Judge Lifts Murder Defendant’s Curfew Despite Prosecution’s Objection

A murder defendant’s curfew was lifted in spite of the prosecution’s objections in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 9.

Tariq White, 28, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, destruction of property less than $1,000, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that killed Devon Sharp, 16. The incident took place on May 18, 2024, on the 1200 block of V Street, NW.

According to White’s attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, his client has been in perfect compliance with his release conditions, which justifies ending the curfew. White took part in the proceedings through a video link.

The prosecution said there was no reason to modify the curfew which is working well. Furthermore, three members of the victim’s family were at the hearing to express their displeasure with any change in White’s release status

However, Judge Park said the prosecution failed to show why the curfew shouldn’t be lifted.

In another matter, the prosecution said it appears this may become a self-defense case based on a claim of PTSD–White is a veteran. If so, they want to call their own expert in response.

White’s trial date is set for April 19, 2027, and the prosecution’s case is expected to last about a week.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Fatal Drive-By Shootings

A defendant accepted a plea deal for two drive-by shootings that occurred minutes apart, killing one person, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Jan. 8.

Jose Hernandez, 19, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed in connection with two drive-by shootings in the Petworth neighborhood on April 29, 2025. Zephaniah Wright, 19, was fatally shot and a second victim injured outside the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro Station on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Less than five minutes earlier, another individual was shot in front of the Petworth Recreation Center on the 800 block of Taylor Street, NW.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested Hernandez on June 19, 2025. Court records indicate his case did not have a preliminary hearing due to scheduling conflicts and plea negotiations.

Jayden Wells, 18, is also charged with first-degree premeditated murder for his alleged involvement in the shootings. Judge Ryan is expected to rule on whether probable cause exists in Wells’ case on Jan. 12.

Arrest warrants for Hernandez and Wells allege the shootings were linked to an ongoing feud between the Columbia Heights Village (CHV) and Kennedy Street (KDY) crews. The defendants are reportedly associated with CHV, while Wright and a surviving victim are linked to KDY.

At the hearing, Madalyn Harvey, Hernandez’s attorney, told Judge Ryan that her client accepted a plea deal from prosecutors. As part of the agreement, Hernandez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and aggravated assault.

In exchange, prosecutors will dismiss the first-degree murder charge and not pursue additional charges against Hernandez. The parties also agreed to a sentence range of 20-to-25 years of imprisonment, subject to Judge Ryan’s approval at sentencing.

The prosecutor said that, if the case had gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Hernandez was in the vehicle when one of the two other suspects shot at the recreation center, injuring a victim. The vehicle then drove to the Metro station, where Hernandez fatally shot Wright and wounded another victim. Hernandez did not act in self-defense or with any other legal justification.

After a portion of the factual basis for the plea was placed under seal, Judge Ryan determined Hernandez entered into the agreement knowingly and voluntarily.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 27.

In Finding Probable Cause Judge Declares Murder Video, ‘Worth Its Weight in Gold’

Graphic video of a hooded suspect firing multiple shots at a helpless victim trying to crawl away, weighed heavily on DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt in a probable cause hearing that stretched over two days.

The proceedings culminated on Jan. 9 with Judge Brandt’s determination that 44-year-old Tyrone Spencer is likely guilty of murder.

“There are sometimes times that a video is just worth its weight in gold,” she said.

Spencer is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Francois Adkins, which occurred on Sept. 1.

According to court documents, Adkins died from four gunshot wounds at the Brookland Center Recreational Center on the 2400 block of 14th Street, NE.

During the hearing the prosecution presented extensive surveillance footage of a black clad suspect identified as Spencer mulling around the facility, then pulling a gun, apparently hidden in his right sock, and shooting Spencer in the head, his forearm and both legs as he was desperately trying to get away. The footage shows blood pooling around the victim and bystanders fleeing.

The lead detective testified that in addition to video from the recreation center, home surveillance cameras captured Spencer wearing a distinctive pair of light colored, Jordan Shox tennis shoes distinguished by elevated pods on the heels. Ultimately, Spencer wound up in an apartment complex a few blocks away where a witness–a relative who the detective said, “had known him his whole life,” made a positive identification.

The prosecutor noted the video also showed an obvious bulge in the suspect’s right sock suggestive of a concealed weapon. The evidence, she said, had already persuaded two judges to find probable cause that Spencer committed the crime.

Defense attorney, Patrick O’Sullivan, countered that Spencer’s identification is fatally flawed.

Questioning the lead detective on Jan 7, O’Sullivan asked why a full face shot of the defendant wasn’t shown to the key witness who had lived with Spencer at one point.

Further, O’Sullivan queried why the witness initially needed a pair of glasses to verify the police photo of the suspect. The lawyer pointed out, given the picture, it was impossible to tell if the person said to be Spencer had tattoos, a distinctive hair style or determine his age.

O’Sullivan was also skeptical about the location of the murder weapon. “Do you have any specific evidence as to what that bulge [in the sock] might be?” asked Sullivan. The detective did not. Further, O’Sullivan said that no one identified Spencer from the footage at the recreational center and the lawyer showed a photo of someone else at the center wearing shoes similar to the Jordan Shox.

Nor was any clothing recovered from the incident, nor the gun. O’Sullivan also suggested that Adkins may have had a beef with Spencer although there was no indication of an argument the day of the shooting.

In support of her ruling, Judge Brandt pointed out that, “no one else in the video has that bulge in the right sock.” She continued that there’s enough facial video to identify Spencer as the shooter and that it appears he was, “scoping things out.”

Asking for Spencer’s release to home confinement, O’Sullivan said Spencer had just successfully completed three years of supervised release in another case.

“He does very well when supervised,” said O’Sullivan.

The prosecutor countered that all factors weigh in favor of detention. “The nature of the offense was horrific.” she said, calling it a daylight ambush.

Judge Brandt referred to Spencer’s criminal history that stretched back two decades, including a 2021 conviction for unauthorized possession of a firearm in a crime of violence. This latest charge occurred just three months after completing supervision. She said Spencer disregarded the safety of the community by “flippantly” carrying a gun and ruled that he stay detained pending trial.

During the Jan. 7 hearing, Spencer argued angrily with Judge Brandt that his case had been unduly delayed. However, he apologized for the outburst on Jan. 9 saying he was “very sorry” for speaking out.

Judge Brandt accepted the apology acknowledging that she can get a “little feisty” when it comes to defending the court’s reputation.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 13.

Defense Accuses Juror of Rule Violation For Posting Images During Murder Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt alerted parties in a homicide case about a juror’s alleged violation of a pre-deliberation instruction Jan. 8, two weeks before the defendant was slated for sentencing.

Reginald Steele, 26, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed, 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 for his involvement in multiple shootings, including the March 1, 2020 fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on the 600 block of S Street, NW.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt said earlier this week she was alerted that a juror posted images of the jury deliberation room, one of which depicted jurors as they started deliberations.

The main concern was the jurors’ identities being made public.

Megan Allburn, Steele’s attorney, voiced her “extreme concern,” stating “immediately upon being selected on this jury, [the juror] is directly violating an instruction with the court – which I think then begins to taint his entire action as a juror and deliberating juror in this jury.”

Allburn stated she was concerned about Steele’s right to a fair jury, insisting that the posts call into question all of his actions and whether or not he convicted Steele based on the evidence provided by the parties in trial, or by outside information.

“To post faces of his fellow jurors is just… it completely upsets the justice process. I am extremely concerned,” Allburn said. “I’m in uncharted territory here, your honor.”

The prosecution disagreed the juror might not have given Steele a fair trial, stating “the only thing I see so far is that someone took pictures of a place they were going to spend two months in.”

They further argued there is no evidence that the juror included extraneous information in their deliberations, but agreed it was “not smart to do what he did.”

Parties agreed to have the juror appear before the court to explain what transpired, and are slated to reconvene Jan. 23.

Steele’s sentencing has been postponed.

Only One of 7 Carjacking Defendants Convicted on All Counts, Mixed Verdicts for Others

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz’s courtroom partially convicted six carjacking co-defendants, but fully convicted another on Jan. 6, following two months of trial.

Irshaad Ellis-Bey, 20, Isaiah Flowers, 20, Taj Giles, 20, Byron Gillum, 20, Jahkai Goff, 21, Jaelen Jordan, 20, and Warren Montgomery, 20, are charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery while armed. These charges stem from the group’s alleged involvement in a series of armed carjackings and the subsequent distribution of the stolen vehicles between February and May of 2023.

Additionally, everyone, except Montgomery, is charged with two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking, receiving stolen property of $1000 or more, and robbery while armed.

The carjackings occurred on Feb. 27, 2023 at the intersection of 20th Street and Sunderland Place, NW, on April 27, 2023 at the intersection of K and 8th Streets, NE, and May 16, 2023 on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW.

During the hearing, the jury, which had been deliberating since Dec. 12, alerted the parties that they had reached a verdict for multiple charges, but were unable to reach a unanimous decision on many others.

According to Judge Kravitz, their note stated any further deliberations would not be productive.

The jury convicted Goff of an armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and unauthorized use of a vehicle, but was unable to reach a unanimous decision on one count of unauthorized use of a vehicle, and acquitted him of all other charges. Montgomery was convicted of all charges.

Flowers was convicted of conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, three counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, and two counts of robbery while armed. The jury acquitted him of two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and was unable to reach a unanimous decision on four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, an armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and an unauthorized use of a vehicle charge.

Ellis-Bey was convicted of two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and acquitted of everything else.

Giles was convicted of conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, three counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, two counts of robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He was acquitted of two additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and the jury was unable to reach a verdict on two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Gillum was convicted of conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, three counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, and two counts of robbery while armed. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking, robbery while armed and unauthorized use of a vehicle. He was acquitted on two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Jordan was convicted of conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, three counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of armed carjacking, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery while armed. He was acquitted of two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and receiving stolen property. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on a charge of unauthorized use of a vehicle, armed carjacking, and robbery while armed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 30 to allow the prosecution time to decide what to do with the unresolved charges and set sentencing dates.

Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Deal as Trial Approaches

A homicide defendant with a jury trial scheduled to begin in less than two months rejected a plea offer from prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Jan. 7.

Wonell Jones Jr., 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime od violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Audora Williams on July 19, 2022 on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE. Williams suffered a total of 52 gunshot wounds and other injuries.

Jones’ attorneys, Megan Allburn and Steven Kiersh, told parties their client rejected a plea deal extended by prosecutors. The prosecution said if Jones pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, they would dismiss any greater and remaining charges.

Judge Ryan confirmed with Jones that he rejected the offer and wanted to proceed with his trial scheduled to begin on March 3.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a trial readiness hearing on Feb. 3.

Murder Defendant Abandons Effort to Withdraw From Guilty Plea

On Dec. 17, the same day Carlton Simon, 20, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, he sent a handwritten note to DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman saying he wanted to reverse course—not only to plead innocent but also get a new lawyer.

“I beg you,” wrote Simon.

However, after a brief conference at the bench with his lawyer, Kevin Irving, on Jan. 8, Simon again changed his mind and withdrew his request to abandon the guilty plea in return for waiving an indictment on greater charges.

Simon was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Angel Dominguez on May 29 on the 900 block of Florida Avenue, NW. Dominguez sustained five gunshot wounds to his chest, calf, thigh, knee, and forearm.

“I was really scared, honestly. I feel like I was peer pressured by my lawyer to take that plea,” wrote Simon. Simon maintained Irving was only focused on the sentencing guidelines, not the defendant’s mental health. In the one page note, he asked the judge to transfer his case to mental health court.

However, Simon said his lawyer told him that couldn’t happen. “Why I don’t know. I asked him why…but he always has some maneuver around what I be asking him,” wrote Simon.

Addressing Simon’s concerns, Judge Edelman said DC’s Mental Health Community Court only handles misdemeanors and that Simon’s case is “not close to being eligible.”

There was no mention about whether Irving would continue to represent Simon. HIs sentencing remains set for Feb. 20.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Pennsylvania Avenue Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 19-year-old Kevin William Dorsey Jr. in connection with a homicide on Dec. 21 on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The victim, identified as 23-year-old Dennis Ziegler of Northeast, D.C., was found with a gunshot wound and later died at a hospital. Dorsey Jr. has been charged with Second-Degree Murder While Armed.

Stabbing Case Set for Trial After Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

A defendant accused of a stabbing that left a victim with severe lacerations rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Jan. 7.

Osmin Vanegas Alvarez, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Dec. 29, 2024 on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NE. The victim sustained severe lacerations to his arm, chest, and neck.

According to court documents, a verbal dispute between Alvarez and the victim allegedly escalated into a physical fight in which Alvarez stabbed the victim. Molly Bunke, Alvarez’s attorney, previously asserted at the preliminary hearing that Alvarez acted in self-defense.

On this occasion, Bunke informed parties her client rejected a plea offer from prosecutors. The prosecutor said if Alvarez pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and assault with intent to kill, they would dismiss remaining charges and request the sentences run concurrently.

Judge Ryan confirmed with Alvarez that he rejected the plea deal and opted to proceed to a jury trial which the parties scheduled for Feb. 16, 2027.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a status hearing on May 6.

Judge Sentences Stabbing Defendant to 4 1/2 Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a stabbing defendant to 48 months and 180 days of incarceration on Jan. 6.

Maurice Felder, 54, was convicted of assault with significant bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 1900 block of 7th Street NW, on Nov. 10, 2024.

During the trial, Felder told the jury that the victim, who was part of a group of young intoxicated individuals, according to Judge Edelman, made derogatory comments about unhoused individuals to Felder, who was experiencing homelessness at the time.

During the hearing, prosecutors requested “a lengthy sentence” citing the seriousness of the offense. They stated he has not shown remorse for his actions, and his multiple past incarcerations have failed to deter him.

Matthew Rist, Felder’s attorney, asked for a three year concurrent sentence, stating that “Mr. Felder felt like he was in danger… he was doing his best at the time to get treatment for PTSD.”

According to Rist, Felder endured a rough childhood, highlighting his being shot, his mother being murdered, and Felder sustaining an assault that ended with his jaw being wired shut.

“He endured a great deal of trauma,” Rist stated, arguing Felder “didn’t even know he struck the victim.”

Rist insisted Felder was outnumbered by the victim and his friends.

“I know that Mr. Felder regrets deeply,” his involvement.

“I did believe I was acting in self-defense, but respect the jury’s decision,” Felder told Judge Edelman.

“I wasn’t trying to hurt the young man,” he added, stating “I’m sorry for my presence in your courtroom.”

Judge Edelman highlighted the seriousness of the offense, claiming “this could’ve ended differently.”

He argued Felder had no legal claim of self-defense. However, he said “the laceration was actually quite small,” and the victim asked prosecutors if the case could be dropped.

Judge Edelman also stated that he disagreed with the prosecution’s claim that Felder wasn’t remorseful, quoting a statement made by Felder to a presentence report writer in which he said “I just made a big mistake.”

Judge Edelman highlighted Felder’s “noticeable and sincere change,” according to a jail worker, despite his lifelong adversity, including mental health issues, drug abuse, and surviving domestic violence.

“Mr. Felder, I think you’re capable of doing better than you have,” Judge Edelman told him, imposing a 48 month sentence for each of the assault charges, to run concurrently, and 180 days for the possession charge, which will be served consecutively to the assaults.

No further dates were set.

Murder Defendant Receives 16 Year Sentence for ‘Spraying Gunfire into a Crowd of People’

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson sentenced a defendant to 16 years of imprisonment on Jan. 6 for a murder that resulted from his shooting into a crowd of people.

James Outland, 27, and Bobby Gupton, 27, both pleaded guilty on April 4, 2025 to second-degree murder while armed for their involvement in the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn on June 28, 2023 on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE. Glenn suffered one gunshot wound to her chest.

According to court documents, Outland, Gupton, and two additional unidentified suspects discharged their firearms into a crowd of people. Glenn was struck and killed with a bullet during the shooting.

Judge Dayson sentenced Gupton on Aug. 15, 2025 to 15 years in prison but delayed Outland’s sentencing because he requested to withdraw his guilty plea.

At the hearing, Judge Dayson confirmed with Outland that he no longer wished to withdraw his plea and wanted to proceed with sentencing.

The prosecutor requested a 24 year prison sentence, saying Outland’s actions caused “chaos, panic, and ultimately a tragedy.” They said the shooting could have killed 30 people because the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) recovered over 30 cartridge casings.

The prosecutor emphasized the dangerousness of “four armed gunmen spraying gunfire into a crowd of people.”

Additionally, the prosecutor said during Outland’s arrest in April 2024, MPD recovered a rifle-like firearm loaded with 47 rounds of ammunition. They asserted that the community narrowly avoided more murders the firearm could have caused.

Outland’s defense attorney, Howard McEachern, requested a 14 year sentence. McEachern asserted the prosecutor did not differentiate Outler from Gupton who received a lower sentence. Outland, unlike Gupton, had no prior criminal record, noted McEachern.

Judge Dayson asked the prosecutor why they believed Outler’s actions warranted a sentence higher than Gupton’s. The prosecutor said Outler’s conduct was “far more egregious” because he led the group in the video footage and possessed a rifle almost a year after the murder.

Outland addressed the court and apologized to the victim’s family and his own. He added that he’s a young father to three children and hoped to attend college after his incarceration.

McEachern also said Outland’s upbringing was unstable and his sister died four months prior to the shooting which caused him to spiral because she was his “rock.”

Judge Dayson noted Outland accepted responsibility and lacked adult convictions but said his actions “killed a random person” and could have injured more people. The judge sentenced Outland to 16 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Outland will be required to register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.

After Judge Dayson announced the sentence, McEachern expressed his dissatisfaction with the evidence that Outland’s conduct differed from Gupton’s. The prosecutor said video evidence showed Outland gathering the suspects for the shooting. Judge Dayson concluded that regardless of any difference in Outland’s role, her sentence would remain higher due to his later rifle possession.

No future dates were scheduled.

Judge Grants Mistrial in Robbery Gone Wrong Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted a mistrial on Jan. 5 in a shooting case, following the jury’s inability to reach a unanimous verdict.

Nikia Cunningham, 31, and Bernard Vance, 31, are charged with robbery while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, second degree cruelty to children, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business, and unlawful possession of ammunition. This stems from their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE, on March 28, 2023. One individual sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.

Following a multi-week trial, jurors alerted Judge Park they were unable to reach a verdict on multiple of the charges. The jury previously acquitted Cunningham of assault with intent to kill while armed, and convicted Vance of tampering with physical evidence.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors attempted to prove that Cunningham, who had her child with her, accompanied Vance to an old friend’s apartment and shot the friend’s roommate in a robbery gone wrong. According to prosecutors, Cunningham was carrying the child on her hip as she allegedly shot the victim.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 20.

Document: MPD Arrests Southwest Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 33-year-old Derrick Carter, of Southeast, in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on Dec. 2 in the 1400 block of Canal Street, SW. Carter allegedly initiated an argument with a victim, produced a firearm, and fired a shot that did not strike her. He has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

Accuracy of Cell Phone Data Lingers Over Murder Retrial

Whether a murder defendant’s location could be identified by cell phone data resurfaced in a brief hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Jan. 5. The question is are different drafts of the cell phone analysis contradictory?

Terrance Stoney, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Donte Tiller, 43. The shooting occurred at the intersection of Naylor Road and Southern Avenue, SE, on March 17, 2023

In trial last February an FBI agent who specializes in cell phone evidence testified he was able to locate Stoney’s cell phone near the incident at the time of the shooting.

Meanwhile, Nikki Lotze, Stoney’s attorney, questioned the data’s exactness and the agent acknowledged he couldn’t pinpoint Stoney’s exact location.

The jury deliberated for a week, finally alerting Judge Ryan they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict who then granted a mistrial on Feb. 19. Stoney, meanwhile, remains in custody since Judge Ryan concluded releasing him would be a danger to the community.

If the judge limits the contested cell phone testimony in the upcoming retrial, it could impact the prosecution’s case, which is now entering its third year.

“It’s the government’s ox that’s being gored,” said Judge Ryan of the controversy.

In October, Lotze filed a motion challenging the FBI’s analysis as inconsistent.

“The maps depicting arcs [ coverage areas] as currently configured should be excluded from evidence because testimony…at Mr. Stoney’s first trial differed with regard to whether phones could be found only inside the arc, or both outside or inside the arc,” argues the motion.

Increasingly used as technical evidence, cell phone data is essentially a form of triangulation in which a phone’s location can be most accurately plotted by analyzing its signal in relation to at least three transmission towers. Depending on the technology used, a cell phone in use can be detected to within a few hundred feet.

However, Lotze complained that there were ten drafts of the expert’s report. “That can’t be ignored,’ she said. “You can’t pretend that didn’t happen.”

The prosecutor said it was only necessary to show the jury the previous report used in trial and that there wasn’t an attempt to hide anything from the jury.

“That’s not something I was trying to do,” he said

Judge Ryan suggested he was inclined to rule based on precedent in the Willis case which allows expert testimony as reliable but open to challenge based on the weight of the evidence.

The next hearing on the cell site motion is set for March 20. Stoney’s trial date was moved up to Sept. 14, one week earlier than its original date.

Murder Defendant Says Attorney Pressured Him to Accept Plea Deal

A defendant testified that pressure from his attorney and family led him to accept a plea deal for a murder he did not commit during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Dec. 12.

Erin Sheffey, 30, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Kiwyon Maddox on Aug. 15, 2021 on the 2000 block of 16th Street, SE.

Sheffey accepted an agreement from prosecutors on March 28 that required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for prosecutors dismissing all other charges. As part of the deal, parties agreed to a sentence range of seven-and-a-half-to-15 years of imprisonment that would run concurrent with Sheffey’s sentence in his US District Court case.

According to court records, a month after Sheffey accepted the plea deal, his attorney, Peter Cooper, filed a motion on April 29 to withdraw from the case due to a breakdown in communication. Judge Kravitz appointed Sheffey independent counsel–Adrian Madsen– to advise Sheffey regarding his request to withdraw his guilty plea.

At the hearing, Madsen called Sheffey to testify about his motion to withdraw his guilty plea. Sheffey said he requested Cooper as his attorney because he did a “phenomenal job” representing him in a previous case. However, Sheffey said after Cooper was appointed as his lawyer in this case, he never discussed the substance of the case, reviewed discovery, or any other materials with Sheffey.

According to Sheffey, Cooper presented him with the plea deal and said the sentence he received would not make a difference since it would run concurrent to his 18 year sentence from District Court.

Sheffey said Cooper told him it was “f*cking retarded to talk about going to trial.”

At a meeting at the DC Jail in March, Sheffey told Cooper he signed the plea agreement but had not made a final decision. The day he accepted the deal in court, Sheffey said Cooper never asked if he actually decided.

After Judge Kravitz read the factual offer of evidence from the plea agreement, Sheffey said he asked to speak with Cooper under the husher because the alleged facts were not true. “Judge Kravitz told me that I had to admit to something I didn’t do,” said Sheffey.

Madsen asked why Sheffey proceeded with the plea agreement at the hearing despite his innocence, Sheffey said his state of mind was to “hurry up and take a plea deal so [he] could get it over with.”

“I felt pressured to take this plea deal,” said Sheffey because Cooper reportedly threatened to not represent him if he rejected the plea deal. Sheffey said he also felt pressure from his family and friends.

Sheffey also testified that part of the reason he accepted the deal was because Cooper told him prosecutors might involve one of his friends in the case.

Madsen played multiple of Sheffey’s phone calls from the DC Jail. The day of the plea, March 28, Sheffey told his mother on the phone that he was not responsible for the murder. In another call from April 5, Sheffey told his mother he no longer wanted to take the plea deal and that he accepted the deal to prevent his friend’s involvement.

Sheffey reiterated on the stand that he took the plea deal because he wanted the process to be finished.

During cross-examination, the prosecutor confirmed that Sheffey understood the process of receiving a new lawyer and chose not to fire Cooper. Sheffey said he did not fire Cooper because he thought the situation would improve.

Sheffey told the prosecutor that Cooper briefly discussed the risks of proceeding to trial but never mentioned the benefits of the plea deal.

The prosecutor displayed the plea agreement and recitation of facts in court and confirmed with Sheffey that his signature was on the documents. The prosecutor pointed out that the agreement Sheffey signed said “I have discussed it with my attorney.”

The prosecutor asserted Sheffey was familiar with the process of accepting a plea deal because he previously pleaded guilty in a misdemeanor case in the DC Superior Court. Madsen confirmed during his re-direct questioning that Sheffey’s misdemeanor plea did not involve a written proffer of facts.

Sheffey told the prosecutor his conversation with Cooper about another person’s involvement in the case occurred when he signed the agreement. Sheffey said “I felt very pressured” to sign the deal after that. The prosecutor confirmed Cooper simply told Sheffey that information.

“The day of the plea, I was still in my head if I wanted to do it or not,” said Sheffey when the prosecutor confirmed he never told Cooper he did not want to proceed with the guilty plea. Madsen confirmed during redirect that although Sheffey signed the paperwork, he asked Cooper not to file it until he made a final decision.

Judge Kravitz asked Sheffey directly why he wanted to withdraw his plea. “In that plea deal, the stuff that they accused me for, I feel like I didn’t do,” said Sheffey.

Sheffey concluded his testimony, but time constraints prevented the prosecution from calling their witness, parties presenting arguments, and Judge Kravitz ruling on the motion.

The prosecutor plans to call Cooper to testify when parties reconvene on Jan. 9, 2026.

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