatal shooting that injured three on Feb. 24, 2020 on the 1700 block of 9th Street, NW.

Steele was found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder while armed in connection to Lukes’ death. He was also found guilty on four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license.

Steele was found not guilty of possession of a firearm.

Steele and his attorneys, Megan Allburn and Gemma Stevens, showed no emotion as the verdict was announced.

Judge Brandt concluded the hearing by thanking the members of the jury, some of whom have been in this trial since the first day of jury selection on Aug. 25. She stated “You have restored the court’s faith in their fellow man and woman.”

Sentencing has been set for Jan. 23, 2026.

Suspect Admits She Stabbed Her Partner

A defendant pleaded guilty to stabbing her former partner before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Nov. 18.

Michelle Bowman, 35, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing that occurred near the Suitland Parkway exit on I-295 on Sep. 24.

The prosecution stated that Bowman attacked her ex-girlfriend with a knife after an argument started while they were in the car together. He stated that the attack happened after Bowman had tried to slash the tires of the vehicle after the victim pulled over during the argument.

The prosecution extended an offer which required her to plead guilty to the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Bowman agreed to the terms.

Bowman was visibly distraught about what happened.

Joseph McCoy, Bowman’s attorney, asked for release pre-sentencing so she could spend the holidays with her family that was present in the courtroom. He highlighted her lack of criminal history and the fact that she has been incarcerated since Sept. 24 which has separated her from her five children.

Judge Salerno denied the request for release, citing the violent nature of the crime and the need to gather a pre-sentence report to determine whether Bowman is still a danger to the community.

Sentencing has been set for Jan. 21, 2026.

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